Maintaining Safe Fireplaces in Nanuet, NY

May 13th, 2013

Whatever the time of year, maintaining the safety of your fireplace in Nanuet, NY home should be a high priority. Fire in the home is hazardous to the structural integrity of your house, your belongings, and, most importantly, your family. With proper installation and routine maintenance, you should be able to steer clear of many problems while you enjoy the comfort and warmth of your fireplace. In this post, we’d like to give you some tips about how to keep your fireplace safe.

  • Routine professional inspection: Whatever type of fireplace you have in your home, you need to make sure that it is safe at all times. The best way to ensure this is to set up a professional annual inspection. A pro will check the levels of creosote in your chimney and recommend cleaning where necessary. He’ll also be able to take a close, detailed look at the masonry of your chimney.
  • Keep the area surrounding your hearth clear of debris: This is especially important. While a well-designed and installed fireplace does everything it can to prevent fires in the home, all it takes is one misplaced spark on your living room carpet.
  • Use a metal mesh screen: If you have an open hearth, make sure you use a metal mesh screen at all times. This is not a fail-safe option, and is not as safe as glass doors, but it is an important preventive measure.
  • Never use flammable liquids to start a fire: This may seem like a no-brainer, but it bears repeating.
  • Use appropriate fuel: Use seasoned hardwood. Soft and moist wood will only increase the levels of creosote in your chimney.
  • Never leave a fire unattended: Enough said.
  • Install a spark arrestor: A spark arrestor is a device used widely in various types of electrical and mechanical equipment. For present purposes, a spark arrestor is a device installed at the top of a flue that prevents floating embers from catching fire when they land on the roof or outside the home. This is a must-have if your chimney is near your neighbor’s property.

There are numerous further ways to keep your fireplace safe all year long. But we hope you find these helpful. For comprehensive Nanuet, NY fireplace services, call Design Air Inc. today! 

Tags: , ,
Posted in Fireplace | Comments Off

Don’t Miss Out on our Firepit Mania!

May 9th, 2013

With summer just around the corner, now is the best time to gear up for your summer barbeques and backyard parties. Come check out the largest firepit selection in Rockland, Westchester, Orange, and Bergen counties and receive 30% off the MSRP!

panoramic

 

 

 

 

firepits

 

Tags: ,
Posted in Coupons & Promotions | Comments Off

Rockland County, NY HVAC Installation Tip: Scheduling a Load Calculation

May 6th, 2013

Now is a great time for HVAC installation in new home construction and addition projects, as well as replacing existing systems. But the most important step before proceeding with installing a new heating or cooling system, is scheduling a load calculation. A professional HVAC contractor will be able to size up your home and match it to the appropriate system. Calculating your energy requirements is a necessary first step in the implementation of your new air conditioner, heat pump, or heater. Only a professional assessment will ensure that your system works effectively and efficiently. If your system is inappropriately matched, it can cause serious problems. Schedule a load calculation in Rockland County, NY with Design Air, Inc. today!

A load calculation seeks to estimate the thermal potential of the house. While there are a variety of formulas and calculations, as well as factors and conditions to consider, a load calculation basically measures heat gain and heat loss. Heat gain is the amount of heat your system is capable of producing, while heat loss is the amount of heat your home will lose to the outside and how fast the temperature will correspondingly fluctuate.

Typically measured in British thermal units (BTUs), heat gain and loss depends upon the size, quality, and condition of your ductwork, basement, floors, windows, doors, roof, ventilation system, and walls, among others. The professional load calculation will also consider insulation, power source, as well as the topography and orientation of the home on the property, especially if you’re considering solar energy.

In determining the load calculation, your local HVAC contractor may also need to consider what’s called a “selectable load,” which seeks to account for the energy impact your home appliances use. This is especially important if you’re thinking about a renewable energy source. Knowing the wattage of each appliance or device in your home may be of use in this case.

Load calculation ensures that your new heating and AC system is appropriately matched to your home. If not done or not performed adequately, it can lead to a system that is too small or too large, resulting in high energy costs and poor performance. To schedule a load calculation in Rockland County, NY, call Design Air, Inc. today! 

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off

What Are Geothermal Loop Systems? A Geothermal Question from New City

April 29th, 2013

Geothermal heating and cooling systems allow residents in  New City, NY and surrounding areas to use energy stored in the ground and in water on their property to heat and cool their homes. A geothermal loop system is necessary to harness this energy for use in your home. If you’re interested in using a geothermal system to heat and cool your home in a more efficient, eco-friendly manner, it is important that you understand some basic information about these loop systems. There are a few different designs, and the New City geothermal experts at Design Air will help ensure that you get the right loop system for your home.

