How much do you know about your air conditioning system?
This summer has been HOT! How has your air conditioner been tackling the heat? Did you know that air conditioners have only been a widespread household staple with the 1960’s / 1970’s? In the grand scheme of things, that is not a lot of time at all. There may be a lot the average homeowner doesn’t know about the “box that sits outside.”
Here are some interesting facts that you may not have known about your air conditioner.
Original “air conditioners” involved ice. Modern air conditioners use refrigerant. However, we still use some terms leftover from the “ice age.” For example, a “ton” of air conditioner isn’t a measure of a unit’s size. It is actually a measurement of the heating or cooling capacity of a heat pump or air conditioner. A one ton air conditioner can melt a one ton block of ice in one hour.
Did you know that the average lifespan of an air conditioner is 16 years? It is important to know this when it comes to either repairing or replacing your older unit. If your air conditioner is nearing the 10-15 year mark, it may be a good idea to replace the unit rather than continue to make repairs.
Although air conditioners and heat pumps may seem completely different if you just hear the names, they actually have a lot of similarities. Both heat pumps and air conditioners use the same process to cool a home, but a heat pump is able to reverse the process to provide heat for your home on colder days.
Air conditioning is important for the medical profession. The ability to control the environment has helped thinkers develop medicines, perform operations and more! That’s not to mention that air conditioned indoor environments can help prevent death from the heat during brutally hot summers.
It’s a wide misconception that school summer vacations were created mainly for the purpose to cater to farm life. While this may have had an impact, the main factor that led to summer vacation was the heat! Since school buildings didn’t have air conditioning, it was deemed too hot to learn. Lucky for school kids, and maybe unlucky for parents, the practice continued after the widespread use of air conditioning.
Want to learn more about your air conditioner? Get in touch with your local HVAC contractor.
This is part two of our air conditioning facts. You can find part one here.
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Could your home benefit from a zoning system?
We’ve been talking about airflow a lot. That’s because it is so important when it comes to efficiency and comfort. Unfortunately, it can be hard to get every single part of your home at its ideal temperature setting. This can lead to the temptation to do things like fiddle with the thermostat daily, or close vents. However, there’s an easier, whole-home solution – a zoning system.
A zoning system goes into your ductwork and is able to control the amount of air delivered to specific areas of your home. When a contractor installs a zoning system, they group your home by room or groups of rooms – each controlled by their own thermostat. This way, if you have a room that gets warmer than another, or you like it set a different temperature, just the right amount of heating or cooling power will be devoted to that area of your home. For example, if you like to sleep in a cool bedroom, you can have that room on a separate zone and set it to a cooler temperature than the rest of the house at night.
Zoning systems are a particularly good solution for homes that have multiple stories. Upper floors may become too warm at certain times during the year, while lower floors may be too cool at other points. If you put your upper story in a separate zone, you can even out the temperatures in your home.
In summary, a zoning system can…
- Decrease your utility bill spending
- Maximize home comfort through customized controls
Make sure the contractor you hire is qualified to install and service these specific systems. Are you interested in a zoning system?
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How much do you know about indoor air quality products?
If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, you’ve probably run across the acronym “IAQ.” IAQ stands for “Indoor Air Quality.” These are the components of your heating and air conditioning system that seek to improve just that – the quality of your indoor air.
The most obvious, and arguably most important part of your indoor air quality system is your furnace filter. It is your main defense against indoor air particles that can lower indoor air quality. But, there are other, less obvious, indoor air quality additions you can add to your home. Let’s take a look at them one-by-one.
Whole-Home Humidifier or Dehumidifiers
Do you know how humidity can affect home comfort? A home that has higher humidity is going to feel warmer than one at a lower humidity level. During the summer, it can be a good idea to lower the humidity level of your home to make it feel cooler and potentially lower the strain on your air conditioner.
