Archive for the ‘Utah Air Conditioning’ Category

Superhero Tune-ups!

Action Plumbing, Heating & Air is the superhero of tune-ups! A proper tune-up will rejuvinate your current furnace and air conditioiner to original factory specs. Yearly tune-ups will keep your appliances running stronger and more efficiently for longer. We want to help you save money.

Tuning up your furnace or air conditioner will make your system run more efficiently and begin saving you money almost immediately. An Action Plumbing, Heating & Air Superhero tune up will extend the life of your heating and/or cooling systems while limiting major repairs. When a furnace is running improperly it can not only be costly but also produce harmful carbon monoxide. This is a deadly gas that can be harmful to you and your family upon exposure. With the use of carbon monoxide detectors and routine tune ups to your system you can save money and maintain a safe living environment for you and your loved ones.

A tune up will restore your system back to optimal condition through a series checks and necessary maintenance. There are certain components of the system that must be assessed to maintain any furnace or air-conditioning system. The checkpoints include but are not limited to: the air filter, thermostat, insulation, the blower wheel, mounts & amps, blower motors, potential leaks, signs of wear, wire connections, the condensation drain and inspecting for debris. A thorough inspection and proper maintenance will restore the system to its original condition or like-new. In order to maintain this condition it is important to have the system assessed once a year.

Perhaps the most used furnace filter in the United States, the pleated filter is cheap and readily available. It comes in all necessary sizes and is very cost effective. The panel simply needs replacing once it is noticeably clogged with dust.

The reason for the pleating is to increase the surface area of filtration. If the filter were smoothed flat, the decreased surface area would cause the filter to clog more rapidly, requiring frequent changes. With the pleats, the dust is distributed over more material, taking longer for it to load up with dust.

The increased air flow offered by pleating the filter comes from the fact that as it takes longer to clog, the air can pass more smoothly through it, for a longer period of time, than if it were flat. Increased air flow translates to improved efficiency from the furnace, as it does not have to work so hard to pass air through it.

While electrostatic air filters are all the rage, pleated air filters pale in comparison. At a usual rate of only 20-30% efficiency, pleated filters are fast becoming unpopular with homeowners.

On the other hand, some manufacturers have gotten wise to this situation and have combined the best of both worlds. Nordic Pure is a manufacturer that produces electrostatic furnace filters which are also pleated, bringing them to an efficiency rating of more than 97%.

What’s more is that the electrostatic pleated filters are also treated with antimicrobial properties, helping it combat fungi, mold, dust mites, viruses, and other tiny living organisms. But if you cannot afford the electrostatic pleated filter, the pleated filter still beats out the disposable fiberglass panel filters. Basically useless, these lead to reduced equipment function and poor air quality. So, pleating really does make a difference.

Media air filters are an option in for furnace filtration, but most consumers do not know about them. The majority of purchasers of the media air filter are commercial HVAC businesses, who get a great deal of use out of their media filters.

Harder to find than other types of furnace filters, the media air filters are often sold exclusively to licensed professionals in the HVAC business. However, consumers can purchase them online, from some suppliers.

The standard single-layer pleated furnace filter uses a material that cannot hold as much dust as the media air filter. Also, the pleated filter is easily clogged, with just the one layer, while the media filter has more than one layer to finely filter out passing particles.

In pleated furnace filters, the drag caused by blockage slows down the air flow, decreasing the capacity of the heater, while the media filters last longer, due to their increased capacity to filter and store dust.

Precut media filter pads are available, as are giant rolls of the material, which can be cut to size. These filters are less pricey and are easier to use than electrostatic filters, the ever popular choice. This is because electrostatic filters require rinsing every few months. Media air filters can just be pulled out and replaced with a new pad, when the first gets too dirty.

Media filters may be the most effective option for the smallest prices available in furnace filters. Only 10-15% of consumers purchase this type of pad, most likely because most people are not aware they exist. But, as awareness increases, so will sales of this effective and affordable furnace filter.

