Do you live in a neighborhood with housing restrictions that prohibit window air conditioners? Or maybe you’re looking for something a little more efficient and powerful than a window air unit but you are not interested in splurging on a whole home air conditioner?
A ductless mini-split heating and air conditioning system is a perfect solution. This is a good option if a window air conditioner or central air conditioning system is impractical or too expensive. A split air conditioner means just that, an air conditioner with an indoor and an outdoor unit.
No Ducts
A ductless mini-split air conditioning system uses compact air handlers to provide cool air. Copper tubing runs through small openings in the wall or ceiling that easily connects the indoor and outdoor units. This is why no ducts are needed for this type of system. Air handlers are mounted on a ceiling or a wall. The creation of moisture is eliminated as insulated hoses prevent conditions where moisture can occur.
Energy Efficiency
The lack of ducts for a ductless mini-split heating and air conditioning system means less cool air is lost. If a typical air conditioning system is used, then up to 30 percent cooling loss occurs. The efficiency that is provided by this air conditioning system will help to lower monthly electric bills. Many models used in a home are Energy Star qualified. Many units have increased efficiency of about 27.2 SEER. This is a basic standard known as Standard Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. A higher SEER rating means the unit will be more efficient.
Zone Control Lowers Energy Costs
The ability to set specific zones to heat or cool will result in better performance and lower energy costs per year. Air will be sent to certain areas and not to rooms that are unused. This means that a standard home with a second floor can have a separate zone that does not need to be cooled or heated.
The refrigerant used in a ductless mini-split air conditioning system is R410A. This means that there is no harm to the environment and no contribution to further ozone layer depletion.
Improves Home Safety
Homes without central air conditioner will typically have window units installed. These are often not a good option for home security. The air handlers of a ductless mini-split system are mounted away from windows and virtually eliminate the chance of an intruder to enter a home.
In some cases, there are homes with inefficient central air conditioning and faulty ductwork that causes poor air flow to some rooms. In this case, homeowners have to install unsightly window mounted air conditioners to cool these rooms. Just compare this appearance to the indoor unit above!
Like mentioned before, units that are installed in a home will have two parts. One part is the outside unit and the other part is a series of air handlers that are installed inside. This two-part system means that louder components used for the system are located outside.
Easy Installation
The installation of a ductless mini-split system require drilling a small hole in an exterior wall. This is all that is needed to connect the inside unit to one or more air handlers inside. The result is a unit that is able to provide comfort in a home throughout the year. Indoor units will have varying sizes and usually means a home may need between two and eight units installed. This all depends on your particular heating and cooling needs.
For more information and estimates, call us at: 240-222-3205.
There are some amazing alternative heating and air conditioning systems available today. The purpose of this article is to describe how a ductless mini-split system might be the type of heating and air conditioning system that helps you create additional comfort, convenience in your home or office while saving valuable dollars in energy costs
As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. But a video is worth a thousand pictures. Please watch this short video. It provides a fantastic overview on a ductless mini-split system.
Personal Experience on Convenience and Cost Savings
I can recall when my parents decided to install a central air conditioning system in our small home back in the 1970’s. They needed to install all new ductwork to support the system. That’s an expensive project to add to an existing home. It was a huge project and cost a ton of money. I’m extremely thankful to them for providing this added level of comfort to our growing family, but one of these mini-split heating and air conditioning systems would have provided a much better alternative… both in space and cost.
Personal Experience on Lousy Ductwork
Let’s say you’d like to have air conditioning but your home or new room lacks the necessary ductwork. Or maybe you have a room that’s a little too hot or too cold and you’d like to make it more comfortable. Perhaps you own a business that has supplemental heating or cooling needs. Here’s my personal experience. I’ve had my home for 16 years. I have four bedrooms on my second floor. My master bedroom cools well. I have a middle bedroom for one of daughters that does OK. But, my existing central air conditioning does an extremely poor job of cooling my other two rooms. One of these rooms, occupied by another of my daughters faces the daily sun. It’s in the front of my house facing east. I paid a lot of money to install wooden blinds to keep out the sun… still, this room just does not cool. I have a another small bedroom on the other side of the side of the house. This room doesn’t get the hot sun. This is my business office. I purchased a window air conditioner for this room. I live in a neighborhood governed by “home owner’s association” rules. They dictate we can’t use window air conditioners. It’s in the back of my house, so my home owner’s association doesn’t bother me. But, I’ve chosen not to test their rules by installing a window unit in the front of my house in my daughter’s room in the front of the house.
