Do you know who N.A.T.E is? When it comes to the HVAC industry, he is kind of a big deal!

N.A.T.E = Qualified 

Many people are not aware of NATE but it stands for North American Technician Excellence.  It is a voluntary certification program celebrating its’ twentieth year.  Today there are about 32,000 technicians certified which sounds like a lot.  But according to the latest government figures there are over 300,000 technicians in the U.S.  That means the chance the person performing the actual HVAC work is about 10%.  According to NATE here is a list benefits of using a NATE certified technician.

·         Fewer callbacks and warranty returns

·         Increased energy efficiency, resulting in lower utility bills

·         Job done right the first time

·         Fast, efficient service

For more information or to find NATE certified companies visit www.hvacradvice.com

Importance of Sufficient Attic Insulation

Sufficient insulation in the attic minimizes the transfer of air between the attic and the living areas of a home. Warm air naturally moves into cooler zones, so this progression can negatively impact a house during both winter and summer without adequate protection in place.

Overview of Heat Transfer

Regardless of the season, warm air will always move warmer areas to cooler areas. In the winter, this means that warm air from living spaces will move into the attic, where it disappears. In the summer, the warm air in the attic will seep down into cooler living spaces. Both seasonal situations cause an HVAC system to run more to compensate for the heat transfer.

Lower Utility Costs

The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates that homeowners can save about 15 percent on their heating and cooling costs by sealing homes and adding insulation to crawl spaces and attics. People living in northern areas will experience greater savings than those in the South because of climate factors, house construction styles, and the types of fuel used.

Maximizing Equipment

The average life expectancy of an HVAC system is between 15 and 20 years, but this time span could fall short for systems that need to run longer or more often due to insufficient protection. With tighter sealing and more layers in place, furnaces and air conditioners work less to maintain comfort. This translates into extended life for these systems, because they run for fewer hours and experience less wear and tear.

Environmental Impact

Running a furnace and air conditioner more often has a direct correlation on a home's overall carbon footprint because of the amount of greenhouse gases that enter into the air. Fiberglass insulation is an environmentally friendly choice because it can contain up to 60 percent of recycled content. Cellulose may contain up to 80 percent of recycled materials. Using recycled materials helps create space in landfills, and it reduces the amount of materials that enter the waste stream every year.

Construction standards have changed, especially since 1980. Anyone owning a home built before 1980 that has not been inspected for energy-efficiency is likely to have issues with insufficient weatherization. Installing additional insulation can have a positive impact.

Anyone living in a coastal area understands the importance of seasonal preparation in advance of the hurricane season. Having a generator is a matter of course for many homeowners and business owners in these locations to prevent power interruptions. An annual tune-up will ensure that equipment is functioning correctly and ready to use if needed.

An Overview of Generator Maintenance

Most generators sit in a garage or storage shed, unused for a large part of the year. Dust and dirt can settle on the unit, which may prevent it from running efficiently. To ensure that a generator will be ready to use, it's imperative to get it out, inspect it, and perform some basic maintenance.

Perform a full inspection of the generator, looking for any damaged or corroded parts, frayed wires, and loose components. Check the air filter to determine whether it needs changing. Excessive dirt and debris will require a fresh filter. Check the spark plug, and clean or replace it if necessary. Tighten or replace bolts to ensure that every component is tight.

Fill the tank with fresh gas. Adding a fuel stabilizer helps prevent any damage to the engine, which could result from using ethanol. It's also important to change the oil before the onset of the storm season.

Testing the Generator

Turning on the system when a storm hits may be too late. Instead, test the generator to ensure that it functions correctly before it's needed. With the generator running, utilize several small appliances in the home to make sure that the unit can handle the load. Allow the generator to run for about 15 minutes. Perform this test once each month during hurricane season.

Supplies to Have

When a storm hits and a generator must run to maintain power, specific supplies may be necessary. Homeowners should stock extra fuel, oil, oil filters, air filters, extension cords, and bolts. Having these supplies on hand enables extended use of the unit, as well as maintenance and repairs, if necessary.

As with any important home system, a generator requires ongoing maintenance to ensure that it functions properly when needed.

The Air Scrubber: An Innovative Step Towards Fighting Indoor Air Pollution

Allergens and airborne pathogens are everywhere. In fact, according to the Asthma Allergy Foundation of America, 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. These allergens and pathogens aren't just polluting the outside air, but the indoor air as well. Indoor air quality plays a major role in the respiratory system, which is why having a comprehensive purification system is important. The Air Scrubber is one-of-a-kind, and its unique system has become a relief for allergy and asthma. Additionally, it brings an overall freshness to someone's home or office.

How Does the Air Scrubber Work?

Electronics, plants, and even carpets contribute to air pollution. The Air Scrubber reduces harmful airborne contaminants indoors by using NASA ActivePure space technology. The ActivePure technology uses UV waves and a proprietary catalytic cycle to purify the indoor air. This process has been proven to reduce, at least, 90% of the harmful indoor air pathogens that people breathe in every day.

The Benefits of Using The Air Scrubber

When it comes to indoor air quality, The Air Scrubber purification system has many benefits. Some of them include:

- Reduces the presence of harmful airborne contaminants

- Begins working immediately after installation

- Uses natural air filtration system

The Air Scrubber tackles every inch of a home or building by way of air ducts. This process not only minimizes airborne contaminants but also surface contaminants found on walls, countertops, and carpets.

