Split Air Conditioner Replacement – The Age Consideration
July 10, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Age of Existing System:
One of the basic factors to consider when deciding to replace your old air conditioning system is that of age. The old adage, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” is not always the best, and in the case of older cooling systems that attitude can be costly. Let’s say your old cooling system, be it Air Conditioning or Heat
Pump, is a 13 year old 8 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, the standard by which cooling systems are rated) system. Just because it is still running does not necessarily make it a good thing.
How can that be? Well, first off, let’s explore the efficiency. Today’s minimum standard is 13 SEER. Each numeric rise in SEER rating is equal to about an 8% increase in efficiency. So, replacing your 8 SEER system with a minimum 13 SEER will reward you with nearly a 40% increase inefficiency. Read more
The Heat Pump – An Air Conditioner in Reverse
July 9, 2008 | Leave a Comment
A Heat Pump is an air conditioner in reverse. The basic function of an Air Conditioner is to extract heat from the building as it is absorbed into refrigerant inside the indoor condensing coil located with your Air Handler in your basement, closet or attic. The refrigerant then carries the heat to an outdoor unit through refrigeration lines where it is transferred outside. That is the reason you feel hot air blowing out of your outdoor condenser. This leaves the air in the building cooler.
When the season changes and heat is needed in the home, a heat pump is, in effect, an air conditioner that operates in reverse and instead of pulling heat from your home, will actually use the heat that is above freezing (32f) in the outside air and will transfer that heat into your home. Read more
Is Your Home Making You Sick? Germicidal UV Lamps May be The Answer.
July 9, 2008 | Leave a Comment
What:
The ultraviolet germicidal lamps or IAQ UV Lights used for disinfection are short wave low-pressure mercury vapor tubes that produce ultraviolet wavelengths that are lethal to microorganisms. These wavelengths are in the region of maximum germicidal effectiveness and is highly lethal to virus, bacteria and mold spores.
Why:
UV air duct disinfection may be used in residential, commercial and industrial applications. An Ultraviolet air duct disinfection fixture can be applied for two types of applications in HVAC equipment, either treatment of the air stream or surfaces within the air handler. With the proper system design and installation the moving air can be disinfected with germicidal ultraviolet light.
Ultraviolet lamps sanitize air that is passed directly in their path to destroy pathogens that come in contact with the UV rays. Musty, moldy type odors can be eradicated, along with tuberculosis, cold and flu viruses, smallpox, and other airborne diseases. Read more