The Many Benefits of the HVAC System

Although it is extremely important and beneficial, many people have never actually heard of an HVAC system. Then there are those who have heard of it, but they aren't familiar with its capabilities. If you find yourself in either of these categories, here are a few examples of this system's capabilities. You won't necessarily know everything there is to know about the unit, but at least you will have some basic knowledge.

First, one thing that might help you become more familiar with this term is if you get a breakdown of what each letter stands for. HVAC is actually short for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. In other words, this system has the ability to provide all three of those services.

So, let's start with the first category of heat. Every building, whether it's a residential home, business or warehouse needs heat every once in awhile. Some need it more than others, depending on their location. This includes places like Colorado, New York, and even Montana, which are places that have been known to have harsh, snowy winters. Without the proper amount of heat, people in areas like these would be miserable during the winter months.

Just imagine being at home in the middle of winter, in a place like Colorado without an HVAC system. It's snowing outside and the temperature is in the mid-teens. You have a fireplace, but it is only capable of heating the room that it's in. So, the rest of the house is forced to succumb to the harsh, freezing temperatures. The good news is that, the heating unit is available. Therefore, no one has to live in those types of conditions. This also goes for business offices, warehouses, and any other building for that matter.

Along with providing heat, this unit also provides cool air, which is just as important. Most times, the cooler air is needed during the summer time. However, some places are warmer for a good portion of the year. This includes places in the South that are more subtropical, like New Orleans. The humidity doesn't make things any better. So, being able to stay cool is extremely important.

Lastly, HVAC units also provide buildings with ventilation. Some people underestimate the importance of having proper ventilation. Not only can it retain the heat or cool air, as needed, it can also work as a filter. Because of the filter it provides, harmful chemicals and toxins are removed or prevented from infiltrating the building.

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Working With One Company for All Your Cooling Needs

If you're running a business that requires cooling of any sort - air conditioning, refrigeration, or something more special - then you'll likely need to spend quite a lot of time talking to different companies and comparing their services of this type, as the market for these products is quite diverse. One piece of advice we can give you though, is to try and find one company that can service you in all aspects you're interested in. That is, if it's possible, you should avoid having to buy your different cooling equipment from separate companies, as this is going to complicate things unnecessarily.

When you're searching for that one ideal company, start with air conditioning as your primary feature of interest. This is often the thing that requires the most effort and precision from the company that provides the service, so it's quite necessary to make sure that they have solid experience in providing quality air conditioners and know how to perform proper maintenance on them as well.

Before you take those discussions any further, make sure that you are working with a company that can actually provide commercially oriented services. This might sound like a no-brainer, but the truth is that there are many companies on the market for air conditioning and cooling systems who only work with domestic customers, and unless you specify that you're representing a business, they might just assume that you're one of their regular customers!

Refrigerators are a bit easier to find in good quality for the most part, especially if you don't need anything too special in this regard. Commercial refrigerators tend to have some intricate differences in their designs compared to domestic units though, so pay attention to those to avoid any surprises when you start fitting the machines in your building.

We mentioned the importance of maintenance above - this can't be stressed enough. Cooling equipment can fail from time to time, even when properly taken care of. This should be addressed as early as possible, especially if you rely on those machines for your regular business. There's often not much that you can do on your own in those situations though, so you'll be relying on the company you're working with almost entirely. Even though they'll probably give you some general guidelines for the maintenance of your machines, you'll still need their services when the need for a repair comes up.

In the end, after you've found a good company for your cooling machines and equipment, it's mostly easy from then on as you'll keep using their services and you'll have a nice array of machines that are always fully operational and provide you with the quality of cooling that you truly require. And that long-term relationship with this company can also benefit you later on, by giving you access to better prices and various special deals only available to recurring customers. This is a common practice in this line of work, so see what your cooling company can do for you and keep an eye out for promotions!

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Help You Improve Your Home's Value

You do not want your home to have shoddy work done to it. This is why it is important to know what you are doing before you try and tackle a home improvement job. Follow the ideas presented here to become a good, all around general handyman.