Investing in Clean Air

For some, the investment in clean air is imperative to their overall health. The Air Scrubber is the perfect solution for asthma and allergy sufferers, and those who breathe in the same air they do. Installing The Air Scrubber is an investment in clean, indoor air, healthier lungs, and a cleaner home.

Schaafsma Heating & Cooling Now Offers LaundryPro

For years, homeowners have used washing machines with detergent and hot water to do laundry. Now, they may not have to. The LaundryPro from Schaafsma Heating & Cooling provides an effortless and environmentally friendly way to clean clothes.

What Is LaundryPro?

LaundryPro is a simple system that uses the ActivePure Technology and the cleaning action of activated oxygen to lift dirt away from clothes. The ActivePure Technology is borrowed from a variation of technology originally developed by NASA for use on the International Space Station.

How Does It Work?

Users attach the LaundryPro to a washing machine using standard hoses. This is a straightforward installation. No professional or expert skills are needed. Unlike traditional washing machines, LaundryPro does not use hot water to clean clothes, only cold water. It uses ultraviolet rays and ions to produce activated oxygen that lifts dirt and grime off of clothes. Typically, the water forms a peroxide solution that cleans clothes more effectively than hot water and detergents. This process helps clothes to retain their original colors without the fading normally caused by scrubbing.

What Are the Benefits?

By eliminating the use of detergent and hot water, the LaundryPro saves homeowners money that they would otherwise spend on cleaning products and electrical bills. It also makes clothes softer and removes old detergents from clothes. This device is ideal for people with sensitive skin, who are usually affected by detergents embedded in clothing. LaundryPro is environmentally friendly, eliminating the need for plastic detergent bottles and saving the energy that would otherwise be used to heat the wash water. Finally, it requires no regular maintenance to operate, offering users a hassle-free way to keep their clothes clean.

The team at Schaafsma Heating & Cooling is excited to offer this device to their customers. This revolutionizing technology is ideal for anyone who prefers a simple, reliable, and effective way to get their clothes clean.

Four Essential Benefits of Regular Furnace Tune Ups

With time, the furnace system is susceptible to various problems and may end up malfunctioning if not inspected regularly. A single heating and cooling system can have more than 20 parts, and each one of them can break down. This can cause increased heating costs, operating failure, and internal air pollution. However, these problems can be avoided by regular furnace repair and tune-ups.

Ensure Safety to Family Members

A furnace burns fossil fuel and releases combustion gasses that contain harmful elements such as methane, carbon monoxide, small amounts of sulfur dioxide, and VOCs. By design, furnaces should release these gases outside a building. However, it may malfunction and emit these gasses in the home. Tune-ups can help to prevent indoor air pollution and reduce health risks for family members.

Lessen the Chance of Breakdowns

Systems tend to break down when they are consistently working hard, like during the cold season or a holiday when there are many guests at home. During these cases, the furnace has to work harder to maintain the indoor temperature. This increase in runtime increases the chances of a breakdown. With regular tune-ups and maintenance, it's possible to keep the furnace running seamlessly.

Keep Heating Costs Down

According to Energy Star, a heating and cooling system accounts for 46 percent of the utility bill for a 3,000 square foot single-family home. Malfunctioning heating systems tend to consume a lot of energy, and this is reflective in the bill. By regularly maintaining the furnace, homeowners can reduce energy costs.

Boost the Unit's Lifespan

Homeowners who experience a consistently broken down unit may need to replace it sooner. The Department of Energy encourages homeowners to invest in regular furnace maintenance to save money while boosting the longevity of their units. Typically, the longer a unit can keep running, the more money a homeowner can save. Replacing a unit can be costly as some good options range from $3,000 – $10,000.

Homeowners who practice regular furnace repair and maintenance can rest easy knowing they're reducing unnecessary costs while keeping their furnace running for years to come.

Prepare for Hurricane Season with a Generator Tune-Up

Anyone living in a coastal area understands the importance of seasonal preparation in advance of the hurricane season. Having a generator is a matter of course for many homeowners and business owners in these locations to prevent power interruptions. An annual tune-up will ensure that equipment is functioning correctly and ready to use if needed.

An Overview of Generator Maintenance

Most generators sit in a garage or storage shed, unused for a large part of the year. Dust and dirt can settle on the unit, which may prevent it from running efficiently. To ensure that a generator will be ready to use, it's imperative to get it out, inspect it, and perform some basic maintenance.

Perform a full inspection of the generator, looking for any damaged or corroded parts, frayed wires, and loose components. Check the air filter to determine whether it needs changing. Excessive dirt and debris will require a fresh filter. Check the spark plug, and clean or replace it if necessary. Tighten or replace bolts to ensure that every component is tight.

Fill the tank with fresh gas. Adding a fuel stabilizer helps prevent any damage to the engine, which could result from using ethanol. It's also important to change the oil before the onset of the storm season.

Testing the Generator

Turning on the system when a storm hits may be too late. Instead, test the generator to ensure that it functions correctly before it's needed. With the generator running, utilize several small appliances in the home to make sure that the unit can handle the load. Allow the generator to run for about 15 minutes. Perform this test once each month during hurricane season.

Supplies to Have

When a storm hits and a generator must run to maintain power, specific supplies may be necessary. Homeowners should stock extra fuel, oil, oil filters, air filters, extension cords, and bolts. Having these supplies on hand enables extended use of the unit, as well as maintenance and repairs, if necessary.

As with any important home system, a generator requires ongoing maintenance to ensure that it functions properly when needed.