Mike Gaffney saugus@wickedlocal.com @saugusnews

A subcommittee has tasked an engineering firm to evaluate the effectiveness of different cooling systems for the proposed high school/middle school project.

On March 13 Dominick Puniello of Garcia Galuska DeSousa Consulting Engineers, Inc. presented the Systems Subcommittee with a number of HVAC system options for a combination high school and middle school.

Lori Cowles, the project director for HMFH Architects, Inc., said the time has come to think about the mechanical systems in the proposed high school/middle school complex.

Puniello delved into the pros and cons for each cooling system to allow subcommittee members to decide which ones should be studied as part of a life cycle cost analysis.

Displacement ventilation is a cooling system that Garcia Galuska DeSousa is a proponent of, Puniello said. These systems use naturally occurring buoyant flow within a space to create the vertical rise of air, he explained.

Puniello said advantages of displacement ventilation include excellent pollution removal, low noise, low air velocity, low moisture levels, reduced initial cost and high ventilation effectiveness.

Disadvantages associated with displacement ventilation are the system requires perimeter radiation heating and perimeter radiation cooling to maintain full air conditioned set points during peak cooling, Puniello said.

Highland Avenue resident Ed LaSala expressed concern about exhaust from nearby Route 1 and whether a displacement system would filter out all of the carbon dioxide coming from vehicles.

Puniello also discussed induction systems that use chilled beam units to provide cooling. This type of system can be used in conjunction with displacement to bring room temperatures down a few degrees, he said.

With induction, room air is induced through heating and cooling coils.

Some of the pros for induction are that the process is energy efficient, the noise is low, flexibility of installation, a moderate initial cost, simplified controls and lower maintenance, Puniello said. Cons include the fact induction requires increased coordination with a ceiling system (such as additional piping), it needs additional ventilation air in some cases and increased energy consumption compared to a dehumidified system.

During his presentation Puniello brought up the possibility of a geothermal HVAC system, which involves drilling small holes into the ground and utilizing plastic tubes in the ground to heat and cool the building.

While geothermal plants are viewed as environmentally friendly options that are durable, subcommittee members questioned the expense of implementing such a system and whether it would be cost prohibitive.

Another cooling system the subcommittee focused on was variable flow refrigerant, or VRFs, which use refrigerant to heat and cool structures.

Puniello said pros for VRFs include the same unit can be used for heating and cooling, low piping installation costs and a reduced boiler plant size. Disadvantages can include higher noise levels, quarterly filter changes and maintenance of equipment in an occupied area, he noted.

The subcommittee directed Puniello to investigate four different cooling options as part of a life cycle cost analysis. They include partial air conditioning/displacement; full air conditioning through displacement ventilation; displacement for ventilation and adding chilled beams for full air conditioning; and doing everything by active chilled beams.

These options will be compared to a baseline system to estimate how much can be saved over a 40-year period, Puniello said.

When it comes to cooling systems people often want full air conditioning because they believe thats the way the school will be most comfortable, Cowles said. However, she pointed out full air conditioning has a cost implication to it.

Maybe we look at displacement and forms of air conditioning that can be spun off of that, Cowles said.

Saugus High School Principal Mike Hashem said the building auditorium will probably need to be air conditioned. He added that it would be nice to have a way to cool the gymnasium that can become stifling when crowded.

For a girls basketball game it was close to 100 degrees during the game, Hashem said.

Hashem said he would like to see a cooling system in place that allows classrooms to be comfortable if the temperature is 95 degrees and humid.

As long as its a comfortable learning environment throughout the year, thats what is important, Hashem said.

Original post:
Cooling systems to be analyzed for proposed Saugus school - Wicked Local Saugus

(TNS) -- Fort Bragg doesn't have the large clean energy projects of some other military installations.

You won't find sprawling fields of solar panels, like at Fort Stewart, Georgia; or a large biomass plant that supports the installation's entire energy needs, like at Fort Drum, New York.

But what the nation's largest military installation lacks in scale, it makes up for in diversity.

In addition to power provided by outside utilities, Fort Bragg is creating energy with geothermal wells, solar panels and, in the future, a hydroelectric turbine on the Little River.

Fort Bragg, long a leader in a variety of Army programs, has become a test bed of sorts for renewable energy sources and energy-efficient improvements, according to Audrey Oxendine, chief of energy and utilities on Fort Bragg.

