Archive for the ‘Energy Efficiency’ Category
Friday, September 9th, 2011
Benefits of a Pentair IntelliFlo Variable Speed Pool Pump
Swimming pool pumps use a ton of electricity. It is estimated that standard pool pumps can consume as much energy as all other home appliances combined—often costing more than $1,00
0 per year!
A typical 1 1/2 HP single speed pool pump uses almost 5000kWh (392kWh per month, 8hr a day) of power a year or $1159. A two speed model uses 3431kWh to accomplish the same task at a cost of $789, saving $370. Variable speed pool pumps, which can run at many slower speeds, like the Intelliflo will use even less energy, resulting in savings from $620-1360 a year according to the company. This makes it the most efficient pool pump right now.
Variable Speed Pentair IntelliFlo® and IntelliPro® pumps can typically cut energy use up to 90%, generally saving $620 to $1,360 in utility costs annually. Pentair Pool has a Pool Pump Cost Savings Calculator to show variable speed pool pump savings and energy efficient design. Their Intelliflo VS-3050 variable speed pump costs $1100 plus installation. It uses permanent magnet motors like a Hybrid car, to save additional energy.
Features
- Energy savings up to 90% versus traditional pumps
- 8 programmable speed settings and built-in timer assure optimum speed and run times for maximum efficiency and savings
- Ultra-efficient permanent magnet motor design reduces noise and vibration for greater efficiency and longer pump life
- Dramatically quieter operation – as low as 45 decibels
- Totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) design and low average operating speed makes IntelliFlo the quietest pump on earth
- Fully compatible with IntelliTouch®, EasyTouch®, SunTouch® and other brands of digital pool/spa controls for managing pump, heating, lighting, spa jets and water features.
- Built in diagnostics protect the pump for longer service life
*Savings based on comparison pump running between 6 and 12 hours per day at the national average of $0.15/kWh in a 20,000 gallon pool. Savings may vary based on plumbing size and length, pump model, service factor, flow rates and other hydraulic factors.
Tags: APS, Efficiency, Pentair Pool Pumps, Pool Pumps, Save Money, Savings, SRP
Posted in Arizona Weather, Comfort Team News, Energy Efficiency, Maintenance, Pool Pump, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Thursday, September 8th, 2011
Tips for saving on heating and cooling bills
According to the federal government’s Energy Star heating and cooling guide, The average household spends more than $2,200.00 a year on energy bills, with nearly half of this going to heating and cooling costs.
Saving energy means saving money but does not mean that you have to sacrifice your normal day to day activities. It’s how and when you use your energy that could really help decrease the amount spent on energy consumption. Here are a few tips that you can use to lower your utility bill.
Setting and Programing your Thermostat
Setting your thermostat to 78 in the summer and 68 in the winter will save you money on your utility bills. If your household is empty during the week for any length of time you need to consider having a programmable thermostat installed. If you have a programmable thermostat you will want to program your thermostat 2 – 3 degrees higher (in the Summer) and lower (in the winter) than what you usually have your thermostat set at when you’re at home. By having a programmable thermostat installed and used properly you could save about $180.00 a year in energy costs.
Maintenance
If you are responsible for a car then you are familiar with how important maintaining your car is. You have to change your oil, check your tire pressure, check your break pads, ect. every so often. The same is for your air conditioner and heater. By having your equipment maintained every 6 month’s (before each season) durastically reduces the chance of a breakdown. Changing your filters is one of the most import tasks in maintaing your system and is is something that homeowners can typically do on their own. By keeping your filters fresh and clean you are lessening the debri that builds up on your coils. Keeping your coils clean ensures that the air flow is not restricted. If the coils are clogged not only are you doing damage to your system you are also increasing your utility bills. Maintenance is always a good idea just for the sake of peace of mind in knowing that you had a professional go over your system and that you took the appropriate measures in ensuring you get the maximum performance out of your system. Click here to read more about air conditioning and heating maintenance.
Duct Test and Sealing
If you are like most homeowners, as long as your cooling and heating system is keeping you comfortable, you dont give it much thought. But what you dont see could be costing you hundreds of dollars every year. Most duct systems are installed in attics or building cavities where they are hidden from view and rarely inspected. Fixing duct leaks could save you more than $200.0in your annual energy costs while improving the comfort in your home.
The results of an APS study in Arizona found:
- In Arizona’s desert climate, on average 50% of your annual energy bill is spent on running your heating/cooling system.
