Zoned Heating Systems

Posted on September 18, 2024September 18, 2024

Like most homeowners, you want your heating system to keep your family comfortable. At the same time, you want to consume as little energy as possible to keep your home energy bills low. However, your current traditional forced-air heating system may not achieve these goals.

While traditional forced-air systems work well in many homes, some homeowners find that these heating systems heat their homes unevenly. For example, conventional forced-air methods often make the second floor of many two-story homes much warmer than the first. This uneven temperature often fusually occupants to open windows in warmer areas of the house. This kind of compromise always leads to energy waste.

These systems can also make it difficult for families to find a temperature that makes everyone happy!

Thankfully, zoned heating systems can help solve both of these problems. They can keep your family more comfortable while lowering home energy bills. After making the switch, the average homeowner saves up to 30% on energy bills.

Read on to learn more about two zoned heating system options and which option may be best for your home.

Zoned Forced-Air Heating System

A zoned forced-air heating system provides all the comforts of a traditional design. The significant difference is that these systems allow you to regulate the temperature of your home’s spaces separately.

A zoned forced-air heating system allows you to separate your home into climate zones, each with a thermostat. Many homeowners divide their homes into just two climate zones, each with one house floor. Still, others prefer to turn every room of their home into its unique zone.

The thermostat added to each climate zone connects to special dampers installed in your home ductwork. When the temperature in the climate zone drops below the thermostat’s setting, the thermostat sends a signal to the dampers that triggers them to open and allow heat to flow through the vents into the climate zone. After reaching the desired thermostat setting, the dampers receive a closing signal.

When switching from a traditional forced-air heating system to a zoned one, replace your conventional furnace with a variable-speed one. Zoned systems produce excessive wear and tear in standard furnaces, which often results in a reduction in overall lifespan and no boost in energy efficiency.

Multi-Zone Mini-Split HVAC System

Another zoned heating option is a multi-zone mini-split or ductless system.

Unlike a zoned forced-air HVAC system, a mini-split system does not heat your home with a furnace that sends warm air through heating ducts. Instead, this system comprises an outdoor air condenser and several indoor heating units called air handlers. This air condenser collects heat energy already found in the air and then transfers it to the indoor air handlers through memorable refrigerant lines.

Since the air condenser collects heat energy from the air instead of creating heat, as a furnace does, this heating system type is highly energy-efficient.

One mini-split condenser can send heat to up to nine Indoor air handlers, creating up to nine climate zones in your home. Professionals can mount these air handlers on walls, floors, heating ducts, room ceilings, or climate zones.

To ensure your multi-zone mini-split system can heat your home correctly without wasting energy, you must choose a system that has a suitable BTU capacity for your home. A higher BTU mini-split system can provide more heat than a lower BTU capacity. While a mini-split system with a BTU capacity too low for your home may not be able to provide the heat you need, one with a too-high BTU capacity may short cycle, which can reduce energy efficiency.

Trust Derek Sawyer’s Heating & Air With Your HVAC Needs

An HVAC expert can determine your home’s mini-split heating system capacity to ensure your new multi-zone heating system heats your home correctly without wasting energy.

This heating system is an excellent option if your home does not have air ducts or you desire a system that operates more quietly than a forced-air system.

If your current control over your home’s temperature is insufficient, you may want to consider a zoned system. A zoned heating system can help keep your family more comfortable while increasing home energy efficiency. Contact the HVAC experts at Derek Sawyer’s Heating & Air Conditioning for your home heating needs today.

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Summertime AC Issues? The Do’s and Don’ts of What to Do Next

Posted on July 9, 2024July 9, 2024

Did your central AC system suddenly stop cooling your home? If your air conditioner breaks down in the middle of a summertime heat wave, consider the dos and don’ts of AC repair.

Do Call an HVAC Professional

Suppose you don’t have extensive expertise in air conditioner repair. In that case, you must call an HVAC professional when your system stops working. Whether your AC unit blows warm air through the vents, won’t turn on, takes too long to cool your home, or has another issue, hire a licensed HVAC contractor to:

Inspect your system. What is the culprit behind your AC’s issues? If you can’t answer this question, contact a qualified contractor to inspect your air conditioner. The technician will assess the coil, condenser, refrigerant line, and other system parts.
Diagnose the problem. After the inspection, the technician will diagnose the issue. While you may not understand the technical jargon, the AC contractor can break down the basics as they explain what’s wrong with your home’s cooling system.
Provide you with an estimate. How much will the repairs or replacement cost? A qualified contractor should provide you with a written estimate. The estimate should include the per-hour rate or job cost, materials cost, and applicable fees.
Complete the repair or installation. After you agree to the estimate, the technician will complete the necessary repairs or install a replacement (if a repair isn’t possible).