UV Light Systems
These products can add extra protection against indoor air pollutants. But, UV light systems do more than just block pollutants – they use the UV light spectrum to eliminate bacteria and viruses from your indoor air. This keeps you and your family healthier. And, they can eliminate unpleasant odors.
Air Cleaners
Polluted indoor air has been cited for the EPA as one of the main threats to human health. Air cleaners, like a media air cleaner, block pollutants and allergens present in the air before they enter your duct system.
Temperature Control Systems
We can’t talk about indoor air quality without mentioning thermostats. Thermostats are the “central command” of your heating and cooling system. This is the component that alerts your air conditioner or gas furnace when you need heating or cooling power.
Are you having a new air conditioner installed before the start of the cooling season? Make sure you talk to your local contractor about indoor air quality system options.
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How much do you know about coils?
The weather is already heating up. Spring has already bought about some uncharacteristically warm temperatures to many areas of the United States. It’s looking like it’s going to be one hot summer! Do you know if your air conditioner is ready to tackle the heat? Each component of your air conditioner must be operating properly for you to enjoy maximum efficiency and comfort. Knowing what each component does can help you understand your contractor better during a service appointment.
It’s time for another component highlight – coils. An air conditioner contains two coils – an outdoor condenser coil and an indoor evaporator coil. If either of these coils were to malfunction, your air conditioner will not be able to supply cool air for your home.
So, what are the different types of coils? Well, condenser coils are located in the outdoor portion of your air conditioner. When refrigerant is inside the condenser coil, it does just what you would think it would do – it condenses the refrigerant into a liquid. It does this by transferring heat from the refrigerant to the outdoor air. Have you ever stood next to your outdoor unit? This process is the reason the air coming out of your air conditioner is warm!
The next coil is the evaporator coil. In this indoor coil, the refrigerant evaporates from a liquid into a gas. It does this by removing heat from air that is blown across the evaporator coil. This is the part of the cooling process that results in cool air. The air that is blown across the coil is cooled and then distributed throughout your home through your ductwork.
Knowing what the different components in your air conditioner do can make it clear why scheduling preventative maintenance in the spring is so important to the health of your air conditioner. If one component isn’t working well, it affects the operation of all other components. Make sure to call a qualified local contractor today, before the start of the peak cooling season. You won’t regret it when temperature start to soar during the summer.
Are there any other components you want to learn more about?
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Have you ever heard of a compressor?
We’re coming up on the peak cooling season! Is your air conditioner ready to handle the heat? Air conditioners are complex pieces of equipment that help make our homes comfortable during the summer. And, any HVAC system that provides cooling to your home includes a compressor.
If we’re comparing your air conditioner to the human body, the compressor would be like the heart. This component helps circulate refrigerant throughout your air conditioning system. It compresses so that it reaches the right pressure and temperature for optimal heat transfer.
However, the compressor also uses the most energy out of all the components of your central cooling system. Different kinds of compressors can operate at different efficiency levels. There are two main compressor designs – scroll and rotary.
Scroll compressors contain two spiral shaped compressors – one of which stays stationary while the other rotates around it. This motion provides the necessary compression function.
Rotary compressors contain a roller that rotates off center to provide necessary compression. Ultra-high efficiency equipment has an additional component that works alongside the rotary compressor – the inverter. Units that contain an inverter can modulate between capacities. This way you are using just the right amount of energy to cool your home at any given time – saving money and increasing comfort.
Your best resource when it comes to heating and air conditioning knowledge is your local HVAC contractor. In fact, now is the time to give them a call and schedule preventative maintenance.
What other components of your HVAC system would you like to learn about?
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Do you want to know what your contractor does during spring preventative HVAC maintenance?
Spring HVAC preventative maintenance is the best thing you can do for your HVAC system…and your wallet! During the summer, your air conditioner works hard to make sure your home is at just the right temperature. On hotter days, this can make the air conditioner work harder, which translates to a higher electricity bill. In fact, heating and air conditioning equipment makes up more than HALF of your monthly utility bill spending.
