Grayson Energy Saving Tip: Common Causes of Drafts in Your Home

February 22nd, 2012

If you find your Grayson home’s heating bill is routinely too high, there is a common reason. Most of the time it is due to air leaks and drafts in your home that allow warm air to escape and cold air to enter. Here are some common causes of such leaks and what you can do about them.

Sources of Drafts in Your Home

There are obvious drafts and less obvious ones. Let’s start by looking at the drafts that are most obvious:

  • Outlets and Plates
  • Windows
  • Baseboards
  • Attic
  • Air Conditioners
  • Weather Stripping

You can probably do a quick inspection of your home by yourself to check for these potential air leaks and find whatever may be causing the problem. The easiest way to check for drafts is simply to hold your hand up to the space and check for a change in air flow. You can also get a portable thermometer and see if the air temperature is different in those areas than it is in the center of the room or by the thermostat.

Insulation Inspection

Insulation is probably already in your home, but with time it can thin, get leaks or tear. Look for gaps in insulation or drafts coming through. A professional can inspect your insulation as well and make sure that it is still holding as much heat in as it was originally rated for. If you know that your insulation values are too low or that the insulation is particularly old, it may be a good time to have it inspected by a professional.

Making Changes

If you notice easy to fix drafts in your Grayson home, fix them immediately and you’ll be shocked by how much energy you save. For larger leaks such as your insulation, loose windows or problems with your doors, consider calling someone who is an expert in closing up air drafts and keeping your home both comfortable and affordable to heat and cool.

For more information about how to make your home more energy efficient, give Triad Mechanical a call!

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Happy President’s Day from Your Greater Metro Atlanta Area HVAC Contractor!

February 20th, 2012

Everyone at Triad Mechanical wishes you a very happy President’s Day! We hope you all get a chance to take advantage of some of the great sales! It is also a great time to think about how you can make your community a better place. Lend a neighbor a helping hand or volunteer your time; everyone doing a little good can make a big difference!  Being more green is also a good way to help you community, and upgrading your HVAC system can be a big part of that. If you have an older system that is using a lot of fuel, a new system will not only save you money but also help you make your home more environmentally friendly, which is good for everyone.

One of the traditions of celebrating Presidents Day is food made with cherries, in honor of George Washington, so here is a great recipe for some Cherry-Blueberry Pie:

“A fruity and fun surprise awaits you inside this double crusted cherry and blueberry pie.”

INGREDIENTS:

1 (15 ounce) package refrigerated pie

crusts

1/2 cup white sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling

1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries

1 egg white

1 teaspoon water

2 teaspoons sugar

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
  2. Press one of the pie crusts into a 9 inch pie plate. In a large bowl, stir together 1/2 cup of sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon. Stir in the cherry pie filling and blueberries. Spoon into the pie crust. Top with the second crust, and press the edges to seal. Flute edges, or press with the tines of a fork. In a cup, whisk together the egg white and water with a fork. Brush over the top of the pie, then sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of sugar.
  3. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes in the preheated oven, or until crust is golden brown. Cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil if they appear to be getting too dark. Cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set before serving.

This recipe is from allrecipes.com, visit their site for more details!

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Sugar Hill Heating Installation Question: What Exactly Are High Efficiency Boilers?

February 17th, 2012

You have already read plenty about how energy costs are rising. You know plenty well that heating your Sugar Hill home is a substantial expense, and that the cost of running a boiler is constantly on the rise.

But as technology has gotten better, so have boilers become more efficient at providing heat. It stands to reason that a more efficient boiler is one that costs less to run…but what does “efficient” really mean in the context of boilers? What makes a boiler “high efficiency”?

 What Is a High Efficiency Boiler?

All boilers are rated according to a standardized system of rating efficiency, called the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). Essentially, this rating tells you how much heat energy is produced by a boiler compared to how much energy it draws. The higher a boiler’s AFUE rating, the more efficient it is.

For a boiler to be called high efficiency, it must carry an AFUE of at least 90%. For basis of comparison, older systems carry an AFUE of about 70%, while mid-efficiency systems run at about 82%.

In addition, a high efficiency system has a second heat exchanger for capturing and condensing flue gases, as well as a closed combustion system.

These three things — an AFUE of 90% or above, condensing flue gases and closed combustion – define a high efficiency boiler.

The initial investment in a high efficiency boiler can be costly, but the savings over time in heating bills make it well worth the expense.

If you would like a high efficiency boiler installed in your home, give Triad Mechanical a call today!

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Happy Valentine’s Day from Your Greater Metro Atlanta Area Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors!

February 14th, 2012

We wish you a very happy Valentine’s Day! Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show your appreciation to everyone who makes a difference in your life. Even a small gift, like a batch of cookies or a homemade card, can really make someone feel special. Your friends, your family, and your significant other will all have a fantastic Valentine’s Day if you take a moment to let them know how important they are to you.

