Fall & Winter Tips

Fall and Winter Tips from 

Komfort Heating & Cooling

Have your Heating system tuned-up for the season, so that you are running at peak efficiency. Operating at peak efficiency will save money because the system doesn't have to work as hard to do its job.

Replace your furnace or air handler filters on a regular basis. Lack of regular filter changes and maintenance is the Number 1 cause of system breakdowns and costly repair bills.

Keep the thermostat constant. Continuously adjusting the thermostat can be very inefficient. You can, however, lower the thermostat 2-3 degrees during the day while you're away to save money. For every degree you lower the setting, you can expect to cut energy consumption by up to 3-5%.

Flip the fan switch on your thermostat into the "fan on" mode when heating the house. This process will ensure that air is always being stirred to prevent hot and cold pockets from forming.

Consider a Heat Pump if you are going to replace your outdoor unit. Although a Heat Pump cannot produce air as hot as your gas furnace, when you combine a Heat Pump with your gas furnace you have a system that is much more efficient and still able to deliver the warmth we all love. 

Set air vents on the second floor to receive approximately 45 percent of the heated air. This will help even out the temperatures from the first to the second floor of the home. (Remember, hot air rises)

Open the shades and curtains to help produce radiant heat of the sun.

Replace older windows with more efficient low-E glass. These windows help to reduce the heat loss of your homes HVAC system. Also, keep storm windows closed. This saves money and extends the life of the system.

Run humidifiers to help maintain the warm feeling in your home. Proper humidity can make the air feel up to 3 degrees warmer. Which means you can turn down your thermostat a couple of degrees and save money on your utility bills and still feel the warmth that we all love on those cold days in winter. (Depending upon your environment, you may still need a dehumidifier running in the basement)

Clear or cut back shrubs and bushes from the outdoor Heat Pump unit. The sides of the unit require at least 12-18 inches of clearance for proper performance.

Keep fallen leaves, grass clippings, foliage and other dirt and debris away from your outdoor Heat Pump unit. And keep the indoor coils clean, following manufacturers' instructions.

Don't block vents or ducts inside the house to assure air flow in the home.

Caulk and install weather stripping around windows and doors (especially the attic) to close air gaps.

Consider use of a programmable thermostat to automatically increase or decrease temperatures during day and night to suit a family's lifestyle and reduce energy cost.

Keep windows and doors closed to help with the homes natural heat loss.

For More Information or to Schedule Your Fall Tune-Up 

Contact us at 

Komfort Heating & Cooling

262-723-2662

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Thermostats Controlled With Mobile Devices

More than 234 million Americans age 13 and up used mobile devices. Nearly 116 million of those using mobile devices are estimated to use a smartphone on a monthly basis by the close of 2012, according to New Media Trend Watch.

That exponential growth is expected to continue. By the close of 2016, an estimated 192.4 million Americans, or approximately 58.5 percent of the U.S. population  will use a smartphone on a regular basis.

A recent study, conducted by O2, reveals that smartphone users spend at least two hours each day on their devices, surfing the Internet, utilizing social media, listening to music, gaming, and performing other activities. One of those other activities: setting their thermostat.

New Improvements

Over the last five years, thermostats have changed dramatically. As adoption of smartphones and tablets has increased, consumer expectations have changed. Touch enabled devices and easy-to-use interfaces are now the norm. Technology advancements like Wi-Fi connectivity and the ability to have control through the cloud are no longer limited to just early adopters; they have transitioned to the mainstream.”

Cutting-edge thermostat technology has nearly replaced standard BAS systems panels with multi-input and output points. Thermostats in commercial HVAC applications have evolved into complex networked controllers. These new room controllers are not only capable of sending and receiving information from the central front end to control room devices, but can collect data for analyzing trends for optimum building control management.”

While climate-controlling devices have emerged smarter and more intuitive. The manufacturers of these devices have been able to use the technology available to put more computing power behind them and provide vast amounts of data for the installer and end user. 

With concerns about rising energy costs, consumers are looking for wireless thermostats that are easily installed and work with both new and existing systems. 

The Future

While thermostats and controls have certainly upgraded with the times, many manufacturers predict even further advancement is on its way. The next five years will change the face of HVAC controls, especially the good, old thermostat. It will be mobile, agile, and intelligent; and will be a major partner in energy conservation. Increasingly we will see web page control panels, smartphone-accessed controls, and the use of sensors on walls instead of the normal reporting thermostats.”

