Saving Energy While Heating Your Home

So you've recently had a heating system installed or a furnace repair and your home is warming up. Unfortunately, your energy bills are shooting through the roof. What's causing this? More than likely, it's warm air escaping your home through cracks in your doors or windows. By following some of the tips given in this video, you'll be able to keep your home warmer while using less energy which, ultimately, helps you spend less money.

Effective Home Heating and Cooling Tips

Not heating and cooling systems are created equal. They vary in all aspects, from competence and setup difficulty to lifespan, competence and price. If you don’t know much about heating and cooling your home, you’ll want to align with a heating and cooling company that does.

Central heating and cooling systems are amazing, but can be pretty pricey to size and install. Heating and cooling equipment can be puzzling, with the wide range of selections and variables to think about. So, when picking out an effective home heating and cooling system, consider the following:

• Your surroundings. If you are remodeling a portion of your home, it’s not difficult to replace the HVAC units, although this might not be the most cost-effective solution.
• Your finances. This is often what people consider the most. If money is a big consideration, then choose the system that will heat and cool the best, but is still within your budget.
• Your contractor. Look for a professional HVAC contractor who is knowledgeable with the system you want installed. This person should have a wide range of expertise with all different kinds of systems.

Comfort Zone offers home heating repairs in Harrisburg. Contact them today by visiting www.ComfortZonePA.com. 

The Benefits of Comfort Zone’s HVAC Preventative Maintenance Agreement

It’s important that you keep your HVAC system up to date to avoid future heating and cooling emergencies. Comfort Zone of Central Pennsylvania has a staff fully trained to make sure your system is up to date with our preventative maintenance agreement.

The benefits of this program include:

• Fewer Repairs
• Improved heating and cooling capacity
• Lower Utility Bills
• Extended Equipment Life
• 15% Discount on Repairs
• And More!

With winter coming, now is the time to take advantage of our heating inspection through this program, and this process consists of:

• Change/Clean Air Filters
• Clean Burners
• Gas Valve and Pressures
• Thermostat and Safety Controls
• And More!

Learn more about this program by visiting www.ComfortZonePA.com. 

HVAC FAQ

Here are some of the more commonly asked questions the Comfort Zone staff gets asked about our HVAC services:

What size HVAC system do I need?

It depends on the construction of your home. A one ton air conditioning unit can cool up to 800 square feet. You should have an HVAC contractor determine your home’s heating and cooling needs.

How can I increase efficiency and life?

It comes to regular maintenance, especially frequent filter cleaning and replacement. Make sure the blower is in the “on” position so air constantly moves through the home and allows better filtration. Also make sure windows that have extreme sunlight shining through have shades, drapes or shutters installed.

How often should my filters be replaced?

At least once a month to ensure optimum efficiency and filtration. Washable ones should be cleaned monthly.

What temperature should my thermostat be set at?
It depends on time of year. In summer, 78-80 degrees is the average, while 70-72 degrees in the winter is the most common.

Are systems with higher capacities better?

Not usually. A larger system with more capacity delivers less comfort and costs more to operate.

Camp Hill HVAC contractor Comfort Zone can help you with all your HVAC needs. Contact us today by visiting www.ComfortZonePA.com.  

Tips from Comfort Zone to Improve Your Air Conditioner’s Efficiency

Summer’s coming, and with energy prices higher than normal, you’ll want to make sure your air conditioner is running as efficient as possible. So, before it starts heating up in Harrisburg, remember the following tips:

1. Ensure the unit starts, operates and shuts down as it should normally.
2. When you’re not home, turn the air conditioner down. Consider installing a timer that turns off the unit when you leave and turns it back on before you get home.
3. Make sure all the moving parts are well oiled. Any unlubricated parts can cause friction, increasing energy usage.
4. Monthly changing the air filters makes the unit less efficient, thus reducing its lifespan.
5. Cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils can cause the system to run less and more efficient. A dirty coil causes the unit to operate longer, thereby increasing your electrical bill.

If you’re worried about the efficiency of your cooling unit, give Comfort Zone a call. We’d be happy to take a look at your HVAC system and tell you what can be done to lower your energy bills. Get a free air conditioning estimate by visiting www.ComfortZonePA.com.

Three Tips from Comfort Zone to Keep Your Air Conditioner Working

The one thing you don’t need to deal with on a scorching summer’s night is a problematic air conditioner. Your air conditioner has to be functional for you to be able to have a relaxed summer. Comfort Zone, the heating and cooling experts of Harrisburg PA, have the following tips to ensure you don’t need air conditioner repair this coming season:

1. Maintain your outdoor unit
   An unclean unit can become a nonworking unit. Avoid challenges by removing from your unit cottonwood and grass clippings. When dirty, the central air unit can overheat and shut off, which will reduce its life and prevent proper cooling.
2. Install clean filters
   The filter that helps keep your warm in the winter is the same as the one that will keep you cool in the summer. A dirty filter can result in higher costs, and affect cooling capabilities, which will mean more discomfort in the summertime.
3. Leave the air conditioner on at night
   Many clients ask if they should turn off their AC at night. The night air, despite being cooler, still contains humidity. If you turn off your cooling unit, all the humidity will sit there, and the air conditioner will have to work much harder to remove it. Save the appliance the effort by letting it run at night.

