Air Balancing: Everything You Need to Know

When researching heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) services, you may come across air balancing. It’s a common service for both residential and commercial HVAC systems. Whether you have a standard HVAC system consisting of an air conditioner and a furnace, or if you have a heat pump, you might want to consider an air balancing service.

What is Air Balancing?

Air balancing is a comprehensive, multi-step service that lives up to its namesake by balancing the flow of conditioned air throughout a home or building. Conditioned air, of course, comes from a single source: the HVAC system. During the summer, your home’s HVAC system will create cool air at the condenser unit. The cool and newly conditioned air will then enter your home’s ductwork before being distributed throughout your home’s living spaces.

Some of the conditioned air produced by your home’s HVAC system, however, may not reach all of your home’s living spaces. Certain rooms may feel cool during the summer, whereas other rooms may feel warm or less cool. Problems involving the unequal distribution of conditioned air can often be fixed with air balancing. Air balancing is designed to optimize an HVAC system so that all living spaces receive an equal amount of conditioned air.

How Air Balancing Works

Air balancing typically begins with a thorough inspection of your home’s HVAC system. An HVAC technician will inspect all of the HVAC system’s components. From there, he or she may recommend solutions to ensure the equal distribution of conditioned air.

Insulating ducts, for instance, can help with air balancing. When poorly insulated, air ducts will leak thermal energy. If there’s an area of your home’s ductwork with little or no insulation, it may cause balancing issues with the living spaces to which that area is connected. Adding more insulation to the ductwork will fix this problem while providing a more equal distribution of conditioned air.

Installing new vents can also help with air balancing. If a particular room in your home is getting less conditioned air than the other rooms, the HVAC technician may install one or more new supply vents in that room.

With that said, installing new vents isn’t always needed. In some cases, adjusting the existing vents in your home can fix air balancing problems. If the supply vents in a room are closed, the room will receive less conditioned air than rooms with open supply vents.

How Your Air Conditioning System Dehumidifies Your Home

Your air conditioning system does more than just cool your home. While cooling is the primary function of all air conditioning systems, they offer another benefit that’s often overlooked: dehumidification. When running, it will remove moisture vapor from the air inside of your home. As your air conditioning system removes this moisture vapor, your home’s relative humidity level will decrease.

The Basics of Air Conditioning Dehumidification

Dehumidification is a side effect that occurs when your air conditioning system cools your home. How does is work exactly? Your air conditioning system contains an indoor heat exchange device known as an evaporator coil. As coolant flows through the evaporator coil, it will absorb heat from the surrounding air. Moisture vapor in the air will then collect and condense on the exterior of the evaporator coil.

Your air conditioning system’s dehumidification process will occur at the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil will collect moisture vapor from the air inside of your home. As the moisture vapor condenses on the evaporator coil, it will drip into a pan below where it’s drained to your home’s exterior.

Air Conditioning Systems vs Whole-House Dehumidifiers

While your air conditioning system is capable of dehumidifying your home, there are also whole-house dehumidifiers that perform the same task. A whole-house dehumidifier is a device that, as the name suggests, is designed to dehumidify your entire home. Not all homes have them. Even if your home has an air conditioning system, it may not have a whole-house dehumidifier.

Nonetheless, a whole-house dehumidifier is an optional device that’s found in some homes. Its dehumidification mechanics are similar to those of an air conditioning system. A whole-house dehumidifier uses refrigerant to absorb heat and, thus, create condensation.

The main difference is that a whole-house dehumidifier is a separate device that works alongside your air conditioning system. Whole-house dehumidifiers are usually installed in the ductwork. Air traveling through the ductwork will enter the whole-house dehumidifier where it’s dehumidified.

Do You Need a Whole-House Dehumidifier?

You might be wondering or not you need a whole-house dehumidifier. In most cases, an air conditioning system will provide a sufficient amount of dehumidification. Assuming your air conditioning system is the right size for your home, it should dehumidify your home without causing indoor moisture problems. If your air conditioning system is either too small or too big for your home, though, you may want to get a whole-house dehumidifier installed.

What Is a Limit Switch in a Furnace?

Your furnace’s ability to warm the interior of your home is dependent upon a functional limit switch. Also known as a fan switch, it’s an essential furnace component. Whether you have a gas or electric furnace, there’s probably a limit switch inside of it. What is a limit switch exactly, and how does it work?

The Definition of a Limit Switch

A limit switch is a device that’s designed to regulate a furnace’s blower and protect the furnace from overheating. Furnaces, of course, contain a blower. The blower lives up to its namesake by blowing air over the heating element. As air moves over the heating element, it will pick up heat. This newly produced hot air will then travel into the ductwork where it’s distributed throughout your home.

The primary purpose of a limit switch is to synchronize a furnace’s blower with its heating cycles. The blower will automatically turn on when heat is needed, and it will automatically turn off when heat is no longer needed. If the temperature inside of your home is lower than the temperature for which your thermostat is set, the furnace and blower will run. The limit switch simply regulates the blower.

