Phantom Loads

Phantom load is the electricity consumed when a device is switched "off" but is still drawing power. Many consumer electronics products use energy even when switched off. Consumer electronics use about 15% of household’s electricity　–　and this figure is only increasing as we continue to add more electronics and gadgets to our homes.

The Average US household pays anywhere from $100-$300/yr. to power devices that are in standby mode. Things like cell phone chargers, power tool chargers, or anything with a black cube at the end of the cord may continue to draw some electricity even when the device they’re powering is turned off. Some of the biggest ‘Phantom load" appliances are listed below.

Stereo Systems, laptop chargers, cell phone chargers, coffee makers, and Televisions. The biggest culprit of them all, is the clock on your microwave. Most microwave clocks can use up to 40-50 watts just to power the clock. Spread out over 12 months, this can be up to 15% of your energy consumption.

One thing to keep in mind is this: If it has a remote control, then it is truly never off.

Tips to reduce your phantom loads:

1. Unplug devices when not in use.


2. Plug devices into a power strip, and turn the whole strip off when not in use. This is a good idea for Stereo Systems, TV’s, and DVD players.


3. Choose energy efficient appliances and products with the ENERGY STAR label. Energy Star products can use as little as 1 watt of power when in stand-by. Energy star rated products use 20-50% less power than conventional items.

If you are not sure which devices are drawing the bigger loads, there are 2 easy ways to figure out which ones are.

1. If the device is warm, it is pulling electricity. Only plug these devices in when absolutely necessary.
2. Sit in your home in the dark. You will be amazed with the "Green Eyes" that are lit up. Each of these devices may be "off", but require electricity to be in stand-by.

Other energy saving tips

In relation to HVAC, or Comfort Equipment, there quite a few steps that homeowners can do on their own, to lower the cost of energy consumption.

 

Programmable Thermostats

can account in the majority of your savings. By setting the thermostat to adjust temperatures while you’re away, can save you up to 8% on your electric bill. The thermostat can also be programmed to cool your home prior to you arriving.

Changing your filters

is the simplest way to not only lower your energy costs, but to prolong the life of your comfort equipment. Dirty or clogged filters force your air handler or furnace, to work harder to get the air it needs to supply the comfortable air to your home. With a dirty filter, the temperature may be comfortable, but the quality of air is unhealthy.

Duct work

is possibly the most hidden loss of energy. Improperly insulated or leaky duct work can attribute to over 20% of your homes energy cost. If you are not comfortable in your home, and your filters have been changed, in most cases, leaky duct work is the reason. A good way to tell is to inspect around the grilles in your home. If you notice moisture, or spotting, then warm air from your attic is meeting the cooler air within your home, and in most cases, this is a leaky duct.

Window coverings

can play a vital role in your energy consumption. Keeping the windows covered during extreme heat or cold is very beneficial, by not allowing the ambient temperature to take over your home. One thing to keep in mind is, if it is cold outside, but sunny, opening your shades or drapes can allow you to take advantage of the FREE solar heating.

What does MERV or MERV Rating Mean?

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value.  MERV values vary from 1 to 16-the higher the number, the more efficient the filter in trapping airborne particulates.  Particulates are measured in sizes referred to as "microns"  To help understand the size of a micron, imagine a strand of human hair.  The average width of hair is roughly 60-75 microns in diameter.  Particles with a micron size under 35 are not visible to the naked eye.

Filters are designed to remove most particulates from the air in your home.   Tiny particles and biological contaminants, such as pollen, dirt, mold, bacteria, pet dander, dust mites, and viruses can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems.  More often than not, the air in your home is worse than the air outdoors.  Clean, and efficient filters not only keep the air in your home comfortable, but allow for your indoor HVAC equipment to maintain its efficiency.  Dirty air handlers or furnaces decrease the amount of air that is being distributed through your home, while putting dust, pollen, and mold back into your living areas. 

If you have pets, small children, or open the windows on comfortable days, the filters in your home may need to be changed moer frequently.  Typical filters purchased in retail locations last 30-45 days, and may only be a MERV 7-8 rating.  Prior to putting a higher MERV rated filter in your system, please consult Tempo Air to ensure that your current system will work with the new filters.  Thicker filters can mean less air going into your system, which can increase the amount of time your system has to work. 

