Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

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Atlanta HVAC Guide: Green Your Home Ideas

Monday, May 7th, 2012

Energy costs and depleted supplies force us to consider alternatives to how we lived 20 and 30 years ago. This transformation of thinking is most prevalent in our homes.  Not only are the habits of our lifestyles under consideration, but the very structure of our homes as well.  From materials to furnishings, houses are being transformed.

Remodel versus New Construction

The amount of open land available for development is less than before, so creativity is being utilized to design more compact developments, concentrating homes into multi-family structures and creating communities with shared spaces.

If you need more square footage for a growing family, staying put by increasing the footprint or adding a second story is viewed as more green than starting fresh on a new plot of ground.  In either case, careful consideration to the materials and systems used can have a significant impact on the environment.

Changing Habits and Habitats

From acoutrements to the house design itself, each decision to change an appliance or upgrade the finishes has greener impacts, no matter the choice of color.  Something so simple as converting light bulbs from incandescent to longer-lasting and more efficient compact florescents (the twisty tube ones) is becoming required in many communities and saves serious dollars in utility costs.

Hot water heaters can be combined with the boiler to share the energy.  More energy efficient glass can bring in more solar heat and light and hold it there longer.  Bamboo flooring only takes five years to grow, but can last 60, allowing our supply of trees to replenish.  Getting an energy efficient air conditioner can lower you energy bills during the summer.

Greening Your Home

Transforming the colors on our walls with odorless zero VOC  paints makes the chore fun to do yourself (instead of smelly and causing a headache), satisfying a need to feel accomplished and useful.  Composting left-over food to nourish our vegetable garden contributes to the effort of awareness far more emphatically than just flushing waste out of mind down the garbage disposal.

For information about how to make your Atlanta HVAC system more energy efficient, give Triad Mechanical a call today!

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Atlanta AC Repair Question: Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Cooling?

Monday, April 30th, 2012

Designed for one to two decades of life, air conditioners are able to run virtually trouble free with just a little maintenance annually.  If these little things like changing the air filter and cleaning the drain are not done regularly, the neglected units can really lose their ability to cool effectively.

The Basic Course

Through a process which involves the rapid evaporation and condensation of chemicals called refrigerants, air conditioners use compounds that have properties that allow them to change rapidly from gas to liquid and back again at low temperatures.

Heat is absorbed when the liquid evaporates and transforms into gas, making the space around it cooler.  Compressing it tightly together again, the heated gas condenses back into liquid with a residue of unwanted moisture that must be released and is vented usually to the outdoors.

The newly cooled air is distributed through the house by means of ductworks, pushed by fans driven by electric motors.  As the air moves along, it passes through a filter and can be further de-humidified.

Problems in the System

If the filter is clogged, movement of the cooled air is slowed to the point we might think the unit is broken.  If the condensate drain is plugged, the motor can get damaged and stop producing.  Regular maintenance performed by the home owner or as a service of  Triad Mechanical can avoid or eliminate these simple aggravations.

When the heat builds, however, and cool relief seems nowhere near the air ducts, it may be time to call an Atlanta HVAC professional to dig deeper to find the reason and suggest solutions.

Back to Cool

If not serviced regularly, the amount of refrigerant in the coils may decrease over time or the coils themselves could get clogged and impede the evaporation/condensation process.  A leak in the coils could drain the system, rendering the unit useless and wholly unproductive.

There are belts on each of the two separate fan motors which may be worn or loose, causing the fans to blow less efficiently.  The motor may need to be oiled or have a broken part that doesn’t allow it to push the air at all.

Most of the time, these fixes are relatively minor and do not threaten the life of the air conditioning unit.  Schedule an annual inspection and service from a certified Atlanta HVAC company like Triad Mechanical to take it off your list and stay cool.

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Atlanta Air Conditioning Guide: Icing Problems on Air Conditioner Cooling Coils

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

Air conditioning cooling coil icing problems can arise for a couple of reasons: either the air filter has not been properly replaced, or there is a condensing coil leak.  It is best to check and test the easiest problem first and then move on from there.

It is important to replace air conditioning filters as often as is recommended by the manufacturer.  A common result of not replacing filters frequently enough is a buildup of dust and dirt on the filter, which causes reduced air flow throughout the air conditioning unit.  With reduced air flow, the evaporator coil or cooling coil within the air handler can become blocked by ice or frost build-up.  Having cooling coil icing can significantly reduce or completely stop the amount of cool air being produced by an air conditioning unit.

