Furnace Repairs Your Do not Want to Do Yourself

Posted by: Lakewood HVAC Company

So, you had your fun summer, letting those property repairs wait. Now winter is just around the corner and you're thinking perhaps you should have gotten a few things executed though the sun was shining. Well, don't beat yourself up - just fix the critical issues for now. Furnace repairs need to be at the top of your checklist. In reality, you may well want to consider having a professional come out to inspect and clean your furnace prior to you fire it up for the cold climate. This could stop any potential complications with carbon monoxide poisoning - which kills over 1,500 men and women each year in the U. S., according to Journal of the American Medical Association.

If cold nights creep up on you prior to you assume about your furnace you may perhaps uncover yourself with out heat on a frosty night. There is still time to act - if you are handy and don't want to call a expert, there are several points you should check prior to starting up that furnace the very first time this season. Initial, check the thermostat. Numerous folks don't believe to alter the batteries and set a winter program. Also, set the differential - this is the distinction between the temperature you set and the temperature the furnace will truly turn on/off.

Change your air filter - it's most likely your air filter has been overworked via a hot summer. Your furnace can be damaged if it has to work additional difficult to pull air via a clogged air filter. Also, it will use a lot more fuel or electricity than standard to heat your house to the desired temperature if the air flow is restricted. This will expense you money.

If you have Carbon Monoxide Detectors - check them. Change the batteries and check to make certain they are working properly. A tiny crack or other flaw in the heating program can leak carbon monoxide ("CO") into your residence. Due to the fact CO is odorless and colorless, your household will have no thought it is being poisoned till it is too late.

Finally, test your furnace:
(1) Switch the furnace "on";
(2) turn the thermostats to "heat" and the fan setting to "auto" to that it will run with your pre-set plan;
(three) turn the temperature up a couple of degrees and let the furnace run for a couple of hours. If there is a slight burning smell it is very likely the dust burning off the furnace from the summer just before. If you smell gas, call the gas corporation and heating repairman immediately.

Of course, some of us have Boilers, or hot-water heating systems. Numerous don't recognize these need routine maintenance as properly. Clink Clink, Clunk - boiler systems are noisy and seem inconvenient, but they positive are funds savers when it comes to heating our houses in the dead of winter. The truth is, if you have your boiler program professionally maintained it will be quieter, and can be upgraded as you go along.

Radiators or convectors will need to be bled (drained) entirely of all coolants in the fall or late summer. At the exact same time it is a excellent notion to lubricate the circulatory pump. The pressure gauges require to be inspected periodically. These are located on the front or side of the boiler. Water pressures differ with temperature, therefore unless you know a thing about water pressures, this must be executed by a expert. All of these should be done by a certified Lakewood HVAC company or technician.

No matter how you look at it, routine upkeep of your furnace or hot water heating program is not genuinely optional - it is essential for your safety and your comfort. Now is a excellent time to choose up that telephone and call someone to come over and check out that furnace - or go take a appear at it yourself if you're great at that sort of issue.

Common Facts About Air Conditioning & Heating Systems

Posted by: Englewood HVAC Company

AC and heating repair isn't that bad, appropriate? Cease! Put that wrench down. Please choose up the telephone and call an professional. Air conditioning and heating repair is not for novices. Unless that is your profession and you are repairing the units your self, an additional expert or expert is required. So, let's break it down.

AC- Heating Repair

The prelude to repairing your unit is typical upkeep checks. These are things like a removable replaceable filter that may be the only point you as a novice might be able to do by yourself, cleaning the unit of dust, and generating specific to adhere to the manufacturers' specifications. In addition, if you have an outside unit, be positive to keep the surrounding location clear to generate much better drainage.

Heating Repair

To realize the how to of AC- heating repair you have to initial realize the variety of unit installed. Not realizing the kind and specs could trigger you to hire the wrong type of professional. Your item manual will need to be kept for this purpose in a protected and simply accessible spot. Any kind of heating unit really should usually be serviced often by a expert in that field in addition to common maintenance checks accomplished by the homeowner, therefore minimizing any unforeseen pricey repairs and damages.

If you are developing for the 1st time or having to repair a system for the initial time, you may possibly ask questions like these:

Are air conditioning units and heating units the very same issue?

That would rely on which sort of unit you select. Some air conditioning units are equipped with heating mechanisms. They are referred to as Package Units. Separate air conditioning and heating units can be installed based on your desires.

What is an air conditioner?

An air conditioner is a machine that converts hot air inside an enclosed space to cool air, keeping it dry and at a regulated temperature.

What sorts of air conditioning methods are there?

