Saturday, August 2, 2014

HVAC Tip - Plan Your Outside Heating or Cooling Unit with the Future in Mind

The heating and cooling unit is a very important part of the modern home.  Homes that get too hot in the summer can be life threatening.  In the winter, a cold home can be hazardous to health.  It can also be hazardous to the plumbing system, which can freeze, pipes can break, and then there is a costly repair.

 When planning a HVAC system, it is not just the internal ductwork in the house that is important, the outer heat pump or cooling unit needs to be strategically placed as well.

 The heat pump should be set higher than anticipated yearly snowfall.  This allows it run better, and allows for better drainage, because it sits above the snow.  By surrounding the unit with a base of stone, it keeps it clean from dirt and grass.  It also helps keep the unit level.  And, something most people may not think about until it comes time for a tech to look at the unit, it keep the serviceman’s feet clean as he may go back and forth from within the house, to outside to the unit.

By having rocks around the base, it makes it much easier and quicker for the serviceman to go back and forth within and without the house without tracking as much dirt and mud.  Remember, if you require him to clean his boots to keep your carpets clean, you will be paying for that time.  So make it as easy for him as you can.  That starts with thoughtful planning, which includes a rock base around your unit Having shrubs around the unit may hide it from view, provide a windbreak, and shade the unit to help it run more efficiently, but shrubs must be far enough away to not interfere with the unit’s performance or the ability of any serviceman to work on the unit.

In other words, whether your service man is 5’6” and 150 pounds, or 6’3” and 250 pounds, he needs to be able to get in there and maneuver to do what he needs to do.  Don’t assume that every serviceman will be small, wiry, and able to squeeze through limited space to reach your unit.  Don’t plant prickly shrubs around your unit.  No serviceman wants to work around thorns. Don’t grow an exotic garden with specialty plants around the unit.  You cannot expect a serviceman to treat them with the same respect you do.  There needs to be a path wide enough for the serviceman to get to the unit.  Plan your garden or back yard with these thoughts in mind, and with the awareness that your bushes, shrubs, or garden will continue to grow and develop from year to year. 

Servicemen operate on a basis of professionalism, efficiency and speed and no serviceman wants to tiptoe around the tulips.  If you require him to do so, and he has to take an extra hour or two to do his job, you will be paying for that time in dollars, so consider that before you plant an exotic garden or shrubs too near your cooling or heating unit. 

 Talk to your local HVAC company, keep these thoughts in mind and discuss them, and you will end up with a better system that can be serviced or cleaned easily for years to come.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

HVAC Maintenance Homeowners Can Do

If you have an HVAC system in your home there are a few things you can do to keep it in optimal condition. Below is a list of tips to keep your heating and cooling system blowing cold when you need it to.

1. Clean the filter. This is one of the easiest at home maintenance things you can do to your HVAC. However, be careful and never use your unit while the filter is removed it can damage it.

2. Remove debris from in and around the fan blades. All HVAC’s include fan blades that are easily obstructed by leaves or other items that may fall through the first level of protection. These can be removed easily by using a broom to knock them out of the HVAC.

3. Use a water hose to clean the HVAC. It is very important to cover up all the motor and surrounding components to make sure that no important parts get wet. If they get wet you will end up having to replace much more expensive parts.

4. Keep your coils clean. Your heating and cooling coils are the most important aspects of your unit. You need them to work as efficiently as possible to keep the life of your unit lasting for an extended period of time. Use a deep foam cleanser specifically for HVAC coils and use water to rinse it away.

5. Cut and trim surrounding trees and bushes. As bushes grow they have a tendency to grow over HVAC units. A good distance to trim to is at least two feet away from the outer edges of the unit.

6. Lubricate fan blades. Depending on your unit, you may need to apply oil or another lubricant specifically designed for HVAC blades to keep them moving as undisturbed as possible. As with other parts of an HVAC dirt and debris can build up causing the unit to malfunction. Avoid this by regularly inspecting the fan blades and cleaning them as necessary.

