Month: December 2021

Your thermostat has two settings that control the HVAC fan that circulates heated and/or air conditioned air throughout your space. You can set it to AUTO, which automatically turns the fan on when your AC or furnace is running. Or, you can set it to ON, which tells the system to keep the fan running … Continued

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Short cycling is when a heat pump fails to complete a heating cycle and keeps shutting off repeatedly. Short cycling increases the stress on your system, which is why you should address the issue promptly. Here are four reasons your heat pump is short cycling in Ocala, FL.

1. Inaccurate Thermostat Readings

One of the most common reasons behind your heat pump’s short cycling is inaccurate thermostat readings. Your thermostat may fail to read the temperatures correctly due to its placement. The device should be away from direct sunlight or ambient heat sources such as the cooker or electronic appliances.

A malfunctioning thermostat may cause the system to keep turning on and off. You can check the batteries and replace them if necessary. Consider consulting a certified heat pump technician for replacement in Ocala.

2. Severe Airflow Restrictions

Another simple explanation is that airflow restrictions are preventing the system from completing a cycle. Make a point of changing or replacing the filter at least every three months or more frequently, if needed. Also, schedule a tune-up annually to find faults before they cause a total system failure.

3. A Faulty Electrical Board

The control board signals the heat pump to start and controls most of your equipment’s functions. Therefore, it won’t coordinate the heating cycle correctly when it’s defective. As such, your heat pump will keep turning on and off at irregular intervals.

The electrical board is a critical component of your heat pump. A certified technician has the requisite skill to fix the electrical system while complying with safety protocols. Contact Senica Air Conditioning for dependable services in Ocala.

4. Incorrect Sizing and Installation

An oversized system can compromise the function of your heat pump, forcing it to turn on and off to prevent overheating. Calculating the heating load is therefore crucial for your system’s performance.

A professional heating technician has to consider many other variables besides the square footage of your home. The quality of installation will impact the comfort, energy efficiency and longevity of your heat pump.

For optimal efficiency, address issues such as thermostat failure and airflow restrictions. Consider consulting a qualified professional for repair services. Senica Air Conditioning offers trusted heating repairs in Ocala.

Image provided by iStock

This post appeared first on Senicaair.com

Backpack vacuums have a variety of commercial and industrial cleaning applications and can be used for everything from hard to reach areas to large scale applications that require added mobility. Below are some common backpack vacuum uses.

Theaters:

Backpack vacuums are an excellent choice for picking up food, soil and candy wrappers in theaters. The vacuums can make quick work of cleaning floors and aisles between and under seats.

Airplanes:

Airplane cabins are high traffic areas. Soil, crumbs and small pieces of trash make backpack vacuums an excellent choice for use in airplanes. The user can easily access aisles and maneuver around and under seats.

Stairs:

Stairways pose a challenge to clean. With a backpack vacuum’s increased mobility, the user can focus on cleaning the surface without having to move a machine from stair to stair.

Hallways:

The mobility of a backpack vacuum also lends itself to cleaning hallways as the user can move quickly down the area without having a vacuum in tow.

Shelving:

Cleaning shelving with a backpack vacuum can save time. With its increased flexibility the backpack vacuum can easily reach shelving as it is not situated on the ground. With the proper wand extensions and accessories, the user can elevate with the backpack vacuum to access hard-to-reach storage shelving.

Classrooms:

These vacuums make quick work of cleaning around and under students’ desks and tables.

Buses and Railcars:

Backpack vacuums give the user the freedom of movement needed to easily clean aisles and around and under seats.

Houses of Worship:

Easily negotiate pews without having to drag a cumbersome canister vacuum behind.

Offices:

Lightweight, portability makes it easy to clean around office furniture where many regular vacuums require careful maneuvering. Backpack vacuums can reach areas not accessible to regular vacuums including inside office furniture and shelving.

