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Things to Look for in an Atlanta Central Air Conditioning System

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.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Installation, Barrow County, Central Air Conditioner, Hoschton, Roswell
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Value Care Club Package

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!

Posted in Air Conditioning, Energy Savings, Geothermal, Heat Pump Systems, Heat Pumps, Heating, Home Maintenance, Maintenance Plan/Comfort Club | Comments Off

Your Athens AC System and Your Energy Recovery Ventilator

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!

Tags: Air Conditioniing, Conyers, Energy Recovery Ventilator, Indoor Air Quality, Rockdale County, Statham
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New Friends in the Neighborhood – Knockout Crossfit

March 24th, 2012

Knockout Crossfit, a neighborhood affiliate of Triad Mechanical Air Conditioning and Heating Service, has just opened in Lawrenceville, GA! If you are looking for some serious fitness, check out their website for great membership deals and a limited time Free Trial Pass.

Tags: Affiliate, CrossFit, Fitness
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Atlanta Heat Pump FAQ: Why is Steam Rising from the Outdoor Unit of my Heat Pump?

March 21st, 2012

In the winter months, we often get calls from Atlanta customers about steam rising from the outdoor unit of their heat pumps, which is often mistaken for smoke. Steam rising from your outdoor unit is a normal during the heat pump defrost cycle. The defrost cycle prevents ice from accumulating on the outdoor coils.

Under normal conditions, your Atlanta heat pump should run without needing a defrost cycle. However, when temperatures drop near freezing, a sensor will set off the defrost cycle, during which the outdoor coils will heat up and melt any ice that has formed on the coils. During this cycle, you may see what can look like puffs of smoke, but it’s actually the steam caused by the coils melting the frost. The steam can appear to be denser if there’s excessive humidity or moisture in the air.

It is important to note that the defrost cycle should not last more than ten to fifteen minutes, and each cycle should only run every two hours or so. If you notice that the cycles last longer, run more often, or if you see ice on the outdoor coils of your heat pump after the cycle is finished, you may need a repair. Another concern is cooler temperatures in your home, which could indicate that the heat strips are not working properly during the defrost cycle.

Once the cycle is finished, the fan motor should come on again, but if it doesn’t come on several hours after the cycle, you should call us to send one a HVAC technicians to inspect your heat pump. There could be an issue with airflow, or a potential motor failure. When there’s a lack of adequate airflow, it can damage the compressor and other components. Call us any time you notice anything other than the normal steam rising from your heat pump during the winter.

There are some ways to prevent excess wear and tear on your heat pump during the winter. For instance, strong winds can greatly affect the performance of your heat pump and may cause abnormal defrost cycles. Make sure the outdoor components are protected from heavy wind by placing some type of natural or manufactured barrier around your heat pump, but be sure not to block the airflow. If you are buying a new heat pump, look for a model that has demand-defrost control. This feature helps to save energy by minimizing the defrost cycles.

Feel free to call Triad Mechanical if you have questions about your heat pump or Atlanta heating.

Tags: Athens, Atlanta, Grayson, Heat Pump, Rockdale County, Statham
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Tucker Indoor Air Quality Tips: Improving Indoor Air Quality with UV Germicidal Lights?

March 14th, 2012

Ultraviolet germicidal lights improve indoor air quality in your Tucker home by killing the harmful bacteria, viruses, and toxic mold that can cause respiratory problems and other health concerns. These microorganisms spread by releasing airborne spores containing the genetic material used to create a new organism. UV lights use a wavelength of ultraviolet light to destroy the organism’s DNA, which takes away their reproductive capabilities and also kills them.

UV germicidal lights are fairly inexpensive and can be installed to work with your Tucker forced air HVAC system. They are typically used in tandem with either an electronic or mechanical air cleaner. While air cleaners can filter pollen and other irritants, UV germicidal lights destroy the viruses and mold spores once these pollutants have been trapped by the air cleaner. After the air has been filtered through your HVAC, it will circulate more easily through system and increase the efficiency of the unit. In addition, UV lights are useful in killing hidden mold growth, which can only be detected by special thermal imaging equipment.

Homeowners with particularly chronic allergy problems or extremely poor indoor air quality choose to install both types of air cleaners, in addition to a UV light, for the ultimate protection from indoor air pollutants—from bacteria to pet dander. If your home lacks adequate ventilation, or if you are unable to control the source of common pollutants, you might benefit greatly by installing UV germicidal lights. Poor indoor air circulation can exacerbate the spread of harmful microorganisms, so make sure you have proper ventilation if you don’t have UV lights in your home.

UV germicidal lights have also been used to filter tap water because they are more reliable and easier to install than other water treatment systems. However, they are typically used to provide cleaner indoor air.

