Restoring Your HVAC System After Flooding

July 18th, 2019 Posted in HVAC Equipment
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Flooding is almost always unexpected and the damage to your home can be extensive. Hurricanes, heavy rains and other disasters can bring water into your home – even your plumbing can flood the inside of your house. Flood clean up is expensive and tedious, but you want to make sure that all the water damage is fixed. This includes restoring your HVAC system once the water and moisture have been eliminated from your home.

Once your home has been inspected for safety and you can begin flood restoration, make sure your HVAC system is completely turned off at the breaker. Mark the water level on your furnace and HVAC equipment so a technician can inspect those areas.

When the water cleanup is completed, you should have your HVAC system thoroughly inspected by a HVAC professional. They can determine if any or all of the components are damaged, or if the system will need replacement. Unfortunately, severe flooding can lead to a complete failure of many HVAC systems. Even if the system still works, the water damage can lead to rust and early component corrosion and failure. Your HVAC professional can let you know the extent of the damage and whether replacing the entire system is the best option.

Getting your HVAC system up and running again can be a crucial part of recovering from flood damage. A working heating and cooling system will be necessary to keep a dry, climate-controlled environment to prevent mold and other problems. Make sure getting your HVAC system inspected, repaired and/or replaced as soon as possible is on your priority list. Check with your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if repair or replacement of your HVAC system from flood damage is covered by your insurance carrier.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
3870 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Suite 340-129
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 475-9555

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Troubleshooting Why Your Second Floor is Difficult to Cool or Heat

July 18th, 2019 Posted in HVAC Equipment
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If you own a two-story home, managing temperatures through both levels can be tricky. If you find your upstairs is often warmer or cooler than the main level, it can be frustrating to find the problem. Not only can this impact comfort levels, it is likely affecting your heating and cooling costs. Here a few troubleshooting tips to find the issue and resolve unbalanced climate control on your second floor.

Attic Insulation

Inadequate attic insulation can be a factor for controlling temperatures on your second floor. Poor insulation can allow heated or cooled air to escape; it can also allow too much outside air in. Check your insulation in your attic – you may need to add more or use better quality insulation to manage indoor temps.

Tune-Up Your HVAC System

Dirty filters and other maintenance issues can affect the performance of your furnace and air conditioner. Make sure your HVAC system is up-to-date on all maintenance.

Leaky Duct Work

The ducts that carry air upstairs need to be properly sealed to control temperatures. Have your ductwork inspected to make sure there are no leaks that are impacting the climate control on your second level of your home.

Check Windows

The windows on the upstairs level can impacting temperatures. Quality, insulated windows can help control temperatures – so can using window dressings to limit sunshine adding heat to your upstairs.

Heat does rise, and it can be more difficult to manage air temps in the second level of your home. However, there are ways to manage climate control and keep heating and cooling costs low. Schedule a tune-up and inspection of your HVAC system to determine if there are any problems that are contributing to your second story climate control issues.

Posted on behalf of:
Western Aire Heating & Cooling
264 Buchanan Highway
Dallas, GA 30157
(770) 505-7426

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Is Your Outdoor AC Unit in Danger of Theft?

June 3rd, 2019 Posted in HVAC Equipment
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Your outdoor AC unit is not just a valuable component to your home, it can be valuable as scrap metal and for other materials. Thieves are often on the lookout for unsecured air conditioning units that can be easily dismantled and sold for materials. There are a few ways to reduce the chance of theft of your outdoor AC unit with a few preventive steps.

Improve Visibility

If your AC unit is surrounding by trees, bushes or other landscaping items that block it from view, this can be enticing to thieves. Having a place that is shrouded from view while they dismantle the equipment can reduce their chance of getting caught. Clear visibility and add outdoor lighting at night near your AC unit to reduce temptation for thieves.

Connect Your AC to Your Home Security System

If you have a home security system, check into connecting your HVAC system. Many newer home security and home automation systems can communicate with your HVAC system, which can alert you if your AC unit becomes disconnected during a theft attempt.

Lock Up Your Unit

One of the best deterrents to keep your AC unit safe is to lock it inside a condenser cage. These sturdy cages protect your AC unit and make it less likely that a thief will attempt to dissemble the cage to steal your unit. It is important to make sure that the cage does not interfere with airflow, so contact your local HVAC service to have one installed.

These few steps can help minimize the chance of a thief stealing your AC unit. This can save you the cost of replacement and the inconvenience of living without your AC if it is stolen.

Posted on behalf of:
Western Aire Heating & Cooling
264 Buchanan Highway
Dallas, GA 30157
(770) 505-7426

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Spring Clean the Air in Your Home

April 8th, 2015 Posted in HVAC Equipment
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If you want a truly clean, healthy home this spring, you need to do spring cleaning on more than just the surfaces in your home. The air your breathe day in and day out may be dirtier than any forgotten corner in your home. Did you know that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that most homes have five times the pollutants in the air than outdoor air? It is time to spring clean the air in your home with a new air filtration system.

