To Humidify or Not Humidify…That is The Question
Based on my recent stack of emails and calls surrounding the mystery that is a humidifier I thought it fitting to play “Myth Busters” and shed some light on the situation. Apparently there is great mystery and misconception surrounding humidifiers and de-humidifiers. Lets start at the beginning and move our way through it so that you can be an expert when it comes to your homes humidification.
At the most basic of levels humidifiers are attached to a furnace and add humidity during the winter months. This humidity cuts down on static shocks, helps eliminate dry and runny noses, can improve your indoor air quality, and makes your house feel warmer. Although they are not code in this area they are a fantastic idea.
De-humidifiers are typically run in basements during summer months and drain into a floor drain or need to be emptied periodically. In our climate they help to remove dampness and the mustiness of basements.
Humidifiers need to be looked at once a year to replace the pad, and ensure proper water flow. Most houses in this area are on well or have very hard water. This hard water can reek havoc on the water lines for the humidifier. Neglect of humidifiers is the number one cause of their demise. By simply taking care of them yearly you can avoid the nightmare stories and water issues that can occur.
A great way to ensure your hard wood floors do not start to spilt, or hardwood furniture does not start to deteriorate is by adding the right amount of humidity. Homes with lots of hard wood or that run their fireplaces a lot tend to suffer if their humidifier is not operating properly.
How they work is by taking water from your homes water line and running that water across a pad. A fan blows across the pad and humidifies the air stream as there is a call for heat. Typically you want the humidifier set at 35-40% humidity. Depending on the construction of the house you may need to add more or less humidity.
The best indicator on humidity levels is actually your windows. If you notice water or dew building up along the bottom of the window you can turn the humidity dial back down. You can even turn the thermostat down a couple more degrees that you would think. Humidity makes the air feel warmer, and lets you set the thermostat back a few degrees. Everyone home and situation is different but and ideal system could run at 68* and feel like 70*.
Some of the best stories I hear are how happy people are after they add a humidifier. Especially the people who had great old practices for trying to add humidity. Some people would simply keep a gold fish bowl in the kitchen and hope the evaporation would do the trick. Other people would even leave a small Tupperware of water next to the floor vents and hope there was a moisture transfer. Know what I have learned these stories are great for a good chuckle. The homeowners who had these rituals always get the last laugh now!
If feel like any of the above photos matches your state during the winter, let one of us know! Don’t go another winter needlessly suffering. There are many different solutions based on your needs!
Breaking News: Neighbors found…GUILTY! The verdict…MURDER…
In the dead of winter, in the middle of the night, an HVAC crew was called in to investigate the demise of a furnace. The murder weapon was a dirty, neglected air filter. The photos provided here offer proof in yet another open and shut case. Exhibits marked “A”, on the left, were taken of the customer’s air filters. Exhibits marked “B”, on the right, are entered as visuals for comparison. They represent what an air filter SHOULD look like. Unfortunately, this was not an isolated case.
Making light of a serious situation is not the intention. Attempting to get your attention IS. As pointed out in the last monthly issue, and countless times prior, it is vital you change or clean your filter on a regular basis. Not only will it save your equipment, it will save money on your utility bills. The easier your system “breathes”, the easier it operates, and will cost you far less in the long run.
Think of it this way. You and your furnace have one important thing in common: the need to breathe to survive. The filter’s job is to catch dirt, dust, and debris, and functions as its “respiratory system”. But your furnace lacks communication skills. It cannot cry out for help. Instead, it works as hard as it can until the very last possible moment. Then it collapses. According to Energy Star, the number one reason a furnace fails or breaks down is due to neglect.
Looking again at Exhibit “A” and acknowledging that your furnace needs to breathe – realize that it simply cannot when the filter looks like the photo. Ultimately, you are the one who would suffer, not only financially, but by breathing in all of the contaminates which a dirty filter harbors. Your furnace does double duty. It not only heats and conditions your house, but it also moves air and all of the pollutants floating through the atmosphere. Appealing to your health consciousness, having a clean furnace filter certainly contributes to cleaner air.
Did you know that one study revealed that indoor environment is up to five times more polluted than that of the outside? More frightening are the research statistics showing the human body’s inability to fight off allergens and viruses as compared to those of previous generations. It’s no wonder that advertisements for allergy medications now address both indoor and outdoor usage of their products. We believe this makes an even stronger case for doing what you can to ensure you and your family do not neglect the source you rely on for your indoor comfort needs.
In the Barrington case initially cited, the homeowner could not remember the last time the furnace filter had been replaced. By the looks of it, it was a few years and at least one flood ago. The negligence cost him dearly. The furnace was dead, and for one simple reason – forgetting to change the filter. It’s a shame, because the filter is the cheapest part you can replace on a system, and better yet, can be done without a service call.