Ceiling Fans and Vents:

Backpack vacuums can reach some of the highest points in a room. Regular vacuums cannot reach high areas where dirty ceiling fans or vent grates exist without additional assistance. Backpack vacuums can reach these areas with greater ease

Next Steps:

See our full line of industrial backpack vacuums

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One of the most common causes of clogged floor drains is mop water, which contains a substantial amount of contaminants. With weekly and even daily mopping of floors in some warehouses and storage facilities, sludge and solids can accumulate over time and eventually cause a drain clog. Manufacturing floors can also see a large build-up of discarded scraps and packaging material, much of which will eventually find its way down the floor drains. Consistent, periodic maintenance is recommended to keep drains in their optimal operating condition.

Clothes Washing Operations

Livery cleaning services, dry cleaners, and coin-operated laundries produce an extremely high volume of liquids that contain soaps, chemicals, hair, and other random solids, all of which place high demands on a drainage system. The cost of a blockage, both in terms of financial costs and customer service, can be enormous. So proper preventative maintenance of these drainage systems is critical.

Health Clubs and Recreational Facilities

Health and fitness clubs, campgrounds, and day-use recreation areas require properly functioning sink and floor drains for dependable operation of showers, bathrooms, locker rooms, and outdoor faucets. The combination of dirt, hair, sand, food, mop water, and soap creates ideal conditions for a drain clog. Also, consider urinals and toilets to back up and introduce human waste and unsanitary bacteria into the floor drain.

Hospitals

Hospitals and many healthcare facilities require the professional use of a cable auger to ensure proper drain cleaning. Sterile conditions in hospitals are critical to the success of patient treatment and recovery. For this reason, drain cleaning is important in any hospital maintenance plan. Regular monitoring and remediation of drain problems is a necessity to head off any blockage problems. Drain cleaning ensures that stagnant water, a breeding ground for germs and water contamination, is minimized.

Drain cleaning will eliminate flushed materials, tree roots, and deposit buildup from the drainage system. These blockages often lead to slow-draining drains and may ultimately result in flooding. Both can be remediated through drain cleaning, which restores the flow of water.

Commercial Kitchens

Commercial kitchens face unique challenges in drain cleaning. In addition to common blockages like dirt, tree roots, etc., these kitchens also have fat, oil, and grease drainage, compounding problem build-ups. Staff in commercial kitchens needs to pay attention to their drainage systems’ functioning. In fact, it is not uncommon for commercial kitchens to perform prophylactic drain cleaning to prevent clogs before they happen.

Kitchen floor drains get dirty over time when dust, food, fat, oil, grease, and debris enter the drains along with dirty water. Also, sinks often overflow, resulting in more contaminants being forced down floor drains. This environment causes bacteria growth and corrosion, emphasizing the need for routine drain cleaning.

Hotels

Hotels’ drain systems experience a high volume of activity, which increases the likelihood that blockage issues will arise. Repeated maximization of drain capacity puts a strain on the system, increasing the possibility that flooding and/or poor drainage may occur. Therefore, the hotel staff must have a preemptive drain cleaning program.

Drain cleaning must be done often before flooding occurs and damages carpets, floors, and ceilings. Another area of concern for many hotels is the basement. Here, there are usually many storage areas, water heaters, laundry services, and central air conditioners. Drain cleaning can prevent the buildup of large quantities of lint and bacteria that crystallize in the long drainpipe located in the basement.

Schools

Schools also face unique challenges in maintaining optimum drainage capacity. Frequent bathroom visits by students and cafeterias’ drainage needs demand a well-operating drainage system, ensured by frequent drain cleaning. Student toilets often overflow due to overstuffing, flushing of foreign objects, and running water. Quick drain cleaning fixes like plunging are not a long-term solution. The use of chemical drain cleaning is also not practical for an environment used mostly by children.

Goodway’s Custom Designed Commercial Drain Unblockers

Goodway has the drain cleaners and accessories to help with your commercial and industrial maintenance, whether a power Jetter drain cleaner or a cable drain cleaner. A Goodway drain cleaner features heavy-duty construction of heavy gauge steel, stainless steel, and aluminum for reliability and long life. Goodway has a drain cleaner to serve all of your different drain cleaner applications, including our Pulse Jetter Drain Cleaner. We will also help you find the drain cleaner that best serves your needs.

