Heating Question: What is AFUE and Why Should I Care?

September 17th, 2012

There are quite a few numbers attached to the components of your home’s heating system. One number that you’ll see a lot when looking for a new home heating system is AFUE. Used to describe the efficiency of gas furnaces, AFUE is an important measurement that can affect both the cost of installation and the cost of operating your furnace over time.

What AFUE Means

AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency and refers to how much fuel a device consumes per year compared to how much heat it produces in that same period of time. This is often averaged over the course of a full  year to account for extreme conditions.

Effectively, what AFUE measures is the percentage of fuel consumed by your furnace that is converted into heat. So, if your furnace burns 1 therm of natural gas, how much heat energy is produced from that combustion? The closer it gets to 1 therm of energy, the higher the percentage.

How Much AFUE Is Good?

Modern furnaces range between 80% AFUE and 98% AFUE. The lowest legally allowed furnaces on the market carry a rating of 80% which is still quite good if you consider that most systems build in the 1970s and 1980s have ratings below 70%. So, if you have an older system in your Spokane home, you can almost guarantee that even the most basic replacement furnace will save you money on your heating bills.

At the same time, if you can afford the top of the line, today’s high end gas furnaces offer near perfect conversion of fuel into heat, with exceptional 97% and 98% AFUE ratings. These devices cost more to install, but the lifetime savings on your energy bills are such that they are often well worth paying that higher installation cost for. In fact, they often pay for themselves in 10 years or less, making them a good fit for anyone eager to cut their heating bills by as much as possible.

If you’re looking to upgrade your furnace, give ACI Northwest a call today! Our heating technicians are experts in furnace installation and repair.

Continue Reading

Heating Guide: How to Get Your Furnace Ready For Winter

September 10th, 2012

As the weather gets cold outside we need to warm the inside of our Coeur d’Alene homes. So for a warm inside we need to a well-maintained furnace. Here are a few tips to maintain your furnace so that it can keep your house warm and comfortable all winter long.

Guideline #1: Clean or replace the filter

The flow of heated air from the furnace is restricted by clogging in the filter, which makes your furnace work harder and release less heat. Simply cleaning this on a regular basis can greatly increase the effectiveness and energy efficiency of your furnace.

Guideline #2: Blower motor and blower belt

The operating time of a furnace may be increased due to loose belts, which lead to less heat being produced. Thus, replacing broken or frayed belts and oiling the motor with a few drops of lubricant will smoothen it and make it work more efficiently.

Guideline #3: Blower doors replacement

The replacement of the blower doors must be done properly to ensure healthy circulation of air in the house. These doors help keep the harmful gases such as carbon monoxide from entering the air circulation in your house.

Guideline #4: Check the vents of the house

The air in the house should be circulated well and easily through the vents. The furnace may not work properly if the flow of hot air is blocked by anything from furniture to debris.

Guideline #5:  The flue

Check the flue cap that is located near the furnace and carefully examine the outside with the help of the flue cap. Make sure the flue cap is replaced properly. If the furnace is in a closet, there should be enough ventilation, preferably in the form of direct vents to the outside to allow for efficient combustion.

Guideline #6: All flammable objects to be kept away from furnace

Flammable objects should not be placed near the furnace or water heater. Boxes, clothes, paints, gasoline, aerosols and similar items are most likely to catch fire if kept near furnace.

The above mentioned guidelines will definitely help you keep your furnace clean and in good working condition so you shouldn’t face a problem in the winter months ahead.

To schedule a heating maintenance visit in Coeur d’Alene today, give ACI Northwest a call!

Continue Reading

Electrical Question: How Often Should I Check and/or Replace My Smoke Detectors?

September 4th, 2012

The smoke detectors in your home are immensely important. They are the first and oftentimes only line of defense you have against a fire in your home. You need to know they will work at all times so it is important to check them regularly and have them replaced on a rotating schedule.

 When to Check Your Smoke Detectors

You should check the batteries in your smoke detectors once every 6 months – often daylight savings time is a good day on which to do this because it occurs roughly every 6 months. You can also check them more often if they do not have an electrical backup source and are therefore using battery power constantly. The packaging instructions will likely recommend a time at which to have them checked.

It is also recommended to have backup smoke detectors (as well as CO detectors) that are on a slightly different schedule so that if a malfunction occurs, you know you will still have protection.

 When Is It Time to Replace Your Smoke Detectors?

Most smoke detectors have a natural lifespan of 3-6 years. At the end of that lifespan, the device will beep in a certain configuration that means it no longer works. If this happens, you should replace yours right away. To avoid a situation in which the system doesn’t warn you before it breaks down, consider having your smoke detectors replaced even more often – upwards of once every 2-3 years.

Whatever your Spokane home’s smoke detectors’ specifications, it is vital to have them properly maintained and swiftly replaced according to their manufacturer designated schedules. This is a device that will keep you alive in the event of a fire so be prepared. If you need any help with your home’s smoke detectors, give ACI Northwest a call!

Continue Reading

Generator Tip: Common Problems

August 27th, 2012

When it comes to having a generator in your Spokane home for those unexpected power outages, it is important to be aware of some common problems that might come up.