While they are used primarily to regulate the blower, limit switches also protect against overheating.  Furnaces can get hot when running. If a furnace gets too hot, though, it may sustain damage. Limit switches protect furnaces from heat-related damage by automatically shutting them down. If the temperature of a furnace rises exceeds its normal and safe operating temperature, the limit switch will shut it down.

How a Limit Switch Works

Limit switches work by measuring the temperature of the air inside of the furnace. Your furnace won’t release the heated air immediately. Rather, the heated air will typically remain trapped inside of your furnace for a short period. After it has reached an appropriate temperature, the heated air will then be released. The limit switch is a device that tells your furnace when to release the heated air.

There’s a temperature sensor on limit switches. The temperature sensor will measure the temperature of the air inside of your furnace. If the air needs to be hotter, it won’t activate the blower. The limit switch will only turn on the blower once the air has reached an appropriate temperature. After kicking on, the blower will move the heated air through the ductwork and into your home’s living spaces.

Do You Own a Pet? Don't Overlook These HVAC Tips

Nothing compares to the unconditional loyalty offered by pets. Whether you own a dog or cat, you can rest assured knowing that they’ll always be at your side. Perhaps this is why over two-thirds of U.S. households own a pet.

If you own a pet, though, you may need to give your heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) a little extra attention. Pets can take a toll on HVAC systems. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your HVAC running optimally.

Clean the Air Vents

Don’t underestimate the importance of cleaning the air vents. Many pets enjoy lying on or in front of air vents. Supply air vents emit conditioned air that many pets find enjoyable.

During the winter, you may discover your pet lying in front of a supply air vent for warmth. During the summer, you may discover your pet lying in front of a supply air vent to keep cool. Cleaning these and other air vents in your home will help to remove loose fur so that it doesn’t enter the ductwork and contribute to airborne pollution.

Vacuum, the Carpet

You should vacuum the carpet inside of your home at least once a week if you own a pet. Both dogs and cats shed their fur. Regardless of species, they typically shed their fur twice a year, once during the spring and another time during the fall. Vacuuming the carpet will remove this loose fur to promote cleaner air ducts and greater HVAC performance.

Watch the Outdoor Unit

Assuming you own a dog, you should keep him or her away from your HVAC system’s outdoor unit. The outdoor unit is the condenser unit. As the name suggests, it houses your HVAC system’s condenser coil, along with the compressor.

When allowing your dog to go outside, supervise him or her to ensure that your HVAC system’s outdoor unit remains untouched. Some dogs may mark their territory on the outdoor unit, whereas others may dig at the dirt around the outdoor unit.

Change the Air Filter

You’ll need to change your HVAC system’s air filter as well. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), air filters typically require changing once every month or two months during the summer. An exception, however, is pet-owning families. The DOE says that pet-owning families may need to change their air filter more frequently. Instead of once every month or two months, you may need to change it every three weeks – sometimes even more frequently.

Heat Pump Maintenance: 5 Tips for Optimal Performance

Is your home equipped with a heat pump? In the Southeast, heat pumps have become a popular type of heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system. They are designed to move heat into and out of a home’s indoor space, thus warming or cooling the home respectively. For optimal performance, though, you’ll need to maintain your home’s heat pump.

#1) Replace the Air Filter

All HVAC systems have an air filter, and heat pumps are no exception. Air must travel through the filter in your heat pump before it reaches the outdoor unit. If the filter is dirty, less air will reach the outdoor unit, meaning less heating and cooling power. Your heat pump will perform better if you replace the air filter once every few months.

#2) Clean the Coils

You should clean your heat pump’s coils on a regular basis as well. Heat pumps still have an evaporator coil and a condenser coil, and refrigerant travels through these coils just like it does in an air conditioning system. If either of these coils are dirty, they won’t be able to effectively exchange heat.

#3) Ensure Drainage Around Outdoor Unit

When inspecting the area around your heat pump’s outdoor unit, make sure it’s adequately drained. The outdoor unit contains the condenser coil. Refrigerant will travel to the outdoor unit where it either releases or collects heat. If the area around isn’t properly drained, however, it will sit in a puddle of water. The condenser coil may then fail to release or collect heat.

#4) Check Condensate Drain

Don’t forget to check your heat pump’s condensate drain. Most heat pumps have a drainage system underneath the evaporator coil. As the evaporator coil transfers heat with the assistance of refrigerant, condensation will form on it. The condensate drain below will catch this condensation and flush it to your home’s exterior. If this drainage system is clogged, water will accumulate below the evaporator coil.

#5) Get an Annual Inspection

There’s no substitution for a professional inspection. Heat pumps are complex systems. While you might be able to perform some basic maintenance on your heat pump, such as changing the air filter and cleaning the coils, other forms of maintenance require professional expertise. By getting your heat pump inspected by a professional at least once a year, you can catch problems early so that they don’t lead to bigger and more expensive problems down the road.

How Does a Variable Speed HVAC System Work?

