SOLAR

There are 2 basic types: Solar Thermal (heating) & Photovoltaic (electrical).

Solar Thermal:
Also called active solar systems, convert solar (sun) radiation into heat. Solar thermal systems rely on pumps to transfer heat from solar collectors to storage or its intended use. (Solar thermal is traditionally / commonly used to supplement pool heating and domestic hot water heating). Unglazed metal and plastic flat plate solar collectors are usually used for residential pool heating. Glazed flat plate and vacuum tube collectors are normally used for domestic hot water and space heating/cooling requirements. Most solar thermal systems are used as supplemental heat (where a backup system is used) to ensure you will not run out of hot water. Typically solar heated water is stored in an insulated tank either as the hot water source or as preheated water for an existing hot water tank. Solar collectors should face south with an angle of 18 to 50 degrees. Collectors can be mounted on roofs or mounted independently from the home.

If an addition, renovation or new home construction is considered, be sure to “rough in” and be “solar ready” if the system can’t be installed immediately.

Photovoltaic: Sunlight is converted into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells (also called solar cells) usually made of silicone semiconductors. The cells have no moving parts, no liquids or corrosive chemicals making them very environmentally friendly and safe to use.

Currently PV panels convert only 12 to 15% of the sun’s energy into electricity. However laboratory testing is reaching 30% (solar thermal heaters convert up to 60% of the sun’s energy into heat). PV panels are not suitable for water heating  or heating appliances.

PV produces direct current (DC) electricity (same as batteries). Household appliances use 120v. Alternating current (AC) therefore DC to AC inverters are used to convert the electrical current. Extra energy is stored in batteries for use when the collectors are not working (night time, cloudy days etc.)

INDOOR AIR QUALITY (I.A.Q.)

HRV:
Heat Recovery Ventilator is an air exchanger exhausting stale air and bringing fresh air into a home. HRV’s use heat exchangers to heat or cool incoming fresh air recapturing 60 to 80% of conditioned air temperatures.

ERV:
Energy Recovery Ventilator - In the summer ERV’s transfer moisture from humid incoming air to the exhaust air stream. In very cold climates moisture from the indoor exhaust stream is transferred to the incoming air stream. ERV’s are NOT dehumidifiers!

Applications:
HRV’s and ERV’s (air exchangers) can be connected to existing ductwork or ducted to control moisture from bathrooms and kitchens. After going through the HRV or ERV heat exchanger the warmed or cooled air (typically) goes through the home’s air handler (e.g. furnace) or the air can be sent to various rooms (radiant heating). Stale air is exhausted after preconditioning incoming air. Most systems have filters to control contaminants entering the home. Regular maintenance is critical for proper operation! Our belief is that air exchangers are critical for whole house mechanical ventilation strategies.  

HEPA:
High Efficiency Particulate Air filters are designed to remove up to 99.97 % of airborne particles 0.3 microns in diameter. HEPA filters consist of a mat of randomly arranged fibers designed so pollutants and particles are trapped in the fibers. Why consider HEPA filters?  The filters can help reduce allergy symptoms, asthma, recurring colds and persistent coughs thus creating a healthier environment.

AIR CONDITIONING

Central Air Containing:
Air is conditioned throughout the home using a conventional air handler (typically a forced air furnace). Critical to air conditioners are the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings) The SEER rating is the BTU (British Thermal Units) of cooling output during a typical cooling (season divided by the total electric energy input in watt-hours during the same period). As a rule of thumb: the higher the rating – the more efficient. Central air conditioners use conventional house duct systems.

High Velocity Air Conditioning:
Can be located in attics, basement, and crawlspaces – anywhere a conventional system can be located. High velocity systems use small ducts (typically rigid PVC piping) allowing for better – leak free- air flow control. The systems are typically quieter than conventional systems.

Ductless Air Conditioning:
Designed as space cooling (and heating solutions); excellent for applications where central air conditioning may not be feasible. We often use ductless units for renovations, additions such as lofts, in-law suits, etc., and when an addition may force an existing cooling system to be upgraded. Ductless units are similar in concept to central air conditioning - where a condenser is located outside and a fan coil unit is located in the space. Ductless units are quiet and typically have high SEER ratings.

PLUMBING

Lagois Mechanical Inc. provides the following:

Plumbing Rough-Ins:

Fixtures: (optional)

Technical: