Energy Saving Tips for Heating and Air Conditioning

The US Department of Energy released tips to help you save as much energy and money through heating and cooling. It is important that these tips are followed because no other systems in your home waste more energy or money (about 43% of your utility bill) than those for heating and air conditioning.

• Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter and as high as is comfortable in the summer.

• Clean or replace filters on furnaces once a month or as needed.

• Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed; make sure they're not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.

• Bleed trapped air from hot-water radiators once or twice a season; if in doubt about how to perform this task, call a professional.

• Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and the radiators.

• Turn off kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you are done cooking or bathing; when replacing exhaust fans, consider installing high-efficiency, low-noise models.

• During the heating season, keep the draperies and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day to allow the sunlight to enter your home and closed at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.

• During the cooling season, keep the window coverings closed during the day to prevent solar gain.

Following these tips along with installing energy efficient heating and cooling systems could reduce your environmental emissions from 20% - 50%.

Make sure that any equipment that you do currently have is maintained properly. The Energy Star website gives good tips on what should be done. Click here to visit.

Heating and air conditioning contractors like ASI Hastings are here to help you save money and become energy efficient.

Heating Safety

Heating devices may help you feel cozy and warm, but they can become extremely dangerous if not used properly. Home heating equipment is the second leading cause of household fires in the U.S.; There were an estimated 62,000 home fires in 2005, according to the non-profit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The cost of these fires is more than just property damage. The cost includes roughly 700 lives and roughly 1,500 injuries.

Home heating fires are largely preventable when you know the rules. ASI Heating & Air Conditioning’s goal is to reduce the number of home-heating fires in our community. But we need your help. We are urging San Diego families to use extra caution this winter when heating your home.

The majority of heating fire deaths are caused by space heaters! Most heating fires are caused by creosote build-up in the chimney.

To help keep our community safe and warm this season, ASI Heating & Air Conditioning recommends that you follow these guidelines:

- Space heaters need space. Keep all things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.

- Turn portable heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.

- Plug power cords only into outlets with sufficient capacity and never into an
extension cord.

- Inspect for cracked, frayed or broken plugs or loose connections. Replace before using.

- Have your furnace, wall heater or floor heater inspected and tune up annually

- Have your chimney inspected each year and cleaned if necessary.

- Use a sturdy fireplace screen.

- Allow ashes to cool before disposing. Dispose of ashes in a metal container.

- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. For the best protection interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home — when one sounds, they all sound. Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

- Install and maintain a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each sleeping area.

- Never use an oven to heat your home.

- For questing regarding your heating needs or to schedule a Precision Tune-up and safety check on your furnace call ASI Heating & Air at 619-590-9300, 760-746-3636, Toll Free 800-481-COOL (2665) or visit us online at asiheatingandair.com

With simple precautions, help us meet our goal of decreasing home-heating fires this winter

Heating Season Tips

Heating Season 2009

(1)
Since 1952, families in the San Diego area have relied on ASI Hastings Heating & Air Conditioning to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. We specialize in heating, air conditioning, air duct cleaning, (Quack. I said duct cleaning not duck cleaning. Oh.) and High efficiency air filtration & allergy solutions. You can breath easy. Aaaah!

(2)
Our expert white gloved technicians are knowledgeable and courteous. We’re licensed, bonded and insured for your protection and offer 7-day service and there’s no extra charge for evenings or weekends. Our Factory-trained & Nationally Certified service technicians are why you can depend on ASI Hastings.
And now a poem from ASI: When the winter gets cold, being on hold really gets old. Sorry for the wait. Please hang on.

(3)
When purchasing a new heating or air conditioning system, your most important choice is your contractor. How many nightmare stories have you heard about contractors that were either incompetent or dishonest. It’s not good when you ask your contractor if he can fix your heater and he says, “No, but I can fix your cat.”

