Carney All Seasons Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning’

Why Should I Be Concerned about the Refrigerant in My Old AC System?

Monday, September 10th, 2012

All old ACs used R-22 refrigerant to carry out cooling functions. In fact, R-22 has been the choice for global AC systems for decades now. But did you know that this refrigerant can be a real danger for the environment? R-22 is one of the more harmful greenhouse gasses and it can cause serious damage to the Ozone layer.

In fact, R-22 has been banned in most places and is going to be phased out by the year 2020. Most manufacturers have stopped using this refrigerant and it is going to be increasingly difficult to find on the market. R-22 is also going to become more expensive in the near future. In fact, the trend has already caught on in most parts of the world.

Considering the amount of damage R-22 causes to the environment, you don’t really need more of a reason to consider changing refrigerant from your Ambler home’s old air conditioner. The best and most recent answer to this issue is the use of another refrigerant known as R-410A. This refrigerant is being marketed under different names by various manufacturing companies but it is essentially the same thing. Though you will still find R-22 refrigerant till the year 2020, it is still a smarter option to make the switchover as early as possible. If you can do your part towards helping the environment, why not do so at the earliest time possible?

For more information about your Ambler air conditioning system, give Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling a call today!

 

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Why is it Important to Keep Your AC Condenser Coils Clean?

Monday, August 27th, 2012

Condenser coils perform an essential function of conditioning hot, moist air and replacing it with cool, dry air.  During this process the continual circulation of air causes airborne pollutants such as dirt, dust, grass, lint, moisture and other debris to land on the coils, building up until it gets clogged.  A clogged or dirty AC condenser coil is most definitely a problem.

The main problem with dirty coils is that it decreases how well the AC actually cools.  A clogged coil can mean deceased air flow through the coils, which in turn means your Doylestown air conditioning system will be less efficient.

Clean condenser coils can yield higher performance levels, cleaner indoor air, and a longer life expectancy of the unit, while also saving money in electricity costs. Performance levels of air conditioners with dirty coils drop by as much as 30%!

When air passes over a dirty condenser coil and is then pushed into indoor air after being cooled it only stands to reason that some of that dirt and debris gets taken indoors as well.  It can also cause moisture problems on the coils which could result in bacteria or mold spores growing, and might reduce indoor air quality in your home.

Dirty coils can also cause the AC to work at higher temperatures and higher pressure which means the lubricant cannot easily be broken down. This can make the unit freeze over, eventually causing compressor failure.

Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can help clean your condenser coil during a regular AC maintenance checkup – give us a call today if you need AC service!

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Benefits of Forced Air Systems

Monday, August 13th, 2012

Forced air systems are usually hooked up to both a heating element and an air conditioning element, both of which send their pre-treated air through a series of ventilation ducts located throughout a building.  Many times the heating and air conditioning devices are separate, such as a gas furnace for heating and a central air conditioning unit for cooling.  Other times they can be one and the same unit like with packaged air conditioners and heat pumps which does both jobs with one machine.  This makes for a great deal of variety in the choices of heating and air conditioning types that are available for use.

With use of a programmable or digital thermostat there is a high degree of control with a forced air system.  You can Set time-of-day and day-of-week settings to accommodate when the building is in use and when it is not.  There are also options for setting temperatures in certain sections of your home while other sections remain untouched.  All of this allows for lower utility bills, since only the rooms which are used frequently are heated or air conditioned.

Air conditioners and heaters utilized today have much higher energy efficiency ratings than those of years past; couple this with a well maintained, properly sealed, insulated and balanced duct system and the energy-savings increase even further.

Forced air systems cost anywhere from 40% to 60% less to install than comparable radiant systems.  They also offer special features such as filtration systems and ultra-violet germicidal lights, which can keep your indoor air clean and healthy.

Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is an air conditioning and heating company in Horsham that provides quality HVAC services to each client.  Let us assist you in determining which forced air system is right for your unique needs.

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Problems Caused by Low Refrigerant in an Air Conditioning System

Monday, August 6th, 2012

Having the proper refrigerant level of an air conditioning system is one of the key components to having properly cooled indoor air.   The AC specialists at Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can easily diagnosis the AC problems which could be a result of low refrigerant levels get your system back up and running in no time.

