Too dry in the winter?

Dry air can cause dry skin, dry hair, chapped lips and itchy eyes. Not very comfortable. The right level of humidity can make your home more comfortable, and that’s the kind of ideal home environment we strive to have. Just the thing to keep your home in the middle, comfortable range is Trane Heating & Air Conditioning’s line of humidifiers. They are designed to work hand in hand with your central heating and air conditioning system to control humidity levels in your home and banish dry air. During the colder months, American Standard variable-speed furnaces deliver heat to your home without drying it out. Until the day someone invents a device that can control the weather, you’re at the mercy of your local climate with all of its storms, winds, and hot and cold flashes. But just because you can’t turn down the sun on a hot summer day doesn’t mean you’re not in control of your home. No matter what’s going on outside, it’ll be exactly how you want it inside.

Allergies

These days clean air is a significant concern for a lot of people, particularly in the home and place of work where it’s possible to distribute viruses and for contaminants to gather. Indoor air quality options tend to be diverse and plentiful, therefore before you go out and spend big money on an extravagant rotating cylindrical fan; see precisely what must be implemented to obtain the best quality of air to inhale. Using a heating or air conditioning provider, you’ll be able to obtain a professional evaluation of the quality of air in your house and business, and you’ll be capable of seeing what is actually wrong. Perhaps you will choose to install the Trane CleanEffects air filtration system the world’s most effective whole-house air filtration system. Trane CleanEffects delivers eight times the amount of clean air as the typical room HEPA appliance, and one hundred times the amount delivered by an ionic-type room appliance or a standard 1” filter.

Air Filter

Check the air filter on your HVAC unit every month, especially during heavy use months (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it. At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool — wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system — leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure. Contact your Trane Service Representative today with any questions.

Trane is a brand of Ingersoll Rand. It basically assists in improving lives around us through ground breaking heating and air conditioners, services and solutions. Trane is one of the leading companies in sustaining and creating efficient, comfortable and safe home environments. They provide a wide variety of air conditioning, ventilation and energy efficient heating systems, financing solutions and advanced building controls, service and parts support, and air cleaning products and dehumidifying. Trane has signified technology and items which have unmitigated the world’s idea of what is possible for more than a 100 years. The designer of Trane air conditioners was James Trane. From important industrial equipment to traditional designs pertaining to households, the company continues to satisfy the requirements of several clients. In many ways, this company is a vintage American victory narrative that developed into a worldwide one. Pops and son integrated the company and started producing home heating systems in 1913. In 1923, the convector radiator was produced by this son, which commenced their status as pioneers.

Energy Efficient

Energy Efficient As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about your home's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your utility bills — and your comfort. Making your home more energy efficient with a Trane HVAC System can help to reduce high energy bills, improve comfort and help to protect the environment. Improving energy efficiency is also an important first step for homeowners interested in green remodeling. Your Trane Service Representative can guide you in making your home more efficient..

Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit

Replacing an Old, Inefficient Air Conditioner will Save Money and Make Your Home More Comfortable.

Along with providing comprehensive whole-house energy upgrades, we can take care of specific, beneficial home improvements like replacing your current air conditioner with an energy-efficient model that's properly sized for your house. Before that happens, we'll evaluate which system will work best for your property, a decision that's based on factors such as your home's size, age, number of rooms, and current cooling costs.

Replacing an old air conditioner with a modern, high-efficiency air conditioner can save your home a lot on cooling costs as well as make your home more comfortable. The Federal Dept. of Energy estimates that modern high efficiency air conditioners use 30-50% less energy to produce the same cooling as air conditioners from the 1970s. Even air conditioners that are a 10 years old can be 20-40% more inefficient than a modern one. If you have bought an older home, replacing that old air conditioner can save hundreds and thousands of dollars over the time you are living in the home.

Call us today and let us help you decide if a new Air Conditioning Unit is right for you.

Importance of Air Quality

A comfortable home means a healthy home. Indoor air quality is a major factor in the comfort level of your home.

Whether relaxing, working from home or enjoying a meal with your family, people spend a large amount of time in their home. Homes today are designed and built for maximum comfort using quality materials and appliances. Trane  heating and cooling systems are the highest in quality and design.

Indoor air pollution is among the top five environmental risks to public health. 50 million Americans suffer from allergies and 20 million Americans suffer from asthma, including one in thirteen school-age children. Pollution levels indoors can be many times higher than outdoors. Controlling the levels of airborne allergens is extremely important.