- As much as 33% of a heating/cooling systems airflow could be leaking through ducts causing a loss of comfort and system capacity.
- The impact is most severe in ducts installed in attics where temperatures can exceed 140 degrees in the summer
- On average, almost 15% of cooling capacity is wasted due to duct leakage. While there will always be some leakage, homes with properly sealed ducts can often reduce leakage 3 to 5%.
For more information on this program Click Here to visit APS Rebate Program Site or Click Here to visit SRP Rebate Program site
Tags: Air Conditioning, APS, Asthma, Benefits, Comfort Living, Contracts, Customer Service, duct repair, duct test, Efficiency, Maintenance, Save Money, Savings, Tune ups
Posted in Air Conditioning Industry News, Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Heat Pumps, Arizona Heating Systems, Arizona Indoor Air Quality, Arizona Weather, Comfort Team News, Energy Efficiency, Maintenance, Monthly Specials, Trane Air Conditioning, Trane Furnaces in Arizona, Uncategorized, York Air Conditioners | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 12th, 2011
As we continue in the triple digits here in AZ the last thing we want to do is open our utility bill. We have a few tips that will keep your home comfortable while maintaining a reasonable utility bill.
One of the easiest and most affordable way to ensuring you stay comfortable is by changing your filters regularly. That means if you use 1″ filters change them monthly, 2″ filters change them every other month, 4″ filters every 6 months. Changing your filters regularly will keep the flow of air consistent across your coils. If you have clogged filters it restricts the air flow which will cause your system to freeze up in turn your air conditioning system will start to blow warm air. NOTE: Above are suggestions as to when to change your filters if you have construction going on around the house or have pets you might want to change them more often.
It is no surprise that 65% of our utility bill is the usage of our air conditioning system. That is why it is so important to maintain your A/C equipment regularly. By having your air conditioning system maintained regularly will ensure your system is running at maximum efficiency as well as keeping peace of mind that your system will not fail in the extreme heat. It is recommended that you maintain your system every 6 months or before each season (Summer and Winter) starts.
Keeping your air conditioning system thermostat set to a comfortable setting but not trying to freeze your home. If you leave your home on a daily basis for a few hours or more an important tip that we can give you is to raise the temperature of your thermostat about 2-4 degrees higher than what you usually keep your thermostat at. This helps your system run less when no one is home. If you raise the setting too high, say to 85 degrees and then come home and change it to 75 degrees, your unit will run for a very long time to try and catch up. In these extreme heat conditions, it may take 1 hour of run time to lower the temperature of your home. This increases your utility bill, and adds stress to your system. By keeping your setting 2 to 4 degrees higher when not home you will actually save money and not strain your system. If you have a memory like I do I would recommend you having a programmable thermostat installed. You can program your thermostat for the days you leave for long periods to warm up and set it for about an hour before you get home to cool the house.
Ceiling Fans keep the air moving in your home. It makes your home seem cooler since you are moving the stagnant air around. Ceiling fans also distribute the air throughout the home to make the temperature more even, eliminating hot and cold spots.
The most costly but one of the best investments you will make is replacing your inefficient old air conditioning system. I know people don’t like to hear it but what you could save in your electric bill by having a new air conditioning system installed will over time pay for the air conditioning replacement itself. Not only will it lower your utility bills but you will be more comfortable in your home and not to mention the nice warranty your receive with the system.
I have to share this last tip even though it is not related to your air conditioning system. This is something I found out myself when I bought my home that had a pool. My pool pump was approx 10years old and one of my co workers informed me that having an old pool pump running consistently in the summer is costing me money. I replaced my pool pump with a Pentair variable speed pool pump and my utility bill dropped that very next month. I strongly recommend you look into replacing your pool pump. Check with your utility company as well, they most likely have a rebate program for upgrading your pool pump.
I hope these tips help keep you cool and comfortable this summer.
Tags: Air Conditioning, APS, Benefits, Comfort Living, Efficiency, Investment, Maintenance, New Airconditioner, New Installation, rebates, Replacement, Save Money, Savings, SRP, Tune ups
Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Heat Pumps, Arizona Indoor Air Quality, Arizona Weather, Carrier Air Conditioners, Comfort Team News, Energy Efficiency, Maintenance, Trane Air Conditioning, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 29th, 2010
Relax, we'll take care of it!
Have hail damage?
Don’t waste any more time!