Hidden inside the 32,000 pints of air we each breathe every day are 1,120,000,000 tiny particles of dust and other tiny debris. The US Environmental Protection Agency warns that the air inside our homes is generally unhealthier than the air outside.

Dust, allergens, irritants, and other inhaled particles cause a lot of harm over time, especially for those who struggle with asthma and other related illnesses. Most people, however, do not realize that the threat is inside their homes more than outside it.

Furnace filters are a very important consideration when looking to reduce indoor air pollution. There are a variety of options available, in furnace filters, such as electrostatic filters and pleated filters.

Before you go to the store, however, you will need to consider the size of filter your furnace takes, although many filters only take custom size filters. The filter is measured by length, width, and thickness. Measure your old filter, but keep in mind that these measures are not precise, because allowances in size are usually left to ensure a fit for standard filter slots.

Custom-size pleated furnace filters are available online for consumers that cannot find a fit for their furnace. When considering furnace filters, brand name does not really make a difference as a generic HEPA air filter works as well as a name-brand one and costs notably less. Explore the different types of air filters to determine the one that is right for you.

Remove old filter. Replace with new. These instructions seem simple enough, but changing your furnace filter is more complicated than one might hope. For example, measurements are not precise, to ensure a fit in more furnaces, so that can be a frustration.

But perhaps the most confusing part about it is the variety of options in furnace filters. There are electrostatic filters, pleated filters, HEPA filters, and others. So what’s a homeowner to do? Start by learning the difference between furnace filter types and then make an educated decision on which is right for your needs.

One type of filter that is increasingly sought after is the electrostatic filter. The electrostatic filter combines two technologies of filtration, for an increased capacity to clean particles from the air.

In the electrostatic furnace filter, mechanical air filtration results from the weave of the fibers and static electricity helps draw and hold particles that might otherwise escape. This combination is effective in another way as well. Because it does not rely solely on a tight weave or layers of weaves to filter particles, the electrostatic function allows for larger weaves, resulting in better air flow.

Rather than allowing the particles that fit easily through the weave to get past it, the static electricity manages to hold much of the dust that passes by. This means that the heater or air conditioner you are using the filter for can operate to its full potential, saving you money and improving your ability to moderate the temperature in your home.

An air conditioner doesn’t just cool air; it controls temperature, humidity, cleanliness and movement of air. Air conditioning encompasses both heating and cooling of the air, along with humidity control.  So, how does your house get cool during the summer?

Technically your house doesn’t become cool, it becomes less hot, and dehumidified to be comfortable. Heat exists at all temperatures in air, so there is no “cold” air. The goal of air conditioning is to remove enough heat from the air to make us comfortable, so we feel cooler.

When your cooling system runs, there are a series of heat transfers put into operation. Heat from the indoor air is transferred to a cooler surface (heat always transfers to a colder object). From there the heat is transferred outside by means of another heat transfer.

The evaporator inside the air handler removes the heat from the air inside the home; this is the first heat transfer. The other heat transfer occurs outside at the condenser. Heat from your home is dumped into the outside air.

In order for all this to work, there needs to be enough air movement. The system uses a large blower that pulls air in one side of the air handler and out the other. A well designed system will utilize the fact that hot air rises and cool air falls.

In order for your system to work properly, you must have clean filters that don’t impede air flow. A clean condenser is also important in order for the heat to transfer properly. Regular maintenance is important.

Whether you’ve bought a new older home, or are still living in your decades old home, there will come a time when you will wonder if you should upgrade you’re air conditioning system. If you are freezing during the winter, and roasting during the summer, I’m sure a new system has crossed your mind. So, what are the advantages of installing a new heating and air conditioning system?

There are many benefits to new systems. Eco-friendly units can lower your energy bills. These monthly savings can really add up over the lifetime of the system.

Depending on when you buy, you may be able to qualify for a nice tax rebate. By installing energy efficient appliances, including your air conditioner and heater, you may be able to get some money back from the government. Talk to a heating and air conditioning specialist for more information.

Installing a new system would increase the value of your home. This could make your home sell better, or appraise at a higher amount. New systems can also be simpler to use, such as a digital thermostat.