To keep your unit up and running you need to pay attention to the seemingly insignificant maintenance aspects of owning a HVAC. Cleaning, lubricating, and changing the filter of your unit will ensure you are saving energy and getting the most out of your unit. If you do you will keep your unit living for as long as the warranty.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Common HVAC Problems

HVAC units are widely used by families all over the United States. They keep homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter. But they aren’t perfect. They sometimes run into issues that make them less efficient. If you have an HVAC unit then you may want to know some of the most common HVAC problems you may run into. Before you call an expensive repair man check out our list of the top 5 most common problems with HVAC units

1. Thermostat issues. Many times when people think their HVAC unit is not working properly they forget to check one of the most obvious areas of control, the thermostat. Check to make sure your thermostat is turned on and make sure it is not set incorrectly.

2. Capacitors. Capacitors keep the motor running at the set speed with consistency.  Often these capacitors will burn out causing a slowing down or even completely stopping the unit from working. If your HVAC goes from barely working to not working at all a technician may determine that the capacitor has burned out and needs to be replaced.

3. No refrigerant. Often a broken HVAC really is not broken at all. It may simply need a dose of refrigerant. Of course if an HVAC is running out of refrigerant it can point to a leak somewhere in the hose lines. If that is the case then an inspection must be done of all the vales and they must be adequately sealed to prevent further leakage. It is important to get this checked out immediately because low refrigerant can cause the compressor to blow.

4. Fuses blown. Blown fuses are one of the most common problems with residential units. Blown fuses can be caused by a number of factors including an overheating of the unit. The compressor of the unit will create so much energy and heat that the fuse blows because it cannot handle that kind of output. Most often this is the first place a technician will look if you call him out to fix your unit.

5. Clogged filters. Filters are so vital to the unit because they allow constant necessary air flow into the HVAC. If your filters are clogged and dirty you must replace them or they can cause your unit to freeze up, making it an even more costly problem to fix.

Remember to always check these common problems first before you call a technician out. You may save yourself time and money in the process.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Walk In Coolers

There’s a reason SRC Refrigeration is a leader in the walk-in cooler industry: We’ve been making our products right since 1980, establishing ourselves as the go-to experts in walk in coolers and walk-in freezers for food service establishments, convenience stores, grocery stores and warehouses across America. We’re also the place top cooler reseller turn for products that make them look good to their clients.

Even better, we provide you with one of the best warranties in the industry at no additional charge.

With thousands of products installed and dependably serving the needs of customers everywhere, we’re the commercial refrigeration specialists you can depend on to be there when you need us. Because we focus on providing excellent quality and quick, reliable service after the sale, we take the worry of proper refrigeration off your mind.

Whether you need a walk-in cooler, reach-in cooler or some other type of commercial cooler or freezer, we’re here for you. Walk-ins are an important part of many industries today, and we can create a custom walk-in cooler to fit your specific needs quickly and cost-effectively. Since our units feature modular construction, expansion is easy. And our high-quality rigid insulation means your unit meets or exceeds EISA energy standards.

Proudly based in the U.S., we make every unit in our top-notch Sterling Heights, Michigan facility to the highest possible standard, ensuring that you’re completely satisfied. When our manufacturing prowess is combined with our customer service know-how, we’re an unstoppable force in a highly competitive industry.

