Monday, June 13, 2011

Breathe Easy With a UV Air Purifer

Does your home suffer from air quality problems? Many homes do. In fact, the air quality in most homes is worse than the air outside.

Regular air filtration will help with catching airborne pollutants and preventing them from circulating through the air in your home. But air filters don't kill biological contaminants like mold, bacteria or viruses. A UV air purifier adds extra protection for the air in your home.

A UV air purifier uses ultraviolet radiation from UV lamps to kill biological air contaminants. This type of purification system can be part of your home's HVAC system. In this configuration, the UV lamps are located in your ductwork. Airborne pollutants are moved through the ducts via the air circulation created by your heating and cooling system.

There are some considerations to keep in mind with a UV system, though. UV radiation is effective in killing mold spores, and dead mold spores aren't able to grow new mold. However, they can still cause problems with allergies. A UV air purifier can kill biological contamination in your home's air, but things like dust and dead mold spores can still get circulated in the air. So the EPA suggests using a UV purification system in conjunction with a regular air filtration system and proper ventilation to get the best indoor air quality.
If you have questions about air purification, or other concerns about the air quality in your home, contact us at ASI Hastings Heating and Air Conditioning. We're always happy to help. We have the products and the services you need to keep the air in your home safe and fresh.

Changing Your Air Filter Saves You Money and Prevents Expensive Breakdowns

An entire agency is dedicated to protecting San Diegans from air pollution -- The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District. This organization endeavors to protect the public from the harmful effects of air pollution, improve air quality and implement cost-effective programs to meet these goals.


Changing your HVAC filters can help you achieve the same goals as this agency, only within your home or business. Filters are out of sight, so they are often out of mind -- until something happens. Dust and dirt entering your heating and air conditioning system can cause mechanical and safety problems. Filters were designed to prevent this; however, since we don't see them, we forget to replace them on a regular schedule.

Modern furnace filters save money by protecting HVAC equipment, but they perform functions far beyond the basics.

Energy Savings

Clogged filters cause the system to work harder to produce the same comfort results, which uses extra energy. Clean furnace filters provide the ventilation your system needs to operate effectively and efficiently -- and they minimize energy use.

Equipment and Repair Savings

Replacing heating and air conditioning systems is costly. Allowing dirt, dust and other particles to enter the system will eventually lead to expensive breakdowns. Semi-annual preventive maintenance and quarterly furnace filter changes will keep your system operating at optimum levels.

Health Savings

Pollen, pet hair and dander, mold spores, dust mites, mildew, smoke, odors and bacteria can travel through your home by way of your HVAC system. To combat the effects of those pollutants, you may spend hundreds of dollars each year on trips to the doctor’s office and medications for allergy-related symptoms. Using a high-quality or HEPA-grade filter can help stop those irritants in their tracks.

Other Savings

Airborne pollutants such as smoke, odors, mold and mildew travel through ductwork. They look like dark streaks extending from vents as a result of neglected furnace filters. You'll waste time and money trying to clean these up.

The professionals at ASI Hastings Heating and Air Conditioning can help you choose the filter that's right for your home or business. We're happy to help.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats offer many features that go beyond temperature control. Besides convenience, probably the most impressive feature is energy savings. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), programming your thermostat correctly could save you up to $180 a year!


Various models offer different features that fit every users needs and their more attractive than ever. It used to be you needed a computer science degree to program your digital thermostat and many were an eye sore on the wall. Not today!

Some new exciting thermostats on the market today include:

• The Honeywell high-definition thermostat, it not only looks good, they’re easy-to-use.

• The Venstar high resolution Color Touch Thermostat comes with customizable digital display and it allows you to load up to 100 of your own pictures. You can set your photos up as a background or run your own personal slideshow.

• Other state-of-the-art thermostats include the Lennox I touch, and the York Affinity communicating thermostats.

Remote-control thermostats allows individual temperature control in various rooms. Sensors are placed in individual rooms throughout the house, and connected to the main unit. If you want your bedroom warm in the morning, you can set the temperature to rise when you wake up in that specific room. You can also keep children’s rooms from becoming too cold or warm without giving them access to the thermostat. Some remote access models even allow you to adjust settings by phone or internet before you get home.

Programmable thermostats save you money while keeping you comfortable. ASI Hastings will be glad to help you decide which features suit your lifestyle to offer the maximum control, versatility and energy savings

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Energy Seminar in Chula Vista - Dont Miss Out!!

