December Deadline: Tax Credit for Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades Will Expire Soon

A federal tax credit for energy- and money-saving home upgrades will expire on Dec. 31. But you can beat the deadline by making energy-efficient upgrades now.

Put Energy-Efficient Upgrades in Use by Dec. 31

The tax credit in question applies to improvements “placed in service” through Dec. 31, 2011. The IRS defines “placed in service” as the point when the products or materials are fully installed and are ready for use – not the time of purchase.
So, it’s not enough just to put the order in for a new door or window by Dec. 31 – you’ve got to install it, too. The tax credit applies to how much you paid for the improvement, excluding labor for building components like windows, doors and insulation – but including labor for HVAC components like air conditioners, heat pumps and water heaters.  Learn more about the how the tax credits work.

What Does The Credit Apply To?

Five basic energy efficiency upgrades are among the six items that are eligible for the tax credit:

• Insulation
• Windows, doors and skylights
• Non-solar water heaters
• Metal and asphalt roofs
• HVAC systems
• Biomass stoves

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

Last Heat Wave For This Year?

Looks like temperatures will be in the 90s again later this week. If your A/C is on it's last legs, late summer through early fall is great time to replace your system. Some R-22 units are still available, and manufacturer's often give us great deals on overstock or remaining 2011 models this time of year. Call for a free estimate to replace an existing system, or for new installations.

We're still running our $99.00 air conditioning clean and check special for new customers for a few more weeks. Go to www.Perri-Aire.com or call for details.

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

Flood Recovery: Heating, Air Conditioning, Water Heaters

Consumer Product Safety Commission Alert

Submerged gas control valves, circuit breakers, and fuses pose
explosion and fire hazard! Replace all gas control valves, circuit breakers, and fuses that have been under water:
GAS CONTROL VALVES on furnaces, water heaters, and other gas appliances that have been under water are unfit for continued use. If they are used, they could cause a fire or an explosion. Silt and corrosion from flood water can damage internal components of control valves and prevent proper operation. Gas can leak and result in an explosion or fire. Replace ALL gas control valves that have been under water.
Read the full CPSC alert here.

Here's another informative article from the PENNSYLVANIA  DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.


Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

Guess Which Cities Are The Least Green

Guess Which Cities Are The Least Green
The U.S. and Canada Green City Index, part of a research project conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit, recently released its ranking of cities throughout North America regarding their environmental performance. Click the link above to check out the cities that excel in green and the ones that are ranked at the bottom (via www.siemens.com).


Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

A Bad A/C Installation - 1st Entry In "The Wall Of Shame"

 Interested in upgrading your central air conditioning system? It's difficult to compare estimates, and to make sure you are comparing apples to apples with different manufacturer's equipment and models. But that's only half of the equation. How do you compare  installation quality, performance, efficiency and follow up service? You can't until it's too late - if you choose the wrong HVAC contractor.

The picture to the right is of a melted air conditioning evaporator coil that was improperly installed. The newer coils have plastic drain pans which are great for eliminating rusting, but they must be installed several inches above the heat exchanger with proper airflow resulting from correctly sized duct work.

Installing heating and air conditioning equipment (especially high efficiency models) is a complex procedure and there are many factors that effect the performance, energy efficiency and longevity of the new equipment. No two systems are alike, and only highly trained technicians and installers can readily identify and correct problems with preexisting system components during an installation or service call.


Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service and installations in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

Air Conditioning Repair Scams

 Shopping for a cheap air conditioning "Tune Up" for your home or business?

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Beware of low price specials, $39 - $49 A/C clean and checks, and companies that charge by flat rate pricing. An honest, qualified HVAC company pays their skilled service technicians a good hourly wage that necessitates charging a competitive price which allows the company to make money and stay in business without having to resort to high pressure sales, or bait and switch tactics.