Call the indoor air quality experts at Triad Mechanical if you have questions or concerns about the quality of the air inside your Tucker home.

Tags: Buckhead, Clarke County, Indoor Air Quality, Norcoss, Tucker, UV Germicidal Light
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We Will Be at the 33rd Annual Grayson Day Festival!

March 9th, 2012

Triad will be participating in the 33rd Annual Grayson Day Festival! The festival is going to take place on Saturday, April 28^th from 10am-4pm at Community Park.

The theme this year is “Mission Accomplished,” in honor of the success of the Grayson Rams football team becoming State Champions. There will not only be food, but also free bouncy houses for the children and live entertainment lined-up all day. The kids will also get to see fire trucks and SWAT team equipment! Not to mention a great parade, with cash prizes being awarded to the best floats. It is a great time for the whole family, and hopefully the weather will be warm enough for us all to enjoy it.

We are excited to be a part of the festival this year; we will be there having a lot of fun and we might even have some free giveaways! We hope to see you and your family there!

Grayson Day Festival

Tags: Grayson, Helping the Commmunity, Local Event
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Lawrenceville Heating Repair Guide: How to Monitor Heat Flow from Furnace Registers

March 7th, 2012

Of the many kinds of heating systems, forced air furnaces are among the simplest in Lawrenceville and monitoring the flow of heat is as simple as checking the registers and feeling the flow.

The Basics

At the furnace, usually in the basement or a central location, air is heated to a temperature set by the thermostat. Once large and space-consuming, over the years, technological improvements have enabled furnaces to be much smaller and fit into closets.

With a fan, the warm air is circulated through a system of ducts and distributed at registers or grates usually in the floor. A second grate takes the cooler air back to the furnace to be heated.

Going With the Flow

While a forced air system tends to fluctuate between cycles, temperatures should be consistent throughout the home from room to room. As heat is distributed, rooms get quickly warmer, then cool several degrees as heat dissipates until the thermostat setting starts the cycle over.

If there is poor circulation, the efficiency of the system is greatly reduced. The furnace runs more often, adding strain and cost to the heating of your home. Some rooms remain comfortable while the rise and fall of temperatures in others may make others vary between too warm and too cold.

Monitoring the Flow

By turning the thermostat higher, the furnace will engage and begin to force air to the registers.

Most registers have adjustable slats that can be rotated to allow more or less flow. Checking to make sure all are fully open is the first step. There is usually a lever or gear in obvious view.

Make sure all registers are free to allow air movement and not blocked by furniture or carpets.

After testing with your hand to see if there is adequate air flow, a contractor using an infrared or dial thermometer will more accurately identify if there are differences from register to register which could indicate a blockage of some sort inthe vent or a problem with the system at the furnace.

Solutions

Furnaces should be maintained on a yearly basis by contracting with a company like Triad Mechanical who can regularly change the filters, inspect the internal elements and ensure proper and efficient functioning of this most important part of your home.

Tags: Doraville, Energy Savings, Heating, Lawrenceville, Statham, Thermostat
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Winder HVAC Tip: Heat Pump Refrigerant Problems

February 29th, 2012

Your Winder home’s heat pump is a very complicated piece of equipment that uses a number of moving parts to compress and circulate refrigerant and extract heat from one environment and place it in another. So, if your heat pump has refrigeration problems, it will almost certainly cause problems for the heating or cooling of your home.

Common Refrigerant Problems

There are a number of potential problems your heat pump might face, especially as it begins to age and components become worn. Some common issues include:

Compressor Issues – The compressor is a component in your heat pump that compresses the refrigerant gas into a liquid. This liquid is what circulates through the device and extracts heat from the outside air (or inside your home when in cooling mode). If the heat pump doesn’t turn on properly, isn’t producing enough heat or is using a large amount of electricity suddenly, it may be a compressor problem.
Refrigerant Leaks – Your heat pump doesn’t consume any refrigerant during operation. So, if it starts to leak refrigerant, there is likely another problem and it should be repaired immediately (for health and environmental reasons). Common signs of a leak include suddenly higher electrical bills, inefficient heating and possibly even a faint odor near the device.
Freezing Up – If your heat pump freezes, you should check for any blocked air vents or registers, check the condensate line and check your filter for blockage. Most often, a freezing problem is directly related to something being clogged and is a relatively easy fix. The only way to know for sure is to call a professional to investigate, however.

A heat pump is a very complex piece of machinery with a number of moving parts that can all cause issues if not properly maintained. If your heat pump stops heating or cooling effectively and it is not a simple fix such as a filter or belt, you should call Triad Mechanical to inspect for more significant problems such as the compressor or refrigerant.

Tags: Grayson, Heat Pump Repair, Morgan County, Talmo, Winder
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