The sooner you call the HVAC contractor, the better. Waiting too long between noticing the initial problem and finally contacting the contractor could result in additional issues.

Don’t Wait to Call the HVAC Professional.

What types of issues can a delayed service cause? For example, even though the summer swelter may suddenly end, you swap out AC use for fans, or you put off a service call for another reason, failure to schedule aFailure appointment could result in:

Discomfort. Your AC system provides a valuable service — it keeps your home cool. However, if you wait days or weeks after your AC system fails, you’ll need to sweat your way through the hottest days of the summer.
Damage. A system that blows warm air makes loud noises, has odd odors, doesn’t work correctly, and requires repair. Failure to promptly repair the system could result in significant damage or excessive wear and tear.
Excess energy usage. A damaged or worn AC system may use more energy to cool your home, increasing electricity bills or related operating costs.
Invalidation of a warranty. Does your warranty have time frame restrictions? For example, suppose the warranty requires you to schedule professionally done repairs within a specific period or only extends to a particular month and year. In that case, you may need to pay out of pocket for repairs.

Along with these issues, the HVAC contractor might not have high availability for mid-summer appointments — especially during the peak heat of the season.

Do Keep Cool While You Wait

Even though you may have called the contractor when your AC system turned off or started blowing hot air, the HVAC service provider possibly won’t have an immediate appointment. Again, peak heat season is often a tricky time when scheduling AC services. You may have to wait hours or days between overworked systems, excessive wear and tear, and new installations.

While you wait, avoid heat-related discomfort or illnesses and:

Use fans. Provide your home with electricity and plug-in fans. Only use fans in the rooms you will use. This reduces overall energy usage and may lower your temporary fan-related cooling costs.
Close window treatments. Reduce the effects of the sun on your home by closing blinds or curtains during the day to reduce sun-related home heat gain.
Open windows. Let the breeze in. Open windows that aren’t in direct sun. Always use screens to keep insects or other pests out.
Don’t cook indoors. The oven-baked meal you plan to make can heat your home. If possible, make cold meals or cook outdoors on a grill.
Hydrate well. After you take steps to cool your home, cool yourself with a cold glass of water. Hydration is crucial on a hot summer day.

If your home won’t cool effectively or you feel uncomfortable, leave and go to a friend’s or family member’s house.

Don’t Attempt a DIY Repair.

Should you fix your home’s AC issue yourself? If the service technician can’t schedule an immediate appointment or you think you’ll save money with a do-it-yourself repair, consider:

Your experience level. An online DIY tutorial doesn’t provide the same degree of training as a qualified professional’s. If you’re an HVAC novice, leave this job to a professional.
Your warranty. A manufacturer’s warranty may only cover repairs made by authorized service professionals.
Your safety. Failure to properly fail the HVAC unit risks your or your family’s safety.

The HVAC contractor has experience in air conditioning repairs, and the technician can also help you decide if your system requires replacement.

Do you need an HVAC service call? Contact Derek Sawyer’s Heating & Air Conditioning for more information.

We offer HVAC maintenance services in the following areas:

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3 Tips to Pick the Correct Size AC System

Posted on June 21, 2024June 21, 2024

If you’re upgrading your central air conditioning (AC) unit this year, ensure that you purchase the correct size of AC system for your home. Here are three things every AC system buyer should know before shopping for AC replacement.

1. Tons or British Thermal Units Are Ratings for AC Units

When you shop for central AC systems for your home, you’ll see the measurement term ton in the product descriptions for central AC appliances. An AC unit’s tonnage describes its heat-extracting capabilities. Each ton rating equals freezing (at 32 degrees Fahrenheit) one ton of ice for an entire 24-hour.

One ton of refrigeration (TR or RT) equals 12,000 BTU/h. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. One BTU is the amount of heat necessary to increase (or reduce) by one degree Fahrenheit, which is the temperature of one pound of water.

