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New HVAC Technology from Carrier

December 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Technology is always improving, and Heating and Cooling Technology is no exception.  A while ago, we told you about the new Smart Thermostat available – called the Carrier Infinity Touch Control.  The Infinity Touch Control can do amazing things such as control 8 different zones in your home, and even be controlled from your smart phone!

Today we want to tell you about a few more products, such as the Carrier Infinity System that keeps Chappell Central and Carrier ahead of HVAC industry trends and global initiatives.

Greenspeed Intelligence: When the Infinity Touch Control is combined with a Carrier Infinity green speed intelligence furnace from carrier infinityfurnace or Heat Pump featuring Greenspeed intelligence, homeowners get high-precision comfort.  Greenspeed matches the heating and cooing demands of the home, reducing energy use and temperature swings.

Ideal Humidity: When the Infinity Touch control system and Infinity variable speed furnaces or heat pump is combined wit the Carrier Ideal Humidity System you have enhanced control over the humidity levels in your home.  Even when your home is not in need of heating or cooling, you will feel cooler at higher temperatures in the summer and warmer at lower temperatures in the winter.

Hybrid Heat:  The Hybrid Heat dual fuel system pairs a gas furnaces with an electric heat pump to deliver peace of mind in regards to unpredictable utility costs.  The Hybrid Heat system will automatically switch between electric and gas to keep your home comfortable while maximizing efficiencies of each fuel option.

The Infinity Touch Control thermostat, Greenspeed Intelligence, Ideal Humidity, and Hybrid Heat are just a few of the amazing products available to you from Carrier.  Chappell Central is a proud dealer of Carrier products and would be happy to help you determine which heating and cooling products are available for your home, depending on your budget, current HVAC equipment, and size of your home.

Contact us today at 320-235-2151 for a free estimate!

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Smart Thermostat Controls 8 HVAC Zones

November 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Carrier has added a new line of Home Comfort products, including smart thermostats that are out of this world. The new Infinity Touch Control thermostats have raised the bar for programmable thermostats by allowing you to control your home’s temperature and comfort in ways that were never available before. When installed in your home as part of a Carrier Infinity zoning system, the Infinity Touch-n-Go Smart Thermostat can manage temperatures, humidity, ventilation, airflow, indoor air quality, and up to eight zones in your home.

Room-to-Room ControlInfinity touch screen programmable thermostat

One of the most impressive features of the Infinity Touch Control Thermostat is the room-to-room control.  You can separate control of up to eight zones or rooms in your home to reduce hot and cold spots, and reduce spending money heating unused rooms. Each room can be customized with a name of a zone for your ease of use. Zoned areas can have fan control,  ventilation, and temperature customized with flexible, seven-day programmability. A smart sensor in each zone or room helps monitor the temperatures in that room so it can make adjustments.

More key features of the Infinity Touch-n-Go

  • Easy to read and navigate touchscreen is intuitive and has adjustable brightness for a variety of lighting conditions.
  • Customizable comfort has up to eight zones, and seven-day programmability, as well as vacation mode.
  • Automatic, on-screen reminders will tell you when it is time to change your filters, humidifiers pads, or schedule equipment check-ups. TrueSense™ filter detection goes beyond typical filter reminders by monitoring airflow for an accurate idea of when your filter really needs to be changed.
  • Control your Home Comfort System from anywhere when it is connected to a wi-fi network with the included wireless router. Any web-enabled mobile device, tablet or computer can adjust your HVAC system.
  • Click here to see more of the key features of this system, listed on Carrier’s website.

The Infinity Touch Control programmable thermostats are part of the Total Indoor Comfort System from Carrier. If you are interested in learning more, contact Chappell Central at 320-235-2151 or take a look at the Infinity Touch Control Consumer brochure (PDF).

 

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High Efficiency Furnaces will be Required in Minnesota

October 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Did you know, that in 2007, the US Congress passed the Energy and Independence Act (the “2007 Energy Bill”) that allows the Department of Energy to require only high-efficiency furnaces to be installed after May 1, 2013?