Call us NOW at 480-266-3678 to get a free visual inspection of your equipment for hail damage and also get the pictures of the equipment emailed to you.
Wait, there’s more!
Grab some extra savings and get a 22 point precision tune up for $59.95
And that’s not all:
Start the year off on the right foot by purchasing a new unit and receive a $1500 incentive just for being our neighbor!
Don’t forget the code word is: AIRPARK
* This offer expires February 28th, 2011
* $1500 incentive only applies if you purchase a high efficiency dual stage Trane system
Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Heat Pumps, Arizona Heating Systems, Arizona Weather, Energy Efficiency, Monthly Specials, Trane Air Conditioning, Trane Furnaces in Arizona, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 20th, 2009
Heating systems in Phoenix Arizona
With forecasted highs of 98 degrees in the middle of October, most people don’t think about the heating portion of their HVAC system. It doesn’t seem as important as their air conditioning. Until it gets cold that is. But as residents of the valley of the sun know, it still gets cold enough in winter for the need to heat your home. You don’t need to see snowdrifts outside to feel the chill of the dessert at near freezing temperatures. Plus, after months of triple digit heat, it doesn’t take much to feel uncomfortable.
People generally believe that Phoenix heating systems don’t get the wear and tear from constant use in Arizona. But the fact is, most heating systems in Arizona are heat pumps. What this means is that after running all summer as an air conditioner, when it runs in heat mode, it is an air conditioner running backwards. The same components that ran all summer long are now running again, backwards. The condenser fan motor, blower motor and the compressor are running year round. They are still running just as they did in the summertime, only moving the refrigerant in the opposite direction. they actually “air condition the outdoor air”. In summer they absorb heat from inside your home and move it to the outdoor air. In Winter they absorb heat from the outdoor air and move it into your home.
If you do have a gas furnace, its true, the compressor and outdoor fan motor do not run in the winter, but, the indoor blower that ran all summer is running all winter. Gas furnaces also produce carbon monoxide. Improperly vented flue pipes can cause serious health problems. The fact that the furnace isn’t used all summer can increase the chance of birds or other critters nesting in your flue pipe. This can prevent proper venting causing unsafe conditions for you and your family.
Routine maintenance in the fall may seem silly, but it is just as important as your summer tune up. Checking combustion on gas furnaces and defrost operation of heat pumps can save you energy, frustration when the cold does come, and assure your safety in the winter months.
Most Heating and cooling companies offer maintenance programs that provide a summer tune up and a winter tune up. Other benefits include discounts on repairs, extended service hours, extended warranties on repairs made and other services to keep your system running as efficiently as possible.
Consumer Reports states in the June 1998 issue (page 3)
” Consider purchasing a service plan, perticulary if it combines cooling and heating functions. Most plans include 2 visits… a plan may allow the contractor to spot problems before they lead to a breakdown. You may also get discounts on repairs and recieve priority service, which could be a blessing should your cooling system break down during those blistering summer months or on a bitter cold day”
Air conditioning by Jays Comfort Team offer 3 tiers on Comfort Club Memberships to meet your individual needs.
Each offer amazing benefits to keep you comfortable year round. To learn more visit www.dialcomfort.com or give us a call @ 480-922.4455.
Tags: Arizona Heating Systems, fall tune ups, gas furnaces, heat pumps, Heatings systems, routine service on heaters
Posted in Air Conditioning Industry News, Arizona Heat Pumps, Arizona Heating Systems, Arizona Indoor Air Quality, Arizona Weather, Better Breathing, Energy Efficiency, Maintenance, Trane Furnaces in Arizona | No Comments »
Thursday, October 8th, 2009
WARNING!!!!!
Don’t buy a new air conditioning or heating system from any home center such as Home Depot or Sears without knowing who the installing contractor is.
Most people don’t realize when you purchase a new heating or cooling system from a home center or chain store, the work is performed by subcontractors who are charged 10% for the job. This means they could be cutting corners to make a profit. Don’t get caught with a subcontracting nightmare!! Investing in a new energy efficient heating and cooling system isn’t just buying the “box”. You are depending on the installing contractor to do the install correctly so you can enjoy the efficiency promised, and a long system life. The most important day in an air conditioner’s life is the day it is installed. Proper equipment size, proper duct design and quality installation practices are crucial to performance and the longevity of your investment.
