DON’T BE A FOOL...THAT’S OUR JOB !!! 

Prepare now for the 

HOT  SUMMER WEATHER with A/C Stimulus SALE, get up to $1,500 TAX CREDIT!

 Prepare for the season with our Air Conditioner, Furnace & Heat Pump SALE!   Are YOU ready for the HOT SUMMER WEATHER?

Demand for energy will be a record!  Your energy bills will be up over 25%!  Invest in a high efficiency Furnace, Air Conditioner or Heat Pump System and SAVE MONEY$ NOW! 

Air Conditioning Brands!

Who owns who?

Who owns which air conditioning brand name and product line company…you might be surprised how small this industry is in North America.

Lennox Air Conditioning, Lennox Heat Pumps, gas furnaces, gas package units, indoor air quality items and goes back to 1895 and they continue in this tradition (Commercial and Residential Air Conditioning).  Owned by Lennox. Traded symbol lii.

Tempstar Air Conditioning Systems meet or exceed Department of Energy minimum efficiency standards. Tempstar air conditioners and Tempstar heat pumps are one of the quietest ever made (Commercial and Residential Air Conditioning).  Owned by Carrier.

Goodman Air Conditioning Systems provides the highest quality, lowest cost heating and air conditioning equipment in the world. Goodman air conditioners and Goodman heat pumps provide the best value, high quality, and lifetime warranties (Commercial and Residential Air Conditioning).  Owned by Goodman.

Amana Air Conditioning Systems is a leader in reliable and efficient heating and cooling systems. Amana air conditioners offer exceptional quality, comfort and performance. Amana Heat Pump Systems provides year round comfort(Commercial and Residential Air Conditioning).  They are owned by Goodman Global. Traded symbol ggl.

Armstrong Air Conditioning Systems is one of the oldest and most respected manufacturers of residential and light commercial heating and cooling products. Armstrong heat pumps provides heating and cooling solutions with the customers' needs in mind (Commercial and Residential Air Conditioning).  They are owned by Lennox.

ARCOAIRE systems is owned by ICP which is owned by Carrier

Bard Air Conditioning Systems and Bard heat pumps produces high-performance commercial and residential heating and cooling products that last through the generations. An Old company but produces little today.

American Standard Air Conditioning Systems has given years of carefree comfort and peace of mind. American Standard heat pumps provide quality and long-term performance for your heating and air conditioning needs (Commercial and Residential Air Conditioning). They own Trane.

Rheem Air Conditioning Systems has been a trusted name in the United States for many years. Rheem heat pumps distributes its full line of residential and commercial products around the globe.  They are privately owned, they also own Ruud Air Conditioning and Weatherking (Commercial and Residential Air Conditioning).

Ducane Air Conditioning Systems has been recognized as a top manufacturer in the heating and air conditioning industry for more than half a century. Ducane heat pumps continues its heritage of quality, value and world-class service.   They are owned by Lennox.

Payne Air Conditioning Systems is proud of its many years of service, producing quality heating and cooling systems. Payne heat pumps are backed by the Carrier name because Carrier owns them.

Miller Air Conditioning Systems has been providing air conditioning products to many satisfied clients worldwide. Every Miller air conditioner and Miller heat pump is energy efficient, quiet and built to last.  Owned by Nordyne Company.

Intertherm Air Conditioning Systems is a leader in all manufactured home needs. Most new manufactured homes are built using Intertherm air conditioners or Intertherm heat pump systems.  Owned by Nordyne Company.

Heil Air Conditioning Systems are designed with the homeowner in mind. Heil heat pump systems are energy efficient providing energy savings to your home electric bills (Commercial and Residential Air Conditioning).  Owned by Carrier.

Carrier Air Conditioning Systems has been the world leader in the manufacture and sale of heating, ventilating, air conditioning, hvac systems and products. Carrier heat pumps provide the highest efficiency in air conditioning all from one system (Commercial and Residential Air Conditioning).  Owned by United Technologies.

Tappan Air Conditioning Systems provides the residential housing market with a complete line of high-quality heating and cooling products. Tappan air conditioners and Tappan heat pumps are covered by warranties viewed as the best in the industry.  Owned by Nordyne Company.