(4)
ASI’s commitment to excellence and customer service has made us a 3 time winner and finalist of the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for business integrity and marketplace ethics. (applause) You’ll Absolutely LOVE OUR famous White Glove Service. We know that details make the difference. Maybe that’s why ASI is the company more San Diegan’s Trust with their air conditioning and heating needs.

(5)
Do you or somebody in your home suffer from allergies, asthma or upper respiratory problems? According to the American Lung association indoor air can be up to 70 times more polluted than the air outside. Isn’t that a pleasant realization, when you’re sitting at the breakfast table and notice there’s smog between you and your bran muffin.
Speak to one of our customer service reps about a free in home consultation and find out how cleaning your ductwork and installing a high efficiency air filter or air purifier can bring you relief from unwanted allergens.

(6)
A recent utility study concluded that a furnace receiving an energy saving precision tune up and safety check will save an average of $32.65 off a typical monthly heating bill compared to a furnace that’s not serviced. Getting a precision tune up makes a lot of cents…and dollars. ASI guarantees the energy savings alone will offset the cost of your tune up or we’ll give you a full refund. So schedule your precision tune up today. And for your convenience we also work evening and weekends.

(7)
Since 1952 referral business has been the foundation of our company. Referrals from valued customers like you are so important to us that we will pay you up to $200 for any referral that results in the installation of a central heating or air conditioning system.

(8)
Reducing your utility bills has never been easier. You may not realize it, but your existing furnace or air conditioner may use two or even three times more energy than today’s high efficiency systems. Find out from one of our white gloved trained professionals how energy savings, along with Federal tax Credits, manufacturer & utility rebates can help you pay for all or part of your new heating & cooling system. And don’t forget, we also work evenings and weekends.

(9)
If you’re thinking of installing or upgrading your heating or air conditioning system, ask one of white glove specialists how you can take advantage of up to twelve months no interest finance program on approved credit. Let San Diego’s Most Trusted Contractor provide you with a free in home consultation today. .

(10)
The California Energy Commission estimates that the average home wastes $487 a year because of leaky ductwork and improperly maintained heating and air conditioning systems? Not only does this mean wasted energy and money it also creates health risks associated with indoor air pollution. Ask one of our customer service representatives about getting a Free duct inspection with any of our services and start saving money and energy today

(11)
If your furnace is over 20 years old it might be time for a replacement. Heating your home with an old worn out furnace is allot like driving your car on bald tires. Don’t take a chance, schedule a precision tune up and safety check today and keep your family safe and comfortable this winter.

Recalled Furnaces Still Starting Fires

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

CPSC Announces Recall of Furnaces in California

Although this recall occured in Sept. 2000, ASI heating and Air technicians regularly find recalled furnaces still being used today. Don't trust your familys safety to the "Handyman" have a properly trained and certified service technician look at your gas furnace to assure it is safe to operate.

NOTE: Opportunity for remedy from litigation has expired.

CPSC has received more than 50 reports of fires associated with the 140,000 horizontal furnaces manufactured by Consolidated Industries Inc.

Private labelers sold these furnaces in California under the following brand names and model numbers, which are written on a label on an outside panel of the furnace.

CPSC issued a safety alert warning about these furnaces in September 2000. Consolidated Industries (formerly Premier Furnace Co.), which was liquidated under Chapter 7 bankruptcy laws, manufactured approximately 140,000 of these furnaces for sale in California between 1983 and 1994 under many different brand names. About 110,000 of these furnaces were manufactured and distributed under the Premier/Consolidated labels.They include the brand names Consolidated, Premier, Addison, and Weatherking. They are not covered by this recall program. After Consolidated filed for bankruptcy, class action was pursued, and a settlement was ultimately reached in early 2002. However, claimants were required to file a claim by January 13, 2003. Potential claimants who missed the deadline have no remedy available. Even though no remedy is available, CPSC staff believes that the Consolidated, Premier, Addison, and Weatherking furnaces are defective and should be replaced.

These furnaces are normally installed in attics, although some may be installed in crawl spaces. The great majority of these furnaces were installed in homes in California. Some, however, were installed in home in Nevada, near the California border.

