Home Utility Management – Home Buying n' Selling Guide https://www.sayhomebuy.com/blog Tips on Buying and Selling Your Home Wed, 11 Sep 2019 12:04:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.3.21 What To Know About Ducted Evaporative Cooler https://www.sayhomebuy.com/blog/2019/09/11/what-to-know-about-ducted-evaporative-cooler/ https://www.sayhomebuy.com/blog/2019/09/11/what-to-know-about-ducted-evaporative-cooler/#respond Wed, 11 Sep 2019 12:04:51 +0000 http://www.sayhomebuy.com/blog/?p=1675 Trying to keep the indoor environment comfortable during the sultry summer months is a challenge these days. It is not just only a frustrating task but rather expensive as well. But there are some alternatives available if AC unit is not your cup of tea. You have ducted evaporative cooler for a change, which is also considered to be a healthy, eco-friendly and cost effective alternative to that of the traditional AC systems that you have been working on lately.

Idea Behind Evaporative Cooling:

Before you jump straight into purchasing any such ducted evaporative cooler for your use, it is important to understand the idea of evaporative cooling first. It is noted to be one efficient and inexpensive way for cooling the warehouses and buildings mainly during the summer heat.

  • The use of this form of cooling is subject to vary from cooling the data centers and schools to that of the warehouses, workshops and even factories, to say the least.
  • Even though this form of service might seem to be a modern concept among people, but this kind of evaporative cooling has been around for centuries, with the roots from Ancient Egypt. The Egyptians used to place wet blankets on their doorways during summer months so that the fresh air will blew cold air in. The idea of evaporative cooling is more or less the same.

Going for the Major Types:

Now, before you finally address to purchase ducted evaporative cooler, it is important to learn more about the types of the cooling units in here. There are mainly three options available, and those arte portable units, window or wall unit and ducted units.

  • If you are making some plans to install comprehensive system in house, then ducted unit is the primary choice that is coming to your mind. There are two basic types in here and those are indirect and direct evaporative coolers.
  • The indirect one will pump water through heat exchanger, and then the air will get circulated in unit as it gets cooled by water and then fed right into duct system, and finally cooling the house.
  • But, this form of ducted unit is not the best choice for you if you reside in a dry climate as it will not add any moisture to air. So, it might eventually lower the capacity of the ducted evaporative cooler to cool the home in an efficient manner.
  • Then you have the direct evaporative coolers, which will make proper use of fan. This fan helps in pulling the outside air in through series of pads which will then get wet by water as delivered from smaller pump. This pump is used for pumping water right into tubes, which will then get sprayed or dripped on pads. The water as used by the unit will come from the reservoir that you have to fill with tap water. The water level that is used will be controlled by float valve in reservoir.
  • One new innovative method in the field of ducted evaporative cooler has to be the two stage unit one. It will use the direct and the indirect evaporative cooling systems. At first, the system will cool air using indirect method and then that cold air will pass into second stage. In this stage, the moisture is added to cool the air further through direct method. It provides the system with higher capacity and provides home a comfortable humidity level.

Make sure to go through the units and models of ducted evaporative cooler and finally make the choice you care the most. The final call is always yours.

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Guidelines to Improve HVAC Efficiency https://www.sayhomebuy.com/blog/2019/07/08/improve-hvac-efficiency/ https://www.sayhomebuy.com/blog/2019/07/08/improve-hvac-efficiency/#respond Mon, 08 Jul 2019 04:34:09 +0000 http://www.sayhomebuy.com/blog/?p=1660 HVAC can represent over 50% of energy consumption in buildings, especially in climate zones that demand plenty of space heating or air conditioning. Due to the high energy footprint of HVAC installations, design features that improve efficiency often yield an attractive return on investment. In addition, many energy efficiency measures can achieve synergy through smart design decisions.

To achieve optimal performance, HVAC systems should be specified with adequate equipment capacities according to the application, and the building envelope should minimize unwanted heat transfer. Automatic controls can ensure the available capacity is used efficiently.

Investing in High-Efficiency HVAC Equipment

HVAC systems are characterized by a wide range of available configurations, and energy efficiency metrics have been developed for each type of equipment. When specifying HVAC installations for a project, it is important to understand the meaning of each metric and the cases where it applies:

  • The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) applies for furnaces and boilers, and the most efficient units exceed 95%.
  • The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) applies for unitary air conditioners, as well as unitary heat pumps in cooling mode. This metric indicates BTUs of cooling per watt-hour, considering the entire cooling season, and the most efficient units offer a SEER of around 30.
  • The Integrated Energy Efficiency Ratio (IEER) is used in for larger systems in commercial and industrial applications, and it describes efficiency over a range of typical operating conditions. IEER values above 20 are common for the most efficient chillers and heat pumps.
  • The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) describes the performance of air-source heat pumps during the typical heating season, following a similar approach as the SEER. The top-performing units in the market have HSPF values of around 10.

The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and Coefficient of Performance (COP) are also common metrics. However, they indicate performance for a specific operating condition, while the measures above are based on a range of possible conditions.

