Posts Tagged ‘Magnolia’

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Spring Efficiency Tips: What Are the Most Efficient Upgrades for Your Home?

Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

Before you decide which upgrades will make your Spring home more efficient, it would be best to get a home energy audit. You can do this yourself with a few simple tests, or you can hire a professional auditor. The auditor will use advanced equipment and techniques, such as blower doors and infrared cameras, to detect air leaks and places that need more insulation.

When your home is properly insulated and sealed, here are some upgrades you’ll want to think about to make your home more efficient.

High-Efficiency Furnaces & Heat Pumps

If you have an old single-stage furnace, it is time to upgrade. These furnaces were designed to run on two settings—either off or on, and when they are on, they run at full speed. Not only do they lose heat this way, but they also take longer to warm up your home. The new two-speed and multispeed models run at lower speeds to maintain a constant temperature. You can also buy ones with variable-speed blowers that operate on various speeds, which are the most efficient. Heat pumps are a good option if you need both heat and A/C in your home. While most heat pumps are manufactured to be efficient by design, the newer models are the most efficient way to heat and cool your home. If you have a heat pump older than 15 years, talk to an Spring HVAC technician about a heat pump replacement.

Solar & Tankless Water Heaters

When you’ve upgraded your heating system, it may be time to install a more efficient water heater. Solar water heaters are gaining popularity, and they are the most efficient way to save hot water if certain factors are in place, such as sunlight exposure and high fuel costs.  Tankless water heaters heat your water with individual units located near hot water applications. You also have the option of installing a single, whole-home tankless water heater, or for appliances that use more hot water, such as dishwashers and washing machines, you can install tankless models just for their use.

Water-Saving Toilets & Low-flow Plumbing Fixtures

Duel flush, or water-saving toilets are an excellent choice for an upgrade if you want to save water. These toilets use less water overall, and you have the option of using more or less water each time you flush. Installing low flow faucets and fixtures can also provide up to 60% in utility savings. Low flow plumbing fixtures reduce the flow rate for each fixture or application, which reduces the overall amount water used in the home. These are a good option if you’ve installed a tankless water heating system. Your tankless water heaters will be more efficient if the sum of the flow rate total for every fixture in the home is lower.

Don’t hesitate to call Air National if you have any questions HVAC upgrades your Spring home.

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Houston AC Repair Tip: Air Conditioning Condensate Problems

Monday, April 16th, 2012

The beauty of your Houston air conditioning is that you don’t have to do anything to live in a cool climate even when it’s boiling outside.  Programmed to adjust automatically, modern thermostats make it even easier.

It is very inconvenient therefore (not to mention uncomfortable) when our unit is not functioning properly forcing us to pay attention.  Suddenly over-heated, our first inclination may be to call for help, but often a repair can be accomplished easily or avoided completely.

Air Conditioning 101

The process of conditioning air to a cooler temperature involves rapid evaporation and condensation of chemicals called refrigerants.  These are compounds having properties that allow them to change from liquid to gas and back at low temperatures.

When the liquid evaporates and transforms into gas it absorbs heat.  Compressed tightly together again, the matter condenses back into liquid with a residue of unwanted moist heat that must be released to the outdoors.

Over the course of handling the air to cool it, air conditioners are able to filter dust and dehumidify the air as well.  This release of moisture is why air conditioners have drains.

Condenser Coils

As the heat is removed from the gas, it forms condensation that must be drained from the system.  Tiny particles accumulate along the path, prone to shifting and resettling until they become lodged and can form a significant enough blockage to hamper the efficiency of the unit.  If the drain line becomes blocked, the unit drips or overflows the pan and works its way back into the house, causing damage and potentially mold.

Easy Fix

A simple act of maintenance performed twice a year and requiring no tools can eliminate the problem.  To check and maintain your condensate drain, the steps are the same for both window and whole house units.

On the interior side, remove the panel of the unit and find the drain line, usually a plastic tube.  If the pan is full of water, there is a blockage.  On a whole house system, find where the plastic tube exits the house, making sure that it is above ground and clear to drain away. Flush the line with a short burst from a hose.

Regular maintenance is simply a 1/2 cup of warm water poured down the tube to ensure a clean and free flowing pipe.

If you have any trouble or would prefer a Houston air conditioning professional take care of this job for you, give Air National a call today!

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Getting to the Root of Your Cypress Home’s Heat Pump Blower Problems

Monday, December 5th, 2011

If you are having a problem with the blower on your Cypress home’s heat pump, there can be any number of root causes. Here are some strategies to help you determine what the problem is and whether you can fix it or if you’ll need a professional to perform a more thorough inspection.

