How does a Central Air Conditioning System Work?

 

Among the most coveted and used modern day inventions, air conditioning has come a long way since its inception, with advancements by scientists and inventors carrying it along from blowing air across compressor-generated ice blocks to cool rooms, to the Energy Star rated central air conditioning systems available at your local air conditioning company today. What did the great minds of our time turn today's air conditioning systems into?

A modern marvel
Cooling you off in summer’s most unforgiving temperatures, 80% of home owners now rely on air conditioning – mostly central. This feat of engineering offers comfort essential to quality of life. But not many understand its function.

The “split” system
Split systems, the most commonly used central heating and cooling units such as systems by Bryant air conditioning and heating, operate much like your refrigerator. Rather than an insulated icebox, however, your home’s walls contain cooled air. How is this air cooled? Science and mechanics.

The cooling concept
Utilizing principles of physics, air conditioners take advantage of a process called “phase conversion,” in which when liquids are converted to gas, they absorb heat. Using special chemical compounds – refrigerants capable of changing at relatively low temperatures - central air conditioners complete the conversion process over and over in a closed system – your A/C’s serpentine coils – funneling warm interior air over them to condition it to a cooler temperature, then distributing it via ductwork.

Phase conversion in action
To complete phase conversion – and deliver cool, conditioned air through your home, the cooperative effort of a gaggle of components is necessary.

• The indoor cabinet
  Fans blow air across your indoor unit’s evaporator coil, transferring heat to the outside air by carrying it to the outside cabinet via refrigerant in the coils.
• The outdoor cabinet
  Once heat energy is carried to the outside unit’s condenser coil by the refrigerant, the refrigerant is pumped back into the compressor, thus beginning the cycle again. What happened to the heat? It was moved outside when the cooled air was blown in, as was any moisture via condensation (hence the name “condenser” coils).
• Other major components your central air conditioning system relies on include…
• The blower (fans)
  Which distribute air over the coils to improve heat dissipation and distribute them to the rooms being cooled.
• The expansion valve
  For controlling refrigerant flow.
• The thermostat
  Which regulates operation by monitoring air temperature.
• The filter
  To removes airborne particles that can reduce air movement and clog system components.
• Drains and moisture collection pans
  For reducing humidity in indoor air and the moisture that is a natural by-product of temperature reduction.

Looking for a new air conditioning system for your home? From central air conditioners to the latest ductless A/C technology, H&H Heating and Air Conditioning Company has you covered, with quality products and installation services you can trust. Contact us today.

Where does indoor air pollution come from?

Modern man spends a great deal of time indoors – some 90% of our lives in the “shelter” of homes and buildings. Unfortunately, all this time indoors can come at a cost to our health. Tighter building designs geared toward energy and cost savings are trapping pollutants inside the dwellings where we seek respite.
Rather than clean indoor air, we are instead being assaulted by pollution levels two to five times higher than the air outdoors.
Where are all those pollutants coming from?

• Mold and mildew
  High humidity and dampness resulting from condensation, poor ventilation, plumbing and other leaks can aid in the proliferation of mildew and mold, triggering allergy and asthma symptoms, eye, skin, nose, throat, and lung irritation, as well as upper and lower respiratory issues in those exposed.
• Biological contaminants
  Biological contaminants in your home include not only mold, mildew, bacteria and viruses, but pollen, dust mites, cockroach feces, and more. Contaminants are carried in via your person or on your pets, and are distributed throughout your home – even through your HVAC ducts. These contaminants are capable of aggravating allergies and asthma and/or causing disease, but can be easily controlled with the use of high quality filters and UV germicidal lamps.
• Smoke
  Smoke from both cigarettes and combustion burning create gases and particulates that carry a host of chemicals which can result in eye, nose, and throat irritation, respiratory irritation and infections, emphysema, lung cancer, and more.
• Asbestos
  A natural mineral fiber used in various building components in most homes over 20 years old, including insulation, flooring materials, and more, asbestos exposure can ultimately result in abdominal, chest, and lung cancers and asbestosis.
• Radon
  Colorless, tasteless, and odorless, radon is created from the naturally occurring breakdown of radioactive materials in earth and rock. Symptoms are not immediately apparent, however radon is linked to an estimated 20,000 lung-cancer deaths annually.
• Carbon monoxide (CO)
  Colorless and odorless, CO gas is produced during the incomplete combustion of all carbon-based fuels, including commonly used wood, charcoal, gas, diesel, kerosene, propane, and other natural gases. Often mistaken for the flu, exposure causes headache, drowsiness, dizziness, impairment of respiration, vision, and brain function, and ultimately death. If you fear CO may be an issue in your home, consult an indoor air quality service professional right away.
• Formaldehyde and other VOCs
  Off-gassing from pressed wood products, foam insulation, glues and adhesives, carpet and upholstery, household cleaning and deodorizing products, and more can release pungent gases into the air capable of causing allergic reactions, headaches, nausea, dizziness/confusion, eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing. Multitudinous VOCs are linked to brain, liver, and kidney damage, as well as various cancers.
• Lead
  Lead-based paint, pipes, and fixtures in older homes can contribute to airborne dust particles, causing significant health effects including cognitive and developmental issues in children, brain, nervous system, and kidney damage, anemia, hearing loss, and even death.