Not all heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems operate at a single speed. Some of them are capable of operating at multiple speeds. Known as variable-speed HVAC systems, they’ve become increasingly popular in recent years. They can heat and cool your home just like their single-speed counterparts. The only difference is that variable-speed HVAC systems offer multiple speeds.

Understanding Variable-Speed HVAC Systems

The term “variable-speed HVAC system” can be somewhat confusing because it can refer to different types of technologies. There are air conditioning systems with a variable-speed compressor, for instance, and there are air handling units (AHUs) and furnaces with a variable-speed blower. They both live up to their namesake by offering multiple speeds. Variable-speed compressors and variable-speed blowers, however, work in different ways.

How a Variable-Speed Compressor Works

With a variable-speed compressor, your air conditioning system’s compressor will automatically adjust its speed to achieve longer cycles. It won’t run at 100%. Rather, the compressor may run at just 25% to 50%. This lower speed setting means that your air conditioning system won’t cycle on and off frequently. It will continue to run while removing heat from your home’s interior.

There are the single-speed and two-speed compressors as well. Single-speed compressors are those that operate at a single speed, whereas two-speed compressors are those that operate at two speeds. Variable-speed compressors are distinguished by their ability to operate at many different speeds.

How a Variable-Speed Blower Works

Variable-speed blowers are found in ACUs and furnaces. All HVAC systems have a blower. In a standard air conditioning system and furnace setup, the blower will usually be installed in the furnace. In a heat pump HVAC system, on the other hand, the blower will be installed in an ACU.

Like with air conditioning systems, some blowers are capable of operating at multiple speeds. A variable-speed blower will respond to temperature changes inside of your home to conserve energy. If the temperature is approaching that for which you set the thermostat, it may operate a lower speed setting.

Most variable-speed blowers have an electronically commuted motor (ECM). The ECM receives data from your home’s HVAC system, which it uses to automatically adjust the speed of the blower. Whether you’re trying to cool or warm your home, the variable-speed blower will adjust itself. The end result is a more efficient HVAC system that conserves energy.

An Introduction to Rooftop AC Systems

Not all air conditioning systems are installed on the ground. Some of them are installed on roofs. Known as rooftop air conditioning systems, they are commonly used for commercial buildings. Business offices, retail stores, restaurants and other commercial buildings often feature a rooftop air conditioning system. For a better understanding of rooftop air conditioning systems and how they work, keep reading.

What Is a Rooftop AC System?

A rooftop air conditioning system is a complete indoor-cooling system. Like ground-installed air conditioning systems, they consist of an evaporator coil, a condenser coil, a compressor, a blower, ductwork and other cooling components. The only difference is that some of these components are installed on the roof.

All air conditioning systems require certain components to be installed outdoors. The condenser coil and compressor, for example, must be installed outdoor. In a rooftop air conditioning system, these components are installed on the roof – typically in the form of a single large box known as a condenser unit. In a ground-installed air conditioning system, on the other hand, these components are installed on the ground.

Advantages of a Rooftop AC System

A rooftop air conditioning system is often ideal for multistory commercial buildings. It can move the cool and conditioned air through a commercial building’s floors more easily than a ground-installed air conditioning system. When installed on the roof, the cool and conditioned air will naturally gravitate to the commercial building’s lower floors.

Another advantage of a rooftop air conditioning system is that it saves space. Commercial buildings often have a limited amount of space on the ground. If there’s not enough ground space for an air conditioning system, a rooftop air conditioning system may be used.

Disadvantages of a Rooftop AC System

There are disadvantages of rooftop air conditioning systems as well. While common with commercial buildings, they are somewhat rare with residential homes. This is because most residential homes have an angled roof. Air conditioning systems can’t be installed on an angled roof. Rather, they must be installed on a flat roof.

Maintenance is also more difficult with a rooftop air conditioning system than a ground-installed air conditioning system. With a ground-installed air conditioning system, heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) technicians can easily access the condenser unit for servicing. Servicing the condenser unit of a rooftop air conditioning system, on the other hand, requires going to the roof

What Is an Air Handling Unit (AHU)?

Proper air circulation is essential to your home’s heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system. While some residential HVAC systems simply use the furnace’s blower to circulate air, others use an air handling unit (AHU). AHUs, for instance, are commonly found in heat exchanger setups. If your home has a heat exchanger – as opposed to an air conditioning system and furnace setup – it probably has an AHU. What is an AHU exactly?

The Basics of an AHU

Also known simply as an air handler, an AHU is a large box that contains several essential HVAC parts It’s designed to circulate or “handle” the air in your home. When running your HVAC system, it will pull the unconditioned air from inside your home so that it can be conditioned. The AHU contains a blower motor and fan. During use, it will suck in unconditioned air through the return vents.

Most AHUs contain the following parts:

·         Air filter

·         Evaporator coil

·         Blower motor

·         Fan

It’s important to note that some AHUs may contain additional parts. Whole-house humidifiers, for example, can be installed in them. If your home suffers from dry air, you may install a humidifier in the ACU. Regardless, most ACUs consist of the aforementioned parts, all of which are found within the ACU’s box.

