'); //-->

The Indian River Central School District in Philadelphia will include another one of its facilities in its efforts to make use of green energy sources.

The intermediate school has benefited from geothermal power since its construction in 2002. It also hosts the districts solar panel array, which was completed in October. Theresa Primary School deployed its geothermal system in 2002, and Calcium Primary has obtained about half its power from this clean energy source since 2010.

Officials now plan to convert the high schools heating system from fuel to geothermal energy. Business Administrator Joseph A. Dougherty said the district anticipates using the funds now directed toward fuel oil to cover any increased energy expenses, according to a story published March 25 by the Watertown Daily Times. These costs total about $250,000, budget records indicate.

Geothermal power involves heating and cooling water underground and then using that water to either heat or cool the air, according to the story. The steam is also sometimes used to power electricity.

Noah A. Prior Jr., facilities director for the district, said the high school already is partially powered by geothermal energy. Whats now necessary is to remove the conventional heating system and install the pipes for the geothermal network. The remaining 140 wells have been placed nearly 500 feet into the ground.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority previously reviewed the intermediate schools energy costs to evaluate the networks effectiveness. Mr. Prior said that NYSERDA determined the districts geothermal system was 99 percent more efficient than the conventional method. Indian River has partnered with NYSERDA on these capital improvements.

Continuing to move in this direction demonstrates the forward thinking of district officials. They have incrementally enhanced their power sources to make better use of green energy. This serves as an example of how well-planned strategies to embrace environmentally friendly technology can be executed by public entities, and we commend the district on achieving its goals.

See the rest here:
From the ground up: Indian River increasing its use of geothermal energy for heat - WatertownDailyTimes.com

Walter Miller Elementary School is the next and last school in the Neshaminy School District that will get major energy system overhauls designed to make the building's heating, cooling and electrical systems operate more efficiently.

The school board recently awarded Harrisburg-based Reynolds Solutions a $3 million contract for the work.

Walter Miller, at 10 Cobalt Ridge Drive South in the Levittown part of Middletown, will have air conditioning installed in all its classrooms, said Reynolds vice president Damion Spahr. The school previously had air conditioning in some offices and other areas but not in the classrooms, he said.

Improvements also will be made to the electrical and other mechanical systems, said Spahr. A lot of the work involves installing controls on the systems that make them run in a way to save energy, he added.

In addition, Reynolds workers, as part of their last phase of work on Neshaminy schools, will install security vestibules at both Walter Miller and Pearl Buck Elementary, also in the Levittown part of Middletown.

Security vestibules involve structural and technological changes to the schools' main entrances that make visitors first enter the main office and have their driver's licenses checked against a criminal database before they are cleared to enter the rest of the building.

This last phase of upgrades at Miller will be similar to work Reynolds alreadyhas done at Albert Schweitzer, Herbert Hoover and Joseph Ferderbar elementary schools, and Carl Sandburg and Poquessing middle schools, said Spahr.

The Miller project should start around mid May and be done by the end of summer, he added.

The entire package of Reynolds' work at the schools will cost $34.89 million. It is being funded with $27.4 million from a $57.9 million bond issue approved in 2015 and $7.4 million in capital reserve funds, said school district business administrator Barbara Markowitz.

The other part of the bond issue paid for Neshaminy's new Tawanka Elementary School in Lower Southampton, she added.

"We've gotten a lot done on time and on budget," said school board member Steve Pirritano of all the upgrades.

"I think we've created a great environment for our children to learn in," he added.

Continue reading here:
Walter Miller Elementary last Neshaminy school to get energy upgrades - Bucks County Courier Times

MILWAUKEE The Yorkbrand ofJohnson Controlswill continue its sponsorship ofBuilding Homes for Heroesthrough 2017 and provide veterans with home comfort systems.

Building Homes for Heroes is a national nonprofit organization that recognizes the tremendous sacrifices of men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces by supporting the needs of severely wounded or disabled soldiers and their families. The organization strives to build or renovate quality homes and gift them to severely injured veterans nationwide, mortgage-free.