Increased efficiency comes with a higher price, but it reduces operating costs throughout the entire service life of equipment. However, even the most efficient HVAC equipment may suffer a performance drop if capacity is poorly matched with building needs.

Importance of an Efficient Building Envelope

Ideally, the building envelope should minimize summer heat gain and winter heat loss, reducing the workload on HVAC equipment. To reduce heat transfer effectively, the building must have adequate insulation and air-tightness. Increasing the number of windows reduces the building envelope performance, but the effect can be mitigated with low-emissivity and triple-pane glass. Effective use of shading and adequate window orientation can reduce direct sunshine, preventing glare and lowering heat gain in summer.

A high-performance building envelope can lower design loads for HVAC equipment, allowing reduced nameplate capacities. This not only reduces the operation and maintenance cost of HVAC installations, but also equipment prices.

The best opportunity to deploy a high-performance building envelope is during the initial construction. Upgrading the envelope of existing properties is possible, but much more expensive due to the scale of the modifications required. For example, installing high-performance windows in new constructions is simpler than replacing older windows.

Enhancing HVAC Performance with Automatic Controls

A high-performance building envelope and efficient HVAC equipment can be complemented with automatic controls to achieve the lowest possible operating cost. The most efficient HVAC units typically have these controls built in – variable refrigerant flow systems and helical rotary chillers with variable speed are two examples.

When an HVAC system includes components such as hydronic pumps, air handlers and cooling towers, a significant efficiency gain is possible with variable frequency drives. A building automation system can modulate all HVAC components according to load, to optimize the operating cost while keeping a suitable temperature and humidity.

Motor-driven equipment above 1 hp of nameplate capacity can normally use NEMA Premium Efficiency motors with variable frequency drives. In fractional horsepower applications, electronically commutated motors offer high efficiency and built-in speed control without an external drive.

Concluding Remarks

The energy performance of HVAC systems can be enhanced by selecting equipment of adequate capacity, ideally with a high nameplate efficiency. A high-performance building envelope and automatic controls complement the equipment selection, minimizing HVAC costs for building owners.

Considering that HVAC represents the largest share of energy consumption in most commercial buildings, measures that boost efficiency often offer a high return on investment. Industrial environments have larger loads than HVAC equipment, but the business case for energy efficiency remains favorable.

Michael Tobias is the founder and principal of Chicago Engineers, an Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Company in America. He leads a team of 30+ mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineers from the company headquarters in New York City; and has led over 1,000 projects in Chicago, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland and California, as well as Singapore and Malaysia.

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Why Upgrade the HVAC System in Your Home? https://www.sayhomebuy.com/blog/2018/10/05/upgrade-home-hvac-system/ https://www.sayhomebuy.com/blog/2018/10/05/upgrade-home-hvac-system/#respond Fri, 05 Oct 2018 04:22:37 +0000 http://www.sayhomebuy.com/blog/?p=1526 Because it’s an investment, most homeowners give upgrading their HVAC a considerable amount of thought. As they do, they discover that there are significant benefits to replacing an aging system with a new one. Your reasons may be any one of these common replacement triggers.

Save on Energy Costs

An HVAC system will lower your energy bills. As HVAC system run, they tend to lose energy efficiency, especially if you don’t change the air filter routinely. Depending on the age of your old system, the new replacement may have a higher energy rating, as well. The minimum efficiency standards in the U.S. Changed in 2015. Although furnace ratings stayed the same, cooling systems saw significant increases in efficiency requirements.

Increase Dependability

Although it’s possible for new HVAC systems to break down, the odds are against it. It’s far more likely that an older HVAC system will have far more breakdowns than a new one. Sometimes older HVAC systems aren’t repairable, or you may learn from your contractor that the cost of fixing it exceeds its value.

Add Value to the Home

When you upgrade your HVAC system, you can also look forward to a manufacturer’s warranty that will cover parts and labor, which gives you financial protection from unforeseen system problems. Some of these warranties are transferrable to new owners should you sell the home while the warranty is still active. Nearly everyone in the market for a new home wants to find one that’s energy efficient.

Improve Comfort

Since HVAC systems are the biggest energy users in residential homes and most expensive appliance, upgrading your HVAC system will make your home more attractive to people in the market. It will probably raise the value and shorten the number of days it sits on the market. Replacing an aging HVAC system with a new one will likely increase comfort. A reputable contractor will size the system carefully so that it runs long enough in a cycle to evenly distribute the conditioned air. The installation crew will seal any ductwork leaks or adjust the size of the ducts to the new equipment.

Your HVAC system is central to the comfort your home gives you, and is a component that contributes to its value. An upgrade only helps both, and gives you long term dependability.

Credit reference:
Some companies, like Arizona Refrigeration Service Inc., know that the older it gets, the less likely that parts will be readily available and you may find yourself waiting for parts for a repair.

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When To Take Up Pest Inspection And What Are The Benefits? https://www.sayhomebuy.com/blog/2018/06/23/benefits-take-up-pest-control/ https://www.sayhomebuy.com/blog/2018/06/23/benefits-take-up-pest-control/#respond Sat, 23 Jun 2018 04:28:25 +0000 http://www.sayhomebuy.com/blog/?p=1439 During the process of buying a property, you need several services like hiring agents to facilitate property purchase, property inspectors to carry out home inspection etc. Professional real estate agents can help with the process of buying and selling. You will realize that home purchases are made easy and efficient with their services.