Enjoy the weather in comfort by contacting Comfort Zone for all your heating and cooling needs. Have a happy and safe summer!  

Your Money - Household Ways To Save Thousands

As the average home owner or renter, you have a full time job at home. You just don't realize it. And because you don't keep up on the maintenance, as you should, you're only making yourself and your loved ones suffer as victims. That may sound extreme, but the average home owner usually let's the simplest maintenance slip by unnoticed. You may say, "I'll get to it tomorrow.", but it's always tomorrow. I'm talking about basic monthly maintenance on the little things. When was the last time you cleaned your refrigerator coils? Did you cut those bushes back away from the house yet? What about the two most important and simplest tasks such as draining the sludge from your water heater and changing out your air filter in your air conditioner system? Why haven't done those tasks? They only take about 10 - 15 minutes. You might as well be throwing your wallet down on the sidewalk for someone else to pickup.

What!? That's right. By not changing your air filter once per month, your air conditioner needs to work harder. Your filter is dirty so the air conditioner needs to suck the inside air through all that dirt just so it can blow a lot of that dirt and allergens back in through your air registers. Think of the old vacuums that used bags. Would you take that old vacuum bag out in the house just to have that plume of dust and dirt fly up in your face? Your allergies don't react well to this. How much money do you spend on antihistamines and other allergy medications? This contributes to your allergies acting up even when you are inside your house.

By not following a regular filter change schedule, your air conditioner gets tired and worn out faster. This means that after years of abuse, instead of lasting 12 - 15 years, you'll be calling a service technician several years sooner. You wouldn't think that a little dirt and dust can do that, but a little adds up quickly. That's not a big concern though is it? The average hourly labor charge for a service technician in any trade will run you about $70 and up. In fact, count on at least $60 just for the technician to turn that key in his ignition and say, "Good afternoon." The cost not only can, but will be at least several hundred dollars. I'm not trying to scare you, but the truth is the truth.

What about your water heater? What sludge? Every water source pumps very small particulates of minerals and dirt into your house and goes through your water heater, even if you are on city water. Over time, these particulates can corrode the anode rod inside your water heater (which is a good thing). This "sacrificial rod" is what degrades over time instead of your water heater, and it settles as rusty sediment and dirt at the bottom of your water heater. You need to flush out this sludge from your water heater at least once per year. If you are on a well, then I would recommend flushing your water heater out at least 3 times per year and install a sediment filter on the main pipe that flows into your water heater. You will need to periodically replace the sacrificial anode rod as well; more frequently if you are on a well system, or you will find yourself replacing the water heater itself.

If you fail to perform basic preventive maintenance around the house, you won't be buying just a filter or anode rod for a few dollars. You'll be new equipment years before you need to do so. If you are unsure of how to do the maintenance, schedule a service call from a qualified technician, and observe them as they do the job properly. You will be better prepared to do it yourself the next time, and you can get your questions answered by someone who brings their experience into your home.

For more information and guidance about saving money in home repairs for water heaters, air conditioning, heat pumps, etc, visit Comfort Zone Heating and Cooling of Lewisberry, PA. Article independently authored by Dan Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone Heating & Cooling. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Your Water Heater Heats Your Water and Burns Your Money Up

With energy costs constantly on the rise and the housing market in a huge slump it is surprising to find home builders not taking steps to enhance a new home's features when it doesn't cost any extra. Basic upgrades which don't really carry an "upgrade" price tag would only facilitate a quicker sale. This would relieve some financial stress on builders from trying to carry the cost of an unsold home. Instead, homeowners are having to refit the home with new appliances in order to achieve a more efficient and economical cost of living. Perhaps the wisest and most efficient upgrade a homeowner can make is changing out their current traditional water heater for an on-demand tankless water heater.

Traditional water heaters store large quantities of hot water. For the average home the typical water heater stores 40 to 60 gallons. In order for the water to remain hot these types of water heaters need to continuously cycle on and off to maintain the preset temperature of the hot water. Even when there isn't any hot water being drawn at the faucets the water heater is still wasting the homeowners money by trying to maintain the water temperature at a consistent high level.

On-demand tankless water heaters only expend energy when the hot water faucet is opened. This type of water heater quickly and almost instantly heats the water to the preset temperature and can provide an unending supply of hot water. This means no longer would the homeowner run out of hot water for a shower while the washing machine is running or the whole family needs to take a shower one person after another.

Most on-demand tankless water heaters for the entire home utilize gas instead of electricity. There are electric tankless water heaters available, however they are designed for lower demand water usage such as at the kitchen sink. This is the limitation of electrically powered water heaters.