You should make sure you take into consideration how much you value your personal ideas against your home's value whenever you decide to sell. The more personal the renovation, the harder it might be to sell to someone further down the line. It might not be worth the investment.

You can use aluminum foil as a protective covering for certain surfaces before you paint. You should always be careful to avoid having aluminum foil come in contact with anything electrical. Aluminum foil is a lot easier to use than tape, and it will protect the covers from unintentional splatters. Plus, cleanup time will be much shorter! Just let all of the paint dry prior to removing the foil, then recycle it.

Consider using white tile to repair your roof if needed. Dark colors absorb light and cause the attic to become extremely hot. Choosing lightly colored tiles prevents heat from being absorbed into your attic. A cooler attic will help should it become necessary to get in your attic.

There are a few improvements and projects your home will need that you must hire a professional for. For example, your air ducts and vents often go overlooked, but it is essential for the health of the air in your home to have your air vents and ducts cleaned at least once a year. Although this must be done by a professional, pricing is usually fairly reasonable and it will greatly improve the quality of the air your family breathes.

Think about hiring a professional when you are working on home improvements. They can help you budget, gather supplies and do a great job. Let them help you succeed.

When hiring a contractor, you have to keep track of everything that you do with that professional. Not all contractors will keep records for you. Save all the paperwork that is at all related to your project. This helps you and the contractor stay focused on the job.

Prior to purchasing and installing blinds, make sure you measure carefully. If you do not measure the windows you may not be able to properly install the blinds. There are many types of blinds that you could use in your window's interior frame.

Vinyl decks are popular with homeowners. If you've got one, make sure to thoroughly clean it at least two times every year so that it will look great and provide you years of use. Fall and spring tend to be the best times of the year to clean your vinyl deck.

When beginning a home improvement project, try to get an accurate estimate of how much work you are facing. Make a comprehensive list of tasks you need to complete. Seek out a second opinion to ensure you haven't missed anything in your assessment. If you make sure you know exactly what must be done, it'll be easy to keep costs down.

Do you want new cabinets? Is money an issue? Consider refacing them. If you are working with a large kitchen, replacing all of your cabinetry can be very costly. A more affordable alternative is to refinish the front of the cabinetry. It will still give you that new modern look you want, but it won't break your budget in the process.

If you aren't sure what you're doing, the repairs you make could be meaningless. Use what you have learned to create a comprehensive plan and avoid expensive mistakes.

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Ways To Ensure That You Receive Good Boiler Servicing

Boilers are important for the comfort safety and conveniences that they provide in your home. They are an essential feature in all residences. Regular boiler servicing is always recommended, not only for the continued and necessary conveniences, but also as a preventative maintenance. A faulty boiler can be very dangerous. The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from leaking systems should be avoided and it is recommended that your boiler should be serviced annually.

As with other services, you are always trying to get the best value for your money.

The best and obvious choices for boiler servicing should be someone that operates locally. Word of mouth is still the most trusted of recommendations, so you can ask your friends and family to recommend someone. Online searches will provide a great deal of information, but online searches still requires that you conduct some due diligence.

You should be able to contact the entity or person that you choose, and extended hours are very much desired as there is no scheduled time for your boiler to break down. Check the hours of operation, and conditions, some companies may charge extra fees for emergency services, and it is usually easier to contact someone that operates in your area.

Get a written quotation that explains the problems and the proposed solutions before entering into any contractual agreements. You should have a detailed cost that can be used to demonstrate that you are receiving the best possible value for your hard earned money.

Obtain multiple estimates for your boiler servicing contracts. You can then compare estimates along with the proposed services. Some services may or may not be needed, but can be value added, and may still be worthwhile. Remember that you are now entering into relationship that should be built on trust, and here you will have to trust your instincts to determine whether the other party can be trusted.

Although your boiler may be in a temporary state of disrepair, a service contract may be very handy. Enquire about service contract and compare prices and services that are offered. The maintenance contract will go a long way to ensure hours of trouble free operation. Arrangement for services may differ, as discounts for regular services may be provided with the maintenance contract.

Check the qualifications of technician. The entity or person should be licensed and insured and should have been working in the industry for an extended period. You do not need someone who will be learning the job at your expense. They should have the necessary industry certification to perform the required tasks, and should be thoroughly familiar with current regulations.

All boilers are not the same, nor should all the service contracts be the same, and to decide which contract is best for you, should be familiar with how your boiler operates you can also ask your potential service provider if he has experience with your type of boiler.

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Heating Installation - 3 Types for Your Home

If your unit needs to be updated, it's time to decide which type of heating installation fits your home, your budget, and your needs. It's uncommon to come across a house in cold climates without one, as a climate controlled home isn't just a luxury in those areas but a necessity. Going without it may be an option in Florida or southern California, but it is not an option in the northern United States. Whether you were unlucky enough to buy a home without one, or yours needs to replaced, here are three of your options.

Forced Air Of all the types of heating installation available to homeowners, this is by far the most popular and common. Because this system is so popular, many homeowners are unaware that any other options are available. This system works by applying heat to the air in a furnace, then distributing that air through a series of ductwork and vents. It can be fueled by electricity, gas, or oil. One of the main advantages of this type of heater is that it can double as an air conditioner, meaning the homeowner doesn't need the money (or the room) for two separate systems. They are also usually among the least expensive of the options.

Radiant Heat Growing in popularity, the radiant heating installation has gotten a reputation for providing homeowners with the most "natural" heat they can buy. There are several types of systems that qualify as radiant, using stoves or tubing to work the heat through the floors, relying on the natural tendency of heat to rise as a method of warming the house. Some homes have the radiant panels actually put into the ceilings for additional support. One of the biggest reasons true believers promote radiant systems is the evenness of the warm air. You won't get those "hot spots" you can get with other systems, nor the cold patches that often accompany forced air systems. On the other hand, installing one can be expensive, and it can take a while for the house to warm up.

Baseboard System This has more in common with the radiant system than forced air, though it hasn't reached yet reached the same level of popularity. Using radiation and convection, the system uses hot water from a boiler to warm the home from the baseboards up. These heating installation systems are quiet and energy efficient, but much like the tubing radiant systems it may take some time to heat the entire home. Some homeowners also find the baseboard convection units cumbersome and difficult to design around.

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Four Potential Problems of Poor Wintertime Indoor Air Quality

People tend to think that outdoor air is polluted, especially in the city. Smog and emissions from cars and factories lead many consumers to believe it's better to stay indoors.

In reality, indoor air quality is often worse than outdoor air, even in the city. It's estimated that pollutant and contaminant levels inside may be two to five times higher than they are outside.

According to Health Canada, Canadians are already spending an average of 90 percent of their waking hours indoors. A majority of Canadians spend even more time indoors during the winter.

The amount of time that we spend inside in winter isn't the only factor that may be contributing to poor health. During the months of November to March, we may be inhaling higher concentrations of pollutants and contaminants than during the rest of the year. This is because we keep our windows closed and seal up drafts.

This may keep the heating bill lower, but it also means that air circulation is hampered and reduced. This causes pollutants and contaminants to settle inside and accumulate faster than they can be pushed out.

Poor indoor air quality (at any time of the year, but especially in winter) can cause or exacerbate a number of different kinds of problems, including:

1) Respiratory illnesses: Viruses are an ever-present threat, but wintertime is particularly bad. Many types of viruses, including the common cold and the seasonal flu, thrive in cooler temperatures. Left unchecked, they can settle indoors and be blown throughout a home.

2) Dust: People sometimes think of dust as a summer or dry-weather problem. Actually, dust is a year-round issue, and can actually be worse in the winter months. Decreased air exchange/circulation (due to closed and sealed windows and cracks) causes dust to accumulate more rapidly.

Dust is more than just a mere cleaning problem. Dust can irritate existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma. It also contains allergens that can trigger reactions and lower immune functions.

3) Mould: This is another potentially serious problem in residential homes, and it's typically worse in winter due to wetter weather. Poor air circulation and exchange encourages the formation of mould, and once it starts, it's virtually impossible (and very expensive) to get rid of.

4) Asthma: Pollutants, allergens, dust and mould are all potential triggers for an asthma attack. Poor indoor air quality can lead to more frequent asthma attacks as well as more severe ones.

