HVAC Tax Credits

Time is running out to take advantage of this year's tax credits on qualifying hvac equipment, both residential and small business!  Roughly half of all energy used in an average household goes to heating and cooling, so why not upgrade to take advantage of the savings?  At Environmental Heating & Air, great financing is available to help offset your total cost, couple that with the above mentioned tax credit, and you can be well on your way to some very beneficial savings!  It is important to note that the available tax credits being offered by the government are only for QUALIFYING system upgrades, so it's important to check and make sure the equipment you're going to purchase will qualify.  Here is the link to the official energystar.gov website with all the proper information to help you make your decision:

https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits/heating_ventilating_air_conditioning

Also, here is an informative link about write-offs for self-employed / small business's that includes heating and air conditioning:

http://quickbooks.intuit.com/self-employed-center/10-tax-deductions-every-freelancer-needs-to-know/

Remember, time is running out quick so if you've been on the fence about upgrading, don't delay!



Environmental Heating & Air of NC
919-535-8422

Happy Holidays To Our Customers!

Happy Holidays to all of our loyal customers!  2016 was a great year for us and we truly appreciate your business!  Thanks to you, our company will continue to grow and improve with the best incentives and lowest pricing around.  We look forward to serving you in the new year as we always make it our mission to meet and exceed your heating and air conditioning needs! 



Heating & Air Conditioning
919-535-8422

Dirty Sock Syndrome

During certain times of the year, like the present, when a heat pump may warm in the morning hours and then cool at noon and later hours, it can produce condensate from noon on which fuels organic debris decay resulting in microorganism growth in and around the evaporator coil for up to 16 hours — only to release odor and toxins during the next morning’s warming hours. Heat pump coil temperatures are often not sufficient enough to kill proliferating microbes. Those that may die simply serve as a future food source for continued proliferation.

A thorough coil cleaning will make a difference, but the problem will usually return.  That's why, in addition to regular cleanings by an HVAC professional, UV-C lights are a must in eradicating all microbial growth.  UV-C lights kill microbes of all kinds and types and, like bleach, disassociates their carcasses and other organic materials. UV-C lights produce very little heat, no odor, and leave no secondary contamination behind — and it operates continuously as long as the blower wheel is engaged, which means no build-up of microbial matter!  UV-C lights can now be purchased for relatively cheap and installation is usually quite brief.  Consult your local HVAC service provider today to get rid of that pesky dirty sock odor for good!


Heating & Air
919-535-8422

Heat Pumps In The Heating Season

A very common concern from homeowners during the wintertime is "why is my heat pump blowing out cool air in heat mode?"  Well, there's a good chance your body is actually playing a trick on you.  Think about it, your body temperature is approximately 98 degrees at any given time, so when you run your hand or foot across that air register, odds are it's going to feel somewhat cool.  The key is to keep an eye on your thermostat.  If the heat pump is maintaining whatever temperature you are setting the heat at, then it's doing its job and there is likely nothing wrong with the heat pump.  The discharge air temperature on a heat pump isn't as warm as a gas furnace's.  When the outdoor temperature starts to get down into the mid thirties, heat pumps begin losing their efficiency and the auxiliary heat will then become the main source of heat.

If your heat pump system is having trouble maintaining the temperature you have set on the thermostat, then you probably have a legit problem such as low refrigerant, dirty air filter(s), dirty/restricted outdoor unit, etc.  As with any system, a regular maintenance plan from a licensed company can help identify and prevent problems before they happen at the worst of times.  Our certified technicians are always willing to answer any questions you may have about your heating and a/c unit as well as inform you on what to expect.  Give us a call today!

Environmental Heating & Air of NC, Inc.
919-535-8422

High Efficiency Furnaces Getting Even Better

With the winter season not far away, it's a great time to take advantage of some great prices on higher efficiency furnaces!  Manufacturers are continuing to make great strides in improving overall furnace operation and convenience.  It's now getting easier and easier for homeowners to purchase high efficiency furnaces with better prices and more flexibility on installation options.  In other words, if you want to upgrade that old inefficient gas furnace with a brand new 90+ percent high efficiency gas furnace, it can now be done with little to no modifications to your existing gas lines and location!

First off, the best model furnaces to go with, efficiency wise, are the Energy Star qualified furnaces.  The efficiency of new furnaces is measured by the annual fuel utilization efficiency(AFUE), which is a measure of seasonal performance.  Furnaces today are rated between 80% AFUE and 98% AFUE.  Above 90% AFUE, a unit is considered to be "condensing", which means it recaptures some of the heat that would be wasted in traditional systems by condensing the escaping water vapor.  80-89% AFUE furnaces are still good furnaces, they are much better and more efficient than older style furnaces and are more affordable up front than the 90-98% high efficiency furnaces.  However, the 80-89% furnaces do not qualify for Energy Star programs.  The 90%-98% high efficiency furnaces are more expensive, but they do qualify for rebate programs which can earn you some nice cash in return.  Not to mention, your gas/utility bill(s) will take a noticeable dip in usage.  Great financing is currently available at really low rates!  Which in turn can make the 90-98% Energy Star rated furnaces much more affordable.  Just give us a call or your trusted heating and air company in your area a call and take advantage of the great costs and efficiencies before the actual cold season gets here.  You will be amazed at the results you see in the form of energy savings!