Call Perri-Aire for Honest, Fast, Quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

Testament To Maintenance

 A 60 year old Bell & Gossett series 100 circulator pump, that lasted until yesterday. The series 100 was the workhorse of residential hot water boiler circulators from about the 1950's well into the '80s and beyond. Although re-manufactured versions are still available, newer design wet rotor types are the norm - available from many manufacturers like B&G, Taco, and Grundfoss. Wilo energy saving smart pumps take technology a few giant leaps further, automatically adjusting to suit demand on various applications.

Call Perri-Aire for fast, expert boiler service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

R-22 Air Conditioner Condensing Units from $839.00

ONE DAY ONLY SALE!!! Wednesday May 4th, from 9:00am - 4:00pm.
Aire-Flo (a division of Lennox) R-22 "dry charge" condensing units compatible with older R-22 central air conditioning systems. 1.5 - 5 ton units available while limited supply lasts. 1.5 ton units from $839.00 plus installation.

Call for an estimate for installation cost - tax not included in sale price.

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

To Fix It Or Replace It - That Is The Question

We see many residential and commercial heating and air conditioning systems that have reached, or are well past, their life expectancy that are in need of serious repairs. Many HVAC companies' first inclination is to recommend replacement of the unit, and in many cases that is the most cost effective solution in the long term. However, especially in this economy, it is not possible for many businesses and home owners to shell out several thousand dollars for a new heating and/or cooling system.

We always provide our customers with an option to repair or rebuild the system as well as an estimate for replacement, and provide as many options as possible. We have repaired many systems that were considered "beyond repair" by our competitors, and we've rebuilt large commercial rooftop units that original equipment manufacturers' parts were no longer available for, by retrofitting with universal replacement parts.

Some repairs are just beyond the capability of some companies and service technicians. Call an expert and know all of your options upfront.

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality commercial and residential HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

Principles of Refrigeration

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

Don't Starve Your A/C

Many problems we find on air conditioning service calls are related to lack of air flow through the indoor evaporator coil. Unfortunately we see a lot of undersized duct work installed in newer homes and condos. Closing supply registers to try and adjust temperatures from room to room or between floors can cause the air flow to become low enough that the evaporator coil begins to "ice up". As the ice builds, air flow is reduced further and eventually the coil becomes a solid block of ice.

Many systems with inadequate air flow might not ice up to the point where the homeowner will notice it. The evaporator might only be frosting and melting in the off cycles. While this usually doesn't result in an immediately noticeable lack of cooling, it causes excessive wear and tear on the compressor and reduced capacity, and in many cases compressor failure. This is one of the many seemingly small problems we check for when performing our thorough 20 point maintenance procedure.

Try and keep your registers and air intake grills clear especially in air conditioning season when your furnace blower runs at a higher speed than heating mode. We can solve imbalance and poorly designed duct work systems in most homes and businesses. Have your system professionally cleaned and checked this spring and avoid higher than necessary energy bills, and increase the performance and longevity of your central air conditioning system.


Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

Lower Your Air Conditioning Cost With Honeywell Dehumidifier

TrueDRY™ DH150 Dehumidification System

Increased Comfort - Remove excess moisture from the air, delivering fresh, filtered air in the home.

Energy Savings - Less moisture in the home reduces the strain on your air conditioner and also allows you to set your thermostat higher to run your air conditioner less

Minimal Maintenance - Automatically drains itself and only requires an air filter to be changed once per year

Integrated Solution - Can remove moisture evenly throughout the entire home or focus specifically on problem areas that can lead to costly renovations

Out of Sight, Out of Mind - Unlike portable units, Honeywell whole-house dehumidiers provide unobtrusive, quiet and efficient operation

Perfect for larger homes up to 3,600 square feet

Model Numbers: DH150A100, DH150A105

Call Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

F500

Whole house HEPA filtration F500 from Honeywell

Ultimate in Performance (HEPA) - Captures up to 99.97% of particles that pass through it including pet dander, bacteria, pollens and more which can trigger allergies and irritate eyes and throats

Odor Reduction - Activated carbon filter helps reduce odors

Peace of Mind - HEPA is the #1 doctor recommended air cleaner for allergy treatment programs

Minimal Maintenance - Only requires periodic, quick and easy filter replacement

Quiet Operation - Cleans the air quietly out of sight, out of mind

Helpful Reminders - Wireless Airwatch Indicator provides filter change notification

Versatile Operation - Models for both conditioned and unconditioned spaces (such as unfinished basements, crawlspaces or attics)

Model Numbers - F500A1000, F500B1009

5-Year Warranty

Call us for more information or a free estimate and start breathing easier.