I’ve had my ductwork checked several times by experienced Waldorf HVAC contractors. Cool air just does not reach these two rooms. There might be leaks in the ductwork that is just too costly to explore. Heck, I don’t want a contractor to tear down my walls to find leaks in my ductwork. And, I realize that my heating and air conditioning system was done by contractors 16 years ago that just wanted to fulfill their contracts. They didn’t know me and I didn’t have the time, inclination or knowledge to spend time with them.
Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning company is a company that I know and trust. To find out more if a ductless mini-split system can help you solve similar problems, call Jerry at 240-222-3205.
The purpose of this article is to briefly describe just some of the benefits, health comforts and security a whole house water filter might provide you and your family.
Water is the most frequently used liquid across the globe. We drink it, wash and clean with it and even bathe our bodies. For all these activities, we require clean, safe water. But in an increasingly polluted world, responsible families are looking for ways to have access to really clean, safe water. Is this possible? Yes, it is and the answer is a whole house water filter system.
The need for a water filter and how it works.
The water we use comes from various sources. However, these sources are not as hygienic or user friendly as they appear. There are different types of contaminants – from minerals in nature to man made chemicals. Chlorine is most often used to neutralize toxins in tap water. But exposure to chlorine over the long term can cause health issues in humans.
Factors to consider before choosing a whole house water filter:
Safe guarding the health of your family is paramount for most people. For this reason, there are a variety of whole house water filters to meet your specific needs. Before arriving at your preferred water filter choice, the following should be considered:
• Types of contaminants in the water. This will determine the type of filter to be used. Different contaminants require specific filters to effectively combat the adverse effects.
• The amount of water to be purified. Large scale water purification require a different type of filter system as opposed to small scale purification.
Types of whole house water filters:
There are two main types of whole house water filters:
• Heavy duty filtration system.
This is a water system intended for large scale purification. The filter media is placed in a 50 meter tall tank that supplies water to the rest of the house. The system works effectively for 5-10 years after which replacement of the filter media is required.
• Standard capacity water cartridges
This is a smaller, more affordable water purification system. In this system, the filter cartridge is placed in the main water system to purify the water before it is dispatched to the rest of the house. Though cheaper, this system requires more maintenance.
Benefits of using a whole house water filter:
• The main benefit of a whole house water filter is that it keeps you safe wherever you come into contact with water in your house. This combines convenience and safety and is the way to go for health conscious consumers.
• Many people notice that chlorine filtered water produces softer and smoother skin and hair.
• Using a whole house water filtration system also increases the lifespan of electrical appliances that use water.
A good effective whole house water filter is the most convenient and comprehensive way to attain clean and safe water for your household. Ensure you frequently maintain your purification system for effective results.
If you feel that a whole house water filtration system can benefit your family, we recommend you do your due diligence and research. Here’s an article we highly recommend to get you started published on www.allaboutwater.org titled: 10 Benefits of Using a Whole House Water Filter. If you have questions, we can offer assistance. Just call our office and speak to our staff. They are willing and able to help you make the right decision to meet your particular needs.
You no doubt hear people talking about green energy technology, but you may not be sure what they’re talking about or exactly how it applies to the typical homeowner.
The purpose of this article is to explain some general concepts about green energy. In other words, this article will clarify and describe the big picture, then break it down and show you how it applies to each and every homeowner that wants to apply some great ideas to save money on their energy bills.
