Month: August 2022

The New Government Efficiency Standards & What it Means for You:

Beginning January 1st, 2023, new government efficiency standards are going into effect that will drastically affect the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry. Advance Mechanical wants to make you aware of the coming changes and let you know how they will affect you in the future.

The new standards promise drastic savings in energy, carbon emissions, and overall savings for HVAC unit owners.

The overall breakdown of savings according to the Department of Energy (DOE):

• Over the next 30 years, there is an estimated $15 billion in overall savings.
• An estimated 2.2 quads of energy saved in one year – the amount of energy it takes to power 13 million homes for one year.
• It is predicted that over the next 30 years, carbon emissions will be reduced to the equivalent of 14.4 million homes.
• Households can plan to save $100 a year with the new regulations.
• The total savings for all utility bills in 30 years is $244 billion.
• In 30 years, 40 quads of full-cycle energy and 1.1 billion metric tons of carbon emissions will be saved.
• The equivalent of the savings is shutting down 10 coal power plants or reducing cars on the road by 7.9 million every year for the next 30 years.

The main change in 2023 is the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) standards. The government initiative requires a 7%, or one point, increase in the minimum efficiency of HVAC units. This means that units in the southern region will mandate a SEER total of 15. There will also be an update on how SEER will be tested, effectively re-branding SEER as SEER2 in 2023.

SEER Equation:

HSPF Equation:

What do these changes mean for you?

• These new regulations are causing a sharp increase in prices on new equipment to come 2023, ranging from 20% to 25% depending on the unit.
• New HVAC units will rise in price by hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
• Manufacturers are no longer producing units with a SEER rate below 15 and are having to redesign most units.
• Any HVAC unit manufactured after December 31st, 2022, will be under the new government energy guidelines.

Advance Mechanical recommends checking in on your AC unit to see if it is 10 years or older. If it is, it may be worth considering getting a quote before the new standards are in place and you end up paying significantly more for your unit. Don’t wait – time is running out! If you are looking for a quote or have any other HVAC troubles, contact Advance Mechanical today at 252-355-9191.

 

 

If you have lived in eastern North Carolina, you know a thing or two about allergies. The pollen here is intense. It is known for painting your car yellow in the spring, summoning sneezing fits, and having you visit your local drug store to buy more allergy medicine. But did you know Ragweed pollen is the culprit during the fall, finding ways to infiltrate our lives – including inside your home.

Make the inside of your home a safe haven from pollen with these tips to keep your home allergy-free!

1. Keep your windows and doors closed; run your A/C instead.

To limit your interactions with pollen, keep your windows and doors closed during peak allergy season and run your A/C instead. If your A/C system is working correctly, all of the rooms in your household should be kept cool, and there will be no need to let in a summer breeze.

2. Change your air filters regularly.

If your air filters are dirty, they will prevent the air from flowing properly throughout your home. Filter blockage can also collect dust and grow mold, which can trigger asthma and allergies. Have a professional come and inspect your air filters once a year to ensure that your air travels safely and efficiently.

3. Try Electrostatic Filters.

I bet you’re wondering, what exactly is an electrostatic filter? An electrostatic air filter uses static electricity to give particles positive charges as they enter a filter. The charge is released as the air continues through the layers of the filter, and results in the particles becoming trapped. These are great for allergy sufferers since particles such as dust, pet hair, and mold, which are common allergy culprits, become trapped preventing particles from being released.

4. Use an air purifier to get rid of pollutants.

Air purifiers are used to filter your house’s air. These systems kill and remove pollutants and allergens from your home, allowing you to breathe easier. This can also help your home to smell nicer!

Advance Mechanical is here for all of your HVAC needs – including cleaning your air ducts, checking your filters, and offering more recommendations on making your home allergen-free during ragweed pollen season. Call (252) 355-9191 or visit our website, advancemechnc.com, to schedule a service today.