Friday, May 6, 2011

The Energy Coordinating Agency Offers Energy Assessment for $150.00!!!

Spring is finally here and we get some welcome relief from high energy bills; but summer is right around the corner with soaring temperatures and cooling costs. Thanks to EnergyWorks, a comprehensive energy efficiency program for homeowners in the Greater Philadelphia region, you can take advantage of cool savings year round.

To enable more homeowners to benefit from the energy savings, we’ve just reduced the cost of an EnergyWorks assessment from $400 to $150, with a $50 rebate. We have also simplified the 0.99% loan to make funding your energy efficient upgrades much easier to access. There are also additional rebates on high efficiency gas heating equipment. Energy saving has never been easier.

The sooner you start, the more you save! 

EnergyWorks brings together all available rebates, tax credits and very low-interest loans. EnergyWorks has been carefully designed to increase comfort, eliminate health and safety problems, and deliver real energy savings to customers. EnergyWorks is a program of the Metropolitan Caucus, a coalition of Commissioners and Councilmembers from Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties and the Mayor of Philadelphia. It is supported by a grant from the US Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Program.

To get started visit:

http://ecasavesenergy.org/services/energy-works/energyworks

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

NAOHSM 58th Annual Convention & Trade Show

National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers will be holding their 58th annual convention and trade show May 22-26 in Hershey, PA.  For more information visit  http://www.naohsm.org/trade_show.cfm or call 1-888-552-0900.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Wireless HVAC Guide System Analyzer - HG3

The new HG3 takes HVAC system analysis to the next level.  Specifically designed to optimize HVAC systems, the HG3 combines several tests into one rugged hand-held device.  Use the HG3 wireless feature to take multiple measurements thoughout a system simultaneously, all in the palm of your hand.

Check it out at http://www.fieldpiece.com/hvac-guide-system-analyzer/hg3

Friday, April 22, 2011

How the HVAC Professional can make money in the new green economy

A shoe company sends two sales reps to Australia. 

First salesman calls and says, "The natives do not wear shoes, there is not business here!"

The second salesman calls and says, "The natives do not wear shoes, there is plenty of business here!"

When you walk into your customer's home, positive attitude is everything.  You can say to yourself, these people have no money, the cannot afford a high efficiency system, or you can say, these people have no money, they cannot afford to NOT have a high efficiency system. 

You can differentiate yourself from the competition by becoming an energy professional.  The major goals of an energy specialists' work are to conserve energy increase efficiency and save money for the homeowner.  They should protect the environment by reducing harmful energy by products.  Energy professionals should increase comfort in the building, enhance the health and safety of the building's residents and increase public awareness of energy-saving products and procedures.

To accomplish their mission, energy auditors and technicians must understand basic energy principles.  Once understood in theory, these principles can better be applied in practice.  They must recognize all of a building's important energy saving opportunities and choose the most promising.  Then translate energy savings into dollars and compare projected savings with each energy conservation measure's cost.  A true energy professional knows about incentives, rebates, and the tax benefits available to customers.  They must explain conservation procedures and goals to building owners, fellow energy specialists and technicians.  It is very important to educate the building's residents about how they can use energy more efficiently and save money.  Finally, they should evaluate and measure the building's performance before and after the energy improvements.

Most importantly, we must remember that there has to be an "I" in ethics.  Never make recommendations that will not benefit the customer!

I have compiled a list of areas the HVAC professional can look to save the homeowner money.  If the return on investment (ROI) is less than 5 years, because everyone is moving in the next 5 years, it should be easy to schedule the repair.