According to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America Asc. (ACCA), this Energy Bill will affect people in the Northern Region (including Minnesota and surrounding states) who  have a non-condensing gas furnace.  The new upcoming regional standards will require that gas furnaces in Minnesota have at least 90% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating, compared to the current 78% AFUE.   This standard will effectively require the installation of condensing furnaces instead of non-condensing furnaces.

It you have a non-condensing furnace, you may have expensive issues if furnace replacement time comes after May 1, 2013.  Replacing a non-condensing furnace with a condensing furnace involves requirements with venting the exhaust, additional equipment space limitations, and the disposal of condensate.   All of these HVAC requirements can lead to complications and extra cost to the homeowner.

Exhaust VentilationLennox furnace

Venting the exhaust for condensing furnaces is different from non-condensing units. Vents may need to be resized or redesigned to fit building code.

Space Limitations

If your home has limited space for a furnace, a condensing furnace may exceed the space in your current furnace’s location.  Sometimes renovations, relocation of HVAC equipment, or loss of living space is required.

Condensate Disposal

Non-condensing furnaces have no condensate.  But, a condensing furnace needs to have collection and disposal of condensate to avoid freezing or water flow, which could result in damage to the building.

Be Ahead of the Game

With the new standards requiring the installation of condensing furnaces in Minnesota starting May 1, 2013, homeowners may want to upgrade older non-condensing furnaces prior to that date. After May 1, 2013, homeowners will be required to install a condensing furnace and not have the option of replacing your non-condensing furnace with another non-condensing furnace.

Contact the HVAC Service Techs at Chappell Central for an estimate on both condensing and non-condensing gas furnace options soon. There are great rebates available for installation of Lennox furnaces through November 30, 2012.

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Save Now when you buy Lennox HVAC Equipment

October 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment

You may have heard about Chappell Central’s Lennox HVAC rebates on the radio!

As a dealer of Lennox furnaces and air conditioners, Chappell Central Inc. of Willmar wants to extend a special HVAC rebate program that we are offering now through November 30, 2012. Now is the perfect time to upgrade your home comfort system!

4 Reasons to Upgrade your Furnace this Fall:

Your Lennox Dealer in Willmar MN1.  Reduce the need for expensive emergency repairs in the dead of the winter.
2.  Decrease your monthly heating bill with a more energy efficient HVAC system.
3.  Save up to $1000 in rebates when you get a new home comfort system with HVAC rebates from Lennox by November 30, 2012.
4.  Receive utility rebates, depending on your location (contact Chappell Central at 320-235-2151 for details).

If you have been debating when to replace your furnace, now may be a good time to take the next step. Contact Chappell Central for a furnace inspection and/or estimate today.

 

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Central Air System versus Portable Air Conditioners

July 18, 2012 By 2 Comments

As a Minnesota homeowner,  you understand the importance of keeping your home’s temperature comfortable as the seasons change. Now we are in the hottest part of the summer, and air conditioning is a homeowner’s best friend. Do you have to decide between purchasing a central air conditioning unit or a portable/wall air conditioning unit for your home? We have identified some key differences to help you make the decision.

Central Air Conditioner

80% of new homes today have a central air conditioning system that is built right into the existing duct work and is designed to cool the entire home. Some of the advantages of central air include being able to set a thermostat for different times of the day, which can save you money.  A central air system can also act as a dehumidifier for your home.  Since they use less electricity, central air units are also better for the environment.  Energy Efficiency ratings for central air units are measured in Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratings (SEER).  With a central air system It is important to get a heating and cooling professional to install the HVAC system and get routine maintenance check-ups. You will also want to change your air filter often.

Portable or Wall Air Conditioner

wall air conditionerIf you live in a small home or apartment, or just want to cool one room in your home (like a bedroom) at a time, a portable air conditioner or wall air conditioner may fit you needs.  Proper ventilation of a portable air conditioner is essential, since they do rely on a condensation and evaporation cycle.  Portable air conditioner units are less expensive and easier to install, but will cool a smaller area with less control.  Since some wall air conditioners do not have thermostats, be sure to look for an A/C unit that has low, medium, and high speed controls built in. Portable air conditioner units are measured with Energy Efficient Ratings (EER) also.