An air conditioning system can be package units, central air conditioning units and split units.

What kind of heating units are there?

Heating unit choices can differ in between any of the following: radiators, boilers, heat pumps, fireplaces and furnaces.

What triggered the dilemma?

Figuring out what is incorrect with your Englewood HVAC unit can be anything from a blown fuse, the program not cooling or heating to poor odor emitting from the unit.

How very much does it price to repair?

The common guidance as is generally with any electrical item is to have a expert assessment for repairs. The level and expenses of the AC- heating repair would depend on the type of unit and the challenge.

Now that you know what you are operating with and have hired a expert to troubleshoot and repair the harm, make sure that a correct upkeep log is kept for each and every unit whether or not it is a package unit for each air conditioning and heating or two separate units. Repairs for individual air conditioning and heating unit kinds can differ drastically from that of package units.

HVAC Schools and Continuing Education

To sustain a HVAC career beyond the routine installation phase you need some education. Like most jobs, HVAC combines skills, technical industry specific knowledge and problem solving. A good HVAC education will address all these areas. You do not necessarily have to go to a technical school. Learning from veterans of the industry can be more effective in teaching practical knowledge. At some point you will want to get some certifications that require training.

Even the professionals need to keep up with changes in the field. As new technologies are introduced, I like to send my Denver HVAC techs out to master them before anyone else. This gives us a cutting edge in Denver furnace repairs and sales.

Basic electrical knowledge is the foundation of air conditioning services Denver. All HVAC units use electricity in some capacity. Even pure gas heaters still need electricity to monitor flame output and manage use. Professionals that want to get and manage jobs need business, math, customer service and computer skills as well. Math is used every day on the job to determine what sized part is needed, whether that part is a whole air handler or just a replacement capacitor. It is also useful for bookkeeping - determining prices, wages and profit margins. Public speaking and customer service helps you get jobs and become respected in the community.

The premise is that you need many well rounded skills, but none of it matters if you do not have the knowledge to do your job effectively. Even a basic filter replacer or furnace repair man needs to know common problems and the science behind why the equipment does - or isn't doing what is should. With a good foundation you can work your way up to being an engineer or running your own business. However be leery of online schools. These are considered sham schools by some agencies. Completing online quizzes can never replace technical schools where you learn on the job training with your own two hands.

Local building codes can change dramatically depending on the location, but it is important to be familiar with them otherwise your construction will not pass inspection. Sometimes manufacturers have their own guidelines and it is important to receive their education because each piece of equipment operates slightly differently. Some organizations are pushing for more standardization in the industry but that has not come to full fruition yet.

While you are working your way through education, many companies would love to hire you because they know you are interested and knowledgeable in the subject. Those who cannot afford education can still start as an apprentice and have a jump on the practical knowledge side of the business. Often knowing how things work in the real world makes the concepts easier to understand once you get to the classroom.

Oil and Gas Furnaces

Gas furnaces burn fuel which can be hazardous just like any fossil fuel. Furnaces using gas or oil fuel need carbon monoxide detectors and failsafe shutoff valves to keep you safe from poisoning or fire. Modern furnaces are very well engineered and all professional HVAC technicians should install detectors as part of the heating installation.

The overall rate of failure for vents and flues is very low, but you still need to be cautious around any combustible equipment. Eventually a machine will fail, especially at the heat exchanger. Propane and natural gas are the two ways gas is used to heat your home. Some Denver heating experts prefer propane because it provides around 2.5 times as many BTUs of heating per cubic foot. Interestingly the two heating gases are delivered in different ways. Natural gas needs a pipeline to be delivered while propane is commonly bottled and trucked in. Naturally odorless and clear, they have a strong smell added to alert people of leaks.

Be careful of gas leaks as the gas will behave differently. Natural gas rises, while propane sinks and can collect on the ground. The air handler heater furnace contains a valve manifold and burners which heat up to thousands of degrees. A heat exchanger is a special device designed to withstand this heat and convert it into warm air to heat your home. The safety systems disengage the gas and keeps the fan on when the temperature has risen to a dangerous level.

Some high efficiency burners for commercial Denver HVAC have two stage furnaces which force air into the second stage like a supercharger. As the air is forced out the ventilation shaft, the fuel is burned at a very efficient rate. However two stage burners like these are only economical in large commercial applications.

Oil provides even more BTU's per volume, but as a liquid, it has a fixed volume that cannot be compressed like propane. Denver furnace repair techs like oil furnaces because they are simple and the technology has been around a while. The oil tank should be a considerable distance from the burners when doing HVAC design. The oil line and tank should be inspected for leaks, and oil furnaces need filter replacements as well. The operation of oil heaters is actually very similar to gas, except that the flue on an oil furnace needs a barometric damper to detect oil levels.