…an umbrella term used to describe any sort of alternative energy that is produced with less negative impact on the environment than ‘non-green’ energy sources such as fossil fuels.
And, there are any number of growing companies involved in the green energy industry. They produce new technologies like solar panels, windmills and hydro based power plants. Many consider nuclear energy a green energy technology. Obviously, we aren’t going to be buying any nuclear powered dishwashers and hot water heaters; at least in the foreseeable future. So, here are some great ideas for you to use to Go Green and save money…
Green Energy Technology in your home: Tax Savings on New Appliances
The government has grants available to those who are willing to invest in alternative renewable energies, or green energies. Speak with the government in your area about these programs. Some areas provide rebates for green energy product installation, or provide tax relief as an incentive. And, over time you can save a lot of money on your energy bills.
For example, the State of Maryland in conjunction with Energy Star is working to bring the benefits of energy efficiency and lower utility bills to Maryland residents. See this article on Maryland’s Energy Administration’s Website for some great ideas: ENERGY STAR, the Maryland Energy Administration, and You.
Green Energy Technology in your home: Simple Solutions for Going Green
Wait until your dishwasher is full before running it if you want to save energy. Don’t run it when there are only a few dishes there. You may be quite surprised at the number of dishes your dishwasher can handle in one load. Set up the plates so that you fill it up as much as possible.
Don’t run the dishwasher unless it is filled to capacity. The energy used is the same whether you are washing a small load of dishes, or one that is larger. When running the dishwasher, ensure that you are using the energy-saving option, which allows the air-drying of your dishes.
Replace your water heater and get a tankless model. Tankless water heaters do require energy for operation, but since they heat water on demand, power is not wasted by keeping a full tank hot 24/7. You can purchase tankless heaters that supply the whole house, or ones that supply just one faucet.
If you would like to live your life green, stay away from excess electric heater usage. Instead, start wearing warmer clothing indoors and use a pellet stove or fireplace to keep main living areas heated. Cool air helps sleeping patterns, as well as improving breathing.
Unless cold temperatures become a real problem, it is better to keep the heat turned down. If it is a little chilly, simply put on a sweatshirt, and pair of sweatpants. If you turn the heat up to 75 degrees, you are using a ton of unnecessary energy.
For more great Residential Energy Saving Tips… see Residential Energy Saving Tips … Learn 15 Things that will Empower You to Save Money.
In Summary, the tips presented will help the planet and save you money at the same time.
If you want to “go green” and do your part to help save the environment, you have a lot of options. Many of these options will not cost you money, but will also save you money, like cleaning your furnace filter monthly and turning down your thermostat when you are leaving your home. Lowering the temperature of your water heater can save energy as well. Little things like this add up!
After learning more about green energy technology, you are probably eager to get started using it. Make use of the advice you have here to get started with green energy right away. This technology will have a positive impact of the environment and your pocketbook. Stay tuned for more articles, but if you want some simple solutions to get you started, just call our office for more information.
What is a High-Efficiency Air Cleaner and what benefits do they offer homeowners?
A High-Efficiency Air Cleaner and Filter helps protect and prolong the operating efficiency of central heating and cooling systems compared to systems that do not use enhanced air filtration components. Sometimes known as Whole House Air Cleaners, these cleaners and filters can remove household dust, coal dust, insecticide, dust mites, pollen, mold spores, fungi, bacteria, pet dander, cooking smoke and grease, and tobacco smoke particles.
Air pollution is a serious problem — especially inside your home! The EPA has named indoor air pollution as one of the top 5 environmental risks to public health. The EPA also reports that indoor air can be up to one hundred times more polluted than the air outside.
