If you need reliable HVAC contractors, come to 3H AC, and we’ll help you explore the available green HVAC options.

Going Greener & Increasing Energy Efficiency

The global transition to clean energy use experienced a massive blow in 2018 when Americans hit the highest-ever recorded energy consumption in 70 years. But many Americans agree that renewable energy technologies should be prioritized following rising concerns over global warming and the carbon footprint. We are also increasingly aware of the adverse health effects caused by burning fossil fuels.

Unfortunately, our renewable energy production is still a mere drop in the ocean despite increased efforts to cut reliance on fossil fuels. Only about one-third of the total energy production comes from renewable sources. But here’s what you could do with your heating and ventilation systems to reverse the effects:

What Does Green Really Mean?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines green power sources as those that provide the highest environmental benefits like:

• Greenhouse gas reduction
• Reduced air pollution

Qualifying sources of renewable energy include:

• Wind power
• Solar energy
• Geothermal power
• Biomass
• Low-impact small hydropower
• Landfill gas

Energy-efficient electronics and HVAC systems are embedded into the green practice movement to promote environmental sustainability. Green practices include purchasing Energy Star-rated appliances and equipment made from repurposed materials using low-emission processes.

The ideal green HVAC system should control all or a combination of the following criteria:

• Affordable or within your budget
• Easily accessible and locally available
• Energy-efficient, leading to a significant reduction in your energy costs
• Provide tax rebates and incentives for a more affordable installation experience

Some technologies are still in the development stage, but here’s what you could get for energy efficient HVAC systems:

Ductless Heating and Cooling Pumps

Ductless heat pumps are an excellent solution for homeowners who lack existing HVAC ductwork or who have an inefficient system. They are also ideal for homeowners who have added new rooms or extensions to their homes, as they provide customizable heating and cooling options that can be tailored to each individual room. The installation process for a ductless heating and cooling pump is straightforward and does not require significant construction work or duct installation.

The system comprises an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor unit that are connected via a small, thin pipe. The indoor unit contains heat exchange coils, which move warm air from the room and into the exterior during summer months, while in winter, the heat pump draws air from outside and pumps it into the home, creating a comfortable indoor environment.

One of the most significant benefits of ductless heating and cooling pumps is their energy efficiency, which can result in significant energy savings for homeowners. Since ductless systems do not require ductwork, which can be a significant source of energy loss, they are more efficient and can save you money on your energy bills. Additionally, ductless units are visually appealing and can enhance the overall look of your home, unlike traditional ducted HVAC units, which can be unsightly and take up valuable space. In summary, ductless heating and cooling pumps are a practical, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing solution for homeowners looking to upgrade their HVAC systems.

Solar Heaters

Solar furnaces are an innovative and eco-friendly way to generate high amounts of heat without burning fuels. These furnaces work by using mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight onto a small area, creating a concentrated beam of heat. While solar furnaces are primarily designed for industrial and research purposes, some homeowners may be interested in their potential as an energy-efficient heating source. The use of solar technology for residential heating has become increasingly popular, and solar heaters are an excellent example of this.

Residential solar heaters are an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to heat homes, providing hot water and even space heating without the use of traditional fuel sources. These heaters work by using solar collectors to absorb and convert sunlight into heat, which is then transferred to the home’s hot water tank or radiant heating system.

Solar heaters can be used in all climates and are especially useful in sunny regions where there is an abundance of solar energy. They require very little maintenance and can significantly reduce energy bills, making them a sound investment for homeowners. With advancements in solar technology, solar heaters are becoming more efficient, affordable, and accessible, making them a viable option for residential heating.

Quiet-Duct Wrap

Quiet duct wrap is a type of insulation material designed to wrap around HVAC ductwork to reduce noise transmission. HVAC systems can be noisy, and the sound can easily travel through the ductwork and into other areas of the home. One side of the blanket has a pure aluminum barrier for heat reflection and protection against moisture, air currents, and vapors, while the other side is usually made from recycled cotton and carries a Class-A fire rating. The quiet wrap also reduces heat gain or loss when wrapped around your HVAC ductwork. It is an ideal solution for homeowners who want to enjoy a peaceful and quiet living space.