The Commission is warning consumers to have their gas-fired furnaces inspected by a licensed heating contractor to determine whether the furnaces are subject to this safety alert. The contractor also should determine whether the burners and/or heat exchangers of units are damaged, or whether wood under or near the furnaces shows signs of damage, such as charring or blackening. If this is the case, the furnace should be replaced immediately.

COMPANY NAME // TRADE NAME //

MODELS

Amana Company // Amana //

GSE50DN3X

GSE75DN3X

GSE100DN5X

Bard Manufacturing // Bard //

ESG040D36B
ESG050D36B
ESG060D36B
ESG060D48B
ESG080D60B
ESG100D60B
ESG120D60B
ESG140D60B
ESG050D36D
ESG060D48D
ESG075D48D
ESG080D60D
ESG100D60D
ISG060D36AX
ISG080D48AX
ISG100D60AX
ISG120D60AX

Carrier Corporation // Sunburst by Carrier Southern California //

HAC 040N(D,E, or F)3RXC
HAC 050N(D,E, or F)5RXC
HAC 050ND3RXD
HAC 060N(D,E, or F)4RXC
HAC 075N(D,E, or F)4RXC
HAC 080N(D,E, or F)5RXC
HAC 100N(D,E, or F)5RXC

Goettl Air Conditioning Inc. // American Best Goettl //

HAC 040N(D,E, or F)3RCX
HAC 050N(D,E, or F)3RCX
HAC 040N(D,E, or F)3RXD
HAC 050N(D,E, or F)3RXD
HAC 040N(D,E, or F)3RXC
HAC 050N(D,E, or F)3RXC
HAC 060N(D,E, or F)4RXC
HAC 075N(D,E, or F)4RXC
HAC 080N(D,E, or F)5RXC
HAC 100N(D,E, or F)5RXC
HCC 040N(D,E, or F)3RX
HCC 050N(D,E, or F)3RX
HCC 060N(D,E, or F)4RX
HCC 075N(D,E, or F)4RX
HCC 100N(D,E, or F)5RX
HBA 040N(D,E, or F)3RX
HBA 060N(D,E, or F)3RX
HBA 080N(D,E, or F)4RX
HBA 100N(D,E, or F)5RX
HBA 120N(D,E, or F)5RX

Goodman Manufacturing Company// Franklin Electric; Goodman; GMC; Hamilton Electric; Janitrol; Johnstone; Liberty //

HBA 040 ND 3(X, RX, XC or RXC)
HBA 060 ND 3(X, RX, XC or RXC)
HBA 080 ND 4(X, RX, XC or RXC)
HBA 100 ND 5(X, RX, XC or RXC)
HBA 120 ND 5(X, RX, XC or RXC)
HCA 040 ND 3(X, RX, XC or RXC)
HCA 060 ND 3(X, RX, XC or RXC)
HCA 080 ND 4(X, RX, XC or RXC)
HCA 100 ND 5(X, RX, XC or RXC)
HCA 120 ND 5(X, RX, XC or RXC)
HCA 140 ND 5(X, RX, XC or RXC)
HCC 040 ND 3(X, RX, XC or RXC)
HCC 050 ND 3(X, RX, XC or RXC)
HCC 060 ND 4(X, RX, XC or RXC)
HCC 075 ND 4(X, RX, XC or RXC)
HCC 080 ND 5(X, RX, XC or RXC)
HCC 100 ND 5(X, RX, XC or RXC)

Heat Controller Inc. // Comfort-Aire //

GSH40-T3N-X
GSH50-T3N-X
GSH60-T4N-X
GSH75-T4N-X
GSH80-T5N-X
GSH100-T5N-X

The Trane Company //Trane American Standard //

THN050A936A
THN060A948A
THN075A948A
THN100A960A

Test Your Carbon Monoxide Score and Protect Your Loved Ones

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a very real threat. ASI Hastings wants you to know how to help keep your family safe and secure this holiday season, take our quiz and brush up on your CO IQ.

