Newsletter FALL 2011
Contents: WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY BABY!! | MAKES SENSE |LAYMAN'S HVAC GLOSSARY OF TERMINOLOGY| BUZZ WORDS FOR THE HEATING SEASON |15 POINT HEATING SYSTEMS CLEAN| HVAC POETRY | SAUSAGE HASH BROWN BAKE
WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY BABY!!
Prior to 1885 the only option to heat your home was with a wood burning fireplace or the cast iron Franklin Stove, invented in 1742 by Ben Franklin.
By the end of the 19th century, the invention of low cost cast iron radiators brought central heating to American homes with a coal fired boiler in the basement. This would deliver hot water or steam to radiators in every room.
In 1885, Dave Lennox invented the industry’s riveted steel coal furnace. These early furnaces transported heat by natural convection (warm heated air rising) through ducts from the basement furnace to the rooms above.
In 1935, the forced air furnace was introduced using an electric fan to distribute heated air through ductwork within the home. A short time later gas & oil versions were introduced, which meant no more stoking the coal fire to stay warm. The coal fired furnace became a thing of the past. The forced air furnace is still being used today but with many choices on efficiency.
Cooling was on a very different timeline closely intertwined with the development of electricity. The first coal fired electric power plant opened in New York in 1882 delivering enough power to light homes. Then, in 1886 Schulyer Wheeler invented the electric fan. This was the primary method of cooling .
In 1902, Willis Carrier invented the first air conditioner to combat humidity problems inside a printing company. In 1917 the first documented theater to use air conditioning made its debut in Montgomery, Alabama. By 1930 government offices in Washington, DC were air conditioned. Unfortunately, Because of World War I and then World War II development of air conditioning for residential applications was put on hold until the early 1950’s. It did not take long though, by 1953 Window and central air conditioner sales exceeded one million units. In 1998, sales set a record at 6.2 million units.
Because of the development of central heating and cooling systems, the design of our homes changed from tall ceilings and rambling porches to ranch homes with large picture windows and sliding glass doors. Business’s stayed open longer, shopping malls were created and the sunbelt was developed. We now can live, work and play in complete comfort.
MAKES SENSE
As a consumer we all face the dilemma of when to repair or replace the many items we need in everyday life. This article is to give you a list of facts to guide you in making a decision on what to do if you are confronted with a major repair bill or a utility bill that is larger than life.
Did you know the average person owns 3 to 5 homes in their lifetime. The average person’s life expectancy is 74.9 years. Life expectancy of a furnace is 20 years. There is a possibility you will be faced with these decisions 2-3 times in your life.
Did you know that your furnace generates heat for an average of 2,250 hours per year and distributes the cool air in the summer for an average of 550 hours per year. There is not another product that you would purchase that spends that amount of time providing comfort for you and your family.
Did you know that if you have a 60%AFUE furnace, every dollar you spend heating your home only .60 cents is actually applied to the generation of warmth. The rest goes right up the chimney.
http://www.goodmanmfg.com/Home/HeatingCooling101/HowaCentralHeatingSystem
Did you know with the quest to conserve energy, equipment technology has advanced tremendously. If your furnace is over 12 years old it is recommended by the industry to replace it for a more efficient system.
Did you know the most common repairs on a furnace are the gas valve-blower motor-control board. Each one of these repairs run approximately $300-400.00.
Did you know that 480 people per year die from carbon monoxide poisoning -15,200 need medical attention from carbon monoxide exposure in the United States. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5402a2.htm
Did you know If you upgrade to a 95% AFUE furnace you would save approximately $255.00 per year in utility costs. (That would more that cover the investment amount) http://energyexperts.org/fuelcalc/default.asp
Did you know that many new equipment manufacturers include warranties of 10 year parts-10 year labor-lifetime heat exchangers. The only out of pocket expense is for maintenance.
Did you know if you have air leaks in your home it can add 10% to your utility bill. On a windy day you can test for air leaks by holding an lit incense stick next to your windows, doors, electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, ceiling fixtures, attic hatches etc. If the smoke stream travels horizontally, you have located air leaks. www.energystar.gov
Layman’s HVAC Glossary of Terminology
Back Pressure: Sensation felt while installing a 25 SEER a/c unit.
Chiller: Scary Movie.
Chimney flue: What happened during a tornado.
Contactor: A telephone.
Degree day: Graduation
Economizer: A very frugal person.
Freon: A misnomer, i.e. something which is never free on your bill.
LP gas: Digestive disorder of nurses.
Buzz Words for the Heating Season
AFUE-A measurement used to rate furnace efficiencies by dividing the ratio of heat output by heat input.
BURNER- The device that facilitates the combustion of air and gas
CFM-Cubic feet per minute. A measurement of airflow volume
DAMPER-Found at the exit point of ductwork, this plate usually contains grates that can be opened or closed to control the air flow.
DOWNFLOW FURNACE- A furnace with an intake on the top & an air discharge at the bottom
DUCTWORK- A network of metal, fiberboard or flexible material flowing throughout a space which delivers air from and HVAC unit to the respective zones of a home or office.
FIN COMB- A tool designed to straighten damage fins on condenser coils.
FINS-A fine metal that dissipates the heat off of the copper refrigeration coils in the condenser.
FLAT COIL-A condenser coil that has the fins bent over flat from strong winds, hail or something hitting it repeatedly.
FLUE- A vent that remove the byproducts of combustion from a furnace.
HEAT EXCHANGER-A device through which heat is transferred to a cold area or surface.
HUMIDIFIER- A device that adds humidity, or moisture, to the air
HUMIDISTAT- The device that measures humidity & turns the humidifier on & off.
IGNITION-Elevating the temperature of a substance to the point of causing a combustion reaction.
UPFLOW FURNACE- A furnace that pulls in air from the bottom & releases it through the top.
ZONING-A system that divides a home, office or space into different regions in order to better control the temperature & effectiveness of a heating & cooling system
15 POINT HEATING SYSTEM CLEAN & CHECK
15 POINT HEATING SYSTEM CLEAN & CHECK
Check and adjust thermostat
Clean and adjust all safety controls
Clean and adjust burners and controls
Clean and adjust pilot assembly
Adjust burner efficiency
Check for gas leaks in furnace
Lubricate moving parts
Check belt and adjust tension
Check filters
Check flue pipe and draft diverter
Check fan control
Adjust pressure regulator
Check furnace for fumes
Check out complete furnace system
Make necessary recommendations
My title is PHD
Yet I don’t fix my own a/c
I tried it before
And it cost me more
And it bit me electrically.
I have some information
Regarding your insulation
The R, Mrs, Farr
Is far from par
So the a/c gets no vacation
It’s so cold in here said O’Toole
My hiney froze to the stool
The furnace man Joe
Said sir did you know
Your thermostat is set to cool.
The gas line in your abode
Failed to comply with code
Which might explain why
You flew through the sky
And landed way down the road.
SAUSAGE HASH BROWN BAKE
(Anne’s favorite breakfast casserole)
2 lbs bulk pork sausage
2cups (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 can ( 10 ¾ oz) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 carton (16 oz) sour cream
1 carton (16 oz) French onion dip
1 package (30 oz) frozen Obrien potatoes. (peppers & onions included)
Brown and drain sausage.
In large bowl combine the next five ingredients setting aside half of the cheese.
Fold in the potatoes.
Spread half of the mixture into a greased shallow 3 qrt potatoes mixture. Top with sausage and remaining potato mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Cover and bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes longer or until heater through.
Yield: 10-12 servings