Air Handlers and Heating

Usually the air handler is the unit that provides heat, but some more advanced commercial and residential heating systems use zoning with remote heating. In this case the handler just provides air while the heaters provide zoned heat. Even inside air handlers there are multiple forms of heat energy.

You can have electric heat strips which are like super hot ribbons to heat air with. For chemical heat, gas and oil furnaces are popular with Denver furnace services companies. Some units heat a liquid which then warms the air through a heat exchanger. Hot water coil and heat pumps are examples of this type of technology. Hot water coils usually use a fossil fuel to heat the water, while geothermal heat pumps use the energy from the ground.

Electrical energy is the most common in commercial Denver HVAC applications. Electrical energy does not waste as much energy as the combustion of fossil fuels in furnaces, however electrical is still more expensive per unit of energy than any other alternative. Electrical heaters generate heat by passing high voltage electricity though a metal resistance strip. They use a lot of energy, so you need to make sure both the electrician and Denver HVAC engineer are on the same page putting in all proper wiring and and circuit protection.

All wiring needs to be well insulated for this type of high energy electric work. You need circuit protection and fail safe breakers that will shut off in the event of a short or overheat.

Remote heating in air handlers use a switch to energize the heater when air flow is detected. This is important to have air flow to keep from wasting energy and reduce the chance of fire. This is an added risk with heaters all over the house. On the other hand, for buildings that will only need heating in certain locations, zone controls can result in significant savings. Remote heaters can even be gas duct furnaces. Zoning can be installed by a Denver furnace repair company, and they not only save money but also result in more even heating. They provide heat by burning gas in the ducts, but they also need air flow when operating.

Air Handler Fan and Heat Relays

The relay between the air handler control unit and the blower motor is called a fan or heat relay. If the thermostat fan setting is "on" then the relays do nothing but keep the fan running. Otherwise, when the air handler controller asks for heating or cooling the relay switches the fan on.

The relay allows the fan a short delay to spool up before it starts heating or cooling. This increases efficiency by allowing th blower to push already conditioned air in the ducts through before additional heating or cooling takes place. Instead of that air being wasted in the handler it is used for cooling your house.

Cool evaporator coils work best, so when the cooling cycle starts you will be operating at maximum efficiency. The cool coils can absorb more heat, according to Denver air conditioning services. Some controls use a fan limit switch to set when the unit turns on or off. The fan limit switch is used on furnaces where the fan control circuit is mounted on the heat exchanger.

The fan limit switch on these gas and oil furnaces energizes the fan when the heat exchanger reaches a certain temperature. For most thermostats, the white wire runs to the fan limit switch. It acts as a safety device, because if the burner gets too hot, the white wire will shut it off and keep the fan running to dissipate heat.

The heating relay is separate from the fan relay. The control board has several safety switches before it goes to the furnace to keep it from overheating. Electrical heaters should have a thermal safety fuse installed by a Denver furnace repair company that will physically melt and break the electrical connection if the furnace gets too hot.

Because furnaces are so dangerous, they have numerous fail safe controls, some of which may be manual reset. This means it will stop your house from burning down, but you may have to call a Denver HVAC technician to come reset the fuses. If the switch was tripped for no apparent reason, ask the technician which switch was tripped so that you will know where the problem is if it happens again. Most fuse and breaker switches can be replaced at a minimum cost.

Common Gas Furnace Parts and Problems

Old gas furnaces were pretty simple; just a burner and a fan to circulate air. Every furnace must have a few components to work properly. The first component between the gas intake and the furnace is the gas valve. Propane and natural gas valves are different because the gases have different densities. However many gas valves can be converted between the types without having to order a whole new part. Call your Denver heating company to see if this is possible. In some jurisdictions, switching or installing new components requires inspection for following the fuel-gas code. Before performing any work on a gas valve, make sure you turn off the gas lines going in and out.

The gas manifold maintains proper pressure for the burner. It is on the gas line between the gas valve and the burner. The pressure is sensitive to the type of gas and the specific furnace, so make sure you get a qualified Denver furnace repair man to set the pressure. Manifolds usually do not require much maintenance unless insects or other foreign material gets inside the gas panel.

For everyone other than HVAC specialists, the burner is the exciting part of the furnace. All burners shoot a flame into a combustion chamber that has a draft sucking air in. At high altitudes like in Denver, the size of the burner hole needs to be smaller because there is less oxygen in the fuel-air mixture at lower atmospheric pressure. If you bought your furnace somewhere else and moved to high altitude, you may have to call a Denver furnace service company to modify the burner outlets.