In addition to reducing noise, quiet duct wrap also helps to improve energy efficiency by reducing heat loss or gain in the ductwork. HVAC systems that are not properly insulated can lose some of  their heating or cooling output due to leaks and uninsulated ductwork. This can result in higher energy consumption and costs for homeowners. By wrapping ductwork with quiet duct wrap, the heat loss or gain is reduced, resulting in improved energy efficiency and lower energy bills. Quiet duct wrap is a cost-effective solution for reducing noise and improving energy efficiency in the home, making it a valuable investment for homeowners.

Radiant Floor Heating

Radiant floor heating is a type of heating system that uses tubing or electric heating elements installed beneath the floor to radiate heat upwards, warming the room from the ground up. This type of heating is highly efficient because it does not rely on air circulation to distribute heat, thus reducing heat loss and improving indoor air quality. Additionally, radiant floor heating can be used in conjunction with various heat sources, including solar, geothermal, or waste heat recovery systems, making it a highly versatile option for homeowners.

One of the key benefits of radiant floor heating is its ability to make the home more energy efficient. Because the heat is radiated from the floor, it warms the room evenly and avoids the temperature stratification that can occur with traditional heating systems. As a result, the thermostat can be set lower, saving energy and reducing heating costs. Additionally, because radiant floor heating does not rely on air circulation, it can improve indoor air quality by reducing the circulation of dust and other airborne particles. Radiant floor heating is also a long-lasting solution, with a lifespan of up to 45 years, and requires very little maintenance, making it a sound investment for homeowners looking to improve their home’s energy efficiency.

Renewable Energy Certificates (REC)

Renewable energy certificates are traded instruments that provide economic incentives for eco-friendly energy generation and consumption. They are market-driven energy support schemes meant to speed up the country’s transition to green energy sources. RECs place a saleable value on the production of green energy, allowing producers to sell the energy and the related certificate.

If you’re not willing to invest in green energy production, you can buy it from a green energy producer, even if they’re not from your state. Because there’s no other way to track it on the grid, a REC acts as an accounting system, making it easy to verify renewable energy generation. Each certificate represents one megawatt-hour of electricity produced, and it is canceled in the system once you claim consumption.

Solar Electricity Panels

The amount of solar energy that continuously strikes the earth is greater than what we consume each day by 10,000 times. And it would take billions of years for it to get depleted. Solar power reduces our reliance on greenhouse-gas-producing energy sources by converting sunlight into usable electricity.

Electrical solar panel installation costs have dropped significantly, with federal and state governments offering tax credits on installed systems. For example, you might be eligible for a 22% investment tax credit if you installed your solar PV system between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats allow you to control your home’s ac system from a mobile application. Many of them can be controlled using compatible applications like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. You could turn on the heat in your home or office while you’re halfway across the world.

Smart thermostats can be programmed to adjust temperature settings based on your schedule, the current weather, or the number of occupants at home. Others employ temperature and proximity sensors to determine the heating and cooling needs for different parts of the property. The self-regulation and energy-saving ability can save you close to 10% on annual heating and cooling costs.

Build Your Energy-Efficient HVAC System With 3H AC

Green HVAC systems continue to experience a surge in demand owing to their many benefits. Many people are retrofitting their homes with modernized air conditioning units to control the rising energy costs and comply with environmental regulations. Contact 3H AC to explore energy-efficient HVAC solutions that fit your property and enjoy a hassle-free installation.

The post Updating Your Home with an Energy Efficient, Green HVAC System appeared first on 3HAC.

At 3H AC, one of our top priorities is providing affordable options for our customers. Let’s just be completely honest; HVAC services are not always cheap. While there are many system fixes that need to be handled by our service professionals, there are MANY ways for you to proactively prevent unnecessary HVAC costs and repairs.