How the ACU Works

The ACU’s primary purpose is to circulate air for conditioning purposes. HVAC systems, including those with a heat pump, don’t actually produce warm or hot air. Rather, they act like a heat exchanger by adding or removing heat to your home’s existing air.

The blower motor and fan will create a suction that pulls in unconditioned air. Upon entering the ACU, the unconditioned air will pass over the evaporator coil. If you’re using your HVAC system to cool your home, the unconditioned air will be cooled during this process. The evaporator coil consists of several refrigerant-filled tubes. The refrigerant will absorb heat from the unconditioned air as it passes over the evaporator coil.

ACUs contain the air filter as well. All HVAC systems have an air filter. In a heat pump setup, the air filter is typically found in the ACU. In a traditional air conditioning system and furnace setup, the air filter is typically found in the furnace. Both types of HVAC systems use an air filter to purify the air. Air must pass through the filter before being conditioned. If it’s located in the ACU, unconditioned air will first enter the return vents, after which it will pass through the filter before passing over the evaporator coil.

Humidistats: Helping to Control Indoor Humidity

You can’t ignore your home’s humidity level. As your home’s humidity level increases, it can cause mold and mildew to grow while simultaneously increasing the risk of respiratory allergies. If your home’s humidity level is too low, conversely, it can cause dry that’s electrostatically charged. Fortunately, there are devices available to control indoor humidity, one of which is a humidistat.

What Is a Humidistat?

A humidistat is a device that works in conjunction with an air conditioning system to regulate indoor humidity. It’s similar to a thermostat, except it allows you to control the humidity level in your home rather than the temperature. You can adjust the humidistat to achieve a higher or lower humidity level.

How Humidistats Work

While there are different types of humidistats, they are all designed to measure and regulate the humidity level of the home in which they are used. They are connected to the home’s heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system. If the home’s humidity level is too high, the humidistat will send a signal to the air conditioner, essentially telling it to run. Running the air conditioning system will then dehumidify the air so that the home’s humidity level decreases.

There are standalone humidistats, and there are humidistats that are built into thermostats. Using them, you can specify the desired relative humidity level for your home. Maybe you want a 50% relative humidity level, or perhaps you prefer a 55% relative humidity level. After setting the humidistat to your desired relative humidity level, your air conditioning system will do the rest. If the relative humidity level rises above 50% or 55%, your air conditioning system will turn on.

Do You Need a Humidistat?

While convenient and easy to use, a humidistat isn’t always necessary. Running your air conditioning system will often keep your home’s humidity level in check. After all, humidistats themselves don’t actually dehumidify the air; they simply tell your air conditioning system when to run so that it can dehumidify the air. A functional air conditioning system is your first line of defense against high indoor humidity. As it cools your home, it will dehumidify the air.

You can also install a dehumidifier in your home instead of a humidistat. Dehumidifiers are dehumidifying devices. During use, a dehumidifier will pull moisture out of the air, after which it will either drain or store the collected moisture.

What to Do If Your AC System Stops Working During the Summer

Air conditioning problems often occur at the most inconvenient times. Your air conditioning system may work fine during the mildly warm spring months. When the summer months roll around, though, it may fail to cool your home. What should you do exactly if your air conditioning system stops working during the summer?

Check the Thermostat Settings

If your air conditioning system stops working during the summer, don’t panic. It might be something as simple as the thermostat settings. Some thermostats have a “hold” setting, for instance. When engaged, the “hold” setting will maintain the specified temperature. It’s a common feature with programmable thermostats.

You can program a thermostat to achieve different temperatures at different times of the day. The “hold” setting simply ignores these prescheduled cooling times, which can leave some homeowners to believe that their air conditioning system isn’t working. Regardless, you should check the thermostat settings if your air conditioning system isn’t cooling your home during the summer.

Check the Air Vents

In addition to the thermostat, you should check the air vents. Obstructed or closed air vents can create the illusion of air conditioning failure. Your air conditioning system may not be able to release a sufficient amount of conditioned air if the vents are obstructed or closed.

Most air conditioning systems use two types of vents. They use return vents to draw in unconditioned air, and they use supply vents to release conditioned air. Both types of vents need to be unobstructed and open for your air conditioning system to effectively cool your home.

Contact an HVAC Technician

Regardless of the type of failure from which your air conditioning system is suffering, a heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) technician can probably fix it. HVAC technicians know how to diagnose problems with air conditioning systems. Maybe your air conditioning system has a bad compressor, or perhaps the ducts are clogged with dust and debris. By contacting an HVAC technician, you can get your air conditioning system back up and running.

Use Alternative Methods to Keep Cool

There are several things you can do to keep cool until your air conditioning system is fixed. Keeping the curtains closed, for example, can have a positive impact on your home’s temperature. With the curtains closed, less heat will enter your home through the windows.

You can also run the fans to keep cool. Fans won’t necessarily lower the temperature of your home, but they will make it feel cooler by circulating the air. These are just a few ways to maintain a more comfortable living space until your air conditioning system has been fixed.