Low Refrigerant Levels Mean AC Problems

One of the most common signs of low refrigerant levels is having an air conditioner that only blows warm air or one that does not sufficiently cool an entire indoor space, leaving some rooms which are warmer than others.  This is because refrigerant is what creates the cold air, and without enough of it, you can never have enough cold air.

Frost build-up or icing around the condenser coils in the outdoor unit can mean a refrigerant leak has caused low refrigerant levels.  Because ice build-up restricts air-flow, this can mean less cool air flowing into various rooms.  Low levels of refrigerant can cause coils to drop in temperature which then creates frost or ice on the coils.

An AC system that will not turn on could also be a result of low refrigerant levels.  Newer HVAC systems have built-in safety controls which detect certain changes in how internal systems function and as a safety precaution, shuts down the air conditioner in certain circumstances rather than continuing to run and further damaging other internal mechanical or electrical systems.

These are some of the main AC problems caused by low refrigerant levels.  It is important to have a professional Harleysville  air conditioning company such as Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling assist you with your air conditioning concerns.  Our AC technicians provide air conditioning services such as air conditioner maintenance and repair, including fixing refrigerant levels and charging refrigerant.

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Central Air Conditioning FAQ’s

Monday, July 23rd, 2012

Central air conditioning is a great convenience, but it can also generate a number of questions. If you’re experiencing any trouble with a central cooling system or are wondering what to look for in a system, keep reading. We’ve gather some information to keep you informed and confident about the purchase and use of your Perkasie central air system.

What is a Central Air Conditioner?

This is a basic one, but many people are unclear on what exactly makes up a central A/C. There is a central unit containing the compressor which cools the air. This air is then forced through a ductwork system that distributes the cooled air throughout the structure. Blowers push the air through, and they pass through grated vents located in the walls or ceilings of a building.

How Do I Decide What Central System is Right for Me?

The best way to ensure that you are buying a properly sized central air conditioner for your home is to have an HVAC technician come and evaluate your living space. It is just as inconvenient to wind up with an oversized unit as with an undersized one, as this will result in clammy air that was cooled too quickly to be properly dehumidified. Cooled air will be over produced and wasted, lowering efficiency. An HVAC technician’s help will take the guess work out of choosing your system.

Why Won’t My Central Air Conditioner Cool?

There are a number of problems you could be experiencing if your central air conditioner is no longer cooling or is not performing at the level it once did. Checking your air filters is a good place to start. If they are dirty they will not let cooled air pass through efficiently and will need to be replaced or cleaned. Your refrigerant level may also need to be adjusted, or your fan could be running while your compressor is inactive. Another possibility are leaky ducts. Again, the best way to ensure that everything is working properly with your central system is to have a qualified HVAC technician perform an inspection.

When you invest in a central air conditioning system you should plan on protecting that investment. Failure to do so will result in subpar performance and damage to the system. The best way to keep your Perkasie central air conditioner working like new is with regular maintenance. Call the professionals at Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling with any concerns you have with your home cooling system.

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Air Conditioning Tip: Indoor Air Conditioning Components

Monday, July 16th, 2012

Air conditioning in Lansdale is a modern convenience that we can easily take for granted as long as all the parts are working well.  In every unit, no matter the size, the basic process is one of extracting heat from the conditioned space and moving it to the outside, leaving cool air in its place.

This process easily divides into indoor and outdoor components.

Air Conditioning 101

Based on the principal of thermal energy which states that heat gravitates toward cooler temperatures, compounds known as refrigerants are moved through a closed loop system, repeatedly contracting and expanding between liquid and gas forms, alternately releasing and absorbing heat along the way.  The particular chemicals are selected for their abilities to transform from one state to the other at low temperatures.

While the refrigerant evaporates into a gaseous state within the looped system, it absorbs heat, removing the stale air from the space being conditioned and evacuating it to the outdoors. The warm air is pulled through ducts to meet with the cooling loop.

Ductwork

The cooled air is distributed through ducts or tubing and released into individual spaces.  Additional ductwork is required to remove the stale air and pull it back to be reconditioned as it passes over the loop containing the refrigerant.  The air is moved in both directions by a blower, usually electric and sized to handle the amount of air no matter the building.

