Friday, March 22, 2013

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!

Friday, March 8, 2013

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?

Friday, February 22, 2013

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!

Thursday, February 7, 2013

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.





Tuesday, February 5, 2013

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.


 

Friday, February 1, 2013

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.

Thursday, January 31, 2013

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 OLDLogo: Wood Stove Replacement Program
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.

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 installeduncertified 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