We’re standing on our soap box again hoping you heed our advice. Leave the dangerous and complicated components up to us, but do yourself a favor and check your filter. Unsure if it is dirty or clean? Replace it, just to be safe. And healthier. And more solvent for the upcoming holidays.
Corcoran COOLS Chicago’s HOTTEST Nightclub
Chicago, IL
Lettuce Entertain You’s hippest new venue, the Paris Club (59 W. Hubbard) in Chicago has patrons raving! The combination restaurant/lounge/nightclub is a wildly successful hotspot in the River North area – but was experiencing a major headache: the spot WAS HOT. Literally. The 5,000 square foot renovated space included a newly added, totally awesome lounge complete with retractable roof offering expansive and unique cityscape views.
Typical of the renovation process, the usual crew was assembled: an architect, engineer, construction company, mechanical contractor, and the like. What they came up with was a chic black and white motif and innovative design. What got them down was the realization that during their busiest times, they were unable to maintain the cooling comfort level which would be necessary to keep their sophisticated clientele coming back for more.
Despite the new HVAC equipment installed – customers and staff were not comfortable. This is a typical concern in our business – both for residential and commercial clients. We were called in for one simple reason. Our 30+ years of experience combined with our exceptional crews enable us to use every tool at our disposal to ensure that the problem is correctly diagnosed, the recommendations are clearly understood, and the installations or repairs are completed satisfactorily. Scratch that. Completed expertly and exceptionally.
It begins with our refusal to use the same old inadequate diagnostic steps which only deliver the same old inadequate results. Taking you behind-the-scenes of the Paris Club scenario, our Step one is a complete assessment of the problem. Physical dimensions of the space were taken, windows and roof measurements were noted, the projected number of patrons and staff considered, and desired temperature factored in. Paramount to the diagnostics was listening to the client. This was not a space used for sedentary purposes: not just lounging in this club! Bright lights, dancing, music and mingling were part of the draw – and had to be a big part of our equation.
All equipment appeared to be functioning at the manufacturer’s stated levels. By utilizing performance based testing we found the new equipment was only delivering 46% of total capacity. The harsh reality was that even when we improved the new equipments’ performance to 80%, DOUBLE the amount of air conditioning normally required for the square footage of the Paris Club was needed. Yes, double. (I doubt you are wincing as much as the owner was when we delivered this news). The largest contributing factor was the effect of pounding heat from the retractable glass roof and the solar gain on the space. Answer: addressing the concerns with the aesthetics of the space – we brainstormed, and came up with a suitable solution. Instead of installing a third unit, why not go with ductless units? They had worked great for a junior high school installation we had done in 2010.
Presenting this option to our client and getting the nod to go ahead, our crew began the installation. Five days later and with no interruption to operations, the customer had a library-quiet, seamlessly integrated system. An added bonus was that if one of the seven units should ever fail, the others would continue to function. Plus, you know what they say about Chicago’s weather – wait a minute, and it will change. The climate in the Paris Club can change quicker than that. Comfort can be delivered with the simple touch of two buttons on the thermostat.
If you are looking to experience a high end venue for one of you parties or gatherings, or are just looking for an exciting new night spot – check out the Paris Club. (Sometimes it’s hard to LOOK cool, but at least you will FEEL cool ! ) If you want to experience the same level of consideration we had for them, check us out. Take advantage of our thirty years of experience. We strive to ensure that each and every one of our customers is listened to, that our diagnostics are accurate, your concerns addressed, our recommendations completely understood, and that any job is done to your satisfaction. Like the Paris Club, we want you to spread the word of our business to your neighbors, friends, and family – to keep you and them coming back for more!
Click On The Picture Below For More Information About Paris Club:
John’s 2 Cents
I have decided to hijack this month’s 2 cents article, and being the chief editor it wasn’t to difficult to do. Especially, since I printed one for my dad with his article still in it. Being the chief editor does not mean I am taking responsibility for misspelled words. I am still waiting for improved grammar and spell checkers. I am talking to you computer programmers!
Anyways, I decided to hijack this month’s 2 cents after learning (or relearning) an often forgotten lesson in this country. Taking a minute to slow down and appreciate those around you. Even those people around you that you may only interact with once or infrequently.
At the end of July my wife, two of our friends, and I all took a trip down to Jamaica. What a great all around experience that was. Sure it is great to get away and recharge your batteries. Even better to go to a swim up bar, or in the ocean, or even the all you could eat buffets. The best part of the trip has to be, hands down, the people who worked at our resort.
Now I know they are encouraged to be happy being on a resort, but they took it way beyond just friendly or happy. Their phrase of “Ya mon, no problem mon” really means so much more than the comedy it is always associated with. Their accommodations to people beyond their jobs is very inspiring to be around. They are the definition of grateful.
I am hoping to apply that to my future work and personal life. To just smile when you pass by a stranger, and just take some time to learn about them, and cater to their needs. We are currently all friends with the workers from the resort and plan to keep in touch with them for as long as possible. I think the relaxed attitude rubbed off on so many people vacationing on the resort.