I believe that thermostats and controls will likely become even more discrete, convenient, and portable. “Smart device apps will grow more sophisticated as technology advances, providing homeowners with more monitoring and control capabilities. A greater number of thermostats and controls will be accessible via mobile apps, giving users more options to measure and monitor their HVAC systems remotely. Additionally, as homeowners work to use less energy and save money on utility bills, I predict that thermostats and controls will give users the ability to more closely measure HVAC energy usage.”

Push-button controls have transitioned to touch-screen controls and monochrome touch-screen devices are now being replaced with color touch screens. I believe HVAC controls will have a much larger influence on home operations. In the next few years controls will become a system differentiator and will truly become the home control. Remote access will allow you to stay connected with your home like never before.

A match made in heaven

Whether it’s energy savings, added peace of mind, or the convenience of mobile apps and easy-to-use web portal our customers have lots to say about our commitment to offering practical energy-saving solutions for both home and business.

For more information on installing a smart thermostat contact us at Komfort Heating & Cooling.

Call Us Today at

Komfort Heating & Cooling

HVAC Elkhorn, WI

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Don't Wait Until You Need It: Furnace Repair Before Winter

The end of summer is the perfect time for furnace repair and maintenance, and other heating repair issues. One reason for this is the availability of furnace technicians. Another is that preventative maintenance is always less stressful than furnace repair when it’s freezing outside.

When temperatures are dropping along with the leaves this is when many homes are getting ready for colder weather. October is usually when homeowners turn on their furnaces for the first time, to ward off chilly fall evenings, and every year, our company sees a corresponding rise in calls for HVAC systems that aren’t heating homes well, or (worse yet) are refusing to heat at all.

Just Like Your Car, HVAC Systems Need Regular Maintenance

Most homeowners don’t think twice about performing regular maintenance on their car, doing oil changes or tune-ups every 2-3 months. And yet, when it comes to their homes, they neglect to perform regular and inexpensive maintenance on key systems like the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. A visual inspection, cleaning and minor repair tune up for your HVAC system typically costs less than $100, and only needs to be done just twice a year once in fall and once in Spring, but gives enormous value to your family’s comfort and peace of mind. Contact us at Komfort Heating & Cooling and ask about our Silver Plan that covers two service calls a year and will save you over $40. 

Keep a Reliably Comfortable Home

Your HVAC unit is the single most important system when it comes to your family’s comfort. Although we typically take it for granted that the furnace will kick in when the temperature drops, anyone who has suddenly had their furnace die out on a cold winter day can tell you that scrambling for an emergency HVAC repair service while the family is layering on sweaters in the living room is a terrible experience.

Regular fall and Spring tune-ups for your HVAC units can not only alert you to potential problems well in advance but also ensure that your system is working at peak efficiency, eliminating cold spots and giving you better air distribution throughout the home. The result - your family is kept warm and comfortable no matter how chilly it gets outside.

Protect Your Biggest Financial Investment

Your home is generally your most significant financial asset, and HVAC systems can cost lots of money to replace. It makes good financial sense to maintain your systems with bi-annual tune-ups, ensure that you’re protecting your long-term investment and making sure this expensive system has a maximum lifespan for your home.

Perhaps more importantly, HVAC systems are the biggest energy consumers in your home, accounting for up to 50% of your total energy expenditures. Aside from the potential long-term costs of replacing a poorly maintained system, inefficient systems also cost you more each month to run. The smart homeowner monitors energy usage on a monthly basis to compare to previous years. It’s not uncommon for our customers to report 10-15% savings on their gas or electricity bills after they’ve had an HVAC tune-up performed.

More Than Comfort, More Than Savings

Aside from the improvements to your comfort and monthly savings that an HVAC tune-up can offer, there’s a wider benefit - an efficient home is better for our community. A well-maintained HVAC unit consumes less energy and has a longer lifetime before it has to be replaced, making it a green solution for everyone.

Don’t Put It Off

Whether you’re getting ready to book your regular fall maintenance or you’re just realizing now that it’s long overdue, use the season’s changing as a reminder to have your system serviced. It will pay off over the short and long term. 

Again, at the end of summer, furnace repair maintenance and other heating repair issues can be taken care of by widely available professionals at a time when you aren’t relying too heavily on your heating system. And it’s likely that you won’t have to wait in line.

Call Us Today at

Komfort Heating & Cooling

HVAC Elkhorn, WI

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New Regional Appliance Standards Take Effect May 2013

The regional standards established by the Department of Energy (DOE) that are set to go into effect May 1, 2013. For the first time, the HVAC industry is being regulated not on what is being manufactured, but rather what is being installed. What does this mean to you? 
Starting May 1, 2013, gas furnaces installed in the Northern Region will have to be at least 90% AFUE. The states included in the Northern Region are: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Gas furnaces installed in all other states must be at least 80% AFUE.
What will impact homeowners in our area, is the requirement of 90% minimum efficiency for all furnaces sold.  We’re not talking about just new construction, but retrofit as well. We are concerned about the impact this will have particularly on owners of condos and townhomes.

