How to Balance HVAC Air Flow

Balencing Air Flow

Having family coming over for the holidays? Usually we do not notice any air flow problems in the house until we cram it full of people. Prevent this before this happens to you. A house full of hot in-laws equals a miserable holiday! Make sure the air flow in your house is even and accurate before you invite over all your family and friends…How do you do this? Let’s take a look.

Schwenn Christmas

Company Christmas Party

Schwenn Services and Contracting celebrated a year of success in growth this holiday season and we could not have done it without our great employees. To show our thanks we had a Christmas party for our managers and a lunch for all our employees catered by 4 Rivers.

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.”

We hope 2011 brings many opportunities because we are ready to take it to the next level!

All I Want for Christmas is a Real Good Tan

Is it going to be a white Christmas...

Kenny Chesney said it all.... “All I want for Christmas is a real good tan” and that’s about what we all will be getting this year in the beautiful sunshine state. We will not be having a white Christmas in Florida this year so make sure your AC unit it up and running as efficient as possible. Need help? Need an inspection? Need a tune-up? Schwenn is the company for you. We will schedule you an appointment within 24 hours to meet with one of our comfort specialist and make sure your unit is running as efficient as possible in turn making sure you have a cool Christmas.

Things you can do (on your own) to make sure your unit is running more efficient…

• Change your AC filters regularly
• Make sure doors and windows are properly sealed
• Keep outside unit clear and free of debris
• Have annual maintenance done by your local AC company

$1500 Tax Credit Expires 12/31/10

 Tax Credit Expires This Month...

HURRY! Last month to qualify for the $1500 Federal tax credit.

HVAC Tax Credit Info 

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

[The Economic Stimulus Bill]

This memo contains a summary of important HVAC-related tax credits included in the 2009 stimulus package and answers to frequently asked questions about the new legislation.  These are general guidelines only and may not be applicable in all circumstances. Taxpayers are encouraged to consult with a tax professional.

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) into law. The legislation combines spending and tax incentives designed to get the American economy moving again by investing in our nation’s road and energy infrastructure, and providing incentives for increasing the energy efficiency and performance of America’s homes and commercial buildings.

Specifically for HVAC contractors, the new law makes important changes to existing tax incentives for homeowners who make qualified improvements to HVAC, water heating equipment, and other energy related improvements to their primary residences. 

Residential Tax Credit Details

Greater Tax Credit

For qualified improvements (see the table below), homeowners may be able to claim tax credits equal to 30% of the installed costs (up to $1,500).

Longer Term

The new tax credits are retroactive to 1/1/2009 and expire on 12/31/2010. The $1,500 limit is for all improvements made during the two year term, not $1500 each year.

Per-Appliance Caps Removed
Subject to the 30% of installed cost limitation, homeowners may use the entire $1,500 tax credit limit on a single qualifying improvement. The previous per-appliance caps that limited the homeowner to just $150 for a high efficiency furnace or $300 for a high efficiency central air conditioner or heat pump have been removed.

Lifetime Limit Removed
Homeowners that previously claimed tax credits in 2006 or 2007 are eligible for the full $1,500 limit. Also, HVAC contractors should be aware that the $1,500 limit applies to many types of energy efficient home improvements, including windows, doors, shingles, and insulation. All of these various contractors will be competing with HVAC contractors for the work related to these tax credits.

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Frequently Asked Questions about the New Tax Credits

Q1.      Can the homeowner claim $1500 in tax credits for improvements made in 2009 and again for improvements made in 2010?

Answer: No. Taxpayers will be eligible only for a total of $1500 in tax credits for qualifying improvements made in the combined two year period of 2009 and 2010.

Q2.      Can a homeowner use the entire $1500 limit as a credit toward the installation of one appliance?

Answer: Yes. A homeowner may use the entire $1500 in tax credits for installing a single appliance, such as a qualified furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump system as long as the total cost of the appliance is $5000 or more. The legislation limits the tax credit to 30% of total cost with a $1500 cap. 

Q3.      What happens if the 30% of the installed costs is less than $1500?

Answer: The homeowner can use the remaining available tax credit for other qualified improvements in 2009 or 2010. Any single installation of a qualifying appliance that costs less than $5000 will allow the homeowner to invest in additional energy saving appliances or upgrades and still receive a tax credit (up to a $1500 combined maximum).

Q4.      Does the tax credit apply to the cost of the equipment or equipment plus labor?

Answer: The tax credit applies to the installed costs of the qualified equipment, which includes labor.

Q5.      Do any manufacturers offer a full line of air conditioners and coils that meet the tax credit guidelines?

Answer: According to the AHRI directory, no HVAC manufacturer has a full line of split system air conditioners + coils + variable speed furnaces that meet the tax credit guidelines of 16 SEER and 13 EER. However, several manufacturers have full product lines that meet the tax credit guidelines with 3^rd party coils.

Q6.      How will a taxpayer claim the credit and receive their money?

Answer: The tax credit applies as a direct reduction of taxes owed.  In the past, the IRS has directed taxpayers to use Form 5695, Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit. It is expected that the IRS will produce new rules related to the recently enacted stimulus legislation giving taxpayers further guidance on claiming tax credits.