2017 marksthe fourth consecutive year that York and Building Homes for Heroes have worked together. Through its sponsorship of the Building Homes for Heroes program, Johnson Controls, along with York distributors and independent contractors nationwide, has donated quality heating and cooling systems, including installation, labor, and on-going maintenance, to over 40 military families since 2014.

"Partnering with our network of local independent contractors to provide our wounded veterans with home comfort systems is another way we give back to the communities where we live and work," saidLiz Haggerty, vice president and general manager, Johnson Controls Unitary Products Group.

Participating York contractors are installingYork Affinityheating and cooling systems for reliable and energy-efficient home comfort. In addition, the company is planning to install smart thermostats as part of its 2017 sponsorship. The newYork touch screen residential thermostatincorporates smart technology to communicate with both conventional and connected HVAC systems. Homeowners can control their system remotely using their smartphone to monitor and adjust settings for up to six zones/rooms to save energy and feel more comfortable. The thermostat is also user friendly, with an easy-to-use touch screen interface and remote programming features that are helpful for the disabled.

"We are honored to play a role in giving veterans a comfortable home," saidJim Probst, president ofGeorge Brazil Air Conditioning & Heating,Phoenix, Arizona. "We've been a part of seven Building Homes for Heroes homes during the three years we've been the local heating and air conditioning contractor for the program. Every time we're contacted to help, we jump at the chance because there's no greater way for us to show these vets how grateful we are for their service."

For more information, visitwww.buildinghomesforheroes.orgor http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

Publication date: 3/31/2017

Want more HVAC industry news and information? Join The NEWS on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn today!

Continue reading here:
Johnson Controls and Building Homes for Heroes Partner - ACHR NEWS

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) No matter where you live or the season, theres no bigger energy user in your home than your heating and cooling system, so making the most of efficiency tools is a great way to save money. Some of those measure can cost more than you may be able to afford. Solar window film is a product catching on as a more affordable option.

Installing high-efficiency windows can be a great investment but its also expensive and costs thousands of dollars, says Angies List founder Angie Hicks. If youre looking for a more affordable option, window film is a great alternative.

Solar window film is a thin material applied to window glass. Without it, most of the solar energy that hits the glass comes right on through into your home. With the film, most of that energy stays out. How much depends on the type of film you use.

Window film will be a much better option in terms of improving the performance and matching the performance of a new replacement window, typically a fifth the cost of going through the replacement of those windows, said Kevin Koval, owner of SOLARIS window film company.

Homeowner Jay Dunbar said he earned his investment in window film back in energy savings within three years and resolved an issue of uneven temperature in his house right away.

First thing that we noticed, because we had it applied I think it was in late fall, we noticed that when it got cold, all of a sudden our bedroom wasnt 10 degrees colder than the rest of the house, which was very nice, Dunbar said.

You can install window film yourself, but doing that could void your window warranty. Reputable pros will replace your warranty with their own. Theyll also install the film without bubbles, which will prevent cracks or peeling later on. Some will even let you transfer the warranty if you sell your house.

Only a few states actually require trade licenses for window film installers, so you want to do some additional homework to see their affiliations with different trade associations and also what kind of guarantee they have behind their work, Hicks said.

Window film offers more than energy efficiency. It shields you from the glare of sunlight, filters out potentially dangerous ultra violet light and even helps protect your furniture from fading from prolonged exposure to the sun.

Installing film on a typical sliding glass door will cost between $300-500 and an average double-pane window costs between $100-150. Window experts say you can expect energy savings of five to 10 percent.

States that require window film licenses: Arizona, California, Mississippi, North Carolina and Oregon. To determine the trade license status of a building pro, use the Angies List License Check free-of-charge.

View original post here:
Angie's List: An Invisible but Mighty Energy Saver - 41 NBC News

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla.A single mother received an unexpected surprise Friday when she camehome from the zoo.