Improve the Air Quality in Your Home

Most homes have a plethora of contaminants that can be hiding in the air, from dust and mold to pet dander and chemicals. For many people with allergies or respiratory problems, these elements can cause serious health problems. The best way to reduce these contaminants and produce clean, healthy air in your home is to install a whole home air filtration system.

Although most HVAC systems have some filtering included to clean the air, these filters are not the same as an air filtration and purification system. With a professional system, even the tiniest particles can be removed from the air, including bacteria, viruses and mold. Not only is the air healthier to breathe, it will also be fresher and odor-free, improving the overall air quality in your home.

This spring, do a real spring cleaning on your home with the installation of a new air filtration and purification system. Many systems can be used in conjunction with your HVAC system or as separate units. Talk to your local HVAC service provider about the best options available for your home.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
Marietta, GA
(770) 475-9564

 

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HVAC Tips for New Home Buyers

April 8th, 2015 Posted in HVAC Equipment
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If you are looking to buy a new home this year, there are many factors that will affect your buying decision. While you may be more concerned with the size, location and curb appeal of the home, you also need to consider future maintenance. One of the largest expenditures for homeowners is the heating and cooling of the home. Before buying a new home, follow these tips to uncover any possible HVAC issues before you sign on the dotted line.

Ask About the HVAC System

You need to know what kind of HVAC system the home contains, how old it is and what maintenance has been done. Most HVAC equipment is very expensive, with furnaces and air conditioning unit costing up to $10,000 each. If the equipment is 10-15 years old or older, it may need to be replaced in the near future. Ask for all records of purchase and maintenance of the HVAC system.

Get an Inspection

Most likely you are not an HVAC expert and will not know if there is an issue with the HVAC system until you are living in the home. The best way to know the condition of the equipment such as the furnace, air conditioning unit, heat pump or duct work is to have a professional inspection performed. This is a worthwhile investment considering it could add $10,000-$20,000 on to the home’s purchase price if the system needs to be replaced soon.

The cost of a home ownership does not end after closing. Expenditures on monthly heating and cooling, plus HVAC repairs and replacement should all be considered when buying a new home. Talk to your local HVAC service provider to learn more about scheduling an inspection and what HVAC systems would be the most efficient for your new home.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
Marietta, GA
(770) 475-9564

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Are You Ready for Another Hot Summer?

April 8th, 2015 Posted in HVAC Equipment
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Winter is finally over and what a winter it was! Most of the country experienced record-breaking winter storms that chilled even the warmest regions. Now summer is on the way and it can only be assumed that hot temperatures will plague many areas. If your home still does not have a reliable air conditioning system, now is the time to invest in the comfort of a cool whole.

Home Cooling Options

Beyond the small, inefficient window air conditioners, you have a few choices for whole home air conditioning. Units vary in cost from only a few thousand dollars up to $12,000 or more. These systems usually last for at least 10 years, longer when properly maintained.

If you are ready to either add an air conditioner to your home or replace an old model, here are some of the options available:

–          Central air conditioning. Centralized air conditioning is the most common option used in hot regions for cooling an entire home. These systems require ductwork, usually linked in with the heating system.

–          Heat pumps. Although heat pumps also dual as a heat source, they are efficient and effective for cooling homes. Heat pumps can be connected to duct work or work from a stationary area, with the unit installed on the exterior of the home.

In both centralized air conditioning and heat pumps, you want a unit that is sized correctly for your home and has a high SEER (energy efficiency score). To determine what is the best option for your cooling needs and budget, talk to your local HVAC service provided. They can evaluate your home and offer you choices on the right cooling system for your needs.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
Alpharetta, GA
(770) 475-9555

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Looking For Efficient Ways To Control Individual Room Temperature?

November 20th, 2014 Posted in HVAC Equipment
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While central HVAC systems offer wonderful climate control for the whole home, they can be expensive to operate. For some homeowners, it may seem wasteful to cool or heat the entire home when only a few rooms are frequently used. An option for those looking for energy efficient climate or temperature control is the ductless mini split. These individual units can offer excellent temperature control for small spaces, using less energy and reducing your utility bills. 

Home Ductless Mini Split Ideas

Many homeowners have utilized ductless mini split units to increase the comfort in their homes while reducing their energy costs. One of the great benefits of these units is that they are self-contained; they do not require any ductwork to be added and can be installed in almost any room of your home. Some of the most popular areas to use these small unit include: 

–        Bedrooms. If you spend most of your time outside of the home, then come home to get a good nights rest, why cool your entire home? A ductless mini split can efficiently cool your bedroom, with most units being soothingly quiet.

