May 1st, 2009

With all the talk about the new strain of flu virus, some forget there is some things you can do to prevent the spread of the flu.

Stay home when you are sick

Avoiding close contact with other people will help prevent them from catching your illness.

Clean your hands

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

Cover your mouth and nose

Use a tissue when coughing or sneezing — it may prevent the spread of the virus.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

Germs are often spread when a person touches a contaminated surface then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

Practice other good health habits

Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

Keep Your Air Clean with Trane Clean Effects - Indoor Air Filtration

Because of the similarities among types of influenza viruses, Harvard and EH&E researchers concluded that Trane CleanEffects will remove more than 99 percent of other forms of the virus, including influenza B, influenza C and avian influenza (also a strain of influenza A virus) from the filtered air.

The tests involved releasing the common flu virus into the air inside a test heating, ventilation and air conditioning duct. The removal efficiency was calculated from the amount of the common flu virus measured in air samples collected before and after passing through the Trane CleanEffects system.

>>> Read More (PDF)

March 26th, 2009

Ever heard of the Montreal Protocol? Its big long fancy name is “The Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer”, and it could actually lead to the recovery of the ozone layer by 2050.

The treaty, which dates to 1987 and has been amended seven times since, aims to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion. One of those substances that plays a large part in ozone depletion is chlorine gas. The coolant used in air conditioners since at least the 70’s, called R-22, emits a whole lot of chlorine gas.

As of January 1st, 2010, R-22 becomes a thing of the past. R-22 will only be manufactured for use in existing systems. And after 2020, only reclaimed and recycled R-22 will be around. Most major equipment manufacturers have already gone to a custom-order-basis for R-22 equipment.

So what does this all mean for you? It means that if you’re in the market for a new cooling system, now is a great time to consider it! Not only will you save money in the long run, but you get to help the environment.

The new refrigerant, called R-410A, is more efficient as well as non-ozone-depleting. Plus, as supplies of R-22 wind down, the cost of it will naturally rise, and any repairs to your system will end up being more expensive than they otherwise would be.
Since energy costs have bumped up 50 percent in the past five years, you’ll want to pay attention to energy consumption.

Switching to the updated coolant systems could boost your energy efficiency by as much as 45 percent. What you want to look for here is the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating; the higher, the better. Minimum efficiency today is 13, and you can buy up to 23 SEER. And the warmer the climate (like here), the quicker the payback.

And last but not least, there’s the new $1500 dollar-for-dollar tax credit to sweeten the deal! Help save the planet, and save money – who could say no to that?

February 18th, 2009

With passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, consumers can upgrade to more energy-efficient HVAC equipment and save on their energy bills now, and also save on their taxes next year. The new law makes important changes to existing tax incentives for homeowners who make qualified improvements of higher efficiency HVAC equipment.

(For more information on how higher efficiency equipment can save you more money, please see our previous post here.)

Houston Metro Residents should contact us about applying this tax credit to new HVAC equipment. Outside Houston contact your local HVAC contractors.

Residential Tax Credit Details

For qualified improvements, homeowners may be able to claim tax credits equal to 30% of the installed costs (up to $1,500).

• Furnace to qualify 95% AFUE
• Boiler to qualify 90% AFUE
• A/C to qualify 16 SEER + 13 EER
• Heat Pump same as A/C plus HSPF 9
• Water Heater energy factor .8 (tankless)

Please ask your comfort adviser for details on qualifying equipment.

• The new tax credits are retroactive to January 1, 2009, and expire on December 31, 2010. The $1,500 limit is for all improvements made during the two year term, not $1500 each year.

• Per-Appliance Caps Removed - Homeowners may use the entire $1,500 tax credit limit on a single qualifying improvement. The previous per-appliance caps that limited the homeowner to just $150 for a high efficiency furnace or $300 for a high efficiency central air conditioner or heat pump have been removed.

• Lifetime Limit Removed - Homeowners that previously claimed tax credits in 2006 or 2007 are eligible for the full $1,500 limit.

• Expanded Geothermal Tax Credits - Homeowners who install geothermal heat pump systems may be able to claim up to 30% of the installed costs in tax credits in the year the system is placed into service. The $2,000 tax credit limit has been removed. The geothermal tax credit has a longer term, from January 1, 2009 and expires December 31, 2016.

• Consumers should be aware that the $1,500 limit applies to many types of energy efficient home improvements, including windows and doors, roofing shingles, and insulation. You can use the $1500 on just HVAC improvements or on a combination of above home improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions About the New Tax Credits

Can a homeowner claim $1500 in tax credits for improvements made in 2009 and again for improvements made in 2010?
No. Taxpayers may only be eligible for a total of $1500 in tax credits for improvements made in the combined two year period of 2009 and 2010.

Can a homeowner use the entire $1500 limit as a credit toward the installation of one appliance?
Yes. A homeowner may use the entire $1500 in tax credits for installing a single appliance, such as a qualified furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, or hot water heater.

What happens if the 30% of the installed costs is less than $1500?
The homeowner can “bank” the the remaining available tax credit for other qualified improvements. Any single installation that costs more than $5000 will instantly reach the $1500 limit.

Does the tax credit apply to the cost of the equipment or equipment plus labor?
The tax credit applies to the installed costs of the qualified equipment, which includes labor.

How will a taxpayer claim the credit and receive their money?
In the past, the IRS has directed taxpayers to use Form 5695, Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit. Taxpayers are not required to file anything more than the form, but are instructed to keep records of their installation.

What’s the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction?
As a tax credit applies against the taxpayers’ liability. A tax deduction applies against a taxpayer’s income, lowering the adjusted gross income and possibly moving the taxpayer to a lower tax bracket. Tax credits have a greater benefit to a taxpayer.
With a tax credit, if the taxpayer owes $2000, in taxes, their liability is reduced to $500. If they owe nothing, they can expect a $1500 refund.

What if the homeowners already claimed $500 in tax credits in 2006 or 2007?
The “lifetime caps” that used to be in place have been removed. Any previous claims do not count against the current $1500 tax credit limit.

Can a homeowner claim the credit for improvements to a second home?
No. The tax credit is only available for improvement to the taxpayer’s primary residence.

Can a small business that operates out of a townhouse and installs residential equipment in a commercial setting claim the credit?
No. The tax credit may only be claimed by taxpayers on their personal income taxes for improvements to their primary residence.

What other types of energy efficiency improvements qualify for the tax credits?
Homeowners may be able to qualify for the tax credits if they make qualified improvements to: windows and doors including skylights, storm windows and storm doors; roofing including metal and asphalt roofs; and insulation. All of these improvements qualify, but homeowner may only claim $1500 in total for any improvements.

Will every homeowner definitely qualify for the tax credit?
No. Each taxpayer’s situation is different. Please consult with a tax professional if you have questions regarding your tax situation in regards to these new credits.

It’s hard to find good news for your wallet these days, but these new tax credit changes can help you keep your cool in terms of both comfort and savings!

February 16th, 2009

Need A New Air Conditioner?

But the Financial DOOM & GLOOM in the News Got You Down?

LET US BAIL YOU OUT!

Save 12.5% on a New Air Conditioning System, RIGHT NOW!

That’s right! We’re easing the strain on your wallet by offering a significant discount on all new central air conditioner installations. Same goes for heat pumps, air handlers, even gas furnaces.

**UPDATE!** Take advantage of this offer before it ends, and we’ll also include a new digital thermostat with your system at no extra charge!

Don’t Wait! This Sale Ends in 2 Weeks

Contact Us Today and tell us you need a bailout package.

Energy Savings Too!

The technology in today’s heating and cooling equipment makes for highly efficient energy use. The Trane units we sell are the industry leaders in efficiency. You will enjoy added savings on your monthly utility bills. The average savings are 30% and can go as high as 60%. That adds up to a lot of money, every year.

What Credit Crisis?

We have two financing providers should you need to make a purchase on credit. Both are still actively taking finance applications and approval rates are normal.

Weathering the Financial Storm

At Clear the Air we are well positioned to ride out the credit crunch and any oncoming recession. As a leading central A/C dealer and contractor in the Metro Houston market we have excellent purchase agreements with our suppliers and can ensure our products will continue going out.