Depending upon the homeowners needs, one or a combination of both will pay for themselves in short order. The do-it-yourself handyman should be aware, regarding attempting to replace a water heater with a new tankless water heater, that in most locales a permit and inspection may be required for safety. Gas can be very hazardous to deal with and unless the homeowner is a professional this upgrade should not be done by a novice or amateur. A professional will be able to steer the homeowner in the right direction.

Learn more about water heaters and receive a free estimate from Comfort Zone Heating and Cooling of Lewisberry, PA. Article independently authored by Dan Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone Heating & Cooling. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Overlooked Preventative Maintenance That Will Save Time, Money, and Frustration

Now that spring is here, it's time to clean out the garage, fertilize the lawn, and do all of the other hundreds of chores that have gone forgotten this past winter. Three things that are commonly overlooked are the simplest tasks to get done ... and one of them doesn't even get done by the homeowner themselves.


Water heaters and boilers need to have the build up of sediment flushed out periodically, especially if the home is on a well system for its water supply. Nothing will shorten the life of water heaters faster than sediment build up. It's fairly simple. A simple garden hose is what is needed to hook up to the drain valve to flush the build up away.

The HVAC system isn't quite as simple for the everyday homeowner. The home's air conditioner and heating system should be inspected once per year, especially after a harsh winter in the Northeast. Specialized tools are required to service and test the system. If the home has central air, then the coolant level needs to be checked and possibly recharged.

This is inexpensive preventative maintenance that will save a lot of cost and discomfort in the heat of the summer. Nothing is worse than having to wait for a service technician in the summer when everyone else didn't get their HVAC system tuned up either.

A cursory visual inspection of the water pipes in the basement is a must. Any moisture around the joints should be inspected more closely. Any piping that passes through an exterior wall should be paid close attention to for expansion and contraction. Breaks in the pipe can be a common occurrence at these points.

It's amazing how often the above tasks are overlooked which only take a few minutes and the main focus is always put on the tasks that require the most time, such as window washing, dusting, and the floors. It's always gratifying if the house is presentable and clean, but if the temperature inside is unbearable or the house is flooded, who would want to spend time inside?

For more information on heating and cooling maintenance, visit Comfort Zone Heating and Cooling of Lewisberry, PA.

Article independently authored by Dan Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone Heating & Cooling. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Save Money With Solar Power

Alternative forms of energy are now the mainstream concerns of almost every public utility and private individual. As the cost of oil, coal, and electricity continue to climb rapidly overnight, more and more people are exploring other avenues of saving money through alternate forms of energy. Perhaps the most economical energy source is solar panels in the long term.

Initially, solar panels are a sizable investment, but solar power should not be looked upon as an expense. The sun is a perpetual and limitless source of energy that can actually make money for the homeowner while they inhabit the home or when selling the property. Depending on the type of solar collectors used, a household can not only produce electricity without the electric company, families can also produce hot water through solar heaters.

There are immediate benefits to be had when solar panels are used for a building's electricity needs. An immediate decrease in payments to the local electric company will be realized and in some cases the electric company can purchase surplus electricity that a families solar panels produce. The latter is the best case scenario.

Solar heaters are a useful method of heating water and air temperature for families or public venues such as schools, government buildings, or office complexes. The solar heaters collect and focus heat absorbed by the sun's rays into pipes, bricks, metal, or rocks. This heat is then moved to wherever it is required. Fans or pumps are used in active solar heaters or passive solar heaters can be used which do not rely on any pumps or fans. Active solar heaters can be powered by energy collected by solar panels thereby reducing the expense of relying on the local electric and utility companies. Local service professionals that specialize in heating and cooling may have the expertise and experience to provide guidance when deciding on solar heaters.

These methods of producing heat and electricity will have varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the region of the country that they are utilized. In southern climates from Los Angeles across the U.S. to Georgia, solar power can be the most useful. This is partly due to the fact that these southern regions receive more direct sunlight for a longer duration throughout the day and seasons. Even though northern climates that receive snow do not experience as long an exposure to sunlight, they can also receive benefits from solar panels. There are many different types of solar panels on the market and some are more effective than others. Local service providers that specialize in solar panels will be able to tell you which types yield the best results for the region they serve.

The most common placement of solar panels is on the roofs of houses and sheds. This placement has two large benefits. The first benefit is that by raising the panels further from the ground surface, a maximum of sunlight can be absorbed and converted into electricity. The second benefit is that the solar panels will greatly reduce the need to run the air conditioner. The solar panels or solar heater absorbs much of the heat that otherwise would be absorbed by the house or building thereby allowing the interior to stay cooler.

There are many federal and state programs that give tax breaks or credit for the installation of alternative energy sources. These incentives vary widely from state to state. Many utility companies have this information and some service companies can help steer an individual in the right direction to take advantage of these savings.