Spring preventative maintenance does a couple of things for your cooling equipment.
- Helps you avoid emergency “no cool” calls during the peak cooling season.
- Helps your unit run as efficiently as possible, saving you money during the peak cooling season.
Here are a few things that go on during a spring preventative maintenance appointment.
- Contractors inspect the indoor coil for cleanliness. He will clean the coil if necessary.
- While inside, the contractor will inspect the furnace or air handler blower assembly for proper operation and cleanliness.
- Your contractor will inspect all electrical connections.
- They will check the operation of the compressor and outdoor fan motor.
- Lastly, they will check the system’s refrigerant level. Keep in mind, if the refrigerant level is low, your contractor should check for a leak, NOT just replace the refrigerant. If it is determined that there is a leak, your contractor will either fix the leak or replace the component that is leaking.
Keep in mind, there are also things you can do to help your air conditioner run as efficiently as possible during the summer, like changing your furnace filter. Under some conditions, it is advisable to change your furnace filter as frequently as once a month! Make sure you ask your local contractor for a recommendation.
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Do you know how your air conditioner cools?
Your air conditioner is arguably the most important large appliance in your home during the cooling season. You may not notice it when it is working properly, but you sure notice it when it is not working 100%. Each part of an air conditioner plays a crucial role. If one part isn’t working right, the whole system will not work right.
It’s never a good idea to attempt to fix your air conditioner yourself. However, the below definitions can help you understand what your contractor is talking about when they come to work on your heating and cooling equipment.
Compressor. Any central cooling HVAC system uses a compressor. It compresses the refrigerant in your system to get it to the correct pressure and temperature before the refrigerant moves on to the condenser coil.
Condenser Coil. One of two coils that are a part of your central cooling system. The condenser coil is located outdoors (in a split system) and is where heat is removed from the refrigerant – condensing the refrigerant into a liquid.
Evaporator Coil. This is the second of two coils that are located in your central cooling system. In a split system, the evaporator coil is located indoors and is where refrigerant absorbs heat from the air.
Linset. The linset connects your indoor and outdoor equipment (in a split system) and is responsible for circulating the refrigerant through your cooling system.
IAQ. Indoor air quality components are a crucial part of your cooling system. This category includes products that help purify the air, remove allergens, eliminate odors, etc.
Thermostat. Think of the thermostat as the “brains behind the operation.” This is where you control your comfort. A thermostat can be non-programmable, programmable, Wi-Fi compatible, etc.
Refrigerant. Arguably one of the most important components of your cooling system. Refrigerant is what facilitates the transfer of heat either into or out of the air blowing over one of the coils.
Remember, if you think something isn’t right, contact your local heating and cooling contractor. Never attempt to fix your cooling equipment yourself. In fact, now is the time to schedule spring preventative maintenance. This is the best way to avoid any potential problems that could cause a “no cool” call during the busy season.
Are there other cooling components that you want to learn more about?
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It’s never too early to start thinking about spring maintenance.
It may still be winter, but spring temperatures have already started popping up all over the country! The groundhog couldn’t have been more wrong. And, while we have spring temperatures on the brain, now is as good a time as any to start talking about spring preventative maintenance.
It is never too early to start thinking about spring preventative maintenance. Not only is it a good idea to schedule preventative maintenance to get your air conditioner or heat pump cleaned for the summer cooling season, but it can also help catch minor issues with your cooling equipment that could potentially turn into big problems down the road.
Here are some things that your contractor will do during a spring preventative maintenance appointment.
- Inspect the indoor evaporator coil for cleanliness. If dirty, they will clean the coil.
- Inspect the furnace or air handler blower assembly for proper operation and cleanliness.
- Inspect all electrical connections.
- Check the system’s refrigerant level. If the outdoor unit’s refrigerant level is low, your servicer should check for leaks. If there is a leak, they should repair the leak or replace the component – not just add more refrigerant.