Home owners can greatly reduce the potential for these kinds of problems in several ways. First, have your heating system/furnace inspected and cleaned annually. The best time to do this is just prior to the cold season (before you need to use your furnace).

A professional service will clean your system of contaminants and pollutants and identify potential problems. Plus, your furnace's air filter will be replaced, allowing for better trapping of those harmful airborne particles during the upcoming cold season.

You should also have your home's ducts cleaned each year. Pollutants can settle and become trapped in air ducts, and once you turn your furnace on they'll be blown throughout your home. A professional cleaning will remove many of these particles, along with trapped dust and dirt.

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Keep Discomforts Away From Your Home and Office - Drying Technology Is Here

There are countless options of drying technology available in the market today. We use them for all our daily activities such as hair drying, drying our laundry and so on. There are also certain drying technologies which have been introduced to maintain the humidity level in the air.

There has been constant progress in the field of drying technology. The ink drying technique is one technique that has gained an edge over other conventional methods of drying which are known to consume a lot of time. Also, new techniques involving infra-red ink have come up. In this, the ink is dried with the use of wavelengths. If you want to apply the ink on an effective surface, then this type of drying technique is the best option for you.

Air treatment consists of air purifiers, heaters, hunter ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, humidifiers and so on. Even at home, air treatments have earned a special place. When you choose an air treatment option, there are certain factors that need to be considered. Always ascertain the dimensions of the room where you are planning to install the air filter by measuring the length, breadth and height of the room. Air purifiers come in various sizes with filtering systems that remove impurities. Particles like pollen and dust are caught easily in air filters. Air filters also prevent allergic reactions from taking place.

In case you are looking for heaters that can generate heat for outdoor purposes, then a patio heater is the right one for you. The emission of the heat comes from the surface of the screen that surrounds the appliance in a circular pattern. It needs regular servicing by professionals who are qualified to do so. There is a wide range of heaters which are capable of keeping the atmosphere warm all throughout the season. No one can ignore the tremendous demand that has come up for patio heaters as it helps people spend quality time outside the house without risking any kind of illness.

Indeed, drying technology has taken the world by storm, whether it is ceiling fans, desk fans, humidification appliances or humidifiers. The size, the level of noise it makes, the cleaning and the maintenance required has to be kept in mind. Air Treatment has been popular since the time it was introduced in the market. The word humidity has evolved and now has a new dimension to it as enhancing air treatments can control it in the most efficient way.

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Typical HVAC Services Offered by a HVAC Company

HVAC (Heating, ventilation and air conditioning) companies provide a wide range of services for both residential and commercial property owners. These services not only focus on improving the functioning of the equipment but can potentially reduce utility costs as well. The following paragraphs describe some typical HVAC services offered by a HVAC Company.

Cleaning and servicing a furnace

Getting your furnace cleaned and serviced regularly may eliminate potential heating problems during the cold weather. The air filters of a furnace must always be clean so that dirt and dust do not get trapped in the filters thereby blocking the air flow. When the air flow gets obstructed, the furnace tends to work harder, which results in diminishing efficiency and outputs as well as increasing utility bills. A licensed and certified HVAC contractor can check the AFUE (annual fuel engine efficiency) of your furnace and advice you how to handle your heating system as well as how to lower your heating bills.

Air conditioner cleaning and maintenance

An AC that does not cool well but runs may be having a coil leak problem. HVAC professionals can check for such leaks and recharge the system by constantly cycling it so that it doesn't raise the utility costs. If it is important to replace a cooling system that is not functioning effectively, the professional would suggest a new cooling system with a high SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating which would not only keep the environment at a suitable temperature but would also lower your utility costs.

Installing a programmable thermostat.

Turning the heating and cooling unit down when you are away can save you a lot in terms of utility bills. This is where a programmable thermostat comes in handy. These devices can be installed by the HVAC companies so that you can set your HVAC system to turn the cooling or heating down whenever you leave the house or office and then switch them on when you are about to return. Therefore, the house or building would be at a suitable temperature when you are there, but save considerable amount of money while you are away.