To keep the burners fed with air, you need some sort of ventilation system. HVAC includes not only the ducts that bring treated air around your home, but a ventilation system for the burner. The furnace needs a way to bring in oxygenated air and safely vent the burnt exhaust.

The combustion chamber is not directly connected to your heating ducts to keep you safe from dangerous exhaust. The heat from the furnace is passed onto the air through a heat exchanger. These heat exchangers are made from thick metal that can withstand the constant high heat from the burner. Heat exchangers should be regularly checked because any crack in the material can release exhaust directly into your house.

Furnace Flame Efficiency

Modern furnaces are a lot more complicated than just burning gas and air. To work properly, your furnace regulates the air-fuel mixture. Natural gas and propane used to be cheap forms of heating, but as they become more popular those days are ending. As the prices for fuel increases, the efficiency of the burn becomes more important. Natural gas is a light fuel that should burn blue. A yellow flame in a natural gas furnace probably means that it is not getting enough air. A Denver furnace repairman should be able to adjust the airflow to fix a yellow flame rather easily.

Other common problems with furnace flames are flames that flicker or roll out. An adjustment to your furnace will be necessary in most cases. The HVAC tech may have to test the actual composition of the flame with an expensive instrument called a a combustion analyzer. The analysis tells your Denver HVAC technician the temperature as well as the levels of carbon dioxide, monoxide, and oxygen given off by the flame.

Having the furnace fumes completely exhausted outside the home is very important. Carbon monoxide can lead to headaches, nausea and even death. A dirty burning furnace can have other toxic byproducts as well. Your Denver furnace repair company should do a furnace draft test to make sure your furnace is not leaking exhaust into your home.

I recommend all homes have a carbon monoxide detector installed to protect the occupants from this invisible, smell-less gas. Carbon monoxide poisoning is no joke and long term exposure can cause brain damage. Carbon monoxide basically replaces oxygen in your blood and starves your brain of oxygen. During my work in my Denver HVAC company, we usually find 4-5 homes a year that have a carbon monoxide leak, so there must be many more that are completely unaware.

If the problem with your furnace flame is the gas level and not the air mixture, your HVAC guy should do a gas pressure test. Depending on the type of fuel (natural gas, propane, or heating oil) the required pressures are different. The optimal level will lead to complete combustion of the fuel.

How to light a pilot

In my business, the pilot light is the thing that has the biggest earnings/cost ratio. Poor consumers often pay over $100 for a HVAC technician to come light their pilot. The actual time of work is usually less than one minute. Lighting a pilot light does have a small degree of risk, but the average consumer needs to know how to do it themselves so they do not have to call their Denver heating company every time the light blows out.

The pilot is a very simple device that keeps a small flame for igniting your gas furnace blowers. Sometimes the hardest part of lighting a pilot is finding it. Many people know where their thermostat is and that is the extent of their HVAC knowledge. Sometimes the pilot is deep inside of the furnace unit and you will need a long match or BBQ lighter to get the flame close enough. If the pilot does not light, then you will need to call your Denver furnace repair services company because the problem may be much larger than you expected.

If your furnace is not heating, first check where you always would: check that the thermostat is on. Then check the filter, because a clogged or nonexistent filter will damage your HVAC equipment quickly. The power to your furnace or thermostat may also be off at the circuit breaker. Then check that you have gas flowing. If you have natural gas, check the meter to make sure your gas is turned on. For propane heating, obviously check the tank pressure and valves to see if they are open. The valve at the furnace is called a gas-cock and should be parallel to the inlet or turned to "pilot" or "on" for it to work. These simple checks are the most common reason for failed furnaces, and will save you money calling the Denver HVAC company to your house to flip a switch.

Some furnaces have an intermittent pilot that works with electronic ignition. The pilot is only lit when the HVAC system needs it, and it is lit with an electronic spark. This means the pilot does not need to be lit all the time. If it does not ignite automatically, call a Denver furnace repair company and do not attempt to light it yourself.

If the pilot is manual an unlit, first turn the knob to pilot before lighting. The flow of gas for the pilot should be so low that you will not smell any gas. Natural gas rises, while propane sinks and collects along the ground. If the pilot goes out, the valve that supplies it gas will automatically close and your furnace will not work. You will need to turn or hold the knob in the pilot position to get the gas flowing again.

Central Heating

For most American homeowners, the energy required for heating and cooling the largest chunk of their energy bill. The industry that maintains and creates central heating systems is called the HVAC industry. HVAC is not so commonly used by consumers, but it is a good acronym to know. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning - or the mechanical systems used to keep interior temperatures comfortable. In today's world most Denver HVAC systems are combined into one system called central air or central heat.