- Check the operation of the compressor and outdoor fan motor.
Always make sure you research your local heating and air conditioning contractors before you hire the one for your spring maintenance appointment. For hiring advice, check out our previous tips for hiring a contractor.
Did you remember to schedule preventative maintenance last year?
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Have you noticed water pooling by your gas furnace?
Oh no! Pooling water is a big red flag when it comes to heating and cooling equipment.
All gas furnaces produce condensation. Some produce more than others. For example, high-efficiency furnaces produce more condensation due to the way they operate. To help tackle this, high-efficiency systems include piping and drain pans to collect condensation. If these components are clogged or damaged in any way, it can result in leaks and pools around your heating and air conditioning equipment.
It doesn’t matter if you have a high-efficiency gas furnace or a standard-efficiency gas furnace, extra water around your heating and air equipment is not a good thing. It can help facilitate mold growth, cause rust and damage other components!
What can you do about extra water? Well, what you shouldn’t do is attempt to fix the component yourself. DIY is great for a good many things, but that does not include work on your heating and air conditioning equipment. Drop the wrench, pick up the phone and call a local heating and air conditioning contractor.
Here are some things to keep in mind when you are searching for a good local HVAC contractor…
Never accept a quote over the phone or on the back of a business card. Make sure the technician comes out and diagnoses the problem before they tell you how much the repair is going to cost. The situation can vary from job to job. In general, there is no “one-price-fits-all” solution to HVAC.
Are they asking questions? Your home and comfort needs are unique. The only way your contractor is going to be able to know your home’s specifics is if they ask you questions.
Have a positive reputation online and from past clients. It’s hard to run from a negative reputation. If they have done quality work on past jobs, chances are they will do well on your job as well.
In an emergency situation, like a leak or “no heat” call, it may be tempting to go with the person that can come to your home the soonest or charges the least. However, you could be sacrificing quality by going with just anybody. You won’t regret taking the time to find the right company for the job.
Have you ever had an experience with water pooling around your gas furnace?
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What do you know about the other key parts of your heating and cooling system?
If you have a basic understanding of heating and air conditioning, you know about air conditioners and furnaces. Heck, you may even know about air handlers and heat pumps. But, do you know about the other equipment that helps deliver air throughout your home?
In addition to air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps and air handlers (the basics) your system also includes a thermostat, ductwork and IAQ products. All are aimed at helping you get the most comfortable, healthy home possible.
Here’s a rundown of what all of these components do for your home.
Ductwork
You may have seen these metal rectangular boxes running along the ceilings of basements in homes that have a forced air heating and air conditioning system. They come in a range of shapes and sizes, and should be sized for your home. Your ductwork is responsible for delivering heated or conditioned air throughout your home. It’s a crucial component of your air distribution system. That is why it is important to have a contractor come out and inspect your ductwork for damage. Also, it’s a good idea to get your ductwork cleaned. Not only can this help make sure that you have the best air possible delivered to your home, but it can also alert you to any unseen problems in your home (i.e. rodents or mold).
IAQ Products.
Indoor air quality products are broadly defined as any system responsible for improving your home’s air quality. These systems include air filters, dehumidifiers, whole-home humidifiers, purifiers and more! One piece of your IAQ system, your filter, should be changed regularly. This is a small task that you can do without the help of a contractor (in most cases). Filter changes can avoid disrupted airflow (resulting in poor system performance) AND ensure that you have the freshest air possible.
Thermostat
We’ll call this system “the brains behind the operation” so to speak. You are probably more familiar with this part of your central AC system than any other component. You make changes to your comfort at the thermostat – adjusting comfort settings. Thermostats come in non-programmable or programmable models. A programmable thermostat is particularly helpful when it comes to maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing utility bill spending!
If you have any questions about these particular systems, you should contact your local heating and air conditioning contractor. They will be able to sit down and talk through your different system options.
When was the last time you had your ductwork cleaned?