Thermostat Problem

There are two major causes of blower issues – the first of which is the thermostat on the wall. When you check the thermostat, make sure the fan is switched to off or auto (if it was set to on). If the thermostat was already set to off or auto and the blower is having a problem, it might be related to the second cause of blower problems – the limit switch.

The Limit Switch

If the limit switch is the problem, some adjustments will need to be made. Most of the time, it is best to have a professional take a look, but if you want to do it yourself, here is a brief walkthrough of what you should do.

  • Check Your Owner’s Manual – The Owner’s Manual contains directions on how to manually repair the limit switch. Check to make sure you follow the specific directions for your model.
  • Reset the Pointers – The pointers should be set to 90 degrees F on the lower and 115 degrees F on the upper. Again, check your manual for how to do this.
  • Check the Belt – If the belt is broken (which occurs when the motor runs but the blower isn’t working), you need to replace it.
  • Replacing the Belt – To replace the belt, turn off all power and remove the door on the air handler to find the blower. Make sure you buy the exact match to the belt – you cannot get a different model or there will be problems when you turn everything back on. Change the belt the same as you would on your car, slipping it around the pulleys and rotating to get it into place. Make sure you set it to the right tension – usually addressed in your manual.

If you have trouble with any of these steps or they don’t work, now is the time to call a professional for repairs. Don’t hesitate when it comes to your heat pump – it can result in much larger problems down the road.

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Diagnosing Your Pinehurst Heat Pump’s Noise Problem

Monday, November 28th, 2011

Every now and then, your Pinehurst heat pump will make some odd noises. However, the nature of the noise will determine how serious the problem is and whether you need to take immediate action or if it can be resolved by you.

Grinding and Squealing

If you hear anything resembling a grinding or squealing noise, it needs to be inspected immediately because something is almost certainly wrong with your heat pump. You should immediately turn off the heat pump and call for a technician to inspect the device. Most commonly this happens because the bearings are bad and you don’t want it running if that’s the case.

Rattling

A rattling noise can be caused by loose cover panels, ductwork or air handler parts. Check the cover panels first because this is the most common culprit, but if they are already tightened properly inspect  other parts for loose screws or connections. Most of the time you can take care of this problem by yourself, if you can find the source.

Noise Conduction

One of the most common sources of noise isn’t actually a problem at all but a result of the metal ductwork running through your home. Because you ductwork conducts noise so readily (it is hollow metal after all), almost every noise from the air handler and heat pump will carry through the vents to some degree.

If this bothers you, consider having a contractor install insulation ductwork between the pump and the main ductwork. This will dampen the majority of the sounds from the heat pump. If you still hear something coming from the ductwork, it means there is a problem. Try to determine where it is coming from and make a mark or a note so you can provide an outline of where to start looking when you call a contractor in.

Noises from your heat pump or its connected components are not always a bad thing, but you should act immediately, even if it doesn’t seem to be a big issue. Without immediate action, you risk putting your entire system in jeopardy.

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Inspecting Your Furnace Heat Exchanger for Leaks: A Guide From Spring

Saturday, November 19th, 2011

Like all the heating and cooling components in your Spring home, your furnace needs regular maintenance and annual checkups performed by certified HVAC technicians. If you want to do some preventative maintenance for your furnace on your own, there are simple steps you can take to ensure that your gas or oil furnace is working efficiently and safely.

One of the main concerns with any type of furnace is the potential for carbon monoxide gas leaks, which can be fatal if not detected. The heat exchanger is designed to prevent dangerous flue products from leaking into the home; therefore it is important to inspect the heat exchanger for any cracks or excessive corrosion.

There are a few methods that you can do own your own to inspect your furnace heat exchanger for leaks and potential repairs:

  1. Visual Inspection of the Furnace Heat Exchanger. Use a strong flashlight to visually check the heat exchanger thoroughly for cracks or open seams, particularly in areas that are susceptible heat or mechanical stress. Some seams may have been joined improperly during manufacturing, so be sure to check all joints. Also check for rust or corrosion in areas exposed to any type of moisture. Make sure you can gain access to all the parts of the heat exchanger. If you see any cracks, holes, or severe deterioration, your heat exchanger needs a professional repair. Ultimately, you may not be able to see all the parts of your heat exchanger, so further testing is recommended in addition to a visual inspection.
  2. Flame Test. You can also observe the flame after the furnace is first turned on to detect potential damage to the heat exchanger. Turn off the furnace for at least five minutes, and sit close enough to the furnace to observe the burner flame. Have someone turn up the thermostat, and watch the flame for any changes in color or irregular patterns in the flame. If the flame makes any sudden changes, this could mean that the heat exchanger is damaged. Keep in mind that like the visual test, the flame test cannot determine damage to your heat exchanger alone.
  3. Tracer Gas Test. There are also tracer gas tests, such as releasing a small amount of carbon monoxide in the hot heat exchanger to detect high concentrations of carbon monoxide in the air stream. We do NOT recommend this method for safety reasons. In addition, it is expensive, since you will need a special detector kit. Most importantly, using carbon monoxide is extremely dangerous. Other tracer gases, such as freon, have been used along with a halogen leak detector. Again, the main problem with this method is the release of a deadly gas, called phosgene, into your home. We recommend that you call a specialist before using any tracer gases on your own.

