Most of Us Take Heating and Cooling for Granted., HVAC | Heating, Air Conditioning Marietta GA | 770-444-9142

Most of us take heating and cooling for granted. We expect our heating systems to keep us warm during the winter, and we depend on air-conditioning to keep us cool during the summer. When the house is cold in winter or hot in summer, the natural reaction is to call for professional service. Fortunately, there is an alternative. You can cut service costs drastically and keep your heating and cooling systems working efficiently by doing some maintenance and quick fixes yourself. But first, it's important to know how the basics of how heating and cooling systems function. How Heating and Cooling Systems Work All climate-control devices or systems have three basic components: a source of warmed or cooled air, a means of distributing the air to the rooms being heated or cooled, and a control used to regulate the system (e.g., thermostat). The sources of warm air, such as a furnace, and cool air, such as an air conditioner, in a house often use the same distribution and control systems. If your house has central air conditioning, cool air probably flows through the same ducts that heat does and is regulated by the same thermostat. When a heating or cooling system malfunctions, any of these three basic components may be causing the problem. Both heating and air conditioning work on the principle that heat always moves from a warm object to a cooler one, just as water flows from a higher to a lower level. Furnaces and heaters put heat into the air to make your home warmer; air conditioners remove heat to make your home cooler. All heating and cooling units burn fuel. Air conditioners use electricity. Most home heating systems use gas or fuel oil; other systems use electricity. The heat pump -- an electrically powered climate control unit -- both heats and cools air. In summer it extracts heat from the air inside your home. In winter it pulls heat from the air outside and uses this heat to warm the air inside. When the furnace is turned on, it consumes the fuel that powers it, whether it be gas, oil, or electricity. As fuel is burned, heat is produced and channeled to the living areas of your home through ducts, pipes, or wires and then is blown out of registers, radiators, or heating panels. Older systems use the heat they produce to heat water, which in turn heats the air in your home. These systems use a boiler to store and heat the water supply, which is then circulated as hot water through pipes embedded in the wall, floor, or ceiling. When an air conditioner is turned on, electrical power is used to cool a gas in a coil to its liquid state. Warm air in your home is cooled by contact with the cooling coil, and this cooled air is channeled to the rooms of your home through ducts and out registers or -- in the case of room air conditioners -- directly from the unit itself. heating and cooling atlanta ga

Perfection Air - Heating and Cooling Services Metro Atlanta GA,HVAC | Heating, Air Conditioning Marietta GA | 770-444-9142

At Perfection Air, we have over 15 years of experience and have accumulated extensive industry knowledge and competency that ensures your project or service will be done right the first time. We are proud of our tradition of excellence serving homeowners throughout Metro-Atlanta and the surrounding areas. Perfection Air has also completed many large projects in Florida, Virginia, and other surrounding states. The company teams are fully trained to work out of town and have the ability to do a very safe, cost-efficient, and time-efficient job. Perfection Air is a fully insured licensed contractor that specializes in residential and commercial installation, repair and maintenance of HVAC equipment. Commercially, our expertise includes apartment buildings, office buildings, and warehouses. Through our incomparable attention to detail, we prove a genuine concern for the safety, health, and comfort of our customers. We serve all of Atlanta and the surrounding areas, so please give us a call at 770-444-9142. We look forward to helping you with any and all of your heating and air conditioning needs. When you think about heating and cooling your home, do your thoughts turn to money and engery efficiency? The more efficient heating and cooling systems are, the less they cost to run. That means your utility bills can be lower. Energy efficiency is good for the environment, too. Before you invest in a new system, ask about the EnergyGuide label — it lets you know how energy efficient a model is compared to others like it. Products that meet certain energy efficiency criteria will have the ENERGY STAR logo. If you want to increase the efficiency of your system but you're not in the market to replace it, consider a professional or do-it-yourself home energy assessment. It can show you how specific fixes — like sealing air leaks or beefing up insulation — could help you save money and boost efficiency. If you use heating oil, consider shopping around to make sure you're getting a good price. Research a company and its service before you sign a contract. If you live where you can choose your natural gas provider, shop for a good price on gas. Shop smart for "energy-saving" products and services. Be skeptical of gadgets and products that promise drastic reductions in home cooling costs or extreme energy savings. Verify product claims with an independent source you trust. Resist high-pressure door-to-door sales calls for furnaces, windows, and other home improvement products. Find a contractor who's licensed and reputable, and remember that the Cooling-Off Rule gives you three business days to cancel a contract if you sign it in your home or at a location other than the contractor's permanent place of business. heating and cooling atlanta ga