-Nickadeemus
919-535-8422

Be Proactive Now!

We are now less than a month away from the first day of autumn!  Right now is the best time to take advantage of what we call the "in-between season".  So what are the advantages of being proactive in an in-between season?  Everything from reduced pricing on new furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners to simply having the peace of mind that your heating system will be ready for the upcoming fall and winter seasons with a proactive Preventative Maintenance done by a certified and licensed pro.  So if you are willing to get your fall Preventative Maintenance done a little early this year, you will get any replacement parts you may need and / or any other service done that you may require as identified by your Preventative Maintenance technician at the quickest turnaround time of the year!  

A Preventative Maintenance contract can more than pay for itself in fewer emergency repairs and lower utility bills alone.  There are a multitude of things that can cause your heating and a/c unit to fail as well as take years off it's life, and most of these things can't be found unless you are proactive and have someone with a trained eye who can spot the immediate warning signs.  Whether it's low refrigerant in your heat pump(which can cause your heat strips to stay on all the time during the winter = high energy bill) or a furnace with a cracked heat exchanger(which produces the deadly gas Carbon Monoxide), there really is no downside to signing up for a Preventative Maintenance Contract.  If nothing else it will be to have the peace of mind knowing that you don't have to worry about your heating and a/c, as we keep a detailed record of your system's specifications and tendencies.  To learn more about our Preventative Maintenance Plan or if you have any questions about anything else we can help you with, please visit our website or give us a call!


919-535-8422
enviro-nc.com

Air Quality Products

Environmental Heating & Air is a proponent of air quality improvement specializing in HVAC system replacements and air quality products.  We offer everything from free estimates on system replacements to an extensive assortment of air quality products including air filters of all sizes by the case, air purification systems, UV lights and mold / odor eliminators!  Routine maintenance service is also offered at a discounted rate!  Environmental Heating & Air proudly services the Raleigh / Durham area of central North Carolina!  Check out some prices below as well as the link to Environmental Heating & Air's website....

Case (12) 20x20x1 Filter MERV 8 Pleated:  $49.00

Case (12) 10x20x1 Filter MERV 8 Pleated:  $35.00

Semi-annual Preventative Maintenance Service Plan:  $119.00 per year (2 visits)

For more products and services, please visit http://www.enviro-nc.com

Environmental Heating & Air of NC, Inc.
919-535-8422

Simple Info That Can Save Time & Money

At Environmental, we've discovered that the more information a customer is able to provide about their a/c and/or heating system, the more prepared our service technicians can be to expedite getting the customer's system back up and running.  While our service technicians have a wealth of knowledge and can solve really any problem with a malfunctioning hvac system, a lot of times it's the customer that can provide the most important observable information that saves everyone both time and money. 

For example, there are instances when a customer will call and say their a/c is no longer cooling.  We then ask if they are receiving any air flow at all or is it a case where the air that is coming out is just warm or room temperature?  By simply knowing this, the customer can quite possibly eliminate one whole part of a system and isolate right away where the malfunctioning part likely lies.  Again, every bit of info a customer can provide us before the initial service appointment can possibly end up saving them a good deal of money on labor costs and return trips.  By no means are we asking people to be experts on the subject, just simple observations noted by the customer can provide time saving clues much like a witness to a crime.  This is especially crucial for those mysterious intermittent problems that need to be directly observed in order to properly diagnose the issue.  There are separate autonomous electrical and mechanical systems at work within any single hvac system.  If one of these independent circuits or refrigerant flow systems were to begin to malfunction, it can cause the whole system to perform inefficiently or very likely not at all.  So when a customer is able to report their direct observance, it often allows the servicing technician to know beforehand what to expect and where to start.

Any information is good information when reporting a problem with your home's hvac system.  Your professional servicing technician and your wallet will thank you!



Environmental Heating & Air of NC
919-535-8422

Landscaping For Shade And Energy Efficiency

Did you know that proper landscaping can can have quite a significant effect on the energy efficiency in your home during the warmer months?  The Department of Energy claims that the shade from having trees properly planted around your home can lower the surrounding air temperature by as much as 9 degrees.  It might not sound like a lot, but that actually can have considerable impact on your air conditioner's energy consumption.  Proper landscaping involves planting the right kind of trees and shrubs in strategic locations to accurately account for the positions of the sun throughout the day and the moving shadows your trees and shrubs will create.  The Department of Energy website goes in-depth on this as well as choosing trees that will also be helpful during the colder months as well.  The link is provided below.  Please take a moment and check out the Department of Energy website and learn how to start saving money while staying cool....