With 46 years of experience in residential HVAC service, we have seen a thing or two. Surprisingly, many of the problems that we are called out to fix could have been avoided well in advance…. and most of them for free! To help you keep your system at peak operation, we have included a few easy steps to add to your monthly chores list to keep your HVAC unit clean and running with maximum energy efficiency.

Clean Your HVAC Filter

When to DIY & When to Call 3H AC… Good Question!

We all want to be comfortable in our homes. It just so happens that a major component of that comfort level is heavily influenced by an intricate mechanical system. Just like any other mechanical system, it can experience technical difficulties from time to time, if left unattended.  The more moving parts there are in a system, the higher the chance that something will eventually go wrong. So, when your HVAC system stops moving cool air in the summer and hot air in the winter, it’s the time to ask the question: “Should I do this myself or get a 3H AC pro to handle it?”

If you go through the following steps and your system is still not working properly, then it’s time to call us. 

Top 7 HVAC Fixes for the DIY-er 

#1.  Change Your Filters

This is – by far – the most important thing to do regularly to ensure your system is doing what it is supposed to do, providing clean and comfortable air. Dust, air particles, and dander build up within a filter can lead to a unit overworking itself. Therefore, decreasing the life length of the unit and leaving you with higher utility bills. 3H AC recommends changing out your filter monthly to maximize your unit’s health and lifespan. An easy way to remember it is to set a reminder at the 1^st of every month; every time you pay your bills, you know to change your filter, too.

#2.  Clean Your AC Drain Line

That little pipe that stopped dripping could be a sign of a larger potential problem. Many people overlook this, but it can actually become one of your biggest issues and is a major warning signal.  Just link any other industrial machine, air conditioning units have some type of discharge. For HVAC units, it just happens to end up being water. It is crucial to ensure frequent, monthly checks your AC drain line. Make sure to follow it from the indoor coil, and going all the way out, to be absolutely sure no waste has built up to stop the flow of draining water. Over time dust and debris can build up in that line. If this happens, the water can back up, with no other alternative than to end up draining inside the unit. This can cause catastrophic damage and even render your entire HVAC unit useless. So… DON’T DO THIS!

#3.  Clean Your Outdoor Unit

Keep components clean, especially the outdoor condenser/compressor unit. After a long winter, it is especially a good idea to walk outside and do a little “spring cleaning” around your unit. Make sure no limbs fell on or around it and make sure nothing is restricting air flow in close proximity to the unit. Remove dirt, debris, and cut back vegetation at least two feet on all sides. Don’t forget to look inside the unit, too, and clean leaves or other small pieces of nature that may have fallen inside.

#4.  Clean Your Indoor Coil

Also considered to be the heart of your cooling system, another key point to check before starting that system up is the indoor coil. The coil is a typical place within a system that builds up dirt and debris faster than other areas. You have to remember the coil is receiving air flow that is forced through it anytime the system is running. It’s not a surprise that it is going to be a key point for buildup. Be sure to open up the coil and remove and clean any debris.

#5.  Use Your Dryer at Night

This DIY HVAC Tip usually surprises, and confuses, a lot of people. Did you know that the way we dry our clothes has an impact on our AC systems? You may not realize this but as you dry your clothes it actually is blowing out the air of the home. This causes more air to obviously be drawn into your home. If it is warm outside, that warm air is being sucked in therefore making the Air Conditioner work harder and the home hotter. So, the easy fix is to relegate laundry time to after evening hours.

#6.  Clean the Condensation Line

In order to keep your home cool, the air conditioning component of your HVAC system removes moisture from the air to lower the humidity level inside your house. The drip, drip, drip you see from the small pipe outside, is where the excess condensed water is deposited, away from the AC unit and your home. Over time algae, mold, and mildew can build up inside the condensation drain line and form a clog, causing water to back up and overflow inside the air conditioner unit. To prevent this from happening, pour a cup of bleach in the access opening in the drain line near the AC unit to kill any algae, mold, or mildew that has formed in the pipe. Then you will need to use a shop vac to physically remove the clog from the line.  Watch this video to see how.