Oxendine's office keeps close watch of the installation's energy usage, tracking consumption across Fort Bragg's more than 55 million square feet of building space. They also manage privatized utilities on post and oversee efforts to encourage recycling and conservation among the installation's estimated 54,000 troops.

The biggest driving factors for Fort Bragg's clean energy push, Oxendine said, is a desire to cut down on energy costs while also providing more security to the installation's utility infrastructure.

Fort Bragg spends about $45 million a year on electricity alone, she said. And the unique units who call the post home -- including special operations forces and much of the nation's quick-reaction force -- can't afford to be out of power.

At the same time, the installation's size -- a full one-tenth of the Army is housed at Fort Bragg -- and the space those troops require prevent the post from having more large-scale projects.

"That's the most daunting thing, I think," Oxendine said. "The size."

The size comes with big demands, she said. For example, while Fort Drum's peak power demand is 32 megawatts, the peak demand at Fort Bragg is 132 megawatts.

But despite its size, the installation's relatively low energy rates when compared to other installations preclude some large scale programs.

"It's a double-edged sword," Oxendine said.

If a project doesn't pay for itself or pay back significant cost savings over time, she said the installation doesn't pursue it.

That's why there's not more solar power on post.

"It almost makes it impossible, if not at an enormous scale," Oxendine said. And there's no space on post for a sprawling solar farm.

Despite those challenges, Oxendine said Fort Bragg has found other ways to utilize renewable energies and has made significant progress at improving energy efficiency in the last decade.

One of the installation's largest projects involved the $13.3 million geothermal heating and cooling systems that were installed in several buildings in Fort Bragg's historic district in 2015.

Other efforts have been driven by a Department of Defense program meant to marry new technologies with military energy needs.

The Environmental Security Technology Certification Program, or ESTCP, is a program started in 1995 that encourages outside companies to partner with the Army to find solutions to energy problems.

Officials with the program have called Fort Bragg a critical partner for the program and an "instrumental energy test bed."

In recent years, Fort Bragg-based ESTCP projects have included new insulation meant to prevent energy loss in buildings and systems to optimize energy efficiency on post.

Another project, with construction starting next month, will create a microgrid within the 82nd Airborne Division.

The grid will allow the installation to maintain power to a section of post near Ardennes and Campobello streets, even when the rest of Fort Bragg is suffering from an outage.

Another such project is at the Hercules Fitness Center on Pope Field, where officials have installed solar panels on the gym roof to power dozens of lights and several large fans.

Oxendine said there had been complaints that the gym, especially the weight room, was uncomfortably warm and humid during the summer.

The solar panels are providing energy to help solve that problem and eventually will be tied into a new heating and air conditioning system.

Across the entirety of post, Oxendine said Fort Bragg has several solar panels, affixed to gyms, dining facilities and even a parachute drying tower.

But the Hercules panels are unique in that officials are not converting the electricity from direct current to alternating current.

"It's more efficient," Oxendine said, explaining that converting the energy would result in a loss of 7-8 percent of power.

Army leaders are unaware of any similar experiment with direct current electricity on another installation. Eventually, Fort Bragg officials hope they can use the more efficient system to power the bulk of the Hercules Fitness Center and could eventually install similar systems on other Fort Bragg buildings.

"That one's a good example of what we're doing," Oxendine said. "Private companies come to us with these ideas."

Fort Bragg leaders have provided Army energy leaders with a tour of their Hercules project in recent weeks, but Oxendine said another project is creating just as much excitement, although it's still in the planning phase.

She said a $1.8 million project will install a hydroelectric turbine in the Little River, at the site of Fort Bragg's old wastewater treatment plant.

The turbine will create 275 kilowatts of energy to feed into the installation's electrical systems and will pay for itself within 14 years, Oxendine said. Overall, the project is expected to create a total savings of $2.7 million and could open the door to more hydroelectricity projects on post.

2017 The Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Go here to see the original:
Fort Bragg Leads Army's Clean Energy Efforts - Government Technology

Windows, Doors, and Skylights If you replaced any windows, doors, or skylights, or installed new ones that meet Energy Star standards, you are eligible for a tax credit. You don't have to replace all your windows and doors to qualify, and you can claim the credit if you installed a window or door where there wasn't one before. Tax credit: 10 percent of the cost, up to $200 for windows and skylights, and up to $500 for doors. Does not include installation.