At Air Conditioning by Jay’s Comfort Team we never subcontract any of our installation work. All installations and service are done by our highly trained, certified technicians. 100% of our technicians are NATE certified ( North American Trade Excellence) 100% are certified master technicians by the Arizona Heat Pump Council. We are recommended by APS, SRP and Southwest Gas. All of the training and certifications are to assure that our clients receive the very best service when purchasing a new system, have a breakdown or just having routine maintenance done on their system.
The North Carolina Alternative Energy Corporation a non-profit organization, examined Air Conditioning manufacturers’ efficiencies versus the actual efficiencies that result after installation; they found the following:
90% of the units tested exhibited some sort of energy-wasting, comfort-robbing problem!
Other significant HVAC industry comfort energy related surveys reveal that:
*93% of equipment installed have Duct Leakage resulting in poor indoor air quality, health and safety concerns, drafts and uneven temperatures and may DOUBLE HVAC portion of the energy bill
*54% of equipment installed have incorrect refrigerant charge resulting in increased failure rate, reduced moisture removal, equipment typically noisier, uneven temperatures and could add as much as 17% to operation costs. Reduce life of system and major components (Compressors) causing elimination of ROI.
*47% of equipment installed are over sized resulting in equipment not running enough to wring out moisture, air in sunlit & shade rooms does not mix, equipment typically noisier and shorter equipment life
*70% of equipment installed have incorrect air flow resulting in uneven temperatures, poor moisture control, noisy grilles and registers and could add as much as 10% to operating costs
When you measure every aspect of any business for results,
you are no longer are guessing!
Benefits YOU receive and are guaranteed when choosing
AIR CONDITIONING BY JAY to perform your system UPGRADE!
*Only HVAC contractor with Quality Control Division in the business!
*Guarantee that YOUR installation falls in the top 10%!
*Most Certified, Professional staff in the Valley
*100% Satisfaction Guarantee, IN WRITING!
*Best Performance on YOUR investment!
*Longest Life Expectancy on YOUR Investment!
*Fewest Break Downs over the life of YOUR system!
*Quietest Operation Possible!
*Highest Utility Rebates Available!
*24/7 Support and Assistance!
*Free Deluxe Comfort Club Membership!
*Lifetime Thermostat Warranty!
*Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty!
Tags: Home Depot, Home Depot air conditioning, new air conditioner, new heating system, retail home centers, Sears air conditioning, sub contractors, warning
Posted in Air Conditioning Industry News, Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Heat Pumps, Arizona Heating Systems, Arizona Indoor Air Quality, Arizona Weather, Carrier Air Conditioners, Comfort Team News, Energy Efficiency, Trane Air Conditioning, Trane Furnaces in Arizona, York Air Conditioners | No Comments »
Friday, September 25th, 2009
Living in Phoenix, AZ it is difficult to think about cooler temperatures with the known fact that Arizona is HOT. With the weather starting to cool down we should all be aware of the importance of maintaining our heating equipment.
Maintaining your equipment is just as important in the Fall as it is in the Spring. No one wants to have their equipment fail especially when you need it. Air Conditioning by Jay recommends having your heating/cooling equipment maintained twice a year. Once before each season occurs. If you do regular maintenance on your heating/cooling equipment it will bring you many benefits. Such as prolonged equipment life, peace of mind and the equipment will be more energy efficient.
As much as people think “well, the unit is running fine right now” that might not be the case. Just because the unit is running to a consumers satisfaction does not mean the unit is running at full capacity. By having preventative maintenance done regularly you can determine at a much earlier time when repairs are needed.
Think of your equipment as a car. Your car might be running fine but without regular tune-ups you could cause your car to have major problems. You have to get your oil changed regularly, have your brakes checked and many other tune-up requirements done to keep your car in mint condition. The same goes for your heating/cooling system the better you take care of your equipment the longer it will last with better efficiency.
Its a little know fact, that most systems in Phoenix, AZ are heat pumps. A heat pump in the heating mode is a air conditioner running backwards. Your are actually air conditioning the air outside. All manufactures ship heat pumps to Arizona without secondary strip heat installed. Any where else in the country they come with factory installed strip heaters. This is due to the fact that we very rarely have temperatures below 35 degrees. Most builders in Arizona don’t install the larger wire size needed for the extra amperage needed to run the auxiliary strip heat. When the temperature drops below 40 degrees in the valley if your systems refrigerant charge is not exactly right your outdoor unit will freeze up or defrost more times than necessary. When a heat pump goes into defrost mode it blows cold air into your house. When it comes out of defrost mode it has to reheat the house back up this causes extremely long run cycles. Which increases your energy consumption substantially.