Water (heat)

  • water heater blanket
  • insulate pipes
  • on demand water heater

Water (conservation)

  • low flow shower head
  • low flow aerators
  • water recirculation system

Home Heating

  • programmable thermostat
  • zoning system
  • high efficiency

Home Heating (hydronic)

  • insulate pipes
  • condensing boiler
  • auto air vent bleeders
  • auto fill valve
  • remove furniture at radiators
  • reflective panels

Home Heating (warm air)

  • condensing furnace
  • modulating gas valve
  • dual fuel system
  • humidifier
  • duct sealing
  • duct insulation

Air Conditioning

  • duct sealing
  • routine maintenance
  • clean filter
  • ultra-violet light

Domestic Refrigerator

  • clean condenser coil
  • Refrigerator temperature 37-41
  • freezer temperature 5
  • door seal

 

 

 

Thursday, April 21, 2011

A Little Test on Basic Refrigeration & Charging Practices

This morning I thought we could test your knowledge on the basics of refrigeration and charging practices.  I have listed the answers at the bottom ot the page.  GOOD LUCK!

 

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Refrigeration is defined as “the movement of heat from a place it is not wanted to a place it is unobjectionable”. 

T          F

 

It is possible to cool air in a house.

T          F

 

Heat flows from:

Cold to hot

Hot to cold

Left to right

Up to down

 

Another name for evaporator side pressure is:

High side pressure

Low side pressure

Discharge pressure

Head Pressure

 

Another name for condenser side pressure is:

Low side pressure

Discharge pressure

Back pressure

Static pressure

 

Which of the following is untrue about the compressor:

Is the heart of the system

Creates the pressure differences necessary between the low and high sides of the system

Pump liquid only

It raises the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant vapor above the ambient temperature

 

The high and low pressures in a refrigeration system are separated by:

The receiver.

The evaporator.

The metering device.

The filter drier.

 

The pressure at which the refrigerant changes state from a vapor to a liquid is the:

Evaporation pressure.

Superheat pressure.

Back pressure.

Condensing pressure.

All of the above.

 

A pressure gauge placed anywhere between the metering device and the compressor (including the compressor crankcase) will read:

The low side or evaporating pressure.

The head pressure.

The total high pressure.

All of the above.

 

Modern refrigerants exists either in:

The vapor state.

The liquid state.

Answers (a) and (b) are true.

None of the above.

 

In an operating system, you should have liquid and vapor in the:

Evaporator only.

Condenser only.

Compressor

Evaporator and condenser.

 

Refrigerant “Conditions” refer to which of the following?

Saturated, superheated, or subcooled. 

Pressurized only.

In a complete vacuum.

None of the above.

 

The heat energy that causes a liquid refrigerant to change to a vapor at a constant saturation temperature for a given pressure is referred to as:

Sensible heat.

Latent heat (hidden heat).

Superheat.

Subcooled.

 

The temperature/pressure chart is only good when the refrigerant is:

In the liquid state only.

In the vapor state only.

In the superheated state only.

In the liquid and vapor mixed.

 

Superheat always refers to:

A liquid refrigerant.

A vapor.

A mixture of liquid and vapor.

Both (a) and (c).

 

Subcooling always refers to:

A vapor below its saturation temperature.

A liquid below its saturation temperature.

The refrigerant that cools the compressor.

The flashing of refrigerant at the metering device.

 

The basic components of a refrigeration unit are:

Compressor, discharge line, condenser, metering device, receiver, evaporator and suction line.

Filter drier, receiver, high and low sides.

Condenser, discharge line, condenser, metering device, receiver, and suction line.

Compressor, metering device and refrigerant.

 

In the first few passes of the condenser:

The refrigerant should be de-superheated.

The refrigerant should completely change to a vapor.

The refrigerant should completely change to a liquid.

The pressure should drastically drop.

 

One of the main functions of a condenser is to:

Change the liquid to a vapor.

Superheat the liquid.

Change the refrigerant vapor to a liquid.

Both a and b.

 

Subcooling can be defined as:

The cooling effect of an evaporator.

Any sensible heat taken away from 100% saturated liquid.

The superheat that is removed at the top of the condenser.

The cooling of the compressor motor by returning refrigerants.

 

The component in the refrigeration system used to catch and prevent any liquid from entering the compressor is called the:

The liquid receiver.

The accumulator.