Back Feed into Grid

Backfeeding into the power grid is dangerous and should never be attempted.  Most power grids are designed on the basis that power will flow in a single direction, out of the power grid.  If your generator is not set up properly it can accidentally back-feed into the grid, causing safety concerns.  That is why it is important to have a professional generator technician install your whole house generator.

Overpowered Generator

An overpowered generator that takes up too much propane or gas to run it can be pricey to run. It will give you power to most of your home, but that is often unnecessary, and most of the time what is needed during a power outage is only enough electricity to keep essential devices running.

Not Properly Ventilated

Emergency generators are designed to be in places where proper venting can occur, and many times this means installing it outside.  When a gasoline, diesel or propane generator is not properly ventilated it can cause build-up of dangerous gases.  Having professional installation of your generator will ensure that it is well-ventilated and will not cause problems in your building.

Improper Generator Maintenance

Like any other appliance or piece of wired hardware, generators must be properly maintained.  This includes periodic oil changes and filter changes so that when the generator is needed, it doesn’t seize up instead of properly powering a building.  With proper generator maintenance, you can expect your generator to provide worry-free back-up electrical power during a power outage for years to come.

ACI Northwest can help you with all of your generator needs in Spokane and the surrounding area. Contact us today!

Continue Reading

Air Conditioning Tip: Save Money with AC Maintenance

August 20th, 2012

Regular air conditioner maintenance can help save you money and keep your AC system working effectively.  Over time, the mechanical parts in your air conditioner can wear out or break.  When one piece has a problem it can easily begin to affect the other components, so it’s important that any issues be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your air conditioner. During a professional AC maintenance inspection, any air conditioning problems that are present will be found and fixed before they can get worse.

Air conditioning maintenance will keep your home cooling system working efficiently and operating at its highest performance levels.  This will result in monthly savings with lower energy bills.  You can help your air conditioning maintain its energy efficiency with regular, professional maintenance.

Regular air conditioner maintenance will keep the vital parts working as they were designed to, and they will not wear out as quickly as they would if they were forced to operate when damaged or in any way compromised.  When the internal parts of your air conditioning system are all operating together properly you will enjoy longer life expectancy from the AC, putting off the costs of an eventual replacement for longer.

AC maintenance in Coeur d’Alene from the air conditioning technicians at ACI Northwest consists of a full inspection of the air conditioning system: the coils and fins are cleaned, bearings get lubricated, filters are replaced, mechanical systems are checked, and electrical wiring is inspected and tightened.  Each system will be checked independently as well as a final check to ensure the air conditioner works as it was designed to.  Contact ACI Northwest for your professional AC maintenance today and ensure efficient, reliable operation of your home air conditioning system.

Continue Reading

Generator Tip: Whole House Generator FAQs

August 13th, 2012

If you are thinking about buying a new whole house generator in Spokane, you probably have a few questions about how to select and install the right model. Here are a few common questions and their answers on this topic:

 What Sizes Are Available for Whole House Generators?

Whole house generators generally come in sizes between 22 and 48 kilowatts. The number of kilowatts you want in a generator depends on the number of amps your home consumes. We know the maximum because no home consumes more than 200 amps due to limits in the electrical grid. A 22 kilowatt generator, for example, would replace 92 amps in your home, more than enough for most days – though probably not enough to keep your air conditioner running through the night.

How Long Does a Generator Last?

A quality whole house generator is often rated for up to 20 years of operation in standby conditions. That means that it will last for 20 years while actively installed on your property. That does not mean it can be operated continuously for 20 years, and operational lifespan will vary by model.

How Much Space Does a Generator Need?

You should allow for at least 3-5 feet on all sides of the generator for ventilation and to ensure nothing can get caught up in the system. It should be in a clear space away from entrances to your home but close enough to be easily wired into your electrical system during installation.

What Maintenance is Required?

The actual maintenance needed will depend largely on how often the system is actively used. Either way, it is recommended that you change the oil and all filters once per year. A full inspection is recommended if the system is used for more than 24 hours consecutively in that time period.

If you have any questions about installing a generator in your Spokane home, give ACI Northwest a call today!

Continue Reading

Air Conditioning Guide: Common AC Electrical Problems

August 6th, 2012

There are a number of quite common AC electrical problems which can occur at any time immediately after an AC installation or after years of air conditioner.  ACI Northwest is an air conditioning company in Coeur d’ Alene that understand the electrical systems of air conditioners and can help to determine which AC electrical problem you are encountering..

Common Air Conditioning Electrical Problems

A loss of power could mean electrical controls have failed after years of use and electrical wiring could need to be replaced.

Unusual odors such as a burning smell could indicate faulty wiring where the insulation has come off internal wires, leaving them exposed and unsafe.  Exposed wiring can result in short circuits or even the potential for an electrical fire.

Thermostat sensors can be knocked out of place and can malfunction, causing the AC to cycle constantly or turn on and off in an unpredictable manner.