Closed Loop Systems

There are three types of ground loop systems – horizontal, vertical and pond/lake installments. Closed loop geothermal systems circulate an antifreeze solution through the closed loop, which is buried beneath the ground or submerged in a body of water on your property. A heat exchanger transfers heat between the antifreeze solution in the loop system and the refrigerant in the heat pump. In a horizontal closed loop system trenches are dug at least four feet deep in the ground. The loop system is installed in these trenches, and a method of looping pipe can allow for more pipe to be installed in a shorter trench.

Vertical loop systems are a good option for schools and commercial buildings, as less land is necessary for installation of the system than with a horizontal option. Holes are drilled into the ground, and pipes are inserted into these holes and connected at the bottom to form a loop. The drilling necessary can increase the cost of installation.

The cheapest option for a closed loop installation is generally a pond/lake loop system. An adequate body of water meeting certain volume and depth requirements is necessary. A supply line is run underground and submerged at least 8 feet underwater in coils.

Open Loop Option

If there is a suitable water supply on your property you may opt for an open loop system. With an open loop water itself is used as the heat exchange fluid. Water is circulated throughout the system and, when it has completed circulation, it is returned to the ground. Local codes and regulations may inform the suitability of this option.

We hope that this information has been helpful. At Design Air we believe consumers should be informed. If you have any other questions about geothermal loop systems, contact a professional at Design Air today.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Geothermal | Comments Off

Why You Need Spring HVAC Maintenance in Nyack, NY

April 22nd, 2013

You depend upon the reliability and efficiency of your HVAC system to provide cool air when you need it. Don’t let your clients and employees down this summer: make sure your system is primed and ready to go. Spring is the perfect time to ensure that your HVAC equipment is in solid working condition for this upcoming cooling season. Design Air, Inc. offers exceptional HVAC maintenance in Nyack, NY for all types of heating and air conditioning equipment.. Here are a few of the reasons why you may want to get your HVAC system maintained this spring.

Benefits of Regular HVAC Maintenance in Nyack, NY

Regardless of what system you have, you may eventually notice that your HVAC is not performing like it once did. Here are some reasons why you need spring HVAC maintenance in Nyack, NY.

  • Spike in fuel or utility bills. A jump in the amount of energy your system consumes is often an unwelcome surprise. Unless there are corresponding changes in the way you use your system, then there may be a leak in the ductwork, or a mechanical fault somewhere in the system. Only a professional can adequately diagnose the problem. Call Design Air for HVAC repair in Nyack, NY.
  • Loss of cooling or heating ability. Does your HVAC system have difficulty reaching your desired temperature? Climate control relies on a number of different factors including ductwork, blower components and thermostats. If your HVAC isn’t running adequately, then it needs professional inspection.
  • Loud noises. If your HVAC system starts to rumble, hiss, whoosh, or bang, then it’s probably not operating correctly. Certain components may be loose or broken, there may be an air leak somewhere, or the compressor might need repair.

Your HVAC system is a finely tuned piece of equipment. While it’s made to last when properly installed, it also requires maintenance. A regularly scheduled program of routine maintenance can often prevent the need for costly HVAC repairs in the future. If you need to schedule HVAC maintenance in Nyack, NY, call Design Air, Inc. today!

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off

Rockland County HVAC Guide: Benefits of Design-Build Services

April 15th, 2013

As both designer and builder of your customized residential or commercial heating and cooling systems, Design Air is committed to bringing you comprehensive planning and installation services. We work with our clients in Rockland County and the surrounding areas to meet and exceed their expectations.

Before starting to build your project, the HVAC design-build team determines your exact requirements for the project at hand, taking into account your budget, timeframe, heating and cooling volume, and auxiliary devices. We perform an energy audit and load calculation of your planned home so that your heating and cooling systems are appropriately-sized, maximizing their cost and energy-efficiency. Design-build services integrate the various systems in your home so that they work together successfully.

Load calculation is an important part of the design-build process. A comprehensive calculation can assist the homeowner and the design team in determining the necessary size of the heating and cooling system. By estimating fluctuations in energy usage, as well as considering the general efficiency of the living spaces, a load calculation can help ensure the successful operation of your system. Other factors include power sources, fuel utilization, insulation and the design and layout of the home. During load calculation home appliances are known as selectable loads, and estimating their usage helps you to make a decision about choosing to install a renewable “green” energy heating and cooling system, or to opt for a conventional system. Design Air offers accurate and reliable energy load calculations as part of their design-build services.

The design-build approach helps us guarantee customer satisfaction. Not only will your budget have fewer contractors to juggle, but you will also feel good knowing that your heating and cooling systems are in the hands of seasoned professionals. Call Design Air today to schedule an estimate for more information about our design-build services. Contact us for all your Rockland County design-build services.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off

New City, NY Fireplaces: Using a Fireplace Safely

April 8th, 2013

There’s nothing quite like the smell of burning hardwood on a crisp afternoon. Our fireplaces give us warmth, comfort, and pleasure. But they need to be used safely. While the design of modern fireplaces, as well as that of homes, has significantly reduced the danger of house fires, safety is of supreme importance when lighting, tending, or extinguishing a fire. While we want you to enjoy your fireplace, we also want you to be able to use your fireplace safely so that you get the most comfort out of it. Whether you’re new to making fires or a seasoned pro, this review of fireplace safety will be a valuable introduction (or reminder). For more information about New City, NY fireplaces, call Design Air Inc. today!

