On a hot day, homeowners rely on the cool air from their air conditioning system for relief from the heat. But what happens when you turn on your air conditioning system and discover it’s broken? An air conditioning system that isn’t working properly can be irritating, and unfortunately your home can become unbearably hot.
It’s also important to understand that problems with your air conditioning system can be more than just annoying, they can be costly. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling costs are the largest home energy expense, with the heating and cooling system contributing about 56% of a home’s energy use. Considering this report, it’s easy to see why early preventative maintenance and air conditioning service is a must.
Because your comfort and your pocketbook are affected by an air conditioning system in need of repair, it is important to seek professional air conditioning service when you notice any one of these seven signs.
■A reduction in cooling performance
■The air conditioner runs almost continuously, even when cooling needs are low
■Unusual or excessive noises coming from either the indoor or outdoor cooling unit
■Your air conditioning unit turns on and off frequently, or the electrical circuit breaker and fuses continually short out
■The amount of air flow coming from your air conditioning vents is decreasing
■There is water leaking from your air conditioner or ice is forming on the unit
■You air conditioner is leaking refrigerant
Small problems with your air conditioning unit are easy to ignore, but ignoring these warning signs is the last thing you should do. When you encounter any of the problems listed, it’s time to in call professional air conditioning service.
Our certified techs will inspect and repair your air conditioning, and make any recommendations for its service, And, don’t forget to sign up for yearly preventative maintenance. It’s the best way to ensure that your A/C is always there for you when you need it.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
How your Heat Pump Cools your Home
Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, and offer an energy-efficient alternative to air conditioning units. Here in Northeast Florida, we primarily use our heat pumps during the hot summer months to provide cool, dry conditions inside our homes. Let’s go over how heat pumps work as air conditioners.
Like your refrigerator, heat pumps use electricity to move heat from a cool space into a warm place. During the heating season, heat pumps move heat from the cool outdoors into your warm house; during the cooling season, a heat pump moves heat from your cool house into the warm outdoors.
Your heat pump goes through the same evaporative cycle that a traditional central air conditioning system or refrigerator does. In fact, you can think of your refrigerator as a heat pump that is always in cooling mode. When in the cooling mode, your heat pump simply reverses from the heating cycle to transfer heat from the cooler air in your home to the hot outdoors. Here are the steps in the process:
1. The compressor pumps out high-pressure, hot refrigerant vapor.
2. The vapor leaves the compressor and passes through the reversing valve.
3. It flows through the outdoor vapor line to the finned outdoor coil. Air from the outdoor fan removes heat from the refrigerant vapor. When enough heat is removed, the vapor condenses into a high-pressure liquid. The liquid temperature is slightly warmer than ambient air temperature.
4. This warm, high-pressure liquid leaves the outdoor coil, and flows through the copper refrigerant liquid line.
5. At the end of the liquid line, the refrigerant passes through a metering device, reducing its pressure and temperature.
6. As the liquid, under reduced pressure, enters the indoor coil surface, it expands and absorbs heat from the indoor air passing over the finned surface. Heat from the indoor air causes the low-pressure liquid to evaporate and cools the indoor air. The refrigerant is now a cool vapor.
7. The refrigerant vapor travels through the insulated vapor line to the reversing valve. The reversing valve directs the refrigerant into the accumulator.
8. The accumulator controls liquid refrigerant and refrigerant oil flow back to the compressor.
9. Refrigerant vapor flows through the suction line to the compressor. The cycle then repeats.
Cool air is circulated through vents and ductwork, the same as with a central air conditioning system. The difference between a heat pump and an A/C system lies mainly in the consumption of energy and efficiency of operation. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if you heat with electricity, a heat pump can reduce the amount of electricity you use by as much as 30%–40%.
Here in Florida, we rely on our heat pumps to keep us cool and provide heat in the winter. Fortunately, these systems are quiet, efficient, and low-maintenance units that provide reliable and economical cooling when the temperatures start to soar. Ask us about how you can get the best performance from your heat pump, and maximize your comfort and energy savings this summer.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website
Like your refrigerator, heat pumps use electricity to move heat from a cool space into a warm place. During the heating season, heat pumps move heat from the cool outdoors into your warm house; during the cooling season, a heat pump moves heat from your cool house into the warm outdoors.