An Introduction to Recovery Mode on Thermostats

The thermostat is an essential part of your home’s heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system. As you may know, it serves as the user control interface for the furnace and air conditioning system (or heat pump). You can make your home warmer or cooler by adjusting the thermostat. Some thermostats, however, are capable of entering recovery mode. The following post explains the purpose of recovery mode and how it works.

What Is Recovery Mode?

Recovery mode is a feature on certain thermostats that indicates the thermostat has exited an energy-saving mode and is now in the process of warming or cooling the home. Many thermostats, including programmable and smart thermostats, offer an energy-saving mode. You can program the thermostat to achieve a higher temperature during the summer while you are at work. When the thermostat exits this mode and begins to cool your home, it will enter recovery mode.

The Mechanics of Recovery Mode

How does recovery mode work exactly? Recovery mode is designed to acclimate your home’s temperature for that of which you programmed the thermostat. If you programmed the thermostat for 70 degrees at 4:00 p.m., for instance, recovery mode means that it will begin cooling your home prior to 4:00 p.m. During this time, the thermostat will tell your air conditioner to cool your home.

Recovery mode, of course, proceeds an energy-saving mode. Energy-saving modes are characterized by little or no HVAC activity. If you’re at work during the day, you can program the thermostat not to run the air conditioner during these hours. As the thermostat exits this energy-saving mode, it will enter recovery mode. Recovery mode is the transition from an energy-saving mode to a desirable, comfortable temperature.

How to Tell If Your Thermostat Is In Recovery Mode

If your thermostat is in recovery mode, you may notice an indicator light illuminated on it. Some thermostats have indicator lights for their various modes, including one for the recovery mode. Other thermostats will display the words “recovery” or “recovery mode.” Alternatively, smart thermostats may send a notification to your mobile device.

With that said, not all thermostats have a recovery mode. While most thermostats support scheduled temperature adjustments for energy efficiency, recovery mode is a relatively new thermostat feature. It just means that the thermostat has exited an energy-saving mode and is now attempting to cool or warm your home.

Geothermal vs Air-Source Heat Pumps: What’s the Difference?

If you’re thinking about buying a heat pump for your home, you’ll need to choose the right type. Heat pumps are available in two primary types: geothermal and air-source. While both types can warm and cool your home by transferring heat into and out of it, they aren’t the same. What’s the difference between a geothermal and air-source heat pump exactly?

What Is a Geothermal Heat Pump?

A geothermal heat pump is a type of heat pump that transfers heat into and out of the ground. They feature an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit is connected to the soil – or in some cases the water – in the ground.

To cool your home, a geothermal heat pump will transfer heat from your home’s interior spaces to the ground. To warm your home, it will transfer heat from the ground to your home’s interior spaces.

What Is an Air-Source Heat Pump?

An air-source heat pump, as you may have guessed, is a type of heat pump that transfers heat into and out of the outdoor air. Like their geothermal counterparts, they feature an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. Air-source heat pumps also use a similar method of operation by transferring heat to achieve a comfortable temperature inside your home.

The difference between geothermal and air-source heat pumps is that the former is connected to the ground, whereas the latter is connected to the air. Geothermal heat pumps transfer heat into and out of the ground. Air-source heat pumps, on the other hand, transfer heat into and out of the outdoor air.

Choosing Between a Geothermal and Air-Source Heat Pump

Geothermal and air-source pumps are complete heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems, so you can use either of them to warm and cool your home. With that said, each type has its advantages. In terms of cost, air-source heat pumps are the least expensive. They feature simpler equipment and are easier to install than geothermal heat pumps, thus making air-source heat pumps a popular choice.

Air-source heat pumps also require less space than geothermal heat pumps. Geothermal heat pumps feature large and bulky units. Air-source heat pumps have smaller and more compact units.

Both geothermal and air-source heat pumps are efficient. They can warm and cool your home while consuming a minimal amount of energy. Nonetheless, geothermal heat pumps are typically more efficient than air-source heat pumps.

How the Compressor Works in Your AC System

Your air conditioning system relies on many different parts to cool your home’s living spaces. In addition to coils and ducts, it has a compressor. The compressor, in fact, is one of the most important parts of your air conditioning system. Without it, you and your family would face some uncomfortably hot summers. To learn more about the compressor and how it works, keep reading.

What Is the Compressor?

The compressor is a motorized unit that’s found next to the condenser coil. All central air conditioning systems – as well as heat pumps that use refrigerant – have a compressor. This motorized unit is responsible for compressing refrigerant so that heat can be released from it.

How the Compressor Works

When running your air conditioning system, refrigerant will flow through several parts. It will travel through the evaporator coil, for instance, where the refrigerant picks up heat from your home’s indoor air. From there, it will travel to the compressor. The compressor works by compressing the refrigerant, thus raising its temperature. Why does the temperature of the refrigerant need to be raised exactly?

