Download PDF now

See more info on Geothermal units at www.climatemaster.com

Lennox SunSource

There are lots of ways homeowners in the Denver NC/Lake Norman area can take control of their home heating and cooling energy management. One of the best ways is to buy the residential HVAC system that is the correct size for your house. If your HVAC system is too small, it must work too hard (while the meter is running!) and you will likely never be truly comfortable, either too hot or too cold. Buy too much system, and you pay up front for excess heating or cooling capacity you will never use.

Because buying the correct HVAC system is so important, because it is a significant investment, and because there are many factors to consider, it can be an intimidating process. Climatech Heating and Cooling would like to make the decision a little easier for you.

Efficient Residential HVAC Equipment Saves Energy and Money

According to the Alliance to Save Energy, the average American household will pay $2,300 this year on energy costs, with heating alone accounting for almost 45 percent of that total.Climatech Heating and Cooling offers products and systems from well-known, reputable HVAC suppliers like Trane, Lennox and others. Climatech can install a portfolio of high-performing and high-quality residential HVAC systems that will not only help you save on your monthly utility bills, but also save energy and help the environment.

Because buying the correct HVAC system is so important, because it is a significant investment, and because there are many factors to consider, it can be an intimidating process. Climatech Heating and Cooling would like to make the decision a little easier for you.

Efficient Residential HVAC Equipment Saves Energy and Money

According to the Alliance to Save Energy, the average American household will pay $2,300 this year on energy costs, with heating alone accounting for almost 45 percent of that total.

Climatech Heating and Cooling offers products and systems from well-known, reputable HVAC suppliers like Trane, Lennox and others. Climatech can install a portfolio of high-performing and high-quality residential HVAC systems that will not only help you save on your monthly utility bills, but also save energy and help the environment.

The ENERGY STAR Qualified systems Climatech offers include:

• Highly efficient gas furnaces that have earned up to a 95% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating almost 20% higher than the government minimum standard. You can use up to 40% less energy when you install an efficient furnace.
• Highly efficient air conditioners with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of up to 20.00 significantly higher than the minimum 13 efficiency of 13 allowed by Energy Department. If you were to replace a 10 year old AC system with a new one with 20 SEER rating, you could save up tp 60% on your yearly energy bill.

Preventative Maintenance is the Key to a Healthy HVAC System

Climatech Heating and Cooling offers homeowners in the Denver NC/Lake Norman area comprehensive preventative maintenance service for residential HVAC systems. Prior to the summer cooling and winter heating seasons begin, we will make sure your system is in good working order. We can also perform system tune-ups annually for oil-fired systems, every two years for gas, and every three years for heat pumps. This will help extend the life of your system, increase energy efficiency, cause less pollution and save you money.

A clean furnace filter will allow better airflow and help decrease your energy use. A clean, well-lubricated and properly adjusted furnace may save you about 5% on your heating costs. If you would like to increase the energy efficiency of your furnace, clean or replace your filters once a month during operating seasons.

A Programmable Thermostat Provides Efficiency and Comfort

A programmable thermostat is made to optimize the performance of your HVAC system by providing accurate and reliable temperature control. A programmable thermostat may save you about $100 a year, and could actually pay for itself in two years or less.

Energy Efficiency is more than a Rating

Climatech Heating and Cooling knows that not all square footage is created equally. The SEER efficiency rating given to an HVAC system may say one thing in the factory, but when it is installed in the home, it can be much lower. If your system has insufficient airflow (up to 70% don’t), insufficient refrigerant (up to 74% don’t), mismatched coils or leaky ducts, it could really put a dent in your energy efficiency, increase system wear and tear, and shorten system life. This is why professional consultation and installation is so important when choosing an HVAC system and supplier.

If you live in the DenverNC/Lake Norman area, and would like to learn more about maximizing your home’s energy efficiency, please contact Climatech Heating and Cooling today!

Today’s generation of gas furnaces can boost indoor comfort levels and cut heating bills at the same time. Is it any wonder that so many homeowners are replacing their old, inefficient units with these modern, high-tech models?

It’s important to select the right size furnace. A unit that’s too small will lack the ability to give you the comfort you want. A unit that is too large will cost more to buy and operate. The heating experts also state that the size of a gas furnace refers to its heating capacity not its physical dimensions. The capacity of a heating system is measured in BTUs (British thermal units) per hour.