Question 1: What is carbon monoxide?
Answer: Carbon monoxide, known by the chemical formula “CO,” is a poisonous gas that kills approximately 500 people in the United States alone every year. Of that number, about 200 people were killed by carbon monoxide emitted from a consumer product, like a stove, furnace or water heater. You can’t hear, taste, see or smell it. It’s nicknamed the “silent killer’ because it sneaks up on its victims and can take lives without warning.

Question 2: What are the sources of CO?
Answer: CO is a by-product of incomplete combustion. Sources of the gas can include malfunctioning appliances — including, stoves, ovens water heaters, furnaces and other types of heaters — that operate by burning fossil fuels such as natural or liquefied petroleum (LP). When malfunctioning appliances aren’t adequately ventilated, the amount of CO in the air may rise to a level that can cause illness or even death.
Other CO sources include vehicle exhaust, blocked chimney flues, fuel-burning cooking appliances used for heating purposes, and charcoal grills used in the home, tent, camper, garage or other unventilated areas.

Question 3: How does CO affect the human body?
Answer: When victims inhale CO, the toxic gas enters the bloodstream and replaces the oxygen molecules found in the critical blood component hemoglobin, depriving the heart and brain of the oxygen necessary to function.
The following symptoms are related to carbon monoxide poisoning and should be discussed with all members of the household:

Mild exposure: Symptoms are often described as flu-like, including slight headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.
Medium exposure: Severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion and fast heart rate.
Extreme exposure: Unconsciousness, convulsions, cardio respiratory failure and death.

Many cases of reported carbon monoxide poisoning indicate that while victims are aware they are not well, they become so disoriented that they are unable to save themselves by either exiting the building or calling for assistance. Young children and household pets are typically the first affected.
Carbon monoxide alarms are intended to sound at carbon monoxide levels below those that cause a loss of ability to react to the danger of carbon monoxide exposures.

Question 4: What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
Answer: CO poisoning victims may initially suffer flu-like symptoms including nausea, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, confusion, chronic cough, sore throat and breathing difficulty. Because CO poisoning often causes a victim’s blood pressure to rise, the victim’s skin may take on a pink or red cast.

Question 5: How can I tell if there is a risk of CO poisoning in my home?
Answer: Have your fuel-burning appliances inspected by a qualified technician at least once a year. A qualified technician should have practical knowledge of the operation, installation and proper ventilation of fossil-fuel-burning devices; carry the applicable insurance; be bonded; and be licensed to perform heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) work in your area.
Be alert to these danger signs that signal a potential CO problem:

-Streaks of carbon or soot around the service door of your fuel-burning appliances.
-Streaks of carbon or soot around registers on your heating system
-The absence of a draft in your chimney (indicating blockage).
-Excessive rusting on flue pipes or appliance jackets.
-Moisture collecting on windows and walls of furnace rooms.
-Fallen soot from the fireplace.
-Small amounts of water leaking from the base of the chimney, vent or flue pipe.
-Damaged or discolored bricks at the top of your chimney.
-Rust on the portion of the vent pipe visible from outside your home.

Also, recognize that CO poisoning may be the cause when family members suffer from flu-like symptoms that don’t disappear but improve when they leave home for extended periods of time.

Question 6: How can I avoid CO poisoning?
Answer: The most important steps are preventive. Have a qualified service professional inspect your fuel-burning appliances at least once a year. Since furnace operate when you and your family sleep, be sure to have a furnace tune-up and safety check once a year, preferably before in the fall.
Install UL certified CO alarms outside of sleeping areas and near all fuel-burning appliances.
Other precautions include:

-Avoid using charcoal grills inside the home, tent or camper, or in an unventilated garage.
-Don’t allow vehicle exhaust fumes to enter the home.
-Don’t use your gas stove or oven as a heating device.
-Ensure all fuel-burning appliances are properly ventilated.