Next steps:

See our full line of industrial drain cleaners:

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Acids

Acid drain cleaners typically contain sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid. The chemical reaction between the acid and the blockage materials, along with the heat released by the reaction (‘heat of solution’), serves to break down the blockage. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended when handling acid drain cleaners. This includes wearing goggles or a face shield and rubber gloves.

Acid drain cleaners are poured into the drain and allowed to sit for several minutes while working. Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions on the label and any enclosed literature—store unused chemicals in a container with a child-proof closure. Keep chemicals away from children and other unauthorized users.

Follow the manufacturer’s directions for safe disposal. If acid drain cleaner is accidentally spilled on a person or it gets into the mouth or eyes, follow these first aid instructions:

Skin – Wash immediately with copious amounts of water

Eyes – Flush immediately with water for 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses after 5 minutes if applicable

If Swallowed – Drink water and do not induce vomiting

Call a doctor or poison control center.

Caustics

Caustic drain cleaners typically contain caustic soda, sodium hydroxide, lye, and other such compounds. Caustic drain cleaners work similarly to acid drain cleaners in that they cause a reaction. With caustic drain cleaners, hydroxide ions cause the reaction in which alkaline chemicals convert grease into a water-soluble soap-like substance.

Caustic drain cleaners are available in both liquid and powder forms. Liquid forms are usually made of dissolved sodium hydroxide, which makes them heavier than water—this aids in getting the cleaner to the clog. Powdered cleaners usually contain sodium hydroxide and aluminum particles which release small quantities of hydrogen gas. Caustic drain cleaners need to be located close to the blockage and be chemically reactive, with the material forming the clog to perform well.

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions on the label and any enclosed literature—store unused chemicals in a container with a child-proof closure. Keep chemicals away from children and other unauthorized users.

Follow the manufacturer’s directions for safe disposal. If caustic drain cleaner is accidentally spilled on a person or it gets into the mouth or eyes, follow these first aid instructions:

Skin – Wash immediately with copious amounts of water.

Eyes – Flush immediately with water for 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses after 5 minutes if applicable

If swallowed – drink water and do not induce vomiting

Call a doctor or poison control center

Oxidizing Drain Cleaners

Oxidizing agents include peroxides, hypochlorites, chlorates, and perchlorates, and when they react with the blockage material, they acquire electrons from the organic compounds that make up the clog. This reaction can be quite vigorous and may release heat and gases.

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions on the label and any enclosed literature—store unused chemicals in a container with a child-proof closure. Keep chemicals away from children and other unauthorized users.

Follow the manufacturer’s directions for safe disposal. If caustic drain cleaner is accidentally spilled on a person or it gets into the mouth or eyes, follow these first aid instructions:

Skin – Wash immediately with copious amounts of water.

Eyes – Flush immediately with water for 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses after 5 minutes if applicable.

If Swallowed – Drink water and do not induce vomiting

Call a doctor or poison control center.

Enzymatic

Enzymatic drain cleaners metabolize materials in the blockage using biological and enzymatic chemical reactions. They are formulated using bacterial cultures and enzyme preparations. They are generally slower than acid, caustic, and oxidizing cleaners, and they only work on organic materials. They do not produce thermal effects to the degree that the other chemical drain cleaners do.

Most manufacturers warn of harm from skin or eye contact and swallowing, even though enzymatic drain cleaners are non-corrosive. All manufacturer’s warnings and instructions must be closely followed.

Mechanical Drain Cleaners

In commercial and institutional facilities, drain systems are larger and more complex than in homes, and mechanical drain cleaners are widely used. It is often necessary to reach a clog that is quite a distance from the cleaning access point. Also, commercial drain cleaning applications frequently involve larger diameter piping which requires more aggressive cleaning methods. Also, many of the obstructions found in commercial drain systems are not organic in nature, so they do not lend themselves to chemical cleaning.