The larger the cargo or BTU rating on a central AC system, the more capacity the AC unit has to cool indoor spaces. To find the correct BTU rating for your residence, calculate the optimum BTU rating for the total square footage amount you wish to cool.

2. Room Measurements Determine Ideal AC Sizing

Your AC professional can help you calculate the best central air conditioner size for your home. If you want to do the math yourself, first measure the total width and length of all rooms you wish to cool.

For example, when your home consists of two 12-foot by 10-foot bedrooms, one 6-foot by 8-foot bathroom, and one combined kitchen/dining/living room that measures 18 feet by 12 feet, your rooms’ total square footage equals the following:

Bedrooms: 12 feet X 10 feet X 2 rooms = 120 square feet
Bathroom: 6 feet X 8 feet = 48 square feet
Dining/living room/kitchen: 18 feet X 12 feet = 216 feet

TOTAL square footage in the above example: 120 square feet + 48 square feet + 216 square feet = 384 square feet.

Most homes have hallways, closets, and other spaces that must be cooled, so calculate the total home square footage for a whole-house central air conditioning unit. If you choose a split or mini-split AC system, add the total square footage of the individual rooms where the units will be mounted.

After determining the total square footage you want to cool in your home, multiply the total square footage by 25 BTU. In the above house, 384 square feet multiplied by 25 equals a required central AC unit with at least 9,600 BTU capacity.

3. Oversized and Undersized Central AC Units Cause Problems

Many homeowners believe that the size of a central AC system doesn’t necessarily have to match the size of the cooled home. However, the size of your central AC unit is critical to home cooling performance, humidity reduction, and cooling costs during summer.

While an undersized AC system may be less expensive to install than a larger unit, the long-term costs of an undersized central AC system outweigh any initial savings. Undersized AC units must run longer to keep up with the cooling load in a home that’s usually too spacious for the unit to handle.

Oversized central AC units won’t cool a home better than a correctly sized AC unit, even if the AC system is rated at a higher BTU level. However, an oversized unit must only run for a few minutes to cool your home, so the AC system will cycle on and off more frequently.

Constant cycling on and off adds wear and tear to the AC unit, which means the appliance will probably not live up to its useful life expectancy. An oversized central AC system may need repairs and replacement more often than a central AC system that is sized correctly.

Oversized AC systems are also notoriously bad at removing humidity from the air. Because the fan and compressor only run for short periods in an oversized central AC system, the AC unit doesn’t operate long enough for moisture in the air to condense and fall into the drip pan of the AC unit.

Humidity in the air continues to cycle through your central AC system and home when you have an oversized central AC unit. The moisture can lead to mold and mildew problems throughout your home.

Pick An Adequately Sized Unit

Purchase an adequately sized central AC appliance to get the most value, performance, and efficiency out of your AC system. Contact Derek Sawyer’s Heating & Air Conditioning today to learn about the energy-efficient modern AC appliances. We install, repair, and service AC systems for Fresno, Modesto, Chico, Stockton, and Sacramento, California residential customers.

We offer HVAC maintenance services in the following areas:

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5 Smart Reasons to Schedule an Air Conditioning Tune-Up

Posted on March 25, 2024March 25, 2024

Anyone can easily neglect appliances until they need help. However, proactive homeowners have learned to maintain their appliances, including central air conditioning (AC) units, to receive top performance from their investments. Here are five benefits you receive when you wisely schedule an AC tune-up this spring and summer.

1. AC Tune-Ups Lower Summer Cooling Costs

Multiple issues with older central AC systems can cause them to become highly inefficient. For example, something as simple as excess dust can cause corrosion or other performance issues in your system. In addition, if you don’t change the filters on your HVAC unit often enough, dust and debris bypass the filter and clutter up the work inside the appliance.

Dirty evaporator and condenser coils cause AC systems to use more power. If your outside AC unit is covered in bugs, leaves, and climbing weeds, the unit doesn’t get proper airflow to cool your home efficiently.

Clogged drains or drainpipes from HVAC units can cause some AC units to shut down when the collected condensate overflows. Blocked drains also hinder an AC unit’s ability to remove moisture from the indoor air, which can lead to higher cooling bills and unsightly water stains on flooring and walls.

During a tune-up, the HVAC professional checks all AC parts for dirt and debris buildup before cleaning the unit. Any parts corroded, displaced, plugged, or damaged by debris are repaired or replaced. Then, your unit functions efficiently, keeping your cooling costs lower than running the same air conditioner with grimy, dust-choked parts.