In deciding whether a central air or portable/wall air conditioning unit is right for your needs, it is wise to understand a little bit about HVAC and home efficiency and consider how many rooms you want to cool.  If you want to cool more than a one or two rooms, a whole-house cooling option with central air will probably be more efficient and economical than utilizing several portable air units.  Also consider your long-term plans in the home.  If you plan on staying in the home for several years, a central air conditioner would be a good investment.

If you have more questions about heating and cooling your home, contact Chappell Central at 320-235-2151, comment below, or fill out this simple form.

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Understanding your Home’s Efficiency and HVAC (Infographic)

July 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

In your home, you have a furnace, an air conditioner, and a bunch of duct work and vents. Your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and cooling) system keeps your home cool in the summer months and toasty warm in the winter months.  But how does the HVAC system work, and how much is it really costing you?

The goal is to achieve a comfortable temperature without wasting too much energy.

According to this HVAC Infographic from wellhome.com, it’s estimated that the average American family spends over $2,000 on energy bills every year. Almost half of this amount is spent on heating and cooling costs alone. By understanding the in’s and out’s (literally!) of your home’s heating and cooling equipment, you can insure your home is operating at maximum energy efficiency.

wellhome hvac infographic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now that you are armed with oodles of HVAC knowledge, what action will you take? Replace your furnace filter, get an air conditioning tune-up, or look into different heating or cooling equipment?

Chappell Central Inc. is your home air quality experts in West Central Minnesota.  Contact us at 320-235-2151 if we can answer any of your HVAC questions or provide you with an estimate on improving your home’s energy efficiency through your heating, ventilation, and cooling.

 

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Air Conditioner Tune-Up Checklist

May 23, 2012 By 1 Comment

With Memorial Day approaching next week, most Minnesotan’s are looking forward to the warm temperatures of summer and the activities that go with being outside.  Fun air conditioning venttimes in and on Minnesota lakes help keep a person cool when the weather is warm.  But, when you have to be indoors, a comfortable temperature and air conditioning is important whether you are working, playing, or sleeping.

Most air conditioning professionals have an Air Conditioning Tune-Up and Maintenance Checklist that involves inspecting, cleaning and watching for other potential issues that may cause a breakdown or inefficiency. Some home owners or facility managers may have enough HVAC knowledge to do some of the inspections themselves, but most rely on a trained HVAC professional for a thorough visual inspection of the exposed duct work, furnace and air handler, condensing unit, and thermostat.

 

 Air Conditioning Maintenance Checklist

With each air conditioning maintenance call, this checklist is completed by the Chappell Central service techs and given to the homeowner for their records.

Exposed Duct Work:

  • Check that ducts are intact and properly supported
  • Check that registers are open
  • Check that return air grills are unrestricted

Air Handler:

  • Check motor and blower bearings, lube as needed
  • Inspect and adjust belts and pulley alignment
  • Inspect blower for vibration and noise
  • Inspect condensate pipe for proper installation and function
  • Inspect, clean and/or replace air filter

Air Condensing Unit:

  • Inspect and tighten electrical connections
  • Check crankcase heater
  • Inspect condenser fan blades, motor, and bearings, lubricate as needed
  • Check condenser oil
  • Gauge unit for freon charge and operation

Thermostat:

  • Check for proper operation of the thermostat

For most people, completing the Air Conditioner Tune-up and Maintenance on their own is not an option. Consider contacting a home comfort expert before the high temperatures set in to tune-up your air conditioner and be ready for a long summer of cooling.

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

Not your Typical Air Duct Cleaning

May 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Commercial grade Air Duct CleanerChappell Central has always offered air duct cleaning, but not like this.  Their new commercial grade air duct cleaner is a ”high velocity vacuum system” that can be used on air ducts large or small.  It uses not just air, but also brushes, to clean air ducts in your residence, business, or public building. With a 36 horsepower gasoline engine and 250 feet of 8 inch round vacuum hoses, this is not your typical portable air duct cleaner.