The correct furnace size depends on the size of your home, its construction and insulation, the way you use the house and the normal winter temperatures in your area. Our qualified comfort consultants can estimate the heat loss of your home by measuring the amount of wall, roof and floor space exposed to the outside, and the amount of insulation you have. Using a mathematical formula that includes the desired indoor temperature and the local outdoor temperature ranges, we can then recommend an appropriate size for your new furnace.

In many cases, older homes have furnaces that are larger than necessary, and homeowners are pleased to discover they can replace them with smaller capacity units. This is because of the addition of significant amounts of insulation or other energy conservation measures that may have been taken to reduce the heat loss of the house.

The increased efficiency of today’s gas furnace is another reason that a smaller unit may be right for your home. For example, a new, smaller furnace that’s 90% efficient can produce as much heat as a larger capacity furnace that’s only 60% efficient. We can also tell you if any changes are needed in the venting of the furnace. In most cases, the new furnace is placed in the same location as the old and uses the same venting system. However, many of today’s high-efficiency gas furnaces can be vented out a side wall, similar to a gas dryer.

If you’re thinking about installing a new furnace, be sure to give us a call first. We can analyze your needs and make the recommendation that’s right for you and your family.

Sealing Air Duct Leaks

Ductwork is the collection of tubes that distribute conditioned air throughout your home. Studies show that ductwork leaks waste between 20 and 40 percent of your cooling and heating dollars. Some ways that ductwork loses energy are through conduction of heat through the duct walls, leakage of heated air into and out of ducts, and infiltration, or imbalances in pressure caused by faulty air ducts.

Methods for finding air duct leaks depend on the kind of duct which is leaking. Supply duct leaks blow air out, and return duct leaks draw air in. Once a trained technician determines the kind of duct, he can perform a few quick tests to find out where your air ducts are leaking.

Once your leak is found, the technician should repair the larger holes first. It is important that a quality adhesive is used. It is also important that the repair materials will last as long as the duct itself. Cloth and metal duct tapes are not recommended because they do not have quality adhesives.

Recommended duct sealing materials include UL-181 duct sealing mastic, UL-181 tape, and high quality caulking or foam sealant. Mastic can be purchased in tubs or tubes and requires little preparation. Your trained technician will know how to prepare the mastic.

For large gaps, the technician should use a backing before applying the mastic. Fiberglass mesh tape works well, but be sure he uses a tape that will not lose its seal.

If you suspect you have a leaky air duct call for a complete air conditioning system evaluation by one of our trained technicians.

The high-efficiency heat pumps, air conditioners and gas furnaces on the market today may save homeowners up to 60 percent on their energy bills. Now you can add to that savings by purchasing hvac systems that are eligible for the newfederal energy tax credit as well. Currently there is a Federal energy tax credit of up to $1,500 on your 2009 or 2010 income tax return, depending on the system or product you buy. Keep reading to find out how this new tax credit program works, and how to apply for the tax credit.

The History of the Stimulus Bill
In February of 2009, the President signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (also known as the Economic Stimulus Bill) into law. The bill includes spending and tax credits designed to boost the American economy. It hopes to do this by spending on America’s roads and energy infrastructure, and also by providing tax credits for increasing the energy efficiency of our nation’s homes and commercial buildings.

Which HVAC Products Qualify for the Tax Credit?
It’s important to remember that several of the heat pump, air conditioning systems and high efficiency gas furnaces that Climatech sells may qualify for this tax credit, but not all of them. Please contact Climatech to get a list of the specific HVAC products and systems that are eligible.

How to Apply for Your Tax Credit
Homeowners may qualify for tax credits equal to 30 percent of the installed costs (up to $1,500) for qualified improvements. The tax credit is retroactive to January 1, 2009 and expire on December 31, 2010. Remember, the $1,500 limit is for all the upgrades you make made during the two-year term, NOT $1,500 each year. The tax credit applies as a direct reduction of the taxes you owe.

This is a basic summary of how the Federal energy tax credit works.  This is no substitute for professional tax advice. This tax credit is subject to IRS regulations, so it’s a good idea to check with a professional tax preparer to learn more.

Contact Climatech to Learn More!
With the Federal tax credit there has never been a better time to upgrade your heating and cooling system. Please contact Climatech to get a list of the specific HVAC products and systems that are eligible.