You are here: Home / 2011 / Archives for December 2011

Office Air Quality and Sick Building Syndrome

December 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Many office and factory workers spend a lot of time inside a building during the day, but aren’t aware of the harmful effects of indoor air pollution.  Indoor air pollution may come from mold, building materials, cleaning agents or chemicals, and even copy machines.  Without the proper air ventilation system, indoor air pollution can affect workers’ health.Avoid Sick Building SYnrome

HVAC Systems that are not properly installed or maintained can lead to Sick Building Syndrome or SBS. SBS is usually temporary but can sometimes lead to long-term problems, such as Legionnaire’s disease. Some of the symptoms of SBS include dry eyes and nose and irritated throat or skin. Employers with SBS could notice a drop in worker efficiency or more use of sick days when there is poor air quality in their building.  In a Report to Congress on Indoor Air Quality in 1989, these costs related to loss of work in industry were estimated to be “tens of billions of dollars per year”. By installing an HVAC System that improves indoor air quality, employers could see improved employee health, productivity, and morale.

Depending on the nature of the pollutant and air quality problem, usually ventilation or mitigation can be the solution. When Minnesota weather and the building’s construction allows, natural ventilation by opening a window can help air out a stuffy room. Otherwise, it may be beneficial to install an air exchanger or other ventilation system.  In instances where pollutants may be strong in a designated area, an exhaust system such as a local exhaust ventilation or a chemical fume hood can improve indoor air quality. Consideration can also be placed on air cleaners in an HVAC System like High Efficiency (HEPA) furnace filters or ionizers, but a properly installed and maintained  HVAC system must also be in place.

If you want to learn more about how to improve the air quality in your office or workplace in West Central Minnesota, please contact Chappell Central. We can help you determine if your commercial HVAC System is providing adequate indoor air quality for your staff.

Source: http://www.epa.gov

Filed Under: Commercial, HVAC Equipment Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Furnace Humidifiers for Minnesota Winters

December 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Minnesota winters wear on our bodies and homes.  The cold outside winter air is very dry, and it affects the indoor relative humidity in our homes as well.

Do you ever wake up in the morning and feel dry or hoarse? 

Does your skin and lips feel chapped and sore? 

Have you noticed getting static “shocks” in your home?  whole house humidifier

Many Minnesota families find that the dry air is uncomfortable.  When the dry outdoor air leaks into your home and is combined with the even drier air from your furnace, it can cause both discomfort and irritation. A home that is excessively dry can even experience damage to wood surfaces, such as flooring, ceilings, or walls.

Luckily, there is a solution to control the dry winter air inside our homes.  Furnace humidifiers (or whole-home humidifiers) are available that attach onto your furnace to help control your in-home humidity. Since the furnace humidifier is hooked up directly to the ventilation system in your home, it evenly disburses the humidity throughout your entire home, not just in one room or area.

In West Central Minnesota, Chappell Central can help you find the perfect humidifier solution or air exchanger for your home.  Make your furnace work for you to keep your house warm, but also comfortable. Furnace humidifiers are just one of the residential ventilation systems that we offer.

Contact Chappell Central to learn more about your whole house humidifiers and other options to control humidity today.

Filed Under: Residential Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Benefits of an Air Exchanger

December 15, 2011 By 2 Comments

If you have allergies or respiratory problems, you know the importance of fresh outdoor air.  Being in an air-tight home or office can cause some problems for people with these health issues.  Long Minnesota winters do not make it easier.  According to the EPA, studies have shown that air within homes can be more seriously polluted then even the most industrial cities.  With some people spending approximately 90% of their time indoors, they are more susceptible to the effects of indoor air pollution. Proper ventilation with an air exchanger could help.

Even if your home is older and not tightly insulated, it is likely that in the winter, the air inside your home gets stale.  Air exchangers can help bring fresh outdoor air inside the home, while exhausting an equal amount of stale air, providing a healthy balance to your ventilation system.

Air Exchange Ventilator (AEV) Benefits:venmar air exchanger

  • Reduce excess humidity which can cause mold, mildew and deterioration to your home
  • Reduce dangerous pollutant fumes or gases
  • Remove particles like dust and dander
  • Help reduce heating and cooling costs for highly insulated homes
  • Remove “stuffiness” and help freshen up the home

Air exchangers (also known as heat recovery ventilators or air-to-air heat exchangers) can be used in conjunction with your other residential or commercial HVAC equipment, such as forced-air heating or central air conditioning systems.  Your furnace combined with an air exchange ventilation system can help create a healthy indoor environment through improved air quality.

Interested in learning more about how an energy efficient air exchange ventilator can improve the air quality in your home?  Contact an HVAC professional at Chappell Central for more information about Venmar Air Exchangers.

