Bigger is not always better with HVAC systems:

With oversized equipment, inital costs are higher, efficiency is reduced, energy costs increase, and comfort may be compromised, including poor humidity control.  Plus, more starts and stops, much like a car, accelerate wear and tear on the equipment which can lead to premature failure.

For a new home under initial construction, ask to see your HVAC Contractor’s Manual J load calculation.  Rule-of-thumb calculations are a quick way to a bad heating & cooling system.  Do not let a contractor fool you that bigger is better.  The correct size is always the best.

And remember, open the basement vents in winter, close them in the summer.  Your duct system is designed to provide the proper heating in the winter in the basement, but that is far more cooling than will be required in the summer in the basement.  This way, you can “push air” exactly where you want it to go.

If you have any questions, whether it be Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical or Fireplaces, please call Fahnestock at 316-943-4328 in Wichita, or 785-226-1412 in Junction City/Manhattan.

Here are some great plumbing tips from a guy who really knows what he is talking about, Paul Little. Paul has over 25 years plumbing experience and give us some great plumbing tips we all can use in this video.

Read more: Tankless Water Heaters

For more information, copy and paste the link below into your browser:

http://www.servicemagic.com/article.show.The-Basics-of-Sump-Pumps.9288.html#ixzz1fhkfeDep

Here are a few more suggestions from Fahnestock Plumbing, HVAC & Electric:
1. Close all your air vents/registers in your basement completely. This will allow more air flow to the main level of your home which is always warmer than the basement. Your thermostat will satisfy more quickly, as long as it is less than 100 degrees outside, in which case all units will most likely be running non-stop up to 78-80 degrees in the home.
2. Buy a Programmable Thermostat from Fahnestock so that you can set the programs to higher temps when you will be away from your home.
3. Have your air conditioning routinely maintained by Fahnestock each year. Inexpensive and very necessary.
4. Replace systems older than 15 years with new, high efficiency heat pumps. This could cut your energy bills in half and pay you back for your expense in less than 5 years.

Errol and Suzie L.

You don’t have to be uncomfortable. All you have to do is “balance” your system! Follow these guidelines and watch your comfort improve dramatically! Remember, air is just like water . . . it is going to go to the point of least resistance. So let’s push that air where we want it to go! You will gain air where you want it, and you will stop air from going where you don’t need it.

Summertime:
1. Close all registers completely in your basement. Your basement will be cooler than the main floor typically by 6-8 degrees anyway since it is mostly underground. It is okay to close them completely as a little will still leak out even with the newest of registers.

2. Close all registers on the main floor in rooms or areas that are not regularly used (i.e. hallways, guest baths, entryways, etc.).

These two steps alone will push a great deal of air to the other registers that are still open. Remember, you have not reduced the amount of air that is coming from your system. You have only pushed that air to other parts of your home. Don’t be hot in your bedrooms ever again!

Wintertime:
1. Open all registers completely in your basement. Your basement will be cooler than the main floor typically by 6-8 degrees anyway since it is mostly underground. Heat will rise, and you need the heat in your basement. Get as much heat down there as you can. Unless of course you never go down there, then you can leave them closed. But then it will be 10-12 degrees cooler if closed in the wintertime.

2. Close all registers on the main floor in rooms or areas that are not regularly used (i.e. hallways, guest baths, entryways, etc.). This applies to summer and winter since you do not spend any time in these areas. Push the heat where you really want it.

95% of the time these small and easy steps solve a lot of issues for a home’s comfort. This assumes the Manual J Load Calculation performed by your installing contractor was done accurately, and most quality contractors do.

A common question we receive at Fahnestock Plumbing, HVAC and Electric in Wichita, Kansas, is, “Who’s the professor guy on the side of your vans, and in your TV commercials and radio ads?” It’s a great question, and it’s a great story.

“The professor guy” is one of the time-honored Fahnestock traditions. He’s our beloved Dr. Fahnestock, Professor of Thermology.

Back in the1940s, Fahnestock’s founders Ed Fahnestock and his son Ted Fahnestock were working hard to grow their Wichita heating and cooling business. They decided the company needed a mascot — something that related to heating and cooling, but something that was fun and unique. During a late-night brainstorm session, they dreamed up Dr. Fahnestock.

Watch for Facebook Tips from Dr. Fahnestock – Become a Fan Today!

Even since then, Dr. Fahnestock has taken on a life of his own. He’s smart, he’s funny, and employees and customers love him. A life-size version of the professor permanently resides in the Fahnestock lobby, and he makes frequent guest appearances in company advertising. He loves the plumbing and electrical businesses too!

Dr. Fahnestock also shares interesting tips and trivia on the company’s Facebook page. Are you a Fahnestock Facebook Fan? Check out the page for yourself and like us today!

“My grandfathers were serious about their work and providing quality products and services, but, as you can tell, they both had a really great sense of humor,” said Fahnestock’s president Eric Fahnestock. “Working hard and having fun doing it — that’s another great Fahnestock tradition I am proud to uphold,” he said.

Perfection Builders
11828 W. Central #124 Wichita, Ks 67212
Ph. 316.729.1900 Fax 316.729.1907

Craig Steven, Jr
Corporate Advisor
Spangles