HVAC Archives - Page 8 of 10 - Action Heating & Conditioning

Does a Heat Pump in Theodore AL Work in Cold Weather?

15 Jul 2013

A heat pump will work in cold weather. Because the climate in Theodore AL is generally warm, these units are a feasible alternative to a furnace or boiler. However, even in Alabama, the temperatures may dip below freezing during the winter. Heat pumps work in all temperatures, but a supplemental heat source such as electric heat strips are needed in very cold temperatures.
Some units utilize a gas powered backup furnace that provides heat when the temperatures drop below freezing. Other units have resistance coils built into the system. These coils provide supplemental heat during cold weather. However, with the temperatures in Alabama, the supplemental heat sources are not used very often.
Energy Efficiency
Heat pumps have become so popular with homeowners because these units are more energy efficient than furnaces or boilers. A heat pump in Theodore AL is an energy efficient way to heat your home. The U.S. Department of energy states that, unlike furnaces, these units are as much as three times more energy efficient than conventional heating systems. Furnaces consume energy to produce heat. Heat pumps, however, repurpose heat that is already available in the ground or air. Therefore, the ratio of electricity to heat produced is much higher for these units than for conventional heating systems.
Technological advances have improved the efficiency of these systems even more in the past 30 years. These advances include:
Improved Coil Design
Variable Speed Blowers
Thermostatic Expansion Valves
Two-Speed Compressors
Improved Electric Motors
Grooved Copper Tubing
New Technologies
Certain air source pumps are manufactured to be used in cold temperatures. These “cold climate” and “all climate” systems were designed with a consideration for freezing temperatures. These units have resistive heat plates installed, along with other features, that enhance the effectiveness, even in sub-zero weather. These units do not need a supplemental heat source or backup furnace and will save the homeowner as much as 60 percent in energy costs to heat the residence.
Other Considerations
When installing an air source or ground source system, the placement of the outdoor unit can impact the energy efficiency and performance of the system. Install the compressor in an area that shields the unit from strong winds. Strategically place the compressor near a fence or behind a bush to block the wind. When installing the unit as an add-on, place the unit on the furnace’s “cold side” to maximize energy efficiency. Select a unit with demand-defrost controls. These controls will improve energy efficiency by minimizing defrost cycles and reducing the amount of auxiliary heat used.
Regular Professional Maintenance
Air source and ground source pumps require regular professional maintenance, as well. The efficiency and efficacy of these units will decrease over time if not properly maintained. An HVAC technician will adjust the fan speed and clean the evaporator coil during an annual tune up. Have your unit tuned up each year to keep the system performing well. Call Action Heating and Air Conditioning for regular professional maintenance for your Theodore AL heat pump.

How Can Air Quality in Spanish Fort AL Be Improved?

Action AC

15 Jul 2013

HVAC

Comments: 0

Air Quality, Filters

Indoor air in homes can be tainted with mold, microorganisms, mildew, dust and debris making it hard to breathe, causing sickness and increasing energy bills. HVAC systems work harder to heat or cool a home when filters and coils are not kept clean. Changing the furnace filters monthly when in use, along with regular professional tune-ups that include thoroughly cleaning components is important for improving air quality in Spanish Fort AL homes.
If There is Evidence of Mold – Clean the Ducts
Most home owners do not think about cleaning the ductwork in their home. But if excess humidity or water damage has cause mold to grow, professional cleaning should be done. Many people are extremely sensitive to mold and will experience flu-like symptoms if exposed. This is a project that should not be delayed and should be done by qualified professionals with the appropriate equipment so that mold is completely eliminated. It is also necessary to correct any problem that contributes to the moisture that causes the growth of mold.

Consider Investing in Air Purifier and Humidifier Options
Bryant air purifiers clean indoor air before it is circulated. They are especially helpful in environments that are excessively dusty, smokey or where pets are present. Humidifiers add moisture to the air to offset low humidity from winter heating. Adding air will actually make the air seem warmer so that thermostats can be set to a cooler temperature and decrease energy consumption.