Whole-house air cleaners work in conjunction with heating and cooling systems to remove airborne allergens from the filtered air in every room.

Contact us today to find what solutions we have to improve the air quality in your home.

Spring is Allergy Season

Spring is allergy season. While many people seek medical assistance in dealing with allergy symptoms, simply maintaining good indoor air quality in your home is a key to reducing the impact of airborne pollutants that produce respiratory discomfort. We have many ways you can improve your health. Here are some tips for improving the indoor air quality of your home:

Install a whole-home air purification / filtration system in tandem with your heating and cooling systems.

Thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces in the home, including floors, carpeting and upholstered furniture which can retain allergens even after vacuuming.
Purchase a high-quality vacuum cleaner. This can make a world of difference in keeping dust, pollen and mites at bay.

The U.S. Department of Environmental Protection recommends keeping indoor humidity levels below 50 percent to reduce the effects of airborne allergens.  Homes with evaporative cooling during the Monsoon season see indoor humidity in excess of 70%, which causes airborne and surface allergens to flourish.  Consider using Air Conditioning especially during these times.

Change or clean air conditioning and heating filters frequently, and perform recommended maintenance on your system.

Call us today for more tips!

Here's a Spring Quick Tip

Spring is here so we do not want to take up your valuable time. So, this week we have a quick tip.

Check your filter every month, especially during months of heavy usage (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it. At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep your home warm or cool — wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system — leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure.

So hop to it and check that filter. Then give us a call to schedule a spring check-up,  and have your unit serviced before the heat of summer arrives!

March is a Time for Madness

Everyone knows about March Madness, what we want to talk about is March sanity.

 

One of the sanest things you can do is to give your HVAC system a regular checkup. Before you drive your car there are certain things you check; tires, windows, oil etc. Well each month there are some things you should check on your HVAC system.

 

Check Your Air Filters. Clogged filters lead to a 5 to 15 percent drop of efficiency, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, which recommends changing or cleaning filters every one to two months during peak use. Reusable filters should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and placed back in the system. Disposable filters should be thrown away. New filters to replace the ones you tossed are available at most hardware stores.

 

Check your drains. This HVAC repair is primarily applicable to cooling systems, which feature drains used to remove condensation that builds up over time. The condensation usually isn’t clean: it carries dirt and other particles that clog these drains. Removing the dirt is simple. With the system off, push a wire through the drain to knock it out, being careful to avoid injury.

 

Check your thermostat. Verify that your thermostat is working correctly. A thermostat that leaves your home too cool or too warm can waste energy. Check to make sure your home is at the same temperature set on the thermostat and that timed cooling or heating is working properly. Generally, thermostat repairs require professional maintenance.

 

If you take these few basic steps you can prevent some madness in your house!

March is the Time to Think Green

When you think green as it relates to your home, the green you think of is money. Your home can be a money pit but, if you Go Green you can change that!

We all look around our homes and can identify endless home improvement opportunities. But today with energy costs at an all-time high and continuing to increase, investing in home energy efficiency can really pay off.

For example, replacing a 10-15 year old furnace & air conditioner and making sure that the ductwork is sealed properly, can reduce your heating and cooling cost by over 50% and depending upon home construction and climate zone, installing energy efficient high-performance windows can save $300-400 a year.

The average U.S. household spends approximately $2,200 per year on energy -- nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling, according to Energy Star and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Of the rest, about 14 percent goes to heating water, 12 percent to lighting and 13 percent for appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers.

By replacing your appliances and light bulbs you can save even more in your home. And in 2013 there maybe more tax incentives.

So this month isn’t it time to think green?

Pollution More of a Problem

Pollution More of a Problem

 

For a couple of reasons, indoor air pollution in offices and homes is becoming more and more of a recognized problem.  One, we seal our buildings up tighter than we used to in order to increase energy efficiency, and two, we are filling them up with more and more toxic products that get in our air. 

In some homes, indoor air pollution is 100 times higher than outdoors!