Your air conditioning system will cool your home by releasing heat from the refrigerant. At the evaporator coil, refrigerant consists of a low-pressure, low-temperature gas. The temperature of the refrigerant will affect how much heat it can release. The higher the temperature, the more heat the refrigerant will release. Therefore, the compressor will pressurize the refrigerant so that it becomes warmer and, thus, is able to release more heat.

Why the Compressor Is Important

Your air conditioning system can’t perform its intended cooling process without a functional compressor. When the compressor fails, the refrigerant will have a low temperature as it travels from the evaporator coil to the condenser coil. Low-temperature refrigerant, of course, won’t release as much heat as high-temperature refrigerant. It may release some heat, but it won’t be enough to sufficiently cool your home’s living spaces.

Compressor failure can also lead to frozen coils. With warm air, the evaporator coil or the condenser coil may develop ice. With that said, countless other problems can lead to frozen coils, only one of which is compressor failure.

If your compressor has failed, don’t hesitate to contact a heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) technician. Depending on the type of failure, an HVAC technician may be able to repair it. Alternatively, you can have your compressor replaced.

The Pros and Cons of a Ductless AC System

Have you heard of ductless air conditioning systems? While they can cool spaces in your home, they don’t feature the same design as their central counterparts.

Central air conditioning systems have a network of ducts through which conditioned air, as well as the unconditioned air, flows as it moves through your home. Ductless air conditioning systems, on the other hand, don’t have any air ducts. They feature an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, the former of which will blow conditioned air into your home. Below are the pros of cons of using a ductless air conditioning system.

Pro: Inexpensive

Without any air ducts, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that ductless air conditioning systems are inexpensive. Some of them are available for as little as $1,000 excluding the cost of installation. Central air conditioning systems are larger and more complex, and with air ducts, they typically cost more than ductless air conditioning systems.

Pro: Low Maintenance

Another benefit of using a ductless air conditioning system is low maintenance. They still have an air filter, which you’ll need to replace. But ductless air conditioning systems don’t contain any air ducts. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about scheduling duct cleaning services.

Con: Requires Professional Installation

Unlike window air conditioning systems, ductless air conditioning systems require professional installation. This is due to the fact that ductless air conditioning systems have refrigerant lines. A heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) technician must cut copper lines for the refrigerant, and he or she must charge the ductless air conditioning system.

Con: Single-Room Cooling

Ductless air conditioning systems are typically only capable of cooling a single room. You can’t use a ductless air conditioning system to cool your entire home. Rather, it will only cool the room in which the indoor unit is placed.  If you only need your bedroom cooled, you can install the indoor unit in your bedroom. For house-wide cooling, however, there’s no substitution for a central air conditioning system.

Con: Aesthetics

Ductless air conditioning systems tend to stick out in the room where they are used. They feature a relatively large and bulky indoor unit that must be installed on the wall. For a cleaner and more aesthetically appearance, you may want to choose a central air conditioning system, instead. Central air conditioning systems still have an indoor unit, but the indoor unit – the evaporator coil – is typically hidden in the attic or basement.

What Is an AC System Capacitor?

Residential AC systems contain a variety of different parts. Some of these parts use a mechanical method of operation, whereas others are electrical. Capacitors fall under the latter type. Regardless of your AC system’s size, it probably has at least one capacitor. What is a capacitor exactly, and how does it affect your AC system?

The Basics of AC System Capacitors

Capacitors are electrical devices that are designed to store electricity. They are relatively small and tube-shaped. In AC systems, capacitors provide the initial jolt of electricity that’s needed to start the cooling cycle, and in some cases, continue the cooling cycle.

How Capacitors Work in AC Systems

Your AC system won’t work without a functional capacitor. Capacitors aren’t much different than rechargeable batteries. When running your AC system, one or more capacitors will store electricity. And the next time you run your AC system, the capacitor or capacitors will use this stored electricity to begin the cooling cycle.

There are two primary types of capacitors used in AC systems: start and run. Start capacitors live up to their namesake by providing the electricity needed to start your AC system. Run capacitors, on the other hand, provide the electricity needed to keep your AC system running.

With that said, both types of capacitors can be bundled into a single unit, which is why some AC systems only have a single capacitor. Other AC systems have a separate run capacitor and a separate start capacitor.

Signs of a Bad Capacitor

With a bad capacitor, you may not be able to turn on your AC system. Alternatively, your AC system may take longer than usual to begin its cooling cycle. These symptoms are the result of a lack of electricity. Your AC system won’t receive a sufficient amount of electricity if it has a bad capacitor.

Depending on the type of damage or failure sustained, a bad capacitor can lead to higher cooling costs. It can force your AC system to draw more power from your home, resulting in higher cooling costs. For greater efficiency, you’ll need to replace the bad capacitor.

Because it’s an electrical component, you shouldn’t attempt to replace a bad capacitor yourself. Rather, you should contact a heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) technician for assistance. HVAC technicians know how to properly replace bad capacitors safely and properly.