Installing a new system can let you heat and cool different rooms according to your level of usage. A new system will also rejuvenate old ducts and give you cleaner air. This will give you and your family greater peace of mind with every breath.

If you are tired of sweating through the hot summer months, but don’t want to install a whole house air conditioning system, you may want to look into the new portable units available. These units can be a blessing for renters who want to be able to take it with them when they move. The portable units can also cool just the room you are using, saving your energy bill.

Our ideal comfort zone is between 65-70 degrees with 50% relative humidity. Higher temperatures and humidity levels decrease our effectiveness. Our mind and body work best in this ideal temperature range.

Portable air conditioners can also purify the air. This is an added benefit for those suffering from respiratory ailments or allergies. Many devices use a triple layer filter system.

The first filter is a screen filter that removes larger particles from the air. An electrostatic filter after that retains the very small particles, such as pollen, pet dander and bacteria. Following that, the carbon filter removes odors from the air.

A portable air conditioner is ideal if you want quick results. Just plug it in, place the drain pipe to the outside and your air conditioner is ready to work. When you need to move it, you can quickly set it up again in the new location.

The power of the unit lets you know how well it will lower the temperature. The higher the power, the more you can expect a significant and rapid cooling of the air in the room. There are also reversible models that can heat your home during the winter.

On a hot summer day, there is nothing worse than having your air conditioner stop working. A window AC unit uses 500-1440 watts, while a 2.5 ton central system uses 3500 watts to operate. Since air conditioners use a lot of energy, we want them to be as efficient as possible.

Some tips to maximize you’re A/C system include having your condenser in the shade. At the start of each cooling season, clean your condenser evaporator by hosing it down to remove dust. Keep your AC condenser free from obstructions and debris, there needs to be plenty of airflow around the unit.

Keep the air conditioner filter clean. Replace your air filter monthly during the summer season. Use a thermostat that lets you program your AC usage to meet your lifestyle.

Use your ceiling fans to circulate air, and you won’t need to set the AC for as low a temperature. Check your air vents and ducts for leaks. Make sure you don’t have any that are loose or off.

Shade your windows to keep the heat out. Using outside shading or cling window film will keep the heat from entering the house. Check your windows and doors for air leaks and drafts, and fix any problem areas.

Make sure your air conditioning unit is the right size to suit your needs, if it is too small it won’t keep things cool, but one that is too large will waste energy. In the event you’re A/C does stop working, check for electricity to the unit and try replacing the filter before calling a repairman. If you do need your unit replaced, you can ask if they have a loaner you can use in the meantime.

After such a cold winter, the warm spring weather is so welcome.  Spring is far too short, and only a few weeks later, you are hot and sweaty, the food is melting, and you’re ready to turn on the air conditioner.  You haven’t used the A/C since last summer, and when you turn it on, nothing happens.

If you want to avoid an unnecessary repair bill, there are a few things you can do yourself to get your air conditioner ready for the new summer season. One of the easiest is to always change out the filter. This should be done every three months, but if you have indoor pets, or live in a rural/dusty area, you may need to do it more often.

If you live in a sandy or dusty area or think that pollen or some growth has found its way into your air conditioner, use a hose to clean off the fins on the outdoor unit. Make sure the A/C is turned off first. Allow the unit to dry before using it.

If you’re A/C unit won’t turn on at all, before calling the repairman, you may want to check the battery in your thermostat. I wasn’t too happy to pay a large service call, only to find out the culprit was an inexpensive battery. Also it is easy to check and make sure there is electricity getting to the unit and that a tripped fuse isn’t the problem.

If these simple tips don’t get your air conditioner running, it may be time to call for help. Many Utah air conditioning companies have special deals for air conditioning services before summer starts. If you are determined to fix it yourself, check out the do it yourself network for tips and advice.

It doesn’t take long to change out your filter or clean off your A/C unit, and the cost is much less than a repair bill. It’s in your best interest to maintain your unit so it works as efficiently as possible this summer. It just might be a hot time in the old town tonight, so keep your A/C running smoothly.