Question 7: What should I look for when I buy a CO alarm?
Answer: Rather than searching for specific features, look for the UL Mark with the adjacent phrase “Single Station Carbon Monoxide Alarm.” UL certified CO alarms are designed to detect elevated levels of CO and sound an alarm to alert you and your family to a potential poisoning risk. Although CO indicator cards and other devices on the market are also intended to detect elevated levels of CO, most aren’t designed with an audible alarm. The presence of an audible alarm may be significant — especially while you and your loved ones sleep.


Question 8: How can I protect my family when we’re traveling? When we’re working in the garage?
Answer: A battery operated monitor can also be used as a portable carbon monoxide detector. You can use this CO monitor for portable use in your garage, barn, workshop, boat, RV, or in motel & hotel rooms.
UL evaluates and certifies CO alarms intended for use in recreational vehicles (RVs) and areas such as garages or attics where dampness, humidity and temperatures isn’t as controlled as in the living space of the home. CO alarms used in these areas comply with additional requirements designed to address the special conditions often present in these environments.
UL also evaluates CO travel alarms. These devices are equipped with a mounting bracket for temporary mounting only. UL certified CO alarms intended for use in these environments are marked accordingly near the UL Mark.

Question 9: Do CO alarms operate differently than smoke alarms?
Answer: Although they may look and sound similar, CO alarms and smoke alarms are designed and intended to detect two separate, distinct hazards. Therefore, to help protect your family from both hazards, it’s important to install both UL Listed CO alarms and UL Listed smoke detectors. Remember: Find Peace of Mind. Look for UL.

Question 10: How do I install my CO alarm?
Answer: Follow the installation instructions found in the manufacturer’s use and care booklet that accompanies the product. Proper installation is an important factor in receiving optimum performance. It’s important to follow these instructions exactly. As a rule of thumb, since carbon monoxide is lighter than air most manufacturers recommend that you locate your Carbon monoxide detector at least 5 feet from the floor.

Question 11: How do I take care of my CO alarm?
Answer: Like smoke detectors, CO alarms need to be tested regularly and cleaned as indicated in the manufacturer’s use and care booklet. If the unit is battery-operated, test the detector weekly and replace the battery at least once a year. Never allow anyone to “borrow” the battery. Like any appliance or power tool, a CO alarm can’t work unless it has a functioning power source.

Question 12: Will exposure to other household gases or vapors cause the CO alarm to sound a false alarm?
Answer: When UL evaluates samples of residential CO alarms, consideration is made that your home may contain moderate levels of cleaning chemicals and other substances. UL 2034, the Standard UL engineers and technicians use to test residential carbon monoxide alarms, includes exposure tests to normal concentrations of methane, butane, heptane, ethyl acetate (nail polish remover), isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), carbon dioxide and propane — all gases that would typically be found in a home.
You should, however, keep these chemicals away from your CO alarms. Low exposure over an extended period of time could damage the sensing device and cause false alarms.

Question 13: What do I do if my CO alarm sounds?
Answer: Immediately operate the reset/silence button and call your emergency services (fire department or 9-1-1).
Move to fresh air – either go outside or move to an open door or window. Check to make sure that everyone in your household is accounted for. Do not re-enter the premises nor move away from the open door or window until the emergency services have arrived, the premises have been sufficiently aired out, and your CO alarm remains in its normal condition.
If your CO alarm reactivates within a 24-hour period, operate the reset button, call your emergency services and move to fresh air. Call a qualified technician to examine and/or turn off your fuel-burning appliances or other sources of combustion. If your RV, car or truck is idling in an attached garage, turn off the engine. Although your problem may appear to be temporarily solved, it’s crucial that the source of the CO is determined and appropriate repairs are made.
Remember that an alarm indicates elevated levels of CO in your home. CO is called the “silent killer” because it cannot be seen or smelled. Some people can be exposed to dangerous levels of CO and not feel any symptoms. Regardless of whether you feel symptoms, never ignore the alarm.