Category: Ventilation

For Reliable Heating and Cooling Throughout the Year, Consider an Air Handler

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

One of the most important components of a traditional heat pump system is the air handler. It provides you with reliable, steady heating and cooling all year round, while ventilating stale air out and fresh air in. Moreover, it filters out unwanted contaminants. An air handler can even give additional protection with humidity control and air quality upgrades.

How Does It Work?

The air handling unit is located in a home that has heating and/or cooling parts, a blower fan, dampers and filters. It controls the amount of air being sent through the heater or air conditioner. An air handler also determines whether the air being sent is cool or warm. It is connected to the ducts that distribute air through a home and returns it to the air handler via the air filter and return vent.

Installation Considerations

When selecting a new air handler, the existing cooling and heating systems in your home are extremely important considerations, as well as the total square-footage. Furthermore, if you only require an air handler for your heat pump or furnace for use in winter, you may not need dehumidification.

Conversely, if you want to use an air handler throughout the year for both cooling and heating, and have it integrated with other systems such as air filtration, UV germicidal lights and dehumidification, you’ll need one that can provide all the necessary tools and protections to meet your needs. A heating and cooling professional will have to come and assess your home to ensure you get a suitable air handler.

Your A/C’s Air Filter: MERV By the Numbers

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Taking the mystery out of what MERV ratings are and how they affect the air quality of your home doesn’t have to be a chore. We’ll break it down for you in an easy and comprehensive way. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, by which your indoor air filter is measured according to the filter’s ability to arrest airborne particles. Filters are measured on a MERV scale from 1-16.

Choosing the right air filter can greatly improve the indoor air quality of your home and give your family relief from common irritants such as allergens, tobacco smoke, spores, dust mites and odors. Your air filter will vary in efficiency depending on its composition. Let’s break it all down by the numbers.

  • The most common air filter type found in most homes and apartments has a MERV rating of 1-4. These filters capture contaminants 10 microns and larger, such as carpet fibers, pollen, dust mites, sanding and spray paint dust. These types of air filters need to changed very often.
  • Filters with a MERV 5-8 are basic commercial filters and are highly recommended for home use due to their ability remove mold spores, fine cement dust and particles as large as 3 microns in size.
  • Commercial and industrial air filters that are rated between 9 and 12 have the ability to arrest particles that are 1-3 microns in size such as smoke, lead and insecticidal dusts.
  • Hospitals, sterile environments and clean rooms require extra protection and use filters rated MERV 13-16. These air filters will capture particles as small as 0.3 microns in size, such as viruses, bacteria and fumes from cooking. These Merv 16 filters are available for home use and are highly recommended for homes.

It’s also important to note that electrostatic filters are not listed and do not have MERV ratings due to the fact that they use a different method of capturing particles.If you’d like more information or a consultation, our friendly and knowledgeable experts at Acosta Heating and Cooling will be glad to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today!

Elements of a Well-Designed Duct System

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

As a homeowner, you’re likely to think that your duct system is not as important as your heating and cooling equipment. But it is. That’s because a well-designed duct system can boost the efficiency and comfort potential of your HVAC equipment—significantly.

You see, your HVAC equipment relies heavily on your ductwork to deliver the heated and cooled air that it generates. If your duct system’s design is under par, your comfort and efficiency can be greatly hindered—no matter how efficient your system is.

To develop a well-designed duct system that will efficiently deliver conditioned air and boost your home comfort, it should:

  • Meet the heating and cooling load of individual rooms, which is calculated using the Manual J method
  • Be properly sized, using Manual D
  • Minimize air leaks with a tightly-sealed system that keeps conditioned air inside of the ductwork
  • Balance the return-air and supply-air portions of the duct system, so that the home remains at a neutral pressure
  • Reduce temperature gains and minimize temperature losses as the air moves through the supply and return ducts.
  • Install registers where they are not blocked by room furnishings
  • Supply outlets located away from return outlets so air will not short cycle
  • Utilize a return grille on each floor of a two-story home
  • Plan for a return duct in rooms with doors

