WELCOME TO CRYSTAL AIR
Thank you for considering Crystal Air as your expert Heating and Air Conditioning contractor.
CRYSTAL AIR WEBSITE TABLE OF CONTENT
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR
Having the job done right, to code and regulations, in the most cost effective way possible and at the end of the job feeling like we got more than our moneies worth. Isn't that what we all want? It all comes down to getting the most qualified contractor.
INSTALLING HVAC
Interested in what we offer? Go here to learn what types of installs might be best for you. What products and equipment we offer? What is the most cost effective?
VENTALATION, FILTERATION AND AIR QUALITY
Allergies? Just want cleaner air or less dust?
SERVICE; REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
Need repair work performed? Or maintenance to keep your equipment operating to efficiency? Here's the place!
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ABOUT CRYSTAL AIR
TECHNOLOGY AND KNOWLEDGE
With constantly evolving technology and code requirements, navigating and making a decision on what is right for you can be challenging. By using our 34 years of applied expertise and customer service savvy in virtually every heating and cooling application and by using the most current software tools and equipment, all you need to ask is "how comfortable do I want to be?"
In addition to being a licensed heating, air conditioning and air systems installer we bring more than the average contractor to the table .
Crystal Air is part of an elite few in our industry qualified to install Geo Exchange systems. Our background for which includes whole neighborhoods of Geo Exchange homes and commercial buildings with up to 100 tons of heating and cooling capacity.
Crystal Air also holds a California license for refrigeration services.
The bottom line is that we know and practice well beyond the average "heating n' cooling guy" level of expertise.
TRAINING AND ACCREDITATIONS
To stay on top takes diligence. Crystal Air is a licensed California State Contractor for Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning and refrigeration. State license #1012019.
We are also insured for your peace of mind. Crystal Air technicians and designers regularly attend trainings on the most up to date techniques and certifications translating to you as "the best your hard earned money will employ" Our accreditations include:
GET TO KNOW US
Get To Know Us
Crystal Air can be contacted by phone Monday-Thursday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at
1-530-623-1000
Our Mailing Addresss is:
P.O. Box 1501
Weaverville, CA 96093
Our Physical Address is :
1761 Main Street
in Weaverville, CA
Stop by and see us!
Owner: Reno McFadden
emails: crystal@crystalair.info or reno@crystalair.info
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR- CRYSTAL AIR
CONTRACTORS, CODES AND REQUIREMENTS
Contractors, Codes and Requirements
Knowing what to ask and deciding on a contractor for the lay person with no mechanical background can be a difficult task but, by following a few simple consumer steps, you can make an informed decision
CONTRACTOR CHECKLIST:
State License- In California, contractors must retain a license with the Contractors State License Board. Types of contractor licenses vary and the consumer should verify that the appropriate license is held for the work that is to be performed.
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Insurance and Bonding- Ask your contractor to supply you with a "proof of insurance" and/or "proof of bond" certificates. Contractor are required to supply you with this information when asked and its important information to protect you, your home and liability.
Bids/Quotes for services- Ask questions and if you compare bids, make sure you understand EXACTLY what you are or are not to receive for your money and ask to have that in writing. When comparing bids make sure you are comparing "apples to apples", meaning make sure the Equipment, Materials and Workmanship is the same specifications. A bid that is vague and does not spell out what will be provided may mean the work will be vague or that there is something being withheld from you.
References- Ask contractors for references. However, good references do not guarantee consistent good craftsmanship. Most any contractor can drum up a few good references and will not share any bad ones with you. A contractor that can show they have up to date credentials in terms of training and industry quality certifications is a better sign of dedication to quality.
Certifications, Training and Experience- Business owners with a long term goal invest in their future by updating their training and expanding their expertise. Ask potential contractors what accredidations they hold for their area of expertise and how long they have been doing the work you are buying.
Job Sizing- There are a lot of new codes and requirements for ensuring that your new Heating, air conditioning or ventilation install conforms to current energy efficiences and air quality standards. Contractors have calculations that they need to perform and submit to the local building department. Ask to see them as a means to ensure the calcualtions have been done.