The central air unit pumps warmed or cooled air through your house through a system of ducts. Compared to older systems like fans and swamp coolers, central heating is more efficient and less invasive than older systems. The units that modern Denver air conditioning services companies operate on now are becoming increasingly efficient, but the average home still uses about half of its energy on central heat. So you can still save a significant amount of money by upgrading your air conditioner.

So next time your furnace breaks, resist calling the local Denver furnace repair company, and instead consider installing a new energy-efficient central heating system. A modern Energy Star certified compressor with a programmable thermostat will save you money while working faster to adjust your interior temperature.

Some central HVAC units pair a air conditioning unit with a furnace, while others use just a heat pump for both heating and cooling. Heat pumps are much more efficient at heating than furnaces. Temperate climates are especially good for heat pump central heating and air because their effectiveness diminishes the further from norm the temperature gets.

Heat pumps and central ac units work by transferring the heat or cold between the outside air and the inside, usually by using some sort of conductive liquid called a refrigerant. For cooling, the compressor then pumps this cool dry air from the outdoor unit around the house.

When shopping for a new HVAC system for your house, you can use some industry benchmarks to help make your decision. AC units are measured by SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the SEER number, the better the unit is at cooling without using a lot of energy. The Energy Star label also means the unit is more efficient than average. For heat pumps, the industry uses the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. Just like SEER, a higher HSPF means less energy required for the unit to do its job.

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is an important factor to consider not just in heavy industry involving lots of chemicals. In today's polluted world, any large job must be monitored for air quality. HVAC ventilation technology has advanced over the years. New central heating and air conditioning technologies have emerged to deal with new environments like data centers and indoor pools. The Denver Museum of Fine Arts contracted a Denver HVAC company to build UV filters that kill foreign microbes in the exhibits. These technologies are filtering out into other parts of the heating ventilation and air conditioning industry.

People do stupid things when times are rough though. Reports of people holding off replacement of their Denver air conditioning filters have come out. What these people don't realize is that filter replacement is cheaper in several ways. For one thing, a clogged filter makes the machine work harder to push the same amount of air - leading to increased energy bills and lower system life. The cost of a replacement filter is usually much lower.

Commercial customers usually don't have the same problems as residential customers, who might not even know they have a filter on the system. Companies and large buildings usually have their own building managers, or a Denver HVAC company on call.

Residences have started installing high-efficiency air filters. Companies are bundling the filters as part of a standard indoor air quality upgrade package. Bundling the filters is a good way to get customers to accept new technology that is beneficial to both parties.

In addition to energy savings, contractors have been pushing filters by educating customers about breathing unclean air and respiratory issues that result. For situations where the customer uses the vent without heating or cooling, a blower is needed to circulate the air. Industrial clients should already have good ventilation, but other clients may need education on how air movement benefits air quality, and the control mechanisms those HVAC systems use - whether they be a thermostat, programmable fan or custom air conditioning company installed controls.

Heat Pumps: Popular Green HVAC

The AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute) has reported increases in heat pump sales over 20% from the same time a year ago. This is an encouraging sign in this economy. However heat pumps are receiving a bump because they are perceived as a leading green-heating technology. Heat pumps, especially geothermal heat pumps, are more efficient than about any other commercial heating technology. However, many consumers are not clear as to how heat pumps work and therefore they may not know if a heat pump is a good fit for HVAC in Denver.

People have problems wrapping their heads around the fact that heat pumps can both heat and cool. One good thing about heat pumps it that the primary heating element cannot go bad, and therefore you will not have to call your Denver furnace repair company in the middle of the winter. What works in winter will always work. Because a heat pump does both the work of a furnace and a A/C unit, you only need to install one system in your home. Heat pumps transfer heat, instead of burning energy to create it. Many green Denver HVAC companies recommend heat pumps first for both energy efficiency and less resource use.

As a Denver HVAC contractor, it is important to be an ambassador of superior technologies and educate our customers on the heat pump option. Most people do not think about their HVAC system until it goes down, and most have no idea how much it cost per kilowatt.

In temperate climates, heat pumps are efficient at both heat collection and cooling. When electricity alternatives are not available, heat pumps are more efficient than anything other than natural gas. In cold areas natural gas is much more intense, and therefore heats the home faster than a heat pump. The technology in pumps has changed dramatically. It used to be that heat pumps were exotic and expensive. Now heat pumps are a good choice for HVAC in Denver, especially for those embracing green technology. In the long term a heat pump saves energy bills but may cost more to install. For every dollar saved in annual utilities, home prices goes up because it is seen as an example of good building design. Most colorado heating contractors should know about differences in heating options.