Hand Operated Drain Augers

Hand-operated drain augers are useful for clearing clogs in drains of sinks, showers, and toilets. They have limited reach, however, and are limited in power to the strength of the user. Augers are useful for retrieving blockages that cannot be broken up or dissolved, such as fabric. They use a spring-like cable with various cleaning heads mounted on the end.

Motor-Driven Drain Augers

Motor-driven drain augers come in various sizes and types, ranging from those driven with a handheld electric drill to fully automated dolly-mounted units. With some motor-driven drain augers, the cable is fed manually, and the motor provides the cable rotation. These units can deliver a large amount of torque and remove stubborn clogs – even tree roots. Other motor-driven drain augers have a mechanism that feeds the cable into the drain and provides cable rotation. These are the types of machines used by professional plumbers and drain cleaning contractors. They require significant training and can be dangerous in the hands of a novice.

Pulse Jetter Drain Cleaner

Pulse jetters are an outgrowth of the pressure washer industry. Early pulse jetters were composed of a standard pressure washer of about 1000 PSI fitted with a drain cleaning hose and nozzle. Today’s pulse jetters are specifically made to clean drains. Their pumps are equipped with a special valve that allows the operator to disable one pump cylinder, thereby creating pressure pulses that effectively break up blockages and assist in maneuvering the nozzle through traps and tees. Special nozzles are available for going around corners, piercing blockages, and propelling the nozzle down the pipe using water pressure.

Pulse jetters are very useful for preventive drain maintenance programs where regular, scheduled drain cleaning is performed to keep drainage systems operating efficiently without the risks and dangers of chemical drain cleaners.

See our full line of industrial drain cleaners:

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A clogged drain is a major headache, not to mention unhygienic. Maintaining clear drains, waste lines, and product conveyance lines are challenging for maintenance personnel. Among these are sink, shower, tub, toilet, floor drains, main waste lines, and sewer lines. These tasks can be accomplished by maintenance professionals using various drain cleaners. They are force cups, plungers, dual-action force pumps, closet augers, drain augers, kinetic water rams, power jetters, and electromechanical cable drain cleaners.

Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners use extremely corrosive chemicals to clean drains. These chemicals “eat” through materials such as hair, soap, grease, etc. These drain cleaners can be harmful and require careful handling and storage. Some ingredients commonly found in these drain cleaners include sulfuric acid and lye. The chemical reaction caused by these chemical drain cleaners dissolves the materials that clog pipes and hinder proper drainage. These chemicals can be dangerous as they are generally skin irritants and can cause severe burns or blindness. The toxic vapors from some chemical drain cleaners can also be harmful.

Chemical drain cleaners, when used regularly, can corrode or damage the plumbing connected to the drains. Additionally, chemical drain cleaners in high enough concentrations can harm the microbial bacteria necessary to maintain septic systems.

Further, chemical drain cleaners can be harmful to the environment as these toxic chemicals are flushed through the drainage system and eventually into the ground or healthy water.

Chemical Precautions

If used without caution, a chemical drain cleaner can be hazardous to the operator. Handling a chemical drain cleaner with safety in mind will guarantee you can complete your task without getting hurt.

When using the drain cleaner, make sure you never come in physical contact with the chemicals. It is highly suggested that the user wear a pair of rubber gloves and protective goggles if any chemicals splash out of the drain. After the operation, be sure to avoid the drain area as chemicals are likely to bubble up, releasing harmful fumes and liquids.

It would be best to never use a chemical drain cleaner on the garbage disposal. The chemicals can linger in the garbage disposal after the work is done on the drain. If someone decided to turn on the disposal, chemicals could slash and cause bodily harm.

While operating with chemical drain cleaners, be sure to avoid using a plunger. Plungers have the potential to pull up the used chemicals, which could spill on the operator. This applies both during and after using a chemical drain cleaner.

It is essential not to mix different types of drain cleaners. Mixing chemicals can be a dangerous concoction, especially if mixing an alkali cleaner and an acid cleaner. The mixture has the potential to be explosive.

