Bel Red Energy Blog

While the rest of the country has been suffering with record heat, the Seattle area has had fairly mild temperatures. With summer finally here, calls from people wanting to install air conditioning are on the rise, and they want it NOW! Bel Red Energy Solutions is here to help!

On a recent home energy audit, our Consultant was surprised to hear from the homeowner that they had a contractor remove their heat pump four years ago, complaining that it just didn't heat or cool their home well, and had actually increased their energy bills. Once he began his inspection, he understood why - the duct system had substantial leakage problems and was not insulated.

While the economy is showing signs of slowly recovering, and home values and unemployment in the Puget Sound area beginning to improve, making the investment in a new comfort system is still a significant expense, and may people ask us if they can repair their comfort system instead of replacing it. While repairs can make sense (and we can fix most anything) it doesn't mean we always should. Here are a few things to consider if you are unsure of whether to repair or replace your furnace, air conditioner or heat pump:

Unlike many other things you can purchase for your home, the results you get from your heating or cooling system has as much, or more, to do with how it is installed, as with what brand or model you purchase. A furnace or air conditioner is not like a refrigerator, stove, or washer and dryer - You can't just plug them in, hook them up, and expect them to work right! As the Lang's in Issaquah, WA found, there is a right way, and a wrong way to install a comfort system.

When it came time to replace their old furnace, the Caton's in Kirkland, WA decided to do it right. Their old furnace showed signs of significant duct leakage at the plenum, and on the exposed ductwork throughout their house. The dark patches visible on the yellow insulation (see photo below) show where unconditioned air (and dirt) are leaking into the airstream. Not only does this waste the heat they paid for, it can create real problems with indoor air quality. In addition, the old venting needed to be replaced.