For more information and guidance about energy efficient heating and cooling, visit Comfort Zone Heating and Cooling of Lewisberry, PA. Article independently authored by Dan Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone Heating & Cooling. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Knock $50 Off of Your Electric Bill

In the face of rising electric rates and upcoming warmer weather, monthly electric bills can put a real damper on your spring and summer budget. Over the winter months when dust and pollen are at a minimum, cleaning your air conditioner filters can be an overlooked task. During spring time when you open your windows and air out the house, dirt, dust, pollen, and insects get into your duct work and travel to your air filter where they get trapped. Consequently, on top of several winter months of accumulation, the partially obstructed air flow through your system easily becomes completely clogged.

Now comes the warmer weather. Up to sixty percent of your summertime electric bill can be attributed to cooling your house. However, if your air filters are clogged, the machinery may run continuously, straining to lower the inside temperature. Not only does it cause undue wear and tear on your equipment, but the constant running can increase your monthly bill by up to forty percent! Give your checkbook a break and clean (or replace) the filters. You may easily save up to $50 or more each month as a result. Every bit of savings helps.

If you haven't done so recently, you may want to consider having your entire air conditioning unit serviced to replace worn parts, check refrigerant levels, and improve efficiency. Preventive maintenance costs a lot less than repairs, and you can realize significant additional savings by keeping your unit in optimal shape. Your air conditioner should keep you cool without causing you to break a sweat when the bill arrives.

Learn more about heating and cooling, and other HVAC or water heater-related items by visiting Comfort Zone Heating and Cooling of Lewisberry, PA. Article independently authored by Tom Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone Heating & Cooling. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

"No Sweat" With Heating and Cooling Costs On The Rise

Most of your electric bill is likely to be blowing in the wind, literally. Depending on the climate you live in, up to 80% of your bill may be to pay for heating and cooling costs, and often times the expenses are higher than they should be due to inefficiencies. Especially true of houses built in the 1990's and earlier, leaky windows, door jambs, vents, and ducting can result in your thermostat trying to heat or cool the outdoors.

In several states, electricity prices were capped years ago. Now, in states like Pennsylvania, the cost cap on electricity is being lifted, and people are experiencing doubling or even tripling of monthly bills. Now is the time to reevaluate the weatherization of your home. If you have a heat pump, the rated efficiency of your system makes a big difference in your monthly bill. Older units with a low energy efficiency rating, for example a 10 SEER unit, may be costing more than they're worth. Replacing them with a 13 SEER unit might drop your electric bill by a hundreds or thousands of dollars on an annual basis.

Taking the time to caulk windows, insulate hot water pipes, blanket water heaters, and inspect & seal air conditioning duct work keeps the comfortable air in, and the uncomfortable air out.. If you live in a house with multiple heating and cooling zones, it becomes even more important to monitor your home's efficiency. I live in a reasonably large house with three separate zones, for example, and one of the three heat pumps went on the fritz a few weeks ago. When the outside unit (the compressor side of the system) was replaced, the cost was about $1500. I replaced a 10 SEER unit with a 13 SEER unit, but the inside unit (the air handler & coil) was still functioning okay, so I did not replace it. The end result is a system that functions at something less than 13 SEER (efficiency) but something better than 10 SEER. The result: my electric bill dropped $212 during the coldest month of the year. My $1500 investment will pay for itself in under 8 months.

Working with tangible numbers, it became painfully evident to me that my own bills have been higher than they should have been for years, prompting me to go on a weatherization crusade throughout the house. How is your electric bill these days? Realizing the savings, isn't it time to spend less money on inefficiency, or on heating and cooling the outside? Set your Congress-approved economic stimulus check aside and make it work for you by reducing your cost of living.

Here are some examples on how to keep more of what you earn by spending a little bit now. A new water heater blanket costs about $40. If it saves you just $5 per month, it pays for itself in eight months and continues to save $60 per year thereafter. New weather seals on doors and windows can cost $25 to purchase, but may save $15 per month by improving the air-tight characteristics of your home, for a $180 per year savings. Simply cleaning out your oven or drier vents and ensuring that the vent flaps close properly can save $10 or more per month. Replacing brittle, leaky duct work tape between adjoining sections in your attic, basement, or crawl space can cost $20 but save hundreds of dollars per year by reducing leakage. Insulating or lagging hot water pipes can keep your water hotter and costs lower, too.

Most of the little fixes discussed above are cheap to do. The problem is, they take time. If you schedule the morning to get the jobs done on a Saturday or Sunday, a few dedicated hours of work can make for a better cash flow for your household. If you qualify for low-income incentives, your particular state may even sponsor a program to do the work for you at no cost. Look up the keyword "weatherization" on your favorite search engine to learn more.

Learn more about heating and cooling and how to save money by visiting Comfort Zone Heating and Cooling of Lewisberry, PA. Article independently authored by Dan Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone Heating & Cooling. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Suffering From Bad Air Quality, or Are You Just "Sick of Work"?

There's nothing worse than getting a cold or some other ailment, except when you get sick in the heat of spring and summer. Now you can add on allergies. You're already uncomfortable, but now you'll need to bundle up while the rest of your family turns down the thermostat to keep cool. Did you get sick from work or do you have a sore throat from poor air quality in your house? Well, you're a little sick because of work, but mostly sick from the poor air quality in your home. While you don't have much control about going to work and the germs and pollen you can pick up there, you can control the air quality in your house.

There are many ways to efficiently and inexpensively, in the long term, achieve good air quality and comfort within the confines of your home. The region where you live will determine what equipment will benefit you the most. The two or three pieces of equipment that will yield the best results are an electrostatic filter and an air conditioner. Air conditioners act as a whole-house dehumidifier or if you reside in an arid region then a humidifier would be better instead.

Very few homeowners have a dehumidifiers or humidifiers installed, yet most of us would benefit from their use. Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air allowing the homeowner a much more comfortable atmosphere. Drier air feels cooler, so you don't need to keep the thermostat set quite as low, thus reducing your electric bill. Humidifiers, on the other hand, add moisture to an uncomfortably dry environment. Whether the home is in the arid deserts of Nevada, high altitude places like Denver, or the sticky delta region of Louisiana, the right unit will maintain a comfortable level of humidity for all.

An inexpensive electrostatic filter can be used in almost every single air conditioning system in use today. These filters are often good for a lifetime of use with minimal maintenance. The benefits of using an electrostatic filter are numerous. These filters trap airborne particulate matter, such as bacteria, pollen, dust, and so on because of the attraction to the electro-statically charged filter material. This translates to easier breathing and less irritants that cause us all to become ill. The only maintenance needed to ensure healthy breathing is periodically remove the filter, cleaning it with a mild detergent, hosing it off thoroughly, and allowing it to dry. Afterward reinstall the filter and breathe easier. Be especially sure that the entire filter unit is dry before you reinstall it, since the filter unit generates thousands of volts to charge and attract particles that pass through it. Installing a wet filter can be hazardous or deadly.

For the office, although you may have little control over your work environment, you can find inexpensive but effective portable air purifiers. Desktop and tabletop models are available if you are fortunate enough to have your own private office. If you work within a network of cubicles, a personal air purifier worn around your neck may be the better solution to keep the air clean in your "personal space." You'll feel better and be more productive if you can breathe better.

For more information and guidance about air conditioning and air quality visit Comfort Zone Heating and Cooling of Lewisberry, PA. Article independently authored by Dan Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone Heating & Cooling. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Taxing the Furnace, Boiler or Water Heater Can Increase the Likelihood of Equipment Failure

This has been an exceptionally cold winter season setting record low temperatures and taxing almost everyone's furnace, heat pump or water heater. This is particularly true in northern regions of the U.S. such as Pennsylvania. Sub-freezing temperatures can also have a disastrous effect on water pipes and water heaters, especially if the temperature is consistently freezing or below for a moderate length of time.

As the temperature of the water drops due to harsh freezing ground conditions, the water heater needs to work harder to heat the new incoming water. Should the water source be from a well, this can also introduce dirt and heavy minerals into the water heater, thereby greatly shortening the water heaters life span. Many home owners in northern states may not have an electric or gas water heater. Some may have a furnace, often referred to as a boiler depending upon the method of transferring heat throughout the home.

Older furnaces are not as efficient as newer equipment. One simple way to determine this is if the utility bills have slowly crept higher and higher over the past few years for the same quantity of fuel. If the home owner has not kept receipts of fuel or electric bills from years past to compare, a call to the electric company or fuel supplier may be able to give the home owner a monthly summary of past energy usage. A little basic math will probably be required to determine if the actual cost has increased.

Should the temperature inside the house become colder despite adjusting the thermostat, it may mean the furnace is failing. Because many homes use a furnace for supplying heat and hot water, should the hot water from the tap seem cooler than usual, a broken furnace may indeed be the culprit. Even though at its heart, a boiler is a simple machine, there is nothing simple about replacing one.

If the home owner decides to troubleshoot themselves, the thermostat will be the cheapest place to start. Replacing the thermostat with a newer digital thermostat will be a plus, whether the old one was faulty or not. Thermostats are not universal. A particular model which works on a single stage heat pump will not work for a furnace or boiler. The wiring diagrams can also be flawed due to a variety of possible configurations a home may have.

Although it may add to the cost, there is no substitute for a qualified service technician or company. If the heating equipment has failed, there probably will not be the luxury of time for shopping around for just the perfect solution. Safety and comfort need to be the priority. With the current economic status quo, some HVAC companies may extend payment plans to their customers. Whether this is the case or not, always exercise diligence when looking for a reputable company. Ask the neighbors for recommendations. Word of mouth is still one of the best ways of advertising, especially in smaller communities.

Learn more about furnaces, boilers and water heaters by visiting Comfort Zone Heating & Cooling of Lewisberry, PA. Article independently authored by Dan Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone Heating & Cooling. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

HVAC Inspections...