For pest inspection, you must hire experts having years of experience. A thorough pest inspection or termite inspection is must to consider before you buy a house. When you are purchasing or renting a property, it is mandatory to take services of home inspectors. You will get to know the potential flaws in the home. This can also help you during the negotiation process. A pest inspector, for instance, will inspect the home thoroughly and identify any hidden issue. It helps both the renter and home purchaser to negotiate over the prices quoted by seller.

When you are selling your home, it is imperative to take pest inspection. Any underlying issue will be identified during a complete home inspection. Doing this will also highlight the correct valuation of your property. So, you can present the price quote much confidently in front of your potential buyers.

Before selling you must make sure that all parts of your home is in great condition. It will be great if you can show inspection report to the potential buyers to let them know about the real condition. It ensures that your property is safe, secure and would fetch you high value.

It is challenging to maintain a property

Maintaining a property is challenging as it involves massive work. But, the amount of work needed for property maintenance should never discourage you. Within property maintenance, you should include pest inspection too. Whether it is your home or a commercial property, pest can severely deteriorate the living space.

Cockroaches, bugs and termites can wreck havoc and lead to a lot of problems. Not only they can cause severe damage to the property but also lead to a lot of diseases. Do not allow pests to thrive in a space. It will worsen the condition and deteriorate your property. With routine pest inspection, one can avoid pest infestation.

Pest inspection is important during home renovation

During home renovation, you need to a summon pest inspector to carry out complete home inspection. Areas more prone to pest infestation will be identified. Do not start home renovation before doing pest inspection.

To increase the safety level of your home

Pest and termite control inspection is important for increasing the safety level of your home. Whether you rent or buy a home, pest and termite inspection must be considered. Pest inspectors can help to increase the safety level of your home.

Identifying areas that are prone to pest infestation

A pest inspector having knowledge and experience in the field can inspect all the areas of your home efficiently. Some areas are prone to getting infested and if they are not identified early, it may pose a greater problem later on.

It is important when you sell your home

A potential home buyer can ask you for the pest inspection report before making any purchase. If you can show the report, you will get best deal or a good resale value.

So, from the above given factors the importance of pest inspection must be clear in your mind. Whether you are buying a home, selling, or renting it a complete pest and termite inspection is important to consider. You need to ask yourself if you are ready to live in a space that is infested with pests. If not, then pest inspectors are there for your house. 

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Hot & Cold: 4 Tips for Solving Your Home’s Air Circulation Issues https://www.sayhomebuy.com/blog/2018/03/29/hot-cold-home-air-circulation/ https://www.sayhomebuy.com/blog/2018/03/29/hot-cold-home-air-circulation/#respond Thu, 29 Mar 2018 04:35:39 +0000 http://www.sayhomebuy.com/blog/?p=1353 Since many people spend a big portion of their time inside their house, domestic air circulation is an important health concern that impacts everyone. Maintaining good airflow also improves the efficacy of the HVAC system, as it encourages conditioned air to move through the appropriate living spaces quickly. Homeowners can try a variety of strategies to improve their home’s air circulation, some of which have minimal installation and maintenance costs. Here are some tips for your consideration.

Change the Filters

There are many types of home maintenance that can be put off to a later date without serious consequences, but changing air filters is not one of them. Disposable filters catch dust, hair and other debris before it can enter the HVAC ducts. Depending on the system and type of filter, they need to be changed out periodically throughout the year. Homeowners should always check their filters when having an air circulation issue and swap them out to keep their indoor air quality at safe levels.

Get a Professional Checkup

A recent decline in air circulation could indicate a problem with the HVAC system itself, including potential power faults or mechanical issues. Licensed and bonded HVAC repair services, like A&E Heating & Air Conditioning, use advanced diagnostic equipment to identify problems throughout the system. HVAC repairs and maintenance are rarely suitable for a do-it-yourself project, and failing to use a licensed technician could void warranties or other protection plans.

Add New Ducts or Fans

Depending on the layout of the home and the HVAC system, homeowners can mitigate some of their air circulation issues by adding new ducts or fans. Many types of ceiling fan can either push or draw air, so owners should take advantage of these features. Opening up living spaces to create a more open floor plan can also ease some of the challenges of domestic air circulation.

Upgrade HVAC System or Components

In some cases, an old or outdated HVAC system is to blame for poor air circulation inside the home. Aging equipment or increase in demands, like building an addition to the home, can both contribute to this problem. Installing a new HVAC system may come with higher upfront costs, but a more efficient system can also seriously cut down on maintenance and operating expenses over time.

Unless there’s a glaring problem with the HVAC system or ducts, then there is no single solution that completely solves circulation problems. However, homeowners who want something more permanent than just cracking the windows do have several options to consider. Keeping HVAC equipment in good shape is essential in any case, so homeowners should always take care of their system and schedule routine maintenance according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

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