Go Green

Go Green with Quality Mechanical

Our HVAC department has been IGSHPA certified to design and install all types of residential and commercial geothermal systems, as well as the most efficient hybrid (electric/fossil fuel) systems. Our plumbing department has been educated on the latest water saving fixtures, rain water collection systems and high efficiency “green” water heaters and boilers.

Although installing “green” fixtures and equipment may come at a premium, with all the new government tax incentives, power company rebates and our dealer incentives you may find you end up with only a miniscule upfront increase which is brought back to you in a short time though utility savings. Besides nothing feels better than knowing you are doing your part to save the environment and help with our ever growing dependence on fossil fuels, all while saving yourself money.

So call Quality to help you with all your “green” energy efficient mechanical needs, and we will send out a knowledgeable representative to show you all your options and help you make the best decision for your individual needs.

Geothermal

A geothermal heat pump or geoexchange system is actually comprised of three separate systems:

• The ground loop for extracting or rejecting heat into the ground to warm or cool the building as needed.
• The heat pump itself that concentrates the heat.
• The delivery system in the form of air ducts or a radiant floor system.

A heat pump merely transfers the heat in the ground that already exists between the earth and the building. This gives the heat pump the energy efficiency advantage of using a small amount of electricity to tap into existing heat rather than warming cold air by burning fossil fuels, as is done by natural gas forced air heat.

Just a few feet below ground the temperature is about 55 degrees Fahrenheit, considerably warmer than winter temperatures in much of the U.S. Heat pumps tap into this source of warmth that is basically stored solar heat. A heat pump operates on the same basic principles as that of the ordinary refrigerator, except a refrigerator only cools, whereas a heat pump alternatively heats or cools.

In the summer, when temperatures can reach triple digits, geothermal systems take advantage of the ground acting as a heat sink. The cooling process is essentially the reverse of the heating cycle in that heat is drawn out of the building and collected in the air condenser/heat exchanger. The reversing valve allows the owner to switch between heating and cooling by changing the direction of the refrigerant flow. In the cooling cycle the refrigerant passes through the air condenser before going through the compressor.

Heat pumps are electrically powered systems, so if the electricity is generated by renewable energy source such as wind or solar, the heating/cooling could be completed without any burning of fossil fuels. Information by: http://www.matternetwork.com/

Green Plumbing

Plumbing is an area where you can reap huge savings by paying a bit more up front for water and energy efficient appliances and fixtures. Your fixtures may be serving you well at the moment, but if you’re in need of a replacement, look into these efficient alternatives for everything from water heaters to faucets.

Products with an Energy Star or EPA Water Sense sticker are always the better choice, but there are more advanced options you can go with as well. Here are some ecologically-sound alternatives to look for:

Toilets

• Low-flow, dual flush — uses considerably less water. Dual flush allows you to choose how much water is used (varies depending on the type of waste).
• Waterless urinals — hands free and odor free!

Sink and Shower

• Low-flow aerators — we can install these right on to your faucet head and reduce water flow while maintaining pressure.
• Low-flow showerheads — many options exist: there is “new” flow control technology that actually increases water pressure, and those with non-aerating spray, which save energy as the water takes less time to heat up.
• Sensor operated faucets — touch-free and water conserving.

Water Heaters

• Tankless or instantaneous — provides hot water when you want it, eliminating the energy wasted by keeping water heated in a tank. Can be used in addition to a solar heating system.
• Point-of-use — smaller heaters installed where you want hot water. Energy efficient and cost-saving.
• Hot water re-circulating pump — another way of eliminating energy and wait-time for water to heat.
• Outdoor temperature reset controls to make your boiler run more efficient depending on outdoor temperature