Sunday, May 5, 2013

Air Conditioning Tune-Up Checklist


Ah yes: the temperatures have turned milder and homeowners are finally able to throw open their windows and enjoy the cleansing effects of balmy breezes wafting through the house. Enjoy these precious couple of weeks, because it won't be long before summer's heat is upon us forcing us to close those windows and rely on our air conditioning again. Spring is the perfect time to take out your air conditioning tune-up checklist so that your unit will be ready to roll on the very first day you need it. Don't have a list? Here's one to help you out.


  1. Do everything you can on your end before calling in the professionals. Remove the cover from your outdoor condenser and make sure the area is clear of stored summer furniture, bagged leaves left over from fall, and other hindrances. Make sure the condenser coils themselves do not have vegetation growing into them or leaves stuck in the unit from last year. In order to function properly, your unit needs to be able to draw in air freely.

  2. Call your favorite HVAC professional early. As you can imagine, once the heat hits, heating and air conditioning technicians are swamped with service calls. The earlier you call, the better your chances of getting prompt service: plus, many such companies offer spring tune-up specials for you take advantage of that won't be available during the busy summer season.
  3. When the technician arrives, be sure you are getting a complete spring tune-up and not merely a quick check. The services he provides should include:
    • --Cleaning and replacing AC filters

    • --Checking and calibrating your thermostat

    • --Checking refrigerant levels

    • --Cleaning evaporator and condenser coils

    • --Oiling motors if needed

    • --Checking and servicing all electrical components
Once your technician gives your AC the thumbs-up, you should be ready to face whatever extreme heat the season sends your way. One key to remember: Be wary of seasonal fly-by-night technicians who come to your door offering low-cost "deals" on air conditioning tune-ups. Whether you need a Utah air conditioning contractor or one in Iowa, be sure to only hire an established and reputable company to make sure your money is well-spent.

Industrial Air Conditioning Units - Cheaper to Maintain Than Repair


When it comes to keeping the air cool and toxic-free in an office or industrial setting, there is more to it than going to the local hardware store and purchasing an air conditioning unit. You need something that is designed specifically for your working environment so it will function efficiently and keep all areas of your buildings cool and safe.

While there are some small offices that can use very simple, small air con units, larger commercial environments require industrial air conditioning units.

Most people do not realise how much their business depends on their air conditioning system. These systems do so much more than just keep the air cool so employees are comfortable and functional throughout the day.

For instance, did you know that without proper air con most businesses would suffer from equipment malfunctions with computers and other electronic equipment? It's true; every piece of electrical equipment in an industrial setting depends on the air system to keep the environment safe for their operations.

Understanding Industrial Air Conditioning Units

We all know that AC units are designed to pump cool air into a building to keep the temperature at a comfortable level. Yet, there is another element to the functioning of an industrial air conditioning unit. Besides delivering cold air to the building, these units are also designed to pull hot air out of the building.

Without removing the hot air from an industrial environment, it would be much harder to keep the temperature cooled to a specific setting. The AC unit would also have to work much harder which would ultimately decrease its life span.

Maintaining Your Cool Air

You have computer experts working for you. You have professional administrative assistants who can tell you everything there is to know about your computer network. You may even have a plumber in the building somewhere. Unfortunately, you probably don't have anyone who understands industrial air conditioning.

It is very important to maintain your air con system over time or it will need expensive repairs and could even break down on you at the most inopportune moment. Remember, you need your air con unit a lot more than you realise, and you wouldn't want to suffer through a single work day without it.

It's time to hire someone to come in and explain in detail what needs to be done and when, if you don't already have someone on staff who understands the system. Timing is crucial when it comes to the upkeep of an AC system, so you might want to consider hiring a service to come routinely and take care of the maintenance for you.

These professionals come in on regularly scheduled visits to carry out routine maintenance on your system and they can also help identify potential problems you could experience down the road. They will know when they see something not quite right and can help avoid future problems by fixing them while they are still minor.