Your heat pump goes through the same evaporative cycle that a traditional central air conditioning system or refrigerator does. In fact, you can think of your refrigerator as a heat pump that is always in cooling mode. When in the cooling mode, your heat pump simply reverses from the heating cycle to transfer heat from the cooler air in your home to the hot outdoors. Here are the steps in the process:
1. The compressor pumps out high-pressure, hot refrigerant vapor.
2. The vapor leaves the compressor and passes through the reversing valve.
3. It flows through the outdoor vapor line to the finned outdoor coil. Air from the outdoor fan removes heat from the refrigerant vapor. When enough heat is removed, the vapor condenses into a high-pressure liquid. The liquid temperature is slightly warmer than ambient air temperature.
4. This warm, high-pressure liquid leaves the outdoor coil, and flows through the copper refrigerant liquid line.
5. At the end of the liquid line, the refrigerant passes through a metering device, reducing its pressure and temperature.
6. As the liquid, under reduced pressure, enters the indoor coil surface, it expands and absorbs heat from the indoor air passing over the finned surface. Heat from the indoor air causes the low-pressure liquid to evaporate and cools the indoor air. The refrigerant is now a cool vapor.
7. The refrigerant vapor travels through the insulated vapor line to the reversing valve. The reversing valve directs the refrigerant into the accumulator.
8. The accumulator controls liquid refrigerant and refrigerant oil flow back to the compressor.
9. Refrigerant vapor flows through the suction line to the compressor. The cycle then repeats.
Cool air is circulated through vents and ductwork, the same as with a central air conditioning system. The difference between a heat pump and an A/C system lies mainly in the consumption of energy and efficiency of operation. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if you heat with electricity, a heat pump can reduce the amount of electricity you use by as much as 30%–40%.
Here in Florida, we rely on our heat pumps to keep us cool and provide heat in the winter. Fortunately, these systems are quiet, efficient, and low-maintenance units that provide reliable and economical cooling when the temperatures start to soar. Ask us about how you can get the best performance from your heat pump, and maximize your comfort and energy savings this summer.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website
Friday, January 21, 2011
How Efficient Is A Heat Pump?
Heat pumps are making a comeback—and they are not only for heating anymore. For homeowners here in Northeast Florida that means using these pumps to cool their homes more efficiently and cost-effectively. Here at Action, we believe that a properly installed and maintained heat pump is an asset to your home, whether it is used to warm or cool your home.
Often located in the backyard, heat pumps transfer heat from a cool temperature source to one with a warmer temperature. Unlike a typical air conditioning system, heat pumps also provide heat. Studies show that today’s heat pumps are nearly twice as efficient as those manufactured 30 years ago. This increased efficiency is the result of scientific and technical improvements, including:
■More exact mastery of the refrigerant run out to the indoor coil;
■More effective variable speed blowers;
■Enhanced spiral and dual-speed compressor designs and electric motors; and
■Rigid copper tubing.
A heat pump’s effectiveness depends—in large part—on the type of pump you are using. Air-source heat pumps can put out up to three times the amount of “heat” energy than the “electrical” energy it uses. Even though these heat pumps work in most climates, they do not perform optimally in sub-zero conditions for any length of time. Here in hot, humid Northeast Florida, they are an ideal solution.
Heat pumps featuring a variable-speed blower are known to use less power and offer a more comfortable environment. They also are not as noisy and distribute heat more consistently with little temperature variation.
To maximize efficiency, homeowners should learn how to regulate the pump’s thermostat. Excessively high temperatures reduce the benefits and lower temperatures may put stress on the equipment.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website
Often located in the backyard, heat pumps transfer heat from a cool temperature source to one with a warmer temperature. Unlike a typical air conditioning system, heat pumps also provide heat. Studies show that today’s heat pumps are nearly twice as efficient as those manufactured 30 years ago. This increased efficiency is the result of scientific and technical improvements, including:
■More exact mastery of the refrigerant run out to the indoor coil;
■More effective variable speed blowers;
■Enhanced spiral and dual-speed compressor designs and electric motors; and
■Rigid copper tubing.