Audit the energy used in your home or commercial building

Energy audits are useful in establishing if the equipment is working efficiently and cost effectively. Heat gain, heat loss, proper ventilation and energy efficiency can be evaluated by professional HVAC companies to determine if the equipment can effectively cool and heat your home or building.

Upgrading outdated equipment

When you want to upgrade a non-functioning or outdated HVAC system, the professionals can determine the right equipment for your home or office. In order to cut costs on your utility bills, you should opt for equipment with high efficiency.

Finally, seeking the services and advice of HVAC contractors comes with a lot of advantages. These professionals are trained to assess the needs of your home or building so that they can determine the most energy efficient and cost effective equipment for you. Moreover, regular maintenance of your HVAC systems by experienced professionals would make the equipment to last longer.

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Thinking Ahead: Troubleshooting a Gas Furnace Before the Winter Months

As the colder months of fall and winter begin to creep up, it is important to check your heating systems inside your house for problems and leaks to help the efficiency of the system as well as save you some money. While many of these problems may seem simple to fix, troubleshooting a gas furnace should be left up to a professional.

Common Problems with Gas Furnaces

When troubleshooting a gas furnace it is important to note that the professional turns off all electrical power to your system before working on the system. Failure to do so could result in an injury or damage to your system.

When troubleshooting a gas furnace a common problem is that the colder months have hit, the heat has been turned on, and yet there is no heat coming out of the vents. The possible causes of this can range from the simple (thermostat set too low and not calling for heat) to a more complex issue that would need a professional there to fix (hot surface ignition or intermittent pilot electronic ignition problems).

Another common problem that could occur is that your gas furnace is not producing enough heat. This can be caused by a dirty air filter, dirty or misaligned gas burners. While a dirty air filter problem can be fixed by the homeowner, it is highly recommended that a furnace service technician is called in to have the burners adjusted and cleaned.

Advanced Problems with Gas Furnaces

The one major problem that everyone fears once the colder months have hit is that their furnace stops running. Some of the possible causes could simply be no-brainers once they are checked. There could be that there is no power running to the system, the power switch is off, the pilot light is out, no gas or a motor overload. As you begin to check and make sure that all of these simple problems are checked and still no luck with the system running, it may be time to call a professional.

Blown Fuses or Tripped Circuit Breakers

When a service professional is called to look at the furnace they may discover that it has blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers causing the furnace not to run. This can be fixed by the professional by simply checking all of the circuit breakers around or near the furnace and restoring the circuits.

Motor Overload or Pilot Light Out

These problems can be simple to fix, but can also be a forewarning leading to more major problems in the future that require a professional and new parts for your furnace. A motor overload can be fixed by simply waiting 30 minutes after the overload occurred and pressing the reset button, and repeating if necessary. If the pilot light is out, simply relighting the pilot will fix this problem.

An important thing to remember when troubleshooting a gas furnace is to never hesitate to call a service professional if the problem cannot be diagnosed by a simple look over of the furnace and its pilot light and air filter.

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Top Interferences to Central Air Conditioning

The summer heat can be a strain on even the strongest air conditioning unit. Because of this, many homeowners frequently complain that their air conditioning does not keep their home as comfortable as they would like. There are many different things that can cause your HVAC system to work at a lower efficiency than it should, making the problem sometimes difficult to diagnose. Start with some of the following tedious yet important tasks before installing something new.

Leaking Air Ducts

One of the main causes of poor heating and air conditioning system performance is leaky air ducts. Your ducts are very similar to your plumbing pipes, except that they deliver air throughout your home. We can see damage to plumbing immediately, because water leaks everywhere. Air ducts, on the other hand, sneak up on us because the leaking is not readily apparent. Whenever our ducts leak, they are effectively wasting cooled air into the attic or other space that they are in. In order to prevent this, your ducts should be sealed at all metal-to-metal and metal-to-flex connections. To do this, your insulation should be pulled back and the joints sealed with mastic. Duct tape just doesn't quite do the job.

Too Little Or Too Much Refrigerant

Another common cause of poor AC performance is your refrigerant charge. Most central air systems use a refrigerant that helps to transfer heat between the inside and outside. Your particular system will work best with a certain amount of refrigerant, meaning that it will function at less than capacity with both more or less refrigerant. This can lead to up to 20-30% of a decrease in efficiency.