Regular Inspections of the HVAC and Duct System
For the best indoor air quality, homeowners in Spanish Fort AL should invest in regular HVAC maintenance that include a complete inspection and cleaning of components. In addition to improving indoor air quality, you protect the equipment and prevent unexpected loss of service. For the health of the very young, the elderly, and allergy sufferers, maintaining comfortable temperatures can be as important as keeping air clean. Well designed HVAC systems today address all aspects of indoor air quality for an overall improved quality of life.

For help improving air quality in your Spanish Fort AL home, the professionals at Action Heating and Air Conditioning can inspect your existing HVAC equipment and make recommendations. Our annual service agreement is a great way to stay on top of indoor air quality and save money. Call today and let a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer show you how to improve indoor air quality in your home today.

Simple Steps to Fixing Your Bay Minnette AL Home Heating

28 Jun 2013

As the owner of a home in Bay Minnette AL, now is the time to ensure that your home heating system is ready for the challenges of the upcoming winter months. If you suspect your home heating system is not ready or has a problem, this is the ideal time to schedule a repair. We offer repairs for home heating in Minnette AL that are punctual, reliable and affordable. Our experienced team of HVAC service technicians offers these tips on simple steps for fixing your home heating in Minnette AL so that you can relax and rest comfortably this winter.

Troubleshooting Your Heating System
When your home heating system is giving you signs of trouble, there are several things that you can do that might solve the problem. Even if these steps do not resolve the issue, you will know that it is time to call our experts to service your system. Some simple steps to troubleshooting your heating equipment include:

*Checking the power supply. Make sure that your furnace or heat pump is plugged in, that the power cord is not damaged and that the circuit in the circuit breaker box has not been tripped. If you see a problem in the breaker box or if the power cord is damaged, these require professional repairs.

*Checking the thermostat. Another family member or a power outage may have reset the temperature or schedule on your thermostat.

*Checking the air filter. This often overlooked component is responsible for many heating problems. Remove the filter and if it is dirty, clean or replace it. We can also do this for you.

*Checking the air vents. A closed vent will not let any warm air into your home. Make sure all the vents are open for optimal air flow.

Our Home Heating Repair Services
If these simple steps did not resolve your heating issue, it is time to contact our team for help. Our experienced repair technicians are able to quickly and accurately diagnose all types of problems with furnaces and heat pumps. We will offer you simple and affordable solutions to fix your heating problems. Our HVAC technicians will provide you with a written estimate for the cost of the repair and offer you the opportunity to have it done during the same visit or to schedule the repair at a later time. We are here 24/7/365 to restore your comfort. To clarify your doubts explore our FAQ section.

At Action Heating & Air Conditioning, we are proud members of the Bay Minnette AL community and are always here to serve your heating and air conditioning needs. By bringing to you the best in class service, expert advice and honest workmanship, we not only hope to ensure your indoor comfort but your satisfaction as well. We have built a solid reputation for accurate and affordable repairs for all local homeowners who need their furnace or heat pump fixed. When your heating system is in need of a repair, our team of dedicated professionals looks forward to assisting you.

When I leave my house, what temperature should I set my thermostat? – Wilmer, AL

28 Jun 2013

We recommend that you set your thermostat, no more than 5 degrees warmer or cooler from what you normally keep your temperature. If you are going to be away for more than 3 days, you can set the temperature on your thermostat at a greater difference. Here is why: In this day and age of 2 income households, most homes are not occupied during most of the day. So adjusting the thermostat to allow the temperature in the home to rise or fall beyond your normal setting can save you money.