Make the smart choice when you choose a new walk-in cooler or walk-in freezer for your business. Contact us now and let us go to work designing and installing a unit you’ll be proud to own and we’ll be proud to stand behind.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Air Conditioning Repair in Plano TX

In Plano, there’s a smart choice when you’re seeking heating or air conditioning repair. Contact Devard's at any time of the day or night for the best air conditioning repair Plano has available. We’ll come to your home quickly and take care of your issue before it becomes a real problem for you.
Plano is a fast-growing city, but don’t worry that we won’t be able to find your home. Because we provide the kind of trusted air conditioning repair Plano residents have been confidently using for years, our trucks travel the roads near your home all the time. We might already be near you. No matter where we are, however, we’ll rush to you.
If you don’t need our service today, that’s okay. You don’t have to worry that you won’t be able to find Devard's. If we’re not already in your neighborhood, just remember we’re at devards.com. No matter what kind of service you need, we can handle it now and anytime in the future.
How may we serve you? For installation or repair of Amana, Carrier, Trane, Goodman, Ruud, or American Standard systems — or any other brand on the market, call on us. Turn to the AC service Plano has trusted for years. Our HVAC team will come running to make sure your unit is up and running when you need it.
Need an energy audit to help you determine your needs? Need your AC serviced? Is it time for a preventive maintenance? No matter the service, let the heating and air service Plano citizens have been turning to for years come out and take care of it for you.
Have an emergency? Don’t hesitate to call. We’ll come to your Plano home whenever you need us.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Air Conditioning Services in Rockwall TX

Since 1995, Element Mechanical has been air conditioning and heating Rockwall, TX and the surrounding areas — providing quick, dependable and high-quality installation, repair and service. Because we employ only NATE-certified technicians and are an authorized dealer, installer and repair contractor for most major brands, they've become a trusted name in the area.
Whether you call for an emergency repair or schedule an appointment to evaluate your system for replacement, you can be sure that they’ll take care of your home by using shoe covers, putting down drop cloths and doing whatever else it takes to avoid damaging your property. They take these extra measures because they respect their customers and want you to use their services every time you need air conditioning work.
They know that it can get oppressively hot in North Texas, so they respond quickly to your call and take action as soon as they can to get you comfortable again. Their rapid response is part of the reason for their Five Star Reviews and that they’re the HVAC contractor Rockwall, TX and all of the metroplex has learned to trust.
They consider manufacturer recommendations, local code and federal laws to be minimum standards, and do their best to exceed every goal, especially where safety and effectiveness are concerned.
Still, their prices are among the best in the area. They can offer you financing options to make the impact of a major repair or replacement easier to handle.
For HVAC service Rockwall, TX and surrounding areas has trusted for more than 25 years, contact Element Mechanical now. They’ll come as quickly as they can to assess your problem, then provide you with an honest, flat-rate estimate so you’ll know exactly how much the service, repair or new system installation will cost. To get comfortable again, just give them a call at (972) 771-7522

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Beverage Coolers

At SRC Refrigeration, we’re proud to make premium beverage coolers that serve the unique needs of businesses in a variety of industries. In addition to glass door beverage coolers for retail locations, we make back-of-house walk-in beverage coolers for storing back stock at convenience stores, restaurants and more.

Because we’re a proven industry leader with our own manufacturing plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan, we can easily meet your needs, no matter your industry or requirements.

Among our many choices are eight-foot standard height beverage coolers with glass doors and thick polystyrene insulation that exceeds EISA energy standards. We offer floorless models with insulation below the beverage displays as well as units with reinforced insulated floors. Some units feature white embossed galvanized metal inside and out and other design amenities intended to make the units look as good as they perform.

Every beverage cooler features a UL approved condensing unit that cools better than it needs to. Units with glass doors come with interior lights wired to the exterior switch, exterior digital thermometers, self-closing hinges, safety releases and magnetic gaskets, among other features. And this just scratches the surface of high-quality features and amenities we take pride in offering on our units.

Need a one-door beverage cooler? A four glass door beverage cooler for larger storage and impact? What about a two or three door beer cooler that takes your space constraints into consideration? At SRC Refrigeration, we’re experts in helping you choose just the right unit for you unique situation and requirements.

When you combine our state-of-the art manufacturing capabilities with our unmatched customer service, you quickly see why we’re the industry leader in soft drink, beer and beverage coolers. Simply put, we make great products and treat our customers right. Contact us now and let us go to work for you.