Starting July 3rd, the US Department of Energy is requiring a maximum fan energy rating (FER) for furnace fans in order to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. To comply with these regulations, equipment manufacturers are moving to electronically commutated motors (ECMs) as the sole motor type used in furnace production.
This is the perfect time to show how well ECMs and bypass humidifiers perform together. To answer any questions on the subject, we’ve put together this short presentation about the different furnace motor technologies that exist and which of our humidifier models we recommend for installation with each type.
Check it out and let us know in the comments if there’s anything new you learned, or if you have any more questions. Also, take a look at our Humidifier Regional Application Guide for quick reference. It includes the updated recommendation chart seen at the end of the presentation.
Total Home Performance, located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, utilizes a science-based, top-down approach in creating healthy homes for its clients. They see their customers as their neighbors, utilizing a no-pressure sales technique to provide the best solution, not just the one that’s going to make the biggest impact on the bottom line. They provide an informative and visual-based process that walks the homeowner through any issues they’ve spotted and how they can be addressed based on the latest building science principles.
Total Home Performance Grows Steadily
Over the last 13 years, Total Home has steadily grown from an energy audit service to a full-service home performance contractor. While its growth has led to expanded expertise, more employees, and more infrastructure, the company has remained true to its humble roots to make a positive impact on the lives of homeowners they service. Many of the company’s employees have been with them since the beginning, creating a unique family atmosphere that leaves owner Matthew Hargrove proud.
“We are a true family here. We have committed our lives to this business…We feel very fortunate and proud to not only be supporting this amount of people but providing this type of work that is of such great benefit to our customers.”
Like many other home performance contractors, Total Home Performance has seen increased demand for its services since the COVID-19 pandemic. More homeowners are concerned about their home’s indoor air quality and if their home is making them sick.
Healthy Home Assessments Help Homeowners
As a result, Total Home Performance began offering healthy home assessments to evaluate the health and safety issues that could be negatively impacting homeowners. This begins with a visual inspection of the property to identify things like moisture, mold, pest intrusion, or other potential contaminants. Based on this inspection, they can perform specific tests for things like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold, and moisture to pinpoint the root cause and lay out a plan to eradicate these issues.
Humidity control is especially vital for many homeowners along the eastern shore since they butt up against the Chesapeake Bay and other inlets leaving them vulnerable to the impacts of excess humidity like mold, mildew, discomfort, and structural damage.
The Big Three
The Total Home team also shores up any poorly insulated areas ensuring the home is energy-efficient and protected from whatever mother nature may throw its way. Sealing up the house also helps create a perfect structure for Total Home Performance to apply, what Hargrove calls “The Big Three”—ventilation, filtration, and moisture management strategy—which helps eliminate household viruses, VOCs, and other health issues within the home.
Healthy Air in the News is a collection of articles that we’ve put together for you to share with your co-workers and others in the business of IAQ. Help educate others about what we are all doing to create Healthy Air!
ACHR News – Manufacturers Look at Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality While Controlling Costs
The COVID-19 pandemic has made us all take a closer look at the air quality inside the spaces where we work and play. This brings new challenges for building owners and operators who have traditionally made energy efficiency the priority and focused on protecting equipment versus people. This ACHR News article discusses how IAQ strategies can sometimes directly conflict with the energy efficiency within HVAC system management. We also learn about the pros and cons of ventilation and air filtration, along with why this new focus on indoor air quality won’t be going away anytime soon.
ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) – ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force Releases Updated Airborne Transmission Guidance
This new statement from the ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force, released in April 2021, supports the position that modifications to HVAC systems are important in reducing airborne exposure to SARS-CoV-2. The press release specifically mentions air filtration and ventilation as important strategies for reducing the spread of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The task force was formed in March 2020 to provide guidance for controlling the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within HVAC systems. Use this statement to support all your efforts in promoting IAQ!
Kaiser Health News – As Schools Spend Millions on Air Purifiers, Experts Warn of Overblown Claims and Harm to Children
As students return to the classroom, schools have been under extreme pressure to ensure that the air inside their buildings is clean and virus-free. This article examines some of the dangers that can arise when IAQ solutions aren’t properly vetted out due to a rush for quick, less expensive fixes. These include devices that produce harmful amounts of ozone, use ineffective technology or those that aren’t able to purify spaces adequately. Turns out those tried and true strategies like ventilation, MERV 13 filters, and HEPA filters may be the most effective options after all.
Foundation repair and waterproofing company, Acculevel, is in demand and shows no sign of slowing down. Founded in 1996, the company has earned a reputation of trust by being honest and transparent with customers while providing the highest quality work and customer service in the industry. This reputation has spurred rapid growth, so much in fact, that Acculevel is currently building a new facility that will triple their capacity.
Acculevel’s Focus is on Family and Culture
Acculevel is a family-run business as founder Andy Beery works alongside his sons Neil and Nolan who handle operations and sales. Together, they have built a strong culture focused on helping people. “We’ve really focused the culture of our company and the great people and talent we have on just truly helping people,” says Operations Manager, Neil Beery. “That growth – that culture has really made a massive impact on what we do.”
Utilizing the best products is another key to Acculevel’s success. It’s no coincidence that homeowners think highly of the company as the solutions they provide stand the test of time, something that can’t be said about the work of all contractors in the industry. They proudly use AprilAire Dehumidifiers on their encapsulation jobs. “In our opinion, AprilAire is the top-of-the-line product, so there’s nowhere else to go in order to improve,” says President, Andy Beery.
Nash Distribution Provides Quality Products for Acculevel
With rapid growth also comes the need to have the tools and materials at the ready to complete the work without building a backlog. That’s where Acculevel’s partnership with Nash Distribution and AprilAire really shines. In a time of almost constant supply chain disruption, Nash Distribution prides itself on having the products their partners need, when they need them. That, in combination with AprilAire’s U.S. manufacturing, ensures Acculevel gets the quality products they expect delivered on time.
Acculevel’s dedication to customer service and providing real solutions has made for an ideal partnership with AprilAire. “We’ve exclusively used AprilAire for years – they are excellent products and our customers are extremely satisfied with their performance,” Andy Beery said.
Most any business, regardless of industry, can learn from Acculevel’s model of aligning with like-minded partners, providing a premium service and focusing on solutions that benefit the customer. Encompassing these characteristics into your business will you take you to the next level by creating an army of satisfied customers that will market your services via word of mouth and drive leads your way, saving your marketing dollars and the time of your sales force.