CALIFORNIA CODES
California Codes for Heating Air Conditioning and Ventilation Installation
Title 24 part 6 of the California Code of Regulations has been around for a long time but, is continually updated. The codes and requirements therein differ for new home construction versus replacement of heating, air conditioning and ventilation.
Reputable installers will perform work within the letter of the law. This includes obtaining a permit when required and in many installations, this means that the contractor for heating and cooling must perform calculations, submit the calculations in order to obtain the permit and in some cases, pay for an independent field inspection of their work.
What the consumer should know and ask for when selecting a contractor is:
1. Contact the local building department and ask if the type of work requires a permit.
2. If you are installing a new heating or air conditioning system or ductwork, ask for a copy of the title 24 forms that the contractor must submit in order to acquire the permit
3. Ask the contractor for the name of their HERS rater (Home Efficiency Rating Service)
4. Ask the contractor if their bid include charges as needed for the above
5. Ask for proof of insurance which the contractor is required to supply for you.
6. Ask what website you might find the contractors most current education certification.
Installations that require permits and submissions that are performed "boot leg" have serious negative ramifications for the home owner.
If you would like to edcucate yourself more on the full scope of Title 24 code, go to the State of California website
CONTINUAL EDUCATION
In the last decade there have be HUGE advances in the HVAC industry. Systems are more efficient than ever before and new refrigerants are more eco-friendly than ever before. In order to keep up to date on these advances we complete continue education course yearly, for knowlede of the most effective products and standards for your home
CONTACT US
Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 1-530-623-1000
Our Mailing Address is: P.O. Box 1501 Weaverville, CA 96093
Our Physical Address is : 1761 Main Street in Weaverville, CA
Stop by and see us!
Owner: Reno McFadden
emails: crystal@crystalair.info or reno@crystalair.inf
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CRYSTAL AIR HVAC INSTALLATION INFORMATION
HVAC INSTALLATION
Welcome to the Crystal Air Heating and Cooling systems Installation Page.
Choosing the system that works best for your comfort and lifestyle is something we can help you navigate. We have the tools and knowledge to do so correctly and efficiently for all required codes, desires and your budget.
We offer the following services and knowledge database to help you understand more about what works best for you.
Heating and Cooling Systems are defined by a number of categorizes and terms. It may seem intimidating but, in this page, we will explore those categorizes and terms, making it much easier to decide what would be the best system for you and easier to discuss options with your contractor.
Categorizes and terms:
1. Residential and Commercial
2. New Construction and Existing Structures
3. Retrofit vs Cutins
4. SystemTypes
a. Fuel Type
b. Manufacture Makes
5. Components of an Installation
Residential and Commercial
Residential and Commercial HVAC Installations. It would seem simple, Right? Residential are homes and Commercial structures are well ...Commercial. But it gets kind of tricky, especially when it comes to warranties. Are apartment complexes residential or commercial? How about retirement homes? Rental or leased homes? Well the answer is unfortunately complex. Each equipment manufacture has its own definition of what is Residential and what is Commercial and set the equipment warranties in accordance to those definitions. Crystal Air can clarify for you what manufacture brand would be the best for your application in order to get you the best warranties available.
New Construction and Existing Structures
There is nothing complex about these terms. New Constructions are, in general, new buildings in the process of being built, while Existing Structures are home or buildings that are completed and existing. While the definition may be simple, they are important in terms of the cost of an install.
An "existing structure" install tends to be more difficult and labor intensive. New construction projects have the advantage of a building process that allows, for example, to install crawlspace ductwork before floors are installed, reducing labor cost. Unfortunately, sometimes HVAC contractors are not hired until the structure is almost finished, at which point the structure is classified as "existing structure". It is STRONGLY advised that Crystal Air become involved in your new construction project in the PLANNING stage to save you the most installation costs possible.
Retrofit and Cutins
New Construction structures always require "Cutin Systems". As the title would imply, new construction structures always have the HVAC system cut in or built in to the building as the structure is being built.
