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.

Cold Temperatures Can Tax Your HVAC As Well As Increase Utility Costs Beyond Belief

Every winter season seems to get harsher with every passing year. This translates directly to much higher utility bills for every home owner as the thermostat dial is turned up higher and higher. Overtaxing the heating system is a common problem, especially in northern states such as Pennsylvania.

The average heat pump alone is not suited to handling extremely cold temperatures that many home owners have been experiencing. Even with auxiliary heating, a home owner can have the interior temperature drop into the 50's or 40's. Many existing homes have older furnaces, heat pumps, and boilers which may not be up to the task. Being older equipment, the efficiency of these units pale in comparison to modern day HVAC systems. Older heating equipment means requiring more tender loving care in order to have a reasonable assurance of getting through the winter season.

Quite often a home owner's solution to comfort during the cold season is to, little by little, crank up the thermostat. The problem with adjusting the thermostat for warmer and warmer temperatures without experiencing a noticeable increase in temperature may not be addressing a more serious issue. Having an experienced service company inspect the equipment is a must before a failure occurs. Upgrading to newer equipment can undoubtedly improve the efficiency and cost of heating a home, but may not be absolutely necessary.

The problem may be as simple as a faulty thermostat or a much more extensive problem. Regardless of whether the home owner's heating system is working or not, upgrading to a digital thermostat is one of the most inexpensive and wisest choices. Despite instructions being included with new thermostats, it is not as simple as one would think. Thermostats are particular to the type of HVAC system a home owner is using. Different systems include single stage or dual stage heat pumps, a furnace and so on. Call a service technician.

Even with newer construction there can be problems. Builders and contractors will sometimes install the cheapest and smallest HVAC that is available in order to save costs. Occasionally the heating and cooling equipment may be undersized for the square footage of the house. Another problem, which is probably more common, is insufficient insulation. Both of these possibilities need to be addressed before more money is thrown out of the vents. Having a company perform a home energy audit will also be of great help in determining the best course of action.

For more information and guidance about air conditioning and heating service, visit http://www.comfortzonepa.com. Comfort Zone has a great maintenance plan guide when having a professional, qualified technician service your heating and cooling system.

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