Renee Glazier, who is a single mother, originally hired Purified Air Conditioning and Heating to install a new cooling system in her home. The installation would have cost her about $5,000, but the company teamed up with other local businesses to surprise her with a home makeover instead.

Vic Elsey, Purified Air Conditioning community relations manager, met Renee through a local church. When he heard about the problems Glazier was having, he knew he had to help.

I know we have Extreme Makeover on TV, and I just think its so awesome that Vic and his team really stepped up and are helping people in the community who really need it, Glazier said.

The team sent Glazier to the zoo with her kids while the work was being done. Much to her surprise she not only received her brand new air conditioning unit, but also a new set of stairs and a deck that leads into her home.

Elsey believes this project is one small step in an effort to help the community.

Its very rewarding, he said. I cant say anything more than this is exactly what I want to do for a living, which is help as many people as possible.

More:
Lehigh Acres mother surprised with home makeover - Wink News

A constant stream of evidence confirms performance losses up to 30% from roof curbs due to poor manufacturing, installation, or maintenance. Such curb defects reduce the performance of a 14-EER unit to a system performing below 10 EER. The problem is, unless you look for it, curb defects and the resulting efficiency losses are invisible.

How Does a Curb Function? Roof curbs are accessories resembling a pedestal that sit below a rooftop-packaged unit. A well-designed and installed curb provides a transition for the supply and return air from the unit to the air distribution system.

In theory, a properly built and installed curb should have little effect on airflow through the system. In an ideal world, there should also be no temperature change through the curb. However, any difference in the air temperature entering or leaving a curb signals the possibility of leakage from outside the curb into the airstream. It can also indicate air bypassing between the supply and return ducts within the curb.

The Most Common Curb Defects Because the curb constitutes less than two feet of the typical duct system, you may assume it has little effect on system performance. The purpose of this article is to change that assumption.

In the field, weve found new construction curbs have little negative impact because a new project is built from scratch. The manufacturer builds a curb matching the equipment and duct penetrations are custom built to match the curb. The roofer professionally ties the new curb into the new roof so there is little chance of an air or water leak.

Airflow Losses -- Curb problems often begin when equipment is replaced. An aftermarket curb is often used to connect the footprint of the old unit to the footprint of the replacement unit. Since the average curb height is only 12 inches, the curb manufacturer whips up a 12-inch transition connecting the replacement unit to the roof with little regard for airflow.

If the discharge duct of the unit is offset 24 inches from the supply duct roof penetration, to meet SMACNA duct standards, the roof curb would need to be 48 inches tall. So, low-bid work often takes these shortcuts and gets low-bid results with a 30% reduction in airflow.

Temperature Losses Curb leakage is often the result of sloppy work during equipment replacement. Aftermarket curbs are included in hopes of reducing the amount of required labor. Since the labor budget is blow-and-go, the care and attention needed to assure good workmanship is missing.

Improperly sealed return duct curb penetrations are very close to the fan where duct system pressures are highest. Highest pressure equals increased leakage. Air can be pulled into the duct system from a hot attic, or directly from outside.

Leakage between the supply and return inside the curb is another serious problem that is often impossible to see once the unit is set. The result is very poorly performing equipment shutting off on high limit or a screwed-up refrigeration charge.

Pressure Testing to Discover Curb Airflow Restrictions The first test: measure pressure drop of the supply and return duct through the curb. Do this by installing test ports in the supply and return before and after each duct enters the curb.

In the illustration below, pressure test locations are marked P1 to P5. Take and record the four pressure readings. Subtract the pressure measured in P1 from P2 to find the return duct pressure drop through the curb. Then, subtract the pressure measured in P4 from P3 to find the supply duct pressure drop through the curb.

Field measurement has documented supply and return duct pressure drop through the curb in a well performing system averages less than 10% of fan rated pressure. An example of this is a system where the fan was rated at .50, the pressure drop of the supply and return duct combined through the curb would be no more than .05. If the measured pressure were higher than this rule of thumb, system airflow could be lower than required.

