Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing Blog: Archive for the ‘Blog’ Category

Barron Heating donating ductless heat pump systems and furnaces valued at over $25,000

Wednesday, July 11th, 2018

Barron Heating & Air Conditioning’s Christmas in July giving event is a way to emphasize giving and compassion for others.

Barron Heating is seeking recommendations through July 31 for families in need in Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish counties. Three families will be selected to receive a Daikin Ductless Heat Pump installed at their home.

Also, $100 will be donated to a “furnace fund” from the sale of each Daikin comfort system purchased between now and Aug. 31, making it possible for another three families to be given a new furnace later this year.

The value of the heat pumps and furnaces with installation is estimated at more than $25,000.

“We know there are good families in our communities who are facing difficult challenges,” said John Barron, owner of Barron Heating. “A ductless heat pump delivers energy efficient heating and cooling, providing year-round comfort to a family that otherwise may not have heat this winter.”

The ductless heat pumps will dramatically cut energy costs for the families receiving them. The average monthly cost of using a ductless heat pump in an average-sized home is about one-fourth the cost of using an electric or oil furnace and about one-fifth the cost of electric baseboard heating.

Family recommendations may be made at www.barronheating.com/christmasinjuly/ or any of the three Barron Heating locations.

Barron Heating has become one of Northwest Washington’s largest and most respected home performance experts with locations in Ferndale, Burlington, and Marysville. Approximately 130 employees serve customers in Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish counties.

Committed to improving lives through its Air Solutions team and Certified Home Performance Experts, Barron Heating provides a wide range of heating, cooling, and indoor air-quality products and services, as well as a large selection of stoves and fireplaces.

Barron Heating’s Ferndale location is in the Pacific Industrial Park at 5100 Pacific Highway, along the east side of Interstate 5 between West Smith and Slater roads. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call (360) 676-1131 or visit www.barronheating.com.

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Spring Maintenance Checklist

Monday, March 20th, 2017

Is your house ready for spring?

Man Cleaning Gutters on Ladder

Although this winter has brought us an unusual amount of school-canceling, perilous-driveway-navigating, and downright gloomy weather, spring is inevitable. And while this light at the end of the tunnel may seem miles and miles away, the last thing we want is for the warmer weather to take us (and our house) by surprise.

What are some steps to take towards a smooth spring transition?

Exterior Inspection

While we have the ability to don our heavy-duty rain apparel in wet weather, our houses are outside and without Gortex through rain, wind, sleet, and snow here in the Pacific Northwest. At the end of every winter season  it’s a good idea to do a walkaround of your property and visually inspect your property to catch issues, especially in the following problem areas:

Roof

Your roof takes the brunt of winter weather. You can even do a simple inspection of your roof without stepping on a ladder. If your eyesight isn’t the best, grab a pair of binoculars or even your iPhone camera to zoom in and check for obvious changes. Shingles popping up, buckling, cracking, or just not looking right? Better call in a roofer to tackle things.

Chimney

Although your masonry fireplace may have been cozy in the winter, water damage to your chimney joints can leave your house decidedly un-cozy if not taken care of. If you spot crumbling masonry, vegetation, or a calcium-like buildup on your chimney, you may need to reseal your chimney with a water-resistant barrier.

Gutters

Get rid of those leaves taking up residence in your gutters and downspouts. You wouldn’t want accumulated debris causing water damage to your eaves or trim, or pooling around your foundation, would you? Full gutters may also be inviting to critters who can wreak havoc on your attic space.

Windows

Check to make sure any caulking or weather stripping around your windows is intact and recaulk if needed; a tight seal around your windows will keep leakage to a minimum and will help your heating/cooling system to work more efficiently. It doesn’t hurt to give your windows a solid cleaning as well–but try to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives when doing so as to not cause damage to the glass, sills, frames, or screens.