Existing structures can be categorized as "Retrofit" (sometimes called "replacements") or Cutins". For example, your furnace installed in a closet needs to be replaced. However, todays more efficient furnaces are slightly larger, so the closet space will need to be modified or "retro fit" to accommodate the new equipment. This is a simple example, but you get the idea.
A "Cutin" installation for an existing house require the system to be cut in or built in to the home. An example being, if a home has never had a HVAC system in the home before.
System Types
Besides categorizes and terms such as "Retrofit, Cutins, Residential and Commercial" a homeowner has to be concerned with what type of system is need. It all SEEMS confusing but we can help. Forge ahead to learn what type of systems are available for you.
Components of an install
In a nutshell there are 3 basic components to an HVAC install:
1. Equipment
2. Materials
3. Workmanship
As stated above in recent years there has been major improvement in equipment and materials. Equipment has become increasingly more efficient, airtight and less of an environmental footprint. The same can be said for HVAC materials. Ducting for example is no longer joined together with duct tape which was the standard at one point. Ducting is now sealed with a water proof mastic to provide an air tight system. So, with quality equipment and material the install can be 2/3 complete as a quality system. However, while significant advances have occurred in the manufacturing industry unfortunately there has been a significant decline in skilled labor in the HVAC trade and a decline in pride in workmanship in the trades in general. It has become apparent that the construction trades have been unable to attract upcoming workforce in comparison to fields such as computer technology. Having the highest quality equipment and material can be a complete waste to a system if the workmanship is poor. That’s why it is more important than ever to employ legal, licensed, professional contractors who have CHOSEN to make this their life’s career
CRYSTALAIR- HVAC SYSTEM TYPES -WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
CRYSTAL AIR - FURNACES
FURNACES
IF HEATING NEEDS ARE THE ONLY CONSIDERATION FOR YOUR HOME, A STAND-ALONE FURNACE MAYBE WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR.
- Propane, natural gas and fuel oil fired heating systems are still, albeit diminishing, part of our installation forte. Depending on where your home is located and what utility company you have, system costs of fossil fuel furnaces are can be lower than other systems. However, in other areas, such as Trinity County the lowest form of Furnace fuel is electric. It is important to consider your area in calculation long term operation cost. Furnace operating efficiencies are often overlooked by consumers and in the long run, will translate into overall higher net costs for lower installation expenditure. Additionally, fossil fuel burning furnaces dry the air as a matter of open flame burning. This can reduce comfort and for some, lend itself to additional health issues without the aid of an air filtration unit. Many customers opt for electric furnaces for a more “pure” air quality.
- Manufactured homes: manufactured homes require specialized and approved furnaces for installation. Crystal Air regularly continues to maintain and practice expertise for this type of installation.
NOTE: In some areas a furnace is all that is needed. However, California has nortorisly extremely hot temperatures for most homes. If your home is one of the 90 percent of California homes that experience summer temperatures, it’s important to consider a Heating and Air Conditioning system or a Heat Pump System from the start. Some consumers will have a furnace installed in the winter only to face the swelter heat of summer. Crystal Air is of course, happy to supply the homes cooling needs as well in a separate installation, however, installations of Heating and Air Condition systems or Heat Pumps in one installation will decrease costs.
FUELS
A word on Furnace fuels:
Two primary Distinctions exist. Fossil Fuel Furnaces and Electric Systems
- Fossil Fuel furnaces such as fuel oil, propane and natural gas burn the fuel to create heat which is used to heat a boiler in a radiant system or to heat air in a forced air system.
The primary benefits for fossil fuel furnaces are that they react very rapidly to demand for heat and if air conditioning is not desired, a lower cost of installation.
Fossil fuel furnaces with or without hybrid systems that include air conditioners are becoming less and less popular due to environmental concerns, higher operational costs, health and safety concerns and commodity driven pricing on the fuel.
- Electrically Driven furnaces are possible but typically customers opt for heat pumps if they plan to use electricity as a fuel source. This install cost are slightly more but heat pumps have the additional feature of, summer saving air conditioning.
The benefits that electrically driven heat pumps provide is they have a low operational cost, reduced carbon emissions, their fuel source is not commodity driven and, they do dry out the air inside the building envelope.