 

Ways to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution

 

You can reduce indoor air pollution by removing as much as possible of the following types of products from your home:

• Artificially scented beauty and personal care products and candles
• Cleaning products made from synthetic chemicals
• Air fresheners (which only add more chemicals to cover up smells)
• Plastics
• Pesticides
• Synthetic fibers, fabrics and materials, as well as added toxins like flame retardants and stain resistant chemicals in carpets, clothes and furnishings
• Building materials and furnishings made from formaldehyde and other toxins

You can also reduce indoor air pollution by increasing ventilation.  In good weather, keep your windows open as much as possible and use fans to increase air flow.  In the winter, you may want to consider an air-to-air heat exchanger (for more info, contact us here.)  Houseplants such as aloe vera, elephant ear philodendron and English ivy can also help to clean the air.

For more information about how we can help you improve your air quality, please call us today!

NARROWS HEATING & A/C IS COMMITTED TO USING PRODUCTS ASSEMBLED IN AMERICA

Narrows Heating & A/C is proud to be an exclusive Trane Comfort Specialist dealership given Trane’s commitment to assembling their products in America.

By assembling their products in America, Trane maintains its position as an industry leader in quality and reliability while showcasing its commitment to building a stronger America.

Benefits of assembling products in America:

Jobs - Above all else, when you buy American you save or create AMERICAN JOBS! These are the jobs that are at the foundation of our economy, and have unfortunately been moving overseas, but by buying American you can help to reverse that trend. For every manufacturing job there are FIVE additional jobs created. Do the math. Dollar for dollar it is a great investment in this amazing country!

Environmental - Many of the top countries where our goods come from have little or no regulations to protect the environment, and the manufacturers have no regard for the earth and they pollute and abuse the soil, air, and the water. When you buy American you know there are regulations in place to protect the environment so our children can appreciate this beautiful country as much as we do.

Conservation - When buying products that are produced overseas built into the price is the cost of shipping that product all the way from that country to the United States, usually crossing the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean. This wastes an extremely large amount of petroleum and produces unnecessary emissions into the atmosphere.

Domino Effect - When you buy American that money stays in the United States. That money goes to pay the wage of many people that are directly or indirectly responsible for creating your product. Each of them in turn spends this money on goods (hopefully American made) and services, and the cycle continues. The more you buy American, the more the economy is stimulated, and the more jobs are created. Plus, American workers pay taxes on wages earned in America.

The Groundhog Has Spoken- SPRING IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK!

TAKE IT FROM PHIL- WARM WEATHER IS ON THE WAY

TIME TO SERVICE YOUR A/C AND HEAT PUMPS

When Punxsutawney Phil raised his furry groundhog nose into the cloudy, bone-chilling air and saw no shadow last weekend, he immediately forecast an early spring. Although Phil’s history of accuracy isn't exactly stellar, he could be onto something this year. 

After recording the hottest year on record in the lower 48, the National Weather Service is predicting a warmer than usual spring and summer across the nation.

 

Heat Pumps

Using a heat pump may save on energy costs. Here are a few things to help you decide if a heat pump (or HVAC System) is the right choice for your home.

 

Comfort is what makes a house a home. Comfort is the largest consideration in keeping your family happy. Therefore, keeping your home at the desired temperature will improve the comfort level. Heat pump systems are a great way to save energy, money and guarantee a greater comfort level.

 

Heat pumps are air conditioning systems that heat and cool. A heat pump takes the heat from the cold weather and pumps it into your home. In the heat of the summer a heat pump acts as a conventional air conditioner by taking the heat from your home and pushing it outside and blowing cold air in. Heat pumps are also considered smart purchases because dehumidify your home and are 2-3 times as efficient as electrical heat.

 

The installation of a heating system may come across as costly, but once installed, your new HVAC System will save you energy and money. Heat pumps produce twice the amount of heat using the same amount of energy as a less expensive and ordinary HVAC System.

NARROWS HEATING & A/C PARTNERS WITH THE PUGET SOUND CLEAN AIR AGENCY'S WOOD STOVE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM

NARROWS HEATING AND A/C IS COMMITTED TO INCREASING AIR QUALITY IN THE PIERCE COUNTY AREA.

RECEIVE UP TO $6,000.00 TO HAVE YOUR UNCERTIFIED WOOD STOVE REPLACED WITH AN APPROVED CERTIFIED HEAT SOURCE 

APPROVED HEAT SOURCES:

• 95% GAS FURNACE
• HEAT PUMP SYSTEM
• DUCTLESS HEAT PUMP SYSTEM
• FIREPLACE INSERT

LEAVE YOUR OLD

FLAME BEHIND !