Causes of Compressor Overheat

The most common causes of damage for reciprocating compressors is caused by high suction from bad valves. Carbon buildup, and warps in the compressor valve prevents them from sealing. A common cause is a high compression ration and therefor high head pressure. Any loss of refrigerant or oil can also cause damage to valves. If refrigerant migrates or floods parts that can cause corrosion. Undercharged refrigerant also places a drain on the system. Any Denver air conditioning parts company would love to help replace a compressor, but compressors are designed to work for years. Proper care and maintenance can keep you from compressor repairs.

Compressor overheat is the most serious field problem a HVAC technician will face because of the chance for fire. Compressor overheat is also very common as it is the main moving part in your air conditioner.

High compression ratio comes from: a combination of high head pressure and low suction pressure. High ratios result in high discharge temperatures. The discharge temperature reflects the hottest part of the refrigeration system and is therefore useful in determining an upper boundary. Denver furnace repair techs will tell you that the AC compressor is often hotter than a heating element. Discharge temperature can be measured by a thermistor about 3-4 inches from the compressor.

Since the compressor's discharge is superheated coolant, you will want a certified Denver air conditioning repairman to install a special thermostat. There is no direct temperature pressure relationship, so a experienced Denver HVAC tech is a must. The usual limit for heat in a compressor is 225 degrees F. Above this the system may start to fail from worn hoses, acid and oil breakdown.

Some things your ac repair company can look out for to minimize air conditioning compressor damage:
Restricted liquid lines, undercharged ac lines, plugged filters, and uninsulated suction lines.

Refrigerant and Air Conditioning

We have all heard the myth: If your A/C is not working well, all you need is a little more freon. However the myth of refrigerant being the be all end all of fixing air conditioning units. Adding refrigerant does not necessarily mean your air conditioning is going to work better. Some Denver HVAC contractors may try to trick you and charge an hour of labor and supplies for no fix. The only time additional refrigerant will help your evaporator coil is working below freezing. The unit must have a balanced charge. Only a certified Colorado air conditioning technician should add refrigerant because the right balance is a must. Refrigerant does not burn up. It does not need to be replaced unless there is a leak in because it is in a closed loop system.

If your unit does have a refrigerant leak however, it is easy to diagnose. The A C unit will cool for a few hours then stop. If the refrigerant coils freeze inside the air handling unit this is a sure sign you need air conditioning repair. Ice buildup blocks airflow over the coil. Low refrigerant causes the unit to operate below freezing and draw moisture out of the air, forming ice. Freezing ice is not like freezing air.

If you do have a refrigerant leak, you need to have it fixed. Leaking refrigerant is a hazard to people and the environment. State law says that Denver air conditioning companies repair all hazardous refrigerant leaks. Some refrigerants are ozone and global warming agonists. A low charge also hurts the efficiency of the air conditioning unit. This causes A/C compressors to run above their recommended range which leads to eventual replacement. Freon is also linked to the lubrication in some compressors, which can cause the compressor to seize from lack of lubrication.

Because the air conditioning element is a closed loop, refrigerant should only be added in the case of a leak. Residential units use a R-22 coolant. Prices are rising as R-22 is fazed out because of its ozone depleting properties. Phase out begins this year and is to be completed by 2020. Call our Colorado HVAC contractor and see what they charge for R-22 or if they have any replacement refrigerant available. The HVAC tech should find the leak when recharging an AC system. A certified HVAC system should not need to be refilled more than once a year. An efficient system should lower the temperature around 20 degrees. Some Denver internet marketing companies have inefficient HVAC.

Preventing Accidents: The boiler loop

Steam boilers require a closed loop to carry high pressure steam around a building for heat and then back to the boiler. The beginning of the loop starts where the water is heated inside the water jacket. When the thermostat calls for heat, the pump kicks in and pushes superheated water through the loop supply line. The loop supply line is connected to the floor heating pipes, coils, or radiators like in old systems found in heating in Denver high schools built before central heat and state money. As the steam flows through these devices, it drops off its heat. Then it flows back into the impeller which pushes it back from the circulation pump into the heating element. Most commercial boilers have the circulation pump on the return side, although some residential systems may have it on the supply side.