Make Sure the Heat and Air Conditioning Works When the Weather Turns Ugly

While winter is in full swing throughout the northern states, most major cities, such as Harrisburg, PA or smaller cities like York, PA, are able to effectively deal with the freezing temperatures due to larger maintenance budgets. Those families and the common man without "deep pockets" will most assuredly find it a greater challenge to make ends meet. One aspect of home and equipment maintenance which can not be overlooked is the HVAC system.

Whether the home is outfitted with baseboard heating, radiant heat or the traditional furnace, the equipment should be inspected annually. Hopefully the HVAC system was inspected before the bitter cold of winter arrived on the scene. The reason for this inspection is to help ensure that the heating will be working properly to maintain a moderate comfort level.

Nothing is worse than being stuck in a snowed in house when the furnace or other heat source fails. Interior temperatures can plummet. The two demographics which are at the greatest risk of sustaining serious injury or negative effects from the bitter cold are the elderly and the very young. Every year there are multiple reports of some elderly man or woman who has expired due to hypothermia or freezing. Those individuals with pre-existing health conditions are even more susceptible.

Different sources will cite a large varying of statistics regarding deaths attributed to cold temperatures. The New York Times, in a ten year old article, reported that there are more than 700 deaths every year due to cold weather temperatures. Other reports state that number as being in the thousands.

The point of this writing is not to instill fear, but merely to point out that in many of these cases exposure to the cold can be detrimental. It is also quite possible and realistic for a home owner to prevent this condition in the first place. Most, if not all heating and air conditioning service companies, provide maintenance contracts and residential inspection services with just this in mind.

The problem is most home owners do not anticipate any heating failure. When a furnace or heat pump does break down the home owner will usually expect that a HVAC service company will be able to come out and simply and quickly repair the equipment. The problem is that every part that may be faulty can not possibly be stocked by a heating and air conditioning company. There are simply too many components and models of furnaces and other heating equipment to accommodate. Some parts may need to be ordered. In this case the home owner will need to wait. In the meantime the individual will need to have a backup emergency plan or suffer the consequences.

Learn more about HVAC services and receive a free quote by visiting Comfort Zone Heating & Cooling of Lewisberry, PA. Article independently authored by Dan Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone Heating & Cooling. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Heating and HVAC Failure...

What To Do When the Heat Fails and the Cold Weather Impinges On the Home

With the large number of home owners experiencing a diminished cash flow and financial hardship trying to find ways to save every penny should not come at the expense from the necessary home maintenance. Letting home maintenance tasks slide will actually create a greater expense in the near future. Nowhere is this truer than with heating and air conditioning.

Unless the home is located in a tropical paradise, the home owner will be running the heat starting in November. Should the home be located in a northern state such as Pennsylvania, the heat has probably been set to come on in October as the nightly temperatures can dip down to the 40 degree mark. What happens when the HVAC system is not operating properly?

Some potential problems can easily be checked by the home owner directly. The first step in troubleshooting any mechanical system is to start with the basics. Special skills are not required to check the basics. The only tools which may be necessary are a screwdriver and possibly a flashlight.

A common problem which can easily be overlooked by the home owner is to check the air filter(s). Many times there is a small access panel located on the air handler which will house an air filter in addition to the air filter which is located at the air return vent. If either of these air filters is full of dirt and dust, this can cause the HVAC system to strain unnecessarily and greatly restrict air flow throughout the ducts.

When the heat does not work at all the cause may simply be a tripped breaker if heating system is electric. With gas furnaces a pilot light may have been extinguished. It is extremely important not to attempt to re-light the pilot immediately in case there is a build up of gas.

The first step should always be to turn the shut off gas line valve and open the nearby windows in order to vent the build up of gas to the outside. Only after a suitable amount of time has passed can the gas be turned back on and the pilot light lit. Many tragic accidents and house fires can be easily avoided with just a little caution.

Many heating and air conditioning companies offer annual HVAC inspections for the home owner. It may also be a good idea to take advantage of a service program that may be offered. A routine service at regularly scheduled intervals can be helpful to keep the heating and cooling system working at peak efficiency. Many times a problem can be discovered and fixed for a few dollars before it develops into a major expense.

Receive a free quote from Comfort Zone Heating & Cooling in Lewisberry, PA.

Article independently authored by Dan Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone Heating & Cooling. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Air Conditioners & Servicing HVAC Equipment, A Brief Overview May Allow the Home Owner to Save Hundreds of Dollars

Generally speaking, there is not much variation in the design of residential air conditioning systems. The type of residential air conditioner unit most home owners are used to is an air cooled system. The basic parts of this type is comprised of three main components; a compressor, a condenser and a coil.

The compressor is basically a pump which circulates the refrigerant under pressure. The refrigerant is often and mistakenly called Freon by many laypersons. Freon is actually a trademarked brand name of refrigerants and not the name for every refrigerant. There are several types of refrigerant used today. Some, such as R-22, are being phased out or the use has already been eliminated due to the damaging environmental effects it causes. There are several other types of refrigerant which have proven to be more efficient and less damaging on the environment.