Just slow down and take a minute to appreciate those around you!
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Successful commercial/residential HVAC service and replacement company servicing Chicagoland and the Northwest suburbs will hire the best service technicians with great customer skills. No whiners, complainers or people who need babysitting need apply.
If you are seriously committed to being an excellent technician we provide extensive advanced training in; state of the art air-flow and combustion diagnostics. Competitive salary and excellent benefits. Residential and commercial service experience and on call required.
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Q & A: The Great Thermostat Debate
Question: “John, Now that you have installed this wonderful new system, where the heck do I set the thermostat?”
Now, I must preface my following answer with the fact that at the end of the day everyone is different. I can however explain how the system was designed in an effort to better understand where you might want to set your thermostat.
The number one question I get following an installation or duct modification is always, “where should I set this thing?”. My answer is always based on what the system was designed for and what we agreed was the most important problems we are overcoming with our changes.
When we sit down together and design the perfect system we start by understanding what is wrong with your existing set-up. We will list the pains you are currently facing which are typically uneven room temperatures, noise, indoor air quality, and how you live in your home. The most common solutions for those problems lie not only in the new equipment itself, but also in the duct modifications and thermostat settings.
If part of the solution involved investing in staged equipment with variable speed motors the best bet is to set the thermostat with the fan in the “ON” position. What this will accomplish is allowing the variable speed fan motor to ramp up and down as it is needed. This is similar to using your accelerator in your car. As your furnace idles it will move the air at a slow and even speed continually circulating the air. And as it needs heating and cooling it will ramp up accordingly. This setting will also ensure that you are continually filtering the air 24/7. This is a great feature for my clients with allergies.
Now you must be aware that this will incur added electrical costs, however the newer motor is not going to need as much energy to run as the older system. This means at the end of the day you are still ahead of the electrical company.
For my clients who purchased furnaces that are not variable speed or staged I recommend that these clients keep their fan set in the “AUTO” position. This simply means that the fan will only run when there is a call for heating and cooling, and the fan will not operate during idle times. The disadvantages of setting this fan in the “ON’ position are the fan making a drafty feeling when operating between heating and cooling. You could, however, set the fan to “ON” during really warm days to keep the air circulating throughout the house.
“Ok Ok, what about the temperature?”
The easiest way to answer this question is by telling you what design temperatures we use to ensure your comfort. Based on what climate you are in and what temperature you would like to achieve inside are both crucial factors in the design process.
Add that to new technologies and design software and I can ensure your home gets to the exact temperature that you want. Now don’t fool yourself and think that everyone takes this crucial step to ensuring your satisfaction. The truth is that this step is skipped by 97% of contractors! Using these technologies allows me to ensure clients like you get the temperatures you want and deserve.
With that being said, the typical design for this area is between 73-75 degrees at your thermostat in the extreme highs and lows that we face in this region. We have even designed a system for a long time customer who wanted 65 degrees in his master suite.
So now that you know how they are designed the rest is personal preferences. For example in my home my cooling is typically set to 75 degrees during the day in air conditioning mode, set back to 70 for bedtime. Heating wise I typically set it to 73 during the day and between 68-70 at night. Some days I am just a little colder thanks to working outside. I also leave my system set with the fan in the “ON” position. This feature is being used to continually clean my air since I have two dogs, and my wife has allergies. Well again this is what I do and each instance is unique. I am happy to discuss your particular case if you have questions.
Email me if you want to ask a pro: info@corcoranheating.com
Tom’s 2 Cents
The 20th Annual America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride is a ride I just could not pass up while on vacation. I was taking a quick weekend getaway with my lovely wife in South Lake Tahoe. The ride was a benefit for the Leukemia & Lymphoma charity which raises money to find the cure. The TV reports and newspaper columnists on site were encouraging the 4,000+ riders to come out in force and show the pros how its done.
The ride kicked off at 6:30am with a temperature of 37 degrees and a wicked downpour. Probably a great day to climb back into my hotel bed and go back to sleep. Being ill prepared clothing and equipment wise I had to make some improvisations before the ride. The major one being the hotel shower cap as a rain cover for my helmet. (Sorry there is no corresponding picture of that).
I was in full swing with the crowd at 6:20am and my hands and feet were completely soaked by 6:30am. There was no turning back on this 100 mile ride to the finish. This ride was for such a great cause and I was just happy to be a part of the experience.
I was completely blown away by the people I met during this ride. The riders and their families were all great people, and some of them were suffering from some very serious illnesses. Riding this race and getting to meet them was such a rewarding experience in itself. Sure there were great views of the mountains and lake as we made our way around Lake Tahoe, but they were often trumped by the conversations.
My experience with the people during this ride really puts the frozen toes and fingers into perspective. It was nice to get out of my element and see the world through someone else’s eyes. America’s Most Beautiful ride for me!
Best Wishes,
Tom