Calling us for an HVAC upgrade might seem like a usual gift, but it can actually be something that benefits your whole family. An improved indoor air quality system can make your air cleaner and healthier, and a new heating system can make your home more comfortable and save you money by lowering your utility bills. Those are improvements that every member of your family can enjoy.

If you have any questions about upgrades for your heating and air conditioning system, give Triad Mechanical a call today! And to help you celebrate this sweet holiday, here is a recipe for Chocolate Cakes with Liquid Centers:

“Warm, soft and gooey chocolate cakes. Perfect for that ubiquitous chocolate fix. A good-quality bittersweet chocolate is necessary for the success of these cakes.”

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup butter

4 (1 ounce) squares bittersweet

chocolate

2 eggs

2 egg yolks

1/4 cup white sugar

2 teaspoons all-purpose flour

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Butter and flour four 4 ounce ramekins or custard cups.
  2. In the top half of a double boiler set over simmering water, heat the butter and the chocolate until chocolate is almost completely melted.
  3. Beat the eggs, egg yolks and sugar together until light colored and thick.
  4. Beat together the melted chocolate and butter. While beating, slowly pour the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, then quickly beat in the flour and mix until just combined.
  5. Divide the batter between the four molds and bake at 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) for 6 to 7 minutes. The centers of the cakes will still be quite soft. Invert cakes on serving plates and let sit for about 15 seconds, then unmold. Serve immediately with fresh whipped cream, if desired.

For more details, visit allrecipes.com.

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Lilburn Heating Contractor Guide: Simple Steps to Prevent Heat Loss

February 13th, 2012

There are two fundamental ways to make your Lilburn house warmer. One is to generate heat, which is the job of your furnace or boiler. The second is to keep the warm air in — and thereby keep cold air out — which is the job of your system of insulation.

The idea that the physical structure of a home can be a component of the HVAC system is one that is often overlooked, but when you think about it, it makes sense. The insulation, windows, doors and building materials that comprise your home are designed to keep the place warm against the cold and vice versa.

So, when bolstering your HVAC system to promote efficient heating, it is important to also consider heat loss and how to prevent it. This is a process that can get out of hand if you go overboard, so it is important to prioritize. Let’s look at the top 3 places to start when trying to prevent heat loss.

  1. Doors and Windows:  If you have older doors and windows, they could be a source of heat loss in your house, even if they are always closed. Replacing your windows and door with Energy Star rated ones will make sure that you are not losing heat to the outside AND still getting all the heat energy from the sun. Installing storm windows or putting up heavy curtains in winter can also help cut down on your heat loss.
  1. Seal off drafts. If any opening to your house, such as windows and doors, is improperly sealed, improperly installed or if the surrounding construction is deteriorating, you can lose a lot of heat. Check any drafts that you notice that might indicate a problem, and also if your vents and air ducts are leaky.
  1. Start at the top. If you want to go farther in sealing your house up against the cold, it is time to work on the insulation. When installing new insulation, remember that heat rises, so you get the most bang for your buck by starting at the top. If you only have the budget or time to insulate one space, make it the attic. You can work down from there.

These areas should be your top three priorities on your mission to prevent heat loss in your Lilburn home. If you start here, you will get the best gains with the least effort. If you have any questions about how you can keep your home warm this year, give Triad Mechanical a call!

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Snellville HVAC Equipment – 25 % Off Purchase!

February 10th, 2012

Your HVAC equipment can make a big difference in your Snellville home’s energy consumption and comfort level. The little extras you can get, like an air purifier or humidifier, can make your system more effective and as well as keep your family safe and healthy. And if you want to make your home more energy efficient, an energy recovery ventilator is a great investment. An energy recovery ventilator will transfer the energy leaving your house to the air entering your house, which will give you the benefit of having fresh air in your home without losing all of the energy in your conditioned air to the outside world.  This is an easy way to make your home a little greener and cut down on your utility bills. If you want to treat your house to a few upgrades this year, we are offering a great deal to our Value Care Club members: 25% Off a Purchase!* Get some great new equipment to make your home more comfortable, your whole family will thank you!

*Excludes equipment replacements

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Lawrenceville Indoor Air Quality Question: What Type of Air Cleaner Is Best for People with Pets?

February 8th, 2012

Lots of people in Lawrenceville have pets, and they are a great addition to your family. However, pet ownership has one very obvious drawback: dander. The fur, dry skin cells and other debris that pets carry around flakes off their bodies and onto your furniture and rugs. The also means they inevitably wind up in your air, recirculated through your whole house via your HVAC system.

Or at least, that’s what happens if you don’t have an air cleaner or some sort of air filtration system. This leads many pet owners to ask, “what is the best air cleaner for me?”