When working with and HVAC contractor, make sure they install the pipes for easy servicing. A professional HVAC service tech should install all the boiler pipe systems in accordance with Denver HVAC regulations. Isolation valves should be closeable so the circulation pump can be replaced without effecting the loop. Maintenance on boilers is much easier when air does not violate the integrity of the heat loop. If the loop is not breached, maintenance can be easily preformed and the air purge drains will quicken startup by eliminating the need to bleed air from the baseboards or radiators. HVAC technicians will be able to get routine repair work done much easier if these features are installed. Air trapped in water loops is a main cause of problems. Hydronic lock, or air block prevents water from circulating in pipes if an air pocket forms. To fix this, contact a Denver boiler repair company to drain all the air. This can be a large job. Properly configured piping installed by a HVAC professional will be easy to flush, while older systems may take disassembly to fully drain all air pockets. A good HVAC job will allow air purge through simply hooking up a water hose and filling the system. Air purge devices can also malfunction and let air in instead of out. In Colorado, all boilers must carry ASME certification. All commercial boilers should carry this certification and will pass inspection. High performance commercial boilers take more thought to install, but once properly configured, your Denver HVAC technician should not need to do anything beyond routine maintenance.

HVAC ductwork

When replacing or upgrading your heating or air conditioning in Denver, always consider the duct work. A good amount of cool air will be wasted on a broken duct. Duct work is often ignored, but because of advances in the efficiency of HVAC systems now, a leaky duct can be very detrimental to your system. Almost every system will need some ducting, even a improperly designed duct will not deliver the correct ventilation when you want it. Having a cutting edge air conditioner will be a waste if the ducts are not properly engineered.

A good analogy on how Denver HVAC systems work is to think of a sprinkler and water hose. If you buy an expensive sprinkler but have a old leaky hose, you will not get high pressure no matter what. You are not going to deliver air as efficiently as the air unit's specifications without a matching duct system. Once you have a advanced duct system delivering cooling air, you will realize your HVAC's full potential.

Once one of these HVAC systems are installed, make sure it receives proper start-up care to see if it is working as designed. This includes checking for all leaks and the entire system. Always seal your ducts. Duct tape does not stick long and is actually the worst way to insulate your Denver air conditioner. The area where the duct connects to floors, walls, other units, or bends are common areas for duct leakage. Outgoing ventilation should also be checked because anywhere hot wet air leaks is a prime location for mildew, which can cause further blockages in your AC, as well as damaging your house.

An oversized duct system costs more to maintain and will not deliver cool air as quickly. A strained system is noisy and more likely to fail. It is important therefore to have a certified Colorado HVAC expert design your system with a unified plan. The size of your system is determined by the BTU requirements and the amount of room available in the building for ductwork. Air conditioning requires more energy than heat, so the whole system should be sized for your AC size.

Changing an A/C motor

When your air condtioning blower or condenser fan motor goes out, don't call your local Denver HVAC specialist to replace your air conditioner. Air conditioner repair by replacing a motor can be much cheaper than a total replacement. HVAC in Denver can be expensive and there is no need to redo you whole system just because of a defective part.

Blower and fan malfunctions are common in the summer. Your Denver air conditioning guy should take no more than three hours on this job. The heat and constant use cause the motors to go out. The best bet for AC repair is always a replacement with an exact part. However, some motors are more efficient and last longer. A PSC motor is better than a shaded pole air conditioning motor, especially in large big-box HVAC systems. The replacement motor should also replace the capacitor, because Denver heat can really kill. The shade pole engines are rare now, but should always be replaced. Parts like these usually have to be picked up from a Denver HVAC supplier. Once you problem has been diagnosed by the HVAC tech, the runner can have the part installed as soon as the old one is pulled. Do not pay more than $3oo for a new motor unless it is for a large industrial HVAC application.

An air conditioning blower motor may be replaced by a stock motor that might not necessarily be of the same brand as the original. What is important is that your blower motor be matched for amps, voltage, RPM and size of the original mounting. Blowers can run clockwise or counterclockwise and some can be switched with a easy wiring change by your Denver HVAC technician.

Be careful of replacing a motor if there is water leaking near the air handling unit. You may have to schedule preventative maintenance to avoid problems with water leakage. Water leakage can cause corrosion and electrical damage to the HVAC unit, not to mention water damage to the property. Good preventative maintenance by a qualified HVAC repair center in Denver. Fixing water leaks should not take long, but here are some warning signs that you may have water problems.

The Rubatex insulation at the back of the air unit may have a tear or other breach along the suction line. The line will sweat if not insulated because it operates below the dew point. The supply transition needs a barrier around it because it will sweat as well.

In attics, air handling units should have a secondary condensation pan because an overflow will spill water over your house. Even a secondary pan can clog, causing drips and even ceiling failure. You can install a float switch in the condensation pan that will shut off the entire system and force the homeowner to seek out a Denver air conditioning repair service before the entire thing falls apart.