The Bypass solenoid valve.

The filter drier.

 

The greatest advantage of a TXV over a capillary tube or fixed metering device is:

The cost factor.

The capillary tube can adapt to the load quickly.

The TXV can adapt to the load very quickly.

The TXV can completely stop the refrigerant flow.

 

The greatest need for “subcooling” the refrigerant is to:

Prevent liquid line flash, thus making the system much more efficient.

Cool the refrigerant suction line.

Prevent liquid from entering the compressor.

To store liquid in the filter drier.

 

The purpose for a Liquid Pressure Amplification LPA is to:

Increase the superheat.

Increase the liquid pressure.

Help prevent flashing and increase subcooling.

Both b and c are correct.

 

The refrigerant charge in a TXV remote bulb or power element must:

Be changed when the filter drier is changed.

Be identical to the refrigerant in the system.

Be discharged before it is effective.

Be R-134a.

 

An External equalizing tube on the TXV is used:

On units with long evaporator.

On units with a pressure drop due to evaporator length.

On all refrigeration applications.

Both a and b are correct.

 

The factory superheat settings for TXVs used with central air conditioning systems should be:

20 degrees or more.

Less than 5 degrees.

About 10 degrees.

None of the above.

 

The remote bulb of a TXV should be fastened to the:

Outlet of the TXV, about 6 inches.

Inlet of the TXV, about 6 inches.

Outlet of the condenser and on the superheat line.

None of the above.

 

The refrigerant passing through a filter drier should be in what state?

Superheated vapor.

Liquid and vapor.

Saturated vapor.

Liquid.

 

The TXV operates on which of the following pressures?

Remote bulb, spring pressure and superheat.

Remote bulb, spring pressure and evaporator pressure.

Discharge, suction and spring pressures.

All of the above.

 

At higher loads, a sightglass located in the liquid line will:

Bubble if the system is undercharged.

Have no bubbles.

Be clear.

Turn yellow inside.

 

Always charge a TXV/receiver/sightglass system under a :

No load condition.

Low load condition.

High load condition.

None of the above.

 

The initial refrigerant charge into an evacuated system should be made:

Into the compressor as a liquid.

Into the evaporator as a liquid.

A small amount of vapor first, followed by liquid into the high side.

The accumulator.

 

Compressor superheats should always be:

Between 20 and 30 degrees.

Less than 5 degrees.

Prevented.

Both a and c are correct.

 

The evaporator temperature on an air conditioning system should be:

40 to 50 degrees F.

No more than 32 degrees F.

More than 50 degrees at all times.

20 to 30 degrees F.

 

The refrigerant charge on a capillary tube system is:

Not critical on most units.

Very critical on all units.

Critical on some units.

None of the above.

 

The most accurate method of charging a capillary tube system is to:

Weigh the charge into an empty system.

Check the subcooling system first.

Charge liquid directly into the compressor.

Use the capillary tube subcool method.

 

An overcharge of refrigerant will result in:

Lower ampere draw for the compressor.

Increased overall efficiency.

Elevated head and suction pressures.

None of the above are correct.

 

The second best way to charge a capillary tube system is to:

Use the superheat charging table or curve.

Listen to the sounds the compressor makes.

Charge unit and watch for sweating or frost on the suction line.

Add refrigerant until the evaporator gets cold.

 

An air conditioning system or heat pump must have:

600 cubic feet of air per minute across the evaporator coil.

550 cubic feet of air per minute across the evaporator coil.

400 cubic feet of air per minute across the evaporator coil.

Less than 400.

 

When using a charging chart on most central air conditioning systems, the following temperatures must be known:

Outdoor dry bulb and superheat.

Indoor wet bulb and superheat.

Indoor wet and dry bulb, outdoor dry bulb, and superheat.

Indoor wet bulb and dry bulb temperatures only.

 

When charging air conditioning systems with capillary tube or fixed orifice metering devices, the technician should:

Consult with the manufacturer and use their exact method of charging and specifications.