The AC compressor must have the proper amount of electricity running to it in order to function adequately.  If improper electricity amounts continue to flow to the compressor it can eventually seize up and stop working.  Restoring this balance is essential.

Tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses can also be the reason for an air conditioning to stop running.  However, the root cause of this type of electrical problem should also be addressed so that the breakers are not tripped on any sort of regular basis.

Each of these air conditioner electrical problems is something that the skilled Coeur d’ Alene air conditioning technicians at ACI Northwest can diagnose and resolve.  Contact ACI Northwest today and have the electrical system in your air conditioner running properly once again.

Continue Reading

Air Conditioning Repair Question: What Are Limit Switches and How Do They Work?

July 30th, 2012

We use our thermostats and air conditioning systems all the time without wondering how they actually work.  But the time will come when you need a repair and might want to know about limit switches and how they work.  ACI Northwest has well-trained AC technicians that handle all sorts of air conditioner repairs, even with something as simple as a limit switch replacement.

Limit switches are found in a wide range of devices throughout industrial and home applications.  Limit switches are designed with two main functions: to activate or deactivate an electrical circuit.  They begin and stop specific electric currents, allowing certain functions to occur only under very specific circumstances, so that electronic appliances or device remain safe and are only in use when needed.  Limit switches are like the light that turns on only when you open the fridge door and then shuts off again when the door shuts.

In air conditioning systems, the limit switch is the link between the blower of the air handler and thermostat.  When the thermostat reaches the desired indoor temperature it stops, the AC from using energy to create more cold air, while also flipping a limit switch that shuts off the air handler as well.

It is amazing how one of the smallest pieces of an air conditioning system could have such a big impact on maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures, as well as how efficiently our AC system operates.

ACI Northwest provides quality air conditioning services in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and Spokane, Washington.  Our certified technicians have years of field experience working with every aspect of air conditioning systems, including limit switches.  If your AC shuts off before your home reaches the desired temperature, or if it cycles on and off too often, call the professionals at ACI Northwest to schedule a routine air conditioner inspection. We can determine whether it is an easy limit switch repair, or some other problem with your system.

Continue Reading

Electrical Question: What Size Generator Do I Need?

July 23rd, 2012

Electricity has become so integrated with our day to day lives that it is easy to overlook the importance of a functioning electrical system. Like most other things, though, when your electricity isn’t working it becomes very clear very quickly just how much you rely on it. When your electricity goes out, whether from a storm, blackout or any other cause, a good generator can be a big comfort. Just as with a heating or cooling system, you should have a properly sized generator in order to get the best performance from it. Here are some tips to make sure you get the right generator for your Rathdrum home.

First of all, you must decide what exactly you’ll want to power when you lose electricity. What do you consider essential? This is important, so take your time and make a list. Any medical equipment is clearly a priority, but what about a full refrigerator? Your septic pump certainly needs to be powered, but does your climate demand heating and cooling power in your home? Once you have decided on the necessities you’re ready to get started.

It is important to remember that bigger is not necessarily better when it comes to a generator for your home. Larger generators are obviously more expensive, and if you’re never going to approach its capacity then you’re just paying for potential, not performance. Even the biggest generator will not provide enough power to service every electrical device in your home, so some restraint is necessary. Whole home generators do not require you to decide what appliances are necessities, but they will not power everything all at once. The best way to ensure that you’re covered in the event of an energy loss is to calculate the amount of energy that the appliances in your home use, and find a generator with the capacity to provide at least that much energy. Remember that some appliances have different starting energy requirements than running loads, and that some appliances are always running.

There are numerous energy calculators available online that can help you decide what size generator you need. To eliminate as much guess work as possible, though, we at ACI Northwest suggest having a Rathdrum electrician come to evaluate your home. We’ll help you decide exactly which generator best suits your needs, in addition to providing expert installation, maintenance and repairs for your device. Call today with any further questions you may have.

Continue Reading

Air Conditioning Question: Why Is AC Air Flow Important?

July 16th, 2012

Your Coeur d’Alene central air conditioning system is a pretty complicated piece of equipment; one that needs a lot of components working together seamless to efficiently cool your home. While keeping your compressor in good repair and your evaporator coil clean might seem obvious, many people don’t know how important air flow is for their air conditioning system to work effectively.

Air flow affects the speed of the air going over the evaporator coil. If the air speed is too fast, either because of blower that is too fast or incorrectly designed ducts, the air will not be cooled to the right temperature and it won’t be properly dehumidified. If the air flow is too slow, it can make their air too cold and might cause ice to form on the coil. Reduced air flow can be caused by a dirty air filter or by bent fins, both of which are relatively easy to fixes for an air conditioning contractor.

Duct problems might also cause issues with the air flow out of your air vents. Even if the rest of your system is functioning perfectly, leaky or broken ducts can prevent the conditioned air from reaching the right parts of your home. A professional can examine your duct system to see if it is the cause of the problem, and determine if you need duct repair to fix the air flow.

Whatever your air flow problem, ACI Northwest is here to help. We are available 24 hour s a day for any AC repair in the Coeur d’Alene area!

Continue Reading