An improperly installed or uncalibrated thermostat can cause your AC unit to kick on more often than necessary to cool your home adequately. When the thermostat is calibrated, replaced, or moved, your AC unit will work more efficiently and cost less to run. If your AC unit has a thermostat problem or incompatibility, an AC tune-up will discover the issue.

2. AC Inspections Keep HVAC Molehills From Becoming Mountains

Certain parts of your AC system don’t have it easy. For example, fans must spin for years at the optimum speed. In addition, if caked-on dust covers its blades or rotor base, your AC fan must overcome the debris’s extra weight and friction. As a result, fans can wobble or corrode, making them less efficient and prone to failure.

The vibration of an AC unit over time can loosen bolts and nuts that hold the appliance together and hold components in place. Additional issues that can happen inside the HVAC enclosure include:

Loose or rodent-damaged wiring
Corrosion of interior metals
Failure of heat-pump components
Tripped circuit breakers

Outside the AC unit, you may have issues with airflow, ductwork, and blocked vents.

Over time, minor issues like loose bolts can become significant issues. A vital component like a fan can break away, a flexible wire can create a short, and a corroded duct part can allow hot air to mix with the cooled AC air as the metal duct continues to disintegrate. Your AC unit can shut down entirely in the middle of a party or intense heat wave from what started as a minor issue.

When you schedule an AC tune-up, the technician can resolve and repair little issues before they become significant issues. The HVAC professional goes behind the scenes to access the hidden AC parts that could spell a hot future for you if you don’t correctly service the AC unit.

3. AC Inspections Catch Refrigerant Issues

Refrigerant problems are some of the most common issues with AC units. If you have never had a professional look at your refrigerant and have owned your home for a while, check the AC refrigerant levels and delivery system.

Problems with AC refrigerant systems can include the following:

The wrong type of refrigerant
Inaccurate prior refrigerant charge
Refrigerant-system leaks

Some refrigerants are being phased out, but you have replacement refrigerants that will work. Don’t wait until your unit has no refrigerant left to find out you need a special-order product. Your HVAC pro will catch any problems with refrigerant when you schedule an AC tune-up, but schedule that tune-up before the issue becomes a pain.

4. AC Tune-Ups Can Reduce AC Rattle

Numerous problems can cause loud noises in your AC system. Some noise is normal when running your AC since a compressor and fan can’t be made entirely silent. Additionally, suppose your return air vent is the wrong size. In that case, air movement through the panel can be louder than you prefer. AC units can sound loud or rattling when the following problems are present in the system:

Loose screws
Wobbling or broken fan
Lack of lubrication on moving parts
Dirty or misshaped coil fins
Debris on top of the HVAC enclosure
Loose wiring
Broken internal component

Your HVAC professional will tighten all fasteners, lubricate moving parts, and repair or replace broken components to reduce the related rattle, hum, or buzz that drives you crazy.

Contact Derek Sawyer’s Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule a thorough tune-up of your AC system in Modesto, Fresno, and Stockton, California. Enjoy a cool summer without worrying about AC breakdowns.

We offer HVAC maintenance services in the following areas:

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Guidelines for a Hassle-Free Furnace Repair Service

Posted on February 27, 2024February 27, 2024

If your furnace fails to operate efficiently and safely, you need to avail proper repair services at the appropriate time to reduce the possibility of expensive breakdowns in the future. When hiring a contractor for Furnace Repair in Modesto, you must go for an organization that is a reputed one with experienced professionals. It would be best if you considered certain things while calling in somebody to check out your heater.

Don’t Fall For The Hype

It is not advisable to hire somebody who offers you service over the phone and suggests lucrative options like free or low-cost maintenance. It would be best to avoid people going door-to-door to offer repair services because, in most cases, you will get novices and not experienced professionals. Moreover, these people do not provide any service guarantee. Sometimes, it so happens that by hiring these kinds of on-call or door-to-door contractors, your furnace gets all the more damaged, posing more problems in the future.

Suppose an inspector from a heating and air conditioning company whose service you have solicited comes and tells you that your furnace is damaged and needs immediate replacement. Do not be afraid. It might be that your system can do minor repairs, but the company still wants to go for replacement in exchange for a significant amount. So, in these cases, getting more than one inspection report from qualified professionals from licensed organizations is best. Go through each report to understand the components or materials involved, the services required, the warranty that the repairing contractor would provide, your system’s energy efficiency feedback, and the total expenses involved. If inspection reports or estimates do not convey this information, please ask for them.