Roofs (Metal and Asphalt) Roofing materials that meet Energy Star requirements reflect more of the sun's rays and can lower roof surface temperature by up to 100 F. Qualifying roofing materials include metal roofs with appropriate pigmented coatings and asphalt roofs with appropriate cooling granules. Tax credit: 10 percent of the cost, not including installation, up to $500.

Water Heaters (Nonsolar) Water heating can account for up to 25 percent of the energy used in your home. Qualifying water heaters include gas, oil, and propane units with an Energy Factor (overall efficiency) of 0.82 or more or a thermal efficiency of at least 90 percent. Electric heat-pump water heaters with an energy factor of 2.0 or more also qualify. Tax credit: $300.

Insulation Typical bulk insulation productssuch as batts, rolls, blow-in fibers, rigid boards, expanding spray, and pour-in-placecan qualify for a tax credit, according to Energy Star. Products that reduce air leaks can also qualify, as long as they come with a Manufacturers Certification Statement and weather stripping, spray foam in a can, caulk, and house wrap. Tax credit: 10 percent of the cost, up to $500. Does not include installation, but you can install the insulation/home sealing yourself and get the credit.

Biomass Stoves To heat a home or water, biomass stoves burn wood and wood waste and residues (including wood pellets), agricultural crops and trees, plants (including aquatic plants), grasses, residues, and fibers. To qualify, stoves must have a thermal efficiency rating of at least 75 percent and meet 2020 clean-air standards from the Environmental Protection Agency. Tax credit: $300.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Some heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment qualifies for an energy tax credit. For full details see the Energy Star website. Here are the improvements: Central air conditioning, $300 tax credit. Air source heat pumps, $300 tax credit. Gas, propane, or oil boiler, $150 tax credit, including installation costs. Natural gas, propane, or oil furnace, $150 tax credit.

Geothermal Heat Pumps Geothermal heat pumps are similar to ordinary heat pumps, but they use the ground temperature instead of outside air to provide heating, air conditioning, and, in most cases, hot water. Because they use the earth's natural heat, they are among the most efficient and comfortable heating and cooling technologies currently available. Tax credit: 30 percent of cost with no upper limit (second homes qualify).

Residential Wind Turbines A wind turbine harnesses energy from the wind and converts it to electricity compatible with your home's electrical system. Tax credit:30 percent of cost with no upper limit (second homes qualify).

See the original post here:
Don't Miss Out on These Federal Energy Tax Credits - Consumer ... - ConsumerReports.org

The constant temperature of the earth we live on is a sustainable resource that, when tapped with heat pump technology, can be used to supply comfort in our homes winter and summer and, at the same time, support New York States goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 (from 1990 levels).

Recently Lansing's representative to the County Legislature, Mike Sigler, suggested that NYSEG's moratorium on new gas installations might be expanded from Lansing alone to the whole county. Thats an exciting idea! Its consistent with the County's carbon emission reduction goals and challenges us to think creatively about alternative heating and cooling.

The initial cost of geothermal heat pump systems has been a barrier to widespread adoption. In a proposal that will put New York at the forefront of support for renewable energy use, Governor Cuomo earlier this month proposed a two-year, $15 million rebate program for the installation of ground-source heat pumps. It awaits approval from the legislature. If approved it would provide about $6,000 for an average residential geothermal installation. No other state provides such strong support to encourage leaving fossil fuels in the ground and move to sustainable renewable energy sources.

The barriers to widespread adoption of geothermal heat pumps are ebbing. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE) have concluded that geothermal heat pumps are the most environmentally friendly and cost-efficient way to heat and cool your home. With 50,000 to 80,000 geothermal heat pump installations per year in the US alone, homeowners are beginning to learn more about these energy saving systems.

Once installed, geothermal systems perform reliably for many years. They are environmentally beneficial, replacing onsite fossil fuels. They require local labor for the installation, thus helping the local economy. Because they are 300% efficient, they use very little electricity. They provide not only heat in winter, but with a flip of the switch, cool your home in summer. All this buried treasure right under our feet!

There are many examples of geothermal systems at work in Tompkins County. The town halls in Dryden and Caroline are but two examples. The locally, volunteer-run, Heat Smart program will soon be sponsoring tours such that anyone can go visit a home where the owners have installed heat pumps, and talk about their experiences. The schedule for the home tours is posted at SolarTompkins.org.