Q7.      Where can homeowners find a manufacturer's Tax Credit certification statement?

Answer: http://www.ahrinet.org/. or your local HVAC company.

Q8.      Where can a homeowner or dealer find a list of qualifying systems?

Answer: http://www.ahrinet.org/

Q9.      What’s the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction?

Answer: A tax credit applies against the taxpayer’s obligation for taxes. A tax deduction applies against a taxpayer’s income, lowering the adjusted gross income. Tax credits have a greater benefit to a taxpayer. For example, if the taxpayer owes $2000 in taxes, a $1500 tax credit reduces the obligation to $500. 

Q10.    What if the homeowner already claimed $500 in tax credits in 2006 or 2007?

Answer: The “lifetime caps” that used to be in place have been removed. Previous claims do not count against the current $1500 tax credit limit.

Q11.    Can a homeowner claim the credit for improvements to a second home?

Answer: No. The tax credit is available for the taxpayer’s primary residence only.

Congregation Ohev Shalom Crane Lift

Congregation Ohev Shalom is one of our most recently awarded projects.  The mechanical system consists of (2) Carrier Aquasnap 60-Ton Chillers and (7) Carrier Chilled Water Air Handlers.  Schwenn Mechanical Services also installed a full-service Distech Building Management System.  Schwenn Electrical Services is also providing the electrical installation for this project.

Energy Efficiency for Business'

"Now, more than ever, energy efficiency makes good business sense."

-Progress Energy-

Progress Energy's rebates for energy efficient retrofits and new construction projects significantly reduce your upfront project costs.

Plus, by increasing your facility's energy efficiency, you'll lower your energy use and cut operating costs.

In order to qualify for our rebates, you must first complete a Business Energy Check. The free program allows you to work directly with one of our Energy Advisors to develop the best energy-efficiency plan for your business and to take advantage of our valuable rebates.

Call Progress Energy at 1.877.372.8477 or visit savethewatts.com

Rebates available for:

• Lighting
• HVAC
• Roof
• Insulation
• Duct Testing & Repair
• Window Film

Basic Home Maintenance : How to Change an Air Conditioner Filter

New Logo

Schwenn Mechanical has changed their logo.

We have changed our company name from Schwenn mechanical to Schwenn Services & Contracting because we offer a variety of "new" services. We are your one stop shop for commerical and residential air conditionig and electrical needs.

How to Save Energy & Money

DRMP

We specialize in ground-up New Construction in the Central Florida area. Our Project Management Team employs a “hands-on” approach when working a project. Our Project Managers and Field Supervisors work closely with the General Contractor & Owner to ensure the project is delivered on time, in a safe manner, and to the G.C. & Owner’s satisfaction.

Schwenn Services has completed hundreds of New Construction projects. We pride ourselves in our quality of work, timely performance, and ability to meet the challenges that New Construction projects create. As a family-owned company, we apply a higher standard to our workmanship. Quality Control is very important to us, so we have personnel designated to make sure our finished product is above standard.

D.R.M.P. Office Building
Owner:
Construction Manager: Lamm & Co. Partners
Mechanical Engineer: Eirmann Engineering

Project Facts:
Sq. Ft
17 Carrier Rooftop Units
29 Carrier Split Systems

Schwenn Services Scope of Work:
DRMP is a 3-story office building located in Baldwin Park, FL. Our Refrigerant Piping crews installed over 2,200 feet of copper refrigerant pipe and our Duct Installation crews installed over 24,000 sq. ft. of fiberglass ductwork. The Building Management System overlays the entire mechanical system over the building’s floor plan to allow the customer’s I.T. Department to monitor and make changes to the Air Conditioning systems.

Trust the Air Conditioning Professionals
Schwenn Services is fully licensed, bonded and insured Orlando air conditioning Installation Company offering reliable AC service in Florida for over 25 years. Our customer’s satisfaction always comes first, and reliable, quality service is guaranteed.

Residential Work

Schwenn Services specializes in residential air conditioning replacement and installation. We are dedicated to keeping our customers in Central Florida cool. Schwenn Services only employs trained professionals, dedicated to helping you save time and money. No job is too big or too small and we deliver a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee on every project. So whether you need air conditioning for your home or an entire office building, our highly trained professionals will provide the speedy, high quality service you can always depend on. Please take a look at some of our work.