Do not use chemical drain cleaner on a completely clogged drain. The chemicals will remain on top of the clog and further increase the difficulty of removing the clog.

Next Steps:

See our full line of industrial drain cleaners.

This post appeared first on Goodway.com

It is the time of year when we give each other some great gifts. Why not give one to yourself? This might sound silly but hear us out. A new filter for your HVAC system is going to be a pretty low-cost gift that you can get for yourself that will benefit you now and for months to come.

If you didn’t know how important your AC system’s air filter was before now, we want to give you some important information. The filter is often underestimated but it can end up making or breaking your system’s operation. Let’s look at everything you need to know about your system filter.

The Role of Your Air Conditioner’s Air Filter

The filter for your HVAC system isn’t meant to keep your home’s air quality clean. It certainly doesn’t hurt but that isn’t its main purpose. Your system filter sits within the return air duct where all the air that is pulled into the system will pass through it. This allows the filter to capture a majority of the debris and dust that is in the flow of air and keep it out of your AC unit.

The Importance of Regular Air Filter Changes

Did you know that you need to change out your air filter regularly? If you didn’t we are glad to tell you! Changing your air filter every one to three months is vital to keeping your system running effectively and efficiently. This is important because:

• A dirty filter can slow down airflow into the AC system.
• This can increase the dirt level inside the system and slow down your system’s cooling process.
• Less air getting into your home means less cool air being produced.
• The dirty filter can make it far harder to keep your home comfortable.
• A dirty filter can put enough strain on your system to increase the need for AC repairs in Miami.

What To Know About Changing Your Air Filter

Not sure about how to change your home’s air filter? It’s okay, you aren’t the first. Many people don’t realize they need to change their filter at all! So if you are here and you’ve never done this before, let’s break it down into some easy steps:

• Locate the return air duct for your system and carefully open it.
• Pull out your filter to take note of the dimensions so you can find an exact replacement if you havent already.
• If the filter is dirty, replace it with a new, clean one.
• Special note: If you have a reusable filter, just follow the directions for how to clean it properly and then replace that same filter in its place.

If you are unsure about where your air filter is or you are uncomfortable taking care of this task, you can always turn to a professional team like ours. We actually include filter changes in our AC maintenance checklist so you can rest easy knowing your system is in good hands.

Contact the pros at Air On Demand for any help you need with your HVAC system. We are passionate about providing comfort and exceeding customer satisfaction.

The post Give Yourself a Gift With a New Air Filter first appeared on Air On Demand.

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Creating a space with the ideal indoor humidity level means your family is more comfortable and you’re protecting your home. Most people find a relative humidity level between 30 and 50% is most comfortable.

Ideal humidity for home

Between 30 – 50% humidity

Seasonal changes and the climate where you live will play a role in your home’s humidity level, but the ideal atmosphere is below 50% humidity.

As the moisture level in the air increases, you may begin to feel hot and sticky. An increase in moisture can also affect certain health conditions, like asthma, making it difficult to breathe. 

When the air is dry, meaning the humidity level is too low, you may experience dry skin, an irritated throat, or itchy eyes. A lack of moisture can also cause your wood floors or furniture to crack. A simple tool can help you avoid the home and health challenges that arise from too much or too little humidity.

Measure indoor humidity

If you want to measure your home’s humidity you’ll need a hygrometer. A hygrometer is used to measure the humidity level in your house. This small tool can be placed in a living space that’s a good distance away from a bathroom or kitchen where moisture is created. You’ll also want to avoid doors and windows to ensure the reading isn’t skewed by rain, sunlight, or other weather conditions.

A digital hygrometer is easy to find and will monitor your home’s moisture level so you can be proactive about creating a relaxing environment. We like this ThermoPro digital hygrometer because it’s easy to read and reports your home’s indoor temperature and humidity level. Plus, the comfort indicator will let you know if you’re approaching an unpleasant atmosphere.