Benefits of NATE Certification for Dallas HVAC Repair

NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence. NATE certification is an important qualification that you should seek in a Dallas HVAC technician. In order to become certified, a technician must undergo a series of tests that prove their knowledge in the industry. Here are several ways in which homeowners benefit when they select a NATE technician for their Dallas HVAC repair and installation needs.

Save Time and Money

There are many potential hazards that come into play when you hire a technician who lacks NATE qualifications. By hiring only those who have proper certifications, you can save both time and money. This is done by reducing the number of callbacks as well as ensuring efficient equipment operation, which lowers utility bills and decreases energy waste. Improper installation of HVAC equipment can reduce its efficiency by up to 30 percent. Because of figures like this, you simply can’t afford to hire a technician who isn’t NATE certified.

Improved Air Quality

Low air quality is one of the leading causes of asthma in children which can also lead to mysterious allergy symptoms in adults. A knowledgeable technician can properly install air filtration devices that are designed to improve the quality of air inside the home.

 

Avoid Common Problems

Homeowners who don’t recognize the importance of hiring a NATE technician are much more likely to face several annoying or dangerous problems. These include a noisy HVAC system, poor indoor air quality, improper humidity levels, carbon monoxide dangers, risk of fire, and inefficient operation of the HVAC unit.

Learn from Expert Advice

Because NATE certification requires rigorous tests, those who earn the certification are true experts in the heating and cooling industry. Ask them any of your relevant HVAC questions and you are sure to get a knowledgeable, accurate response.

Peace of Mind

Heating and cooling systems are primarily responsible for the level of comfort experienced in your home. By having a properly certified technician install or repair your HVAC equipment, you can rest easy knowing the system will last longer and function at the highest possible efficiency.

Tempo Air is NATE certified and trained. The company has also been recognized with multiple other awards and achievements. Remember, while looking for a NATE certified technician is important to ensure a successful repair or installation, there are other considerations to make before calling a technician. Whatever your needs are, Tempo Air in Dallas is sure to meet them.

Keywords:

Dallas HVAC repair, NATE technician, NATE certification

Humidity and your Home

The effect of Humidity on your Home　

Step outside on a summer day, and it’s easy to feel the effects of humidity - sticky skin, sweat, and air that is thick with moisture. But when it comes to the humidity inside, those tell-tale signs are replaced by itching, sneezing, and coughing, which are not limited to just the summer months.

The word humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air. So, how is that microscopic water molecules can make you itch, sneeze and cough? These symptoms arise when people have allergic reactions to the organisms that thrive in excess humidity. "Humidity promotes mold growth and dust mite population growth. Both are significant indoor allergens and set off allergic sensitivity and can trigger rhinitis and asthma," said Dr. Michael Ruff, an allergist who works to raise awareness about asthma and allergies for the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.

These are things that people can’t see or feel, but they live on countertops, table surfaces, carpet, pillows, mattresses - just about anywhere that people are. They also depend on warm temperatures and high humidity to live and grow. If you are reaching for a tissue, or heading to the doctor’s office, then keeping the humidity inside your home at 50% or lower may provide some relief. The lower the humidity, the lower the growth.

Keep in mind…..

Don’t Dry Out

Air that is too dry inside your home can cause skin irritations, difficulty breathing, and static electricity.

Low indoor humidity is a bigger issue in winter months, when heaters and cooler temperatures combine to lower the moisture level in the air.

A Wet House

The amount of humidity in your indoor air can be detrimental to your home, and your health. High humidity in a home can create havoc. This is especially true for homes in Southern States, as moisture attracts bugs, and other pests. Moisture can condensate inside walls, and cause your home to rot. It’s not as obvious on the outside, but moisture can accumulate on the interior of walls creating mold, and fungus build-up.

Solutions

If you suspect that the air in your home is too moist or too dry, then the first thing to do is to have it verified. The safest range for your humidity level is between 45-55%. If you are struggling to control the humidity in your home, there are a couple of possibilities. If your home is too dry, then the use of a humidifier can help control the amount of moisture in the air. If your home is considered too wet, then a de-humidifier can help you gain control of the comfort level in your home. Prior to purchasing additional HVAC equipment, have a NATE certified technician from Tempo Mechanical perform a moisture reading of your home.