Filed Under: HVAC Equipment, Residential Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Christmas Safety & Energy Efficiency

December 8, 2011 By 2 Comments

With Christmas around the corner, and the Minnesota heating season in full swing, we would like to share some Holiday safety tips for your home. We also have a few ideas to keep your monthly electricity and heating bills down by keeping your Christmas decorations energy efficient.

Fireplaces

Lighting up your fireplace can be a great way to save energy on your heating bill during the holidays.  Just keep in mind some common-sense safety tips.

  • Before lighting the fire, make sure that the area is clear from Christmas decorations, presents, curtains, greens, or anything that could ignite.
  • Make sure the flue is open and keep a screen in front of the fire while it is burning.
  • Keep all wrapping paper and evergreens out of the fireplace.

Christmas TreesChristmas fire safety

According to the National Fire Protection Asc., Christmas tree fires are not common, however when they occur they are likely to be serious. A heat source too close to the Christmas tree starts one of every five (20%) of these fires.

  • Before you buy a fresh tree, make sure the needles are green and the wood is not dry.
  • Place the tree in a location away from heating sources like furnace vents, fireplaces or radiators.  Heated rooms will dry out your tree faster, which can be a fire hazard.
  • Water your tree often to decrease its flammability.
  • Never use lighted candles in your Christmas tree. As always, keep lighted candles out of reach to young children.
  • If you buy an artificial tree, ensure that it is “Fire Resistant”.
  • Decorate your tree with only non–combustible or flame-resistant materials.

Christmas Lights

The colorful lights in and on our houses add to the fun feelings of Christmas. But the lights can short-out so take precautions.

  • Make sure the lights you use outside are certified for “outdoor use”.
  • If you have second-hand lights or older lights, inspect them closely for frayed wires, broken sockets, or loose connections.  If you see any damage, recycle them.
  • Don’t leave the Christmas lights on when you leave the house.  Make a habit of turning them off (or purchase a timer) when you leave or go to bed, just as you would any other lights in your home. Leaving your Christmas lights on for 6 hours or less of daily use is a good goal to keep your energy bill down as well.
  • The newer LED lights are a safer and more energy efficient choice because they use 90% less electricity then regular lights and do not run as hot.
  • Make sure the circuit you are plugging your lights in isn’t overloaded.

Always have an eye out for safety, not just during the holidays but year round.  Eliminate any potentially dangerous items around candles, fireplaces, or electrical connections.  As always, have an emergency plan for safety in case a fire breaks out in your home.

Energy Efficiency Bonus: To save some money with your heating bill, turn your thermostat down when you have extra guests.  Extra bodies in your house will create some extra warmth!

Have a warm and cozy Christmas Season,

from everyone at Chappell Central.

Filed Under: Energy Saving Tips, Residential Tagged With: , , , , , ,

How to Choose Between Furnace Repair or Furnace Replacement

December 1, 2011 By 1 Comment

In Minnesota, heating our homes is about more than just comfort. Many families is West Central Minnesota also ask our HVAC professionals for advice on the safety and energy efficiency of heating and cooling systems. When you have to make the choice between furnace repair or furnace replacement, it is usually not an easy one. A furnace is a big investment in your family’s home, that should take some serious thought and research. Before making the decision to repair or replace your home’s heating system, check with an HVAC professional to make sure your furnace is safe, working properly, and assess how energy efficient it is. The next big factor is cost.

Old Furnaces Cost More to Run

  • Up to 40 cents on dollar for heat is wasted up and out of chimney
  • Can consume over 1200kWh a year, which can cost $100-$300 more annually
  • Older furnaces can also pose some health threats

New Furnaces are more Energy Efficient

  • Less than 4 cents on dollar is wasted
  • Energy efficient furnaces consume 25% the energy as standard furnace
  • Newer furnaces are safer and more energy efficient
  • The brand we sell and recommend most frequently are Carrier Furnaces.

When to Consider Furnace Replacement Over Furnace Repair

(The average life expectancy of a furnace is 16-20 years)

  • If your furnace is less than ten years old, but more than $500 to fix, furnace replacement will probably save you money in the long run
  • If you your furnace is over ten years old, and several hundred dollars to fix, furnace replacement will probably save you money in the long run

If you have not had your central heating system checked in the past year, or if you have questions on HVAC equipment or heating repair, please contact Chappell Central today.  We can help you determine if it is more cost-efficient to repair or replace your furnace so you are ready for the West Central Minnesota winter. It is much easier to do furnace and HVAC equipment comparison shopping before your equipment breaks down, instead of during an emergency on a cold January night. Chappell Central also has an annual Maintenance and Service plan that can keep your heating and cooling systems running smoothly and avoid surprises.

Chappell Central can help with all your residential heating and commercial HVAC needs, including air duct cleaning, air conditioning systems, heat pumps, geothermal heat, heat recovery units, and air duct repair.

Many of these stats came from the Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy Information Center on Home Heating.

Filed Under: Energy Saving Tips, Maintenance, Residential Tagged With: , , , , ,