When you add up the repair bills and eventually the expense of completely replacing an air conditioning unit that was neglected, you will find it to be an expensive exercise. It pays in the end to invest in regular maintenance so your system is always functional and last years longer than it would otherwise.

Modern Radiators - Air Conditioning in Style!


Most of the countries in the northern hemisphere experience cold weather more than half of the year. Radiators are installed in houses to spread thermal heat for making it more comfortable for people to live in and endure severe weather conditions. By technological advancement, we have entered the era of smart phones and smart houses. Previously people used to pray for a bit of solar heat in chilly winters but modern radiators have modified the way people think. They have become the second best way to warm up after the sun.

A Visual Treat

Building houses in such climates makes a radiator a must have. It is also important to know what kind of radiators to install. As it is not only just heating and maintaining room temperature but also for decorating the house or building. Its placement, along-side its main functionality, also brings out the authenticity of the house. With the improving technology, better radiators are being made and the old ones are being upgraded to fit in the demands more appropriately. The latest trend of making smart homes is on the cards and so, people are improving their homes in order to cope up with the changes. Thus, this makes choosing the right radiators even more important.

Technology

In comparison to the old radiators the newer ones are smaller, efficient and come with sophisticated design so that it does not have to be hidden in the corner of the room. The newer ones use less electricity and are more cost efficient. They use eco-friendly technology which makes them healthier than before. Previously, old radiators used dry air to condition the air. The air being dry used to damage hair, nails and skin, making it unhealthy for prolonged usage. A modern radiator also gives the option of regulating the heat in different rooms. Like temperature in kitchen can be lowered as boilers in kitchen emit heat or else it would be uncomfortable, bed room temperature can be raised separately too.

Maintenance

It is important to maintain radiators for effective and efficient working. As keeping them in working condition is not an easy task, an expert service personnel in this case is advisable. Problems that could occur without maintenance are as follows;-

1. Leakage in the air pipes or boilers may lead to inadequate heating and inefficient performance. The heated air may be lost through leakage and could be a concern for incapable room heating.

2. An unqualified person working on the services of a radiator may cause airlocks, leading to incomprehensive heating.

3. Corrosion in the system can cause gasses like hydrogen to enter in the system

4. During house reconstruction air may enter into the system, it is advisable not to tamper with the air vent without the observation of any expert personnel.

Conclusion

In the modern world, the radiators are quiet a style statement - they provide a beautiful back drop complementing and enhancing the interior d矇cor. However, they have evolved to efficient and enhanced controlled central heating machines, keeping the interiors warm and comfortable. Modern radiators are also available in different colours with a varied range of designs to minimalist and slim fit models.

Air Conditioning Testing


Many a home buyer bought a home without turning on the air conditioning and found out soon after buying the home there were problems with the system. While home inspectors do not perform complex calculations to determine if the size of an air conditioning is adequate you should ask the home inspector anyway. Even if your inspector does not do the math they can give you a rough idea of the size of the system and if it is big enough.

The simple way to test an air conditioning system to determine if it is functional is to wait for a 24 hour period when the exterior temperature is above 65 F degrees. Testing air conditioning units when it is much cooler out can either burn out the compressor as it tries to compress liquid refrigerant or yield a false result. If it cool out you can either require the owner to place money in escrow in case the unit does not work when you try it in the summer or you can hire an air conditioning service company to come out and test the equipment. They can connect pressure gauges to the equipment to determine if it is operational or not.

If the system is not producing a 15 to 20 degree difference between the air coming out the registers and that going back into the return the system is not functioning properly.

Contrary to what you may hear adding refrigerant to a system is not normal, it is a sign of a potentially serious leak that can be very expensive to cure

Saturday, May 4, 2013

A Guide to Trane Energy Efficiency Model Pumps


Trane heat pumps, which offer both heating and cooling all year, are manufactured under four different types of model pumps: standard, high, super and ultra. Each model pump has varying HSPF or SEER ratings and other additional features. All pumps have different limited warranty durations with optional extension offers, and come equipped with the CleanEffects system, a Trane made special air filter to remove dust and other residue in the air.

There are two units under standard efficiency, which are XB13 and XB14. Both are durable, quiet and energy efficient. Both units have a nominal sound level of 78, and have a heating efficiency rating of 8.5 HSPF. In terms of cooling efficiency, or SEER, XB14 rates 15 and exceeds minimum federal Energy Star requirements. XB13 unit on the other hand scored over 13 SEER rating. However, only the XB14 is qualified by the Energy Star and is also the only standard model that can qualify for tax credits. Limited warranty for the units includes ten years for the compressor, and five years for both coil and functional parts.

XR13, XR14 and XR15 make the line up of Trane's high efficiency pumps. XR13 and 14 have nominal sound levels of 76, while the XR15 offers 75. XR 13 offers the lowest ratings among the three with up to 8.5 HSPF and 14 SEER. XR14 has 9.0 HSPF and 15 SEER, and XR15 has 9 HSPF and 16.50 SEER. Only the XR15 qualify for an Energy Star rating.

Super efficiency pumps have two models: the XL14i and the XL15i. Both units have the same HSPF rating of 9.0, the same nominal sound level of 74. They also share the same 12 years warranty for compressors and 10 years warranty for coils and functional parts, and both have Energy Star qualification. Their only difference is in their SEER rating, where XL14i measured 15.25, while XL15i had 16.

Finally, the ultra efficient models, which include the XL16i and the XL20i, have the best ratings the product lineup has to offer. XL16i HSPF rating is up to 9.2 and SEER up to 17, while XL20i HSPF is up to 9 and SEER up to 19. The XL20i is designed with the dual compressor system while the XL16i remains single staged. Their warranties extend up to twelve years on the compressors and ten years on the coil and functional parts.

Trane heat pumps have many options to offer to suit your home comfort needs, which is why careful planning and selecting of heat pump is important to make the most out of the heat pump's benefits for your home.

The Affordability of Haier Air Conditioners


Haier air conditioners are designed for both residential and commercial uses. They are available in various models such as commercial cool portable and casement and slider. Almost all Haier air conditioning units have exhaust hose to allow you to save time and effort in removing and throwing out the water taken from the units.

Some of the useful features of Haier air conditioners are evaporative function, energy efficiency and moisture removal. Start you search for the best Haier air conditioners by reviewing several models featured at airconditioneranalysis.com.

Haier ESAD 4066 Eco Series Air Conditioner:

This air conditioner series features 6,000 BTU cooling capacity and 12 energy efficient rating. It features an ultra violet air filter to purify the air by removing the allergens, odor and pollution. It purifies the air by filtering the pollen, dust and smoke. Other standard features are environment-friendly refrigerant, digital time and temperature display, 4 fan speeds, cooling settings, auto restart option, energy saving mode, automatic swing and remote control for additional comfort and convenience.

Haier ESA 3259 Energy Star Air Conditioner:

Looking for the best energy-efficient replacement ideas that will benefit your modern home? Think no further than this unit which has Energy Star qualification, 25,000 BTU cooling capacity, 9.4 energy efficiency rating and dehumidification mode. It features a moisture removal function, contemporary design, 3 fan speeds, 3 cooling settings, remote control and all top discharge air movement pattern. This unit comes with a warranty for defective materials and workmanship. The overall dimensions are 25 and 21/32 inches deep, 18 and 21/32 inches high and 26 and 9/16 inches wide.