A Homeowner’s Guide to the Different Types of HVAC Air Filters

A heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) air filter is your first line of defense against airborne pollutants. Even if regularly vacuum and clean your home, there are probably airborne pollutants floating around inside of it. Fortunately, the air filter will remove them. As air travels through your HVAC system, it will pass through the air filter. While all air filters are designed to remove airborne pollutants, however, they are available in several types.

Fiberglass

The most common type, fiberglass air filters are characterized by the use of fiberglass.  They typically have a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of about 3 or 4. Regardless, all fiberglass air filters are made of glass- or plastic-reinforced fiber. This fiberglass material will catch particulate matter so that it doesn’t enter your home’s living spaces.

Pleated

Pleated air filters are characterized by a pleated design. They aren’t made of fiberglass. Rather, pleated air filters are made of various organic or synthetic materials, some of the most common being cotton, polyester and paper.

While they usually cost more than fiberglass air filters, pleated air filters are more effective at removing airborne pollutants. Pleated air filters made of a synthetic material like polyester often have a MERV rating of about 8 to 10.

Non-Pleated

There are also non-pleated air filters. Any type of air filter that doesn’t have a pleated design is considered non-pleated. Fiberglass air filters, for example, have a flat design. They don’t contain grooves or pleats, so they are considered non-pleated air filters.

Reusable

Some air filters are reusable. Also known as washable air filters, they’ve become a popular alternative to traditional and disposable air filters. With a washable air filter, you won’t have to constantly spend money replacing it. You can wash it every few months to keep it clean. Just remember to let your reusable air filter dry before reinstalling it. Installing a wet or damp air filter in your HVAC system may contribute to mold.

HEPA

High-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) air filters are those that are rated to filter at least 99.97% -- or 99.95% in the United Kingdom – of pollutants measuring 0.3 micrometers or smaller. They are usually made of either fiberglass or polypropylene. These materials are arranged in small fibers that are able to trap exceptionally small pollutants. Some HEPA air filters, in fact, have a MERV rating of 15 to 20, making them superior to other types of air filters.

5 Signs Your AC System Is Too Small

When it comes to air conditioning systems, size matters. Residential air conditioning systems are available in a variety of sizes. The size of an air conditioning system doesn’t refer to its physical size. Rather, size refers to its British Thermal Unit (BTU) rating. Large air conditioning systems have a higher BTU rating than their smaller counterparts.

While oversized air conditioning systems often suffer from short-cycling, undersized air conditions have their own problems. How do you know if your air conditioning system is too small exactly?

#1) Struggles to Cool Your Home

Your air conditioning system may struggle to cool your home if it’s too small. As previously mentioned, small air conditioning systems have a low BTU rating. BTU is a measurement of cooling, as well as heating, power. Undersized air conditioning systems have a low BTU rating, meaning they aren’t as powerful as larger air conditioning systems with a higher BTU rating. Therefore, a small air conditioning system may struggle to cool your home during the summer months.

#2) Constant Running

Since it will struggle to cool your home, an undersized air conditioning system may run constantly. Air conditioning systems are designed to automatically shut off after achieving the temperature set on the thermostat. With an undersized air conditioning system, it may never achieve this temperature. Instead, it will run constantly without shutting off.

#3) Mold and Mildew

You may notice mold and mildew growing inside of your home if your air conditioning system is too small. Air conditioning systems don’t just remove heat from inside your home; they remove moisture as well. Small air conditioning systems, though, may not remove a sufficient amount of moisture. As moisture accumulates inside your home, it can lead to mold and mildew growth.

#4) High Utility Bills During the Summer

A small air conditioning system can cost you money. When summer rolls around, you may discover that your utility bills are particularly high. This is because your air conditioning system will run for a longer length of time – or even indefinitely – if it’s too small for your home.

#5) Frequent Repairs

Finally, small air conditioning systems typically require frequent repairs. As it runs, your air conditioning system’s parts will degrade. The blower may stop working, or the compressor may go out. When failure such as this occurs, you’ll have to get your air conditioning system repaired by a professional heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) technician.

The Expansion Valve: A Small Component That Plays a Big Role in AC Systems

Troubleshooting cooling problems requires an understanding of air conditioning system components. Central air conditioning systems contain dozens of components. Some of these components are large, whereas others are small.  Coils, for example, are large. The expansion valve, on the other hand, is small. While small size, the expansion valve still plays a big role in your air conditioning system’s performance.

What Is the Expansion Valve?

The expansion valve is an air conditioning system component that’s designed to depressurize refrigerant while in a liquid state. It’s located near the evaporator coil. Before entering the evaporator coil, refrigerant must travel through the expansion valve. The expansion valve will release some of the pressure within the refrigerant so that it changes from a liquid state to a gas state.

How the Expansion Valve Works

You might be wondering how the expansion valve works. There are two types of expansion valves: internally equalized and externally equalized. Most air conditioning systems use the former type.

With an internally equalized expansion valve, refrigerant will be depressurized internally. They feature a small passage that connects to a larger and open passage. This small passage restricts the flow of refrigerant. As refrigerant travels through the expansion valve’s small passage, it becomes depressurized. And with less pressure, the refrigerant changes from a liquid state to a gas state.