To correct this problem, the duct needs to be oversized throughout the system to compensate for the excess resistance to airflow.

Test port P5 shows one additional pressure test that may indicate air leakage within a curb. Install a test port into the hollow area of the curb. Drill the hole behind the flashing to assure there is no water access into the curb. Connect the tubing to your manometer and measure the pressure within the curb. Ideally, the pressure should be zero.

If the pressure within the curb is positive, this indicates a supply duct leak. If the curbs internal pressure is negative, this indicates a dominant return duct leak. You can normally get access to the duct within the curb by reaching down through the equipment.

Temperature Testing to Identify Curb Airflow Leakage When equipment is set on the curb, several opportunities for leakage can be created. These include:

Temperature testing can help identify curb leakage and pinpoint the cause of the problem as well as the needed solution. Any total temperature loss measured in the supply and return duct through the curb exceeding 1 degree Fahrenheit in cooling mode or 2 degrees in heating mode indicates a defect needing repair. Under ideal circumstances, there should be no temperature change through the curb. No temperature change is evidence the curb is performing correctly.

Refer to the Curb Temperature Troubleshooting Illustration above. Subtract to find the temperature difference between T1 and T2 to identify temperature loss or gain in the return duct. To find leakage in the supply duct subtract to find the temperature difference between test ports T3 and T4. Test port T5 can identify any bypass by measuring the temperature in the hollow area of the curb.

As you apply these testing and troubleshooting principles to the curbed systems you service, sell, and install, you will be able to correct invisible defects that have gone undetected for decades.

Rob Doc Falke serves the industry as president of National Comfort Institute -- an HVAC-based training company and membership organization. If you have additional comments or questions about performance diagnostics, contact Doc at robf@ncihvac.com or call him at 800-633-7058. Go to NCIs website at nationalcomfortinstitute.com for free information, articles, and downloads.

More here:
Troubleshooting Rooftop Unit Curbs - Contracting Business

WACO, Texas, March 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Winter Storm Stella provided much of the U.S. with one more dose of frigid temperatures, and as homeowners continue to set furnaces on high, Aire Serv is sharing tips to protect homes from what many refer to as the silent killer - carbon monoxide.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 20,000 Americans visit the emergency room yearly for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The gas is colorless and odorless, making it otherwise unnoticeable without a carbon monoxide detector. While high-level exposure can cause permanent damage or even death, even low concentrations can be harmful enough to a household's indoor air quality.

"Carbon monoxide can be produced from any system or appliance that burns fuel. While all home appliances are designed to vent properly to the exterior, cracks or blockages can cause leaks into the home," said Steve Truett, president of Aire Serv. "That's why Aire Serv stresses the importance of scheduling annual maintenance for all equipment including furnaces, water heaters and space heaters. Routine upkeep and other preventative measures, such as installing carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home, can help ensure the health and safety of the entire household."

Aire Serv recommends installing carbon monoxide detectors on or near the ceiling of every floor of the home, especially outside of bedrooms. Other considerations to keep in mind when placing detectors:

Aire Servoffers premium residential and commercial services for every type of heating and cooling system.Home services, which include heating and air conditioner repair, replacement and maintenance, are charged by the job and not by the hour. In addition, Aire Serv conveniently offers 24-hour emergency heating and air conditioning repair and service to its residential and commercial customers. For more information about Aire Serv and its HVAC services, please visitAireServ.com.