Heat pumps of various types have become very popular and dominate the total numbers for new heating and air conditioning installs. Read more about how Heat Pumps work
MAKES AND BRANDS
While we have our own favorite Makes or Brands that we feel are reliable, good warranties, aesthetically pleasing, and have a long life, if you have a particular Make or Brand of equipment you are in favor of, don’t hesitate to let us know. We have several contacts and suppliers and are able to get any Make of equipment you may want.
CRYSTAL AIR- AIR CONDITIONING
AIR CONDITIONING
- Heat Pumps and Central Air Conditioning systems are kindred cousins. They work off the same
principle of compressing refrigerant and "moving" heat to or from the building. The difference is
that an air conditioner only services a desire for cooling but, a heat pump provides
both heating and cooling for just a few more dollars. Heat Pumps and air conditioners are
driven by electricity and require 2 pieces of equipment to do the job. One piece of equipment,
the condenser, is placed on the exterior of the home and is tied via a refrigerant line to an
indoor blower unit integrated with a refrigerant coil. In the case of Air Conditioning only,
the refrigerant coil absorbs warm air from the house through the central air system of ducts
and "moves" it to the outside where it is released into the air. Heat pumps do the same in
summer but in winter, are able to reverse the process extracting heat from the outside air
down to 30 degrees and deliver warm refrigerant to the inside coils for heating. For temperatures
below 30 degrees, the system is equipped with back up electric heating coils to take up the
slack of diminishing efficiency in lower temperatures. Nonetheless, Heat pumps are very
efficient and cost effective when compared to fossil fuel furnaces. Operational savings
vary depending on local utility rates and fossil fuel types but, can be up to 70% less than
propane and 50% less than oil burning furnaces. Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners also do not
radically alter the humidity level in the building. Open flame furnaces often dry the air in the
home significantly and, swamp coolers can raise humidity levels to an uncomfortable point.
- Heat pumps of various types have become very popular and dominate the total numbers for new heating and air conditioning installs. Read more about how Heat Pumps and work below.
FUELS
At this time the only fuel source for Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps is electricity. Electrically Driven systems typically use refrigerant lines and a process via thermal exchange to drive either an air conditioner (cooling only) or heat pump (both heating and air conditioning) and transfer the energy to a radiant loop or an air blower and ducts.
The benefits that electrically driven air conditioners and heat pumps provide is they have a low operational cost, reduced carbon emissions, their fuel source is not commodity driven and, they do dry out the air inside the building envelope.
MAKES AND BRANDS
While we have our own favorite Makes or Brands that we feel are reliable, good warranties, aesthetically pleasing, and have a long life, if you have a particular Make or Brand of equipment you are in favor of, don’t hesitate to let us know. We have several contacts and suppliers and are able to get any Make of equipment you may want.
CRYSTAL AIR -HEAT PUMPS
HEAT PUMPS
- Heat pumps of various types have become very popular and dominate the total numbers for new heating and air conditioning installs, because it supplies the best of both worlds, heat and cooling
- Heat Pumps are driven by electricity. One piece of equipment, the condenser, is placed on the exterior of the home and is tied via a refrigerant line to an indoor blower unit integrated with a refrigerant coil.
the refrigerant coil absorbs warm air from the house through the central air system of ducts
and "moves" it to the outside where it is released into the air. Heat pumps do the same in
summer but in winter, are able to reverse the process extracting heat from the outside air
down to 30 degrees and deliver warm refrigerant to the inside coils for heating. For temperatures
below 30 degrees, the system is equipped with back up electric heating coils to take up the
slack of diminishing efficiency in lower temperatures. Nonetheless, Heat pumps are very
efficient and cost effective when compared to fossil fuel furnaces. Operational savings
vary depending on local utility rates and fossil fuel types but, can be up to 70% less than
propane and 50% less than oil burning furnaces. Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners also do not
radically alter the humidity level in the building. Open flame furnaces often dry the air in the
home significantly and, swamp coolers can raise humidity levels to an uncomfortable point.
Well-designed ductwork is essential for success in this type of installation.