Job Name: Residential Job Example #1
Unit Installed:
Square Footage:

Customer Complaints:Loud grinding noise
Smells like a wet sock
Looks unsightly
House not cooling very well
Does not heat adequately
Concerned with indoor air quality/allergiesSolutions: Variable Speed Air Handler
Trane "Clean Effects"
Unit sized and installed correctly
Upgraded electric heater

Notice:
Unit and platform are level
Platform is painted
Drain line is insulated
Float switchis installed
Supply duct sealed

Before

After

Job Name: Residential Job Example #2
Unit Installed:
Square Footage:

Customer Complaints:
Unit is not cooling
Lights flicker when unit starts
Power bill is to high
Unit runs all day/everyday
The neighbors are complaining about the noise
Unit needs repair frequently

Solutions:
Two stage compressor
Higher effeciency unit (SEER)
Heat pump sized correctly for application
Variable speed condensor fan motor to help noise
Trane fin coil design
Insulated compressor to help cut down the noise AFTER:

Notice:
Unit sitting level
Unit secure to concrete pad
Refrigerant lines out of harms way
Debris cleared from around unit


Before




After



Job Name: Residential Job Example #3
Unit Installed:
Square Footage:

Customer Commplaints: Unit shakes the entire house
The duct work leaks cool air into attic
Unit leaked water throught he ceiling

Solutions:
Unit properly supported and on rubber isolations pads AFTER:
Supply and return duct work replaced and sealed with mastic
New auxiliary drain pan and float switche installed

Notice:
The suction line and condensate lnie are insulated
The duct work is hung properly to ensure good airflow.

Before

After



  

Going Pink

As we all know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we want to show our support by going pink. Check out our new 410A refrigerant jugs...They are pink and replaced our old R-22 refrigerant jugs that were green.

Stay informed and support breast cancer awareness month by wearing pink. Please feel free to visit this site: Breast Cancer Awareness if you have any questions or feel it in your hear to to donate to this great cause.

 

How to Program your Thermostat

Dr. W.J. Creel Elementary School

Schwenn Services specializes in completing short-schedule, high intensity projects for school boards and other educational clients. Most of our projects take place over short breaks in the school schedule and must be completed before students and teachers arrive for instruction. Other projects have special considerations that are extremely important in creating an environment conducive for learning. Schwenn Services has the expertise and experience to complete these projects on time and to the customers satisfaction.

For Educational Services please contact:
Jeff Schwenneker
Click here to contact us online.
Phone: 407.895.7550

Dr. W.J. Creel Elementary School:
Owner: Brevard County Public Schools
Construction Manager: Wharton-Smith
Mechanical Engineer:

Project Facts:
Replacement of entire mechanical system
New Building Management System
Installation of new Chiller and Cooling Tower
Expedited Project Schedule

Schwenn Services Scope of Work:
Dr. W.J. Creel Elementary is a special needs educational facility for Brevard County Public Schools. The school was in need of a new mechanical system and Schwenn Services was able to provide it. We were responsible for the removal of the old Rooftop Air Handlers and sheet metal duct and installation of a new Chiller, Cooling Tower, Chilled Water Rooftop Air Handlers, and sheet metal ductwork. Schwenn Services was able to complete this project on an expedited 8 week schedule.

Trust the Air Conditioning Professionals
Scwenn Services is fully licensed, bonded and insured Orlando air conditioning Installation Company offering reliable AC service in Florida for over 25 years. Our customer’s satisfaction always comes first, and reliable, quality service is guaranteed.

County Road 535 Water Supply Facility

We specialize in ground-up New Construction in the Central Florida area. Our Project Management Team employs a “hands-on” approach when working a project. Our Project Managers and Field Supervisors work closely with the General Contractor & Owner to ensure the project is delivered on time, in a safe manner, and to the G.C. & Owner’s satisfaction.

Schwenn Services has completed hundreds of New Construction projects. We pride ourselves in our quality of work, timely performance, and ability to meet the challenges that New Construction projects create. As a family-owned company, we apply a higher standard to our workmanship. Quality Control is very important to us, so we have personnel designated to make sure our finished product is above standard.

County Road 535 Water Supply Facility:
Owner: Orange County Government
Construction Manager: Wharton-Smith
Mechanical Engineer:

Project Facts:
Facility houses Two (2) 300 gallon Sodium Hypochlorite tanks
Addison Split System for Control Center
Fiberglass Reinforced Pipe (FRP) exhaust duct
Aluminum generator shroud

Schwenn Services Scope of Work:
CR 535 WSF had a unique set of features that provided a challenge that Schwenn Services is perfectly suited to accommodate. FRP exhaust duct was used to evacuate the Sodium Hypochlorite vapors and the usage of custom aluminum shrouds and stainless steel hardware makes for an aesthetically pleasing and corrosion proof final product.

Trust the Air Conditioning Professionals:
Schwenn Services is fully licensed, bonded and insured Orlando air conditioning Installation Company offering reliable AC service in Florida for over 25 years. Our customer’s satisfaction always comes first, and reliable, quality service is guaranteed.

AC Cash for Clunkers NOT Approved

OLD NEWS.... This was the Plan... What happened?

Governor Crist Launches ENERGY STAR® Residential HVAC Web Site

 

Beginning Monday, August 30, 2010, Florida homeowners who upgrade their air conditioning systems can qualify to receive a $1,500 rebate. The program will end on Friday, December 31, 2010, or when the $15 million in rebate funds are depleted. These purchases are expected to increase employment in the air conditioning industry and to create new green jobs for home energy efficiency raters.

“I encourage Floridians to learn about the state and federal financial rebate incentives and consider upgrading their residential air conditioning system beginning August 30,” Governor Crist said. “This investment will benefit consumers, businesses and our entire state economy, as well as increase energy savings and improve the value of many Florida homes.”