 

Enroll today

The new Tacoma-Pierce County Wood Stove Program began on November 19, 2012.

Why have a Wood Smoke Reduction Program?

Program Update Wood Stove Program is underway. Sign up today! Next drawing for free or discounted new heating replacements held Feb. 22 (sign up by Feb. 20).

Air quality in most of Tacoma and much of Pierce County does not meet federal standards for healthy air. Fine particle pollution (soot) in this area is highest during colder fall and winter months, when many households rely on the use of wood-burning devices for home heating.

The smoke from burning wood poses a risk to everyone. Children, older adults and people with heart disease, asthma and other lung diseases are the most at risk.

To address this problem, new regulations require all uncertified wood-burning devices in the Tacoma-Pierce CountySmoke Reduction Zone to be removed or rendered inoperable by September 30, 2015. Our Wood Stove Program can help you get ahead of these new rules.

To learn more, click to airsafepiercecounty.org.

Move on to cleaner heat

To improve air quality and protect public health, residents in the Tacoma-Pierce County Smoke Reduction Zone can receive rewards from the Clean Air Agency to either recycle an old wood stove or, in some cases, replace it with cleaner heat.

The program offers two ways to participate:

1. “Recycling Buy-Back” Receive up to $350 for the removal and recycling of eligible wood-burning devices.
   • Bring your old, but working, wood stove or fireplace insert to a recycling event and receive a $350 reward.
   • Schedule us to come and get your working wood stove or fireplace insert and receive a $200 reward.
2. “Replacement Drawing” Enter a random drawing to ‘win’ discounts towards a clean heating replacement for your installed, old wood burning device. Discount values of $1,000, $1,500 or full-cost* of the replacement will be awarded. The next drawing will be held in February 22. Enroll by Feb. 20 to be entered.

Recycling rewards CAN be used for a new certified wood stove or insert, or for anything (a bill, savings, etc.). Replacing your old stove is not required unless you want to.

Replacement options include electric ductless heat pumps, whole-house electric heat pumps, or gas furnaces; or pellet, natural gas or propane stoves or inserts. WA-approved, EPA certified wood stoves or inserts are only allowed for income-qualified households and grand prize winners pulled in the November or February drawing.

LOW INCOME?
You may be eligible for a FREE heating replacement.
Residents meeting low-income qualifications and having an installed, eligible wood stove or fireplace insert can receive a FREE* heating replacement, and can skip the drawing.

* Some limitations and restrictions apply.

How do I qualify?

To take advantage of the rewards, you must:

• Live in the Tacoma-Pierce County Smoke Reduction Zone. See map.
• Have an installed, uncertified or pre-1995 wood stove or fireplace insert (not an open-hearth fireplace) to be eligible for the replacement discount. Also eligible for replacement are a wood-burning furnace; free-standing, manufactured wood-burning fireplace; or coal-burning device - OR -
• Have an installed or uninstalled but working wood stove or insert to be eligible for the recycling buy-back reward. Also eligible for recycling are a wood-burning furnace; free-standing, manufactured wood-burning fireplace; and coal-burning device. Indoor trash burners and indoor barrel stoves are eligible for a $100 recycling reward.

If you meet these requirements, ENROLL TODAY!

If you have questions, contact Narrows Heating & A/C at 253-627-7543 or narrows@narrowsheating.com

80% FURNACES TO REMAIN LEGAL TO INSTALL

80% AFEU FURNACES TO REMAIN LEGAL TO INSTALL IN ALL STATES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE


https://www.acca.org/archives/news-and-media/news-room/press-releases/8232


In a settlement filed late Friday afternoon, the Department of Energy (DOE) has agreed to withdraw the pending minimum energy conservation standards that include regional standards for residential non-weatherized and mobile home gas furnaces.The term “non-weatherized furnace” is used to define furnaces that are designed to be placed indoors.
 
According to the terms of the settlement, portions of the June 27, 2011 Direct Final Rule setting the minimum AFUE standards for residential non-weatherized and mobile home gas furnaces at 90% in the Northern region and 80% in the Southeastern and Southwestern regions is vacated, along with the pending May 1, 2013 compliance date. 
 
Pending the Court's acceptance of this settlement, non-condensing furnaces remain legal to install in all states until further notice.
 