–        Garages or shops. For rooms or buildings which are not connected to your central air system, a mini split is an excellent option to control the temperature. Garages, shops and other out-buildings are perfect places to install a ductless mini split.

–        Main living areas. Have one or two rooms where you spend most of your time? Cut energy costs by using a mini split in these main rooms. 

Your local HVAC contractor can give you more information, plus provide price estimates on installing ductless mini split units in your home. Over the months and years, it can be a wise investment to reduce your energy bills.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
Alpharetta, GA
(770) 475-9555

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Different Types Of HVAC Systems

December 3rd, 2013 Posted in HVAC Equipment
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There are a few different types of HVAC systems that are available, each using a slightly different method to heat and cool as well as using different energy sources. Although they all offer the basic elements of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, depending on the energy sources available and how the unit is used, one may suit a home or business better than another.

–        HVAC system using furnace and condensing. This system uses a transfer of air from outdoors to replace indoor air, which is pushed out of the building. The air is pushed through by the motor and blower, then either warmed by heat exchangers from the furnace, or cooled through the evaporation coils. These are usually split systems, with heat and air conditioning separated.

–        HVAC zoning. Very common in large commercial buildings, HVAC zoning allows the premise to be divided into different zones, so each area can be controlled differently in regards to temperature. These systems use dampers that control the air flow, and will have different thermostats to gauge temperature levels in each zone. Although they’re more popular on the commercial level, these systems can also be in residential homes as well.

–        HVAC system heat-hybrid. Similar to split systems that use furnace and condensing, these use a heat pump instead of an air conditioning unit. This can be a more energy efficient system, using electricity for the heat pump which helps in both heating and cooling.

–        Ductless Mini-Split systems. Theese packaged systems are smaller and use less space than a traditional split system, and are often an excellent alternative for applications where installing ductwork is impractical or undesireable. The systems will generally contain a heat pump, thermostat, fan coil and an evaporator coil, all in one package.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Oh, How Marvelous Is Air Conditioning!

May 21st, 2013 Posted in HVAC Equipment
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Air conditioning is a fact of life these days. Most of us expect it’s comforting availability when the long days of summer test our personal physical heat tolerance. Invented in 1902 as a way to reduce air moisture in a lithographing company, few people could afford the luxury in their homes, so most visited theaters and department stores to enjoy a brief respite from the heat. 

Today, the ease and automated comfort of central air conditioning has taken the sting of extremely hot days out of most homes. Cooling the inside air is the main function of an air conditioner, but it is not all that it does. Air conditioners use a thermostat to regulate the air temperature. They also perform as a filter to remove airborne particles from the air. Since reducing the temperature of a volume of air causes it to release moisture, air conditioners also serve as a dehumidifier. 

Air conditioners work much like refrigerators and use refrigerants to move air in two directions. Air conditioners actually have two sides; the cold side moves air inside while the hot side moves air outside. A fan blows air into the room over coils that are chilled while another fan vents the hot air coming off the compressor to the outdoors. Liquid refrigerant is compressed and moved into the evaporator by the expansion value; the refrigerant’s pressure drops, expands and returns to a gas while in the evaporator; following which, the refrigerant is then pressurized by the compressor which results in its liquefying once again; and, so the cycle repeats. 

While there are some differences between window units, split-system units and central air units, your local HVAC professional will know which system is best suited to meet the individual needs of your home.

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Converting Appliances From LP to Natural Gas

April 23rd, 2013 Posted in HVAC Equipment
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In the past, appliances could be converted from propane to natural gas. However, today’s appliances are manufactured specifically to be used with only one type of fuel. They are purposely engineered to not be convertible. This has resulted primarily because of individual home consumers who believed that simply changing out the orifice of the appliance was enough to convert, at great personal risk to their safety and the structure of their home.

In addition to the orifices, other factors need to be addressed in a gas conversion. Appliances are “converted” by changing the internal parts to coincide with the different pressures of different gases. The appliance regulators (which control the amount of pressure under which gas is released) and burners may possibly need replacement. There may also be a need for new venting. For some appliances, gas conversion kits are available; however, the conversion should still be handled by gas appliance professionals, who will ensure that all the necessary adjustments have been made prior to actually operating converted appliance.

Regardless of the gas preferred, both propane and natural gas vapors can be dangerous and tremendously explosive. Your home should periodically be inspected for gas leaks. Gas fired appliances can also have problems with carbon monoxide or improper combustion. An inspector will look for clues, such as size of pilot flame, to make sure that there is a correct ratio of air to gas. Given the potential volatility of making such a conversion, it should be performed only by a licensed technician. If you are considering a conversion, please contact your local HVAC contractor to help clarify all of your questions and concerns.

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