Trane Air Conditioning Systems has led the way in the advancement of heating and air conditioning technology. Trane air conditioners and Trane heat pumps systems is a name customers trust when it comes to home comfort systems (Commercial and Residential Air Conditioning).  Owned by American Standard.

Ruud Air Conditioning Systems has been a trusted name in the industry. Ruud air conditioners and Ruud heat pumps are distributed around the globe.  Owned by Rheem(Commercial and Residential Air Conditioning). 

Westinghouse

Weatherking: Owned by Rheem(Commercial and Residential Air Conditioning). 

Fedders

Whirlpool Air Conditioning Systems can provide comfort for occupants by lowering both the air temperature and the humidity level in the home. Whirlpool air conditioners and Whirlpool heat pumps will give you a lifetime worth of dependable comfort.  Owned by Nordyne Company.

York Air Conditioning Systems is the largest independent supplier in the United States. York air conditioners and York heat pumps are designed and built to provide maximum quality, comfort and efficiency to your home (Commercial and Residential Air Conditioning).  Owned by Johnson Controls Company.

Comfortmaker Air Conditioning Systems deliver energy efficiency with exceptional comfort, backed by long-term limited warranties. Comfortmaker air conditioners and Comfortmaker heat pump systems are the right choice for your heating and cooling needs (Commercial and Residential Air Conditioning). Owned by Carrier.

Gibson Air Conditioning Systems provides quality-built products at exceptional value. Gibson air conditioners and Gibson heat pumps are designed for maximum airflow and quiet operation.  Owned by Nordyne Company.

Arcoaire Air Conditioning Systems offer outstanding value, and has kept American families comfortable. Arcoaire air conditioners and Arcoaire heat pumps are engineered to the highest standards.  Owned by Carrier.

Friedrich Air Conditioning Systems is a leading manufacturer of quality air treatment products. Friedrich air conditioners and Friedrich heat pump systems are the best choice for renovations and room additions.

Janitrol Air Conditioning Systems is now part of the Goodman Air Conditioning Company. Janitrol air conditioners and Janitrol heat pump systems provide value, high quality, and lifetime warranties.  Owned by Goodman.

At ACFOOL.com our air conditioning business is now on the internet/web. We are conditioning contractors since 1987 and have serviced and repaired all brands of air conditioners and heat pump systems including the following brand names:  