Deck and Porches

Decks, patios, porches, stairs and railings may need special attention after a long and wet winter. Check to make sure there is no warping, discoloration, splintering, loose boards or accumulated debris. Wood decks and fences should also be treated every 4-6 years, if the stain doesn’t look like it should or water has turned some of the wood a dark grey, hire a deck professional to treat your deck and fence.

Landscape

Trim vegetation back from structures; errant limbs and leaves can leave marks in your home’s paint and may require time and money to fix. You can also start planning or executing projects–like gardens, ponds, walkways, or any other landscaping changes you’d like to make on your property so that you’re not behind come summer.

Interior Upkeep

Bust out the Dustbuster, unearth the mop, and take a deep breath: spring is in the air. Or is that just the smell of Lemon Pledge? Cleaning up around the house is a great way to usher in a new season and get us ready for warmer weather. Now that the outside of our house is taken care of, what’s on the list for the inside?

General Cleaning

Here’s where that Pledge may come in handy. Doing a sweep of the house and cleaning the oft neglected things–dusty nooks and crannies, window coverings, tops of cabinets, ceiling fans, backsplashes, etc.–will not only make things look nicer, it was also improve your indoor air quality (IAQ) by eliminating some pesky allergens like dust and pet dander.

Read: Got Dust? The Spots You May Be Missing

Air Conditioner Maintenance

Speaking of limiting allergens–making sure your air conditioner is running smoothly and efficiently is an excellent way to keep you and your home healthy. You should change the filter, check hose connections for leaks, and make sure the drain pans are draining freely. You can always schedule a maintenance appointment with a professional if you suspect your unit is not functioning properly.

Attic Inspection

Mold, insects, and mice–oh no! Inspect your attic and crawl spaces to make sure none of these invasive issues have made your home <their home. The right ventilation and insulation will deter mold or pests from colonizing further (especially in the warmer months to come). If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, bringing in a professional may be necessary to fully assess the situation.

Read: 10 Things You Don’t Know Are in Your Crawlspace

Basement Care

Much like your attic, your basement requires special seasonal attention as well. Basements are prone to dampness and insects and need to be ventilated properly. If you spot cracks in poured-concrete walls, find insect tunnels in any wood framing, or suspect other issues, you may need to call in a professional to keep your basement safe.

A new season means a new list of maintenance projects. Stay ahead of the curve by checking in with your home and catching potential issues before they get out of hand and cost you serious time and money. While many aspects of this list can be done by you, the homeowner, there are professionals to help you assess situations and perform more in-depth maintenance if need be. What’s on your spring cleaning list?

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4 Steps to Reduce Spring Allergens in Your Home

Thursday, March 16th, 2017

It’s not called “allergy season” for nothing.

Spring is finally in the air! And with the arrival of birds, blue sky and warmer weather  comes pesky allergens that can aggravate you and your family and negatively impact health. Keep the pollen, dust mites, and pet dander at bay by regularly maintaining your HVAC system. The better it runs, the happier and healthier your home will be.

Change Your Filters

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: pay attention to your filters! Check your filters every month, and replace every 3 months or so depending on wear. You want to make sure your unit is working efficiently to keep particles and allergens out of your family’s space, especially when any members are particularly susceptible (like asthma sufferers).

Check for Mold

Mold is an unfriendly guest no matter where you find it. It can be especially irritating when it takes up in your HVAC system, worsening allergies and overall health. If you see mold or notice a musty smell coming from your vents, it may be time to schedule a duct cleaning.

Seal it up

To prevent excess pollen and other particulates from making their way inside your home, one DIY approach is to weatherstrip, caulk or spray foam around windows, doors, and other problem areas. Taking these measures can help your air conditioner or heating system run to its fullest efficiency (and save you money).

Call in a Professional

After you’ve made the rounds yourself, it’s never a bad idea to get a full system checkup from a trained professional. Much like your family’s health, your HVAC system is an investment; it needs to be treated with care and attention to be at its best.