Ductwork is also sized to handle appropriate volumes of air. To maintain efficiency, large trunks distribute along central lines to smaller ones reaching farther out. The return air is usually taken from common areas.

The grates are found in the walls, floors and often as part of the dropped ceiling. When combined with a forced air heating system, the total energy use is much more efficient.

Looped Coils

The refrigerant is enclosed in a loop where it can expand and contract to make its transformation from gas to liquid and back again.  To change into a heat-absorbing gas, it travels through the evaporating coils, an intricate series of delicate fins that meets with the ductwork to regenerate the conditioned air.

An exchange valve allows just the right amount of liquid refrigerant into the evaporator coils.  If there is too much, the tube is flooded too tightly to allow expansion of the molecules and room to attract the heat.  If too little, the process is inefficient.

Cool Maintenance

When set up and maintained on a regular basis, the system functions with little attention and over sight. To schedule a maintenance appointment today, give Carney Plumbing, Heating and Cooling a call!

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What’s it Like to Work With Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling?

Friday, June 29th, 2012

Customer Review | Lansdale | Carney Plumbing, Heating & Air ConditioningA wonderful customer details their experience with Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling .

“I called to get estimates for a heat pump and an air conditioning unit. Joe Hill came to our home to assess our needs. Within a few days, he called to ask whether or not we would like to have a back-up heat option in the event of choosing a heat pump. He said this would require an upgraded circuit box. I told him I didn’t want the back-up heat, and he put together the proposals for both a heat pump and A/C soon after. I believe I received an email with both proposals within a week of Joe’s first coming to our home. Before I received the proposals, I called Joe with questions regarding duct work as well as financing. He answered all my questions completely and assured me that we would be much more comfortable in our home regardless of which option we selected. When we decided to use Carney to meet our climate control needs, Jose contacted us to begin the application process for financing our purchase. This process took a couple of days, and Jose answered further questions we had regarding financing. Another associate called us to schedule installation, and within about a week of letting Carney know we were interested in their services, a crew was here to begin installation of a Trane XR15 AC system. The crew removed our old heat pump and installed the new system over the course of 2 days. They had to make a slightly larger opening in our ceiling to get the new unit in our attic. But before they did this, they asked our permission. They explained that without doing this, they would have to use a smaller and less efficient unit. They covered the opening in the ceiling with a cut-to-fit piece of foam, and they cleaned up each day before they left. They explained the operation of the thermostat to my wife and left the written instructions with us. They also provided us with the paperwork for financing. We are now much more comfortable in our home during the hot summer weather. I would definitely recommend Carney to anyone with climate control needs. Thank you.”

We provide top quality heating, cooling, plumbing services in Bucks and Montgomery Counties in Pennsylvania. If you are looking for a service provider in the area, call Carney today for all of your plumbing and HVAC needs.

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Air Conditioning Q/A: Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Cooling?

Monday, June 4th, 2012

Your Lansdale air conditioner can run virtually trouble free with just a little maintenance annually.  If these little things like changing the air filter and cleaning the drain are not done regularly, the neglected units can really lose their cool.

The Basic Course

Through a process which involves the rapid evaporation and condensation of chemicals called refrigerants, air conditioners use compounds that have properties that allow them to change rapidly from gas to liquid and back again at low temperatures.

Heat is absorbed when the liquid evaporates and transforms into gas, making the space around it cooler.  Compressing it tightly together again, the heated gas condenses back into liquid with a residue of unwanted moisture that must be released and is vented usually to the outdoors.

The newly cooled air is distributed through the house by means of ductwork, pushed by fans driven by electric motors.  As the air moves along, it passes through a filter and can be further de-humidified.

Problems in the System

If the filter is clogged, movement of the cooled air is slowed to the point we might think the unit is broken.  If the condensate drain is plugged, the motor can get damaged and stop producing.  Regular maintenance performed by the home owner or as a service of Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can avoid or eliminate these simple aggravations.

When the heat builds, however, and cool relief seems nowhere near the air ducts, it may be time to call a professional to dig deeper to find the reason and suggest solutions.

Back to Cool

If not serviced regularly, the amount of refrigerant in the coils may decrease over time or the coils themselves could get clogged and impede the evaporation/condensation process.  A leak in the coils could drain the system, rendering the unit useless and wholly unproductive.