A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co.
Aaon, Inc.
Advanced Distributor Products, Owned by Lennox
Aerofin Corporation
Airtherm Manufacturing Co.
Airxchange, Inc.
Alfa Laval Inc.
Allied Air Enterprises
Allstyle Coil Company, LP
Amana Company, L.P.  Owned by Goodman.
Amtrol, Inc.
Anthony International
APEX COIL, LLC
API Heat Transfer
AquaCal, Inc.
AquaPRO Systems
Arkema
Armstrong International, Inc. Owned by Lennox.
Arzel Zoning Technology, Inc.
Aspen Manufacturing, Inc.
Axair Nortec, Ltd.
Baltimore Aircoil
Bard Manufacturing Company
Barker Company, LTD,  Goodman units.
Bayer Corp.
Benchmark Manufacturing, Inc.
Beverage-Air
Bitzer U.S. Inc.
Bristol Compressors, Inc.
Calmac Manufacturing Corp.
Carlyle Compressor Co.
Carnes Company, Inc.
Carrier Corporation
Cerro Flow Products, Inc.
Change'Air Products & Services LTD
ClimateMaster, Inc.
Columbus Show Case
Continental Refrigerator
CoolTec Labs, LLC
Daikin AC (Americas), Inc.
Danfoss
Dectron Inc.
Desert Aire Corp.
DiversiTech Corporation
Dometic Corporation
Doucette Industries, Inc.
Dunham-Bush, Inc.
Duro Dyne Corp.
eAir LLC
E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.
EarthSource Energy Solutions, Inc.
ebm-papst Inc.
ECR Technologies, Inc.
Embraco North America Inc
Emerson Climate Technologies
Emerson Motor Company
Enviromaster International
Environmental Technologies
EWC Controls
FAFCO, Inc.
Fasco Industries, Inc.
Fedders Corporation
Federal Industries
FES Systems, Inc.
FHP Manufacturing Company
Flat Plate, Inc.
Friedrich Air Conditioning Co.
Fujitsu General America
G & F Manufacturing
GD Midea Commercial Air-Conditioning Equipment Co., LTD
General Filters, Inc.
Goodman Manufacturing Corp.
Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai
Greenheck Fan Corporation
Haier America Trading, LLC
Hansen Technologies Corporation
Hays Fluid Controls
Hayward Industries, Inc.
Heat Pipe Technology, Inc.
Heat Transfer Products Group (HTPG)
Heatcraft Worldwide Refrig.
Henry Technologies
Hill PHOENIX
Honeywell International, Inc.
Hoshizaki America, Inc.
Hudson Technologies Co
Hussmann Corporation
Hydro Aluminum Adrian
IMI Cornelius, Inc.
Imperial
INEOS Fluor Americas, LLC
INNERGY TECH INC.
International Comfort Products, LLC  Owned by Carrier
International Environmental Corp.
ITT Fluid Handling Division
Jackson Systems, LLC
Jandy Pool Products, Inc.
KD Industries, Inc.
Keeprite Refrigeration, Owned by Carrier
Killion Industries
Klingenburg GmbH
Krueger
Kysor//Warren
LAU Industries
Lennox International Inc.
LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc.
Luvata Grenada LLC
Luvata Franklin, Inc.
Magic Aire, Owned by Lennox.
Mammoth, Inc.
Manchester Tank & Equip. Co.
MANITOWOC ICE INC.
Marvair Division, AIRXCEL, Inc.
Master-Bilt Products
McCall Refrigeration
McQuay International
Mestek, Inc.
Metal Industries Inc.
MicroMetl Corporation
Mile High Equipment LLC
Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc.
Modine Manufacturing Company
Morrison Products, Inc.
Mortex Products, Inc.
Mueller Industries, Inc.
Multiaqua Inc.
Munters Corporation
Nailor Industries, Inc.
National Comfort Products
National Refrigerants, Inc.
National Refrigeration Products
NORDYNE INC.
NovelAire Technologies
Packless Industries, Inc.
Panasonic Industrial Company
Parker-Hannifin Corporation
Pentair Water Pool and Spa
Price Industries
RAE Corporation
Refron, Inc.
RefTec International, Inc.
Regal Beloit
REMTEC International
RenewAire LLC
Research Products Corporation
Revcor, Inc.
Rheem Manufacturing
Ritchie Engineering Co., Inc.
Rooftop Systems, Inc.
Royal Service Air-Conditioning
Samsung Electronics Co., LTD
Sanyo Commercial Solutions
Schneider Electric
Scotsman Ice Systems
Seibu Giken America, Inc.
SEMCO, Incorporated
Sensata Technologies Inc.
Skuttle Manufacturing Company
Smardt Inc.
Southern Store Fixtures, Inc.
SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc.
Standard Refrigeration Company
StrionAir
Structural Concepts
Summit Heat Pump
Superior Coils, Inc.
Superior Refrigeration Products
SWEP North America
Tecumseh Products Company
Temtrol, Inc.
The Whalen Company
Thermo King Corporation
TITUS
Trane, Owned by American Standard.
Tranter PHE Inc.
Trolex Corporation
TURBOCOR Inc.
Turbotec Products Inc.
Tuttle & Bailey
Tyler Refrigeration Corporation
Unico, Inc.
Varidigm
Venmar CES
Ventrol Air Handling Systems, Inc.
Vilter Manufacturing Corp.
Warren Technology
WaterFurnace International, Inc.

Weatherking

Westinghouse

Other brand names:

Aire-flo, Owned by Lennox.

AirQuest, Owned by Carrier

Bryant, Owned by Carrier.

Century by Heat Controller

Concord, Owned by Lennox.

Day & Night, Owned by Carrier

Coleman, Owned by Johnson Controls Company.

Evcon, Owned by Johnson Controls Company

Fedders

Frigidare, Owned by Nordyne

Gibson, Owned by Nordyne

Goodman

Grandaire

Heil, Owned by Carrier

Intertherm, Owned by Nordyne

Kelvinator, Owned by Nordyne

LG Electronics

Maratherm, Owned by Carrier

Marvair

Maytag

Miller, Owned by Nordyne

Mitsubishi

Nordyne, Owned by Nordyne

Philco, Owned by Nordyne

Samsung

Sanyo

Style Crest, Owned by Nordyne

Tappan, Owned by Nordyne

Thermal Zone, Owned by Carrier

Weatherking

Westinghouse

Westinghouse

Whirlpool 

What is NEW in the Heating & Cooling Industry?