About Aire Serv:Established in 1992, Aire Serv is a global franchise organization providing installation, maintenance and repair of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and indoor air quality systems. Recognized by Entrepreneur magazine among its "Franchise 500," Aire Serv franchisees provide services to both residential and commercial customers from more than 180 locations worldwide. Aire Serv is part of Dwyer Group family of service franchises. For more information or to find the location nearest you, visit AireServ.com.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aire-serv-shares-tips-to-prevent-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-300432574.html

SOURCE Aire Serv

Read more:
Aire Serv Shares Tips to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - PR Newswire (press release)

100 years later, Texas is still a key market for J.C. Penney Dallas Business Journal ... like refining its Sephora partnership and opening new concepts, including rolling out appliances to additional stores and piloting home installation services like bathroom remodeling, home heating and cooling systems, quick-ship and installed ...

View original post here:
100 years later, Texas is still a key market for J.C. Penney - Dallas Business Journal

Precision Air & Heating , KPNX 3:43 PM. MST March 28, 2017

Do you find that one or more rooms are either warmer or cooler than others? This is one of the most common problems we run into here at Precision Air. Your heating and air conditioning unit should always heat or cool your home evenly, but this isnt always the case.

A home that is properly balanced will not only feel more comfortable, but will help save you money as well. If you find that your home isnt maintaining a consistent temperature in every room, there are a few common issues that could be to blame.

Ductwork Problems

Leaks:One of the main issues with ductwork is leaking. If there is a portion of your ductwork letting air escape, it wont properly distribute air across the entire house. This will lead to uneven temperatures and cause your HVAC unit to cycle on more frequently, costing you more money than necessary.

Insulation:Maybe your ductwork is not properly insulated. This will also allow conditioned air to heat up or cool down as it passes through your system (depending on what time of year it is). Ductwork should always be properly insulated to minimize temperature changes as the conditioned air travels through the ducts and out of your vents.

Air Conditioner Issues

HVAC Losing Power:If your unit is nearing the end of its lifespan, it wont be able to adequately push air through the ductwork. That means while a more powerful stream is blowing into one room, a much weaker volume of air could be coming into your furthest rooms.

Wrong Size Unit:Most people who run into this issue believe their AC unit must simply be too small when in fact the opposite is true. A unit that is too large for a home will not cycle on long enough to allow the home to heat or cool evenly.

Needs Service/Repair:Of course your HVAC unit might simply need to be serviced or repaired. If your refrigerant levels are low, it could cause your home to cool unevenly. On the other hand, if there is an issue with your heating system, youre likely to have rooms that are too cold and others that are closer to your desired temperature.

Fixing this issue could be as simple as a routine tune-up, or it could be a sign of a larger problem. The best way to know for sure is to consult with a professional. At Precision Air, we can handle everything from HVAC service, to installation and repair. Our expert technicians can also repair and install ductwork and make sure that ductwork is properly insulated throughout your home.

Other Causes of Air Leakage

Windows and Doors:Air could be escaping through your windows and doors, which will contribute to uneven air conditioning in your home. A great way to combat this is installing efficient windows with the Energy Star rating and re-sealing all your doors to ensure no air is seeping out.

Construction: Heres another problem we see all the time: someone puts an extension on their home without considering the size of the air conditioner. If youve recently added a room to your home and find that it just doesnt get to the right temperature, its likely youll need to upgrade your HVAC unit to accommodate the new size of your home.

Solving Your Air Balance Issues

When it comes to solving issues related to uneven heating and cooling, its best to get the help of a qualified professional. At Precision Air, we have the experience needed to diagnose your issue and make sure it is taken care of.

Get in touch today by calling 602.Fix.MyAC (602-910-2758). Well help get the temperature right back where you want it in every room.

2017 KPNX-TV

More here:
Why your home isn't heating or cooling evenly - KPNX 12 News TV

The cost of powering your home and all your assorted appliances and devices can be significant. The price of everything, from running your air conditioner on hot days to charging your phone as you sleep, can add up.

Getting a handle on your electric bill is important. While utility companies dont typically report payments to the main credit bureaus, missing payments could potentially eventuallydrop your credit scoreas they can get sent to collections. (You can check two of your scores for free every two weeks on Credit.com).

RELATED: How to recharge electronics to get more out of them

But you can significantly reduce the electrical energy your home consumes by taking a few simple steps. Here are 11 ways you can lower your electric bill.