Premier Furnace Repair In Modesto

Premier companies offering furnace repair in Modesto also deliver regular maintenance services. It is good to go for maintenance services and test and clean your system once a year. Please don’t neglect your furnace when it requires minor repairs; call professional experts at the right time and continue enjoying a pleasant ambiance within your home without spending on major revamping or total replacement of the heating system.
We offer HVAC maintenance services in the following areas:

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Maximizing the Efficiency of Your Heating and Cooling Solutions

Posted on January 17, 2024January 17, 2024

You have to keep the efficiency of your domestic heating and cooling solutions at a peak for many reasons. To begin with, it saves a lot of your money by consuming less energy. Secondly, it continues to give you comfort for a long time. Thirdly, it helps the environment, which is very important today.

Maximize The Potential Of Your HVAC

So, let us find out what to do to increase the life of your heating and cooling appliance and thereby maximize its potential.

First, you have to lessen the air leaks from your home. Put weatherstripping around the doors and cover the windows with caulk. If your home has single-pane windows, install double-pane ones in their places.
You also have to clean the filters of your Sawyers AC and heater regularly. This will improve the flow of air across the rooms. When seasons change, you should check the filter and clean accordingly.
Every three months, clean with a vacuum cleaner.
Get annual checkups done by an experienced professional. If your AC or heating system becomes suddenly noisy or feels warm to the touch, contact a professional maintenance specialist immediately. Contact the vendor who sold you the system to know if they can provide this service.
Shut the doors and windows of the room you are not using. This will increase your comfort level to a great degree because the load on your heater or AC will be reduced drastically.
To get the most out of your heater or air-conditioner, buy one according to the size of your room. If it is too large, it will consume a lot of energy and cost you a lot of money. On the other hand, maintaining a comfortable room temperature will be difficult for it if it is too small.
Pre-program the timers and temperature settings to consume less energy when you are not in the room.

If you do not use your cooling/heating appliance at its maximum capacity all the time, it will naturally last a long time. Did you know that due to a lack of routine maintenance, average Air Conditioning solutions become around 5% less efficient every year? Cover the compressor during winter, remove window ACs, and re-install them in the summer. This boosts their longevity.

Boost Heater Efficiency Even Further

As for heaters, you can boost their efficiency further by following these few steps:

Dust the radiator and register of baseboard heaters regularly with a vacuum cleaner.
Rearrange large furniture so they do not block the heat from spreading into your room.
Remember to turn off the exhaust fans when you leave your bathroom and kitchen. If you keep them running, the heat can escape from your rooms.

These were some advice on getting the most out of your heating and cooling solutions. I hope it will help you.

We offer HVAC maintenance services in the following areas:

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Is It Time To Replace Your Air Conditioning Unit?

Posted on July 18, 2023July 18, 2023

Is It Time To Replace Your Air Conditioning Unit?

If your AC isn’t working well, primarily if it’s functioning worse than it did when you bought it, then there is a good chance you’re wondering if it’s time for repairs. Well, there’s a good chance you may be asking yourself the wrong question. Depending on your air conditioning unit’s age and history, it may be time to replace it with a completely new system. So let’s discuss the top 5 most essential things when deciding whether to replace your air conditioning unit.

Your Home Feels Like A Sauna

If the sun’s sweltering heat is causing you to work up a sweat, then your air conditioning unit is likely on its last leg. A new unit should be able to keep your temperature steady regardless of how strongly the sun is shining. As a bonus, an air conditioning unit that works efficiently won’t work as hard to cool your home, thus saving you money in the long run.

Electricity Bills Seem To Explode

When utility bills seem to rise whenever you turn on your AC, it is a good sign that it is time to replace it. Units that malfunction not only waste electricity, they often fail to cool your home correctly. At this rate new unit should work at a fraction of the cost of your current, old model.

Your AC Is 10 Years Old Or Older

If your AC looks like it would be right at home in a museum, you’re likely better off finding a replacement. An air conditioning unit’s lifespan can be as long as 15 years but is often much shorter. It is more likely than not that by your unit’s tenth year of service, it will start needing constant, costly repairs. At that point, you are better off finding yourself a new Energy Star-rated unit that will last another 10+ years.