We will always be the company that is here to service your home comfort system and continue to service manufacturer warranties, as well as back our installation guarantees.

Take advantage of this Bailout Sale now. By the time the dust settles in the stock markets this sale will be over.

Give us a call at (281) 992-7866 or click to our contact page and send an email.

February 6th, 2009

If you have lived here in Southeast Texas for more than an hour during the summer, you know how brutal the heat and humidity can be. Air conditioning here isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity for survival. But just like anything mechanical, the older it is the less efficient it is. Not only do time and environmental factors such as salt air near the coast take their toll, but technology progresses and cooling systems become more and more efficient.

Note: With passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, homeowners may be able to claim tax credits equal to 30% of the installed costs (up to $1,500) if you upgrade to more energy-efficient HVAC equipment. For more information on these HVAC tax credits, click here.

So how old is your A/C system?

In 2006, a federal regulation mandated that central cooling systems had to have a minimum S.E.E.R. (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) rating of 13. Up to that point, the minimum rating had been 10. So what does that mean to you? Basically, the higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the central air conditioning unit and the less electricity you’ll need to cool your home. Even 6 year old systems are considered grossly inefficient by today’s energy efficiency standards.

According to Consumer Reports, “A central air conditioning unit rated at a 13 SEER uses up to 30 percent less electricity than a 10 SEER system. With higher energy costs predicted in many parts of the country, consumers will have that payback on the unit much quicker with less electricity being used.” Considering that going from, say, a 10 S.E.E.R. system to something like a 16 S.E.E.R. could save you an average of 50-60% on your electric bills, a new high-efficiency system can pay for itself a lot more quickly than you might think.

Also, a new system is going to be quieter, as well as simply make your home more comfortable. And finally, a new high-efficiency cooling system is going to add significantly to your home’s resale value.

You worked hard for your money all last year. If you are anticipating a tax refund, consider making an investment in your family’s comfort and your home’s value.

December 4th, 2008

Carbon monoxide is called “the silent killer” for good reason. You can’t see it. You can’t smell it. You can’t taste it. Yet on average, about 170 people in the U.S die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year. Tragically, babies, children, and the elderly are the most susceptible.

The following is a clip from the CBS Early Show:

The EPA offers this advice:

“Know the symptoms of CO poisoning. At moderate levels, you or your family can get severe headaches, become dizzy, mentally confused, nauseated, or faint. You can even die if these levels persist for a long time. Low levels can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea, and mild headaches, and may have longer term effects on your health. Since many of these symptoms are similar to those of the flu, food poisoning, or other illnesses, you may not think that CO poisoning could be the cause.”

(http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/coftsht.html)

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has an excellent section on Carbon Monoxide questions and answers:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/466.html

Finally, the Center for Disease Control offers these potentially life-saving tips:

• Do have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Do install a battery-operated CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. If the detector sounds leave your home immediately and call 911.
• Do seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous.
• Don’t use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window.
• Don’t burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn’t vented.
• Don’t heat your house with a gas oven.

(http://www.cdc.gov/co/guidelines.htm)

November 21st, 2008

Online coupons have quickly become the “next big thing” due to the economic downturn. We realize people are looking to save money so we’ve updated our coupon offerings on the site.

You can view our printable coupons here or use the links below to go right to them.

• $500 Off complete Trane Systems
• 10% Off Service and Repairs
• Free Thermostat with a 3 Year Savings Club Membership
• $5 Off a One Year Savings Club Membership

Remember, updating your central heating and cooling systems are also a long term investment that will save you money on utility bills.

The Trane systems we sell are the industry leaders in energy efficiency.

October 8th, 2008

Need A New Air Conditioner?

But the Financial DOOM & GLOOM in the News Got You Down?

LET US BAIL YOU OUT!

Save 12.5% on a New Air Conditioning System, RIGHT NOW!

That’s right! We’re easing the strain on your wallet by offering a significant discount on all new central air conditioner installations. Same goes for heat pumps, air handlers, even gas furnaces.

Don’t Wait! This Sale Ends in 2 Weeks

Contact Us Today and tell us you need a bailout package.

