The Florida climate during the summer requires unique steps for maximizing your air conditioning systems efficiency and your keeping your power bill down. To save money on your utility bills and minimize your energy use, while maximizing your comfort level use these three steps to set your thermostat during the summer:

1. Turn the air setting up when you leave for work in the morning or when people are not in the house.
2. When you return home turn down the thermostat by 2 degrees.
3. Once the sun has set turn your thermostat to your desired temperature.

Lowering the temperature of your air conditioner in stages you will be reducing the amount of work your system will have to do, thereby reducing the energy consumed and reducing your energy bill. For more information on how to save energy, call Greens today!

Choosing the right air filter is an important part of keeping your home air conditioner running efficiently and keeping the air in it clean. Choosing the highest efficiency filter is usually not the right choice because the higher the efficiency of the filter the more the filter will restrict air flow to the air conditioning system, forcing it to work harder. The harder it works, the more energy it uses, which will increase your utility bills. Over time, the extra drag on the a/c system will damage the fan motor and other components, which will require repair or replacement.

To achieve maximum efficiency of your air conditioner system, use a pleated air filter with a maximum MERV rating of 8. This will capture almost all of the unwanted particles in the air of your home, including dander and pollen, and allow your air conditioner to run efficiently. In the unusual cases where there is a need to reduce air particles beyond what a 8 rated MERV filter can provide, we recommend that you use an air purifier.

Your air duct system, air handler and air conditioner should be compatible to be energy efficient. When they all work together you save GREEN!

Air Balancing is extremely important for the efficient operation of your air conditioning system. The best way to access the balance is to have an expert do a load calculation of your house. That will determine how much air needs to be delivered to each room. After completing the load calculation your technician will be able to adjust the air delivered to each room. For more information or to schedule a load calculation for your hous call Greens Energy Services at (407) 282-5000.

Every new heating and air conditioning system should be customized to fit the home they are being installed in. To maximize the performance, energy savings and the lifespan of a new system, Energy Star recommends the following five practices;

1. Calculate the size of the equipment
2. Seal and insulate ducts in attics and crawl spaces
3. Check and correct air flow
4. Check for proper refrigerant charge
5. Be certain the Equipment placement follows manufacturer’s instructions

Follow the list and get the most efficiency of your heating and ac equipment. Energy Star suggests that you can expect to pay more for quality installation, but the payback from reduced energy costs should make up for it many times over.
For more information on Energy Star or air conditioning installation contact Greens Energy Services.

Safety
Having a permit ensures your new air conditioning system will be inspected for safe operations that comply with the latest safety ordinances, which will protect you and your family from injury caused by poor workmanship or faulty parts.

Assures you of Quality Workmanship
Having a mechanical permit and inspections gives you the peace of mind that your new air system was installed according to the strict guidelines of the Florida Mechanical Code.

Saves You Time and Money

A properly installed air conditioning/ heat pump system will run with optimum efficiency which reduces your monthly energy bill and increases the life of your air handling system. Conversely, a poorly installed system will drastically reduce the efficiency of the system and result in less than expected savings and less than expected life span (of the a/c  or furnace unit Insurers may not cover air conditioning systems that have been installed without appropriate permits.

Protects Property Value and Makes Selling Your Home Easier
If you have made modifications to your home and did not have permits for the modifications, the buyer’s lender may withhold the loan, or demand you replace or do costly fixes to the modification.  Many financial institutions will not finance a home purchase without proof of a final inspection.

Environmental Benefits
Having a properly installed air condition/ heat pump system will deliver optimum energy efficiency which is good for the environment and your pocketbook.

It’s the Law
Building without a permit could be subject to penalties or removal depending on the municipality in which you live.

Greens Energy Services gets permitting for all of our new installations. It protects everybody involved particularly the homeowner. If you have a mechanical contractor who says it is not necessary to get a permit to install an ac unit we recommend you find another contractor. For more information about your communities mechanical permitting, contact Greens Energy Services. 

The Florida Building Code has institutednew requirements for duct work to help improve the efficiency of heating and air conditioning systems . Those changes affect both the homeowner and the AC Contractor. The new Florida Building Code 101.4.7.1.1 requires:

Duct sealing upon equipment replacement (mandatory).   At the time of the total replacement of HVAC evaporators and condensing units, all accessible joints and seams in the air distribution system shall be inspected and sealed where needed using reinforced mastic or code approved equivalent and shall include a signed certification by the contractor that is attached to the air handler unit stipulating that this work has been accomplished.

The new rule will require HVAC contractors to inspect the overall condition of your ductwork and incorporate any needed repairs into the scope of your installation. In newer homes, little if any ductwork should be needed to comply with the new code. If substantial work is needed have your estimator review the scope of the work with you as well as any additional cost to bring your duct system into full compliance with all applicable codes.

Greens Energy Services is proud of our long history of providing quality installations for our customers.  Inspecting ducts has always been an important part of our system balancing.  Your systems efficiency is only as good as each of its components. Contact Greens Energy Services today if you have any questions about the new code or would like us to check on your air handling systems efficiency.

It is no coincidence that Green’s Energy Services has won the award for 5 years running. The commitment to client satisfaction is ingrained in the culture. “Client satisfaction is our primary focus at Green’s. Customer feedback is something we take very seriously”, according to company Vice President Bill Green.  “It is a privilege to win this award. Winning this award is a goal of ours every year and we intend to win it for the next 25 years.

a major hurricane has not hit the continental United States in 5 years, which is unprecedented. He want on to report to us that historically there is always more hurricane activity during the lifting of a La Nina. That appears to be what is happening now.

Our takeaway from the conversation is be concerned and be prepared. Please make sure your backup generators have been tested and serviced, Make certain you have plenty of fuel on have to keep them operational in the event of an outage. If you need servicing or fuel delivery contact Green’s Energy Services today!

As part of the tax deal passed by Congress and approved by the President, the federal tax credit for energy efficient air conditioning/ heating systems will be extended through 2011. However the tax credit per household will be reduced to $500 or a third of the previous credit. Instead of receiving a 30% rebate up to $1500, it will be reduced to 10% up to $500.
Qualifying HVAC efficiency levels will remain the same as the prior tax credit as mandated by the Federal Tax Credits for Consumer Energy  Efficiency Guidelines found at energystar.gov, except for boilers or oil heaters.
For more information about qualifying for the new tax credit call Greens Energy Services at 407-282-5000.