Department of Energy

Environmental Heating & Air of NC
919-535-8422

Thinking About Getting A New Air Conditioner?

At certain times of the year, the price of purchasing a new heating and air conditioning unit is at it's absolute lowest.  Those times take place most often at the end of the year and also when supply/demand dictates.  For example, right now!  The between seasons period is the most sluggish period sales-wise, and in an effort to keep products moving along, manufacturers are forced to lower their prices on new systems.  Which in turn is very beneficial to the customer, that kinda goes without saying.

Not only during these times does the cost of a new system go down, but also the interest rate that goes along with financing that new system!  It's a well known fact that the economy is bad right now and couple that with the above mentioned weather, and you've got yourself a perfect time to purchase that new system that you've had in the back of your mind that you know will need purchasing soon.  So I'm just trying to help you folks out by filling you in on the best times of the year to get that new system!  Trust me, you don't want to wait until the weather changes and demand goes back up, because so will the prices and interest rates!  At Environmental, we offer free quotes on system replacements with no pressure or hassle.  Our quotes are good for 30 days, so if you're even thinking you might need a new system before too long, strike now while the iron is hot!  Give us a call!

-Nickadeemus
919-535-8422
www.enviro-nc.com

Perfect Time To Check Your A/C

It's routine maintenance season!  The weather is mild, not too cool, not too warm.  In other words, we are in between peak seasons of heating and a/c usage.  So, if you are willing to get your spring Preventative Maintenance done a little early this year, the chances of getting any replacement parts you may need or any other service done that you may require as identified by your Preventative Maintenance technician, you will receive the fastest service available!  That often means same day parts replacement appointments.  Turn around time on these appointments is the fastest during this time of year.

A Preventative Maintenance Contract can more than pay for itself in fewer emergency repairs and lower utility bills alone.  As with your vehicle or really any mechanical item, routine maintenance is a must!  There are a multitude of things that can cause your heating and a/c unit to fail as well as take years off it's life, and most of these things can't be found unless you are proactive and have someone with a trained eye who can spot the immediate warning signs.  Whether it's low refrigerant in your heat pump(which can cause your heat strips to stay on all the time during the winter and/or your a/c to run continuously during the summer = high energy bill) or a furnace with a cracked heat exchanger(which produces the deadly gas Carbon Monoxide), or just all around dirt and grime(which greatly decreases efficiency), there really is no downside to signing up for a Preventative Maintenance Contract.  If nothing else, it will be to have the peace of mind knowing that you don't have to worry about your heating and a/c, as we keep a detailed record of your system's specifications and tendencies.  To learn more about Environmental's Preventative Maintenance Plan or if you have any questions about anything else we can help you with, please visit our website or give us a call!

Environmental Heating & Air of NC
919-535-8422
enviro-nc.com

New Thermostat?

It may be getting about time to replace that old thermostat on your wall, especially if it is the old mercury style.  At Environmental, we do not recommend attempting to install a brand new thermostat yourself.  It is always best left to a certified professional as they are able to ensure that you are putting up the right thermostat for your particular system and that it is installed correctly.  Especially now with the invention of the more complicated "learning" thermostats like the Nest.  However, there's probably a lot of you out there who will still do it yourself to save some money, which is completely understandable.

Well, for all you do-it-yourselfers out there and anybody who would just like some great general knowledge about the process, we have a youtube channel that you can check out at http://www.youtube.com/user/Environc.  There's also a couple more videos on there with some great general knowledge stuff, so just subscribe for free to the Environmental youtube channel and stay in the know!  As always, thanks for reading!

-Nickadeemus
www.enviro-nc.com
919-535-8422

High Efficiency For Low Temps

If you're one of those people who decided to take advantage of purchasing a high efficiency heating and air conditioning system, these freezing cold days and nights must be making you glad you did!  Did you know that if you upgrade to a high efficiency heating and a/c system, you could reduce your home's energy consumption by up to 30 - 40%?  Not to mention, most local utility companies offer special incentives to their customers who purchase Energy Star qualified heating and a/c equipment!

While it is more money up front to purchase one of these systems, you more than make your money back in energy usage.  Here at Environmental, we have awesome financing options that can easily fit your budget!  With heating and air conditioning accounting for approximately 56% of the energy usage in your home, purchasing a high efficiency system is truly a wise investment.

Always remember, just because you purchase high efficiency equipment, it means nothing if the equipment isn't properly installed.  Qualified professionals from a reputable company, like Environmental Heating & Air, should be the only ones tasked with installing your new high efficiency heating and a/c equipment.  These certified technicians will also be able to spot other key factors in your home that can lead to poor efficiency:  outdated insulation, window and door air leaks, unsealed ductwork, etc...

Bottom line is, if you're serious about saving money and using less energy, a high efficiency heating and air system is what you need!  Ask anyone who has one, right now they are sitting comfortably while saving money!

-Nickadeemus
Environmental Heating & Air of NC, Inc.
919-535-8422