Don’t wait until your whole family is sneezing and miserable, contact Barron Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule a maintenance appointment today!

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Go Geothermal

Tuesday, February 21st, 2017

Looking for an efficient, cost effective, and environmentally friendly heating/cooling system? A geothermal heat pump is the greenest way to go.

The basics

Even though the air temperature fluctuates a significant amount over the seasons, the ground absorbs nearly half the suns energy, keeping a more consistent temp under the surface. Geothermal heat pumps take advantage of this fact by employing earth loops– usually closed-system loops made of piping– to tap into stable underground temperatures and deliver heat or cooling when you need it.

These systems work by circulating an antifreeze solution in the loop between the ground source heat pump and your house, exchanging heat and distributing it through a conventional duct system to heat or cool your house.

Geothermal heating

It’s winter and the air outside is at its coldest. A geothermal heat pump system easily absorbs ground heat from the abundant supply stored below your home, and consumes less energy than a traditional pump system in the process.

Geothermal cooling

When warm summer weather rolls around, a geothermal heating and cooling system absorbs heat from your home and transfers it to the underground loop where it is then absorbed by the cooler earth. The geothermal heat pump uses the cool water returning from the ground to create cool, dehumidified air conditioning for your home.

Different kinds of loops

Depending on what your unique space and lifestyle requires, different kinds of earth loops may be installed.

Horizontal Loops Horizontal Loops
Often used when adequate land surface is available. Depending on geothermal system needs and space available, pipes are placed in trenches that range in length from 100 to 400 feet.

Vertical Loops Vertical Loops
The ideal choice for a geothermal heat pump when available land surface is limited. Well drilling equipment is used to bore small-diameter holes from 100 to 400 feet deep.

Pond (Lake) Loops Pond (Lake) Loops
Very economical to install when a large body of water is available for use by the geothermal heating and cooling system. Coils of pipe are simply placed on the bottom of the pond or lake to capture the geothermal energy.

Open loops (Well-Water Systems) Open loops (Well-Water Systems)
In ideal conditions, an open-loop application can be the most economical type of geothermal system. These use groundwater from a well as a direct energy source.

Images and descriptions via waterfurnace.com

Fun facts

  • An EPA study of energy efficiency concluded geothermal energy is the most environmentally friendly heating/cooling system.
  • The United States National Renewable Energy Laboratory concluded that geothermal energy is more efficient and cost-effective compared with conventional residential systems.
  • Available everywhere in the United States, geothermal energy can be found underground virtually anywhere.
  • Geothermal cost savings can be increased by geothermal energy incentives, available from federal, state, local, and utility sources.

Cost comparison

Energy and cost savings of geothermal heat pumps will vary by region and type of conventional system they’re compared with. But the energy cost of geothermal versus conventional HVAC systems will always be lower — and the geothermal system will always be greener.

Click to enlarge.

How much can you save in energy costs with a geothermal system? Calculate your home’s potential geothermal system cost savings

Looking for more information? Check out energy.gov for further resources: https://energy.gov/energysaver/geothermal-heat-pumps 

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Should I Replace My Furnace?

Tuesday, January 10th, 2017

Has your furnace been keeping up with you this winter? If not, it may be time to think about saying goodbye…or at least time to get in touch with an HVAC expert to assess the situation. You should think about the possibility of replacement, repairs, or tune-ups if:

Your furnace is 15 years or older

Although age may just be a number to some, we generally say a furnace approaching 15 years in age is heading into its golden days in terms of efficiency and safety. While your furnace may last up to 20 (or even 30) years with routine maintenance, it’s generally a sound investment for your wallet and health to think about upgrading around the 15 year mark.