This HVAC equipment is the latest and greatest in air duct cleaning and unlike anything else offered in the West Central Minnesota area.

What makes air duct cleaning with Chappell Central better:

    • High velocity vacuum pulls larger volume of air and dust
    • Brushes “scrub” out from the top while vacuuming
    • Includes testing for dust counts and guaranteed results
    • Works on both smaller residential jobs or larger duct work on commercial jobs

Watch for this trailer in your neigborhood!  Brad (the friendly character on the trailer) will be cleaning air ducts all over Willmar and West Central Minnesota.  Contact Chappell Central at 320-235-2151  for a free consultation and estimate on clearing the dust in your home today.

chappell central air duct cleaning

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HVAC Service Agreement has Benefits in All Seasons

April 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment

After an unseasonably warm Minnesota winter, our service department is ramping up for spring/summer HVAC Service Agreements. Since the maintenance agreements have proven to be a win-win for both Chappell Central and our customers, we are making an extra effort in 2012 to show our customers the  added  benefits of committing to the preventative maintenance agreement in all seasons.

How do I Benefit from an HVAC Service Agreement?

A Service Agreement (aka Maintenance Contract, or Preventative Maintenance Agreement)  is a proactive approach to HVAC service offered by Chappell Central Inc.  With equipment that is more sophisticated and the requirement of extended warranties having annual maintenance, the service maintenance plan provides peace of mind and outstanding reliability for your HVAC equipment.

spring tulips in west central MinnesotaService Agreement Benefits include:

  • Better and more reliable HVAC equipment operation
  • Fewer “emergency” calls which can be expensive
  • Added comfort and peace of mind
  • “Preferred Customer” status and other benefits

Why Invest in an HVAC Service Agreement in the Spring?

Now, with summer looming, it is a great time to invest in a Service Agreement, because it covers more than your heating – it covers your air conditioning system as well. For many families, a reliable central air conditioning unit is nearly as important as the furnace.  The main benefits that apply year long are maintaining consistent heating and cooling comfort, and reducing expensive emergency repairs that could have been avoided.

In a normal year we’re waiting for the weather to warm up enough to check out cooling systems, which generally occurs at the same time as the new installation season. Normally this creates a conflict between getting the new equipment installed and completing our maintenance agreements. Not this year – we should be in good shape with our maintenance agreements before the summer push.

Call Ron or Brenda today at 320-235-2151 or contact Chappell Central online to learn of the benefits of “preferred customer” status that comes with a maintenance agreement.

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Chappell Central Visits Carrier Factories

March 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Our Residential Sales and Service Staff at Chappell Central is continually learning about the latest in HVAC equipment and service, and this winter has been no exception.

Paul Krueger, Special Projects, and Randy Sather, Residential Sales, recently completed a factory tour of the Carrier Manufacturing Plants in Memphis, Tennessee and Indianapolis, Indiana.  Paul said, “It was great to get a look at Carrier’s newest line of furnaces and air conditioners.” The Carrier Factory in Memphis is where they make all of Residential Air Conditioners and Heat Pump units. At their Indianapolis, Indiana, plant, Paul and Randy got a tour of their Engineering Department where they design all of the Carrier Furnaces.  They even got a chance to share their experience with the engineers at Carrier.  Randy commented, “We sat in a meeting with the Carrier engineers and were able to voice our concerns and ideas for the future needs of our  customers.”

Chappell Central at Carrier HVAC training

In addition to the Carrier factory tours and meetings, the Chappell Central staff has also taken extra efforts to learn other specific equipment.  Paul Krueger completed training for the Carrier Infinity Greenspeed Heat Pump this February.  Paul and some of our service techs, Dave Swanson and Mike Newberg, have also completed a Service and Installation Technician Training for Water Furnace Geothermal products.

Our staff goes the extra mile to provide our customers with the knowledgable heating and cooling equipment advice and HVAC service that they deserve.  Do you have a question about Carrier heating and cooling products, Water Furnace Geothermal products, or any HVAC equipment?  Please contact us, we are here to help.

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