FUEL
At this time the only fuel source for Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps is electricity. Electrically Driven systems typically use refrigerant lines and a process via thermal exchange to drive either an air conditioner (cooling only) or heat pump (both heating and air conditioning) and transfer the energy to a radiant loop or an air blower and ducts.
The benefits that electrically driven air conditioners and heat pumps provide is they have a low operational cost, reduced carbon emissions, their fuel source is not commodity driven and, they do dry out the air inside the building envelope.
MAKES AND BRANDS
While we have our own favorite Makes or Brands that we feel are reliable, good warranties, aesthetically pleasing, and have a long life, if you have a particular Make or Brand of equipment you are in favor of, don’t hesitate to let us know. We have several contacts and suppliers and are able to get any Make of equipment you may want.
CRYSTAL AIR- DUCTLESS SYSTEMS
DUCTLESS SYSTEMS
- Ductless or "Mini" heating and cooling systems have gained considerable popularity in resent years. Ductless systems offer a verity of types; air conditioning units only, heat pumps, residential systems or commercial all to offer you the best choice for energy efficiency, lower install costs, structure designs needs you may have and offers an innovative alternative to traditional central air delivery systems. Ductless systems operate on the same principles as heat pumps and air conditioners but are as the name implies, without a duct system. In the example of a Heat Pump Split system, an outdoor unit is still the workhorse that drives the system and delivers refrigerant to a unit inside but, the indoor equipment consists of small localized wall mounted coil unit(s) that draw air through them. Ductless systems are wonderful for conditions in which building construction does not allow for ducts to be used, for small enclosures where large systems are not economical or when the aesthetic appeal of a building design would be disrupted by ducts and air registers. This has been growing area of installation for us particularly in lofted cabins that customers are "tired of hauling wood" to feed wood stoves.
FUEL
At this time the only fuel source for Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps is electricity. Electrically Driven systems typically use refrigerant lines and a process via thermal exchange to drive either an air conditioner (cooling only) or heat pump (both heating and air conditioning) and transfer the energy to a radiant loop or an air blower.
The benefits that electrically driven air conditioners and heat pumps provide is they have a low operational cost, reduced carbon emissions, their fuel source is not commodity driven and, they do dry out the air inside the building envelope.
MAKES AND BRANDS
While we have our own favorite Makes or Brands that we feel are reliable, good warranties, aesthetically pleasing, and have a long life, if you have a particular Make or Brand of equipment you are in favor of, don’t hesitate to let us know. We have several contacts and suppliers and are able to get any Make of equipment you may want.
CRYSTAL AIR - RADIANT FLOOR HEATING
RADIANT FLOOR HEATING
- Radiant heating is an application that has been around for a long time but, for many
years decreased in implementation due to some inherent drawbacks. Of late, due to
new technologies and concepts it has seen a resurgence. In the past, we had what is
commonly known as a "boiler" that would heat water and deliver it throughout the
house via large bulky metal registers as very hot water or steam. Large amounts of
energy or fuel were consumed and the registers themselves had a distinct presence
in the home. Today, slim line baseboard registers are available but better yet are lower
temperature loops of tubing laid throughout the home in special flooring. With this type
of system, our efficiency is improved and there is no obvious presence of equipment
in our living space. Water is often heated via a a heat pump at a lower temperature
than with a boiler and continuously circulated with a low voltage pump rather than
passive recirculation. The net effect is a more even heating at reduced cost. - Another benefit for radiant heating as an option is that it can be integrated with the homes hot water heating needs.
- Up front installation cost is a consideration. The materials and labor for installing special flooring and delivery apparatus runs higher than heating with central forced air and, the system will only heat the home not cool it. Radiant floor heating costs between ten and fifteen dollars a square foot for installation.
FUEL
Radiant floor heating it probably the most flexable type of heating available and can be fueled by literally any fuel source. That means beyond randiant floors systems that are driven with oil, gas or electric, these systems can be fueled with geo-thermal, geo-exchange or solar. While installation costs are a consideration, depending on fuel source, operational cost can be very efficient.