It started around 1 a.m. My son, Liam, was 14 months old, and the noises coming from his room didn't seem completely human: There was a sort of honking bark followed by a whistle-y kind of breathing.

Illnesses can strike at inconvenient hours especially when your child awakens at night with symptoms.I ran into his room, my heart racing with worry, and I found him sitting up in his crib, looking scared and tired. I picked him up, took his temperature -- no fever -- and called the doctor. "It sounds like croup," the doctor said. "Wrap him up in a warm blanket, sit outside with him, and call me back if his cough and breathing don't improve in ten minutes." Huh? This was early spring in New Hampshire. Sit outside?It had to be worth a shot. I wrapped Liam up so that only his frightened little face was exposed, put on my winter coat, and stepped onto our screened-in porch. We sat on the rocking chair, moving back and forth, looking at the stars, and listening to the croaking tree frogs. Within 15 minutes his throat gradually, miraculously cleared. The coughing stopped, his breathing sounded normal, and believe it or not, he had fallen back to sleep.In the meantime, my husband had set up a modern version of outdoor night air -- a cool-mist humidifier -- in Liam's room. I put him back in his crib, and he slept through the night. I, on the other hand, kept checking in on him every hour or so, but that's what mothers do.Sickness never comes at a convenient time, but when your child awakens in the middle of the night with distressing symptoms, chaos often follows. Everyone is half asleep and not thinking clearly. The doctor's office is closed, and you don't know whether you should call and wake him or try to deal with the ailment yourself. Let's relieve some of the stress of that decision right now: Anytime you think your child's health may be in serious danger -- for instance, he has a high fever and is acting unusual, has trouble breathing, has a strange rash, or is having a seizure -- call your doctor (or 911) immediately. And almost any symptom in a baby under 4 months old merits an immediate call to the doctor, no matter the time.So what are you supposed to do the other 97 percent of the time when your child wakes up at 2 a.m. worse off than when he went to bed? Symptoms of many children's illnesses routinely worsen at night, and though there's nothing life-threatening about them, they can make your child miserable. Fortunately, with a little planning and the help of our middle-of-the-night health guide, you'll have what you need to get your kid (and you!) feeling better by morning.Asthma and allergiesWhy they're worse at night: If your child has asthma or certain allergies, you're probably all too familiar with the challenges of helping her through the wee hours. There are many factors at play: "The body's level of cortisol drops at night, and cortisol has some preventive effects on asthma," says Dr. Santiago Martinez, pediatric allergist and clinical assistant professor of medicine at Florida State University Medical School in Tallahassee. Plus, the levels of histamine rise, aggravating many allergy and asthma symptoms. And finally, some allergens, such as dust mites and pet dander, may be more prevalent in a child's room, increasing her exposure while she sleeps. Parenting.com: Interactive guide to allergiesWhat to do: If your child has an allergy attack at night, an antihistamine should quell her symptoms (ask your doctor for the best one to have on hand for your child). Should you find that her attacks are frequent and occur year-round, you may want to consider immunotherapy shots, which introduce tiny amounts of the allergen into the body, slowly allowing immunity to build.Got an asthmatic? You know what to stock: a bronchodilator, which immediately opens the airways; a peak flow meter to monitor your child's breathing; and preventive medications such as leukotriene inhibitors or inhaled steroid medications, which work to keep inflammation in check long-term. Parenting.com: Learn more about the symptoms and treatment of asthma"If your child is having more than two flare-ups of asthma a week -- whether it's just a chronic dry cough or wheezing -- or if she's not responding well to the bronchodilators, her condition is not well controlled and she should be reevaluated by a doctor," says Martinez. "Virtually everyone can get their asthma under control if it is diagnosed and treated early. In some cases, asthma and allergies may just be seasonal problems, and treatment can be stepped up or reduced, depending on the need."Preventive steps to reduce the allergens can go a long way, too. That may mean keeping your child's windows closed, banning Fluffy and Fido from her room, and encasing her bedding in allergy-proof covers. You can also consider using HEPA filters in your vacuum and a HEPA air filter -- these are designed to trap the minuscule particles that can aggravate symptoms.CroupWhy it's worse at night: This barking-seal cough is usually the result of a viral infection that has settled in the upper airway and voice box, and typically strikes while the child has a cold. Because it causes swelling of the vocal cords, the cough also may be accompanied by noisy, rapid breathing. Croup is almost always at its worst at night, partly because blood flow to the respiratory tract changes when a child lies down. Plus, dry air can aggravate it. Parenting.com: 5 drug-free cures for colds, colic, constipation, and moreWhat to do: "Begin by giving your child a dose of children's ibuprofen to reduce the severity of the swelling in his airways and relieve the discomfort," says Dr. Andrea Leeds, a pediatrician in Bellmore, New York, and a member of the committee on practice and ambulatory medicine for the American Academy of Pediatrics. (If your child is younger than 12 months, skip ibuprofen unless your doctor has already given you the OK to use it.) "Then strip him down to his diaper or underpants, turn on the shower full blast, and sit in the steamy bathroom with him for fifteen minutes." After that -- and this is the most important part, says Leeds -- dress him, wrap him up in a blanket, and take him outside in the cool night air (or, if it's summertime, hold him in front of the open freezer door or an air conditioner for at least five minutes). The steam relaxes the airways and vocal cords, while the cold air reduces the swelling; this combination often controls symptoms until the next day, when you can go to the doctor. (Like my doctor, yours may recommend one strategy or the other; if you notice a clear improvement, as we did with just the cold air, it's usually fine to stop there.)EaracheWhy it's worse at night: Whether the infection is in the middle ear or in the ear canal (also called swimmer's ear), these puppies can hurt. Lying down increases the collection of fluid and puts extra pressure on the inflamed tissue.Don't Miss                       7 ways to help your baby fall asleep What to do: Ibuprofen (for kids older than 12 months) or acetaminophen can help relieve the ache, but you can also try this remedy for severe pain from middle ear infections: "Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in the microwave so it's warm -- but not hot -- to your touch," says Leeds. "Put two to three drops of the warm oil in your child's affected ear. It relaxes the membranes and brings almost instant relief." Applying a warm, damp washcloth to your child's ear also can help. Either way, it's smart to check in with your doctor in the morning; your child may need an antibiotic to clear the infection if it's not improving on its own (as many do). If your child is prone to them, ask about getting prescription eardrops to numb the pain next time around.FeverWhy it's worse at night: Body temperature rises naturally in the evening, so a fever that was slight during the day can easily spike during sleep.What to do: First, take your child's temperature (do it rectally if she's under 6 months old -- and, ideally, for as long as she'll allow this method). Any fever above 100.4°F in an infant under 3 months warrants an immediate call to the doctor. Same goes for an elevated temp in any child that's accompanied by lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, stiff neck, or an unusual rash. Parenting.com: Feverish kid? Find out if she should see a doctorOtherwise, try a dose of acetaminophen, wait half an hour, and check the temperature again, says Leeds. "If it hasn't begun to come down and she's older than a year, give your child some ibuprofen, too," she adds. "You can use these medications together, separated by half an hour. Just remember that acetaminophen can be given every four hours, and ibuprofen can be given every six to eight hours." (Write down the time of each dose to help you keep track.) In the meantime -- and if you're not too delirious -- you can give your child a room-temperature bath to help cool her down. And definitely help her stay hydrated by offering some water (or formula or breast milk if she's a baby) before she goes back to sleep. Call the doctor in the morning to check in; she may want you to bring your child in. Parenting.com: What kind of cough is it? Find out with an interactive symptom checkerItchy skinWhy it's worse at night: When your child is lying still, it's a whole lot easier to focus on the itchiness, whether it's due to poison ivy, bug bites, eczema, or even sunburn. And if the itchy skin is rooted in some kind of allergy, you've got the higher nighttime levels of histamines to thank.What to do: Take some advice from Tyler Bingham of Lynn Haven, Florida, whose 4-year-old daughter has eczema. "Katie's skin is always itchier at night," says Bingham. "So before she goes to bed, we use a moisturizing body wash, then I'll massage a dry-skin lotion, usually one from Aveeno, onto her legs, where her eczema is the worst. The massage calms her and the lotion soothes. If need be, I also run a cool-mist humidifier in her room to keep the air moist."Dealing with an allergic rash or lots of bites? An antihistamine can bring relief. A topical cortisone cream can help as well, but again, avoid using this type of product before you have specific instructions from your ped.Stuffy noseWhy it's worse at night: Too bad kids can't sleep standing up like horses -- then their nasal passages wouldn't swell more when they sleep!What to do: For immediate relief, use saline nose drops or spray. Both will moisten the membranes and loosen the secretions, making it easier for your child to blow out the mucus, or for you to remove it with a bulb syringe if you have a baby. "My nine-month-old, Hamza, hated the bulb syringe whenever I used it on him," says Diana Malikyar, who lives in Stone Mountain, Georgia. "But then I laid him down in front of the bathroom mirror so he could watch me doing it. Once it stopped taking him by surprise, he was very willing to let me use it."You may be tempted to offer your child a decongestant, but they're no longer recommended for kids under 2, and many doctors advise against giving them to older kids. There's no evidence that they work, and some that they could cause harm. And unless you're positive the stuffiness is due to allergies, steer clear of antihistamines, too. 

How to repair your room air conditioner

Filed under: Advice — Phillip @ 2:03 pm

Room air conditioners are also frequently known as window units. Room air conditioners work similarly to central air conditioners. They are compact in size compared to central air conditioners.

A room unit cools the room depending upon the area. Room air conditioners consist of a coil, compressor, fan, motor and thermostat controls. You should clean a room air conditioner from dust particles every week, as dust particles lower the efficiency of the evaporator coil. Dust particles that get collected in a room air conditioner can even obstruct the operation of the fan that blows cool air. It can even block drain ports and clog filters.

Parts of the room air conditioner like the coil, compressor and motor are sealed; therefore repair work on these components should be done by a team of professional people. You can perform minor repairs and regular maintenance of your unit so that room air conditioners run better for a longer period of time.

During winter, room air conditioners have to be protected from elements that prevent the unit from functioning efficiently. Room air conditioners have two capacitors which are located behind the panel and the fan. Whenever you are about to perform any type of repair work on your air conditioner make sure that you unplug it from the main source. Room air conditioners are units that will run effectively if they are properly maintained.

Cold weather causes high electric bills

Local News

Greg Moses

Staff Writer

High utility bills are heating up the area, with a number of complaints being filed with area utilities such as the Athens and Etowah utilities boards and Volunteer Energy Cooperative.

To understand charges on a utility bill from any utility provider, AUB spokesman Wayne Scarbrough said customers have to think back to what happened just after they received their previous bill.

"When the bill lands in your hands, you have to think about what was going on weather-wise and activity-wise over the past four to six weeks, depending on your billing cycle," said Scarbrough.

Patty Hurley, VEC's vice president of marketing and economic development, said "several factors" came together "all at once" in the late fall to cause significant electric and gas bill increases for customers of all utilities this month.

Among those factors are the Tennessee Valley Authority's 3 percent base rate increase and 17 percent fuel cost adjustment (FCA) in October.

"The impact of those were felt dramatically when an unseasonably cold November swept through much of the Tennessee Valley," Hurley said.

Those "unseasonably cold" temperatures in November meant gas and electric heating units "cranked up" early, according to Scarbrough. With air conditioning systems being a home's biggest energy user, he said when it starts up, customers will know.

"In the fall, you get low bills for three or four months because you're not having to heat or cool much. We're lulled into very low usage, and some of us aren't prepared for the winter. We haven't tightened up the house much. Six weeks later, when we get a utility bill, we're shocked," Scarbrough said.

These jumps in energy costs are seen by customers every winter and summer, according to Scarbrough. He added that in the winter, factors in addition to cold weather contribute to high energy demand.

"It's the holiday season, so people have lights and decorations going, and have people in and out of their homes more often," said Scarbrough. "All of those things mean greater energy demand, and that means higher energy costs."

Scarbrough said while some customers believe their utility provider is "out to get them," the truth is quite the opposite.

"We're not out to get people. We're just reporting usage and billing appropriately," he said. "In fact, we constantly put out energy conservation tips to help customers save money. We understand what our customers see, because we see it in our homes, too, and the utilities have their own power bills. AUB has a power bill to TVA for up to $3.5 million per month, and we have a monthly bill to the gas pipeline company based on our gas usage. We truly are just a distributor."

Energy Saving Tips

The biggest way to save on energy is to keep your home's thermostat in the 60s.

"Air conditioning systems are the biggest user of power in your home," said Scarbrough. "Keep it in the 60s, wear a sweater and use an extra blanket."

Preventing air loss will help prevent cash loss when it comes time to pay your utility bill. Making sure windows and doors are sealed, as well as any cracks where air can leak out, will keep more heat and air in. That means your air conditioner will have less work to do and, thus, will use less energy.

Scarbrough said water heating is the second biggest consumer of electricity, so keep hot water usage as low as possible and make sure your water heater and pipes are insulated to keep in heat longer.

Keeping lights off in rooms not being used is also a way to save on energy costs.

"A light on in a room you're not in is like flipping coins out the window," said Scarbrough.

And speaking of windows, keeping curtains open on the south side of your house during winter days will provide significant heating during the day. Keep all other curtains closed day and night to help prevent heat loss.

Unplugging certain appliances that use an A/C adapter or have "blinking lights" on them - such as laptops, cell phone chargers and even coffee makers - can offer some energy savings, as well.

"Anything with a light on it is using electricity," said Scarbrough.

Hurley said VEC offers several programs to customers designed to help them use electricity more efficiently and save on their monthly bills. Those programs include a do-it-yourself home energy audit that provides some customized energy saving tips for your home when you complete the online or paper audit. For a limited time, participants in this program also receive a free conservation kit.

The mold factory in your home or business

By comfortsolutions

The water damage factory.

 

By: John C. Buonauro

 

 

Summer and its associated energy costs are fast approaching and it’s time to consider the efficiency of your HVAC system. An air conditioner removes water from the air. Water damage can be very common in any building or unit that uses central air conditioning. There are a variety of ways water damage can be caused, but proper maintenance can prevent many potentially costly repairs. Here are the most important items to consider with your HVAC systems:

 

• If your unit does not have a “p” trap install one. Most manufactures ask for at least a three inch “p” trap tray. An air conditioning unit without a “p” trap can cause water damage.

• Make sure the condensate drain pipe has a proper pitch. If there is not enough pitch on your condensate drain lines, dirt collects in the pipe and can plug the condensate drain lines.

• Replace the air filter regularly. This can be done by your renter, maintenance personal, or a licensed HVAC contractor. A clean air filter will help keep your evaporator coil and drain pan clean and more efficient. Inexpensive air filters collect about 10% of the debris in the air while a more efficient air filter collects about 30% of air debris. A dirty or too restrictive air filter can cause a variety of problems. The evaporator coil can ice up and cause water damage. When air filters are dirty, the evaporator fan motor stops working.

• Maintenance is critical to keeping your HVAC system working properly and extending the life of your system. The three most important items you can do to prevent water damage are:

• Vacuum out the drain pan yearly: November to March.

• Wash out condensate drain lines yearly. Clean out the condensate drain pipe when you vacuum the drain pan.

• Make sure your condensate drain line is pitched correctly.

 

 

Mr. Buonauro has twenty nine years of experience in HVAC residential, commercial, and market refrigeration as a second generation journeyman. In addition, John C. Buonauro is also an HVAC instructor.

If you have any questions relating to HVAC servicing, installations or maintenance please contact www.ACFOOL.com or 727-678-4339. 

Who is responsible for flood?

By RICHARD WHITE

Q:While I was away for the summer, my air conditioner condenser's drain blocked and water flooded my unit and ruined my walls and carpet. There is mold on the baseboards, walls and carpeting. I was informed by the board that it was my fault because I did not maintain the drain. I thought this was a common area drain and the association's responsibility. I filed a claim with my insurance company and the unit is being repaired. I had no idea the air conditioner drain has to be cleaned on a regular basis.

P.C., St. Petersburg

A: This is a common problem with air conditioners. Some AC units produce more sludge (a buildup of algae) than others. Most systems need to be cleaned two or three times a year. It is advisable to have an AC technician check out the unit every few months.