The condenser and coil are the components that do not cool the air, but actually removes the heat from the ambient air temperature. As the refrigerant is compressed, the temperature of the liquefied refrigerant increases under pressure. The byproduct of pressure is heat. By means of hundreds of metal fins, the heat from this pressurized liquid is dissipated in turn allowing the liquid to evaporate inside the sealed coolant lines at the coil.

It is then that the blower, or fan, moves warm air over the coil, which is drawing the heat from the air. As the refrigerant evaporates it absorbs the heat from the nearby air essentially lowering the temperature of the air. The air is channeled through the ductwork and out of the registers conditioning the interior of the living quarters. The air return pulls the interior air back to the blower and the process continues.

While this is an over-simplified explanation of how an air conditioner works, it can be applied to most residential units. At any one of these stages, however, a problem can develop. The cost to have a service technician come out can range from approximately 110 dollars to thousands of dollars depending upon the problem..

One of the more inexpensive services is to have a HVAC company recharge the system. A drop in refrigerant level can be due to something as simple as a loosened flare cap or a more serious predicament such as leaks. When leaks do occur, a simple leak detector can be used to discover the localized area of the leak.

Soldered joints and couplings are a common place to find leaks. Should the coil be the source of the leaks, the cost can be close to a thousand dollars or more. It is not recommended to attempt to repair the coil, but to replace it.

Leak tests are fairly inexpensive if the coolant lines are accessible. Assuming there is power reaching the equipment; it is a good idea for the technician to start at the outside unit. Frequently the problem will be located at this unit.

Visit http://www.comfortzonepa.com for information on air conditioning and heating.

Article independently authored by Daniel Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone.

Air Conditioner Maintenance - Spend More on Utilities Without Caring Properly For the HVAC System

Now that summer is almost here, almost every family or home owner will be using the air conditioner quite frequently. Even if the air conditioner is not your responsibility, but that of a landlord, it is still necessary to perform the most basic of maintenance. Basic tasks, which will help keep the outside unit and inside unit functioning normally, are easier than one might think.

There are usually two units to a central air conditioner system, the condenser, which is usually on the exterior of the home and resting on a concrete slab or platform, and the evaporator coil, which can be found in a variety of locations. The evaporator coil can usually be found in the garage, attic or inside a mechanical room or closet. It is always found after the blower motor in the plenum, which is the large metal boxed housing where the air return ductwork enters. The evaporator coil is not directly visible or usually serviceable by the home owner.

One of the most important checks to do is giving the condenser a cursory glance. If the entire unit is not readily seen, then it means it is time to cut back the shrubs and grass. The condenser's immediate surroundings must be kept free of any obstructions and overgrowth that may interfere with any movement of air. Common problems in addition to bushes and grass interfering are trash cans being set immediately next to the condenser or a wooden railing blocking the free movement of air.

It is recommended that there be a minimum of approximately 18 inches. Any less than this and the unit will need to work harder, thereby shortening the lifespan of the condenser. When the condenser works harder it also means that the cooling ability can be compromised and the utility bill will be more expensive. Clearing obstructions is just an easy way to save monthly expense.

The second thing to notice is if the cooling fins have been bent and flattened. Cooling fins, which are made from thin strips of aluminum, are easily damaged or clogged by flying debris and dirt from lawn mowers, weed trimmers and other lawn maintenance equipment. Bent cooling fins are essentially the same thing as blocking the free movement of air. Most hardware stores sell fin combs which only cost a few dollars, but can save much greater expense from service calls and equipment failure.

The last main task a home owner needs to do regularly is replacing the filter at the air intake vent. Air filters can range in cost from $2 or $3 to $30 and up. It all depends upon the type of filter purchased. The more expensive air filters are electrostatic and specialty filters. These expensive filters are often reusable by washing them clean. Usually one filter change every 30 days is adequate for the average home. However, if the family is sensitive to pollen and dust or there are several pets in the household, more frequent filter changes may be necessary. Most plenums can have a narrow removable door where another air filter may be located. This filter should not need replacing as often. Many times the air filter has been removed completely and never replaced.

Regardless of the type of HVAC system present, one thing is recommended. An annual tune up should be performed before the system is placed into heavy service during the late spring and summer months. Calling an HVAC service company can ensure that the system will be functioning properly and greatly decrease the chances of a problem going unchecked causing equipment failure.

For more information on air conditioning and HVAC maintenance please visit www.comfortzonepa.com.

Article independently authored by Daniel P. Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone PA.

Air Conditioner Not Cooling - Refrigerant Leaks Or a Ductwork Leak is Likely With an HVAC System

Now that the heat and humidity of summer is fast approaching, most home owners need to think about having the home's air conditioning serviced and inspected. Those families which have had a brand new HVAC system installed this year should not need to worry about having the a/c serviced. Most families and individuals, however, do not have a brand new air conditioner.