Easy steps to diagnose and resolve your Atlanta air conditioning cooling coil icing problems:

Visually inspect the air conditioning cooling coils to check whether reduced air flow has been caused by cooling coil icing.  If ice or frost is found on the coils, thus blocking air-flow, call a professional who will perform these steps.

  • Turn off the air conditioning system completely to allow ice to evaporate, the unit will have to remain off until all ice is completely melted and drained away from the unit
  • Unclog the condensate drain to ensure proper drainage of melting ice
  • Replace all dirty filters on the air conditioning unit
  • Once the a/c unit is de-iced and has fresh filters, it is safe to turn the system back on, to test whether the icy build-up happens again

If after completing these steps, when the air conditioning unit is turned back on the cooling coils do not ice-up, the unit runs normally and cool air runs smoothly through the system.

If after completing these steps, when the air conditioning unit is turned back on cooling coil icing happens again, this could mean one of two things.  Either too little of the refrigerant is being released into the cooling coil due to a clogged capillary tube or a stuck thermostatic expansion valve.  Or the refrigerant charge is too low due to a refrigerant leak.  A refrigerant leak can happen at any point in the refrigerant piping system which would then need to be soldered and resealed, or it can happen in the cooling coil or condensing coil which could mean the entire coil needs to be replaced.  Fixing of refrigerant leaks should be handled by an Atlanta HVAC professional.  Contact an experienced HVAC technicians at Triad Mechanical that can identify the air conditioner cooling coil icing problem and execute the proper solution.

 

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Atlanta Air Conditioning Guide: Indoor Components

Monday, April 16th, 2012

Air conditioning is a modern convenience that we can easily take for granted as long as all the parts are working well.  In every unit, no matter the size, the basic process is one of extracting heat from the conditioned space and moving it to the outside, leaving cool air in its place.

This process easily divides into indoor and outdoor components.

Air Conditioning 101

Based on the principal of thermal energy which states that heat gravitates toward cooler temperatures, compounds known as refrigerants are moved through a closed loop system, repeatedly contracting and expanding between liquid and gas forms, alternately releasing and absorbing heat along the way.  The particular chemicals are selected for their abilities to transform from one state to the other at low temperatures.

While the refrigerant evaporates into a gaseous state within the looped system, it absorbs heat, removing the stale air from the space being conditioned and evacuating it to the outdoors. The warm air is pulled through ducts to meet with the cooling loop.

Ductwork

The cooled air is distributed through ducts or tubing and released into individual spaces.  Additional ductwork is required to remove the stale air and pull it back to be reconditioned as it passes over the loop containing the refrigerant.  The air is moved in both directions by a blower, usually electric and sized to handle the amount of air no matter the building.

Ductwork is also sized to handle appropriate volumes of air. To maintain efficiency, large trunks distribute along central lines to smaller ones reaching farther out. The return air is usually taken from common areas.

The grates are found in the walls, floors and often as part of the dropped ceiling. When combined with your Atlanta heating system, the total energy use is much more efficient.

Looped Coils

The refrigerant is enclosed in a loop where it can expand and contract to make its transformation from gas to liquid and back again.  To change into a heat-absorbing gas, it travels through the evaporating coils, an intricate series of delicate fins that meets with the ductwork to regenerate the conditioned air.

An exchange valve allows just the right amount of liquid refrigerant into the evaporator coils.  If there is too much, the tube is flooded too tightly to allow expansion of the molecules and room to attract the heat.  If too little, the process is inefficient.

Maintenance

When set up and maintained on a regular basis, the system functions with little attention and over sight. To schedule your Atlanta HVAC annual maintenance visit, give Triad Mechanical a call!

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Duluth Heating and Cooling Guide: History of Heat Pumps

Monday, April 9th, 2012

Thermal energy is the natural movement from warm temperatures to colder temperatures creating energy in the change of temperature to the mass.  A heat pump typically is a device that moves the air (or other matter) in the opposite direction from its natural flow.