Keep in mind however that on the hottest or coldest days your heating and ac system may not be able to overcome the outside temperature and make up the temperature difference in your home when you return your thermostat to the usual setting. When we allow our home’s temperature to rise or fall beyond the normal setting, not only does the air in our home change temperature, but so does everything in our home like furniture, clothing, appliances and even the walls. When the thermostat is reset, the stored heat or cold in the items in our home cause our home’s heating and cooling system to work to remove it all at once, rather than maintaining the temperature throughout the day. A programmable thermostat is designed to adjust the temperature in your home four times a day and have your home at a comfortable level when you wake up or arrive home. Most people regain the cost of replacing a wall thermostat with a programmable thermostat in energy savings in less than a year, making it a very good investment. For more information about installing a programmable thermostat, call Action at 272-5900.

Payback Versus Return on Investment – Foley, AL

28 Jun 2013

When we propose a replacement heating and air conditioning system we will offer 3 options; Best, Better and Good. The biggest differences between the options are energy efficiency. Each of these systems will heat and cool the home well, but the better systems do it using less electricity. And, as you have likely guessed, as you go up in efficiency of the system, the cost of the equipment goes up as well. So we are often asked, how long it will take for the dollars in energy savings to pay back the difference in the cost of the higher efficiency system. Sometimes the payback can be more than 5 years. But there is another way to look at it. Let’s say the higher efficiency system costs an additional $1000 over the lower efficiency model, but the higher efficiency system will save on average an additional $20 per month on the utility bill. In this case the payback would be just over 4 years. The $1000 additional investment brings a 24% return on the investment per year ($20 savings X 12 months = $240 / $1000 investment = 24%).

We believe purchasing a higher efficiency heating and air conditioning system should always be your first choice because the system will last longer, typically 15 to 20 years and with the cost of electricity going up during those 15 – 20 years, a higher efficiency system is a smart long-term decision. The return on the original investment over 15 years would be over 360%. Don’t you wish you could find a CD at your local bank that would get that kind of return? If you have any questions or would like to learn more about high efficiency home heating and air conditioning systems, please call Action at 517-3050.

What is the secret to low utility bills? – Theodore, AL

28 Jun 2013

The single greatest user of energy in your home is your home heating and cooling system. Keeping your home comfortable represents about half of your total utility bill. So how do you determine what portion of your utility bill is heating and cooling cost? There are 4 months out of the year when very little heating and cooling is needed – March, April, October, and November. If you look back on your utility bills and average those 4 months, you can use this number to represent your “base” utility. Base utility is the cost of all the other things in your home like washing and drying clothes, cooking, heating water, televisions, lights and etc. By subtracting that base average from any other month and you can get a pretty good idea what you are spending on heating or cooling. For instance if your base average is $95 and you have a July bill that is $350, you’ll know the cooling cost is about $255. If you live in a large home that may be acceptable, but if you live in a small home, that would be considered a very high utility bill. For example, we provide service on a 2512 sq. ft home with all electric appliances that has an average power bill of $131 per month. If you suspect your heating and cooling system is costing too much and would like to know how you can reduce your utility bills, call us today at 517-3050.

Difficulty finding the right size filters? – Fairhope, AL

28 Jun 2013

Have you ever gone to the store to buy a filter for your heating and air conditioning system and could not find the proper size? I think we all have. Most people get frustrated at the waste of time and gas driving around store to store searching for a filter. Some people have admitted to giving up and running their heating and air conditioning system an extra month or 2 on the same filter…not good. Here’s the solution. We will deliver 12 filters to your door at a price less than home improvement stores. Action offers a filter service where we will send a case of “your size” filters to your home. Just call Action at 517-3050 and tell us the size needed for your particular heating and cooling system. You will receive 12 filters in about 7 to 10 days. These filters are just what we recommend; paper pleated, MERV 8 and do a great job keeping your system clean while filtering dust and allergens out of your home for improved indoor air quality. This is a great idea for rental property too. This is a great idea for rental property too. Call Action today!

Do I have to pour bleach down my hvac condensate drain during the winter? – Saraland, AL

28 Jun 2013

The simple answer is no. You only need to pour bleach (or vinegar) down the condensate drain of your heating and cooling system when the air conditioner is used during the warm months of the year. This water, called condensate, collects when the moisture in the air in our home (humidity) comes in contact with the cold coil that is inside your system when running the air conditioner. The condensate is collected and drains through a pipe to a location outside of your home.

