Gibson HomeBuilders

Master Builder Show sponsored by the 1st National Bank of Weatherford. I am your host (Jim Gibson) President of Gibson Home Builders; Inc. A registered builder in the state of Texas, a Graduate Master Builder certified by the National Association of Home Builders. I am a current member of the U.S. Green Building Council and outgoing President of the Parker County Builders Association.

My guest today is Robbie Ballard, president and owner of Triple R Mechanical here in Weatherford. Tell us a little about your company (Robbie).

This show is designed to educate and answer questions of the listeners on residential design, construction and anything dealing with building, remodeling, repairing or maintaining a home in the State of Texas.

We will answer any questions you may have so call us on the Master Builder Show. The toll free number is (877) 341-8950 that’s (877) 341-8950

To check out builders or a remodeler go on line to www.texasrcc.org
Here you can find out if the builder or contractor is currently registered and if he or she has any complaints filed against them.

To get a list of registered builders in your area, you can also contact your local Building Association.
Parker County Builders Association is a chapter of the Greater Fort Worth Builders Association and they have a list of builders for the following counties.
Parker, Hood, Somerville, Palo Pinto, Johnson, Tarrant and Wise counties
Their Number is 817-457-2864 that’s 817-457-2864.

The topic we will be talking about, today, is heating and cooling your home. We will tell you how to maintain your existing system. When you should change your air filters, types of air filters to use and the reasons for doing all of this to improve your indoor air quality. We will also be discussing the categories of heating and cooling systems and their benefits.

How do you find out how efficient a particular unit is before you buy it?

First thing you want to do is to look at the Energy Guide label. It will tell you how efficient each product is to operate. Then you should compare the energy efficiency and operating cost of different models and brands to determine which type to buy. All products must meet the minimum standards set by the D.O.E. But many products beat the standard, use even less energy and cost less to run. Remember compare products.
Efficiency Labeling for each Product

AFUE = Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency
Used in rating gas furnaces. The higher the rating the lower the fuel usage means a more efficient unit.
EER = Energy Efficiency Ratio
Used in rating room air conditioners and most electrical items.
SEER = Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
Used in rating central air conditioners and heat pump cooling units.
HSPF = Heating Seasonal Performance Factor
Used in heat pump heating.

Even though we are talking about heating and cooling systems, today, we want you to call in with any questions you have concerning building, remodeling, repairing or maintaining your home. Toll free number (877) 341-8950 that’s (877) 341-8950.

Tips for lowing your monthly Energy bills.

1). Shade your air conditioner from direct sun light if possible. This will reduce its workload.
2). Clean or replace your air filters according to manufactures recommendations, this will reduce dust and pollen entering into your home.
3). Adjust or program your thermostat to be higher in the summer and lower in the winter to reduce operating cost.
4). Vacuum air vents to remove dust and foreign particles that reduce efficiency.
5). Schedule annual tune-ups on your system to insure proper operation.
6). Hire a professional to inspect, seal and insulate leaky ducts to ensure that the airflow distribution system is operating at peak efficiently.
7). Check your attic, attic stairway and attached garage walls to ensure proper insulation between condition and unconditioned spaces.
8). Prune shrubs and bushes. You do not want them to interfere with the operation of your outside units.
9). Consider installing ceiling fans. The air circulation promotes cooling in the summer and heating in the winter.
10). Choose Energy Star qualified equipment to ensure lower utility bills, energy savings, improve comfort, decrease noise and lower maintenance cost.

Here are some tips for installing new heating and cooling equipment.

1). Proper System sizing. Use load calculations (from Manual J and Manual S of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America) to determine air conditioning requirements. In addition Manual D should be used to properly size the ductwork.
2). Proper Equipment Placement. Preferred method is to place the air-handling equipment in condition space (as opposed to unconditioned space). This allows the unit to operate in a controlled environment. Outdoor compressors should be position to minimize direct sun exposure, while allowing plenty of room to flow around the units.
3). Proper Refrigerant Charge. Once the system is installed the refrigerant lines should be vacuumed and charged to manufactures recommendations. An incorrect charge can lower the systems efficiency from 5 to 25 percent and ultimately lead to premature component failure.
4). Correct Airflow. The airflow and duct leakage should be tested upon completion of the installation. Repairs or adjustments will be done at this time at no extra charge by the authorized installer to ensure operating efficiency, comfort and indoor air quality. Proper adjustment helps to ensure a more consistent temperature throughout the home.

When should you use Mechanical Ventilation?

If you have a tight home (used closed cell or open cell foam in your ceiling and attic especially) it is very important to have a mechanical ventilation system installed. Moisture, odors and other pollutants can build up inside your home without fresh out side air. Mechanical ventilation systems bring in and circulate fresh out side air into your home. These systems use fans and ductwork to bring in the air rather than relying on holes, around windows or cracks in your home. This way you control your environment by making it filtered and cooled or heated before it enters. Homeowners can breath easier knowing that they have good ventilation while avoiding sick house syndrome.

There are many benefits to having Mechanical Ventilation installed.

1). Better Indoor Air Quality. Indoor air can be many times more polluted than outdoor air, yet the average American spends 90 percent of their time inside. Ventilation systems can significantly improve indoor air quality by removing allergens, pollutants and moisture that can cause mold problems.
2). More Control. When you use mechanical ventilation, you control your indoor air quality. If you rely on a loosely built house for your indoor ventilation you may be getting air from undesirable areas such as the garage or attic.
3). Improved Comfort. Mechanical ventilation systems allow filtration, dehumidification and conditioning of the incoming outside air.