Provide adequate insulation for ductwork that runs thru unconditioned spacesWith these design principles in mind, your duct system can optimize heating and cooling equipment operations, boosting efficiency to expected levels and ensuring a comfortable home while minimizing hot and cold zones.Enlist the help of an expert to design your duct system for optimal results. Proudly serving homeowners in the greater Charlotte area for over 40 years, Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical is happy to help you design a new system, or retrofit your existing one. Just give us a call today! With our expertise and expert training, you can rest assured that we’ll get the job done right the first time.

The Home Energy Audit That You Can Do Yourself

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

If you could access a map that would show you the most inefficient locations throughout your home, would you want it? Well, you can create your own home map with a home energy audit. And once you know where your home is losing energy, you can make low-cost improvements that will significantly boost your energy-savings potential all year long.

You’ll need to perform a two-step process to locate air leaks, because some leaks will be clearly visible, while others are hidden and will require more effort to locate.

First, visually inspect your home for leaks, looking primarily along the home’s exterior shell, or the outer walls. Other common areas where leaks tend to occur are around window frames, doors, electrical outlets, plumbing pipes or wiring. Don’t forget to check the attic hatch, too, and any ducts that penetrate through walls or ceilings.

Next, you’ll need to conduct a test to locate hidden leaks. To find them, your home will need to be depressurized, because a lower pressure will draw outside air in, creating air movement that you need to find leaks.

To depressurize your home, close all windows and doors in your home; if you have a fireplace, close the flue. Then, you should turn on exhaust fans in the bathrooms, kitchen exhaust fan and clothes dryer. This process will exhaust the air within your home, drawing fresh outdoor air into the home through any air leaks that may be present.

The next step is to light an incense stick. Its smoke will show you where air leaks exist, as you move the stick slowly alongside common trouble spots listed above.

Most air leaks are easily fixed using caulk or weatherstripping, both of which you can purchase at a home improvement store.

Conducting a home energy audit can lead to real savings, as Energy Savers estimate that homeowners can often save as much as 30 percent a year as a result of making improvements. If you’d like some help, give the experts at Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical a call today. We’ve been serving the greater Charlotte area as a local, family-owned company since 1972.

Whole-House Air Cleaner and UV Lights – for That Breath of Fresh Air You Need

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

If you’re looking to improve the quality of your indoor air with one simple purchase, a whole-house air cleaner and ultraviolet (UV) lights are two of your best choices. Knowing what pollutants trigger allergy or asthma symptoms for you or members of your family is the first step. However, if multiple contaminants trigger these symptoms, there’s an even better solution.
Manufacturers such as Lennox now recognize the advantages of various technologies, such as whole-house air cleaners and UV lights, and you can now choose equipment that combines multiple indoor air-quality solutions in one system.

One such system, Lennox’ PureAir, utilizes a whole-house air cleaner and UV lights, along with odor and vapor protection to optimize results.

Whole-house air cleaner

This portion of the PureAir system relies on a filtration technology to target a range of problematic pollutants, including pet dander, pollen and dust particles. Utilizing a Precision Pleat MERV 16 filter, when the air first passes through the system it is able to capture the smallest of particles, down to 0.01 microns, taking them out of your home’s airstream.

UV lights

Next, the air passes over UV lights, designed to specifically target mold, viruses, dust mites and bacteria. Instead of trapping these pollutants, powerful ultraviolet rays zap them, so that they are harmless after coming into contact with the UV rays.

Odor and vapor protection

During the final phase, the PureAir utilizes powerful odor- and vapor-reducing technology to filter out volatile organic compounds, in addition to removing odors from a variety of sources, including those from cleaning solutions, paints and cooking.
When choosing a system, consider the following factors:

  • Clean air delivery rate (CADR). Select an system with a CADR rating that will match the square footage of your home
  • Operating costs. Air cleaners will generally work only as long as you run your furnace blower, even if your furnace or A/C is off, in order to circulate air. Run the numbers with an expert to estimate each system’s annual operating costs.