The Green Industry and HVAC Design - Finding a New Way, HVAC | Heating, Air Conditioning Marietta GA | 770-444-9142

The Green Industry and HVAC Design - Finding a New Way HVAC design has merged with green initiatives in an exciting new way. This is partly because HVAC needed to rebound from the recession and figure out a new way to do business going forward. And that is just what it has done. Now the real estate market is showing some signs of picking up again. Especially residential real estate looks promising for growth going forward in the near and distant future, so that means that there will be more big jobs that will need HVAC to progress. The green industry and HVAC design have come together to create new potentials for a new future. The main advantage of the merger between the green industry and HVAC design is of course the incentives that have been offered by the government for contractors and builders to start to look at and practice green principles in their design initiatives. While there have been sectors of the industry around HVAC that have lagged and have not recovered from the economy, that continue to suffer from high rates of rejection, this is not true for the push to get green-certified going forward. Everyone today wants to know how to save both money and time, and of course if the government is offering you an incentive to cut your energy expenses, it just makes good sense to figure out how to do that as soon as possible. In the West, particularly, there have been several reports of HVAC certifications going green and focusing completely on ecologically based concerns. For instance, some furnace repair companies are opting to install energy saving devices rather than do yet another routine repair on a faulty furnace. So HVAC has found another way to market itself. This alliance between the green industry and HVAC design bodes well for all involved. Homeowners and commercial building owners can rest easy knowing they are getting the best system for their dollar and the most efficient one too. Environmentalists are pacified and business continues to grow and thrive. It’s a pretty sure bet that governments will aim to increase subsidies and incentives in the future for even more green initiatives and particularly a further alliance between the green industry and HVAC design. Even the more skeptical contractors are starting to understand that changes are underway. It looks good to stay up with the needs of the larger community and even the world-at-large. In the end, it will just mean a stronger business structure for the air conditioning companies that are wise enough to get in the game early. The whole world today is going green. What does this mean? Everyone is trying to figure out ways to conserve energy use. This means more efficient heating and cooling systems in both homes and commercial spaces, and for the people who build these systems, they have to get in gear as well. More efficiency means less wasted energy, and it isn’t just environmentalists who benefit from less waste. It’s also every homeowner and by association, every tenant too. What does this mean for builders and contractors? It means a new day is here, and you must adjust your practices accordingly. But luckily there is incentive to do so in the form of Energy Star rebates and Manual J load calculations. HVAC Repairs Atlanta GA

Evaluating Comfort Cooling System Performance, HVAC | Heating, Air Conditioning Marietta GA | 770-444-9142

EVALUATING COMFORT COOLING SYSTEM PERFORMANCE This is the first in a series of articles on the subject of HVACR system performance, and I think it’s appropriate that we begin by taking a nuts-and-bolts look at some of the simple tests technicians can accomplish with standard test equipment when they are checking a comfort cooling system for proper operation and optimum performance. As we all know, the “beer can cold” suction line test went by the wayside long ago, and refrigeration and air flow system performance analysis requires a more sophisticated approach. The illustration in Figure One shows the data collection points I’ll be discussing. Of course, one of the most common method employed to evaluate a system is a standard set of compound gauges attached the high and low pressure access valves (shown to the left of our illustration at the outdoor segment of a typical split system). Unfortunately, this is often the only step taken to find out if a comfort cooling system is operating as efficiently as possible, however there’s much more beyond this basic process that should be accomplished in the way of performance checks. Let’s start with one that is very simple and easy to do, yet tells you a lot about the system. You’ll note that in addition to the pressure measurements that can be taken at the outdoor unit, we are also explaining that you should test the temperature of the discharge line. This is a temperature test that should be accomplished about 6 inches from the compressor, and the maximum reading you should get is 225 Degrees F. The bottom line on this test is simple: If you’re getting a 225-degree reading at this point on the discharge line, then the temperature inside the compressor itself is going to be approximately 300-Degrees. And, a temperature higher than that in a compressor crankcase will mean that some of the oil is vaporizing, which affects the lubrication process. Of course, the ultimate result of this situation is premature compressor failure. How does a compressor discharge temperature get too high? Again, unfortunately, a system overcharge is often the culprit….a system overcharge that is the result of poor service procedures like “adding a little gas” in an effort to increase the performance of the equipment. The percentage of overcharged residential comfort cooling systems is literally staggering, and they are not only failing prematurely, requiring sealed system service that increases the incidences of refrigerant discharge into the atmosphere, but they are operating inefficiently due to increased current draw….a far cry from proper system performance. HVAC Repairs Atlanta GA