FAQS ON HUMIDITY LEVELS

What is the recommended humidity level inside a home?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends a humidity level between 30-50% for comfortability, and the Environmental Protection Agency makes the same recommendation. This means that the air contains 30-50% of the maximum possible moisture that it otherwise could. Keeping it in this range helps prevent the growth of harmful mold and mildew.

What causes high humidity levels?

The top causes of humidity in the home are showering, boiling water, and drying clothes inside. If you often have high humidity in your home that is not caused by any of these, you might need to have your home’s ventilation and insulation inspected.

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What is relative humidity?

Relative humidity refers to the amount of water in the air compared to the amount the air could hold at a given temperature. If the relative humidity is 50 percent, the air is only holding about half the amount of moisture it’s capable of holding at that temperature.

How do I increase the humidity in my home?

One of the most effective ways to increase the humidity level in the house is with a whole-house humidifier or a portable humidifier, depending on your needs. If you live in a dry climate, like many states in the Southwest Region of the U.S., a whole-house humidifier is a good investment to consider. 

How do I decrease the humidity in my home?

To lower your home’s humidity level, you need to reduce the amount of moisture in the air. A dehumidifier is likely the best way to accomplish this task if you regularly battle high indoor humidity. You’ll also want to change the filter in your HVAC system as recommended (usually every 60-90 days) and have the unit inspected each year for needed maintenance.

Ideal indoor humidity levels by outdoor temperature

The ideal humidity level for your home may change as the seasons transition and outdoor temperatures fluctuate. The chart below offers a good place to start if you’re trying to create a comfortable atmosphere.

Outdoor Temperature	Optimal Indoor Humidity Level
Higher than 50°F	Max. 45%
25°F to 50°F	Max. 40%
0°F to 25°F	30% – 40%
-20°F to 0°F	20% – 30%
Below -20°F	15% – 20%

Maintaining ideal relative humidity levels in the home

The best tools to keep relative humidity at ideal levels in your home year-round are whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers. These systems are integrated into your home’s heating and cooling system and automatically adjust their performance based on the humidity level in your home. Utilize a humidifier in winter months when air is naturally drier, and a dehumidifier in the summer when air naturally carries more moisture.

Portable humidifiers can help add moisture to a room, alleviating dry skin and preventing damage to wood floors or furniture. Our top-rated humidifier for a large room is the Levoit LV600HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier. You’ll get 60 hours of operation time from this unit when it’s set to the lowest mist setting. The Levoit humidifier modifies the humidity level in rooms up to 753 square feet, but if you have a smaller space, check out our list of best portable humidifiers.  

If your home often feels hot and sticky, a dehumidifier may help. The FRIGIDAIRE Energy Star 50-Pint Dehumidifier removes up to 50 pints of water from the air in your home each day. The automatic shut-off and full tank alert will let you know when the 2-gallon capacity bucket needs emptying. Pair this device with a digital hygrometer to monitor and maintain a comfortable environment in your home.

Top humidifiers and dehumidifiers:

Levoit Humidifier

• Sleep mode option that turns off light display and triggers sensors for detecting the optimal level of humidity
• Spiral air duct technology that turns water into fine mist without fogging the room or wetting the floor
• 2-year buyer’s assurance and lifetime support from Levoit

Buy on Amazon

Frigidaire Dehumidifier

• Eliminates extra moisture that cause mold and mildew
• Continuous operation when near a drain
• Control of exact percentage of humidity in your room that gives you effortless control
• Full tank alert system and auto shut-off capabilities

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PROBLEMS CAUSED BY HIGH INDOOR HUMIDITY

It’s fairly easy to identify when the humidity in your home is uncomfortably high. The air feels heavy and sticky, you may find it difficult to sleep peacefully, or an odor of dampness or mildew can form. Unaddressed high humidity levels in your home may result in:

• The growth and spread of mold, mildew, fungi, bacteria, and viruses. These contaminants diminish indoor air quality, causing illness or irritating certain health conditions.
• Damaged drywall, flooring, or subflooring due to mold growth stimulated by excessive moisture.
• Worse or more frequent symptoms for asthma and allergy sufferers.
• Visible condensation on windows and walls that can produce a feeling of mugginess throughout the home.
• Increased energy bills as you turn down the temperature on the thermostat for relief from the humidity.
• Excess moisture promotes the growth and spread of mold, mildew, fungi, bacteria, and viruses. These contaminants diminish indoor air quality, causing illness, and can also cause damage to your home.
• When indoor humidity levels are too high, asthma and allergy sufferers may experience worse or more frequent symptoms.
• High humidity indoors causes the home to feel muggy. You may notice visible condensation on windows and walls. Mugginess can leave you feeling hot and uncomfortable, turning up the air conditioning and expending more energy when just an adjustment in humidity levels are required. This causes more energy to be consumed unnecessarily, increasing your energy bills.

PROBLEMS CAUSED BY LOW INDOOR HUMIDITY

Dry indoor air can be just as bothersome to your comfort and health as high humidity. Too little moisture may result in:

• Worsening of asthma and allergy symptoms. Cold and flu viruses may spread more quickly, and you may be more prone to sinus infections. You may suffer from dry skin, chapped lips, and dry air passageways.
• Increased energy bills as you crank up the heat to stay warm after the dry air pulls moisture from your skin.
• Cracks and damage to flooring, trim, and even framing around windows and doors. Wood, building materials, and furniture are robbed of their moisture when the air is dry.

COST TO FIX INDOOR HUMIDITY LEVEL

The cost to regulate the humidity level in your home will vary depending on your situation. For example, if you have a whole-home humidifier that needs to be repaired, you’ll pay $234 on average for the fix. 

For a quality portable humidifier or dehumidifier, you’ll pay between $30 and $250, depending on your needs. If, however, you prefer to have a whole-home humidifier system installed, your investment will run $550 on average.

Invest in what makes sense for your family and home. We explain the different types of whole-home humidifiers and offer the best options for portable humidifiers and dehumidifiers on our blog.

This post appeared first on HVAC.com

Home heating oil prices will cost homeowners $1,734 on average this winter, an increase of 43% compared to last year. Approximately 5.5 million homes in the U.S. are heated with oil, and the cost to stay warm isn’t cheap.

The cost of heating oil has nearly doubled since this time last year. As the coldest months unfold from the calendar, many homeowners are trying to modify monthly expenses to afford the rising fuel cost.

What impacts heating oil prices?

As with many consumer goods, heating oil prices shift with marketplace demand. When there’s little demand for the fuel, prices remain stable.

Supply and demand

October through March, when homeowners use the most heating oil, prices increase. For example, the average homeowner in the northeast may use 800 to 1200 gallons of heating oil throughout the winter. Very little oil is needed in the other months.

Crude oil prices

The U.S. Energy Information Administration identifies the cost of crude oil as a “major component of the price of heating oil.” The global marketplace demand for crude oil determines the cost.

The economy, weather, and other factors can affect the demand for crude oil. Supply of the fuel is also affected by weather and the amount of oil produced by members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Local markets

If you discover a number of options when you search “heating oil prices near me,” you’re in a good position as a homeowner. The number of local suppliers will cause oil prices to vary by region.

Areas with a large number of competing suppliers will likely have lower heating oil prices. Regions with few options may cost homeowners more to stay warm.

An old furnace and oil prices

Does an old furnace use more oil? Yes, but not necessarily because it’s old.

Furnaces made before 1992 offer about 70% efficiency. Meaning, 70% of the energy being created is converted to heat. The other 30% is lost.

The National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987 mandated that all furnaces offer a minimum 78% efficiency rating beginning in 1992. Comparatively, modern furnaces can achieve efficiencies as high as 97%, which means nearly all of your burned heating oil is used to warm your home.

If you inherited an old furnace with a recent home purchase, expect to spend more for heating oil to maintain your desired temperature.