In addition to increasing efficiency and lowering your heating bills, inspecting your furnace will ensure that your heating system operates safely throughout the winter. Along with inspecting your heat exchanger, we recommend that you test all the carbon monoxide detectors in your home on a regular basis, as well as changing the filter every month and cleaning out the ventilation system.

If you need further assistance, or suspect any leaks in your furnace, you will need to schedule an appointment with an HVAC professional. Keep your home warm and safe this winter. We proudly serve the Houston area, so be sure to contact Air National today for any of your furnace repairs.

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Sources of Indoor Air Pollutants: Some Pointers from Tomball

Friday, November 4th, 2011

Indoor air pollutants are a major issue for millions of homeowners and while you may know the most common culprits such as pet dander, pollen, dust and smoke, there are a few other indoor air pollution sources you may not be aware of. Here are some that almost any Tomball home will have and simple tasks you can perform to reduce their risk.

  • Cooking Surfaces – Gas stoves in particular are a major source of Nitrogen Dioxide. To reduce the amount of this gas in your indoor air, make sure you have proper ventilation above or near your stove. A simple exhaust hood or wall fan will do the job.
  • Insects – Roaches in particular are a major issue.  Their droppings, saliva and dead body parts can significantly increase the risk of health problems like asthma. Many other insects produce allergens as well, though roaches are worse because of their size and the nature of most infestations. Avoid using roach killers however. Prevention is better than extermination both for your indoor air quality and for the general health of those in your household.
  • Dust Mites – Dust mites are different from insects because they are so small (and are technically arachnids). They like things like your drapes, upholstery and carpet. They also like high humidity levels so if you can keep the humidity in your home low, they will be much less of a nuisance.
  • Asbestos – You’ve probably heard that asbestos is a carcinogen and should be covered or removed from your home. But do you know just how many places in your home it can be found? Asbestos is present in old insulation, spackle, pipe wraps and even some older upholstery. If your home is more than 30 years old, make sure it is inspected and checked for asbestos. If found, asbestos is usually isolated so it cannot fray and get into the air you breathe.
  • New Electronics – New products can have a variety of chemicals in them like phthalates that have a negative impact on the respiratory health of those exposed to them. These chemicals are emitted after a product is opened for the first time. With time their concentration will diminish, reducing the risk, but at first, make sure to properly ventilate the space and keep children away from new electronics or computers.

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Do Air Cleaners Reduce Health Risks? (and Happy Halloween Weekend!)

Friday, October 28th, 2011

Everyone at Air National wishes you a Happy Halloween Weekend! Have a great time as a ghost, a goblin, or anything in between! And since their are few things more frightening than indoor air pollution, here is some information about how air cleaners can help.

What Air Cleaners Do

Before we can say whether an air cleaner has any positive health effects, we must first look at what they do. Air cleaners are designed to remove certain particles from the air inside your home. Different air cleaners are designed for different levels of removal.

Ratings like the MERV of an air cleaner measure how small of particles the device can remove. Additionally, the type of cleaner will determine what it is best at removing. Mechanical filters are the most efficient at removing dust, pollen, and dander while electronic filters are best for smoke, bacteria and mold spores.

So, What Impact Does this Have on Health?

The big question then is what kind of health benefits you will gain from a high end air cleaning system. If your home isn’t prone to a large number of contaminants and you have good ventilation, the difference may not be that big, but for those with a well-sealed home, pets, humidity problems or any number of other indoor air contaminant sources, an air cleaner has a tremendous impact on your health.

The problem is that when the house gets sealed up so tightly, we put our bodies at risk of contamination from gasses and pollutants that would otherwise dissipate into the air. Those with asthma are put at an increased risk as they breathe in a variety of different triggers like dust, mold and dander.

An air cleaner removes these threats and while they don’t have a proactive effect on your health – you won’t suddenly lose weight or never again get the flu – they can remove many of the negative effects that poor air quality has on your body.

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What is Air Purification? A Question from Houston

Monday, October 24th, 2011

The air around us is getting more and more polluted these days in Houston, and people are trying to do more and more to combat it. Cars come with ratings like “ultra-low emission vehicle” and windmills generate power from moving air rather than burning coal. No doubt, these efforts help, but if you want to take an active role in improving the quality of air in your own home, consider an air purification system.