MAKES AND BRANDS
While we have our own favorite Makes or Brands that we feel are reliable, good warranties, aesthetically pleasing, and have a long life, if you have a particular Make or Brand of equipment you are in favor of, don’t hesitate to let us know. We have several contacts and suppliers and are able to get any Make of equipment you may want.
GEO EXCHANGE SYSTEMS
GEO EXCHANGER INFORMATION
Geo Exchange (GeoThermal)
Geo Exchange is quite simply, heating and cooling utilizing the earth itself as a source of energy.
"More dependable and constant than Solar"
By going five feet down in the ground, we can tap into a consistent 55 degree thermal zone in the earth. It doesn't matter if it is sunny outside or not. Intuitively, most everyone will realize the tremendous boon and application of that temperature zone for air conditioning but, there is more than that. In order to understand the benefit for heating applications, we need to spend a little time explaining the concept of a Heat Pump.
Here's How It Works
* Any time the temperature is above -459 degrees Fahrenheit (absolute zero), there is heat in the air .
* Technically, an air conditioner does not put "cold" into a house. In actuality, it "moves" the heat inside the house to the outside air and therein, makes the home cooler.
Plugging in to Free Renewable Energy
By circulating water via tubing in the ground or a pond (known as a loop), we can tap into that constant and manageable temperature and, attach it to a unit to heat and cool a home or business. Now, instead of an air source heat pump, we have a ground source heat pump. The net effect is that for every unit of electricity we use to drive the system, we can get back up to 5 times more energy than we put in. To compare, an air source heat pump (or air conditioner for that matter) will only return us up to 200% more than we invest. The net result is an energy savings of 50% -60% or more! Click here to read the US Department of Energy analysis of GeoThermal (Geo Exchange).
Geo Exchange installations have proven to cut your utility costs by 50%-70% due to their efficiency over conventional units. Over a 30 year mortgage, that's BIG BUCKS! Geo Exchange is an additional upfront investment for installation but, even with the added installation costs, customers often see a return on investment in as little as five years.
30% Federal Tax Credit for Geo Exchange Installs
The primary cost difference is in the implementation of the "loop" or piping conduit installed in the ground or pond through which we will circulate water to pick up that ever renewable temperature stored there. The "loop" is a one type investment though. Quality manufacturers will warranty the loop conduit for 50 years and the capacity for its viability beyond that is still unknown. On the equipment side (condenser, coils etc.) the accepted estimated lifetime is 25 years (typical warranties are for 10 years) This compares with air source heat pumps and air conditioners that have a life expectancy of only 15 years . There is GOOD NEWS! though, The Federal Government offers a 30% Tax Credit for installation of GeoThermal systems.
Geo Exchange is a proven and dependable technology if installed by trained and qualified experts that can size, configure and integrate a system correctly. Expertise in knowing what type of loop and how to execute it is essential for success and a lifetime of dependable heating and cooling. That's an important point to consider when selecting a contractor for a Geo installation. Reputable contractors for conventional heating & cooling installation should know and use the correct calculations for determining the "load" for equipment that your home requires and all the current codes (read more here) but, the specialized equipment for Geo and the loop make it a unique level of craftsmanship.
GEO EXCHANGE SYSTEM TYPES
HORIZONTAL LOOP
HORIZONTAL LOOP
HORIZONTAL LOOP
- A horizontal loop tends to be the least expensive for installation but also tends to be the least used due to it's requirement of space. Trenches are dug at a depth of 5 feet in a closed ccircuit or series of circuits and, a loop of supply and return polyethylene (pde) tubing is laid throughout the trenches. A good rule of thumb for the space requirements to install a horizontal loop is 6,000 square feet per "ton" of heating and cooling requirement. The average U.S. home will require between 2.5 and 5 ton of capacity or, between 15,000 and 30,000 square feet of unobstructed and flat land space for implementation.
