Letter from the President: Home Heating Safety

As the days get noticeably shorter, our thoughts turn to children returning to school, fall sports and, especially for us at Brandywine Valley, the return of the heating season. As both vibrant leaves and temperatures fall, our minds naturally conjure up images of curling up with a cup of coca in a well heated home. While nothing is more inviting than the shelter of a warm home in the cold winter months, ensure that you are heating your home safely. I would like to join the National Fire Protection Association in reminding our customers that heater safety should not be taken lightly.

The most crucial step in exercising heater safety is to have your heating system and chimney cleaned and checked by a qualified professional. If you do not already have a trusted relationship with a heating contractor, visit the Air Conditioning Contractors of America website (www.ACCA.org) to locate one in your neighborhood. Always exercise caution in regards to advertisements featuring low-priced plans that may not allow the proper amount of time to perform a complete check of your system. While we would certainly prefer that you call us, that this service is performed by a qualified, trained, heating professional is more important than self-promotion. If you plan to use your fireplace or other wood burning equipment, contact a chimney professional to have your chimney inspected and cleaned. Looking to heat an individual room? Portable, electric, heaters can create a cozy space, but before plugging them in, inspect the cord to ensure it is not frayed. Furthermore, remind everyone in your home that the heater must be placed 3 feet away from any flammable items such as papers, clothes or furniture.

Central heating systems may seem like a worry-free method of evenly heating your home, but they can also be deadly if not properly maintained by a professional. Incomplete combustion or blocked furnace flues are just two of the many culprits that can produce carbon monoxide, a dangerous chemical compound whose reputation certainly precedes it. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is poisonous to all warm-blooded animals, as well as many other forms of life. When inhaled, carbon monoxide combines with hemoglobin in the blood, preventing absorption of oxygen and resulting in asphyxiation. Due to its odorless nature, carbon monoxide is an insidious poison. It produces only mild symptoms of headache, nausea, or fatigue, followed by unconsciousness. The catalysts for carbon monoxide production are often fast moving in nature; an automobile engine running in a closed garage and a leaking furnace flue can both make the air noxious within a few minutes. It is imperative to call a heating contractor for a heater cleaning and safety inspection. As the technician completes his inspection of your equipment, be sure to ask about the type of wall-mounted CO detectors they recommend. Heating contractors typically have higher quality, more reliable detectors then what is sold in home centers.

There is nothing more important than your family’s home comfort and safety. My message is not intended to generate anxiety or disrupt your peace of mind. In turn, my advice is offered in the hope that your family will enter these cooler months feeling secure and prepared to operate your heating equipment safely. I leave you with a final encouragement to detail an emergency plan for your family. Set the example by verifying that your heating system is safe to operate, posting emergency phone numbers by the phone or programming them into your cell phone, and making sure that you review these procedures with the entire family. On behalf of all of us at Brandywine Valley, I would like to wish you a safe and enjoyable season with a warm home and equally warm memories shared between family and friends.

There's More to Fall than Sniffles & Cough Drops: Fighting Allergies with IAQ

It’s almost that time of year again – when the office becomes a chorus of sniffles, when you send your kids off to school with more tissue packages than completed homework assignments, and when your home air fresheners might as well be Vick’s scented. If you’re one of the millions of seasonal allergy sufferers in America, you can at least take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone.

Allergy suffers are plagued by a number of allergens, including mold, pet dander, dust mites, and pollen. These allergen particles are carried through the air and eventually settle onto your home’s furniture, floors, and other surfaces. The larger particles, such as pollen and dust mites, are the quickest to fall.

While seasonal allergies may seem as inevitable as death and taxes, there are several actions you can take to improve the indoor air quality in your home.

To reduce dust mites, keep surfaces clean and uncluttered. It’s wise to regularly wash sheets and pillow cases in hot water.  Furthermore, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends vacuuming at least once a week, preferably with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter or at least double filter bags to reduce dust production.  