Perri-Aire for fast, quality HVAC service in Chicago-land at 773-777-4888.

Central Air Conditioning Preparation

Don't turn your air conditioner on before you check a few things.

1. Make sure your circuit breaker is turned on at least 24 hours before starting your A/C. Many units have crankcase heaters or utilize the windings in the compressor to maintain a minimum oil viscosity.
2.  Most residential air conditioners are not equipped to be ran at outdoor temperatures below 55 - 60 degrees. Besides potential damage to the compressor, system head pressure may be too low and cause problems such as ice to buildup on the indoor coil which in turn can cause damage to compressor valves and other components. Accessories can be installed to allow units to run safely down to well below freezing outdoor temps.
3. Clear and debris from around the outdoor unit, especially coils and above the fan. Make sure there aren't any twigs, branches or other debris in the fan guard or fan blade. Carefully pull them out with the power off and look inside through the fan for accumulation of leaves or anything that will prevent proper drainage of rain.
4. Of course always check your filter and replace or clean as necessary. Typically every 1-3 months for disposable 1" filters; 4-12 months for thicker 4"-6" media (air cleaner) filters, and 4-12 months for electronic air cleaners.

Call us anytime for help or tips, or for a spring A/C tune up!

Mr. Aire

New Dry R-22 Central Air Conditioning Condensing Units Are Available For Replacement Applications.

New Dry R-22 Central Air Conditioning Condensing Units Are Available For Replacement Applications.

Wow, we thought that we were done with R-22 units and now manufacturers are beginning to ship "Dry" R-22 units with a helium and or nitrogen charge.

Despite the EPA's ban on the manufacture of new ozone depleting R-22 units, the reasons for the development — which, to many, was unexpected — include:

• The original U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ruling of 2009 — designed to curtail use of R-22 — only said that entire systems could not be manufactured and that any replacement components for aftermarket use could not be pre-charged with the refrigerant.

• The fact that condensing units constitute a component not an entire system.

• There is still an ample supply of R-22 at fairly reasonable prices.

• A sluggish economy is helping prop up R-22 supplies.

• There is a customer demand for the less expensive R-22 components to use in repair of older R-22 components, rather than changing out to R-410A a/c equipment.

The concerns raised include:

• The continuing manufacture of entire condensing units — while not in violation of the letter of the law with regards to the EPA regulations — may not be meeting the spirit of the law even if that spirit is somewhat unclear.

• The possibility that the stepped up use of R-22 to charge on site the dry shipped equipment will increase the use of the refrigerant to the point where some R-22 equipment could become stranded and unable to be serviced with dwindling supplies of R-22.

• Some questions about the ability of service technicians to fully charge a residential air conditioner on site especially in terms of accidental venting.


According to Bill Hanesworth, VP and general manager for Rheem Heating and Cooling, “Rheem is committed to supplying its customers with replacement parts and components to service existing installations. With a replacement market three times the size of the new construction market, and with the economy being the worst in decades, Rheem is dedicated to supporting consumers who have our products installed in their homes.”

He added, “As such, Rheem will produce a limited supply of split system air conditioners that will be shipped dry (nitrogen holding charge) and require a field-supplied charge of R-22 refrigerant.”

Please note: This product is only intended for condensing change-out in existing R-22 systems. New R-22 system installations are prohibited by EPA. This product must be charged with R-22 refrigerant meeting AHRI 700 purity standard.
 
The best option is to replace your equipment with models utilizing the new environmentally safer refrigerant and the highest energy efficiency you can afford as R-22 and electricity will only become more expensive in the years to come. But at least for a short time you have another option.