VERTICAL LOOP
HORIZONTAL LOOP
HORIZONTAL LOOP
- Vertical Loops tend to be the most common loops, especially in urban settings where space is limited. Vertical loops have two sub categories, short bore and long bore. Short bore loops are very economical and are comparable to horizontal loop costs. Short bores are drilled in a radial pattern to a depth of 20 feet each and tied together with a trenched manifold again, at a depth of 5 feet. Long bores are for very tight spaces and can be drilled to a depth of 300 feet. In both long bore and short bore configurations, closed polyethylene supply and return lines are inserted and holes ar backfilled with bentonite clay for a good cohesive thermal bond to the ground. Trench lines from the vertical bore field are also dug to the house to connect the loops to the unit inside the home. Even in the case of more costly long bore vertical loops, home owners can frequently see a reduced utility cost return on investment in as little as 6 years.
HORIZONTAL LOOP
HORIZONTAL LOOP
HORIZONTAL LOOP
- Typically the least common type of loop for obvious reasons, pond loops are very economical and very efficient. Two general approaches are often used. One would be to lay and afix a coil of polyethylene supply and return tubing to the bottom of the pond. The other approach uses a metal "radiator" unit that can be affixed underneath a dock or pier. Again, 5 foot deep trenches are dug from the pond loop to a the home or building. The cost efficiency of pond loops is due to their relative ease of installation and in part due to the fact that they are in direct contact with the excellent thermal conductivity of water. Details for the size requirement of a pond loop are more complex than can be explained here but, as a guiding minimum measure to qualify whether or not your pond is feasible for installation, a pond depth of at least 10 feet and surface area of 25,000 square feet is necessary.
OPEN LOOP
OTHER GEO BENEFITS
HORIZONTAL LOOP
- An open loops refers to directly exchanging water to the system with a water resource in the ground instead of a closed conduit circuit. Examples of this type of loop would be openly pumping water to and from a pond or a subterranean well. Due to enviromental concerns and the need for expensive lengthy impact studies, this type of loop configuration is very rare or not permissible.
OTHER GEO BENEFITS
OTHER GEO BENEFITS
OTHER GEO BENEFITS
- Wherever you have a need or desire for heating or cooling, Geo Exchange works. In addtion to heating and cooling needs, a Geo Exchange system can be configured to support all your hot water needs, a pool heater, wine rooms, walk in coolers, de-icing of your driveway and more!
MAKES AND BRANDS
OTHER GEO BENEFITS
OTHER GEO BENEFITS
While we have our own favorite Makes or Brands that we feel are reliable, good warranties, aesthetically pleasing, and have a long life, if you have a particular Make or Brand of equipment you are in favor of, don’t hesitate to let us know. We have several contacts and suppliers and are able to get any Make of equipment you may want.
CRYSTAL AIR-VENTILATION, FILTRATION AND AIR QUALITY
AIR QUALITY
As we build homes with better insulation and tighter seals against leakage (known as fenestration) we must take measures in light of these improvements in efficiency to ensure the quality of the air inside a building (known as an "envelope")
When we keep the warm or cool air in a building from passing between the inside enviroment and the outdoor enviroment, we can begin to experience some unwanted and even unhealthy conditions. Odors, pet dander and even toxic gasses such as carbon dioxide, formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOC's) from cleaners and chemicals can become problematic..
So, we have become very efficient at sealing a building to keep in the temperature conditions that we desire but, now we are forced to actualy bring air in from the outside and/or filter it in order to be safe. It is an apparent irony that our efforts to be energy concious might yield a health risk. Fortunately, there are solutions to remedy this dual purpose and need.
The answer to this call is to provide sufficient filtration to a building envelope as part of it's heating and cooling system (central air system and ducts) and, allow for some exchange of fresh air between outdoors and indoors without loosing the heating or cooling inside that we worked so hard to achieve.
Before you read on, we recomend that you take some time to read up on the current California Code Requirements that impact heating, cooling, and ventilation on our page for current codes here. Understanding them better will help you to have a better scope on what has been established as minimum criteria for indoor health safety.
FILTRATION
In this context, we are speaking primarily about aspects of filtering the air in the home to a greater degree than what can be provide by the typical "unit filter" that we are all familiar with and is installed in a central air register grill. This type of filter is primarily for the purpose of filtering particles in order to mechanically protect your heating or cooling system and provides little in terms of screening for odors, dander, molds and allergens. For information on "unit filters, what to choose and how often to change, please visit the Crystal Air page for Maintenance here.