If you have an allergy sufferer in your family, its best to keep doors and windows closed and properly sealed during pollen season. If the weather is warm, consider relying on A/C.

To reduce dust mite and mold growth, it is crucial to reduce humidity in your home. A humidity level of around 50% is ideal. For areas like a basement or crawl space, you may wish to install a dehumidifier.

As part of your routine heating and cooling maintenance, be sure to have your air filters changed regularly. The frequency at which the air filter needs to be changed varies based on your unit, but this action may be necessary as often as once a month during allergy season. For the highest performance, check your air filters MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating. A MERV rating of 14-16 represents high efficiency.

HEPA filters may be used if recommended by a medical professional. However, these filters are not necessarily suitable for all homeowners and all units, as they may restrict airflow and can require more power usage from your HVAC equipment.

If you happen to notice a moldy, musty, or generally unpleasant smell from your vents, you may wish to have your ducts cleaned and inspected by a HVAC professional, as they may be harboring mold. 

If you find yourself considering replacing your aging or under-performing HVAC system, a solid option may be a unit that replaces indoor air with filtered outdoor air.

 For detailed information about unit replacement, dehumidifiers, air filters, duct cleaning, or routine maintenance, give Brandywine Valley a call at 610-692-3900. 

Think Your HVAC Unit is the One Who Knocks?

If your HVAC unit is knocking, chances are it's not about to win an Emmy. A rattling, thumping, or banging sound could indicate a few potential problems with your unit.

The first culprit could be the fan blades. Open the AC cabinet to inspect the fan blades for any visible debris. Always be sure that power to the unit is disconnected before attempting to remove any debris. The source of the issue may also be a loose screw or a bent fan blade. For these issues, it's best to contact a service professional. (Hey, that's us!)

The underlying cause of a rattling or banging sound could also be an out of balance blower assembly or motor. A loose component, indicated by a rattling sound, requires an urgent repair before it results in a complete disconnect. If you are hearing a harsher banging sound, shut off the unit and contact a service professional, as this suggest a broken or disconnected component.

Believe it or not, winter is coming. If you hear these troubling sounds from your unit during the winter, check the outdoor fan blades on your heat pump for ice buildup.

For all of your heating and air conditioning needs, give Brandywine Valley a call at 610-692-3900!

Readers' Choice Awards Social Media Contest

At Brandywine Valley, we are proud to have been voted a Readers’ Choice Winner for the past 13 years!

We can’t thank our loyal customers enough for their constant support over the years. You truly are the best part of Brandywine Valley.

This year, when casting your vote for Brandywine Valley Heating & Air Conditioning as your favorite local HVAC Company, take a picture of your ballot or share the link to the online voting form on Facebook or Twitter. 

Tag Brandywine Valley Heating & Air Conditioning in your post on Facebook or tweet @BVHVAC and your name will be entered into a raffle for a customer appreciation gift basket! The basket features a gift card to the Painters Crossing Dine-in Theater, Brandywine Valley goodies, and more!

We look forward to seeing your posts! Creativity is recommended, selfies are encouraged.

Look for a ballot in your copy of the Daily Local News or vote online at the following link: http://pa.journalregister.com/dailylocal/readerschoice/

The polls are OPEN, vote now through September 19^th!  

The Rosetta Stone: HVAC Edition - 11 HVAC Terms Every Homeowner Should Know

Owning your own home is an incredible feat, and an equally impressive undertaking. We live in an age where there is almost always a service professional, or even an app, to meet your household needs. However, interacting with a service professional can often feel like trying to break down a language barrier, and HVAC is not immune to this technical jargon.

Here are 11 terms to have in your arsenal when your HVAC technician is throwing out acronyms more foreign than your kids' texting lingo:

1) AFUE: (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) This is a rating of how efficiently a gas furnace converts fuel to energy. For example, a rating of 90 indicates that 90% of the fuel is utilized to provide heat, while 10% is emitted as exhaust.

2) Air Handler: The indoor component of your split AC system or heat pump that includes the blower motor, blower, and controls. It moves air throughout your home. 

