Thursday, June 27, 2013

Product Feature: Water Furnace Versatec Ultra Series - 16.2 EER / 3.6 COP


The Versatec Ultra series represents a significant improvement in the commercial water source heat pump (wshp). The product features high efficiency with industry leading standard options in a compact cabinet suitable for both retrofit and new construction applications. It is also designed to provide optimum performance and flexibility in both water loop and geothermal applications. The Versatec Ultra series is Energy Star rated and exceeds ASHRAE 90.1 efficiencies, while utilizing environmentally friendly R410A refrigerant. This product was designed to adhere to the footprint of lower efficiency legacy equipment while operating at the high efficiencies of today's technology. The Versatec Ultra is available in a wide selection of capacities (009-070 kBtuh output), cabinet sizes, and an array of factory installed options to offer unmatched application flexibility.

This unit is only available with a commercial warranty. 


Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Nitrogen Dioxide - Reference Guide to Major Indoor Air Quality Pollutants in the Home

In this series, we'll detail the sources, health effects, levels in the home, and steps to reduce exposure to the 11 major indoor air quality pollutants in the home.

Nitrogen Dioxide

Sources
Kerosene heaters, unvented gas stoves and heaters. Environmental tobacco smoke.

Health Effects
Eye, nose, and throat irritation. May cause impaired lung function and increased respiratory infections in young children.

Levels in Homes
Average level in homes without combustion appliances is about half that of outdoors. In homes with gas stoves, kerosene heaters, or unvented gas space heaters, indoor levels often exceed outdoor levels.

Steps to Reduce Exposure
  • Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.
  • Consider purchasing a vented space heater when replacing an unvented one.
  • Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
  • Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves.
  • Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
  • Choose properly sized woodstoves that are certified to meet EPA emission standards. Make certain that doors on all woodstoves fit tightly.
  • Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system (furnaces, flues, and chimneys) annually. Repair any leaks promptly.
  • Do not idle the car inside garage.

Next in this series... Organic Gases


*Content provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency. CPSC Document #450. This document is public domain.*

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Product Feature: Carrier Infinity Air Purifier

Infinity Air Purifier

Traps and Kills Air Pollutants: Purifies, Doesn't Merely Filter

Models: GAPA

The award-winning Infinity Air Purifier doesn't just filter air, it captures and kills airborne pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and mold. This whole house air cleaner re-purifies indoor air as many as 8 times an hour.
  • MERV 15 Efficiency
  • Captures and kills airborne germs and allergens
  • Exclusive, patented technology
  • Whole home air purification
  • 10-year parts limited warranty upon registration


To the original owner, the Carrier Infinity Air Purifier is covered by a 10-year parts limited warranty. Ask your Howell's Heating & Air Conditioning Representative about optional extended warranties, which may include labor. Warranty period is 5 years if not registered within 90 days. Jurisdictions where warranty benefits cannot be conditioned on registration will automatically receive a 10-year parts limited warranty. See warranty certificate at carrier.com for complete details. 

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Carbon Monoxide - Reference Guide to Major Indoor Air Quality Pollutants in the Home

In this series, we'll detail the sources, health effects, levels in the home, and steps to reduce exposure to the 11 major indoor air quality pollutants in the home.

Carbon Monoxide

Sources
Unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, woodstoves, and fireplaces; gas stoves. Automobile exhaust from attached garages. Environmental Tobacco Smoke.

Health Effects
At low concentrations, fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At higher concentrations, impaired vision and coordination; headaches; dizziness; confusion; nausea. Can cause flu-like symptoms that clear up after leaving home. Fatal at very high concentrations.

Levels in Homes
Average levels in homes without gas stoves vary from 0.5 to 5 parts per million (ppm). Levels near properly adjusted gas stoves are often 5 to 15 ppm and those near poorly adjusted stoves may be 30 ppm or higher.

Steps to Reduce Exposure:
  • Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.
  • Consider purchasing a vented space heater when replacing an unvented one.
  • Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
  • Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves.
  • Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
  • Choose properly sized woodstoves that are certified to meet EPA emission standards. Make certain that doors on all woodstoves fit tightly.
  • Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system (furnaces, flues, and chimneys) annually. Repair any leaks promptly.
  • Do not idle the car inside garage.




Next in this series... Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)


*Content provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency. CPSC Document #450. This document is public domain.*

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Product Feature: Condensate Pump

Remove the nuisance of ugly hoses or pipes running across the floor.

Condensation or wastewater is a byproduct of high efficiency furnaces, air conditioning evaporator coils, and flow- through humidifiers. A condensate pump is used to transfer this wastewater to a proper drain.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

FAQ: What Are Some Ways To Help Control My Heating And Cooling Costs?

Once the thermostat is set, it should be left alone. However, programmable thermostats are commonly installed on systems to setback the house temperatures while you are away from your home. The air filters inside the system need to be checked, cleaned, or changed each month. The outdoor fan should not be covered or obstructed, so it can receive proper air flow.

Precision Tune Up checks should be performed which include refrigerant level checks, indoor/outdoor coil inspections (cleaning, if needed) and duct inspections. Duct inspections are very important. A poorly performing duct system can cause air comfort problems, high utility bills, and could become hazardous. We can measure your entire system's performance and show you how to get the most out of your heating and cooling system.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Product Feature: Aprilaire 700 Power Humidifier


This humidifier is a computer-equipped, power humidifier that features state-of-the-art automatic control. This power humidifier has a built-in fan that pulls ambient air and draws it across a water panel, where evaporation takes place. It utilizes an outdoor temperature sensor for monitoring even the slightest changes in outdoor temperature. This high-tech humidification system can deliver up to 50% more moisture in comparison to competitive units. The Model 700 has an evaporation capacity of 0.75 gallons per hour and can handle up to 3,700 square feet.