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MILWAUKEE/NARI MEMBERS SUGGEST WAYS TO KEEP HOUSE COOL, CLEAN, AND GREEN
April 19, 2010

MILWAUKEE, WI – Today more than ever, homeowners are concerned with energy savings and efficiency, being green, and keeping indoor air free of contaminants to protect the household residents.  Heating and cooling systems and indoor air quality (IAQ) products become more technologically advanced with every model year, but here are some new products and consumer-friendly information from members of the Milwaukee chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (Milwaukee/NARI), the area’s leading home improvement and remodeling industry resource for more than 48 years.

“Tightly sealed homes retain air, but the quality inside doesn’t improve,” said Alan Ruesch of Gross Heating Inc., Brookfield.  “That’s important because indoor air quality can be contaminated by odors and vapors from building materials, furnishings, and stored chemicals. Even burning candles can leave soot particles in the air.”

There are various types of air cleaners or filters available, but their efficiency is based on a MERV rating.  Residential filters commonly have MERV ratings of 1-16.  The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter is, and the more particles it can filter.  For example, a MERV rating of 6 means the filter is 35 percent to 50 percent efficient at capturing the measured particles; while a MERV of 16, such as in a HEPA filter, is more than 95 percent efficient.

With all filters, Ruesch advises to keep the furnace blower fan running at all times to keep the air continuously circulating and cleaned.

Tom Uttke, president of Rudy Uttke & Sons, Inc., Heating & Air Conditioning, Milwaukee, said new products for IAQ are new, energy-savings motors.  “We now have replacement motors that can save a homeowner approximately $200-$300 per year.  When tied in with an air purifier, you can optimize your filter by running those low-consumption motors.  By running the fan more often, it increases air quality.  They use up to 74% fewer watts than a conventional motor,” he said.  “Another new product available to homes that have the Spaceguard filter is an upgrade kit, two-times more efficient and easy for the homeowner to replace.”

Humidification
A home’s humidity level also impacts air quality.  Air that is too dry causes problems such as skin irritation and respiratory problems.  “A steam humidifier can help with this,” said Matt DeGodt of Joe De Belak Plumbing & Heating Co., Menomonee Falls.  Steam humidifiers work by warming water in a tank, which is turned into steam and allowed to flow throughout the home.  Bypass humidifiers direct the air flow from the HVAC system through a moisture-filled pad, allowing the air stream to pick up moisture evenly and distribute it

“The advantage is steam humidifiers distribute humidity evenly throughout the home.  Less water is used, however electrical use is higher,” DeGodt said.

On the opposite end, if there is too much humidity, window condensation, odor, discoloration of painted surfaces, and a general feeling of dampness may occur.  “Ultra -violet lights are systems can help with this,” said Uttke.  “UV systems work in conjunction with air purifiers to kill mold, bacteria and viruses.”

UV systems don’t remove anything from the air stream, but they do destroy the DNA of microbiological particulates and keep them from replicating.  UV lights are placed near coils because those areas generate moisture.  A second type of UV is installed into the return air drop, and it purifies the air as it circulates into the duct system.  A media filter is required in this system.

Air-Conditioning
“With air conditioning, green efficiencies are improving,” said Ruesch.  “Single speed air conditioning is being replaced with two-speed models, which can run on lower speed for longer cycles, resulting in smaller temperature swings, and more even cooling.  Less electricity also is consumed.”

Ruesch also said that when purchasing an HVAC unit, to pay attention to the SEER ratings, for efficiency, and for federal and Wisconsin Focus on Energy rebates.  A higher SEER means better efficiency and lower energy bills. 

“Although the technology has been around for about 20 years, there is a renewed interest in air source heat pumps, which basically is the air conditioner running backwards,” said DeGodt . “The air source heat pumps works with the air conditioning system and with a SEER rating of between 13 to 20, it is greener because it keeps you from using more heat.”

Ruesch notes that zoning is also becoming popular in home remodels.  Zoned heating and cooling systems allow the temperature of each room to be separately controlled.  By using a series of motorized dampers and thermostats that work independently, heat or cold air is sent only to the zones that need it, improving comfort and energy usage.

The Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council was chartered in July 1961, as a Chapter of the National Home Improvement Council.  In May of 1982, the National Home Improvement Council merged with the National Remodelers Association to form NARI - the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

The Council's goals of encouraging ethical conduct, professionalism, and sound business practices in the remodeling industry have led to the remodeling industry's growth and made NARI a recognized authority in that industry.  With over 900 members, the Milwaukee Chapter is the nation's largest.

For more information or to receive a free copy of an annual membership roster listing all members alphabetically and by category, and the booklet, “Milwaukee/NARI's Remodeling Guide,” call (414) 771-4071.