Incorrect Air Filter Installed

Always install the proper air filter. While most HVAC systems were designed to use cheap, fiberglass air filters to filter the air coming into the system, they are not always the best choice for the job. To remedy this, many people go out and buy a high-efficiency air filter that is much better at keeping the air in their home cleaner. The problem with this, is that these filters sometimes decrease the air flow. This can reduce the efficiency of the entire system. Choose a filter that both filters out unwanted particles and allows sufficient airflow.

Insufficient Return Ducting

Return ducts are absolutely necessary for the proper functioning of your HVAC system. Many systems, however, have only a single return somewhere in the middle of their house. Each room is supplied with its own source of conditioned air, but it all has to find its way back to this central location to be cooled once again. Whenever doors are closed, the space between the floor and the door is not always sufficient to allow the air to return back to the return vent. This leads to some rooms being hot and some being cold. One solution is to have a heating and air contractor install additional returns to assist in evening out your cooling system.

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Cash Payments to Fund Renewable Heat Opportunities

It has been a tough year for homeowners and businesses alike with the double dip recession and increasing energy prices. And this winter is set to be even harder, with energy companies adding an extra £80 a year to the average yearly bills.

And these rising prices are forcing many homeowners to renewable heat alternatives, such as heat pumps, biomass boilers and solar thermal panels.

As further incentive for the uptake of renewable heat, the Government even have a scheme that offers a once of cash payment to support the installation.

Under the Renewable Heat Premium Payment, receive a:

£1,250 voucher for the installation of a ground source heat pump £950 voucher for the installation of a biomass boiler £850 voucher for the installation of an air source heat pump £300 voucher for the installation of solar thermal panels.

Climate change minister Greg Barker, said: "Getting money off an eco-heater will not only just cut carbon emissions, it will also help create a market in developing, selling and installing kit like solar thermal panels or heat pumps."

Am I eligible for a renewable heat payment?

There are a number of criteria you must meet to be eligible for a renewable heat grant. First of all, you must be a resident in England, Scotland or Wales, either as a homeowner or with permission from your landlord.

Your property also requires basic home insulation such as loft lagging, and planning permissions must have been granted.

Whatever renewable product you choose to have installed, it must be certified and installed by an MCS accredited company.

This is a major Government scheme, costing around £15 million. Payments are issued from the Energy Saving Trust and vouchers will expire on March 31, 2013.

The scheme was launched in a bid to cut back on carbon dioxide emissions released into the atmosphere. According to the Energy Saving Trust half of the UK's CO2 emissions are contributed by heat production.

And the Government believe that this renewable heat scheme will save as much as 4.4 million tonnes of carbon each year until 2020, when tough EU targets have been set for.

Receiving quotes for the installation of renewable heat technologies is the best way to ensure of getting the right price from a reputable company. Start reducing your heating bills with an environmentally product today and cut your home's carbon footprint.

Installing before March 2013 will see you with a one-off cash grant to fund the purchase so compare prices and generate your own heat.

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How Much A/C Capacity Are You Wasting?

Everyone likes to save money, but sometimes it is not always apparent where that savings can possibly even come from. Most people are actually paying more on their air conditioning bill than they should be, and that's because it isn't being use to its full capacity. The air conditioning system includes more than just the unit itself. The filter and ducts that rung throughout your home are also part of the system. So are you really doing everything you can to use as much of your air conditioner's capacity as you can? Probably not. Even if you have a system that is 97 percent efficient, there are probably other things you could be doing to save money as well.

For example, as much as 60 percent of your system's operating capacity could be lost simply because the ducts in your home are poorly designed. If the ducts are not designed properly, then even the most efficient air conditioner will not run efficiently. Often an air conditioning system is only as efficient as the ductwork that is connected to it.