As of today, when it’s time to replace a furnace in a condo or a townhome, the homeowner usually has no choice but to install a standard efficiency (80% efficient) furnace.  Upgrading to a high efficiency furnace requires a pvc vent, usually (and preferrably) out the side of the home.  Energy conscious townhome and condo owners will opt for an 80% efficient furnace with a high efficiency, DC drive blower motor.

As of May 2013, condo and townhome owners will have no choice but to install a 90%+ efficient furnace.  In many cases, to make a high efficiency furnace work in a condo or townhome will require major remodeling work.

If you’re an owner of a condo or a townhome and are concerned about whether the new rules will impact you, here are a few things to consider.  Most furnaces in condos and townhomes that were built 10+ years ago are standard efficiency furnaces.  If your furnace has a metal chimney, it is a standard efficiency furnace.  A PVC vent connected to your furnace means you are in the clear.  The second thing to look as is whether the utility room is on an exterior wall.  Being on an exterior wall means running a vent out the side of your home MAY be minimially intrusive.  Keep in mind that just because it’s on the exterior wall, a number of other factors still need to be considered to determine whether a high efficiency vent will be feasible.  You can’t have exhaust fumes near a window, fresh air intake, gas meter, etc.  Lastly, running new venting is often not allowed by townhome and condo associations.  But, that will soon change!

This law puts a lot homeowners against the ropes. I urge homeowners to act now, because local HVAC suppliers are already depleating their stock of 80% furnaces.  Part of the new law bans local suppliers from selling standard efficiency furnaces. For more information contact us at Komfort Heating & Cooling. 

Komfort Heating & Cooling

HVAC Elkhorn, WI

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All About Duct Cleaning

Here are a Few Reasons To Have Your 

Air Ducts Cleaned This Year.!

Allergies  

Pets  

 New Addition to The Family (Baby)  

Doctor Recommended  

Lots of Dust in Your Home  

 Smokers in the house  

 Remodeling Work  

Moving into a new home, Condo, or Apartment  

Breathe fresher indoor air

Why Duct Cleaning?

Many people are becoming aware of the problems of indoor air pollution. Today’s houses are more airtight and contain more synthetic materials in furnishings, carpets and building materials that can cause unhealthy indoor air. Lots of companies are marketing products and services intended to improve our indoor air quality. One business sector is duct cleaning.
Duct cleaning refers to the cleaning of heating and cooling components of forced air systems. This includes the supply and return air ducts and registers, grills and diffusers, heat exchangers and heating and cooling coils, condensate drains (drip pans), fan motor and housing and the air handling unit housing.

When Should Ducts be Cleaned?

Water in ducts. If you have the presence of any water in your ducts, mold growth may become a health issue. The first thing to do is solve the water problem by determining how it is getting into the system, and fixing that problem. Clean and disinfect the affected area and then clean the rest of the system.Construction. If you are moving into a new home, or have recently remodeled. Often sawdust, drywall dust and other construction debris (lunch bags, pop cans) makes its way into the ducting and should be removed before operating the system.Furnace air flow issues.  If you are having furnace airflow problems. There could  
be significant blockages in the system that when removed could increase airflow. Cleaning debris out is much less expensive than re-routing ducts to try to increase flow.

Visual inspection. If you can visually see debris or accumulated dust buildup in the ducts. Having small children who delight in hiding little toys and other treasures down a register, or having pets that shed hair regularly, can both contribute to this problem.Pests. If ducts become infested with rodents or insects they should be cleaned and disinfected to remove the bacterial hazards caused by this infestation. Pets shed a tremendous amount of fur or hair, that end in the air ducts of your home causing air flow problems and even cooling of heated air.

             What Can Duct Cleaning Do For You?

Duct and system cleaning will remove the dust, debris, paperclips, toys, pet hair and whatever else has gotten into the system. Duct and system cleaning will increase indoor air quality, increase air flow of the air handling system, making your heating and cooling equipment more efficient and longer lasting. The inside of the ducts should look shiny and bright, similar to when the system was new. Many people like to know that this system is as clean as they keep the rest of the house. Duct cleaners affiliated with heating, cooling and insulation companies can often provide a thorough system check and tune-up along with the cleaning.