A heat pump often uses an intermediate fluid called a refrigerant which absorbs heat as it vaporizes and releases the heat when it is condensed,  using an evaporator to absorb the heat (or energy) from inside an occupied space and forcing this heat to the outside through the condenser. The key component that makes a heat pump different from an air conditioner is the reversing valve which allows for the flow direction of the refrigerant to be changed, allowing the heat to be pumped in either direction.

Timeless Technology

While mechanical movement of this energy, what we can actually call a pump,  has been a relatively recent invention,  the concept of this principal of physics has been in use since ancient times. Harnessing the power of geothermal energy (produced from the heat of the earth itself), natural hot springs “pumped” warm air into cool spaces in China and Europe thousands of years ago.

By 1852, Lord Kelvin had theorized the heat pump, but it took nearly 100 years to actually build one.  In the last half century, the technological advances have made heat pumps part of our lives in many ways.

First Pump

In the 1940s a man named Robert Webber was motivated to build the first known heat pump while tinkering with his refrigerator.  Accidently burning his hand on the outlet pipes of the cooling system, he was quite painfully awakened to an idea about the transference of heat.

Recognizing the freezer was constantly producing heat to cool its interior, he connected the outlet pipe to the storage tank of his hot water heater, extended that into a flow through pipes which heated air nearby, and  then used a fan to blow the warmth into another room.

The first heat pump was a crude, but effective method to provide comfort.  Creating a full-size version soon after, Wagner could heat his entire home.

Heat and Electricity

Today, Duluth heat pumps are built in many ways and shapes to heat or cool buildings of many sizes. As technological improvements are refined during this time of climate change and dwindling fossil fuels, heat pumps promise to play an important part in our futures.

For more information about any Duluth HVAC system, give Triad Mechanical a call today!

 

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Things to Look for in an Atlanta Central Air Conditioning System

Monday, April 2nd, 2012

When it comes time to buy a new air conditioner in Atlanta, there are a lot of factors to consider. Beyond the obvious issues like cost, you need to consider how that system will operate once installed. What factors are most important to you? Control? Comfort? Cost? Here are some things to consider when selecting your new Atlanta air conditioner.

  • SEER – The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating measures the efficiency of your cooling system during a typical hour. To calculate this number, we divide the total BTUs of cooling produced by the watt/hours of electricity consumed during that hour. So, the higher your SEER rating, the less electricity is used to produce the same amount of cooling. Standard SEER ratings are between 11 and 15 these days, but some high end units have SEER ratings of up to 20.
  • Controls – How much control do you want of your system? Many air conditioners these days come with multiple speeds, allowing you to control the air flow as well as the amount of energy consumed by the device in cooling. Do you want it to constantly blow at 100% or would you like it to run at 50% to reduce consumption. Another option available in central air conditioners is zone control, allowing you to determine which rooms receive cooling with separate thermostat settings.
  • Dehumidification – Air conditioners are dehumidifiers by default, but not every system offers the same degree of humidity control. Some simply remove moisture as part of their regular operation. Others have more advanced controls to provide specific humidity control throughout the year.
  • Sound Dampening – Newer models have sound dampening features like insulation and vibration isolation to reduce sound. These are also great for weather protection and help to maintain your system for more years.
  • Refrigerants – Most new air conditioners now use the R410-A refrigerant which will be required in all new units starting in 2020, but there are some lower cost units still using R-22. Check to make sure you have the environmentally friendly coolant offered by newer models.

A good central air conditioner will keep your family cool and comfortable for years to come so make sure to do your research and choose a model that fits your needs in advance. If you’re not sure about any one feature, Triad Mechanical can help you make your decision.

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Value Care Club Package

Friday, March 30th, 2012

Triad Mechanical Air Conditioning and Heating Service of Lawrenceville, GA is pleased to present our new maintenance plan package that includes more than just a filter change. We understand the importance of maintaining HVAC systems per the manufacturer’s recommendations and would like the opportunity to provide you with that service. Please take a moment to review our Value Care Club Package. Give us a call today, or simply fill out our Contact Form online and we will get back to you shortly to take care of all your maintenance needs!

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Your Athens AC System and Your Energy Recovery Ventilator

Monday, March 26th, 2012

As an Athens homeowner with an air conditioning system, you know that it costs plenty to keep your home cool and comfortable in the summer. It is an expense you are willing to pay for the comfort and overall health of your family, but if you are like most homeowners, you would do anything to lower your monthly electric bills where possible.