So what does it mean if your air conditioning system has unused capacity? The percentage of capacity that goes unused is essentially the amount of cooling the system is potentially able to do because of the type and size of the system it is. However, for some other reason, it isn't living up to its potential. So how do you go about figuring out what is causing your loss in air conditioning capacity? It's always best to call in a professional to determine what is causing the problem. Here are some common causes for lost capacity:

• Poorly designed ducts - As we've already mentioned, ducts that have been poorly designed are probably one of the leading causes for loss of capacity in an air conditioner. There can be any number of design flaws in a system, and only a professional air conditioner technician can spot these flaws.

• Leaking ducts - It may seem like a leak in the ductwork isn't that big of a deal. After all, it's still cold air getting into your home, right? But that air is likely leaking into a part of the home that doesn't actually need it, like the attic or basement. Even if it is leaking into a functioning part of the home, it still means that that area of the house will be cooler than other parts of the house, which will cause your air conditioner to run more, thus losing capacity.

• A unit that is too large or too small for the space. Another big problem for air conditioning systems is having a unit that is not the right size for the space that it serves. Bigger is definitely not better in spaces that are smaller. Check with an air conditioning specialist to find out what size you actually need for your home. It isn't a bad idea to get several opinions either because some salesmen will try to sell you one that is larger than what you actually need. Systems that are too small won't cool properly, and those that are too large will cycle constantly, causing moisture problems inside your home. So do what you can to get a unit that is the right size.

• Lack of insulation - Insulation is meant to keep temperatures in (or out). While most people think of insulation on the exterior walls of their home, there are internal places it can be helpful too, like around the hot water heater and around certain ducts in your home.

Every homeowner can recover some of their air conditioner capacity if they just know what to do.

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Avoid Expensive Heating Repair - 3 Important Steps

One concept that seems to be lost on most homeowners is the fact that you don't have to wait until something goes wrong before you call out a heating repair specialist. In fact, if you take this proactive approach to your HVAC system, you're far less likely to need expensive fixes that leave you in a jam later on down the road. There are few things worse than having to spend several evenings enduring a freezing house because an unexpected problem hit your machinery. If you've ever dealt with this problem in the past, you may want to know how you can avoid it in the future. Here are three important steps you can take to ensure that you don't wind up with a surprise bill.

Yearly Inspections

Look for companies that offer service packages with their equipment. This is something you have to plan for when buying your unit. If you've moved into a house with an existing HVAC unit or you can't even remember where you bought yours, you will need to look for a new heating repair company. Though they may be surprised that you're not calling with an emergency, they should be pleased to contract some yearly inspections of your machine. By doing this, you are accomplishing a few goals. One, you can make sure small things are fixed before they become big things. Two, you can make sure you're getting every bit of efficiency possible from your unit. And finally, you can have some warning when it looks like your unit is on its last legs.

Filters

Don't overlook the importance of changing your filters on a regular basis. By doing so, you can avoid putting extra stress on your HVAC unit. Not only will it let the air flow more freely throughout your home, but you will have fewer allergens and less dust in the atmosphere of your home. Many manufacturers recommend changing your air filter once a month, though you may be able to get away with doing it once a season, depending on the level of dust in your home and the frequency with which you run the system. Clogged filters can easily lead to expensive heating repair, so change them regularly.

Outside

Don't forget that much of your maintenance should be focused on the system's outdoor components. By making sure everything is running smoothly outdoors, you can be sure that you won't bring problems into your home. This includes making sure that your compressor is unblocked by bushes and that nothing is preventing your fan from running smoothly. Have your heating repair specialist look outside when he or she comes for the yearly inspection.

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Storing An Air Conditioner For The Winter

Air conditioners that are mounted in a window during the spring and summer should be removed and stored in a safe location when the winter comes. Some people do leave air conditioners in the window during the winter. This tends to increase heating costs and can shorten the lifespan of the unit if ice damages the internal components. The unit should be carefully removed from the window during the fall before the cold weather starts. A few basic steps will ensure that the air conditioner is stored properly for the winter.

Clean The Unit

Air conditioners collect dust throughout the summer. It is important to clean the outside and inside of the unit when it is removed from the window for the winter. An air conditioning service that is called for maintenance will often do a very good job of cleaning the inside and outside of the unit. People who are cleaning the unit at home should wipe down every exterior surface. The front of the air conditioner should be removed and all visible dust should be removed from the inside. Some care should be taken to prevent damage to the compressor or other parts inside of the unit. The filter should be cleaned as well or replaced depending on the model. The unit should be reassembled once it is clean.