Stephen Emlen Town of Lansing, NY v13i10

Follow this link:
Letters - Buried Treasure at our Feet? - Lansing Star

By Drew Brooks, Military editor

Fort Bragg doesnt have the large clean energy projects of some other military installations.

You wont find sprawling fields of solar panels, like at Fort Stewart, Georgia; or a large biomass plant that supports the installations entire energy needs, like at Fort Drum, New York.

But what the nations largest military installation lacks in scale, it makes up for in diversity.

In addition to power provided by outside utilities, Fort Bragg is creating energy with geothermal wells, solar panels and, in the future, a hydroelectric turbine on the Little River.

Fort Bragg, long a leader in a variety of Army programs, has become a test bed of sorts for renewable energy sources and energy-efficient improvements, according to Audrey Oxendine, chief of energy and utilities on Fort Bragg.

Oxendines office keeps close watch of the installations energy usage, tracking consumption across Fort Braggs more than 55 million square feet of building space. They also manage privatized utilities on post and oversee efforts to encourage recycling and conservation among the installations estimated 54,000 troops.

The biggest driving factors for Fort Braggs clean energy push, Oxendine said, is a desire to cut down on energy costs while also providing more security to the installations utility infrastructure.

Fort Bragg spends about $45 million a year on electricity alone, she said. And the unique units who call the post home including special operations forces and much of the nations quick-reaction force cant afford to be out of power.

At the same time, the installations size a full one-tenth of the Army is housed at Fort Bragg and the space those troops require prevent the post from having more large-scale projects.

Thats the most daunting thing, I think, Oxendine said. The size.

The size comes with big demands, she said. For example, while Fort Drums peak power demand is 32 megawatts, the peak demand at Fort Bragg is 132 megawatts.

But despite its size, the installations relatively low energy rates when compared to other installations preclude some large scale programs.

Its a double-edged sword, Oxendine said.

If a project doesnt pay for itself or pay back significant cost savings over time, she said the installation doesnt pursue it.

Thats why theres not more solar power on post.

It almost makes it impossible, if not at an enormous scale, Oxendine said. And theres no space on post for a sprawling solar farm.

Despite those challenges, Oxendine said Fort Bragg has found other ways to utilize renewable energies and has made significant progress at improving energy efficiency in the last decade.

One of the installations largest projects involved the $13.3 million geothermal heating and cooling systems that were installed in several buildings in Fort Braggs historic district in 2015.

Other efforts have been driven by a Department of Defense program meant to marry new technologies with military energy needs.

The Environmental Security Technology Certification Program, or ESTCP, is a program started in 1995 that encourages outside companies to partner with the Army to find solutions to energy problems.

Officials with the program have called Fort Bragg a critical partner for the program and an instrumental energy test bed.

In recent years, Fort Bragg-based ESTCP projects have included new insulation meant to prevent energy loss in buildings and systems to optimize energy efficiency on post.

Another project, with construction starting next month, will create a microgrid within the 82nd Airborne Division.

The grid will allow the installation to maintain power to a section of post near Ardennes and Campobello streets, even when the rest of Fort Bragg is suffering from an outage.

Another such project is at the Hercules Fitness Center on Pope Field, where officials have installed solar panels on the gym roof to power dozens of lights and several large fans.

Oxendine said there had been complaints that the gym, especially the weight room, was uncomfortably warm and humid during the summer.

The solar panels are providing energy to help solve that problem and eventually will be tied into a new heating and air conditioning system.

Across the entirety of post, Oxendine said Fort Bragg has several solar panels, affixed to gyms, dining facilities and even a parachute drying tower.

But the Hercules panels are unique in that officials are not converting the electricity from direct current to alternating current.

Its more efficient, Oxendine said, explaining that converting the energy would result in a loss of 7-8 percent of power.

Army leaders are unaware of any similar experiment with direct current electricity on another installation. Eventually, Fort Bragg officials hope they can use the more efficient system to power the bulk of the Hercules Fitness Center and could eventually install similar systems on other Fort Bragg buildings.

That ones a good example of what were doing, Oxendine said. Private companies come to us with these ideas.

Fort Bragg leaders have provided Army energy leaders with a tour of their Hercules project in recent weeks, but Oxendine said another project is creating just as much excitement, although its still in the planning phase.

She said a $1.8 million project will install a hydroelectric turbine in the Little River, at the site of Fort Braggs old wastewater treatment plant.