The Unit Is Facing Extensive Repairs

Whether your unit was damaged or has worn down from use, you may find that it will need complex repairs. Even once the unit has been fixed, it will likely either need constant future repairs or corrections. Either way, it is unlikely that it will run as well as it did before. To save yourself the hassle and cost of future repairs, buying a new air conditioning unit may save you time and money in the long run.

Costly Repairs Are Coming Your Way

When all is said and done, a new air conditioning unit can be the best choice for your finances. Rather than repair a failing unit over and over again as it fails repeatedly, you can purchase a new, efficient system. Doing so will help you enjoy a fresh current of cool air throughout your house.

Still Not Sure About What To Do With Your Air Conditioning Unit?

To receive an expert’s opinion on the state of your air conditioning unit, contact the knowledgeable team at Derek Sawyer’s Heating and Air conditioning. We will answer any of the questions you may have and can even help schedule an appointment so that one of our trained technicians can take a look at your unit.
We offer HVAC maintenance services in the following areas:

Leave us a review or learn more about our Modesto AC repair services today!

HVAC Upgrades That Help You Save

Posted on July 14, 2023July 14, 2023

No matter where you are in the Central Valley, you know your HVAC system can take a big bite out of your wallet. This is especially actual since HVAC usage makes up nearly half of your home’s annual energy consumption. It takes a month of sweltering or freezing temperatures to make your monthly heating and cooling costs skyrocket. This temperature change may make you struggle to keep your home comfortable on budget.

Fortunately, you can take advantage of the latest trends in HVAC technology to make your system more energy-efficient. Here’s a look at a few upgrades that can boost your system’s performance while curbing its energy usage.

Upgrade #1: The Smart Thermostat

One of the easiest ways to upgrade your HVAC system is by ditching your current thermostat for a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats work just like your old programmable thermostat, except they have additional benefits.

What makes these thermostats smart is their long list of unique features. Nearly all smart thermostats are Wi-Fi enabled. This wireless connection allows you to control your thermostat remotely from your smartphone or any other portable device. Smart thermostats also feature self-learning capability, allowing them to study and predict your daily HVAC usage habits. With this information, they can automatically make adjustments according to your routine.

Add-ons like room sensors can help smart thermostats better detect temperature changes and adjust your HVAC usage accordingly. This activity can lower energy consumption in the process. Some smart thermostats can also detect and diagnose issues with your system.

Upgrade #2: Zoned HVAC Systems

Another upgrade worth considering is a switch from whole-home cooling to a zoned HVAC system. A zoned system separates your home’s heating and cooling into several distinct zones through dampers. Technicians can set up zoned HVAC systems to control separate floors for more efficient climate control. On the other hand, these systems can control temperatures in different rooms for increased individual comfort.

Zoned HVAC systems offer a few distinctive advantages:
Occupants in separate areas of your home can adjust HVAC settings to their comfort without making others uncomfortable.
You can individually control each zone in your home using a separate or smart thermostat.
Two-stage or variable-capacity HVAC systems can operate at a reduced capacity. This feature gives you a significant reduction in energy consumption and energy costs.
Zoned systems come with their drawbacks, however. Adding the required dampers to your existing HVAC system can increase static pressures and negatively impact duct airflow. Installing a bypass duct can help redirect excess air but also negate your energy savings.

Upgrade #3: A Variable-Speed Blower Motor

Traditional HVAC blower motors literally have a one-track mind — they’re only capable of operating at a single set speed no matter how much heating or cooling your home needs. Because your HVAC blower motor runs at full-tilt all of the time, you’ll end up with excessive energy usage as well as less control over your home’s heating and cooling.

A variable-speed blower motor, known in the HVAC business as an electronically commutated motor, offers a significant leap in HVAC efficiency and comfort. Whereas a traditional blower motor runs at 100 percent whenever it’s in motion, a variable-speed blower motor can adjust its speed to match your desired HVAC demand.

A variable-speed blower motor delivers more consistent heating and cooling and eliminates the temperature spikes common with old-school blower motors by operating at reduced speeds. Reduced speeds also mean less noise — a boon to anyone concerned with HVAC noises impacting their overall comfort.