A heat pump’s effectiveness depends—in large part—on the type of pump you are using. Air-source heat pumps can put out up to three times the amount of “heat” energy than the “electrical” energy it uses. Even though these heat pumps work in most climates, they do not perform optimally in sub-zero conditions for any length of time. Here in hot, humid Northeast Florida, they are an ideal solution.
Heat pumps featuring a variable-speed blower are known to use less power and offer a more comfortable environment. They also are not as noisy and distribute heat more consistently with little temperature variation.
To maximize efficiency, homeowners should learn how to regulate the pump’s thermostat. Excessively high temperatures reduce the benefits and lower temperatures may put stress on the equipment.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website
Thursday, January 20, 2011
How Bad Is The Air In Your Home?
Indoor air quality is not something most people worry about on a daily basis. However, there can be serious consequences to poor indoor air quality. Dirty air often contains toxins and mold spores that can lead to allergy symptoms and even illness in some cases. We highly recommend taking certain steps to maintaining quality indoor air.
One of the easiest ways to keep your indoor air quality high is to replace the filter on your home heating or cooling system frequently. If you have not changed the filter in the last six months, chances are the air in your home is becoming laden with dust and mold spores. We recommend having the filter replaced at least twice per year. If you have pets, you may need to change the filter even more frequently as dander and hair build up in the system.
Another way that homeowners can keep their air clean is by cleaning the evaporator coils of interior and exterior systems. This is a job that may require some professional assistance and should be done every 2 to 3 years. Also, watch for any ice buildup on the coils. This is a sign of serious malfunction and you should contact a professional immediately if you spot this.
Another common cause of low indoor air quality is an obstructed condenser. The condenser pulls air in around it to allow for heat transfer, and if objects are blocking it, air flow may be restricted. Keep any vegetation away from the condenser to avoid obstruction.
A lack of regular maintenance of your air conditioning and heating systems can easily lead to dirty air. If you haven’t performed these tasks in awhile, be sure to get started as soon as possible. For more information, go to HERE.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website
One of the easiest ways to keep your indoor air quality high is to replace the filter on your home heating or cooling system frequently. If you have not changed the filter in the last six months, chances are the air in your home is becoming laden with dust and mold spores. We recommend having the filter replaced at least twice per year. If you have pets, you may need to change the filter even more frequently as dander and hair build up in the system.
Another way that homeowners can keep their air clean is by cleaning the evaporator coils of interior and exterior systems. This is a job that may require some professional assistance and should be done every 2 to 3 years. Also, watch for any ice buildup on the coils. This is a sign of serious malfunction and you should contact a professional immediately if you spot this.
Another common cause of low indoor air quality is an obstructed condenser. The condenser pulls air in around it to allow for heat transfer, and if objects are blocking it, air flow may be restricted. Keep any vegetation away from the condenser to avoid obstruction.
A lack of regular maintenance of your air conditioning and heating systems can easily lead to dirty air. If you haven’t performed these tasks in awhile, be sure to get started as soon as possible. For more information, go to HERE.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Losing Energy Because Of Leaky Ducts?
You may have the most energy efficient heating and cooling equipment available, but you will still waste money if that heated or cooled air is leaking out of the duct system before it reaches the rooms in your house. Your home may also be less comfortable, with some rooms never becoming cooled or heated to the desired temperature.
Proper duct sealing and insulating can help reduce the loss of cooled air and energy through leaks, rips, tears, and holes. Don’t forget to look for kinks in the ductwork, as well. Check the attic and garage first, as these places are easiest to access. If duct sealing in those areas doesn’t fix the problem, it may be time to check crawl spaces and walls. Often overlooked are the spots where the ducts connect to the vent; connections can become loose here and cooled air will be lost.
Anyone who lives in southwest Florida knows how important it is to keep the house cool in summer. If you do not have proper duct sealing, rooms can become too hot or too cold, causing you to be uncomfortable in your own home. You may already be losing up to 20 percent of the air that passes through the ducts. Those dollars add up fast, especially when you have to run your system more frequently to reach the desired room temperature. There’s no reason to spend valuable money to heat your attic or crawl spaces. Make sure your air conditioning system is as efficient as possible by checking your ducts today.