The turbine will create 275 kilowatts of energy to feed into the installations electrical systems and will pay for itself within 14 years, Oxendine said. Overall, the project is expected to create a total savings of $2.7 million and could open the door to more hydroelectricity projects on post.

Military editor Drew Brooks can be reached at brooksd@fayobserver.com or 486-3567.

More here:
Fort Bragg is on the front lines of the Army's clean energy efforts - Fayetteville Observer

Seven principles of a healthy indoor space include:

Keep it dry.

Keep it clean.

Keep it well ventilated.

Keep it pest free.

Keep it contaminant free.

Keep it safe.

Keep it well maintained.

Keep it dry. Damp and wet environments make it possible for dust mites, cockroaches, rodents, and molds to grow and thrive. Repair all plumbing and structural leaks immediately. Make sure rainwater flows away from the structure. Open windows or use exhaust fans so steam does not build up in bathrooms or kitchens.

Keep it clean. Clean environments help reduce pest infestations and exposure to harmful irritants, such as pollens, dust and toxic contaminants. First, try to keep these things outside. Then, use smooth and cleanable surfaces. Reduce clutter, as it serves as a place for pests to live and dust to accumulate. Always damp mop and dust, to keep from scattering dust into the air and having it settle somewhere else. Always follow label directions on cleaning products.

Keep it well ventilated. A supply of fresh air can help reduce exposure to indoor allergens and asthma triggers as well as other contaminants. The best solution is to install a ventilation system into the heating and cooling systems. If this is not possible, use exhaust fans and open windows, especially when cleaning, cooking, or using chemicals.

Keep it pest free. All pests, including cockroaches, mice and rats, require food, water, and shelter. If these are lacking, then pests will go elsewhere to live. The best approach in combatting pests is to use Integrated Pest Management. The three components of IPM are:

Monitor Know if you have pests, what they are, and how severe the infestation may be.

Prevent Keep the pests from getting inside by sealing all cracks and holes in the outside walls and making certain that food, water, and shelter are not easily available to pests.

Control Once the pest has been identified, first use the least toxic method of control, such as a trap. If pesticides are needed, use the appropriate type, placing it where pests are usually found in cracks and crevices.

Keep it contaminant free. Contaminants that can be found inside include lead, radon, pesticides, volatile organic compounds, environmental tobacco smoke and carbon-monoxide. To keep indoor environments contaminant free, test for radon, install carbon monoxide detectors, use lead-safe practices to fix deteriorating lead paint, establish smoke-free environments and store and use chemicals, paints and cleaning products safely.

Keep it safe. Many injuries occur indoors, especially within the home. These include falls, burns, and poisonings. Prevent injuries by properly labeling and storing all chemicals, including medicines and personal-care products, securing loose rugs, keeping stairs in good repair, removing hard and sharp surfaces and installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Keep it well maintained. Poorly maintained structures are at risk for pests, moisture, deteriorating lead paint and other structural problems. Inspect, clean and repair routinely. Take care of minor repairs and problems before they become large repairs and major problems.

UT Extension provides a gateway to the University of Tennessee as the outreach unit of the Institute of Agriculture. With an office in every Tennessee county, UT Extension delivers educational programs and research-based information to citizens throughout the state. In cooperation with Tennessee State University, UT Extension works with farmers, families, youth and communities to improve lives by addressing problems and issues at the local, state and national levels.

For more information on this or other family and consumer sciences-related topics, contact Shelly Barnes, family and consumer sciences Extension agent for UT Extension in Wilson County. Barnes may be reached at sbarnes@utk.edu or 615-444-9584.

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Shelly Barnes: Providing safe and healthy places to live, work, play - Lebanon Democrat

If you are getting a new ac unit installed, ensure that the installation is perfect. The performance of your ac unit in the long run depends on the air conditioning installation in Santa Fe.

Santa Fe, NM - March 15, 2017 - (Newswire.com)

Irrespective of the fact whether you are in need of commercial or residential air conditioning installation in Santa Fe or in Albuquerque, there is one company that you can rely on. Aztec Mechanical, Inc., is that one name to trust when it comes to taking care of all your air conditioning requirements. Aztec Mechanical, Inc., is different from the other companies in the same field. They employ a design-build concept that is known to be more cost-effective than traditional methods. The concept involves systematic value engineering thus ensuring maximum efficiency.

Aztec Mechanical, Inc., is one of the premier providers of the design-build approach. By following this approach, they ensure that all the services are contracted to a single entity or the design-build-contractor. By assigning any ac related job to this mechanical contractor in Albuquerque, you will have the peace of mind that the job is in good hands. Not only that, the contractor will bear the responsibilities of the entire project right from the start to finish.

Working with Aztec Mechanical, Inc., along these lines works as being a full-service-design-build company, they become your single point of reference for all ac related requirements. You do not have to deal with the hassles of dealing with numerous independent contractors. There is a single source of accountability, clearer remedies, cost savings, improved quality and greater efficiency.

Commercial air conditioning installation in Santa Fe is a complex process, and it is not easy to find a company that has expert HVAC design-build specialists. Aztec Mechanical, Inc., has the perfect resource to handle the job, and therefore is the best choice for ac installation in Santa Fe.

Call their 24 hour heating and cooling emergency service line at 505-991-7395.

About The Company Aztec Mechanical, Inc., is one of the most trusted HVAC contractors offering air conditioning installation in Santa Fe. They are also the chosen mechanical contractor in Albuquerque providing a wide range of HVAC solutions for both residential and commercial clients.

Press Release Service by Newswire.com

Original Source: Perfect Air Conditioning Installation in Santa Fe Pomises Optimum Performance

Excerpt from:
Perfect Air Conditioning Installation in Santa Fe Pomises Optimum Performance - Digital Journal

Maurice Alarie likes to crunch numbers.

The retired Quispamsis engineer keeps all his bills and tracks expenses on a spreadsheet.

He knows, for instance, that over the past 10 years he's paid an average 11 cents per kilowatt hour for electric heat for his 4000-square-foot ranch home near Meenans Cove.

His house is well-insulated and partially heated with a wood stove in the basement.

When Alarie decided to look into installing a pair of mini-split heat pumps he asked suppliers for both an estimate and a cost-benefit breakdown.

No one, he said, was willing to go that far.

His own calculations, however, showed installation of a heat pump made no sense, he said.

"At 11 cents a kilowatt hour your payback calculations aren't very favourable tobuying these heat pumps," said Alarie.

"Are you better off just turning up your thermostat and using an extra 50 bucks worth of electricity every month through the heating months?"

Although NB Power ended its stand-alone rebate at the beginning of October last year, it offers a $500 subsidy for a heat pump installed in combination with a major insulation upgrade.

Alarie saidhis current annual heating cost from electricity is $630.

He estimated the heat pumps would reduce his bill by a little over one-thirdthat amount if he didn't factor in the cost to pay for the units and their installation.

"Twenty bucks a month, $240 a year, unit's going to cost over $3,000 for one unit. I can't justify the payback. It's getting into 10 years for one, 20 years if I get two, if they don't break down."

Heather Shuve says she is saving $100 a month after factoring in the rental of her year-old heat pump from Saint John Energy. (CBC)

Alarie says there's no question a heat pump is more efficient. It is the cost of the system he is questioning.

He does not believe NB Power should be offering subsidies for heat-pump conversions, and suggests homeowners direct their moneytoward added insulation or replacing leaky windows and doors.

Heather Shuve says she's certain she made the right decision when she installed a mini-split heat pump in her west Saint John home last year.

Saint John Energy rents mini-split heat pumps to homeowners both inside and outside the city for $48.99 a month.

Shuve blames her cathedral ceilings for what had been frightening monthly bills.

"Heating could run between seven and eight hundred dollars a month through the winter so quite expensive," said Shuve, who estimates she has reduced energy costs by $1,800 over the past year.

"Since it's been installed I have easily saved $100 a month. And that's after I've paid the $50 per month rental fee."

JenniferCoughlan, Saint John Energy's supervisor for consumer products and business development, said cost savings depend on several factors, including insulation levels, hours that people are home, preferred level for heating and cooling and the number of occupants in the house.

"Internet research on various sites indicates that mini-split ductless heat pumps use 1 kW to heat, compared with 3 kW to heat with electric baseboard," Coughlan said.

"Thus if you are heating a similar area with a mini-split heat pump as opposed to a baseboard, you should be using less kWs."