Due to the limited amount of rebate funds, rebates will be on a first-come, first served basis. Governor Crist encourages Florida residents to visit the Web site to learn details that will increase consumers’ likelihood of receiving a rebate. Beginning on Monday, August 30, consumers who purchase and install a new central air conditioner, air source heat pump or geothermal heat pump that meets Federal Energy Tax Credits standards can begin taking the first steps towards qualifying for a rebate.

Consumers can receive rebates of up to $1,500 per household on central air conditioners, air source heat pumps or geothermal heat pumps when, concurrently with installation, they also have their home duct systems tested, and the test results indicate no more than 15 percent leakage to the outside. Participants must meet all the requirements of the Florida ENERGY STAR® Residential HVAC Rebate Program. Rebates will be given in the form of an American Express Prepaid Card, which has no fees for monthly servicing or card replacement, and the funds on the card never expire. The prepaid card can be exchanged for a check or an electronic funds transfer. The rebate program is for Florida household residents only.

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today encouraged Floridians to learn how to receive a Florida ENERGY STAR® Residential HVAC rebate

This is big news for Florida...This means homeowners who decide to replace their current AC units with Energy Star Rated ones will not only receive the federal $1500 tax credit but an $1500 cash with a total savings of up to $3000.

This was the plan - then Florida never received the money to make this happen. Sorry for the inconvenience. But please still take advantage of the $1,500 Federal Tax Credit. Please call Schwenn Services at 407-895-7550 if you have any questions.

SSA Orlando

We specialize in ground-up New Construction in the Central Florida area. Our Project Management Team employs a “hands-on” approach when working a project. Our Project Managers and Field Supervisors work closely with the General Contractor & Owner to ensure the project is delivered on time, in a safe manner, and to the G.C. & Owner’s satisfaction.

Schwenn Services has completed hundreds of New Construction projects. We pride ourselves in our quality of work, timely performance, and ability to meet the challenges that New Construction projects create. As a family-owned company, we apply a higher standard to our workmanship. Quality Control is very important to us, so we have personnel designated to make sure our finished product is above standard.

SSA Orlando

Social Security Administration – Orlando:
Owner:
General Contractor: Lamm & Co. Partners
Mechanical Engineer:

Project Facts:
50,000 sq. ft Office Space
27 Carrier Rooftop Units
Carrier CCNWeb Web Based Control System

Schwenn Services Scope of Work:
SSA Orlando is the largest Social Security office in Central Florida. The CCNWeb Control System gives the Owner control over the HVAC system from any device with internet access. Indoor Air Quality is controlled by CO2 Sensors and modulating Outside Air Dampers which keeps indoor CO2 below 880 parts per million.

Trust the Air Conditioning Professionals
Schwenn Services is fully licensed, bonded and insured Orlando air conditioning Installation Company offering reliable AC service in Florida for over 25 years. Our customer’s satisfaction always comes first, and reliable, quality service is guaranteed.

Full Sail

Schwenn Services specializes in completing short-schedule, high intensity projects for school boards and other educational clients. Most of our projects take place over short breaks in the school schedule and must be completed before students and teachers arrive for instruction. Other projects have special considerations that are extremely important in creating an environment conducive for learning. Schwenn Services has the expertise and experience to complete these projects on time and to the customers satisfaction.

Full Sail

For Educational Services please contact:
Jeff Schwenneker
Click here to contact us online.
Phone: 407.895.7550

Full Sail Multipurpose Building
Owner: Full Sail University
Construction Manager: Lamm & Co. Partners
Mechanical Engineer: Eirmann Engineering

Project Facts:
22,000 Sq. ft
(2) Carrier Chillers
( ) Carrier Rooftop Chilled Water Air Handlers
New Building Management System
Rooftop Duct with 10 gauge Sound Attenuators

Schwenn Services Scope of Work:
Full Sail Multipurpose is the 22,000 square foot showcase facility for Full Sail University. It is a live entertainment facility with a seating capacity of over 1,000 people. The functionality of the facility is dependent on the ability of the HVAC system to operate as reliably and devoid of any sound at all times. It has several special features including duct sound attenuators to eliminate noise coming from the equipment, spring isolated vibration unit curbs, PVC Chilled Water Piping, and rooftop sheetmetal duct with a special insulating spray coating.

Trust the Air Conditioning Professionals
Schwenn Services is fully licensed, bonded and insured Orlando air conditioning Installation Company offering reliable AC service in Florida for over 25 years. Our customer’s satisfaction always comes first, and reliable, quality service is guaranteed.

McNair Middel School

Schwenn Services specializes in completing short-schedule, high intensity projects for school boards and other educational clients. Most of our projects take place over short breaks in the school schedule and must be completed before students and teachers arrive for instruction. Other projects have special considerations that are extremely important in creating an environment conducive for learning. Schwenn Services has the expertise and experience to complete these projects on time and to the customers satisfaction.