Variable-speed blower motors use significantly less energy than their traditional counterparts as well. The motor itself also uses higher-grade internal components, giving it a longer lifespan than conventional blower motors.

Upgrade #4: Solar-Powered HVAC Systems

A growing number of homes and businesses are taking advantage of solar power. A typical solar-powered HVAC setup uses a set of solar panels to capture and convert solar energy into usable electricity and a bank of batteries to store and manage that electric energy. Upgrading your system to use the sun’s abundant resources offers an eco-friendly way to reduce your home’s energy usage.

Going solar helps reduce your home’s dependency on fossil fuel-derived electricity while saving you money on your monthly heating and cooling costs. With a battery bank installed to offset power loads and store energy, your HVAC system will also continue working during power outages. Your solar-powered upgrade may also be eligible for various local and federal tax credits that help offset installation costs.

You should not wait to invest in energy-efficient upgrades for your HVAC system. If you want to start saving money today, contact Derek Sawyer’s Heating & Air Conditioning and get started on making your existing system more energy efficient today.

We offer HVAC maintenance services in the following areas:

Leave us a review or learn more about our Modesto AC repair services today!

New Decade, New Furnace: What an Upgrade Offers

Posted on January 8, 2020February 19, 2021

The new year is usually a time to reflect on the year that has passed and make goals for the future. With the start of 2020, however, you can also reflect on the past decade — including how the time has affected your HVAC system.

Improvements to heating systems are made constantly, and as your furnace ages, it becomes less efficient. Some furnaces, while still in good working order, simply don’t measure up to systems currently on the market.

Learn more about the features of newer gas heating systems to see if your house might need an improvement to start the new decade off right.

Using Less Energy

The definition of what makes an efficient furnace has shifted as technology has improved. It used to be that a furnace with a 78% fuel efficiency was an excellent investment, even though that meant that 30% of the fuel was wasted instead of used to heat your home.

Now, furnaces are more efficient than ever, with the best models utilizing over 98.5% percent of the fuel they burn. You’ll get more heat from less fuel, which translates into significant savings over time.

Harnessing the Heat

Heat loss can occur in many areas of a furnace, resulting in lower energy efficiency. One of those areas is the heat exchanger. Older furnaces have only one heat exchanger. After burning fuel, the warmed air is pumped into your home, while the exhaust is pumped outside.

With only one heat exchanger, a lot of heat leaves the house with the exhausted fuel. In a new furnace, the still-warm exhaust can be processed again, pulling even more heat into your house before releasing the exhaust. You’re getting more from what you’re burning, which translates into getting more bang for your buck.

Working Smarter

Does your old furnace still use a pilot light to keep the heat running? The pilot light constantly burns, but it is only actually useful when the furnace switches on. The rest of the time, the constant flame wastes fuel by staying lit.

More modern furnace designs offer pilot light alternatives, including an electric igniter that helps a gas furnace burn fuel only when needed.

Spreading Heat Evenly

Does your home seem to vary in temperature throughout the day instead of staying at a constant comfort level? The varying temperature can be caused by a single-speed blower, a hallmark of older heating systems. When the furnace is on, it uses a fan to distribute heat through the ductwork.

A single-speed fan will blow the heat through the home effectively, but then it shuts off, and the air stops moving entirely until the house cools down and triggers the furnace to start burning more fuel.

Newer heating systems have a more intelligent approach. The blower can work at higher speeds but then continue to move air at a slower speed to help circulate residual heat and keep air moving through the house. Blowing the heat through the home at a reduced speed for a longer time also prevents the wear and tear of frequent stopping and starting.

The result is a more even temperature and fewer freeze-thaw cycles, which decreases the overall load on your furnace over time.

Choosing the Right Fuel

Gone are the days when you have to choose between many different heat sources and types. Each type of system has pros and cons. Modern technology takes the good things from different system types and puts them together into a hybrid system where you can enjoy all of the pros with fewer cons.

For example, a hybrid furnace can adjust which energy source it uses based on what is more efficient. A gas or heat pump hybrid might use a heat pump for temperatures that are more mild, but still chilly, but during a cold snap, the furnace can switch to using gas or propane as a fuel source for more dependable heating in cold weather.

This way, you don’t have to put up with the cons of a heat pump (less dependable in very cold weather), but you also don’t have to worry about inefficiently burning and paying for fuel when a different heat source could do the job more easily.