                                                           Some Maintenance Tips:

High efficiency filter. Prevent dirt from entering the system. Use the highest efficiency filter recommended by the furnace manufacturer and change it regularly. Check it monthly for dust build-up. Avoid moisture. Prevent ducts from getting wet. Controlling moisture in the ducts is the best way to prevent biological growth. Condensation caused by poorly insulated heating ducts is a primary contributor to moisture in the system. Make sure ducts are sealed and insulated in all the non-heated spaces they cross through (attics, crawl spaces).Check for leaks. Repair any water leaks or water damage at the cooling coils and drip pan.

For More Information Contact us Today at 

Komfot Heating & Cooling 

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The Effects of Extreme Heat on Air Conditioners

Air conditioners cool home interiors about 20 degrees cooler than outside temperatures.
Extreme heat conditions are defined as regional temperatures that remain 10 degrees or more over the normal highs for periods of several weeks. Most air conditioning units are manufactured to function in outside temperatures up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit and to keep your home about 20 degrees cooler inside than the outside temperature. After that maximum outside temperature has been reached, the cooling system begins to fail, increasing amounts of energy are consumed as the system attempts to cool the building, and the mechanical parts of the unit begin to fail.

Insufficient Cooling Capabilities

• If the outside thermometer is showing temperatures of 95 or higher, your air conditioner is running at maximum capacity. The coolest temperature you can expect the interior of your home to reach is about 78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Lowering your thermostat will not help the air conditioner function better. Instead, the unit will continually run with little to no change in interior temperatures. The older the air conditioning unit, the harder the system has to work, and the poorer the cooling results. It's important to note that if your unit fails completely, you should go to a cooled location until your system can be repaired. FEMA reports that about 175 Americans die annually from extreme heat conditions, with the largest percentage of victims being the elderly, infants, young children and those who are obese or in poor health.

More Energy Consumption

• As temperatures climb, everyone in your city begins lowering their thermostats attempting to make the interior of their homes cooler. This increased demand for energy often causes power grids to overload, which, according to FEMA, leads to citywide power outages and complete power failure. During periods of extreme heat your utility bill can see a 50 percent increase because of the constant demand for energy by your cooling unit. TXU Energy recommends setting your thermostat no lower than 78 degrees Fahrenheit while the home is occupied, and 82 degrees Fahrenheit or higher when no one is home (this includes pets).

Increased Wear on the Unit

• Extreme heat conditions result in an air conditioning unit that constantly runs in an attempt to bring down the interior temperatures of your home. The air filters within the inside unit filter more dust and debris, clogging more quickly than normal. The fan on the exterior unit accumulates debris faster as it constantly revolves. Replace the inside filter at least once a month. Turn off the unit, and clean exterior fans with a long-handled brush. Gossett Heating and Air recommends adjusting a lawn sprinkler to water the exterior unit when temperatures reach over 95 degrees Fahrenheit to help lower the internal Freon temperature in the unit. They estimate a 10 percent decrease in your home's internal temperatures when the external unit is cooled with water. Older units (older than 12 years old) may not make it through the arduous conditions of extreme heat, and if these units do, the energy consumption will be higher than a more efficient, newer unit.

  
  

  For more information contact us at 

  Komfort Heating & Cooling today!!! 262-723-2662
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  Air Conditioner Tips 

Tips to Replace Air Conditioner Units: The Savvy Consumer’s Guide

The federal government recommends that homeowners replace air conditioner units that are more than ten years old. The main reason for this, according to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency is “ENERGY STAR qualified air conditioners and heat pumps offer significant long-term energy savings.” Replacing central air conditioning units 10 years or older can save at least 20 percent on A/C energy use.

Below, you will find more tips to consider before replacing central air conditioner units.

1.     Up-front cost vs. long term savings

2.     Rebates or other incentives that can assist in your purchase

3.     The dependability and brand reputation of the air conditioner

Is ItTime to Replace Your Unit?

Here is a checklist from ENERGY STAR, that outlines when and why you may need to replace your A/C unit. Among the reasons listed are:

·         Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old: Older units may not be as efficient. New units can save up to 20 percent on cooling costs.

·         Your air conditioner needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up: Your cooling equipment may have become less efficient.

·         Your cooling system is noisy: You could have a problem with the indoor coil of your cooling equipment.

·         Your Home Energy Yardstick score is below five: Your home energy use is above average and you're probably paying more than you need to on energy bills.

Pay Yourself Back Fast

Upfront costs for your new, energy efficient air conditioner are offset over time by the energy savings you will see if you choose a high-SEER unit. This payback period (the period of time it takes before a consumer recoups, through lower utility bills, the price increase of the more efficient units) can be trimmed down with government or manufacturer rebate programs.