Having a thorough maintenance done in the Fall by a qualified contractor will assure proper system operation in the colder months.
Tags: Air Conditioning, Benefits, Maintenance, Repair, Repairs
Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Heat Pumps, Arizona Heating Systems, Energy Efficiency, Maintenance | No Comments »
Thursday, September 24th, 2009
APS will pay you up to $250.00 per system to have your ducts tested and sealed to help reduce leakage.
Air Condotioning by Jays Comfort Team is one of the few contractors who hold the required BPI certification to qualify you for the APS duct testing and sealing program. If you are like most home owners in Arizona, as long as your heating and cooling system is keeping you comfortable, you dont give it much thought. But what you dont see could be costing you hundreds of dollars every year. Most duct sytems in Arizona are installed in attics or building cavities where they are hidden from view and rarely inspected.
The results of a recent APS study found:
As much of 33% of a heating/cooling systems capacity could be leaking through ducts causing loss of comfort, decreased capacity and longer run cycles.
In Arizona’s climate, on average, 50% of your annual energy bill is spent running your heating and cooling system.
On average in Arizona, 15% of heating and cooling capacity is lost due to duct leakage.
The impact of duct leakage is most severe in duct sytems installed in attics where tempatures can reach 140 degrees or more in the summer months. Most homes in Arizona have attic ductwork.
Fixing duct leaks can save you more than $200.00 in your annual energy cost while improving the comfort and air quality in your home.
Most repairs to ducts are relatively easy to perform and not very expensive, especially when APS is offering rebates up to $250.00 per system. All homes are different and Air Conditioning by Jays Comfort Team is qualified and well trained to evaluate your home and offer realistic repairs that are beneficial to your energy consumption, your equipment lifespan and the air quality in your home. For more information on this program visit www.dialcomfort.com or http://www.aps.com/main/green/choice/choice_18.html?source=acjump
Tags: APS, duct repair, duct test, Efficiency, rebates
Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning, Arizona Air Conditioning Repair, Arizona Heat Pumps, Arizona Heating Systems, Arizona Indoor Air Quality, Better Breathing, Energy Efficiency, Maintenance, Monthly Specials | No Comments »
Sunday, September 28th, 2008
EnergyStar at Home interactive website gives tips and tricks for lowering your energy use throughout your home.
EnergyStar, the Environmental Protection Agency endorsed labeling system made to promote high energy efficiency on appliances, has a new tool for consumers looking to save money on their energy bills.
Called EnergyStar at Home, this interactive graphical website provides tips and tricks all around the house for saving on your energy bill.
The site is split up by room of the house as well as by individual appliance and offers numerous tips that could be useful to even the most energy conscious among us.
Arizona’s Air Conditioning by Jay installs air conditioners in Phoenix homes and businesses with the Energy Star label. If you’d like to learn more, use our privacy assured online form or call us at 602-266-3678.
Tags: Efficiency, Savings
Posted in Energy Efficiency | No Comments »
Friday, September 26th, 2008
Customers of APS now have the option of going green on their energy usage on all of their appliances including their Arizona air conditioners.
The Green Choice Rate Program by APS offers a way for environmentally conscious Arizonans to make a difference by choosing to have their energy come from clean sources including wind, geothermal, and solar power.
According to APS “Green Choice options offer a way to help preserve the environment while providing for a secure energy source for our future. You’ll be making use of renewable resources, reducing pollution and ensuring a better quality of life for our community.”
Currently there are three options available to APS customers to fit various budgets. GPS-1 and GPS-2 make use of wind and geothermal energy and costs and additional $0.01 per kWh of energy on top of your usual costs. You choose how much clean energy you would like to buy either in blocks of 100kWh, or by percentage (10%-100%) and APS uses that amount of clean energy to power your home.
For those interested in solar power, the third option is called Solar-3. You can choose to have either half or your entire house powered by solar energy for a charge of $0.166 on top of your normal energy costs.
Go to the Green Choice Rate Program website for more information.
If you need help selecting the right environmentally friendly air conditioner in Arizona, Air Conditioning by Jay can help. We offer a wide variety of Arizona air conditioners and are sure to have one that meets your needs. Contact us today by using our privacy assured online form or call 602-266-3678
Tags: Efficiency, Going Green, Savings
Posted in Energy Efficiency | No Comments »
