Carney All Seasons Blog: Archive for July, 2012

Features to Look for in Geothermal Heat Pumps

Monday, July 30th, 2012

Geothermal heat pumps are a wonderful technology that is now being used more and more in both the residential and commercial HVAC industries.  Carney Plumbing, Heating and Cooling has a team of Lansdale geothermal technicians that can help you understand the various features to look for in geothermal heat pumps, as well as being able to aptly perform geothermal installation and repairs.

There are a number of geothermal features that make this type of heating and air conditioning system a wise choice if you want to save energy and money on your monthly utility bills. Geothermal heat pumps utilize the more stable temperature found in the ground or from a nearby water source in order to produce either heated or cooled air, depending on the time of year and the need; therefore, geothermal heat pumps provide year-round comfort in one system.

Geothermal systems can utilize one of three main types of heat pumps: a closed loop system, an open loop system, or a hybrid system. The hybrid option utilizes a dual-source heat pump, which combines the use of a traditional air-source heat pump with a geothermal heat-pump (ground-source heat pump).

While the initial cost of installing a geothermal heat pump system tends to be more expenesive than other HVAC systems, they are easy to maintain and are some of the most efficient ways to heat and cool your home or business. Many on the market today have been awarded the ENERGY STAR label. With these models, there are often government incentives, such as federal tax breaks, for purchasing geothermal heat pump systems.

Additional geothermal features that are available include dual stage scroll compressors, chlorine-free and environmentally friendly R-410A refrigerant, quiet water valves, high quality blower motors, suction line accumulators, and heat exchangers. It is also good to look for a geothermal heat pump that is covered by a good warranty.

Carney Plumbing, Heating and Cooling supplies quality geothermal services in Lansdale, Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas.  As fully licensed geothermal contractors we have the field-experience and proper education necessary to work with complete geothermal heat pump systems. Let us help you understand the features to look for in these systems so that you can determine which geothermal energy system is right for your specific needs. Call us any time!

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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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Why is My Central Air Conditioner Making Noise?

Monday, July 9th, 2012

A good air conditioner is a life saver in the midst of a hot and sticky summer, but just because the system makes you comfortable and makes the hottest months bearable doesn’t mean you want to hear it clanging and banging all summer. If you notice excess noise coming from your Newtown air conditioner, it might be a problem that can be fixed by your technician. Here are some common causes of excess noise from an air conditioner and what you can do to fix them.

  • Blower – The blower is a motor and fan blade assembly. If the blade touches the housing or if the motor needs a tune up, it might start to make excess noise. Loose screws, foreign objects, or a need for oiling or new parts will all cause noise problems.
  • Ductwork – If the sounds you’re hearing are in the ductwork or vents, it may be due to expansion and contraction in your ventilation system. This is normal and while it may be obnoxious, it tends not to persist during the hottest months as temperature won’t fluctuate as much.
  • Bubbling Sounds – If you hear a gurgly or bubbly noise coming from your indoor unit, it may be due to a blockage in the condensate line. The easiest solution is to have a tech clean the condensate line and check for any clogs or blockages in the system.
  • Clicking Sounds – If you hear a clicking sound, it is likely from the relay or contactor in the system. If this is the case, have a Newtown AC professional check it right away. Electrical problems are not to be taken lightly where your air conditioner is concerned.
  • Foreign Objects – Sometimes, the condenser fan will make a lot of loud noise because foreign objects get stuck in there. Sticks, leaves, toys, food from small animals – it can all get stuck in the fans and make a tremendous amount of noise. Keep the area around your condenser unit clear of debris and check it often if you hear loud noises.

Most noises from your Newtown central air conditioning unit are explainable and can be fixed relatively easily. If you cannot find the source of the noise, however, and it is only getting worse, call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling before the problem grows.

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