Some manufacturers offer incentives, such as rebates to “consumers who purchase and install a new heating and cooling system in their home—the better the system, the bigger the rebate.”

Look for Energy Efficiency

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is an indicator of how efficient your unit will be. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit and the lower the operating cost. So, it is advisable to shop around for high-SEER units.

As you research high-SEER air conditioners, you will see that well-known, dependable brands rise to the top of the list of many consumer advocacy review sites (such as The Green Guide, owned by the National Geographic Society).

It’s pretty simple: to save money, replace air conditioner units with durable, trusted brands, high SEER ratings, lower operational and energy costs, and rebates.

For more information or a free estimate contact us at
Komfort Heating & Cooling today. (262-723-2662)


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Air Conditioning Maintenance Saves Money

Proper air conditioning maintenance can help your unit last decades. On the flip-side, a neglected air conditioner loses roughly 5% of its efficiency each year that it operates without upkeep. So that green machine you bought to stay cool could start to function like the most inefficient thing on the market, if you fail to perform regular air conditioning maintenance.

Filters and coils are both parts that require regular maintenance for your air conditioner to operate effectively and efficiently. Neglecting your unit leads to poor air conditioning performance and increased energy consumption. And regular maintenance is far less costly than repairs or a replacement.

By keeping your unit operating at peak performance, you will recover any money invested in upkeep by lower repair costs and savings on your electric bill.

Both the homeowner and a professional can accomplish different aspects of preventative air conditioning maintenance. Homeowners can:

·         Regularly make sure the condensing unit located outside is not covered up or clogged with leaves or debris. The unit needs to breathe, to draw air into the system.

·         Change the filters regularly.

·         Do not use a hose and water to try to clean the interior of the unit. Cleaning the unit in this way can lead to serious risk of electrical shock and possible shorting of electrical components.


One last word of advice in regular air conditioning maintenance to consider is having your ducts properly sealed.
When cooled air leaks from supply ducts, or when hot air creeps into return ducts, this can lead to wasted energy,
and an overworked air conditioner.

Our Professional Air Conditioning Servicing Includes:

1.Condenser Coil fins will be cleaned as required.
Benefit: Dirty condenser coils raise refrigerant pressure higher than needed, increasing your electric bill. 
2.Evaporator Coils will be cleaned
Benefit: Evaporator coils become dirty because air filters collect only a portion of the particles in the air. Even a small amount of dirt can decrease efficiency and increase operating cost. This is also a major cause of compressor failure. 
3.Blower Motor will be cleaned 
Benefit: Dirty blower motor reduces air flow, causing longer operating time and increased cost. This problem can lead to lost in comfort and compressor failure. 
4.Refrigerant Charge will be checked. 
Benefit: A low or high refrigerant charge can easily go unnoticed and increase operating cost. An improper charge can cause compressor shutdown.  
5.Air Filter will be replaced. (High quality Pleated) 
Benefit: A restricted air filter can cause your air conditioning and heating unit to waste energy and shorten the compressor's life. 
6.Belts and Pulleys will be inspected and adjusted as required.
Benefit: Loose belts worn pulleys decrease air flow, increasing operating cost and shorten the compressors life. Belts may crack and break with age.
7.Lubrication of motors and bearings.
Benefit: Improperly lubricated rotating equipment will eventually fail.
8.Thermostat will be checked.
Benefit: Improper calibrated thermostats all the unit to run longer than necessary. Every degree your air conditioner operates bellow 75 degrees can add 5-8% to the cost of cooling.
9.Controls and Safety Devices will be inspected and tested. 
Benefit: Controls and safety devices that do not function properly can increase operating cost and cause further complications. 
10.Condensate Drain will be checked. 
Benefit: Algae can plug a condensate drain which can cause expensive water damage. 
11. Relays and Contractors will be inspected.
Benefit: Worn contact and loose wire connections can lead to a motor or compressor failure.
12. Unit Disconnect will be inspected.
Benefit: A worn or overheated disconnect blows fuses and is dangerous.
13. Unit Warning will be inspected and loose connections tightened. 
Benefit: Loose connections can lead to a motor or compressor failure. 
14. Temperatures and Pressures will be taken and recorded. 
Benefit: An accurate record of your equipment's vital data can indicate potential problems, which can be eliminated.
15. Duct Work will be checked for leaks and proper installation.
Benefit: Duct leaks may exist from the time it was installed. Unrepaired duct work problems can increase operating cost.    

Get your air conditioner serviced the right way and save money in the long run by calling us at 

Komfort Heating & Cooling (262) 723-2662.

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Ask about our maintenance plans that will save you money on parts, give you preferred customer status and more.