Externally

The Impact of a Bad Expansion Valve

Your air conditioning system’s performance is dependent upon a functional expansion valve. If the expansion valve is bad, you may experience one or more problems with running your air conditioning system.

A bad expansion valve, for example, can cause ice to form on the coils. Iced-over coils are often the result of excessively cold refrigerant. If the expansion valve is bad, refrigerant may fail to absorb a sufficient amount of heat at the evaporator coil, resulting in cold refrigerant that can cause ice to form on the coils.

Along with iced-over coils, a bad expansion valve can cause issues with your air conditioning system’s compressor. The compressor may run continuously if the expansion valve is bad. With a bad expansion valve, refrigerant will continue to travel to the compressor, so the compressor will run nonstop.

Over time, the compressor may fail because it’s forced to run nonstop. Compressors aren’t cheap to replace. Depending on the type, you can expect to pay over $1,000 for a replacement. And if the compressor failed because of a bad expansion valve, you’ll have to replace the expansion valve as well.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Is Your Family at Risk?

Carbon monoxide poses serious health risks. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 50,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year because of monoxide poisoning. Some cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, in fact, are fatal. Over 400 people die each year from this odorless and tasteless gas. So, how do you know if your family is at risk?

Fireplaces

When neglected or used improperly, fireplaces can contribute to carbon monoxide buildup. Both gas and wood fireplaces will produce carbon monoxide as a byproduct of combustion. Assuming you open the flue damper, though, it will be exhausted out the chimney. If you build a fire with the flue damper closed or only partially open, carbon monoxide may build up inside of your home.

For a wood-burning fireplace, you should selectively choose dry firewood. Regardless of moisture content, all firewood will produce carbon monoxide when burned. Dry firewood, however, produces less carbon monoxide than wet firewood. This is because it has a more efficient combustion process. Dry firewood burns more completely, resulting in a lower concentration of byproducts like carbon monoxide.

Gas Furnaces

Gas furnaces can also produce carbon monoxide. When they burn gas to heat the air, they’ll produce this odorless and tasteless gas as a byproduct.

With that said, gas furnaces have a sealed design that prevents carbon monoxide from escaping and leaking into your home’s living space. They have a heat exchanger unit that’s connected to a flue pipe. As carbon monoxide is produced within the heat exchanger unit, it will be vented through the flue pipe so that it safely exits your home. As long as the heat exchanger unit and flue pipe remain intact and don’t leak, carbon monoxide shouldn’t enter your home’s living space.

Gas Water Heaters

Like gas furnaces, gas water heaters can produce carbon monoxide. Gas water heaters are powered by the same types of gas as their furnace counterparts. If there’s a breach in the gas supply line, it may cause carbon monoxide to leak into your home’s living space.

Gas water heaters contain many different parts. Over time, some of these parts can rust and degrade. Depending on the specific type of part, it may cause carbon monoxide to leak. If you own a gas water heater, you should consider getting it inspected at least once a year.

Even when these precautions, it’s important to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Carbon monoxide detectors will alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide by triggering a loud alarm.

How Bent Coil Fins Can Affect Your AC System’s Performance

Coils are an important part of your air conditioning system. Regardless of size, all central air conditioning systems feature an evaporator coil and a condenser coil. While they serve different purposes, both types of coils consist of metal fins.

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for coil fins to become bent. You may still be able to run your air conditioning system if the coil fins are bent, but you can expect a lower level of cooling performance. To learn more about the impact of bent coil fins, keep reading.

Bent Fins on the Evaporator Coil

If the evaporator coil has bent fins, your air conditioning system may struggle to remove a sufficient amount of heat from your home’s interior. The evaporator coil is essentially a heat exchanger. You can find it alongside the blower or air handling unit (AHU) inside your home. When running your air conditioning system, the evaporator coil will absorb heat so that it can be transported to your home’s exterior.

The evaporator coil, however, requires straight fins to effectively absorb heat. With bent fins, it won’t be able to absorb as much heat from the surrounding air inside your home. As refrigerant flows through the evaporator coil, it may absorb an insufficient amount of heat, resulting in less cooling power for your air conditioning system.

Bent Fins on the Condenser Coil

The condenser coil also requires straight fins to function as intended. Like the evaporator coil, the condenser coil is a heat exchanger. With that said, it’s designed specifically to expel heat. The evaporator coil will absorb heat from inside your home, whereas the condenser coil will release this heat outside of your home.

Bent condenser coil fins can cause cooling problems as well. If the fins are bent, the condenser coil may not be able to remove a sufficient amount of heat. Rather, refrigerant will remain hot or warm as it travels from the condenser coil and back inside your home.

Repairing Bent Coil Fins

The good news is that you typically don’t have to replace the evaporator coil or condenser coil just because they have bent fins. You can schedule an appointment with a heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) company to have the fins straightened. Assuming the fins aren’t severely damaged, they can typically be straightened.

Straightening fins involves the use of a special comb. Known as a fin comb, it will force the fins back into their original upright position.