View post:
Is a heat pump the best option? Maybe not, says engineer - CBC.ca

(MENAFN Editorial) Toledo, Ohio-based Action Heating, Air conditioning and Electrical, a certified Better Business Bureau company, who specialize in the supply, installation and servicing of HVAC systems have launched a quality service awareness campaign. Concerned by the number of reports of HVAC contractors not delivering a quality service or systems, Action decided to live up to their name and get proactive.

More information is available at http://thiscompanyrocks.net/hvac.

Wanting to raise customer awareness of reputable HVAC services, Action hopes customers will avoid buying the wrong system or a new system when all they needed was a part. Launching their campaign in March, Action, who deliver Toledo air conditioning repairs and offer 24-hour furnace repair Toledo Ohio feel more people need to get a second opinion before agreeing to buy or repair a HVAC system.

According to reports, thousands of people, every year, buy a new HVAC system after a breakdown because a contractor has told them they need one. However, a simple part would have been enough to get the system running, which would have been far more cost-effective for the customer than purchasing a whole system. Other HVAC buyers were sold systems that are too big for the property. In both instances, the contracto is seeking to make larger sales from a customer that is not aware of the situation.

Therefore, by raising customer awareness of these activities, Action feel they can prevent people from paying too much. Action also believes that when needing an HVAC serviced it's important to ensure that the company is genuine. Many reports indicate that some HVAC contractors are not replacing parts, but are charging for them or that they are saying that they are from a reputable company when they are not.

Action provides quality heating and cooling parts and is one of the most reputable Toledo HVAC companies in Ohio. With years of experience and winning personalities, Action is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and HVAC solutions that improve the quality of living.

Mike and Terry Williams, the owners of Action said, We've delivered an honest and dependable HVAC service around Toledo for 50-years, and we feel that all homeowners should receive great service, timely repairs and prompt installation by certified technicians. These technicians should be trained and experienced at handling all HVAC and electrical needs.

To find out more about Action call 419-472-9223 or click on the link above.

MENAFN1503201700703206ID1095315913

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Toledo Heating Air conditioning & Electrical Firm Launch HVAC Awareness Campaign - MENAFN.COM

MILWAUKEE, March 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ The YORK brand of Johnson Controls will continue its sponsorship of Building Homes for Heroes through 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 United States 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 marks the 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," said Liz Haggerty, vice president and general manager, Johnson Controls Unitary Products Group.

Participating YORK contractors are installing YORK Affinity heating 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 new YORK touch-screen residential thermostat incorporates smart technology to communicate with both conventional and connected heating, ventilation and air-conditioning 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," said Jim Probst, president of George 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."

To learn more about Building Homes for Heroes, visit http://www.buildinghomesforheroes.org/. To learn more about Johnson Controls' commitment to its communities, visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/corporate-sustainability/social.

YORK products from Johnson Controls include energy-efficient, residential central air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces and accessories, and innovative light-commercial, packaged heating and cooling systems marketed through a national distribution network and delivered to home- and building-owners through qualified YORK heating and cooling contractors. For more information about YORK, visitwww.york.comor follow us onYouTubeand @YorkHVAC onTwitter.

About Johnson ControlsJohnson Controls is a global diversified technology and multi industrial leader serving a wide range of customers in more than 150 countries. Our 130,000 employees create intelligent buildings, efficient energy solutions, integrated infrastructure and next generation transportation systems that work seamlessly together to deliver on the promise of smart cities and communities. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. We are committed to helping our customers win and creating greater value for all of our stakeholders through strategic focus on our buildings and energy growth platforms. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow us @johnsoncontrols on Twitter.

About Johnson Controls' Building Technologies & SolutionsJohnson Controls' Building Technologies & Solutions has an unmatched portfolio of HVACR products and solutions to create more comfortable, safe and efficient buildings. Operating inmore than 150countries through a strong network of distribution channels, Building Technologies & Solutions' breadth of offerings help building owners, operators, engineers and consultants impact the full lifecycle of a building. Its market leadership is established through trusted brands such as YORK , Sabroe and Metasys as well as its smart building integration capabilities and energy financing solutions.For more information, visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow @JCI_BEnews.

CONTACT:

Ryan Nolan

Public Relations Program Manager

Building Technologies & Solutions, Johnson Controls

Work + 1 414 524 6170

Mobile + 1 414 378 9641

Ryan.P.Nolan@jci.com

SOURCE Johnson Controls

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Johnson Controls and Building Homes for Heroes'' partner to keep veterans comfortable in their homes - Broadway World