In the Deep South where we live, algae spores are everywhere. So algae begins to grow in the drain when condensate is present. Untreated, the algae can grow and eventually block the drain. If this drain is blocked, the water accumulates and can overflow, in some cases damaging floors and ceilings. Pouring a cup of bleach or vinegar through the system drain every month will help keep the drain open all summer.

A great way to remember to change your filters is to use the arrival of your utility bill to remind you to change them and pour the bleach in your drains. For systems that are difficult to access, there are some professional treatments that reduce or eliminate the need to pour bleach in your hvac condensate drain. If you would like more information about this, pleasegive us a call at 517-3050

What is the best filter to use in our home heating and cooling system? – Bay Minette, AL

28 Jun 2013

This is a great question because there are so many different filters you can choose for your heating and cooling system with prices from around $1 to well over $50 for a single 1” thick filter. There are two things to consider when deciding which filter to choose: How well does it filter out dirt and allergens, and how easy does air pass through the filter. Expensive filters that trap the smallest particles are also the most difficult for air to pass and will cause some heating and cooling units to not run properly. The cheapest filters are made of spun fiberglass and don’t do a good job of filtering. A pleated paper filter is best. Look for one that has a filtering rating around MERV 8. MERV is a measurement that determines the particulate size that will be trapped by the filter. MERV 8 provides the best balance between air flow and filtration for the efficiency of your heating and cooling system and improves indoor air quality for you and your family. Remember, a 1” filter should always be changed monthly. If you want the convenience of having filters shipped to your home, call Action about our filter program at 517-3050. Twelve filters will be delivered to your door for less money than what you’ll pay at the big box chain stores.

Delivering Dependable heating system repairs in Semmes AL

Action AC

28 Jun 2013

HVAC

Comments: 0

Heating, Maintenance, Repair

For many years, Action Heating and Air Conditioning has been servicing the Semmes AL area and has an outstanding reputation for excellent customer service and quality work. We provide dependable heating system repair in Semmes AL and are ready when our customers need us the most. For heating system repairs, we offer 24/7 emergency services. If you have an unexpected breakdown, you can count on us for an expedient response. We know that the winters in Semmes AL can be quite chilly, and are committed to keeping your home cozy and warm for your family. In no time, we’ll have your home heating system up and running.

Dependable Heating System Repairs

Our home system repairs are dependable in diagnosis, price, workmanship and time. At Action Heating and Air Conditioning, our factory-trained technicians are experts when it comes to diagnosing and troubleshooting problems in heating systems. Using their experience and the latest diagnostic tools, they can quickly and efficiently identify the problem. You can feel assured that our savvy technicians will provide you with a complete and accurate analysis. There will be no mistakes in the diagnosis. We strive for 100 percent accuracy, so we can provide you with an estimate that you can count on. Once our estimates are put in writing, there will be no unexpected costs that entail additional expenses. In addition, all of our work comes with a money back guarantee.

You can expect your repair in a timely fashion. Our technicians arrive with fully-stocked trucks, and often repairs can be made the same day of the service call. If for any reason our trucks don’t have the needed parts, we will quickly order them for you. You can depend on us to respond quickly to your needs.

Repair or Replace

All of our work is based on honestly and integrity. If a heating system repair is not cost effective, our technicians will let you know upfront. This can occur if a system is in poor condition or is just old. Our technicians will carefully review with you all of the alternatives and let you make the final decision. We offer a good selection of top brand systems, including Bryant. In addition to excellent warranties, our products are energy efficient. Whether you select a heat pump, furnace, boiler, hybrid system or packaged system, our energy efficient products can save you up to 40 percent in utility expenses. All of our products feature high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER), Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) and Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). Many of our products are Energy Star certified and qualify for green initiatives. You’ll find that our staff is very knowledgeable regarding all of the current local, state and federal programs.

If you choose to have heating system repairs or go with a new system installation, you can depend on quality service and work every time.