Charge until the unit stops frosting back.

Charge the amount shown on the I.D. tag and add 1 pound for losses.

Turn off most of the registers to slow down the airflow across the evaporator.

 

 ANSWERS

T
F
B
B
B
B
C
D
A
C
D
A
B
D
B
B
A
A
C
B
B
C
A
D
B
D
C
D
D
B
A
C
C
A
A
B
A
C
A
C
C
A

Monday, April 18, 2011

$500 Rebate When You SWITCH from Oil to Natural Gas

Questions and answers

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Why replace your existing oil furnace if it still works?

Natural gas is proven to be more economical and more energy efficient when compared to an aging oil system, so you could save hundreds of dollars each year.  And now, PGW is making it even easier to switch by offering a $500 credit on your gas heating bill!

What are the benefits of using natural gas heating?

·        Natural gas is conveniently supplied to your home

·        There are no more orders, no more deliveries and no more waiting

·        Natural gas is better for the environment

·        Natural gas burns clean without leaving behind soot, ash or odors

How can you convert to natural gas?

Switching to natural gas is easy.  Here are the three simple steps to convert:

1.      Contact a plumber or HVAC contractor to let them know you are interested

2.      Your plumber or HVAC contractor will help you choose the right equipment and install it for you

3.      You will then begin to receive the warmth and comfort of natural gas heating

How to obtain your $500 rebate

If you convert to a natural gas heating system after August 31, 2010, and your PGW gas account is current, you will be eligible for a $500 account credit.  Simply fill out the form and send it to PGW with a coup of you signed contract and paid invoice to:

Philadelphia Gas Works

Marketing Department

800 W Montgomery Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19122

For more information visit www.pgworks.com or call 15.684.6700. 

Calculate your savings

Check out PGW’s residential, online calculator and see how much money you can save on your fuel costs when you switch to natural gas heat.

www,pgworks.com/requestingservice/index.htm and click on “savings calculator.”

Financial Assistance

Philadelphia Home Improvement Loan (PHIL)

To finance your heater conversion, or other home improvements, consider applying for a Philadelphia home Improvement Loan (PHIL).  Available through participating banks, PHIL offers low fixed rates of 3 or 5 percent, terms up to 20 years, no equity or appraisal requirements and no fees.  You can borrow up to $25,000.

To be eligible you must be a Philadelphia homeowner and meet other qualifications.  For more information on the PHIL Program, visit www.philaload.com or call 1.877.4.U.PHILA.

 

Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (Keystone HELP)

·        Special, low interest rates locked in for the life of the loan

·        Longer terms and lower rates than typically available

·        No penalty for pre-payment

·        You can receive loans from $1,000 to $35,000

Eligible improvements must be installed by a Keystone HELP approved contractors.  There are currently over 1,600 approved Keystone HELP contractors in Pennsylvania.  For more information visit www.keystonehelp.com or call 1.888.AFC.FIRST.

Friday, April 15, 2011

PGW'S EnergySense Residential Heating Equipment Rebate

PGW is launching a rebate program for energy efficient natural gas furnaces and boilers and programmable thermostats.  PGW will give a $250 rebate if you purchase an energy efficient furnace and $1000 rebate if you purchase an energy efficient boiler.  Plus, if you purchase and have installed a programmable thermostat, you can earn an additional $30 rebate. 

The application process is easy.

Download an application at www.rebate-zone.com/pgworks or call (877) 719-3766 to request a mailed application, attached the required documentation, and you will receive the rebate in 6 to 8 weeks.  In order to qualify you must follow this criteria:

  • Must be a PGW residential/small business customer and your account must be active when the rebate is processed.  Renter, with the owner's approval, are also eligible;
  • The euipment must be installed by a licensed contractor; and
  • Applications are being accepted from April 15 to August 31, 2011.  If the program's funds run out before August 31, 2011, you would need to reapply after September 1, 2011 (funds are replenished every September)

To learn more about EnergySense visit www.pgworks.com/energysense