Chula Vista residents can get up to $13,975 in energy rebates and incentives to make your home more efficient.  ASI is hosting a one hour informational energy seminar in Chula Vista this Saturday at 9 AM.  Officials from SDG& and the City of Chula Vista will be sharing valuable information on how you can qualify for these incentives.
Saturday, February 12, 2011 from 9 AM to 11 AM
at the Loma Verde Recreation Center.
1420 Loma Lane, Chula Vista, CA 91911-5310
 

Friday, January 28, 2011

TANKLESS WATER HEATERS

Tankless hot water heaters are becoming a must-have appliance in homes these days. They purport to offer many benefits - instant and endless hot water, less wasted space, and a smaller carbon footprint as well. They can even be used to power radiant underfloor heating that is a luxury found in many green homes.


Here are some basics about how tankless hot water heaters work. Standard non-electric storage hot water heaters typically are about 60% efficient, meaning that 60% of the energy in whatever fuel they burn is converted into heat for your water. The other 40% of energy is wasted, some due to inefficient burners and some due to the gradual cooling of water stored in the tank through time. Tankless or on-demand hot water heaters address both of these issues: they eliminate the storage-related losses, and they employ sophisticated burners and controls to improve on the combustion efficiency. Top-of-the-line models can be 80-85% efficient, which results in a 30+% savings on your hot water energy bills and your carbon footprint compared to your tank in the corner. (electric unit savings will be lower, since storage electric HW heaters already have efficient heating mechanisms).

Efficient hot water heating is a true green no-brainer. Not only are they light on the planet, but they will also increase the comfort of your home and the effectiveness of your appliances. Fortunately, you now have many great options to choose from!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Californias New CO Monitor Law

http://www.asiheatingandair.com/


(SB 183- Residential Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act)

Under the new law California homeowners will be required to install carbon monoxide detectors starting in july 2011

The bill requires that alarm devices be installed in existing single-family homes that have a fossil-fuel burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage.

BUYER BEWARE: All carbon monoxide monitors are not created equal. Although an inexpensive device will pass the new law, it is important that consumers read the fine print before making a purchase. Most CO monitors on the market have warnings that they can not protect the very old, very young, or those with compromised imune systems due to the fact they don’t sound an alarm until the carbon monoxide has reached very dangerous levels. ASI Hastings recommends it’s customers purchase a “Low Level” carbon monoxide alarm, such as the NSI 3000, that will sound then the readings are as low as 5 parts per million

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Energy Incentives & Rebates

GET UP TO $11,175 IN INCENTIVES TO LOWER YOUR UTILITY BILLS AND IMPROVE THE COMFORT AND SAFETY OF YOUR HOME!


If your home was built prior to recent California energy code standards you may be eligible for up to $11,175 in incentives to make your home more energy efficient. To encourage homeowners to bring their homes in compliance to today’s energy standards; a massive alliance and new program has formed with the California Energy Commission (CEC), state-wide utilities including San Diego utility rebates and the city of Chula Vista.

Energy Upgrade California has been funded to drive energy upgrades to help you lower your utility bills and optimize your comfort, health and safety. This program also supports California’s goal of a state-wide energy reduction of 40% by 2020.

Available for a limited time in the form of a cash rebate from your local San Diego utility, this incentive can be combined with other existing incentives to save you even more:
ENERGY INCENTIVES & REBATES


Energy Upgrade California (San Diego Utility Provider).......Up To $4000 Cash Rebate

*The City of Chula Vista (For homes located in the CV area) ..Up To $4000 cash Rebate Match

Local Utility Solar Hot Water (Thermal) Incentive........................................Up To $1875

Federal Government Incentive.......................................................................Up To $2400

Manufacturer Energy Efficiency Incentive (Heating and A/C)………..........Up To $1200

High Efficiency Furnace Rebate.......................................................................Up To $200

Federal Tax Credit Based on High Efficiency Measures............................. Up To $1500

TOTAL INCENTIVES AVAILABLE TO YOU:........................................$11,175

TOTAL INCENTIVES AVAILABLE CHULA VISTA RESIDENTS …....$15,175

Energy Upgrades That Maximize Savings and Comfort


If you’re like most homeowners, you face common issues like high utility bills, rooms that are too hot or too cold, as well as drafts. They are signs that your home is wasting energy and money. These incentive levels are unprecedented and the time to act is now as homeowners will respond quickly.

For more information or to schedule an in-home energy audit and consultation,please contact ASI Hastings Heating & Air Conditioning your local quailed BPI* contractor at 1- 800-481-COOL (2665); or visit us online at www.asiheatingandair.com. www.greenhomesamerica.com

Qualifying Energy Upgrades: High Efficiency Heating & Cooling Equipment / Attic & Wall Insulation, Duct Replacement & Air Sealing / Solar Hot Water Solutions/ Windows & Doors

* Program rules stipulate you must use a Building Performance Institute (BPI) certified or accredited contractor and receive a comprehensive home energy audit to guarantee the qualifying rebate amount you will receive when approved upgrades are made. Please note Federal Tax Incentive expires 12/31/2010. Other incentives available while funds last. Contractor will assist with questions regarding all incentive paperwork.