Energy Savings Too!

The technology in today’s heating and cooling equipment makes for highly efficient energy use. The Trane units we sell are the industry leaders in efficiency. You will enjoy added savings on your monthly utility bills. The average savings are 30% and can go as high as 60%. That adds up to a lot of money, every year.

What Credit Crisis?

We have two financing providers should you need to make a purchase on credit. Both are still actively taking finance applications and approval rates are normal.

Weathering the Financial Storm

At Clear the Air we are well positioned to ride out the credit crunch and any oncoming recession. As a leading central A/C dealer and contractor in the Metro Houston market we have excellent purchase agreements with our suppliers and can ensure our products will continue going out.

We will always be the company that is here to service your home comfort system and continue to service manufacturer warranties, as well as back our installation guarantees.

Take advantage of this Bailout Sale now. By the time the dust settles in the stock markets this sale will be over.

Give us a call at (281) 992-7866 or click to our contact page and send an email.

October 2nd, 2008

If you’re an out of town qualified HVAC technician, looking to do some work in Houston after hurricane Ike we would like to hear from you.

Full Time Employee’s

We are seeking a highly motivated team player for an HVAC service technician position in the residential & light commercial market. Excellent pay and benefits, company truck, cellphone. We are a high tech, progressive HVAC company that services the Clear Lake, Friendswood, Pearland, South Houston areas. We provide you with 80+ hours of paid training per year.

Qualified person will have 3+ years experience troubleshooting HVAC systems. You must be able to work in our service area and work overtime when necessary. You also must be EPA certified w/ valid drivers license and a clean driving record.

Pay is dependent on experience level. $2000 sign on bonus. We pay by the hour with bonus incentives based on performance.

Potential employee’s can check out our employment opportunities page and send us a job application.

September 21st, 2008

After You’ve Spoken to Your Insurance Company About A/C Damage, Contact Us

Continuing with our posting about the cleanup after Hurricane Ike here in Houston we dug up lots of great info about home insurance. Our previous post was about cleaning and repairing your air conditioner after the storm.

Note: The information on this page was obtained from various sources on the internet and is of a very general nature. Your individual insurance policy should be consulted to see exactly what you are and are not covered for. This information is provided to help you get on the right track and to be able to be asking good questions when dealing with your insurance company, government officials and repair agencies and companies.

Homeowners Insurance and Flood Insurance

Homeowners insurance will cover wind related damage. Flood damage is not covered by your house insurance. You’ll need to have purchased flood insurance separately.

Advice to Texas property owners affected by Hurricane Ike - The Insurance Information Institute

FloodSmart.gov is a resource site from the National Flood Insurance program. Here they offer tips on what to do to prepare and recover after a flood.

Click 2 Houston has some information on what is typically covered by insurance after a hurricane.

Hiring Insurance Claims Adjusters

A licensed claims adjuster can help represent your best interests. As professionals well versed on the ins and outs of insurance policies they can help ensure you get the maximum entitled to you when filing a valid claim. Typically a public adjuster would be brought in if you feel your insurance company is not handling your case fairly. But they can be brought into the process at any time.

Take note that an adjuster will typically charge a 15% fixed rate to handle your claim. The premise of using an adjuster is that they can often help you get more money than if you had handled the claim on your own making the fee worthwhile.

What’s Covered by FEMA?

FEMA offers disaster assistance to individuals, families and businesses for losses not covered by insurance. Generally this means they will cover emergency expenses for immediate needs of shelter and temporary repairs so properties are functional and safe.

The Houston Chronicle has some good Questions & Answers regarding FEMA here.

Hurricane Ike Information from FEMA

APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE

WATCH OUT FOR SCAMS!

With the amount of damage caused by Hurricane Ike, cleanup crews, contractors, insurance companies are all going to be very very busy. Individuals in need of assistance from such groups will also be stressed and looking to get things back to normal as fast as possible. This unfortunately creates an environment ripe for exploitation, both intentional and inadvertent. Stay diligent.

The Insurance Information Institute has some info on avoiding scams

Info on how to file a claim and not get pushed over by the insurance company.