"What's best for me?"
The level of filtration for you truly depends on your desires and health concerns. Crystal Air has access to any filtration unit that you may want but, we find that customer's needs and budget are satisfied between one of two units that most of our customers select from. If you are generally looking to reduce odors, improve the freshness of indoor air or screen for pet dander, we recommend the Respicaire "in grill" unit below. If you have more serious health concerns for filtering bacteria, molds or suffer from an asthamatic condition then, we invite you to read more on the Aprilaire 5000 unit as an addition to your central air system.
VENTILATION
Give customers a reason to do business with you.
Designing and installing a system for the exchange of fresh air to and from a building enclosure can be a simple task if we are not concerned with the potential loss of heating or cooling that may result. This type of ventilation is something that Crystal Air does provide services for but, we prefer to educate and provide you with a better solution.
Fresh Air Without Loosing Heating or Cooling
As stated previously, we have our work cut out for ourselves in that we have reduced the leakage of air from and into a building through better materials and techniques for insulating but, need to allow for some exchange of fresh air for the sake of health. Technology has provided us with what is known as a "Heat Recovery Ventilator" or HRV.
This unit installed into a building resolves our dual purposes by introducing fresh air exchange in a manner that recoups the inside air temperature that we have worked so hard to preserve. Many models are available but, our favorite and most recomended unit is produce by Fantech.
Current Codes for Ventilation
Today's current mandates for building enclosures have raised the bar on what energy efficiencies a home must achieve as well as requirements for fresh air ventilation. Installing a heat recovery type ventilator will aid us in meeting both requirement criteria.
CRYSTAL AIR SERVICE, REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
REPAIRS
Before you call us:
Check for any blown fuses or tripped breakers. Replace/reset as needed.
If a Propane or oil furnace, check that all valves are turned to the on position and check tank level.
Make sure thermostat switch is set to the correct mode. Example: Cooling/AC for air conditioning or Heat/Furnace for heating.
If you are on propane or oil heating and if this is the first time for heating needs this season, cycle the thermostat/system several times. Lines may have been evacuated of fuel while sitting idle over several months. To cycle the system, set thermostat to heating mode, turn thermostat to a temperature of 5 degrees over the actual room temp. Wait for the central air system to begin blowing air and allow to run for at least two minutes. If no warm air is being produced, turn the system off at the thermostat, wait until the air ceases from registers and repeat the process. You may need to do this as many as a dozen times.
Check that the blower access panel is firmly in place on the unit and making a seal on all edges.
Check air filter and replace as needed. (once a month is recomended)
If air is only moderately cool or moderately warm, check the ducting for animal damage.
Service Calls:
Crystal Air may be contacted for repair/service calls on all makes and models of heating, cooling, ventilation, and filtration equipment for commercial or residential.
Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM at
1-530-623-1000
MAINTENANCE
Like any mechanical component, maintenance is so important in extending the life of your HVAC. equipment and keep it running efficiently. Tips to keep your unit in tip top condition:
1. CHANGE OR WASH YOUR FILTERS. We can't stress this tip enough. Disposable filter are recommended to be replaced monthly.
2. Clean condensate lines annually by flushing the lines with vinegar and water.
3. Don't cover your condenser with a roof. Condenser need to be able to "breath" or circulate air around them. By building structures around the equipment it will often restrict air flow and causing your unit to have to work harder.
4. Schedule a professional cleaning and maintenance service once a year for the Indoor unit and once a year for the condenser.
Crystal Air offers maintenance service for all makes and models of heating, cooling, ventilation, and filtration equipment for commercial or residential.
Please contact Crystal Chase at 1-530-623-1000 to find out more or schedule a service.
SERVICE
Besides installing your new HVAC system, repairing work or keeping your equipment is operational specs, we also offer resale on parts and filters.
Need some sheetmetal work? We have a full sheetmetal shop and can build to your order.
Stop by and see us at
1716 Main Street
Weaverville, CA
or
Call at 1-530-623-1000