Entering a New Era of Furnace

Finally, just like everything else, your HVAC is going smart. Wireless connectivity and smart thermostats make it easier to control your heating system away from home.

You can reap the benefits of reduced furnace use by setting the temperature to go colder at night, checking for times when the furnace seems to be on more often (indicating the need for service or repair), and checking the state of the appliance when you are on vacation.

Communicating home heating systems will become more mainstream this decade.

For more information or to schedule a new furnace installation for your home, contact us at Derek Sawyer’s Smart Energy Heating & Air.

3 Ways Smaller Commercial Properties Can Benefit From Solar

Posted on October 11, 2019February 19, 2021

While many larger commercial properties and operations have implemented solar, smaller commercial properties owners may hesitate. Solar does represent an investment, and in some cases, owners of smaller commercial properties may not immediately see the benefits solar can bring them. Discover some of the many ways smaller commercial properties can benefit from solar power implementations.

1. Take Advantage of Solar Incentives

Incentives and tax credit programs change over time, but they still exist. These incentives can exist at the federal and state level. In some cases, local incentives or incentives from other organizations sometimes show up as well.
The investment tax credit (ITC), also called the federal solar tax credit, allows for a 30% tax credit off the cost of installing a solar system. This credit depreciates over time:

In 2020, the tax credit drops to 26%.
In 2021, the tax credit drops to 22%.
In 2022, the tax credit drops permanently to 10%.

A 30% credit is an incredible value, especially as it’s a tax credit, rather than a deduction. Even a 10% credit can represent a very nice incentive for solar installation.
At the state level, incentives can change frequently, but typically, one or more incentives are available in the form of:

Rebates
Preferential financing options
Tax exemptions
Discounts
Lease options
Power purchase agreements

When considering solar, always check to see what incentives your locality has available at the time.

2. Reduce Operating Costs With Solar

Small commercial properties can come with significant operating costs. A solar system can help reduce those costs in a staggering number of ways. In some cases, a solar system really can pay for itself over time strictly based on the cost reductions you can achieve through it.

If you combine a solar system with other energy-efficiency solutions, then operating costs can fall dramatically. Still, solar alone can do much for your smaller commercial property. Even a small solar upgrade can offer large cost savings.
The operating costs associated with commercial properties of any size can vary, but many of them have to do with utilities. Just keeping the lights on, the HVAC system running, and equipment functioning can cost a great deal monthly.
Solar offers energy diversity. Depending on the solar equipment and the energy needs of your property, your solar solution can power all a facility or some of it, or you can dedicate some to a specific appliance or system. In all these scenarios, you will cut energy costs to some extent.

That drop in operating costs can encompass far more than your property’s energy costs. Solar adds sustainability to your property, which creates other advantages, such as fewer maintenance costs.
Save Even More With Net Metering

Solar can also allow you to take advantage of net metering (NEM). Many states, including California, have net metering policies in place. These policies will allow you to only pay for the net amount of electricity your property uses.
If your solar equipment produces more energy than your property uses, the excess electricity will go to the grid and you’ll receive a credit for it. When you need to use electricity from the grid, you can initially pay for it with your credit. In this way, the grid can work as an electrical storage solution for you.

In the meantime, your solar solution can continue to produce electricity. Depending on your solar setup and how much electricity your property needs, the NEM process can save you a tremendous amount of money, lowering your operating costs even further.
Solar also helps to lower operating costs by mitigating fluctuating utility costs. Whether utilities costs change seasonally, yearly, or randomly, you’ll have a source of energy the utility companies can’t touch.
If you bank enough credit, you can weather any changes a utility company makes. Even if you only use solar for a single piece of equipment, you will still save funds due to that partial bit of energy independence.

3. Use Solar for Marketing

Whether you want investors, buyers, or tenants, having a solar solution in place increases the overall appeal of a smaller property. Because it’s a smaller commercial property, a solar solution does that much more for it.
Solar creates a ton of selling points in this way. In addition, solar helps to boost the reputation of both your property and your business. Since solar represents a green and sustainable choice, it shows you care about not just your bottom line, but the local environment as well.

When you’re ready to reap the benefits that solar provide, make sure you speak with a reputable installer. Solar solutions aren’t one-size-fits-all. You will need a custom setup specifically for your smaller commercial property. To learn more or to get started with a commercial solar solution, please contact Derek Sawyers Smart Energy Heating & Air today.