There are belts on each of the two separate fan motors which may be worn or loose, causing the fans to blow less efficiently.  The motor may need to be oiled or have a broken part that doesn’t allow it to push the air at all.

Most of the time, these fixes are relatively minor and do not threaten the life of the air conditioning unit.  Schedule an annual inspection and service from a certified Lansdale HVAC company like Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today!

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What Professional AC Maintenance Includes

Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

Besides the cool air, what we like most about having air conditioning in Abington is that we don’t have to do anything to still live in a cool climate when it’s boiling outside.  With programmed thermostats adjusting the temperatures automatically, we don’t even have to turn it on.

Therefore, it is very inconvenient (not to mention uncomfortable) when our unit misbehaves and forces us to pay attention.  Our first inclination, suddenly over-heated,  may be to call for help, but often the expensive repair can be accomplished easily or avoided completely by checking the drain line that may be clogged.

When it gets more complicated, it is important to consult an Abington air conditioning professional.

Air Conditioning 101

Air conditioning is a process which involves the rapid evaporation and condensation of chemicals called refrigerants, compounds that have properties allowing them to change from liquid to gas and back again at low temperatures.

Simply stated: 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.

Annual Service

Air conditioning units are designed to last for a decade or two of virtually trouble-free comfort, so long as they are maintained regularly.  A service contract with a reputable company ensures reliable maintenance and establishes a relationship so that if anything should go wrong, your call for help will be at the top of the list with a mechanic who likely knows the details of your particular unit.

You annual maintenance visit will include all of the following minimal tasks:

  • a check for the correct amount of refrigerant in the system;
  • a pressurized system test for any leaks using an actual leak detector tool;
  • a controlled evacuation and disposal of any excess refrigerant instead of an illegal toss in the dumpster;
  • a check for and seal of any duct leakage within the in central systems;
  • a measure of air flow through the evaporator coil;
  • a verification of the correct electric control sequence, making sure the heating and cooling systems cannot operate simultaneously;
  • an inspection, cleaning and maintenance of the electric terminals and applying a non-conductive coating if necessary;
  • a check of all belts for tightness and wear;
  • a check for oil in the motors;
  • a check for the accuracy of the thermostat.

To schedule your appointment today, give Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling a call!

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Alternatives to Air Conditioning in Your Home

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

Let’s face it – we rely pretty heavily on air conditioning to keep us comfortable during the warmest months of the summer in Hatboro. So, what do you do when the mercury dings 90+ and your air conditioner is either broken or you are in a place without AC? Luckily, there are alternatives. Here are some of the better options:

  • Move Air through the House – As simple as it sounds, air circulation can have a huge impact on the temperature inside, especially in the late afternoon. Mid-afternoon sun will hit your roof no matter how many trees you have planted. The result is a decent amount of heat pouring into your home. But, if you open the windows and let a cross breeze through, amplifying it with fans, especially ceiling fans, moving air will carry that heat out of the house later in the day when the temperature drops.
  • Block Direct Sunlight – Unless it’s 90+ degrees outside, most of the discomfort in heat comes from direct sunlight. Block that direct sunlight and you severely reduce how warm it might get in your home. Trees planted along western, eastern and southern walls do this very effectively, especially if they are deciduous and will allow in the warming sun in the winter.
  • The Power of Water – Feel warm? Get some cool water and place it on your forehead, arms or legs. A bowl of cool water in front of a fan can be soothing as well, assuming humidity isn’t a problem. If it is, consider getting a dehumidifier to run in lieu of an air conditioner for those days that aren’t too hot. They are less expensive and can reduce discomfort significantly.
  • Evaporative Coolers – Evaporative coolers are extremely popular in Europe and Japan where energy costs are relatively high. They use up to 80% less electricity than air conditioners, don’t require refrigerants linked to global warming, and they work extremely well in dry heat. There are evaporative coolers available that can cool your entire home, though the most common devices are those designed for a single room. They are sometimes called “swamp coolers” as well.

I’m sure we’d all rather have a comfortably air conditioned room to lounge in during the hottest months of summer, but in lieu of electric powered comfort, keep in mind the simple, effective ways people have been staying cool for centuries.

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