Carney All Seasons Blog: Archive for the ‘Trane’ Category

Effects of Excessive Snow on Heat Pumps

Thursday, January 27th, 2011

Due to recent excessive snowfall, we wanted to pass along a few tips for our customers who own heat pump systems.

Heat Pumps and Snow

Excessive snow can reduce a heat pump’s ability to heat your home.

1. Heat pumps draw air from the areas surrounding them (all four sides of the outdoor unit). It is important to clear these areas of snow and ice build up in order to allow air to freely reach the heat pump. This will allow the heat pump to operate as efficiently as possible and will alleviate strain on the heat pump.

2. If possible, the space (air gap) between the heat pump and the plastic or concrete pad that the unit itself sits on should be cleared of snow to allow for drainage. Customers who have had heat pumps installed by Carney will note that there are two concrete lentels (rectangular blocks of concrete) that sit on either side of the base of the heat pump. The area between those lentils is the area that should be cleared.

3. Generally speaking, most heat pumps discharge air in an upward direction from the top of the unit. It is important to make sure that this area is clear of snow and ice to allow air to easily discharge (this is the air that is being drawn from the sides of the unit noted in item #1).

A note to Carney customers for whom we have installed a Trane XLi heat pump system: Trane’s XLi series heat pumps employ a “Weathergaurd” top that is designed to protect the heat pump from the affects of snow and ice on the top of the unit. In most cases snow and ice on the top of the unit will have no impact on an XLi heat pump. Air is discharged from the sides of the upper part of the heat pump instead. This area can be distinguished from the intake area as it is a) darker in color, b) plastic as opposed to steel, c) has a wider air gap between the fins and d) the direction of the louvers points upwards at an approximate 45 degree angle as opposed to downwards at the steel louvers. We have installed several hundred of Trane’s XLi series heat pump each year since 2003, so there is a good chance that you may own one – which is very beneficial at this time!

4. DO NOT attempt to forcefully remove ice build up from any part of the heat pump. If you cannot remove snow or ice easily with a broom or brush, do not try to pry or chisel ice from the unit. Doing so could cause severe or irrepairable damage to the heat pump.

5. If your heat pump is located in an area that is subject to exposure to melting snow and ice (such as underneath an overhang or gutter that may be frozen), check the unit repeatedly to ensure that ice has not built up inside the heat pump.

6. If you cannot clear the heat pump of snow and ice for any reason, switch the system to “Emergency Heat” at the thermostat. This will turn the heat pump off and engage electric resistance heaters that are located inside in order to provide heat for your home. This is a more expensive mode of operation for a heat pump system, so we do not advise continuing in this mode for more than a few days. If at that time, the snow and ice around the heat pump has not melted, feel free to schedule a service call with Carney and a technician from our service team will be happy to assist you.

Finally, if you are a geothermal heat pump owner – you have nothing to worry about! There is no outdoor unit, so there is no concern of snow or ice!

Further heating information can be found on our Heating FAQ’s Page.
As always, feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns at 215.346.7160 .

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Air Conditioner Rebates

Saturday, July 10th, 2010

From July 12th through July 31st, Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling will be offering an exclusive and instant rebate on air conditioning systems – up to $1,000!.
These rebates are very simple – Carney will deduct up to $1,000 on new air conditioning systems until July 31st.  These Carney rebates can be combined with the PECO Rebates, the PP&L Rebates and the Federal Tax Credit.  They can even be combined with the Carney Coupon for Energy Star rated Heating & Air Conditioning Systems (mention this blog post for combo with the coupon).  These systems are also eligible for 12 months interest free financing!

Modern Air Conditioners reduce energy consumption up to 25%.

Modern Air Conditioners reduce energy consumption up to 25%.

In total, select systems combine for up to $3,350 in rebates and credits from Carney, PECO or PP&L and the Federal government’s tax credit program!
Best of all – these systems brand new, state of the art high efficiency systems designed to also save you money on your heating and cooling costs for years to come – in most cases, up to 25%!  They also come with a full 10 year parts and labor warranty.

Call Lisa today at 215.346.7160 to schedule a free estimate that will save up to $3,350 on a new energy saving heating & air conditioning system.

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