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Trends in HVAC: 3 Areas Driving Advancements in Technology

Thursday, December 8th, 2016
via PrincipiaConsulting.com

Leading and emerging trends in the air conditioning market

The market for technology in the HVAC market is rapidly ever-changing. Developments for future technology focus on convenience and the user experience. Although the evolution of these products in HVAC may be in their infancy, most organizations are predicting that user experience will define the industry for years to come. The emphasis on convenience is creating increased demand for technology that may not even exist yet.

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Welcome to the official blog of Barron Heating & Air Conditioning

Wednesday, November 16th, 2016

Welcome to the official blog of Barron Heating & Air Conditioning 

We’re here to help make your home comfortable, healthy, and energy efficient with our tips, tricks, relevant resources and more!

Don’t forget to connect with us:

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Improving Indoor Air Quality

Saturday, June 25th, 2016

We all know about how stack effect works in homes, but during presentations, I’m always surprised by how many hands are raised in response to the question: “How many of you think you can make a house too tight and cause problems with indoor air quality?” Generally, at least three-quarters of the room raises their hands. Really? My colleague Joe Kuonen says that getting a house so tight that you need to ventilate is a feat worth celebrating. “Now, we can get fresh air from a place we can trust,” he says. Where do most of our homes get their fresh air? From places we cannot trust, like crawl spaces.

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Your HVAC and Home Performance Glossary

Wednesday, October 14th, 2015

“How am I supposed to know what to do?!”

Step one is to find a trained and reliable contractor.
Step two is to get educated.
We’ve made this tool to help you on your journey to a healthier, comfortable and more efficient home.

Air Conditioning

Air Conditioning is a refrigerant based system consisting of an indoor coil at the furnace and an outdoor unit. Much like a kitchen refrigerator- the heat is transferred from inside to outside. A fan distributes the cooled air (heat removed).

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency)

AFUE is the rated efficiency of a combustion furnace. For example, a 95% AFUE model loses 5% of its produced heat up the chimney. In other words, $1 of fuel combusted in an 80% AFUE model loses $0.20 before it even enters the ducts.

Condensate (Condensation)

Heat pumps, air conditioners and modern furnaces produce condensation and the removal of this collected water is always considered in system design.

Cold Air Return

The “cold air return” is the sucking or intake side of a duct system. This duct pulls air from the home and feeds it to the furnace to be reheated for distribution. Leaks in the return air duct are very important to seal as they allow material to be pulled in from wherever they lead (insulation from attics, dust from crawlspaces, etc.). Unducted wall cavities are not acceptable for cold air returns in the modern HVAC world as they are known to reduce efficiency and cause health safety issues.

COP (Coefficient of Performance)

This is an efficiency rating system that compares the output of heat to the consumption of electricity. An electric baseboard or electric furnace (aka resistance heat source) has a COP of 1.0- for every unit of electricity that goes in, you get one unit of heat energy out. A heat pump may have a COP of 3.0- for every unit of electricity that goes in, you get three units of heat energy out.

$1 of heat with a baseboard heater = $3 of heat with a Heat Pump (3.0 COP)

Ducted Filtration and Furnace Filters

Filters located on either the furnace or grille end of the intake duct protect the furnace components from the build-up of airborne particles. More advanced filtration systems can be effective at cleaning the air in a home, but only if the duct and house leakage has been addressed. Filters are rated on the “MERV” scale based on how small of particles they are able to remove from the air stream.

**The Supply Duct Filters available at hardware stores are not recommended. They will negatively affect efficiency and air quality, as well as damage equipment.

Duct Sealing

According to extensive nationwide studies, duct leakage is a leading cause of wasted energy, poor indoor air quality, excessive dust, and comfort complaints. A study by the U.S. Department of Energy study found that the typical duct system loses between 25% and 40% of its paid-for heat! Leaks are repaired with either hand applied material or a more comprehensive internal seal using an aerosol dispersed polymer (www.AeroSeal.com).

Duct Sizing

Proper duct sizing is of absolute importance in effectively delivering conditioned air to the home. Improper duct sizing can lower the efficiency of the system, limit distribution (effecting comfort), and cause unnecessary ware on equipment.

