Connecticut Heating and Cooling Articles

Keep Your Cool When Choosing Air Conditioning Units

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

In the hot summer months, reliable air conditioning units are worth their weight in gold. As the mercury rises outside, you want to stay cooler inside. An air conditioning unit, after all, is really just a machine that extracts heat from a given area using a refrigeration cycle. But if that machine doesn’t take away the hot air effectively, keeping cool is a pretty tough proposition.

So how do you choose air conditioning units? How do you know which one will be more effective than another? For starters, stick to brands you know and trust �" like General Electric, Sharp, and Whirlpool. Then consider shopping at a store that specializes in selling air conditioning units. The larger specialty stores tend to have many different people to help you, which can be a good thing if you want to make a quick decision and get cooler faster!

Let’s face it. Most people do their homework when it comes to buying bigger items like homes and cars, but not always with air conditioning units. Remember to choose a reliable brand name, and if you do get to speak with a sales person, ask him/her what air conditioning unit they have at home.

Keeping cooler in the summer is only one aspect of home temperature control.. A complete system of air conditioning, ventilation, and heating is commonly known as HVAC. An HVAC system is designed to provide comfort during either hot or cold weather.

To learn more about affordable air conditioning units and other temperature control matters, just contact a Connecticut HVAC contractor in our network. These trained and reliable professionals can take care of all your climate control needs. To find an HVAC technician near you, browse our directory or give us a call.

HVAC Efficiency

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

There are several ways to modernize the heating, ventilation or air conditioning systems in your Connecticut or Westchester County, NY, home. Doing so is a worthwhile investment. You can save a bundle on energy bills and conserve general power usage in the process. Before you upgrade, it is important to consider how you can reduce overall output in your home. Using the minimum is imperative to all-around saving. This means, do not use oversized systems for the space you occupy.

Demand Sensors
Demand-controlled ventilation systems work by measuring occupancy. This used to mean estimating the number of people in a given space. Today, demand-controlled systems actually measure the amount of carbon dioxide present, which is the gas that people exhale. Ventilated air is regulated precisely, controlled and treated as needed.

Multiple Zone Usage
Zones are sections that you may desire to control differently. If you divide your home into zones, you can minimize mistakes and be precise about how warm or cool you want a given area to be. The zones can be controlled from a centralized point, like a single thermostat.

Programmable Thermostats
Specialized, efficient, and user-friendly, most programmable thermostats have pushbuttons, digital displays, and timers. Year-round, night or day, you can easily control the temperateness of your home. Many programmable thermostats have the option of installing the use of a remote control, through a telephone, computer, or security system. Programmable thermostats are extremely accurate, and range from $50 to $200.

Heat Pump
A heat pump is a unique system that heats in the winter and cools in the summer, some without burning fossil fuels, using only electricity. Some are hybrid systems that use either electricity or fuel, with sensors that determine and use automatically whichever is most efficient.

Believe it or not, a simple humidifier can work wonders in saving you energy. A humidifier creates warm coziness in the winter, and eases the affects of hot, dry air in the summer. Modern humidifiers can be attached to a furnace and programmed to shut off when a certain degree of air moisture is reached.

On the opposite end, evaporative coolers reduce humidity in tropical-like climates, where oppressive moisture hangs in the air.

Regardless of your HVAC system, there are simple measures you can take, such as shutting out sunlight to reduce heat, and keeping doors closed for maximum zone-efficiency. With each turn of the seasons, it is wise to have an HVAC technician tune up and refresh the system you will be utilizing. Belts should be tightened, refrigerant level checked, as well as overall parts efficiency. As a homeowner, familiarize yourself with your HVAC systems and learn how to clean ducts and replace filters, faulty valves, and steam traps. This simple maintenance eases the stress on fans. Keep and eye out for leaks, because this is a fast way to poor HVAC performance, hence, higher bills and less effective systems.

Find an HVAC technician in Connecticut and Westchester County, NY, by contacting us today!

What do HVAC Technicians do?

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Connecticut HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. These machines keep the indoor air temperate and clean. Studies show that people spent about 80% of their time indoors. HVAC technicians are skilled workers who carry the responsibility of keeping the inside healthy with the proper climate-control. Technicians must go to school for six months to two years, depending on the program, to obtain licenses to practice. All are trained in installation, service and repair, though many specialize in one or the other upon earning a degree.

HVAC systems consist of many parts, small and large. We often see fan blades, switches, and cords, but there are internal pumps, compressors, pipes, temperature readers, valves, ducts, and coils. Any one of parts can break down or malfunction. The technician must troubleshoot and perform tests, not unlike a doctor. The technician will adjust a problematic system, using its controls to fine tune. He will be equipped with specialized gauges that measure the functional parts of the machine, detecting problems. Tools commonly used by a HVAC technician include acetylene torches, pipe cutters, pipe benders, drills, pressure and measuring gauges, voltmeters, metal snips, hammers and wrenches.

The process of installation is usually followed via a blueprint. The system is set in place, and then the technician must install water and fuel supply lines, pumps, ducts, and other external parts of the machine. Wiring may be connected. Many systems use external controls that monitor its performance, read gas levels, and analyze combustion processes. The technician may put these into operation. Today, there are eco-friendly units that operate on different forms of energy, like solar power. Modern HVAC technicians are schooled in these formats as well as the traditional ones.

Maintenance of HVAC systems includes checking for leaks, liquid or gas, adjusting burners, blowers, and other components. Replacing filters and air ducts is essential to healthy indoor air. Dust and bacteria will accumulate, and must be cleaned out. It is ideal for technicians to perform maintenance on heating systems in the summer, and cooling systems in the winter. An idle machine is easier to handle and gauge.

The HVAC technicians face serious hazards, and safety measures should be taken to avoid burns, shocks, and muscle pulls. The refrigerant chemicals in air-conditioning units can cause frostbite, skin damage, lung damage if inhaled, or blindness if it accidentally enters the eye. Protective gear will be worn. HVAC technicians have a serious job to do, and they are working closely with electricity, dangerous chemicals, tools, and extremely hot and cold materials. Often the technicians must work in cramped spaces with minimal light. Their work is essential to keep our indoor air clean and comfortable, to keep us healthy.

For an HVAC technician in Connecticut or Westchester County, NY, contact us today!