McNair Middel School
Owner: Brevard County Public Schools
Construction Manager: Schwenn Mechanical Services
Mechanical Engineer: D.D.C. Engineering

Project Facts:
Replacement of all Wall Mounted A/C Units
Installation of new Packaged Chiller System
Complete electrical and facility management system upgrade

Schwenn Services Scope of Work:
Schwenn Services served as the Construction Manager for the McNair Middle School HVAC Replacement project. We oversaw the complete replacement of the electrical and mechanical systems with a project schedule of 8 weeks. The Project included the installation of above ground and underground chilled water piping, sheetmetal duct, rooftop chilled water Air Handler units, a Packaged Chiller and Cooling Tower, new Building Management System, concrete work, and landscaping.

Trust the Air Conditioning Professionals
Schwenn Services is fully licensed, bonded and insured Orlando air conditioning Installation Company offering reliable AC service in Florida for over 25 years. Our customer’s satisfaction always comes first, and reliable, quality service is guaranteed.

Football Season is Finally HERE

Football season has finally arrived! Are you as excited as Schwenn Services?

Do you absolutely LOVE football? Are you, your teams biggest fan? Do you need a new AC unit?

If you answered yes to all of these questions contact Schwenn Services today and have us come out and give you a free estimate on a new AC system and we can even put in a unit with your favorite teams logo. Pretty Cool!

Call today 407-895-7550 and schedule a FREE estimate!

Lower Your Power Bill

Might we Do as the Romans Do?

This blog entry was written by Elisabeth Rosenthal with the NY Times Green Blog.

What do you think…?

Three years ago, the Italian energy giant Eni began what is now a summer tradition: from June 1 to Sept. 1, the company sets the thermostat in its corporate office buildings 1 degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) higher than it had in summers before 2007. It also allows employees to “take off their ties” – that is, wear lighter, more casual clothes to work.

Don’t misunderstand: Eni uses air-conditioning, and the offices are more than comfortable. It simply allows the temperature to creep up a tiny bit; most workers wouldn’t even notice.

(The temperature set in the various ENI buildings varies, a spokeswoman said, with the only rule of thumb that it be 1 degree Celsius lower than it was before the initiative began.)

The point, of course, is to use less air conditioning during Italy’s scorching summers so the company can save energy and reduce attendant fossil fuel emissions. Last year, Eni calculates that simple intervention saved 386,000 kilowatt hours of electricity, a 9.5 percent cut in energy consumption over the summer.

To put that into perspective, comparable energy savings would be achieved if 800 employees traveled to work using public transportation over the summer instead of commuting by private automobile. (Although the latter would be unlikely in car-crazed Italy!)

The larger point of the summer tradition is consciousness-raising — “to contribute to building awareness about the energy consumption associated with the use of air conditioners during the summer months,” as the company puts it.

I suppose we could use some of that awareness ourselves.

KKKKKKKKKKKKK

Eni Eni’s headquarters in Rome. Haselden Construction

 For more information please visit NY Times Green Blog

Zero Energy Showcase in Golden, CO

For a Premier lab, A Zero-Energy Showcase
This new Research Facility in Golden, Co., Will generate as much energy as it uses
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The federal government has just finished construction on a zero-energy office building, the nation’s largest, and is hoping that commercial developers will follow its lead. The 222,000-square-foot Research Support Facility is on the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory campus in Golden, Colo.

Just over 800 employees will occupy the building once it officially opens in later this month.
A zero-energy building creates as much energy as it uses over the course of a year, said John Andary, a principal at Stantes, the sustainable design consultants for the project. Thanks to various “passive” design techniques and technologies, the facility will consume 50 percent less energy than buildings constructed to current commercial codes, he predicts. The remaining power needs will be generated on site from solar panels, allowing the building to operate at an annual net-zero energy basis.

Remarkably, many of the efficiency “innovations” are existing building techniques, some of them centuries old that were developed to make the best use of natural light and the earth’s ability to heat and cool. By contrast, modern building design, based on the ubiquity of cheap energy, moved away from many of those principles.
“We went back to simple design techniques that were used before there were electric lights and before we had air conditioning compressors,” Mr. Andary said. “What you had then were narrow buildings that optimized the use of daylight and windows you could open to provide ventilation.”

The building’s east-to-west orientation and narrow 60-foot width will bring daylight into all interior work spaces. Typical office buildings may devote 30 percent of their total energy expenditures to lighting alone. To take advantage of the operable windows, one of the building’s many “smart” features will notify occupants in a message sent to their computer screens when they should open or close their windows, based on a comparison of inside and outside temperatures.

Mr. Andary described the walls as “concrete sandwich panels” – a layer of concrete on the outside, a layer of insulation and then a smooth concrete layer facing the interior office space. “This gives the same effect as an old stone cathedral where the mass of the building absorbs heat during the day to keep the interior cool, and then releases this heat when the temperature drops at night,” he said.

A low-energy radiant heating and cooling system will further control the interior temperatures. Rather than using a traditional (and energy demanding) forced air system to heat and cool the building, the radiant system essentially heats or chills the building mass itself using water pipes in the concrete floor slabs that circulate hot or cold water depending on the season.