Ventilation plays a starring role in indoor air quality
To provide efficient energy use, particularly with regard to your home’s heating and cooling equipment, homes are specifically designed to minimize the amount of air that can leak into and out of them. This can result in the need for enhanced ventilation and specialty air filters in your HVAC systems to preserve the air quality in your home. Options include:

• Site-specific exhaust fans, such as in the kitchen and bath.
• Whole house air purifiers with UV lamps.
• Mechanical ventilation, such as exhaust or supply ventilation systems and heat recovery ventilators.

Concerned about the air quality in your home? Ensure a clean, healthy home environment year-round. Contact H&H Heating and Air Conditioning, the indoor air quality experts, today.

Things to Check Before Calling for Air Conditioning Services in Delaware County, PA

Air conditioner on the fritz? Hold up - don't call your air conditioning contractor yet! If your air conditioner isn’t operating properly, it may only be a minor issue. Try these simple solutions before scheduling your air conditioning system repair:

1. Is it on?
   Does your system have power to it? Make sure the main power switch in the “On” position for proper operation. Sounds silly – because it worked yesterday – but kids, animals, weather, and accidents happen. Avoid the frustration of a repair bill over a flipped switch. Check these items first.
2. Did you blow a fuse?
   We don’t mean your aggravation at the current state of your system! Air conditioning units pull quite a bit of power. Check your circuit breaker panel and ensure the necessary breakers are in place, turned on, and functioning properly. Watch out for tricky breakers – those that have only tripped halfway, which may appear at a quick glance to be alright. They will need to be fully turned off and returned to the on position.
3. What is your thermostat set on?
   Sometimes family members – particularly younger ones – can unknowingly sabotage your system. Check to see first that your system is in cooling mode. Then check to see that it is set at the correct temperature to cause the system to come on.
4. Do you need to close the door?
   Not your front door, the blower door on your air handler. It must be securely closed for proper operation.
5. Experiencing a clog?
   Check the drain line next to your outdoor unit. Lines that are buried or clogged with algae (which you may not be able to see) can cause your home to get sticky due to the improper operation of the system. A condensate overflow tray that needs to be emptied can also cause problems.
6. How cruddy is your filter?
   An extremely dirty air filter can block air supply to your system and prevent proper function. If your filter is gross, try swapping it out (if it is disposable) or cleaning it (if it is a permanent filter) before calling the repair man.
7. Is you system not shutting off?
   You may need to adjust the temperature. If you raise the thermostat 5-10 degrees and your your system can only manage temperatures about 20 degrees cooler than the outdoor air. If its 100 outside, be thankful for 78-80 degrees.
8. Do you have an owner’s manual?
   If you’ve tried the above solutions, or if you have a specialty system like a geo thermal heating and cooling system, consult your owner’s manual. It may offer additional troubleshooting suggestions specific to your system.

Air conditioner issues still leaving you hot under the collar?
Everyone needs a little help every now and then. Luckily the friendly professionals at H & H Heating and Air Conditioning have your back. Give us a call and get back to home comfort today!

Environmental Benefits of Geothermal Heating and Cooling

An increasing amount of homeowners are choosing Geothermal heating and cooling as an energy efficient way to heat and cool their homes. This form of HVAC technology uses the earth’s heat to warm as well as cool the home and is one of the most environmentally friendly options available on the market. So if you are looking for a greener approach to HVAC, consider replacing your existing unit with a geothermal heating and air conditioning system.