With all the choices in air cleaners, the choice can seem daunting. If the goal is specifically to filter out pet dander, it becomes somewhat easier.

Pet dander is quite large in size relation to other indoor air pollutants, so many air cleaners are equipped to do the job. You can use an air cleaner with a standard pleated HEPA filter, or one that uses electrostatic technology. You will want to make sure that the HEPA filter is rated to handle pet dander. A MERV rating of 8 or more is recommended.

Once you have an air cleaner installed, make sure to change or clean the air filter frequently, in accordance with manufacturer instructions. A clogged air filter won’t help eliminate pet dander from your household air and can actually degrade the operation of your HVAC system’s air handler.

In addition to installing a high quality air cleaner with a HEPA filter, you can also help reduce the amount of pet dander floating around your home by keeping the place clean. Vacuuming often and dusting hard surfaces weekly keeps pet hair and dander from being drawn up into the HVAC system, which reduces wear on the air cleaner. If you need any help choosing the right air filter for your home, call Triad Mechanical!

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Roswell Heating Repair Tip: Furnace Control Boards

February 6th, 2012

One way to be a truly responsible Roswell homeowner is to familiarize yourself with the major systems and appliances in your home. By having at least some understanding of how, say, your refrigerator or toilet work, you gain understanding of how to use them efficiently and detect when something goes wrong.

The same is true of your furnace, which can appear to be a complicated piece of machinery. In order to help you get acquainted with your furnace, we will discuss one of its main control components, the furnace control board.

As the name suggests, furnace control boards are responsible for governing the operation of the furnace. At a minimum, a simple furnace control will control the furnace ignitor (e.g., a spark generator or glow coil), the gas valve and the furnace thermocouple, also called a flame sensor.

More complex furnace control boards will also have control over the blowers and/or the built-in diagnostic system.

To simplify things, you can think of the furnace control board as being a driver and the furnace as its car. Just as the driver oversees all the functions and operation of the car from ignition to shutting off the engine, likewise does the control board for the furnace.

A typical operation sequence for a furnace control board goes something like this:

  1.  The control board receives a signal from the thermostat that the temperature is too low.
  2. It starts the ignition system, whether that be a spark generator, glow coil or pilot light.
  3. Once the ignitor is hot, the furnace control board initiates the flow of gas through the burners, where it is ignited.
  4. The control board keeps the furnace running until it is signaled by the thermostat that the temperature is now high enough, or until it detects something is wrong.

(An example of a malfunction where the control board would get involved is a thermocouple that is not detecting enough heat. In this case, the control board would shut off the gas flow to prevent a leak into the home.)

Furnace control boards are an essential part of your Roswell home’s HVAC system. And now, as a responsible homeowner, you know just how important. If you suspect a problem with your furnace control board, give Triad Mechanical a call!

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Lawrenceville Heating Repair – Review from Ron C.

February 3rd, 2012

When you hire a heating and air conditioning contractor, getting someone who takes pride in their work makes a big difference. A good service technician will not only fix the problem, but also answer any questions you might have and offer you options before beginning work. For example, if you have an older heating system that needs frequent repairs, replacing it might actually make the most sense financially. After all, you are going to need to replace it eventually anyway, and the costs of those repairs can really add up. A good contractor will discuss these options with you so you have the knowledge and expert advice you need to make the right decision for your home.

We pride ourselves on providing “Value You Can Trust!” and our technicians are some of the best in the industry.  We know that each situation is different, and we try to find the right solution for YOU. Here is what Ron C. in Lawrenceville wrote to us about his experience with our team:

Triad took the time to listen to my problem, talked about the options before we even made a commitment of the service call.

- Ron C. in Lawrenceville

We always try to answer your questions and make sure that you are completely satisfied with any service we provide. Good customer service is not just about getting the job done right, it is also about making sure that you are happy with the work that is done in your home.

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Atlanta HVAC Special: $189.00 in Bonus Bucks (with Value Care Club membership)

February 1st, 2012

Ask anyone in Atlanta what the best thing you can do to keep your HVAC system running smoothly, and they’ll answer: “yearly maintenance”. An annual tune-up doesn’t just check your system for problems; it also keeps it in top working order by lubricating moving parts, changing filters, tightening electrical connections, and much more. All of these vital tasks ensure that your heating system is working safely and at peak efficiency. Regular maintenance will give you peace of mind knowing that you have done everything you can to prevent breakdowns and extend the life of your system. If you sign up for our Value Care Club, we will make sure that your system gets the care it needs. And as an added bonus, we are also offering $189.00 in Bonus Bucks! * These bucks can be used towards some upgrades to your system; great equipment can make a big difference in how much you are saving on your monthly heating bills!

To learn more about our Value Care Club or Bonus Bucks, please give us a call today!

*towards specified upgrades

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