Improve the Energy Efficiency of an Existing Building in Just 1 DAY., HVAC | Heating, Air Conditioning Marietta GA | 770-444-9142

Improve the Energy Efficiency of an Existing Building in just 1 DAY. Many of the new building these days are equipped with an Energy Management System (EMS) to withstand government energy efficient laws. By controlling and monitoring air condition and lights it is ensured buildings are run at most optimum condition with minimum waste of energy resulting in lower electric bills. There is however a problem with older buildings that to do not have these EMS system. These buildings, which are the majority of buildings worldwide, suffer from high wastage of energy due to air condition and lights left power on over night or sometimes even over the holidays. It is very common to drive at night, during late hours, over schools and office buildings and see many lights are left power on. This energy waste phenomenon results in larger electric bills for the owner and increase value of carbon emission, polluting the environment. Companies like Honeywell, Schneider Electric, Johnson Control and EkonControl came with new wireless building management systems that can be installed in existing building in a very short time by simply replacing the old thermostat (and light switches) with a new network thermostat to communicate wirelessly with control system that can control and monitor the whole building in a very efficient way. Using these EMS systems ensures the building’s owner large saving on electric bill within very short period of installation so return on investment is very quick. The amount of savings is mainly depends on how often the employees at the building forget to power off the air condition. In schools, for example, it is well known problem that lights and air condition are left power on overnight so in this case the savings will be over 50% reduction on the electric bills. In cases where employees are more ‘civilized’ (they power off the air condition and lights 100% of the times the room is left unoccupied), the power savings will be around 5% mainly because the system can lock the thermostat on optimum set points ensuring the compressor work less time and hence reduce energy. This kind of EMS/BMS system is most relevant for commercial buildings such as Schools, Hospitals, Large Cooperate Offices, Museums, Government Offices, etc. where there are over 30 thermostats and light switches spread over few floors where it is more difficult to control manually. Since most of these new systems are plug & play, it can be installed by any professional electrician or by the building maintenance. The software of the building management system is already embedded inside the master controller so user only needs to give each module (thermostat or light switch) an address and give each unit a name on the graphical user interface in the same manner of adding a name in smart phones. Most of these EMS/BMS systems have schedule weekly times in which user can setup group of air condition and lights to go on or off at particular times. Moreover, user can create working groups to activate few air conditions and light loads to a certain pre define condition by 1 press of a button. In few of these systems it is even possible to lock group of thermostats on a certain optimum set point so it cannot be changed manually, keeping the set point at energy save conditions. Utility payers expect to see reduced electric bill from the time the system start running HVAC Repairs Atlanta GA

Turning Mini Split Leads Into Zoning Jobs In Metro Atlanta Area, HVAC | Heating, Air Conditioning Marietta GA | 770-444-9142

Turning Mini Split Leads Into Zoning Jobs In Metro Atlanta Area “A lot of times, people don’t know what they want until you show it to them.” This quote from Steve Jobs is especially true in the HVAC industry. People know that certain rooms are uncomfortable but make the assumption that because their parents' homes had too hot or too cold spots, that is just how the equipment works. Those who decide they want better for their homes’ system frequently turn to the internet to begin researching ways to correct their home comfort issues. A common result for too hot and too cold Google keyword searches? Mini splits. Most contractors offer their preferred brand of this equipment, however, one Arzel contractor uses his mini split leads as a spring board for a bigger sales opportunity, a zoning system. After speaking to the homeowner and asking a few key investigative questions, the contractor can usually determine whether the consumer would be better served with a zoning solution. Make the Case for Zoning If the homeowner is trying to achieve comfort for several hard to condition spaces and they have forced air with duct work, they are a better candidate for zoning than mini splits. He explains to each homeowner who fits this criteria that their problem is getting comfort where its needed when its wanted and can be corrected at a lower cost than a new system. Although zoning can be more costly than an application using a single mini-split, more often than not, the homeowner reveals that their comfort issues are throughout the home and they were unaware a solution could correct the entire home. They pursue the mini split option because it puts a quick, relatively low cost band aid on the spot they feel the most discomfort such as an upstairs bedroom in the summertime or basement. In these instances, the contractor shared with me he tells his customers they get more bang for their buck when they improve their existing system with zoning instead of installing additional equipment to correct temperature issues in one area. While the cost of a single mini split unit is lower than a zoning system, the operating costs and overall comfort benefits for a whole home application pale in comparison. Zoning systems provide better efficiency and more comfort. There is always a place for mini split such as a converted space with no duct work, boiler applications or homes with a need for single area comfort improvement. After learning how this contractor optimizes his sales leads with zoning, I am certain there are other homeowners out their needing the guidance and knowledge of you, their comfort expert. You have to go out and share with your customers how you can raise their comfort expectations of their existing system. Remember, they don’t know what’s out their until you, or your competitor, tells them. HVAC Repairs Atlanta GA