The Department of Energy expects the project to get a platinum rating from the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, program. Platinum is its highest rating under LEED, the mostly widely accepted green building certification. Although more expensive than conventional commercial buildings, the new building’s cost, $259 per square foot, is in line with that of other LEED buildings.

The Department of Energy is hoping that the building will become a showcase for energy-efficient design. “Once we prove that the building works, and we will be monitoring this very carefully, we think others will want to emulate what we’we done here,” said Bill Glover, the chief operating officer of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

The Department of Energy plans to share the building’s design with any interested party through the publication of a how-to manual at the laboratory’s Web site this fall.

This article is referenced from the NY Times Green Blog

10 Most Common Problems for Air Conditioners

1. Outdoor unit does not come on

• No ac power to unit:
• Defective breaker
• Wire burned at disconnect
• Transfer to electrician
• Defective contactor
• Defective thermostat
• Defective transformer
• Wire burned off at contactor

2. Circuit breaker tips when unit turned on

• Weak breaker
• Grounded compressor
• Condenser fan motor shorted to ground
• Defective contactor

3. Unit hums but fan does not run

• Defective fan motor
• Burned wire
• Defective capacitor

4. Unit fan runs but compressor does not

• Burned wire at compressor
• Compressor out on overload protector:
• Adjust refrigerant charge
• Clean condenser coil
• Replace compressor if won’t reset
• Defective compressor
• Defective start capacitor
• Add hard start relay

5. Outdoor unit runs, no fan inside

• Defective blower motor
• Defective capacitor
• Evaporator coil dirty
• Dirty filter
• Wire burned off
• Defective fan center

6. AC leaking water inside house

• Drain stopped up
• Evaporator coil pan rusted out
• Unit frozen up

7. Ice on lines at u/s unit and at condenser

• Evaporator extremely dirty
• Dirty filter
• Low on refrigerant
• Defective blower motor
• Defective blower motor capacitor

8. Thermostat not holding temperature that is set for

• Thermostat not calibrated
• Defective thermostat

9. Several room in home warmer than others

• No dampers installed in duct system
• Air not balanced in system
• Balance system with dampers

10. Unit runs constantly

• Low on refrigerant
• Returns pulling attic air

Service your unit regularly - to help prevent these problems

If you are having any of these problems please click here to set up an appointment with an Air Conditioning Expert at Schwenn Services & Contracting.

Should I Replace my Air Conditioner

This is a question that comes up a lot in the air conditioning industry. Everyone is trying to be cost-conscious these days and when it comes to repairing or replacing your air conditioning unit, here are a few tips to go by…

REPAIR if…
Your AC system is less than 10 years old
Has been maintained annually
The cost is less then $500 to repair
It’s in good operating condition

REPLACE if…
Your air conditioning system is over 10-years old.
It will cost more than $500 to repair
You’ve never had routine maintenance performed on the unit.
It’s deteriorating.
Your monthly utility costs are high.
Your AC unit doesn't comply with current safety standards.

These are just basic guidelines to go by if you are unsure of what to do. Your best option would be to speak to an air conditioning professional that you can trust. Click here to contact us we will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about your ac unit.

Air Conditioning Can Help Stop Sleeplessness

With the current societal pressures in today’s down economy, more and more of us find ourselves with sleep problems. Stresses cause us to be restless and toss and turn in our beds. Our daily lives give us enough to sweat about. It doesn't help that the summer heat is rolling in and making our living spaces uncomfortably hot. Nobody wants to be tired, cranky and hot all of the time.

The good news is that air conditioning has a direct effect on our level of sleep. The cooler we are at night, the deeper we will sleep, and the better rested we will be!

Getting back healthy sleeping habits requires us to balance our behavior, and our environment. There are a couple of things you can do before bed to increase your chance of a sound sleep.

Behavior:

1. Avoid Caffeine
2. Drink Warm Milk
3. Do not eat a big meal for at least 3 hours before bed
4. Nibble a small snack
5. Follow routine
6. Stick to same night hour for sleeping
7. Do not work out for at least 3 hours before bed
8. Do not drink alcohol
9. Do not smoke nicotine

Environment:

1. Sleep between 60-68 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Keep your core body cool right before bed
3. Keep your hands and feet warm under the covers
4. Have a comfortable mattress
5. Avoid light and noise
6. Try a hot water bottle at your toes

The best way to keep our core bodies chilled before bed is simply to lounge around in the cool air of our A/C units.

Hopefully, this is some help and you can manage to get a good nights rest.

Paying for your New AC System

You have options when buying a new AC system...

Well time has come, the Credit Card act took place on Feb 22. You can read a good article on this on Foxbussiness

How will this (credit slam down) affect the air conditioning market in purchases? I’m not sure, but using credit gimmicks is never one of our options for our customers! There is a reason why the government created this credit card act and that is because what looked good today would not be good for you tomorrow!!

I’ve looked and reviewed credit options, I thought I would just fix, repair, sell and install Air Conditioning Systems to help my customers but it’s just not about selling it’s about a long term commitment I form with my customer. With that commitment I want the best affordable way my customers can pay for their air conditioning system if they should have to borrow from a lender.

