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.

Posted by WebDrafter.com, Inc. with permission.

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

Every Home is Contaminated...

The Reality of Poor Air Quality Will Make You Sick

As the outside climate reaches frigid or uncomfortably warm temperatures, many home owners and businesses rely on the heating and air conditioner system to provide a comfortable interior environment. One of the many problems with relying heavily on these HVAC systems has been experienced by allergy sufferers for decades. Even though outside air is introduced into the heating and air conditioning cycle, much of the interior air is being recirculated throughout the building which increase the chances of passing along bacteria and viruses.

A key concern that has received recent heavy attention from the media and medical professionals is that of contracting bacteria and viruses. H1N1, or swine flu, is a good example of a virus for which many medical professionals and politicians have attempted to find a solution in order to prevent it from reaching epidemic proportions.

Air quality tests, provided by many HVAC service companies, are a beneficial service. There are limitations to what these tests will detect. Certain tests are designed to only detect one hazard, such as the home owner radon tests, while air quality testing provided by a service professional tests for a variety of hazards. Most of the air quality testing will check for molds, spores, and fungus, as well as carbon monoxide, radon, and other volatile organic compounds, or V.O.C.s. Special steps are needed, however, to eliminate the threat of radon, carbon monoxide, and other V.O.C.s. Service professionals are almost always required to help handle the deadly effects of these gases and situations in order to return the home or business to a safe status. The presence of these dangerous contaminants should not be dismissed.

One of the few preventative measures the average home owner can perform themselves is to replace the existing air filter with an electrostatic air filter. These filters do cost a little more, but are recognized by professionals to be more effective at filtering the air than just a traditional mesh style filter. Getting in the habit of either regularly replacing the mesh style air filter or cleaning the electrostatic air filter is just one of many steps in the combating harmful impurities. By servicing the air filter, it will help to minimize the amount of pollen, dust, and irritants.

There are other steps, such as duct cleaning, that can be taken to improve indoor air quality. Many professional air conditioning companies offer services of this type and more. It is important to note, however, that there is no method that will 100% completely eradicate every single harmful contaminant and contagion, but with a few more proactive steps, the home owner or business can greatly reduce the effects of these troublesome elements.

For more information and guidance about air conditioning and heating installation and repair 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.

Posted by WebDrafter.com, Inc. with permission.
Article independently authored by Daniel Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone.

Air Filters - The Unsung Heroes of Air Conditioning

In order to keep a home heating and cooling system running smoothly, most professionals recommend changing air filters every months. The air filter prevents dust and particles from making their way into the air ducts and being deposited on the inner workings of the air handler. If there were no filter, then massive amounts of dust, dirt, and other irritants would accumulate causing a decrease in efficiency and greatly shortening the life span of the HVAC equipment.

Not changing the filter periodically results in a slow build up of dust in the ducts. This build up reduces the airflow throughout the home and increases allergens being blown into the interior of the home. Allergens in the air cause respiratory problems and sometimes eye and skin irritation. Some air filters are specifically designed to remove more allergens and provided better air quality for allergy sufferers.

Other considerations for filters are size and type. The size should fit well, and most sizes are commercially available. Types to choose from include pleated, electrostatic, and HEPA. Pleated filters are inexpensive and may be manufactured from charcoal to help with odor control. Pleated types are typically disposable. Electrostatic types usually have a lifetime guarantee, but require the homeowner to periodically clean the filter to provide maximum efficiency. HEPA filters are designed to reduce allergens by up to 97 percent and may be a good choice for allergy prone individuals. Using a combination of pleated and electrostatic filters is quite possible and recommended by many professionals.

Most HVAC systems use multiple user replaceable filters. One filter is always placed at the air return which is located at the air intake or return vent. This filter is almost always easily changed out by the homeowner. The other filter, if present, is usually found behind a panel at or in the air handler itself. This filter can be easily accessed if the air handler is located at ground level inside a garage or utility room. Often times, air handlers are installed in an attic recess above the garage. This last location can prove to be a hassle, but the good news is this particular filter need not be changed every month as the air filter at the return.

To ensure the best air quality possible, hiring a professional HVAC service technician to clean the ducts and remove all of the dust bunnies and fur will not only benefit the health of the family, but allow the air conditioning and heating system to last longer. Clean ducts will also reduce or eliminate the possibility of a fire hazard that dirty ducts can cause.

Consulting a professional to determine the proper type of filter for the home is always a good idea. A qualified heating and air company will guide the homeowner to the proper brand, style and size, as well as inspect the air ducts for cleanliness. By beginning with clean air ducts, the unit will run more efficiently and the filter will be able to work as well as possible.

For more information and guidance about air conditioning and heating installation and repair 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.

Air Ducts of HVAC Systems

The Nightmares of Allergy Sufferers and People With Asthma and COPD

Every year more and more people are trying to improve the quality of life by eating healthier, exercising, and limiting smoking and drinking. The expectation is that this will their health to improve and increase the longevity of their life. While it is true all of these changes can only benefit individuals, there are hidden environmental factors which most people are not even aware. What about breathing better? Poor air quality is probably the number one reason for the increase in allergies and respiratory ailments, such as Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulminary Disease, or COPD, which are on the rise. Not the air quality outside, but the air quality inside.

The average human being spends at least 16 hours per day indoors due to sleeping and working and another 1.5 hours commuting according to a research study conducted by the University of Southern California. This constant confinement breathing the same stagnant air creates a hazardous climate. What is worse is the condition in which most HVAC systems and ducts are kept.

Even after a couple of years in a recent constructed building, the air ducts can be rife with allergens, dirt, dust, and contaminants. The air conditioning and heat cycles just serve to recirculate much of this hazardous material and inject it into the air being inhaled. While it is true that air filters do help in reducing some of these pollutants, most continue to be minimally effective.