The DOE also agrees that it will initiate a new rulemaking for minimum energy conservation standards for residential furnaces and allow stakeholders the opportunity to comment. 
 
The portions of the Direct Final Rule setting new minimum energy efficiency standards for central air conditioners and heat pumps, including any regional standards, remain in place, along with the January 1, 2015, compliance date.
 
On December 23, 2011, the American Public Gas Association (APGA) challenged the Direct Final Rule in a suit brought in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Last year ACCA  joined the case as an Intervenor aligning with the APGA. Should the settlement agreement be accepted by the Court, this case would be resolved.
 
More details and analysis of this settlement will be forthcoming once it is accepted by the Court.

REPLACE A GAS FURNACE, HEAT PUMP, OR WATER HEATER AND EARN UP TO $500.00 IN FEDERAL TAX CREDITS

Note: This tax credit expired at the end of 2011. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 retroactively renewed this tax credit effective January 1, 2012, expiring again on December 31, 2013.  Any qualified equipment installed in 2012 or 2013 is eligible for this credit. As in previous years, the cumulative maximum amount of tax credit that can be claimed by a taxpayer in all years combined is $500. If a taxpayer has already claimed a tax credit of $500 for purchases made in any previous year, they are ineligible for additional tax credits for any new equipment purchases.    



This credit applies to energy efficiency improvements in the building envelope of existing homes and for the purchase of high-efficiency heating, cooling and water-heating equipment. Efficiency improvements or equipment must serve a dwelling in the United States that is owned and used by the taxpayer as a primary residence. The maximum tax credit for all improvements made in 2011, 2012, and 2013 is $500. The cap includes tax credits for any improvements made in any previous year. If a taxpayer claimed $500 or more of these tax credits in any previous year, any purchases made in 2011, 2012, or 2013 will be ineligible for a tax credit. 




Heating, Cooling and Water-Heating Equipment 
Taxpayers who purchase qualified residential energy-efficient property may eligible for a tax credit. The credit is equal to the full cost of the equipment up to the following caps:

Advanced main air circulating fan: $50

Natural gas, propane, or oil furnace or hot water boiler with an annual fuel utilization rate of 95 or greater: $150

Electric heat pump water heater with an energy factor of at least 2.0: $300

Electric heat pump which achieves the highest efficiency tier established by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency: $300

Central air conditioner which achieves the highest efficiency tier established by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency: $300

Natural gas, propane, or oil water heater which has either an energy factor of at least 0.82 or a thermal efficiency of at least 90 percent: $300

Background
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established the tax credit for energy improvements to existing homes. The credit was originally limited to purchases made in 2006 and 2007, with an aggregate cap of $500 for all qualifying purchases made in these two years combined. There were also separate individual caps for the different equipment types. The Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424: Div. B, Sec. 302) of 2008 reinstated the credit for 2009 purchases and made other minor adjustments. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 further extended the credit to include improvements made in 2010 and replaced the $500 aggregate cap with a $1,500 aggregate cap for improvements made in 2009 and 2010. This credit was again renewed in 2010 for improvements made in 2011, but the credit was reduced to its original form and original cap of $500.

This credit was unavailble for purchases made in 2012. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 retroactively renewed this tax credit effective January 1, 2012, expiring again on December 31, 2013. 

Geothermal heat pumps were originally eligible for this credit, with a $300 cap. However, geothermal heat pumps are now eligible for the residential renewable energy tax credit, with no cap.

ZERO INTEREST FINANCING VIA WELLS FARGO

Mid-Winter Energy Saving

As we head into the middle of winter, now is a great time to take a look at a few things you can do to save some energy this winter!

 

First you can start with your thermostat. Have you replaced it with a programmable one? A programmable thermostat allows you to control the temperature throughout the day and night, adjusting it for when people are actually in your home. If you already have programmable thermostats, now is the time to relook at your programming. Has something changed in your family over the last year that changes when your home is being used? Did you change work shifts? Did a child leave for college? Did you get new windows? There are all kinds of reasons the demand on your home may have changed. Take a few moments to adjust your programming for these changes.

 

Second go around and check each window and door seal for air leaks. Repair any seals and caulk any gaps to prevent air from passing through.

 

Finally, remember to not leave your bathroom fan on continuously. Add a timer switch to it so that it turns off after a certain amount of time. This will keep it from exhausting all the heat from your home as well.

 

Implementing just a few of these tips will help you save more in 2013!