#7. Install a Float Switch

Now that we know about the natural occurrence of condensation in an HVAC system, it’s important to set up precautions for possible overflow of the drain lines. As condensation builds up to the level that it can flow easily out of the pan,  the condensate switch turns on a pump to remove it. When a condensate switch fails, condensation will begin to overflow the sides of the condensate pan, which can damage wood supporting the AC unit and create an environment that promotes the growth of mold and mildew. If this has happened to your unit, you will need to replace the A/C Float Switch. Learn how to do this yourself by watching this a simple 5-minute installation video guide.

HVAC Still Not Working?

If you applied all of the above steps and the unit is still giving you grief, then it’s time to let 3H AC help you! It is likely that you are at the crossroads of either repairing the unit, or replacing the unit it all together. (Remember any unit over 12 years of age should probably be replaced with a more efficient, up to date, 410a system.) Isolating and solving AC issues promptly – especially if your problem takes place during those super-hot summer months or during the frigid winter – is very important to YOU. At 3H AC it is our #1 priority to provide you with multiple replacement options to fit a range of wants and needs, all while keeping it as affordable as possible. And did you know…

We NEVER charge extra for Emergency HVAC Service. Ever. Reach out to schedule one of our 3H AC HVAC Pros so we can have your family comfortable today!

Watch the quick video below to learn more about homeowner tips

The post DIY HVAC – 7 Tips to Save You Money & Boost Air System Efficiency appeared first on 3HAC.

The fact that it’s hot out isn’t the only thing that you’ll need to endure either. The cost of cooling is expensive. Wouldn’t you rather spend that cooling money on something you really like? Perhaps you need a new car. Maybe you’d just like to go shopping for some fun summer clothes.

Luckily, there are a few ways you can save yourself some money before the heat gets too scorching and you end up throwing it all at your air conditioning unit. The HVAC pros at 3H AC explain how to save money on AC in summer so that you don’t have to “sweat” the bill!

3 Easy Steps to Save Money on Your Air Conditioning Bills

Easy Step #1

First, check to see that you are maintaining your air conditioners appropriately. This is something that many people forget to do or simply don’t want to do. Your unit will be using more energy to do a smaller amount of work if you don’t keep it maintained properly. All it takes is some general maintenance and cleaning to make sure the unit is in good condition. You can do this yourself!  If you’re busy, or simply don’t want to have to deal with it yourself, you can hire 3H AC to come and handle it for you. 

Even better, sign up for our yearly maintenance plan and keep the entire process seamless.  There is an investment for this plan, but remember that you’ll never have to worry every year about your HVAC unit.  Most importantly, this can save you thousands throughout the summer months.  Click Here to see more information about our yearly maintenance plans.

Easy Step #2

To save even more money this summer, think about letting your home be warmer by just a few degrees. Usually, this is the easiest solution, while still keeping your home and family comfortable. In addition, you can often program your thermostat so that when you leave the home, the heat goes up automatically.   When family members get back home after school, work, or going out, you can program the thermostat to lower so that it is cool again. You can even program the thermostat to turn up a slight amount when you and your family go to sleep.  By installing a few Eco-Friendly options to your home, you can maximize your conservation AND save money. For more information on how 3H AC can help you create a Smart Home, Click Here.

Easy Step #3

Lastly, there are a ton of items on the list of common problems with air conditioners on the Energy Saver website. If you want a shorter fix list, we have put together the Top 7  DIY HVAC Tips for your convenience.  These can help you pick out common issues that might occur with your own air conditioning unit. They are usually easy fixes, and can keep your HVAC humming all summer long.

Is It Really That Easy?

Taking just a few key steps now could give you more money this summer. These small savings could add up to a lot! Even if it’s still not warm enough to crank on your air conditioning, be sure to make it a point this year to look over your HVAC unit before the heat waves hit.  If you are strapped on time, and just want to hit the ‘easy button’, then call 3H AC to come out and perform our 14 point Summer Service Check Up.  Now THAT is super easy!

The post 3 Ways To Save Money On Your Air Conditioning This Summer appeared first on 3HAC.