Enclosing A Condensing Unit

Some homeowners think it is a good idea to build a structure around their outdoor condensing unit. NOT! The condensing unit needs to breath and if there is an enclosure around it, it cannot circulate the air properly. Enclosing your outdoor condensing unit can cause problems with the function of your system and it can also cause higher electric bills.

CLOSING OFF VENTS

To save on cooling costs, is it recommended to shut the air-conditioner vents in rooms that are unused and closed?

If designed correctly, the air delivery system in your house has been sized according to the flow requirements of the unit and each room. Closing off vents can create a pressure imbalance within the system that can reduce the effectiveness of your cooling system. By closing off registers, the increased pressure within the ducts can also cause increased duct leakage, especially in a duct system that is not properly sealed. Give us a call if you think you have duct leakage.

CONDENSATE DRAIN

Residential central air conditioning systems that need to cool and dehumidify use a condenser, evaporator coil, and refrigerant piping to operate. The means of moving the air might differ (furnace, air handler, etc.), but the principal is the same for all split systems. The term "split" refers to the physical separation of the condenser and the evaporator. This is in contrast to a window or wall air conditioner in which they are "packaged" together. The refrigerant is compressed and run through a series of tubes to remove as much heat as possible, then piped to an evaporator coil as a warm liquid. Expansion of the compressed liquid causes it to cool, and as the air passes over the coil, heat is extracted. The cool liquid becomes a cool gas as it gathers heat from the air, and is drawn back to the compressor to start the procedure again. As the air passes over the evaporator coil and cools, moisture in the air condenses and drains off as condensate. Thus, water out your drain line. Make sure you see water coming from your main drain. If it is coming out of your emergency drain, then you know your main drain is clogged and should call us.

CONDENSER NOISE

Why does my Air Conditioner make so much noise when starting?

Sometime it is perfectly normal for air conditioning condensing units to make noise above normal when starting. This is due to factors similar to a car engine starting; the oil must travel before it starts to lubricate the moving parts. The other factor is that the compressor is not under pressure for the first few seconds of operating and this tends to make it louder in operation. This condition should only last for a few seconds and no more than say 10 seconds. If it is suddenly making more noise than usual or it lasts beyond a few seconds this is more than likely a symptom of another issue. You should then give us a call and schedule service.

MITSUBISHI DUCTLESS HEAT PUMPS

Do you have an enclosed area in your home that does not have central heating and cooling, but you would like it to? Well visit our site and review the information on Mitsubishi Ductless Heat Pumps. After you review the information, give our office a call and talk to the experts.

HEAT PUMPS

One of the biggest advantages of a heat pump over a standard heating ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) unit is that there's no need to install separate systems to heat and cool your home. Heat pumps also work extremely efficiently, because they simply transfer heat, rather than burn fuel to create it. This makes them a little more green than a gas-burning furnace. And they don't just heat and cool buildings. If you've ever enjoyed a hot tub or heated swimming pool, then you probably have a heat pump to thank. They work best in moderate climates, so if you don't experience extreme heat and cold in your neck of the woods, then using a heat pump instead of a furnace and air conditioner could help you save a little money each month.

INFORMATION FROM ENERGYSTAR

Earning the ENERGY STAR means products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. By choosing ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment and taking steps to optimize its performance, you can enhance the comfort of your home while saving energy. Saving energy helps you save money on utility bills and protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the fight against climate change.

Electric air-source heat pumps, often used in moderate climates, use the difference between outdoor air temperatures and indoor air temperatures to cool and heat your home.

ENERGY STAR qualified heat pumps:
have higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and energy efficiency ratio (EER) ratings, as well as a higher heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) than standard models, making them about 9% percent more efficient than standard new models and 20% more efficient then what you may have in your home.

Ask us about Energy Star qualified heat pump equipment.