3) BTU: (British Thermal Unit) This is a measure of the heat given off when fuel is burned for heating, or the measure of heat extracted from your home for cooling. 

• For all you science fiends out there, BTU represents the amount of energy required to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. 

4) Charge: The amount of refrigerant in your AC system 

5) COP: (Coefficient of Performance) For a heat pump, this is determined by the ratio of heating or cooling provided to electrical energy consumed. 

6) Compressor: The part of the outdoor AC unit that maintains adequate pressure to allow refrigerant to flow in quantities that meet the cooling requirements of your home. The compressor sends refrigerant through condenser coils, which changes refrigerant from vapor to liquid, dispersing heat into the outdoor air. 

7) Heat Loss & Heat Gain: Heat loss refers to the estimate of heat lost to the outdoors through the structure of your home. Conversely, heat gain refers to the heat that comes into your home or is generated within the structure from occupants or solar gain. These estimates (determined in BTUs) factor into a load calculation, which our Comfort Consultants use to determine the capacity of heating or air conditioning equipment your home requires. 

8) MERV: This rating measures the efficiency of your air filter, as determined by the size of particle it can capture. The higher the MERV rating of your air filter, the finer it is. 

9) Refrigerant: This substance flows through your AC unit and helps with heat transfer. The transformation of refrigerant from liquid to vapor, or from vapor to liquid, respectively absorbs or gives off heat. 

10) Register: Metal covering on supply vents in your home

11) SEER: (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) This measures the cooling efficiency of a heat pump or air conditioner. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit. These ratings usually range from 13 to 20 SEER, although ratings of 21 or 22 are not uncommon. 

Don't worry, there won't be a test! Having a basic knowledge of these terms will help you play a more engaged role in the HVAC service or installation process. 

For all of your heating & cooling needs, gives Brandywine Valley a call at 610-692-3900. 

Angie's List Review from J.C of West Chester

Here at Brandywine Valley, we strive to provide our customers comfort with care. However, that phrase represents more to us than just a slogan. It's always wonderful to hear that we are reaching our goal, and even surpassing our customers' expectations!

See J.C of West Chester's review on Angie's List below: 

"These folks are amazing. VERY professional. Very responsive to our input. Answered every question we had with very detailed and thorough responses. They were on time, neat & clean, and the job was finished exactly per the agreement. I have used them before because of the very professional look of their workmanship and this project was no exception. I would highly recommend them for any Heating and Cooing job you need done. No job too big or too small for them. Two employees of specific note were the technicians who spent a week at our house - Sean F and Bill H. Have never met two more informative and polite service providers..."

We truly appreciate the feedback. Leave us a review today! Brandywine Valley on Angie's List

The 411 on IAQ (Indoor Air Quality)

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that we spend 90% of our time indoors. While relaxing in the cool, air conditioned air in the summer months might be a nice break from the heat and humidity outdoors, the EPA further estimates that the air inside your home may be two to five times more polluted than the air outside.

When it comes to indoor air quality (IAQ), the key lies in keeping harmful pollutants away from your family and ensuring that your home has adequate ventilation. 

First, know the three main contamination culprits: 

1) Radon: Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that usually permeates your home through leaks in the basement. A silent danger, this gas is tasteless, odorless, and colorless. It is believed to be the second leading cause of lung cancer, after cigarette smoke.

2) Secondhand smoke: The harmful effects of cigarette smoke are not restricted to those who make the decision to light up. Not only is cigarette smoke an asthma trigger, but it can also lead to respiratory infections including pneumonia and bronchitis. The EPA estimates that secondhand smoke is responsible for 3,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Consider quitting today!

3) Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide is another tasteless, odorless, colorless danger that results from the incomplete burning of fuels such as propane, gas, oil, or wood. Poisoning from carbon monoxide takes about 400 lives each year.