Electric Resistance Heat

Think “toaster”. Baseboard heaters, wall heaters and electric furnaces are all forms of electric resistance heat technology and produce heat by passing electricity through a material that causes “resistance”, heats up and then radiates that heat either into an air stream or directly into a room. This is a very inefficient form of heating by modern standards and is going the way of the dodo as a primary heating source in most situations.

Fan Motors

There are two types of fan motors in the world of furnaces:
ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor)- These are variable speed motors that can ramp up and down depending on the call from the thermostat or furnace.
PSC (Permanent Split Capacitor)- These are single speed motors that are on or off.

Heat Pump (Ductless Mini Split)

Ductless Heat Pumps are the world’s most popular heating system. For most standard application they are the most efficient and cost effective to install. For this reason, utility companies offer significant incentives to upgrade. This is a zonal heating system that operates on a refrigerant technology (see “Heat Pump” below). They do not utilize a duct system to distribute conditioned air.

Heat Pump (Forced Air)

Heat Pumps are really just an air conditioner that can go in reverse. In addition to the cooling process, these have the ability take the heat from the outdoor air and transfer it to the inside of your home. When the heat bearing refrigerant enters the “coil” at the furnace, the heat is picked up in the air stream and distributed into home. This technology is significantly more efficient at creating heat than propane or electric resistance and even more efficient than natural gas.

Home Performance (a.k.a. Building Science)

Home Performance refers to the understanding that the whole house is a system and each component affects all others. For example: leaks in the ductwork will worsen indoor air quality, raise utility bills, cause drafts, shorten the lifespan of the furnace and negatively affect health; air leaks to the attic through recessed lighting will do all the same things; both together will affect those things but even more so. Because of these relationships, understanding your home’s performance through diagnostic testing is recommended by the US Department of Energy, Energy Star, and Consumer Reports before making any investment in heating, cooling, energy efficiency, or home health upgrades.

HSPF (Heating Season Performance Factor)

HSPF is the standard rating system for Heat Pumps. This is a rating given by regulatory agencies to compare the efficiency at which the heat pump operates.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

“Indoor air quality” refers to the potential impact of your home’s air on occupant health and comfort. IAQ is judged on the presence of humidity, dust, radon gas, mold, fiberglass particulate, carbon monoxide and many other conditions. IAQ should be considered a high priority as it will affect both the long and short term health of occupants. Poor IAQ can exacerbate or cause: asthma, sinus infections, chronic respiratory ailments, eczema, fatigue, headaches, and many other issues.

Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the substance used in air conditioning and heat pump systems to transfer heat between the interior and exterior of the home. The refrigerant is transported in copper tubing between the indoor and outdoor coils. When the refrigerant is pressurized it absorbs heat from the air around it.

Registers (aka Grilles)

Registers, grilles, diffusers, and grates are all basically the same thing. In the industry they are commonly referred to as “grilles” or “diffusers.”

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)

SEER is the standard rating system for air conditioners. This is a rating given by regulatory agencies to compare the efficiency at which the air conditioner operates.

Static Pressure

Static pressure is the outward pressure of a substance against its container. In this industry we are concerned most often with the static pressure of the air in the duct system. Good static pressure allows for even distribution throughout the home, efficient removal of heat from the furnace’s heat exchanger or refrigerant coil, and less noise [LR1] from the air ejecting from the grille. Bad static pressure can exacerbate leakage, damage heating equipment, and significantly lower efficiency.

Supply Air

“Supply air” ducting is the delivery system for conditioned air- warm or cool. Supply air ducts should always be well sealed as any air that is lost out these pressurized ducts is lost to the outside, even when it is in a wall or floor cavity.

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Annual Gas Stove and Insert Service (Part II of our Annual Maintenance Series!)