With the past harshness of the most recent winter season and the taxing demands most heating system were put through, many HVAC systems should at the very least have an inspection and tune-up performed by a qualified repair technician. Through normal wear and tear and exposure to the elements, outside a/c compressors can take a beating. The good news is these components from quality brands are designed to take a beating from nature.

The bad news is when the hardware itself fails, it can be very expensive to repair or replace. However, not every repair or service call will be prohibitively expensive. Some of the most inexpensive services will be to charge the unit with refrigerant or change out air filters.

It is not commonly known to the average home owner, regarding a home's air conditioning system, that the system is a closed or sealed system. Should an a/c repair repairman need to charge a system with R-22, R-410a, or other refrigerant, this most likely indicates a leak. If a home owner has noticed less and less cooling ability, then this is another indicator of a refrigerant leak. Less cooling effectiveness may also be a sign that the ductwork has had some breach, due to poorly jointed ducts branching off from the main duct or an animal has burrowed through the wall of the ductwork.

Regarding an air conditioner or heat pumps refrigerant line, should a leak exist or be suspected, almost every HVAC service company can test for leaks with a number of different methods. The easiest is usually with an electronic leak detector. There are other liquids which are applied to the refrigerant line which allow the repair technician to detect a leak. Whichever method the repair technician uses, the costs can vary greatly from one company to another.

Much like stop leak cans for automotive use, there are home a/c stop leaks available on the market, but are not recommended as a reliably good fix. It may be effective as a short-term temporary work around, until the older system can be replaced. Almost universally, every HVAC company does not recommend this as a good solution for fixing leaks. Damage is likely to occur to the air conditioning components according to much of the published information.

If the leak is found at a joint in the line or a cap at the end of the line, it is usually a simple and relatively inexpensive fix. Should the coil located in the inside unit have a leak, a large expense will probably follow. Coils with leaks should be replaced as fixing them is really not an option.

For more information on air conditioning and HVAC Maintenance visit www.comfortzonepa.com.

Article indpendently authored by Daniel Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone of Pennsylvania.

Air Conditioning and Heating - A Home HVAC System Can Be Properly Maintained With Little Expense

Very few home owners understand how a heating or cooling system work to provide a comfortable environment. Most home owners probably do not even care, until the system loses its effectiveness or fails completely. Depending upon the problem, the cost can be as little as $30 or as much as several thousand dollars. There is little an individual can do to help maintain an air conditioner system. Almost all of the possible "fixes" a home owner can perform themselves will just cost a few dollars. Theses "fixes, however, fall under maintaining rather than outright repair. The few tasks involved are filter changes, visually inspection of the outside compressor unit, and proper landscaping. Regular filter changes are one of the most important chores to perform and also one of the most inexpensive. Many times there is a second air filter at the heat pump or elsewhere in the system which is serviceable by the home owner. By routinely replacing a dirty filter with a new one, the home owner allows the HVAC system to operate without straining to pull air through a clogged filter. HEPA type filters have been standard use and fairly inexpensive per unit. Many professionals may recommend the use of a reusable electrostatic filter. These filters are washable and can last much longer than most other types of filters, thereby saving money. Visually inspecting the compressor unit on the outside of the building can indicate a potential problem. one does not necessarily need to be a HVAC technician to recognize a problem. The first attribute to examine are the fins. The fins are thin metal flat strips resembling fine ridges. The purpose of these fins are to dissipate heat, much like the radiator does in a car. Should the fins be bent or flattened, airflow through the fins is restricted which in turn will prevent proper and effective heating and cooling of a home or business. Many home improvement stores sell fin combs which are used to straightened bent fins, however, if the fins are mashed enough or show other signs of wear or damage a professional technician should be called to inspect the unit. A second visual inspection should be made regarding the placement and the way the compressor is mounted on the pad. If the unit is not in a level position, problems can occur. Should the outside unit shift, tubing connections can be damaged which may allow leakage of the refrigerant. Should this take place, the leak may or may not be noticeable immediately. Placement of this unit should be above any dips in the ground slope. If the compressor is allowed to sit in a puddle of water every time rain falls, a shortened lifespan can be expected. The last thing a home owner can do, and of major importance, is to make sure the outside compressor unit is clear of any plant overgrowth or clutter. Too many times is an air conditioner compressor unit intentionally blocked and crowded by large shrubs or fencing sections in the home owner's attempt to hide the unsightly unit. It is imperative to allow sufficient space on all sides of the HVAC unit in order for the proper and efficient operation of the outside equipment. By blocking or tightly concealing the compressor, the air flow is greatly restricted causing the HAVC system to work harder and longer. Not only will this shorten the life of the equipment, but raise the monthly utility bill. The unrestricted airflow is of prime importance. There will come a time, though, when a repair technician or HVAC company will need to be called to service a home's air conditioning and heating system. By following the few maintenance tips above, a home owner can be reasonably assured of having to call a HVAC company later rather than sooner.

For more information on service and care for your heating and cooling needs visit
http://www.comfortzonepa.com today.

Article independently authored by Daniel Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone Heating and Cooling.