One way to make your air conditioning system a little more efficient is to install an energy recovery ventilator. Read on to learn what energy recovery ventilator is and how it works alongside your Athens AC system to reduce energy loss and improve indoor comfort control.

What is an energy recovery ventilator?

Not to be confused with a heat recovery ventilator, an energy recovery ventilator is a mechanical device that transfers heat and water vapor between the incoming (i.e. outside) air and outgoing air being moved by your ventilation system.

The main difference between an energy recovery ventilator and a heat recovery ventilator is that the former transfers both heat and moisture, while the latter transfers only heat.

 What does an energy recovery ventilator do?

What does that transfer mean for your air conditioning system? Well, in the hot summer months, your air conditioner pulls in warm air from the outside, cools it and then blasts it into your home, while exhausting warm air to the outside.

What an energy recovery ventilator does is make that process a little easier for the air conditioner to handle by transferring heat from the warm air coming in to the exhaust air that the AC is blowing out of the house. The incoming air therefore has to be cooled less, which means your AC doesn’t have to work as hard, which means less electricity is used.

Many users of energy recovery ventilator systems report that the moisture exchange also makes the air in their homes feel “fresher,” rather than the stale feel that air conditioning can sometimes produce.

So, if you would like to increase efficiency and reduce the cost of running your Athens air conditioning system, consider an energy recovery ventilator as one possible solution.

For more information about how to improve your indoor air quality, please give Triad Mechanical a call today!

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Watkinsville Air Conditioning Replacement Deal: Free Thermostat!

Friday, February 24th, 2012

It is never too early to get your house ready for spring! That means getting cleaning up your yard, checking over your house for any damage caused by the winter, and getting your annual maintenance check-up on your air conditioner. Annual maintenance will let you know if your equipment needs any repairs as well as helping it run more efficiently through the whole season, and that can save you quite a lot of money.

Your yearly inspection will also let you know if you need to have your air conditioning system replaced. If your equipment is on its last legs, it is better to replace it now than wait until it breaks down completely in the middle of a hot summer! A new system will also be more efficient and environmentally friendly than your current one, so it is a good investment for your home. This is especially true since we are offering this great deal: change out your air conditioner and heating coil and get a free thermostat! If you are thinking about upgrading your current system, give us a call today to find out how you can take advantage of this offer!

 

Free Thermostat

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The Room by Room Benefits of Ductless Splits AC: A Guide From Winder

Friday, September 23rd, 2011

Ductless splits air conditioners are designed to eliminate the need for ductwork in your Winder home where space is at a premium. Usually homeowners with older homes – those built before the 1970s – have very little space to work with when it comes to installing the ductwork a traditional central air conditioning system requires. These homes are often heated with radiant boiler systems and have window units to provide cooling in warmer weather. As a result, cooling costs can be extremely high each summer and the house usually isn’t comfortable during these months.

Ductless air conditioning offers a solution to most of these problems. Not only does the technology not require ductwork to be installed; it allows for multiple in-room units on a single compressor and it costs significantly less to operate compared to window AC units.

Ductless System Specifications

Ductless air conditioning systems consist of two major components: a compressor which is placed outside and indoor evaporators. With the use of inverter technology, these systems can support multiple evaporators – usually as many as four to a single condenser. This means you can have a single outdoor unit supporting cooling four separate rooms of your home at the same time.

Each of those indoor evaporators acts as a heat pump, allowing you to both heat and cool the room year round. And because the only connection needed between evaporator and condenser is a single refrigerant line, the cost of installation is significantly lower than it would be for a ductwork based central AC system.

Room by Room Benefits

While the primary benefit of a ductless system is the fact that it allows you to install air conditioning in multiple rooms of your house without the need for ductwork, there are other benefits. Not only do you get a much higher energy efficiency rating than you would with traditional window units (many ductless systems are rated at 16 SEER or higher while window units are frequently as low as 10 or 11), but you can control each unit individually. So if a room upstairs doesn’t need to be cooled during the afternoon hours, simply turn off the thermostat in that part of the house and save money.

There are some factors to consider when installing a ductless system. How many rooms do you need cooled? How warm does it get in the summer? Will the system be used for heating in the winter? These are all things you may want to discuss in greater detail with your contractor when you call for an estimate.

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