Take action: 

• Test your home for radon. This can either be done by a professional, or you can purchase a testing kit at your local hardware store. 
• Do not idle your car in the garage. This can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and other indoor air pollutants. 
• Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector: 
• When purchasing a CO detector, first check your town or county regulations to insure that you are purchasing a detector that is compliant with these guidelines.
• An essential quality in a CO detector is an electrochemical sensor that prevents reaction to humidity or temperature changes. This sensor can also prevent a response to common household chemicals.
• Another important feature is the end-of-life warning. A CO detector should be replaced every 7 years, so it is crucial to know when your detector is reaching the end of its lifespan. 
• CO detectors should be installed on each floor and in bedrooms. They should be placed a minimum of 15 feet away from cooking and heating appliances and should not be placed in breezy areas to avoid false readings. It is also best to keep detectors out of direct sunlight.
• Regularly maintenance and clean your air conditioner and dehumidifier 
• Change your air filters on a regular basis - Energy Star recommends that this be done at least once every 3 months. 
• Adjust the humidity in your home. In the wintertime, keep indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent to decrease the likelihood of mold formation. In the summer months, the level should be around 60 percent humidity. 

A picture is worth a thousand words. Check out this infographic from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers for more ways to ensure good Indoor Air Quality. 

Programmable Thermostat on the Fritz?

In the age of technology, the latest innovations can make everyday life simpler and more comfortable - the programmable thermostat is no exception. With a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the temperature in your home to meet even your most nuanced needs. Better yet, using a programmable thermostat can save up to $180 a year on your home energy bill. But as all lovers of technology know, sometimes our gadgets fail us - and then what do you do?

So, your thermostat appears to be on the fritz... there are a few simple things you can check before calling your local service technician: 

• Check the batteries: Now, if your thermostat is hardwired to your HVAC unit, dead batteries are not the root of your problem. However, if your thermostat is battery powered, changing the batteries may solve the issue. 
• Check the wire connections: Verify that your thermostat is mounted properly. Even if the thermostat was installed correctly, wire connections may come apart as time goes by. After turning off the thermostat and its power supply, remove the cover of the thermostat and fix any loose wires. 
• Check the circuit breaker: Check your circuit breaker to insure that the issue isn't ultimately due to a tripped breaker. Note: If a breaker is tripped, it's usually for a reason. This could be due to a lightning strike in a bad thunderstorm, but if the problem persists, contact a service technician. 
• Check your settings: We've certainly reached a zenith of technology, where thermostats like the Honeywell Lyric can be adjusted to meet your every mood and keep up with your fluctuating schedule. That doesn't mean these settings are infallible. Verify that your thermostat is on the correct setting (AM or PM if you're using a 12 hour schedule, occupied as opposed to unoccupied, etc.) 
• Check your air filter: A blocked air filter may actually be the culprit, and this could lead to a more serious air conditioning issue. Some air filters require monthly replacement, while some more efficient filters have a longer lifespan. This is a simple step to take that may ameliorate the larger AC issue at hand. 
• Get to the heart of the issue: Switch your fan from "auto" to "on." If the fan comes on, you at least have power to your indoor unit. However, your outdoor unit could still be the underlying problem. If the fan is running in your outdoor unit, this indicates that the outdoor unit has power as well. This information will be helpful when contacting your service provider. 

If the problem persists after taking the above steps, contact a Brandywine Valley service technician to diagnose the problem. 

The Newest Member of the Brandywine Valley Family!

Congratulations to our Sales Coordinator, Megan, on the birth of her healthy baby boy! We are excited to welcome the newest member of the Brandywine Valley family!

When there's a storm a-brewin'

With the arrival of the summer season comes the possibility of severe thunderstorms, and last night was no exception. A thunderstorm brings heavy rain, high winds, and lightning strikes, all of which can cause damage to your HVAC system. Do you know how to prepare your home for potential storm damage?

When a severe thunderstorm is announced in your area, there are several preliminary steps you can take to prepare your unit. First, bring in any objects that could strike the outdoor unit, such as patio furniture. Next, turn off your AC unit from the thermostat in order to prevent damage from a power surge or an excessive current flowing into the system in the event of a lightning strike.