Here are the major benefits of a High-Efficiency Air Cleaner and Filter
1. Provides relief from allergy
2. Helps relieve asthma suffering
3. Eliminates unpleasant odors
4. Protects costly heating and cooling equipment
5. Prolongs operating efficiency
6. Prevents damaging black dust from staining walls, window coverings, upholstery, etc.
7. Reduces time and money spent cleaning and redecorating
For more information, watch this video that appeared on the Today Show. This video describes some simple deep cleaning solutions for homeowners. Watch to the very end when Meredith Vieira asks how you clean the overall air in your home…
A High-Efficiency Air Cleaner is adaptable to all residential forced air furnaces or cooling systems. The air cleaner is installed in the return air duct close to the blower compartment, as this location provides the even air flow across the filter and allows the air cleaner to ensure the cleanliness of the system motor and fan. In other words, they are installed as part of your home’s central heating and cooling system — completely out of your way and out-of-sight. That means each and every time your system runs, the air in your home is filtered through a state-of-the-art media filter removing potentially harmful contaminants from every room of your home.
Use only a qualified heating and air conditioning installer or service technician to install your Air Cleaner unless your are completely familiar with the tools, necessary equipment and potential safety hazards involved. If you plan to install the Air Cleaner yourself, be aware that the improper use of any tool can be dangerous. Plus, the manufacturer will not assume any responsibility for Air Cleaner failures due to incorrect procedures.
On the other hand, these air cleaners are designed to make changing the air filter easy. Any homeowner can perform the easy and basic function of replacing filters. A homeowner simply needs to pull out the front component or drawer and slip in a new filter. It is much easier that replacing those less efficient cardboard filters.
In summary, a High-Efficiency Air Cleaner can help you combat air pollution in your home, or what the EPA calls one of the top 5 environmental risks to public health. Air Cleaners make your air as clean as possible by removing particulates from your air, allowing you to breathe healthier air. This is so important to those with allergies and asthma and for those who want the cleanest air possible for themselves and their family.
So much has changed in air conditioning repair and replacement in recent years.
If your air conditioning system has almost any significant breakdown, or if you feel it just isn’t cooling your entire home as you feel it should, it may be worth replacing it instead of repairing it. And, the really ‘cool’ thing is (no pun intended), you will likely see a reduction in your monthly electric bill along with the pleasure you’ll experience in a cooler home!
For example, as of 2010, manufacturers must use a new kind of refrigerant that’s not an ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbon. And a new system can use less than half the electricity of your old one while doing a far better job of keeping you cool and comfortable.
If your air conditioner is more than eight years old, repair is probably not worth the expense, unless it’s a simple problem like debris clogging the condenser unit or a worn fan belt. Still, to best weigh your repair-or-replace decision, our technicians will assess not just the condition of your existing equipment, but also the ducts that deliver the cool air and the overall quality of the insulation in your house. Improving those elements might increase the effectiveness of the system as much or more than installing new machinery.
Assess the efficiency of your current air conditioning system
Even if your central air conditioner is just eight to 10 years old, it could use up to twice the electricity that even a low-end new one would use. That’s because it operates at or below 10 SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is the amount of energy needed to provide a specific cooling output.
Until 2006, 10 SEER was standard, but these days, the minimum allowed by federal law is 13 SEER. That translates to 30% less electrical consumption and 30% lower cooling bills than equipment installed just a few years ago.
For a roughly 1,800 square foot house, a new 13 SEER unit will cost $4.500 to $6.500. You can double your energy savings by jumping up to 15 SEER, and 15 seer system may qualify for a Department of Energy tax credit. And would cost between $5,000 – $7,000 depending on tonnage and access ability. Our technicians will explain this all to you. Call us for a free evaluation of you air conditioning system today.
A ductless mini-split air conditioning system uses compact air handlers to provide cool air. Copper tubing runs through small openings in the wall or ceiling that easily connects the indoor and outdoor units. This is why no ducts are needed for this type of system. Air handlers are mounted on a ceiling or a wall. The creation of moisture is eliminated as insulated hoses prevent conditions where moisture can occur.
Homes without central air conditioner will typically have window units installed. These are often not a good option for home security. The air handlers of a ductless mini-split system are mounted away from windows and virtually eliminate the chance of an intruder to enter a home.