Home energy auditors are professionals who come to your home to evaluate your power usage, assessing your home and your past power bills. Theyll look for areas where you can increase efficiency. Many electric suppliers provide this service for free, but you can also find a local paid professional.

When the audit is complete, the auditor can recommend energy-saving methods and products.

The overhead lights in many rooms often provide more illumination than we need. With dimmer switches, you can adjust the amount of light youre using. Modern dimmers also reduce how much electricity lights use.

Ceiling fans circulate air through your home and can cool you off. While they use electricity, they may reduce the workload of your air conditioner.

Sunlight coming in through windows can heat up your home and make your air conditioner work harder. You should close the curtains or blinds on your windows when you dont need them open and consider installing tinted window film. (If heating or cooling your home is the main cause of your high electric bills, heres how you can keep temperatures comfortable without spending too much.)

Of course, you should shut off all electronics and lights when you leave a room to reduce energy usage. But electronics and appliances can use energy even when theyre turned off.

RELATED:This is why you should always unplug your electronics when theyre not in use

Gadgets and appliances like TVs, laptops, coffee makers, printers, space heaters and cable boxes continue to suck energy even when turned off, said Andrea Woroch, a consumer finance expert. Get in the habit of unplugging all these electronics and appliances when you arent using them. Power strips are an easier and less timely alternative some even come with a remote control for easier use.

LED light bulbs use significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs. While LED bulbs can cost more, they have a longer lifespan, so you could save money on light bulbs in the long run.

Air filters keep dust and debris from circulating through your HVAC system and clogging vents and air registers. Over time, these filters get clogged with dust and debris themselves, and your air conditioning system will have to work harder to cool your home. You should swap your air filters out every few months to reduce the energy needed to regulate your homes temperature.

Programmable thermostats reduce energy costs by adjusting your home temperature when youre away, at work or asleep. Your energy usage will be reduced because you wont be wasting electricity cooling an empty home.

The HVAC system uses the most energy in your home, and running the air conditioner or heater can blow your budget. However, installing a programmable thermostat takes the guesswork out of fiddling with temperatures and allows you to preset temps when you are home or away at work or school so you dont waste energy, said Woroch.

Just be careful. Smart thermostats are one of a few household objects that might make you vulnerable to hackers.

If youre looking for big savings and energy reduction, solar panels may be the way to go. Typically installed on the roof, solar panels harvest the suns energy and convert it into electric power.

Solar panels continue to improve. The prices of solar panels have become cheaper, their ability to capture the suns photons and convert them to electricity is becoming more efficient, and the technology is changing as solar shingles emerge as a more mainstream item, said Sage Singleton, home maintenance specialist at Safewise. The time before payoff on solar panels is also getting shorter the average rooftop solar system will pay back a homeowner in seven-and-a-half years. The sooner you install your solar panels, the sooner you will see the average savings on your lowered energy bills.

Solar panels might also lower your tax bill.

Many electric suppliers have programs you can participate in to reduce the cost of your bill. These include rebates for buying energy-efficient appliances, rewards for reducing energy usage during peak hours and programs that spread the cost of your peak usage for months across the year. Visit your energy providers website or call to find out what programs might be available.

If you have alternative energy providers in your area, you can always shop around to see if you can find a cheaper option.

One common way that consumers reduce their electric bill is to shop for a new electric supplier. Many states in the U.S. are deregulated, meaning the residential customers can shop for electricity, said Kelly Bedrich, cofounder and president of ElectricityPlans.com. In these states, homeowners and renters can shop for electricity in the same way you can shop for cable and internet service. By being able to shop for their energy, the homeowners can often save as much as 30% to 40% off of their energy bill simply by switching their supplier.

This article originally appeared on Credit.com.

Brian Acton, Credit.com | Posted on 7:41 am

Originally posted here:
11 ways to save on your shocking electric bill - Rare.us