 

In the AC industry there are two thoughts about the problem. One is to place special chlorine tablets in the condenser pan or put bleach in the drain or pan. The other thought is that this will corrode the system and should not be used. The technician should be able to provide you with the best way to operate your system to prevent the blockage.

As to the problem of who is responsible for cleaning the drain, you would need to check your documents. However, I have only seen a couple of documents that discussed AC drains. The association is by no means responsible for the loss of your personal property.

Q:There has been recent conversation between members of our condominium that the state is considering eliminating a board's right to put liens on delinquent unit owners. Can you shed light on this rumor?

E.T., Fort Pierce

A: More than likely the false rumor was started as a result of so many news stories about owners not paying their fees. In fact, several state legislators are talking about strengthening the law when bank foreclosures happen. Without the power to force payment of maintenance fees, the associations would be at the mercy of the members and would fail.

 

As bad as it is to force a delinquent owner out of his home, it is an indispensable solution to properly operate the association. I encourage all boards to establish a rapid collection policy that does include liens and rapid foreclosure proceedings.

Q:What about absentee board members? In our condominium, all of the directors are in residence for only six months of the year. Then they all head north for the other six months. Should they not schedule to have one board member in residence at all times? They have added the expense of a manager to do their work and we have to pay for this expense. It does not seem that we should have to pay for their vacations.

C.R., Miami

A: I do not think this is a fair question to ask of your board. I have managed several associations in which all the directors move north for six months. I think if you read your documents, you will find that the board has the right to hire management. No document or statute says that the board must do all the work and never leave the condominium. In reality, most associations operate better when they have a professional manager doing the day-to-day work.

SANYO to Exhibit Leading HVAC Flexi-Multi Technology, Eco-I Heat Recovery, Compressors and Solar Power at AHR Expo

SANYO Commercial Solutions, a division of SANYO North America Corporation is proud to announce it will show its unique HVAC Flexi-multi technology, 3-Way ECO-i Heat Recovery unit, compressors and solar technologies at the 2009 AHR Expo.

ahr 2009



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EMAILWIRE.COM, January 02, 2009 ) SANYO to Exhibit Leading HVAC Flexi-Multi Technology, Eco-I Heat Recovery, Compressors and Solar Power at AHR Expo

Wood Dale, IL, December 30, 2008—SANYO Commercial Solutions, a division of SANYO North America Corporation is proud to announce it will show its unique HVAC Flexi-multi technology, 3-Way ECO-i Heat Recovery unit, compressors and solar technologies at the 2009 AHR Expo, held this year at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL from January 26-28. Among the items on display will be SANYO’s single-split, multi-split and ECO-i systems, which provide zoned comfort for all residential and commercial applications with a network of support, training and sustainable, energy-saving solutions.

One product to be exhibited, the new ECO-i 3-Way series, offers the ability to heat and cool different zones simultaneously. SANYO was the first in the world to manufacturer this energy saving heat recovery solution, winning the technical award from the Japan Society of Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers and the Energy Conservation Vanguard Award from the Energy Conservation Center of Japan in 1990.* The combined 3-Way room conditioning offers superior heating and cooling and is coupled with cost-effective installation. By providing a single refrigerant pipe network, there's only one penetration point into the building, ultimately saving contractors, and, in turn, buyers material costs and installation time. The ECO-i product line offers an ideal conditioning solution for large capacity jobs that require simultaneous heating and cooling.

Also being show are the Flexi-Multi wall mounted air conditioners and heat pumps. The line offers the utmost in versatility with 213 different combinations of heating and cooling options for multiple application, which allows for greater flexibility and solves the problem of limited installation space. By utilizing environmentally friendly, yet highly efficient R-410a refrigerants and DC Inverter technology, the SANYO Flexi-Multi air conditioner or heat pump, automatically adjust its performance to meet the changing needs of the space while maintaining the desired temperature. SANYO’s products are not only more energy efficient, but also offer customers the most comfortable environment possible.

As the world leader in solar panel power generation per installed square foot, SANYO will also showcase display its HIT (Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin-layer) solar panels at the show. HIT solar panels are designed especially for installation locations where a lot of power generation is needed in smaller areas, such as on rooftops. The power generated from these panels can in turn be used by HVAC systems to providing cleaner energy, and offer a sustainable solution for years to come.

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