Over the last decade, we have seen technology make a significant leap in almost every area. Computers, for instance, are exponentially faster than they were ten years ago. Cellular phones let us connect with the world in so many ways that making calls has almost become their secondary function! Not to be outdone, Maytag has taken HVAC technology to new heights in efficiency and quiet comfort. The efficiency of air conditioning and air-source heat pumps are rated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the SEER, the greater the efficiency, similar to the miles per gallon of a vehicle. Just ten years ago, the average SEER rating of air conditioners was between 8 and 10. Armed with inverter-rotary technology, Maytag’s IQ Drive has taken the industry to new heights with 24.5 SEER central air conditioners and 22 SEER heat pumps. Both are the highest efficiency models on the market. Check out this video on our website to find out more about why Maytag’s inverter driven heat pumps and air conditioners are so much more quiet and efficient than other more conventional models.
As we all know, during hot Summer days, most homes will trap a lot of heat in the attic. This heat is then transferred into your living space, meaning your air conditioner will have to work harder to keep your home cool. This causes lower comfort, higher energy bills, higher equipment maintenance costs, and a shortened life span for your air conditioning equipment. Combat all of these effects with our new Solar Powered Attic Fan!
As you would expect, the manufacturers of HVAC equipment are constantly trying to outdo each other. Read any of their respective websites or listen to their commercials and it seems they all claim to offer the most efficient, quietest equipment on the market. Obviously, they can’t all have the most efficient equipment!
Can a radiant floor heating system be installed with my current tankless water heater? How much would a system cost? What other information should I know before pursing this project?
About my home: I live in a three floor home with the 1st floor concrete pad, 2nd floor hardwood and 3rd floor carpet.
As a heating and cooling professional, from time to time I hear horror stories about work being done by unlicensed or unprofessional contractors. I just heard about one that occurred within the last month that I had to share with you.
This story happened to an unfortunate homeowner here in Western Washington. We’ll call her Mary. Mary purchased a Goodman furnace and installation from Frank (also a fictional name), who told her he was a bonafied, licensed and bonded contractor. He showed up at her home in the morning and collected the funds for the furnace from Mary. He let her know he would be done installing the furnace by the end of the day, and that she shouldn’t have any worries. She departed for the day, leaving Frank to complete his work. At the end of the day, this is what she returned to find:
Hi everyone. I just wanted to thank everyone that came out to see us at the Seattle Home Show. The show confirmed how much need there is in the Puget Sound area for energy efficiency and improved comfort in homes. We were able to talk with a lot of people that we are going to be able to help save money on their energy bills.
Congratulations to V. Edson of Bellevue, WA. He was the big winner in our home show drawing. He won a free Guardian Air Advanced Oxidation System, which will purify the air in his new home, killing 99% of microbials and reducing odors and gases by 85%. We are currently selling the Guardian Air for $985.
$1,500 Rebate for Geothermal Heat Pump
This week’s featured rebate is $1,500 from Puget Sound Energy for upgrading your home heating and cooling system to a high efficiency geothermal heat pump. This rebate presents a great opportunity to get much more energy efficient, and get paid for it! As you read the rebate requirements, keep in mind that there are many other programs and rebates available. If you don’t qualify for this particular rebate, there is likely another program you do qualify for.
The 2009 Washington State Energy Code will require the performance testing of duct systems in new and existing homes. This means that a certified P.T.C.S. (Performance Testing of Comfort Systems) technician will have to test and certify that all duct systems meet the new energy codes.
This new standard has been created because extensive testing by the Washington State University Extension Energy Program has proven that the average forced air heating system loses 25% - 30% of its heat into unconditioned spaces or to the outdoors. Most of the houses built in Western Washington in the past 30 years have the furnace located either in the garage, attic, or crawlspace and unfortunately, the majority of the duct systems are located in these same spaces. Losing 25% of conditioned air simply means that most people have heating and cooling bills that are 25% higher than they should be. Heating the outside air is not the most efficient use of your money!
$1,000 PSE Rebate for Electric Forced Air Furnace to Heat Pump Conversion
This week’s featured rebate is $1,000 from Puget Sound Energy for replacing an electric-forced-air-furnace with a high efficiency heat pump. This rebate presents a great opportunity to get much more energy efficient, and get paid for it! Read More