If you’re not sure what to look for when checking your duct sealing, call us and we’ll look at all the seams and connections in the ducts. Blockages and leaks may not be easy to spot with an untrained eye, but that’s why we’re here to help!
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Programmable thermostats and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our
Proper duct sealing and insulating can help reduce the loss of cooled air and energy through leaks, rips, tears, and holes. Don’t forget to look for kinks in the ductwork, as well. Check the attic and garage first, as these places are easiest to access. If duct sealing in those areas doesn’t fix the problem, it may be time to check crawl spaces and walls. Often overlooked are the spots where the ducts connect to the vent; connections can become loose here and cooled air will be lost.
Anyone who lives in southwest Florida knows how important it is to keep the house cool in summer. If you do not have proper duct sealing, rooms can become too hot or too cold, causing you to be uncomfortable in your own home. You may already be losing up to 20 percent of the air that passes through the ducts. Those dollars add up fast, especially when you have to run your system more frequently to reach the desired room temperature. There’s no reason to spend valuable money to heat your attic or crawl spaces. Make sure your air conditioning system is as efficient as possible by checking your ducts today.
If you’re not sure what to look for when checking your duct sealing, call us and we’ll look at all the seams and connections in the ducts. Blockages and leaks may not be easy to spot with an untrained eye, but that’s why we’re here to help!
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Programmable thermostats and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our
Programmable Thermostats Are One of Your Best Energy Saving Investments
Programmable thermostats can significantly save energy and affect heating and cooling costs. Throughout the year, it’s possible to save roughly 10 percent on your energy costs vs. a manual-setting model.
Options
The most basic models come with four pre-programmed settings. Here’s one example of a possible setting for temperatures in the winter:
Time Temperature
6:30 AM 75
8:00 AM 70
5:00 PM 75
10:30 PM 70
When setting a schedule for the thermostat, consider what time your family wakes up, goes to school or work, participates in activities and goes to bed. The thermostat can be changed at any time using the manual override to adjust the cooling or heat if schedules deviate from the original settings.
Installation
It’s important to remember that the location of programmable thermostats will affect performance. It should not be in direct sunlight (from a window or skylight), in the line of drafts or near doorways.
Features
Some of the more elaborate models have some really useful features, such a voice and phone activation, vacation settings, and a notice when the filter needs changed. There are also a few options for setting programmable thermostats.
1. Set each day differently.
2. Set the weekdays the same and the weekends differently.
3. Set the weekdays the same and both weekend days differently.
There are lots of choices available for the technically savvy. If you’re not a tech whiz, a heating and cooling professional can walk you through the process. Once the settings are established, you won’t have to tinker much with the thermostat. While these features are enticing, the bottom line is that a programmable thermostat will save money on heating and cooling costs. And that’s one of the best energy saving options to invest in today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Programmable thermostats and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our we
Options
The most basic models come with four pre-programmed settings. Here’s one example of a possible setting for temperatures in the winter:
Time Temperature
6:30 AM 75
8:00 AM 70
5:00 PM 75
10:30 PM 70
When setting a schedule for the thermostat, consider what time your family wakes up, goes to school or work, participates in activities and goes to bed. The thermostat can be changed at any time using the manual override to adjust the cooling or heat if schedules deviate from the original settings.
Installation
It’s important to remember that the location of programmable thermostats will affect performance. It should not be in direct sunlight (from a window or skylight), in the line of drafts or near doorways.
Features
Some of the more elaborate models have some really useful features, such a voice and phone activation, vacation settings, and a notice when the filter needs changed. There are also a few options for setting programmable thermostats.
1. Set each day differently.
2. Set the weekdays the same and the weekends differently.
3. Set the weekdays the same and both weekend days differently.
There are lots of choices available for the technically savvy. If you’re not a tech whiz, a heating and cooling professional can walk you through the process. Once the settings are established, you won’t have to tinker much with the thermostat. While these features are enticing, the bottom line is that a programmable thermostat will save money on heating and cooling costs. And that’s one of the best energy saving options to invest in today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Programmable thermostats and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our we
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