With a whole-house air cleaner like PureAir, you can expect cleaner air. For expert advice in greater Charlotte, contact Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical.

Seven Moisture-Fighting Strategies That Will Keep Mold From Multiplying

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

If you’ve ever had a problem with mold in your home, you know just how problematic removing it can be. Mold can quickly multiply once it gets a stronghold in your home, but with moisture-fighting strategies, you can keep mold at bay in your Charlotte-area home.

Here are seven tips you can use immediately:

1. Don’t let plumbing leaks go unchecked

– Not only can these leaks lead to higher water bills, but they give mold a chance to grow. Quickly fix leaks yourself, if you have the skills, or a call in a plumber.

2. Keep your home dry

– Any time that an area in your home becomes wet, or even damp, you’re giving mold spores the opportunity to gather—and rest assured that they will reproduce quickly once they gain a foothold. When you shower, for example, use the exhaust fan to dry out the space, and wipe down shower and tub walls.

3. Watch indoor humidity levels

– You can purchase a hygrometer, which will allow you to monitor your home’s relative humidity. Ideally, humidity should remain below 60 percent, with 30-50 percent being an optimal range. If you find your home is overly humid, consider purchasing a whole-house dehumidifier.

4. Schedule regular maintenance

– Proper cleaning and inspections will help to keep your air conditioner working properly, and ensure that it can dehumidify the air.

5. Watch A/C drainage

– Because lots of moisture is produced during the cooling process, your A/C system must drain this moisture properly. Homeowners should keep an eye on the A/C’s drip pan and condensate drain, cleaning and unclogging as necessary.

6. Check equipment ventilation

– Equipment that emits moisture, like a clothes dryer, should be vented outside.

7. Keep the foundation dry

– This is one of the best moisture-fighting strategies. Be sure that the area around your home slopes away from your home, and keep drainage systems clear.

Don’t let mold get the upper hand in your home. Use moisture-fighting strategies to prevent it from ever getting a foot in the door. For expert advice contact Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical, serving the Greater Charlotte area as a local, family-owned company since 1972.

Boost Your Heat Pump System’s Performance With 3 Insider Tips

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

According to research from Energy Star, 50 percent of all heat pumps have significant problems with leaky air ducts, inadequate airflow and incorrect refrigerant pressure. These factors affect the performance of your heat pump system, making it work harder and use more energy.

Your HVAC technician can improve the performance of your heat pump system by performing these tasks and checks:

  • Check the refrigerant charge and correct it, if necessary.
  • Make sure the duct system is properly sealed, clean and insulated.
  • Check the airflow and fan speed.

If you have an annual maintenance plan, your technician can check the ducts, airflow and refrigerant on his next visit. If you hear noises in your ducts or coming from the blower, you should call for service right away.In addition to the maintenance performed by your HVAC technician, there are a few things you can do to improve airflow and performance of your heat pump system:

  • Make sure there is no furniture blocking vents and air returns.
  • Vacuum dirty vent and air return covers.
  • Change air filters regularly.

Homeowners in the Charlotte, North Carolina area can call Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical for guaranteed service and maintenance by trained technicians. For your peace of mind, we offer maintenance and service plans to ensure that your system is always operating at peak performance.

Fresh Air Year Round – With an Energy Bonus

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

The indoor air quality of your home is important when trying to keep your family healthy, hence the need for ventilation. However, ventilation systems can be both practical and economical. Energy recovery ventilation systems vent the home while keeping energy loss to a minimum.

Benefits of home ventilation

Pumping a constant stream of fresh air into your home helps keep it healthy by pushing out stale, contaminated air. Things like dust, mold and bacteria are removed, thus reducing the chances of allergy aggravation and sickness.

There are two major types of home ventilation systems, heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs). The more economical of the two is the ERV because of its heat exchanger. While the HRV only transfers heat, the ERV transfers both heat and water vapor.

Since ERVs transfer moisture to less humid winter air, your home’s humidity is kept relatively constant. During the summer, the ERV also maintains humidity by transferring a portion of the incoming air’s water vapor to the drier air leaving your home. Coupled with homes featuring air conditioners, an ERV home has better humidity control than with a HRV. Some experts suggest turning off the ERV during high humidity weather to keep humidity levels low. The system can be programmed to work only when the air conditioner is on.

Energy bonus

ERVs reduce ventilating cost during winter by shifting heat from exhausted warm inside air to new, yet cold supply air. The reverse is done during the summer. ERVs can recover between 70 and 80 percent of the energy in the home’s air and deliver it to incoming air. They’re most economical in climates with extreme summers or winters and where fuel costs are high.

For assistance in deciding whether an energy recovery ventilation system is ideal for you home, contact Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical.

Duct Sealing Helps Manage Unruly Energy Bills

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Furnaces, central air conditioners and heat pumps use a series of ductwork to transport heated and cooled air to every room of your home. In most homes, as much as 15 to 20 percent of this air is lost through leaks in the ductwork. You can prevent these leaks by having professional duct sealing completed.

Here’s a look at four benefits of duct sealing.

1. Lower energy bills:

When conditioned air escapes into the attic or garage through which your ductwork is traveling, your energy bills go up. Therefore, by sealing these gaps, you enjoy more of the air that you paid to heat or cool. You might even be able to downsize your heating and cooling equipment to a unit that is smaller and less expensive to operate, saving you even more on your energy bills.

2. Improved comfort:

Many homes have comfort issues that involve some rooms being too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter. The problem is most likely that leaky ducts are wasting air on the way to these rooms. Sealing ductwork ensures that every room is kept at a more constant, comfortable temperature.

3. Better indoor air quality:

Air can certainly escape through gaps in ductwork, but air from unconditioned spaces can also be picked up. This brings dusty air, particles from insulation, fumes and odors into your home. Seal these leaks and prevent your air quality from deteriorating.

4. Environmental responsibility:

The production of electricity is a huge contributor to global warming. You can do your part by having duct sealing done and conserving energy as a result. This is certainly a step in the right direction.

For more information about duct sealing, please contact Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical. We’re happy to answer your heating and cooling questions, and offer to our expert advice and services to Charlotte-area residents.

Indoor Air Quality Control With 3 Prevention Methods

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

You home’s indoor air quality is measured based on the level of contaminants present. Your home may contain any combination of biological or chemical contaminants. Good air quality means that there are very low levels of these contaminants in your home. You can improve indoor air quality by eliminating or controlling contaminants using three basic strategies.

Source control

The most effective method of controlling your indoor air quality is to eliminate or reduce specific sources of pollution. Primary methods of source control include:

  • Smoking outdoors
    Eliminating the use of candles, incense or liquid fuels, which can emit carbon monoxide, VOCs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and soot as by-products of combustion
  • Avoiding the use of chemical pesticides
  • Using natural cleaners instead of chemically-based cleaners
  • Changing filters in all appliances regularly

Ventilation

By increasing the outdoor air coming inside your home, you allow the contaminated air to circulate out, and fresh air to move in. Bathroom or kitchen fans should be installed so that they exhaust outdoors to remove contaminants directly from the room where they’re located.

Air cleaners

Air cleaners can also be a valuable tool in improving the air quality in your home. There are a variety of types and sizes of air cleaners available. Some are inexpensive, portable models, while others are whole-home systems. Air cleaners aren’t typically designed to remove gaseous air pollutants, but the right one (Lennox PureAir) can be effective at removing germs, dust, pollen, odors, and other contaminants.

Controlling your home’s indoor air quality is vital to ensuring the health of your family. If you live in Charlotte, North Carolina, contact Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical to discuss your options for reducing the air contaminants in your home