Geothermal Heat Pump Sales in Atlanta GA, USA, HVAC | Heating, Air Conditioning Marietta GA | 770-444-9142

Geothermal Heat Pump Sales in Atlanta GA, USA While 2012 was an overall weak year for GHPs in the US, key states continued growth. Some have state incentive programs and some didn't. In some cases, it was simply dogged determination from local distribution, in others the state incentives helped to drive the market. There is no question that the current 30% Federal Tax Credit is helping to drive demand. Read more here about the tax credit. For long-term consistent growth, the real driving force has to be consumer and contractor education. There is a small percentage of contractors offering geothermal heat pump systems, if you can expand that base correctly you'll expand the education both in the contractor and the consumer sector. A solid contractor base would be one which has proper training and installs geothermal heat pumps often enough to do it properly each and every time. I recently read an article by Chris Williams of Heatspring Magazine. In his article, Chris addresses what he believes to be the top 4 items the industry needs to drive adoption of the technology. Here are my thoughts on his trends to drive adoption. Trend #1 - State Policy will Drive Adoption - while the Federal Tax Credit is helping and State assistance would also help, these should be temporary measures. The technology can and will stand on its own. The industry is viable and sustainable, but the major players are all simply bit players in the overall HVAC market. It will take major level adoption from HVAC manufacturers to make a major impact. Why don't the majors get involved? The truth be told, they don't have a vested interest. Equivalent equipment cost is essentially the same as what they currently sell and geo technology requires an entire new level of training and dealer development. Why invest in the 3% that's geo when you already have a substantial piece of the 97%? They pick up no revenue from the excavation cost and this is typically the additional cost over a conventional HVAC system. This is the continual hurdle the industry faces, no buy-in from the big guys; Carrier, Goodman, Lennox, Trane, York. While Bosch has started to make their presence known in the geo market, they are not an overall HVAC player in North America and have struggled adapting to the difference in distribution between HVAC and their other divisions. They do bring a recognizable name and legitimacy to the industry, this MUST be backed up with consumer marketing, infrastructure support and training. Trend #2 - Real Time Monitoring - Real time monitoring is typically done on large commercial projects that are managed as an energy service contract. This type of monitoring is not typical for a residential installation. Our contractor base can offer loop temperature monitoring at a very low cost when they install one of our GeoComfort or Bosch systems using our ecobee thermostat. Adding full blown data recording can be expensive and honestly, in most cases is needless. As the author pointed out in his note #2 on what will NOT drive the industry, the homeowner is looking for lower utilities and savings; not COP ratings or kW usage reports. Trend #3 - Communications and Industry Research - this one is a little vague and I'm not certain of the relevance. Knowing the number of employees in a specific field will not make that field grow. As far as the first three items listed, that information is available to AHRI reporting partners currently. Some of the other items would be interesting, but none of that will educate the consumer or drive industry sales. Trend #4 - the author is firing on all cylinders here. He is correct in stating that installation costs will not go down, nor will utility costs. Higher utility costs equates to a better fit for geo technology. Saving 60% on $100 is a nice savings of $60, but if you make that 60% savings on $400, that's $240 in your pocket. At those levels, more people will certainly become interested in the technology. Your can read the original article at 4 Trends Driving the Geothermal Heat Pump Industry in 2013. HVAC Repairs Atlanta GA