So let’s break it down, Let use the $5000 Tax credit figure:

1. My first choice is your own bank, maybe a second mortgage or equity loan.
You may find a rate around 5% to 9% interest rate.

2. Another option is to look for a promotional credit card that has a fair APR after the promotion is over. A third is a low interest rate credit card if you have great credit.

3. Then finally there is GE financing that many Air Conditioning Contractors offer their customers. Another thing GE has a finance fee on the total price. Because of this you can expect an additional $500 for a $5000 purchase. With that you get a 7.99% interest rate for 60 months which actually pans itself out over the 5 year loan.

So Let’s break it down side by side: $5000 purchase with a 60 month equal payment method

Great Credit at 7.5% = $99.60 a monthGood low Credit Card at 12% = $111.22 a month
National Average Credit Card Rate 14.14% = $116.70 a month

GE Finance: GE service fee of $503 we need to add to the $5000 So Financing would be a total of $5503 at 7.99% for 60 months. = $111.55 a month

Now if you subtract your Tax credit and then monthly savings in utilities you can see real value with purchasing a new Central Heating and Air System!!

Before you buy, remember to look at how you buy. Buy and Pay Smart so you can Save Big!

Prices may vary ~ a $5000 loan was used to see differences.

Just a thought:
Now WHAT IF THE GOVERNMENT actually thought out the stimulus plan? What if there was a Credit loan Plan of 3% interest on energy savings home improvement items. Then you would be looking around $89.84 a month on a $5000 loan!

Now some more interesting facts, if the Government would have budgeted 200 billion of the 800 billion dollars they wasted in the stimulus package, Using this 3% concept, would help 40 million homes and generate a 16 billion dollar profit! So not only (we the consumer home owner) would have a new central heating and air system that would save monthly on our utilities and cost us $10 less a month then the lowest interest rate Nationally offered Visa Card, the Government would make 16 BILLION DOLLARS off of the interest in that 5 years!! (Roughly $400 interest per $5000 loan)

Schwenn Services accepts cash, checks and credit cards and we also offer financing. Call today 407-895-7550 to find out if you qualify.

New Solar-power Plant

Florida Takes Giant Step with Huge Solar-power Plant

The population continues to grow requiring more and more energy. We are running out of natural resources now trying to find more efficient ways to power the world. “Going Green” has been the new trend and every day we our discovering new ways to save on energy and make our world more efficient.
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Orlando Sentinal published a great article about the huge step we are taking in building a giant solar-plant. Florida Power & Light Co.'s newest solar-energy plant will have enough mirrors to cover 80 football fields. But those mirrors will focus sunlight onto surfaces that add up to slightly less than the area of a single football field.
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That concentration of solar power will generate temperatures of more than 700 degrees — hot enough to make electricity for 11,000 homes.
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The Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center here will rank as the world's second-largest solar plant when it begins pumping out as many as 75 megawatts of electricity late this year. It will also be the only system of its kind in the world.
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Conventional wisdom holds that solar plants using mirrors — which generate heat that produces steam that, in turn, spins an electrical generator — aren't worth the effort in Florida because of the regularity of afternoon rain clouds much of the year. So far, all of the solar plants built in the state convert sunlight directly into electricity using photovoltaic panels, which produce a charge, if only a reduced one, even on cloudy days,
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One thing utility engineers hope to solve once the Martin County plant is operating is the problem posed by partly cloudy days, when some of the plant's mirrors will be reflecting full sunlight but others will be shaded. Plant engineers don't want alternating pulses of cooler and hotter steam arriving at an electrical generator that runs most efficiently, and with the least wear and tear, when operating conditions are kept constant.

To review the rest of this article please click here

Weather Warning for Florida

BE READY - BE PREPARED

Summer isn’t even here and we are experiencing temperatures in the mid to upper 90’s. With such a hot summer in store your air conditioning systems will be putting out a lot of condensation (water). It is real important for you to make sure these lines stay clear. Make sure that the line that comes outside that always puts out water - is clear from grass clippings and dirt. When you’re A/C line does back up it will probably be on the weekend. Instead of going through the weekend trying to find someone to come out and waiting in the awful humidity - You can clean it out yourself. Use a water hose and go outside where the water is suppose to come out and squirt the water back the other direction for 2 to 3 seconds and that should break loose the blockage and allow the water to flow. This will save you the A/C repair costs and a hot nights sleep.

Make sure to keep the area around your drain lines clean

214 Days Until the Tax Xredit Expires

Tax credit ends December 31, 2010

In these challenging economic times, homeowners are looking to pinch pennies wherever they can. With fuel prices going through the roof, homeowners often evaluate their energy usage and come to the conclusion that replacing old and energy-inefficient appliances would make a significant impact on their monthly energy bills. Of course, the homeowners then face the daunting purchase price of new, energy-efficient appliances. Fortunately, the government has stepped in and offers tax credits for the purchase of Energy Star appliances.