Here are some tips for fireplace safety:

  • Burn safely. This concerns not only how to burn, but also what to burn. You should never use flammable liquids to start a fire in your fireplace—it’s hazardous to you and your home. Seasoned hardwood is the ideal fuel of choice because it burns the cleanest. If you burn soft or moist wood, then it increases the levels of creosote in your firebox and chimney. Avoid burning cardboard, trash or other debris in your fireplace, and never leave a fire unattended.
  • Protect your home. This includes not only the inside of your home—the surrounding wood and furniture in your living room—but also the outside of your home. Most homeowners who regularly use their fireplaces have a stack of firewood somewhere outside, preferably under cover. This stack should be at least 30 feet away from you home. Safety indoors is no less important: check the batteries on all smoke alarms, give proper ventilation, and make sure your vent pipes extend at least 3 feet above your roof.
  • Keep it clean. This is perhaps the most safety measure of all. Routine chimney and fireplace cleaning will keep your home safe. Creosote buildup can often lead to chimney fires. Before, during, and after burning wood, make sure to keep the area surrounding the fireplace clear of any debris, and flammable materials.

For more information about fireplace safety or if you are interested in a new fireplace for your home, call the New City, NY fireplace experts at Design Air, Inc. today! 

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Fireplace | Comments Off

Geothermal Installation Process: A New City Heating Guide

April 1st, 2013

More and more homeowners in New City are starting to realize the benefits of geothermal systems. At Design Air, Inc., we offer complete geothermal system installation and repairs in New City. We’ve been working with many customers to help them start realizing the efficiency gains that geothermal systems offer. We often get asked about the installation process for geothermal systems. We thought it would help clear up some misconceptions if we put together a quick description of how the geothermal heating and air conditioning system installation process works.

How Geothermal Heating and Air Conditioning Systems Work

If you were to dig down into the ground about 10 feet, the temperature there would be about 55° F. It stays that temperature all year long—no matter what the temperature of the air is above it. Geothermal systems use that energy to heat and cool your home. To do that, a long series of pipes need to be buried in the ground and filled with a refrigerant.

Space Restrictions

Geothermal loops can be installed vertically or horizontally. However, these space restrictions make geothermal systems impossible for homeowners whose property isn’t large enough to accommodate the coils.

The Heat Pump

After the coils have been buried in the ground, they are hooked up to a heat pump in your home. The heat pump circulates refrigerant through the coils where it absorbs heat from the ground. The refrigerant carries the heat into the heat pump where it is extracted and circulated through your home in the duct work.

If you have any questions about how geothermal systems work or if one would be a good fit for your home in New City, call Design Air, Inc. today!

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Geothermal | Comments Off

Spring 2013 Newsletter

March 29th, 2013

Check out our Spring 2013 Newsletter with spring cleaning tips and information about how you can save money with high-efficiency AC units. The newsletter also includes promotions and a yummy spring recipe. Happy Spring from Design Air!

Chicken with Creamy Braised Leeks Recipe

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning, Coupons & Promotions | Comments Off

Common Generator Repairs in New City, NY

March 25th, 2013

A whole-house generator allows you power your house even though the grid has lost power. Hurricanes, flooding, transformer or grid problems can all adversely affect your home electrical system. Many New City, NY homeowners have had whole house generators professionally installed in order to give their families the comfort and security of standby electricity, which kicks in as soon as the power goes out. Lights, hot water, appliances, home entertainment, computers, and portable telephones require constant electricity. Don’t leave your home dark and cold this winter season. Call a New City, NY generator technician today.

Even high-end whole-house generators suffer damage and general wear and tear. They may even be damaged by the same storm they’re trying to protect you from! Common generator repairs include:

  • Maintaining the integrity of the generator’s structure, including any physical damage to the cover, lines, and switches
  • Ensuring that the fuel source is fully operative, whether it is natural gas, propane, or oil
  • Fixing any leaks or faulty seals
  • Replacing any mechanical parts in the generator itself

The whole house generator is a complex system, on in which you have invested to secure you and your family’s comfort in the event of a natural disaster or grid failure. You will need to make sure that any repairs are taken care of quickly and professionally so that your electrical standby system is there when you need it.

Looking beyond repair, preventive maintenance is a key component of avoiding system problems, and ensuring the efficient and effective generator operation. If it’s been awhile since your last tune-up, or if you have concerns about your New City, NY home’s generator, call Design Air today to schedule a professional inspection.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

« Older Entries