Energy efficient

The energy efficiency of the geothermal system is derived from the process of transferring renewable energy from the earth. As these forms of heaters require a much simpler process of creating heat than traditional air conditioners, they need 25% to 50% lesser energy to function, minimising the rate of greenhouse gas emissions.

Among the array of HVAC technologies available to homeowners today, geothermal technology stands out due to its efficiency. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a geothermal heat pump can help reduce energy consumption by up to 44% when compared to heat pump installation.

Renewable energy source

As mentioned earlier, this form of HVAC system functions using the constant flow of heat that is stored in the centre of the Earth, making it a renewable energy source that is available 24/7.

Still not convinced? The EPA offer their seal of approval to this form of home heating and consider geothermal ground source heat pumps to be amongst the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective options available to homeowners.

Other benefits of the geothermal system:

Apart from the environmental benefits it offers, the geothermal alternative to traditional heating and cooling can also give you a range of extra advantages. Here are some ways you and your family can benefit from installing a geothermal heat pump:

• This system is one of the most economical alternative to traditional HVAC units as its 400% energy efficiency rating earns you some neat utility savings in the long run. Say goodbye to stressful bills!
• Geothermal heaters have a lifespan of approximately 15 years and if looked after properly, require minimum maintenance. Get your unit checked by an local air conditioning service annually and check and replace the filters regularly. This should ensure your unit will run as smoothly as ever.
• These systems can also be beneficial as a source of hot water alongside home heating and cooling. Additionally, the system can be utilized and extended to heat your family’s pool as well.
• A geothermal system will occupy far less space within your home as compared to a traditional air conditioner.  
• As this system does not require an outdoor compressor, you can rest assured that you will have one less thing to worry about.

At H&H, we provide our customers with the latest technology and best HVAC repair services. If you are looking to go green with your heating and cooling, contact your trusted air conditioning company for professionally installed geothermal heat pumps and units with the best service guaranteed.

UV Lights to Purify your Home’s Indoor Air

Healthy air quality is not only vital for your family’s health and well being, but is also essential in creating the ideal ambiance around your home. With pollutants and allergens making a way into your home through many outlets such as pets and cooking fumes, it can be hard to keep air quality in check. However, with the latest innovation in air purification technology - the UV lights air purifiers, poor indoor air quality could be a thing of the past for your home.

What are home air purifiers?

Home air purifiers are the ideal way to offer relief to asthma and allergy suffers. Allergens and bacteria can make a way into your home through a range of channels. Whether it is pet dander, mould, mildew, dust, smoke or pollen, allergens can severely degrade air quality and cause damage to your health. This is where air purifiers come in. These devices successfully eliminate the bacteria and particles from your home and restore healthy and clean air.

How do UV lights purify indoor air?

A UV lights purifier will use electromagnetic radiation to rid your home of bacteria and other pollutants. This form of air purifier often consists of a UV lamp that is used to sterile microorganisms that linger in the air. 

Advantages and disadvantages of installing uv light air purification system

• This particular form of air purification is extremely effective in eliminating germs from the air, making them the ideal solution for households suffering from allergies.
• If health is your primary concern, installing a UV lights purifier will be beneficial in preventing illnesses within your home.
• This form of air purification is also great for ridding your home of unpleasant odours, making it more inviting.
• UV lights purifiers like the OxyQuantum LED are easy to install within the existing ductwork of your home.
• We all want a home environment that is peaceful and relaxing. These purifiers work silently, keeping the bliss of your home intact.

It is important to realise that though this particular technology is extremely efficient in eliminating germs; it does not remove dust and solid particles from the air. To counter this, they can be paired with other air purification devices like HEPA filters, Carbon Filters or Ionic filters to achieve air totally free of dust, germs and bacteria.

How to get UV lights purifiers in your home

If the UV lights system seems the ideal choice for your home, contacting your local central heat and air installation company is the next step in the process. Ensure that they offer sufficient warranty on the product and provide quality brands and units. 

If you are tired of poor air quality and want a change, the UV lights air purifiers may be the ideal choice for you. To learn more about our services and the different local heating and ac companies available on the market, contact H&H heating and air conditioning.