Assess whether your family could benefit from a portable or standby generator during power outages. A back-up generator should be used to run necessary electrical appliances and will require extension cords to run into your home. Be sure to place the generator at a reasonable distance from your home, as they emit carbon monoxide, which is dangerous to your family's health.

(Photo via Radnor Township)

In the even of a power outage, do not turn your AC unit back on until power is restored to your area. It is important to check your circuit breaker to ensure that there are no tripped breakers or blown fuses. After the storm has passed and it is safe to venture outdoors, take the time to carefully inspect your unit. Be sure to clear your unit of leaves and other debris and check for serious damage. In the event of serious damage, contact your local HVAC contractor.

As the age-old tale goes, it is wise to have regular maintenance performed on your AC unit. HVAC appliances should undergo yearly maintenance to ensure that they are equipped to handle the demands of severe weather.

Brandywine Valley Going Above and Beyond

Mark,

I am sending this note to tell you that last night I again had a really wonderful service experience with your Brandywine Valley team.  I came home after 7 PM to find my air conditioning not working.  Since I had a maintenance visit set for July 16, I sent Justin Boomer an email asking if he might move that up much earlier in view of my problem.  Given the hour, I never for a moment expected a response from Justin that same evening.  But to my very happy surprise, Justin called me around 8 pm to let me know that he had seen my email and had responded by email.  In other words, he was so service oriented that he not only answered me by email late in the evening, he also called to make doubly sure I knew that you folks would help me.  That is extraordinary.

As things developed, by the time Justin called, my wife had suggested I call your office to see if there was anybody on-call.  I had reached a very efficient woman taking your office calls who said she would forward my information to your on-call technician, John, who would call me back.  As luck would have it, John called while I was talking to Justin.  Justin and John then coordinated and John was good enough to come to my home at almost 9:30 pm.  In the meantime, Justin keep tabs on things by email, promising help as soon as he could arrange it if John could not fix things. 

Despite the late hour and all the work which John had faced that busy evening, John was pleasant, upbeat, and thorough.  He assessed our situation and was able to get us up and going again.  While John was efficient with his time, he never acted the least bit rushed or put-out that he was working so late.  To the contrary, he made us feel that he really cared about our problem and would do his best to help. 

This is not the first time I have written to you to say how pleased we have been with your team.  Maybe you could do without my reports.  But I feel compelled to recognize great service when I get it.  Way back when I first met you and you were helping us select our system, you told me that you folks strive to be service oriented and to do right by your customers.  Thankfully, my system has generally worked well and I have not had to lean on Brandywine for help that often.  But any time I have needed assistance, your team has much more than lived up to your word.  They are always great.  Last night, Justin and John were particularly great and I so appreciate that.  It's not so much that my problem got fixed quickly (although that was really wonderful), it's that those guys showed they cared and gave it their all.  Thank you.

I have copied Justin on this so that he knows of our appreciation. Perhaps someone can let John know as well.


- J.M from Media

A Big Thank You to Mr. & Mrs. T of West Chester

Phil and I are extremely satisfied with our new air conditioner unit.  It is amazing how more efficient it is than our previous one.

It was a real pleasure working with you and we appreciate all your help.

We also want to add how impressed we are with the team that installed the unit here.  John, Bill and Joel were courteous, professional and competent.  As representatives of Brandywine Valley Heating And Air Conditioning, they exceeded our expectations.

It was truly a pleasure to do business with you and a company that exemplifies such high standards.

We look forward to continuing our association with Brandywine Valley Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.

Thank you,
Mr. & Mrs. T 

Be Green, Save Green: PECO Smart A/C Saver program starting June 1st

The 2014 PECO Smart A/C Saver season starts on June 1st. If you've enrolled in the program, PECO will have installed a switch on the outside of your home near the central air conditioning unit to allow them to cycle your air conditioning during conservation events. When regional energy demand is high, this switch will receive a radio signal that will put your A/C compressor into a "conservation mode."