Electrostatic air filters are perhaps the most advantageous and expensive to use in the goal of eliminating breathable indoor pollutants and allergens, but the best solution involves a combination of tasks. Duct cleaning is almost unheard of in a large majority of family homes. Most home owners or renters never think about calling an HVAC company to service the duct work throughout the home, just as they forget about cleaning the coils under the fridge or flushing out the water heater periodically.

Regular duct cleaning should not be viewed as an expense, but a required maintenance just as a vehicle needs oil changes. Most home owners would be amazed and disgusted with the amount of crud, lint, and furry dust bunnies which reside in the ducts. Some of this can easily be viewed by taking a solid look into a few of the air registers. Should a family have pets, what they will find is even worse.

When a family rids the ducts of foreign hazardous crud, the family will benefit in ways not before realized. The home will be cleaner. The home will smell cleaner. Every family member will breathe easier and enjoy better health. After all, it is much easier and cheaper to maintain a loved one's health, rather than pay costly medical bills to restore a loved one's health.

For more information and guidance about heating, ventilation, air conditioning and water heaters, visit http://www.comfortzonepa.com.

Save Money on Expensive Repairs

Air Conditioning and Heating Equipment can be Easily Maintained.

Relatively few homeowners understand how a home's HVAC system operates. It's mystical abilities to cool the home or heat the home is always ignored until the worst possible moment when the on switch is flicked and the roaring sound of rushing air is never heard. The next thoughts inevitably come around to "How much is this going to cost to fix?" and "I can't afford to pay a repair bill now!"

Repair bills can be expensive and often are, but there are much less expensive alternatives. Performing routine home maintenance also should include the air conditioner and heating system. Most individuals do not possess anemometers, capacitance meters, vacuum gauges, etc. which are necessary to test and maintain air conditioning and heating systems. Most people don't know how to use these tools, much less ever hearing of them. The maintenance which can save the homeowner money does not require any specialized tools or knowledge.

A few basics which don't require any expensive purchases are monthly replacements of the air filters and a visible inspection of the outside condensing unit. The reason these two maintenance tasks are so crucial is that it prevents the HVAC system from working harder than it needs to and any damage or problem with the outside unit, which is almost always exposed to the harsh elements, is often apparent even to the untrained lay person.

Another common problem with outside units is that the cooling fins which are exposed to debris and rocks thrown from lawn mowers, can become bent and mashed together. A simple inexpensive fix for this is to purchase and use a fin comb. The purpose of the fins are to provide more surface area from which heat will dissipate. Should the fins become bent and crushed together, the free movement of air is substantially restricted which will cause the system to work harder and less efficiently.

Many professional air conditioning companies offer service contracts which provide routine inspections and adjustments of the equipment and recharging of the coolant level. While this next alternative does increase in cost, it will guarantee that the home's HVAC system is always working at maximum potential and efficiency. The huge benefit of this method is that many major problems can be foreseen and corrected before becoming major problems which translate to major cost. Besides preventing costly repairs or replacement of equipment, it also means that any equipment down time will be kept to a minimum which translates to maximum comfort.

Those individuals which would benefit the most from service contracts would be the elderly and the young. These two demographics are at greater risk for being detrimentally affected by the heat and extreme colder temperatures, such as found in Minnesota or other northern states.

For more information and guidance about Heating and Cooling, visit http://www.comfortzonepa.com. Comfort Zone specializes in installation, service, and repair of a wide range of heating and cooling systems and appliance repairs.

A Programmable Thermostat Enables the Homeowner to Save Money Every Month

Why has your electric or fuel been so much more expensive in the past few months than it was this time last year? Last year fuel and energy cost skyrocketed, but since has levelled off and throughout most of the country have lessened somewhat. Shouldn't this year's costs have lessened proportionately?

While the temperature has been a little warmer during the past month, it still doesn't explain the overly large bill. The biggest consumer of electricity or fuel is the heating and air conditioning of a home. Next in line would be the water heater, refrigerator, and clothes dryer.

Perhaps a cause of the increase in the monthly bill is due to friends or family visiting recently. If there has not been any visitors, then look closely as personal and family habits. Has anyone changed how frequently showers are being taken? Are more meals being prepared at home on the stove? Should none of these possibilities hold any insight, the next step is looking at the HVAC equipment.

While the large majority of homeowners do not have the correct tools or knowledge and experience for testing the functionally of circuit boards, refrigerant levels, condensers, and so forth, the homeowner can tell if the compressor, or outside unit is running smoothly or rough, just by listening and looking at the unit. Depending upon the type of heating and cooling system present, a home may also have a separate air handler in the attic or basement.

While most of an HVAC system can be quite expensive to repair or replace, the most inexpensive unit to have tested or replaced is the thermostat or humidistat. Most of the thermostats available on the market are digital in nature. Many of these are programmable which, if programmed properly, can actually allow a homeowner's energy costs to decrease slightly every month.

Many HVAC service companies use the identical models found in the larger brick and mortar hardware store. This doesn't mean that a homeowner is able to run out to the big orange home improvement store and pick out any thermostat. Thermostats need to be paired properly with the type of HVAC system the homeowner uses.

Wiring diagrams are included with each thermostat, however, these diagrams are never all inclusive of all types of wiring schematics. Many times after following the wiring directions, one wire will be left without a connection being made. Many thermostats have more than one of the same colored wire that went to two different connections on the old thermostat, but not the new one. It can be exceptionally frustrating and confusing for a do-it-yourself type person and is just best left up to the professional service technician.

For more information and guidance about heating, ventilation, air conditioning and water heaters, visit http://www.comfortzonepa.com. Comfort Zone specializes in improving home efficiency with HVAC and other home mechanical services.