Haier ESA3186 Electronic Control Air Conditioner:

This Energy Star qualified air conditioner has a cooling capacity of 17,000 BTU and energy efficiency rating of 10.7. This unit is ideal for central cooling any residential setting or a large room. This versatile and stylish air conditioner with affordable prices performs multiple functions of cooling, cleaning the air and dehumidifying. Some of its remarkable features are indoor coil coated with hydrophilic resin for corrosion resistance, electrostatic air filter and 3-speed fan.

Haier ESA3159 Electronic Control Air Conditioner:

This 10.7 EER air conditioner with 14,700 BTU is best for maintaining the right temperature at your home. It dehumidifies, cool and cleans the air and is safe to use daily. Some of the salient features are dehumidification mode, electrostatic air filter, 24-hour timer, Enviro-Clean coil, slide-out chassis, remote control, 3 fan speeds, 3 cooling settings temperature display and digital time display. The overall dimensions are 25 and 3/8 inches deep by 16 and 職 inches high and 24 and 3/8 inches wide.

Haier ESA3125 Electronic Control Air Conditioner:

This 10.8 energy efficient rated air conditioner has multiple functional-cooling, dehumidifying and cleaning. The dehumidification mode helps prevent the growth of mold inside your home or office. It condenses the moisture on a cold surface, thus removing it from the air. It comes with digital time display, temperature display and thermostat. You have a wide range of cooling options as it provides 3 fan speeds and cooling settings.

Haier ESA 3089 Air Conditioner:

This air conditioner has met the strict energy efficient standards to prevent greenhouse emissions. It features 7,800 BTU cooling capacity, 10.8 energy efficient rating, light weight for easy window installation and electrostatic air filter. It measures 18.5 inches wide by 15 and 11/32 inches deep by 12 7/16 inches high.

The Internet is still the best source of Haier air conditioners because many online retailers are offering various models, tax credit, rebate and competitive prices.

Energy Efficient Air Conditioning - Combining Technology With Technique


Too often, we portray energy efficiency as something that results from purchasing one product over another. After all, if you're looking for a way to make your home more energy efficient, you'll soon encounter a bastion of advice that focuses on achieving energy efficiency by implementing energy efficient kitchen appliances, doors, windows, air conditioners etc. In some cases, this straightforward portrayal of energy-efficiency as something results from product purchases is true; if you want to use energy-efficient kitchen appliances, then you need to purchase energy efficient kitchen appliances, plain and simple. But when it comes to systematic energy-efficiency concerns like air conditioning, making your home as energy efficient as possible has more to do than with purchasing an energy efficient product. In the case of air conditioning, there are techniques that you can employ that will enhance the energy savings that begin with implementing an energy efficient air conditioning unit. Below, we list two such techniques.

Natural Ventilation

Natural ventilation relies on natural wind and what is known as the "chimney effect." Working best in cooler climates, natural ventilation is also an option in warmer places during certain parts of the year, such as southern states that experience pleasant fall temperatures for extended periods of time. The chimney effect occurs by convection when cool air enters a dwelling form the first floor or basement, absorbs heats and then rises through the rest of the dwelling to eventually exit through the highest level of windows. Natural ventilation works best in homes with cathedral ceilings and windows located near the highest points of the house. But landscaping can also have an impact on natural ventilation, with natural and manmade obstacles that prevent air from entering low-level windows decreasing its effect.

Window Fans

Window fans are one of the oldest modern methods for cooling a house. But their low energy usage combined with their ability to achieve a vacuum-like cooling effect makes them a valuable cooling element during tepid weather. In multi-level houses, you should place a window fan on the highest level and open windows on the lowest level. As with natural ventilation, window fans should not be used a replacement for an energy-efficient air conditioner, but as an occasional way of keeping your house cool on days when the temperature is cooler outside than it is inside. Using natural ventilation and window fans also offers a way to save wear on your energy efficient air conditioner. For formal ideas on how to combine natural ventilation and windows fans with energy efficient air conditioners, speaking with an air conditioning service that specializes in air conditioning repair and energy efficient heating and cooling solutions is a good idea.