Do Not Invert The Air Conditioner

The air conditioner should always be kept with the correct side facing upwards. The unit should not be placed on the back or side for any length of time. This is because of the compressor. The movement of oil, pressure on connections and loose components can all cause damage to the compressor if the unit is stored in any position that causes unexpected movement of the parts. Air conditioners can be tilted temporarily when being moved. Long-term storage on the back or side could actually cause some pieces to settle permanently in a location that will make the air conditioner less effective or non-functional.

Use A Cover Or Box

It should not be stored without some type of protection.Their service might sell specialized covers for winter storage. The protection that is used for the air conditioner should be able to keep all dust, dirt and debris out of the unit. This includes stopping breezes and drafts that could carry large particles inside it. A simple way to protect an air conditioner is to wrap the unit in thick plastic and then wrap a thick blanket or comforter around that. Some tape wrapped around the whole unit will help to keep the blanket in place. A better method is to use a thermal cover or the box that originally held this equipment.

Store In A Safe Location

The storage location that is chosen for this device should be as sheltered as possible. This means choosing an area that does not receive a large amount of foot traffic. There should also be some protection from the elements. A good location would be a basement that is not overly humid and that receives some heat throughout the winter. A garage is a good location if the door remains closed for most of the winter. The location that is chosen should be far from drafts and should not experience extreme temperature changes. Severe cold could damage the compressor or coils over time.

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Geothermal Heating Shows Improved Potential As Capacity Increases

There is great potential for geothermal heating as a clean energy source; however it still appears to be unrealized. Industrial development of large scale Geothermal heating appears to be increasingly supported by global financial markets. An increasing number of countries, including China, Japan, Germany, Italy, Iceland and the US, are assisting in the progress of geothermal development activities around the world. Support is provided in the form of financing, training, sharing of technologies, and geological surveys.

The technology has been around for more than 60 years, but has yet to gain full traction, although it has been proven to be efficient. Heat pumps are the most important components of the geo-exchange system. They are responsible for transferring heat from hot areas to colder areas. In the winter the region about 10 meters below earth`s surface is usually warmer than the ground, and heat is transferred through ethanol filled coils that are buried underground, to heat sinks in the building where they can be used for heating water or other purposes. In the summer the system works in reverse and heat is transferred from the buildings to the ground surfaces.

The increase in geothermal heating projects that are currently being considered or are being developed is in part attributable to the multi-lateral and international support received in new areas. The important question is whether support will continue. In regions such as East Africa, resources for geothermal heating is readily abundant, and support for assessing the feasibility of the resources has helped to develop interest in several other countries. But, there are associated risks and higher costs associate with new projects. Sustained support is needed at the crucial stages of development.

Some electricity is needed to operate a geo-exchange system, but, in the instances of heat transfer, more than 60% of the heat supplied comes from the earth`s surface. This is the main reason why the most effective ground heat exchange systems are almost 50 per cent more productive than natural gas furnaces and greater than 75 per cent better than oil furnaces.

Development appears to be moving faster with hydrothermal reserves that are available along the Ring of Fire. A growing group of European countries are actively enacting new policies to spur the development at the consumer and local levels. In countries such as France, Latvia, Germany and the UK, there are rebate programmes available for the installation of geo-thermal systems.

As a renewable energy source, ground-source-heating can help protect the environment, as less fossil fuel is consumed. The carbon footprint left by maintaining and operating both commercial and residential buildings is greatly reduced. These systems can save homeowners up to 70 per cent in heating costs and they can also save up to 50% in cooling costs when they are used as exchangers in warmer climates. The American Environmental Protection Agency classifies geothermal energy as representing an underused and enormous energy source of power that provides renewable energy in a clean and virtually unlimited supply.

It is now up to industry, and perhaps government or the private sector to pursue development of the potential.

Time to Have Your Furnace Maintained for Winter   Your Air Conditioning and What You Should Know   Water Heater Shopping - Choosing the Most Efficient Product