Wednesday, January 21st, 2015

Gas stoves are very popular these days, and for good reason! They are cozy warm, create ambiance, and best of all, there’s no mess, and no buying or chopping of wood. Easy-peasy, right?

But it’s important to remember that, just like a furnace, gas stoves need annual maintenance to keep them working, keep you warm, and keep those toxic combustion gases headed in the right direction (out of your house)!Have you ever wondered what exactly needs to be serviced on a gas stove, how often, and why? In this, Part II of our Annual Maintenance Series, (click here for Part I on Furnace Maintenance), we will walk you through the details and checklists of Gas Stove and Gas Insert maintenance, discuss whether or not this service is important, and what you can expect to pay for it.

Is annual maintenance important for your gas stove or insert?

There are quite a few parts involved in a gas unit. Every part should be removed, inspected, and cleaned annually. Why? Because the combustion process of the gasses should be smooth and clear to create the most heat, cleanest burn, and healthiest system for your indoor air quality. If the parts are not regularly cleaned, they can get clogged or build up moisture, which can lead to ineffective heat, corrosion, and the release of excessive carbon monoxide (which I’m sure you know, is not something to be messed with).In addition, the aesthetic of your gas stove (which is one of the most important features for most people) can only be maintained by cleaning the glass on a regular basis. Looking at all of these elements, I’d conclude that yes, annual gas fireplace maintenance is very important!

What exactly needs to be done annually?

Just like furnace maintenance, gas stove and insert maintenance has a long checklist that should be diligently followed by your technician. They should be able to quickly rattle off or give you a printed list of all the items they will be inspecting and cleaning. Here is a great reference of the minimum to look for when your technician visits:

  1. Remove and clean:
    The glass, the logs, the burner, the pilot hood, the pilot orifice, thermocouple’ thermopile, spark igniter, flame sensor, and firebox. The blower fan should also be cleaned.
  2. Measure:
    Millivolt output of thermopile and thermocouple, resistance through switch, thermostat and remote circuits. Also, electrical wiring connections should be inspected and loose wires tightened.3. Replace batteries:
    In remote, receiver, thermostat, and ignition control.
  3. Inspect:
    Glass trim and other penetrations for proper sealing as well as the gas fittings for leaks. Very important is checking the operation and measuring the carbon monoxide in the leaving space to make sure the very toxic gas is at healthy levels.
  4. Replace or Repaint:
    Replace ember material. When necessary your contractor should offer to repaint the firebox and other components with high temperature rated stove paint to protect against corrosion.

Could the homeowner do all of this herself? What should it cost for servicing?

The response to this question is almost exactly the same as in Part I of this series. The glass on the fireplace oftentimes needs to be cleaned more than once per year, especially if it’s your main source of heat. Major buildup of the minerals produced by combustion can cause permanent clouding if the glass is not cleaned regularly. But some units can be tricky to get into. Give your HVAC service contractor a call if in doubt.

For the rest of the gas stove or insert maintenance, homeowner could in fact do all of these things, but only if they know how to perform all or most of the items on the list above. If, however, you don’t feel comfortable DIYing your gas unit, which is a fairly complex system, you can expect to pay between $100-$175 a year for your technician to service your gas fireplace, giving you near-absolute peace of mind.

What about wood and pellet stoves?

Check with your HVAC company about whether or not they service other types of stoves. Barron happens to service every type of stove and insert that they sell, including wood, pellet, and gas. I chose to focus only on gas stoves in this blog because they are more complex, more popular, and I wanted to provide specific information. However, it is important to note that pellet and wood stoves require regular servicing by a technician or advanced-DIY servicing as well.

Hopefully this post has helped to take some of the complexity and mystery out of the annual gas fireplace maintenance. Keeping your annual appointment is all about preventative measures. Following recommended maintenance will likely keep you warm longer, and keep unexpected fireplace shut-downs and scary carbon-monoxide leaks at bay.

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