Simply put, air purification is the process of removing contaminants and pollutants from the air. There are a number of devices on the market that can purify the air in your home. While anyone can enjoy the benefits of cleaner air, they are of particular utility for people which suffer from asthma or allergies, or who live in areas with higher concentrations of outdoor air pollution.

There are three main kinds of air purifiers, categorized by the kind of technology they use:

  1. HEPA filtration
  2. Negative ion generation
  3. Electrostatic precipitation

HEPA filtration purifiers simply filter the air that passes through them using a sieve-like filter or series of filters. Depending on the efficiency of the device and the filter, some of these purifiers can trap not only solid and like particles, but also gases and odors. One advantage of this type of purifier is that the HEPA filters can last for years before they need to be changed.

Negative ion generation and electrostatic precipitation models are more complicated and technical because of the technology they use. Consult with a professional to choose which kind of technology is best for your needs, depending on the air quality problem you are experiencing. Some air purifiers can trap bacteria, viruses, fungi or chemicals, so there is bound to be one that will suit your needs.

After deciding on which type of technology you need, you will also have to choose whether you want a portable air purifier unit or a central system that covers the whole house. Obviously the former works well if you are only concerned about the air in a room or two, while the latter is better if you have chronic asthma or a more widespread air quality problem.

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Finding an Ozone Friendly Air Conditioner in Cypress

Friday, October 7th, 2011

We’ve heard about ozone depletion for almost 20 years in Cypress as a major problem caused by a variety of chemicals we use almost every day. Propellants in aerosols, certain cleaning materials and the refrigerant in your air conditioning system are all culprits in the depletion of the ozone layer. So when you purchase a new AC unit, you want to be sure you won’t continue to contribute to the problem.

What Causes Ozone Depletion?

The number one contributor to ozone depletion is chloroflourocarbons, the man-made chemicals used in air conditioners since Thomas Midgley, Jr. invented the compound in the 1920s. When these chemicals reach the stratosphere, the ultraviolet light from the sun breaks the compound down to its base components, including chlorine atoms which subsequently break down thousands of molecules of ozone before dissipating.

The earliest CFCs used in air conditioners were incredibly damaging to the ozone. But since legislation was passed to stop the damage and new technologies were developed, there are less damaging alternatives.

Specifically, the refrigerant R410-A is considered environmentally friendly in that it doesn’t cause ozone depletion. Some air conditioners still ship with the older refrigerant R-22, however, which has been linked to ozone depletion and will no longer be allowed in new products after 2020.

Which Products Can You Buy?

When searching for a new air conditioner, look for a system that uses only R410-A. On average, these systems tend to cost more money, but keep in mind that in less than 10 years, refrigerants for older R-22 models will become much more sparse while R410-A will be an industry standard.

If you have more questions about environmentally friendly HVAC equipment, contact your Cypress AC contractor.

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AC as a Safety Feature in the Home: Some Advice From Houston

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

Ask a hundred people in Houston what the primary role of air conditioning is and I’ll bet you they say “comfort”. We seek out AC to stay cool and beat the summer heat, but did you know your air conditioning is a lot more than just a convenience – it is a safety feature in the midst of heavy heat waves.

Heat Is More than Just Uncomfortable

We tend to think of heat as this massive, uncomfortable inconvenience. In reality, it is quite dangerous. According to the Center for Disease Control, heat waves killed 8,015 people between 1979-2003, more than hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning, earthquakes and floods combined in that time period.

Why is heat illness so dangerous? It comes on quickly and it’s easy to ignore the warning signs, especially when you are already uncomfortable. While hydration is important, the real risk occurs after you’ve become dehydrated – when your body can no longer keep itself cool. This is known as heat stroke and can lead to a number of life threatening conditions, especially for the elderly, infants and those with chronic conditions.

That’s where air conditioning comes in. On the CDC’s extreme heat preparedness webpage, air conditioning is listed as the number one preventative factor against heat related illness. Simply put – if you have an air conditioner, there is a much smaller chance you will get sick from the heat. Dehydration happens less frequently when you’re in an air conditioned environment, meaning that your body can regulate temperature internally and you feel comfortable – not a bad deal for a simple installation.

Staying Cool Is a Medical Necessity

Heat is more than just a direct threat. It addles the mind and makes your reaction times slower. So, air conditioning is about a lot more than just staying comfortable – it’s a health issue. Especially if you have small children or elderly adults in the house or if anyone in your family has a medical condition like obesity, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, an air conditioning system is an absolute must during heat waves.

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