 What does this mean for the air inside your home? In conservation mode, your compressor will operate 15 minutes of each half hour during a conservation event, which can last for four hours or more.
Concerned about your family's comfort level? During the entire conservation event, your A/C fan will run normally, circulating air throughout your home. A conservation event will only occur on weekdays between noon and 8 p.m.

Ready for the best part? Participating in the PECO Smart A/C Saver program will earn you a $20 bill credit each month during the summer - that's a total of $80 for the summer cooling months of June through September.

What would you do with an extra $80 and a clean energy conscience? 

Not signed up for the PECO Smart A/C Saver program? Call 1-888-5-PECO-SAVE (1-888-573-2672) or visit https://www.peco.com/Savings/ProgramsandRebates/Residential/Pages/PECOSmartACSaver.aspx

Brandywine Valley Hiring for Marketing Intern

Brandywine Valley Heating & Air Conditioning seeks a dynamic, self-starter to assist with their marketing and communications efforts. This internship is an excellent opportunity to experience various aspects of marketing while working for well-known local company with strong community ties. 

Start Date - Immediately 

Part-time (March - May) 8 – 12 hrs/wk, preferably two days a week.

Full–time (May – August) up to 40 hrs/wk 

Compensation:  Position pays $12 + Depending on experience

Please send resumes and questions regarding the position to Megan at mstinger@bvhvac.com or call 610-692-3900 

Tech Tip of the Week

With more snow likely on its way here is a good bit of advice. Snow and ice accumulations can obstruct your heater intake and exhaust pipes. If they do obstruct them it can prevent your unit from operating. Be sure to check your intake or exhaust pipes for snow or ice. If your pipes are clogged gently remove the snow or ice from the opening. If you have any questions feel free to call us at 610-692-3900 

Are you happy with your PECO bill?

Facebook post from customer Kathy W.

facebook
Hi Bill, Kathy tagged you in a post. Kathy wrote: "Very pleased to receive this month's PECO bill. With all this cold weather, we picked a good year to finally replace and old system that was still functioning. Thank you Bill Ronayne and everyone at Brandywine Valley Heating & Air Conditioning Inc." See the post

Take The Plunge This Saturday!

Brandywine Valley Heating & Air Conditioning is a proud sponsor of the 

2014 BVA Polar Plunge

Saturday, Feb. 8th 

All proceeds from the event go to help protect & conserve the natural resources of the Brandywine Valley.

For more information www.brandywinewatershed.org/polarplunge

Tech Tip of the Week

A condensation pump needs routine maintenance done to work properly. The pump collects excess water created by your AC, heater, or humidifier. It then pumps it outside or to a nearby drain. Overtime if left uncleaned if will begin to build up scum on the bottom and can eventually clog the pump. A lot of the newer pumps are equipped with a safety switch, which means if the pump fails your system will stop working. If you do not have a safety switch the system will continue to run and you could have water damage. Cleaning condensate pumps is part of the normal maintenance routine here at Brandywine Valley. To schedule a maintenance call us at 610-692-3900 or email us at bvservice@bvhvac.com

Postage Rate Increase

On January 26, 2014 the U.S. Postal Service® will implement a new postage rate increase

 for 1st Class Letters from $0.46 to $0.49

Tech tip of the week

Setting your thermostat back a few degrees is a great way to save energy. It can be done while at work, asleep or when your away. Be sure the difference is no more than 5 degrees. If you set it back too far you will end up using more energy. Here at Brandywine Valley we offer a wide variety of thermostats. We have your basic non-programmable to your wifi/smartphone compatible thermostats. Call us at 610-692-3900 or email at bvservice@bvhvac.com for more information on thermostats.

Tech tip of the week

Dirty air filters can cause your heating system to run inefficiently. They can also cause motors to prematurely fail. Standard 1 inch filters should be changed every 30-90 days. High efficiency media filters every 6-12 months. We offer direct shipping of filters to your home. Call 610-692-3900 or email us at bvservice@bvhvac.com for pricing and more information!