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Even without the tax credit, most Energy Star appliances will save the consumer enough money over the life of the product to make up for the purchase price. But the tax credits which are currently available increase this savings even more. There are various Energy Star rebate programs in place, which vary by state, so make sure to research the specifics of your particular product carefully before making a purchase. Click here for your state's rebate information.

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Tax credit onlt last till December 31st so hurry and contact Schwenn Serrvices today!

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In order to receive your tax credit, you will need to claim the credit on your 2010 income taxes. Make sure to save your purchase receipt as well as the Manufacturer's Certification Statement (that certifies the product for Energy Star status).

Solar-powered AC Units

Going Green

Solar power is one of the newest most economic ways to get power. So why not solar-power your ac unit? The solar air conditioner/solar heater is powered by solar energy collected in the evacuated tube solar thermal panels (see below). The thermal energy is delivered to the solar powered chiller using a Glycol (antifreeze) solution and a simple but carefully designed system of pipes, pumps and controllers. Solar heating and cooling in the winter, even when it is below freezing outside, our special evacuated tube solar thermal collectors produce an abundance of heat that will be transferred into your building/house, either reducing or eliminating the operation of your existing heating system.
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Our solar heating and air conditioning units can be used anywhere that the sun shines; they are low in operating and maintenance costs. They consume little or no electrical energy - essentially the only parts that use electricity are low amp fan motors and small pumps that move the thermal transfer fluid (Glycol, a food-grade antifreeze) from the collectors to the chiller and then back up to the collectors - all of these small electrical loads can run from solar PV panels if desired. Inside the unit is another small pump that circulates the refrigerant. There is no "compressor" to consume power

Energy Star Light Bulbs

Energy Star Light Bulbs

This article is referenced from http://www.energystar.gov/

Did You Know?

If every American home replaced just one light with an ENERGY STAR light, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, about $700 million in annual energy costs, and prevent 9 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year, equivalent to the emissions of about 800,000 cars
CFL Light Bulbs

An ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) will save about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself in about 6 months. It uses 75 percent less energy and lasts about 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb.
How CFL’s Work

CFLs produce light differently than incandescent bulbs. In an incandescent, electric current runs through a wire filament and heats the filament until it starts to glow. In a CFL, an electric current is driven through a tube containing argon and a small amount of mercury vapor. This generates invisible ultraviolet light that excites a fluorescent coating (called phosphor) on the inside of the tube, which then emits visible light.

CFLs need a little more energy when they are first turned on, but once the electricity starts moving, use about 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs. A CFL’s ballast helps "kick start" the CFL and then regulates the current once the electricity starts flowing.

Older CFLs used large and heavy magnetic ballasts that caused a buzzing noise in some bulbs. Most CFLs today — and all ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs — use electronic ballasts, which do not buzz or hum.

Please visit Energy Star for more information

Window and Split-system AC Units

A window air conditioner unit implements a complete air conditioner in a small space. The units are made small enough to fit into a standard window frame. You close the window down on the unit, plug it in and turn it on to get cool air. If you take the cover off of an unplugged window unit, you'll find that it contains:

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A compressor
An expansion valve
A hot coil (on the outside)
A chilled coil (on the inside)
Two fans
A control unit

The fans blow air over the coils to improve their ability to dissipate heat (to the outside air) and cold (to the room being cooled).

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When you get into larger air-conditioning applications, its time to start looking at split-system units. A split-system air conditioner splits the hot side from the cold side of the system, like this:
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The cold side, consisting of the expansion valve and the cold coil, is generally placed into a furnace or some other air handler. The air handler blows air through the coil and routes the air throughout the building using a series of ducts. The hot side, known as the condensing unit, lives outside the building.

The unit consists of a long, spiral coil shaped like a cylinder. Inside the coil is a fan, to blow air through the coil, along with a weather-resistant compressor and some control logic. This approach has evolved over the years because it's low-cost, and also because it normally results in reduced noise inside the house (at the expense of increased noise outside the house). Other than the fact that the hot and cold sides are split apart and the capacity is higher (making the coils and compressor larger), there's no difference between a split-system and a window air conditioner.

In warehouses, large business offices, malls, big department stores and other sizeable buildings, the condensing unit normally lives on the roof and can be quite massive. Alternatively, there may be many smaller units on the roof, each attached inside to a small air handler that cools a specific zone in the building.

In larger buildings and particularly in multi-story buildings, the split-system approach begins to run into problems. Either running the pipe between the condenser and the air handler exceeds distance limitations (runs that are too long start to cause lubrication difficulties in the compressor), or the amount of duct work and the length of ducts becomes unmanageable. At this point, it's time to think about a chilled-water system

AC Bandit Finally Arrested

Have you noticed a few key parts missing from your AC unit? Rest assured, the AC burglar has been arrested. The burglar was brought into custody last Thursday February 4th after his girlfriend bragged to friends about there joy ride all over Ocala stealing AC parts for cash.

Make sure to not only lock your doors but keep a close eye on your unit. If the ac bandit strikes again make sure to call Schwenn Mechanical @ 407-895-7550 or click here to contact us online.

Click here for full article