Behind the Scenes of Air Conditioning

Posted by: Denver Air Conditioning Services

When the temperature warms up in the house, you head over to the thermostat and lower the setting. This triggers the air conditioning system to kick in and pump the nice, cool air into your home. All you had to do was push a button or flip a switch, but there was a lot of behind the scenes work going on for that cool air to blow in.

Whenever the thermostat signals your air conditioner to lower the temperature, a sequence of events takes place. The air handling unit begins drawing air in from various parts of the house through return air ducts. This air is pulled through a filter where airborne particles are removed. Then the air is then cooled and re-routed to duct-work which carries it back into the house. This cycle continues every time the air conditioner is running. Now that have the big picture of how an air conditioner works, let's break it down a little further.

An air conditioner has three main parts - a condenser, a compressor and an evaporator. The compressor and condenser are usually located in the outdoor unit. A refrigerant or cooling agent such a Freon circulates between copper tubing that runs between the components.

The refrigerant receives and releases heat raising and lowering in temperature. When it does this it changes from liquid to gas and then back to liquid again. When it first begins to circulate through the indoor coil, it is extremely cold. As the air is pushed across the coil, the refrigerant absorbs the heat. When enough heat is absorbed, the refrigerant then turns to vapor. The vapor then travels to the compressor and is pressurized and moves to the outdoor coil. There the heat is forced out. A fan helps to dissipate the heat. Then the refrigerant passes through a device that converts it to a low temperature liquid and is then returned to the indoor coil. Then the cycle starts all over again.

As you can see, your air conditioner goes through a lot to keep you cool and comfortable. So, make sure you do your part in helping to keep the unit running smoothly with yearly maintenance with a reputable heating and air company. And remember the next time you turn down that thermostat to be thankful for all the behind the scenes work that goes on to keep you cool and comfortable.

Doc Savage Augusta Heating and Air offers the most reliable Augusta AC Installation and Repair services. We proudly serve all of the CSRA and offer our services at prices you can afford. Visit our website to find out about our latest specials pricing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Chappell

The Five Point Air Conditioning Maintenance Checklist

Posted by: Denver Air Conditioning

When performing maintenance on your air conditioning system there are five things you should always check. By taking care of your air conditioner, you will extend its life by a number of years, improve it's efficiency, and ultimately save big money in the long run. So what are the five essential checks?

Check the filters and indoor coil

Remove the air filters and clean them. To do this, spray the filters on both sides with a kitchen antiseptic spray and then rinse well with warm water. Ensure you remove any lint and other dirt which has built up on the filters.

If you have a ductless air conditioner, you will also be able to see the heat exchanging coil behind where the filters are located. Ensure this is not clogged with dirt or covered in hairs, If it is, give it a gentle vacuum with the brush attachment in the same direction that the aluminium fins run.

Check and clean the coil and air outlets on the outdoor unit

Remove any obstructions around the outdoor unit such as weeds and dead leaves to improve air flow, then wipe down the air outlet on the front of the system. Check that you get good air flow through the system and that the coil is free of obstructions.

Check for good air flow from both indoor and outdoor units

Ensure you have plenty of airflow from the indoor unit. Poor airflow is a good indicator of a blocked coil or failing fan motor. If your air conditioner is struggling to output a reasonable amount of air, it may be time to book it in for a professional service.

Check for signs of rust or corrosion

If your air conditioner is starting to rust or show signs of corrosion, you will want to stop it progressing as early as possible. Minor rust caused from scratches etcetera can simply be painted over with a waterproof steel paint. Major rust or corrosion will require a professional to service the equipment as the system will usually require stripping down for the required repairs.

Check your system on both cooling and heating modes

Check your system on both cooling and heating modes. If your air conditioner fails to switch between the two different modes, it is usually a good indicator of a fault with the reversing valve which will require repair by a professional service engineer.

Why is it essential to maintain your air conditioning?

Put simply, the majority of air conditioning faults are caused by a lack of maintenance. Look after it properly and you will enjoy the benefits it has to offer. The key to keeping them working correctly is to simply keep them clean. Clean those filters and wipe off any dirt buildup on a regular basis and it will last for years to come.

If after checking the above your air conditioning is still performing poorly, you should call in a professional air conditioning service company as there is a good chance your system has a fault and is not operating correctly.

James Walton is an air conditioning and refrigeration repair and installation engineer in Auckland, New Zealand. He is actively involved in the HVAC industry and works for an Auckland based air conditioning company.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Lee_Walton