Heating oil prices in the Northeast

The Northeast region of the U.S. accounts for about 81% of all homes that rely on heating oil as their primary source of heating. The top residential heating oil-consuming states are:

1. New York
2. Pennsylvania
3. Massachusetts
4. Connecticut
5. Maine

The heating oil prices in these states are often comparable to one another. There are some variances, depending on demand and the time of year. Explore heating oil prices by state below:

Cost to convert from oil to gas heating

The cost to convert an oil-heating home to gas-heating will vary depending on a number of factors. It should also be noted that depending on the current utilities in your area, a complete oil to gas conversion may not be possible.

Costs to consider:

• High-efficiency gas furnace
• Gas line connection to your home
• Gas line installation costs
• Labor and material costs
• Cost per foot
• Gas line from street to house
• Connecting to a gas main
• Gas shut-off valve
• New gas meter
• Connecting propane tank to gas line

The cost to convert from oil heating to gas can fall between $6,000 and $13,000, depending on your location and the amount of work that needs to be done. Converting to natural gas will require you to reach out to your local utility company and an HVAC expert.

Steps to convert from oil to gas heat

To start the process, reach out to a trusted contractor or HVAC expert in your area. They’ll complete an assessment of your home to determine if gas heat is an option. If the conversion is possible, the following steps are a part of the typical process:

1. Contact your local utility company. An energy specialist will offer potential costs for the company to complete necessary work. They’ll also provide a timeline and guide you on rebates from the state.
2. Contractor or HVAC specialist requests permits. The utility company will let you know what permits you need, and the contractor will request them from the proper municipality.
3. Mark underground private lines. The utility company will scan for public pipes and lines, but you’ll need to mark utilities like your sprinkler system, invisible fence, or lighting.
4. Contractor connects new equipment. Once the gas lines are installed, your HVAC specialist can install the new gas-fueled equipment.
5. Schedule a safety inspection. Your contractor may handle this step, but you’ll need a safety inspection and to have your meter set.
6. Municipality inspection may be needed. Check the permits to determine if an inspector from your municipality needs to inspect the new gas-fueled equipment.

Keep in mind that utility companies will backfill after trenching your lawn for the gas line, but may not repair any disrupted landscaping. That may be an additional cost to consider.

Oil vs. gas furnace: which is right for you?

If you’re in the market for a new furnace or simply want to know if converting from oil to gas heat is worth the cost, there are three primary factors to consider. When it comes to oil vs. gas heat, you’ll want to research efficiency, fuel cost, and equipment cost.

Furnace efficiency

The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is the furnace efficiency rating. A higher rating indicates higher efficiency.

Oil furnaces typically have an AFUE rating between 80% and 90%. However, most modern gas furnaces have a higher rating, between 89% and 98%.

Fuel cost

Natural gas is substantially cheaper than heating oil. Fuel costs began to spike ahead of the winter season in 2021. High energy prices mean everyone will pay more to heat their home compared to last year.

Homes heated by natural gas will pay $746, on average, from October to March. That’s a 30% increase over last year but still far less expensive than oil.

Heating oil prices this winter will cost the average homeowner $1,734. Just one year ago, heating oil cost some $500 less.

While energy costs will be an ongoing expense no matter your furnace choice, the upfront equipment costs do vary.

New furnace cost

The cost of a new furnace will depend on the style you choose. On average, you’ll pay more upfront for a gas furnace compared to an oil-fueled unit.

The average price for a new gas furnace is $2,250. Select the best furnace brand for your home based on your priorities. If value is your goal, Rheem is a good place to start. For an energy-efficient model, browse the Trane selection.

The average price for a new oil furnace is $2,300. Installation of an oil furnace is typically more expensive than installation of other styles.

Is heating with oil good?

Home heating oil prices today make it pretty pricey to stay warm. Nonetheless, many oil furnace owners swear by the heat produced by the units.

If your home is already equipped to be serviced by natural gas and you don’t plan to move in the coming years, converting from oil to gas heat may save you money over time. Use our cost calculator to get an idea of what a new furnace installation will cost in your area.

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