Cooling Tips

• Set your thermostat at 78°F or higher. Each degree setting below 78°F will increase your energy consumption by approximately 8%.
• Use bath and kitchen fans sparingly when the air conditioner is operating.
• Inspect and clean both the indoor and outdoor coils. The indoor coil in your air conditioner acts as a magnet for dust because it is constantly wetted during the cooling season. Dirt build-up on the indoor coil is the single most common cause of poor efficiency. The outdoor coil must also be checked periodically for dirt build-up and cleaned if necessary.
• Check the refrigerant charge. The circulating fluid in your air conditioner is a special refrigerant gas that is put in when the system is installed. If the system is overcharged or undercharged with refrigerant, it will not work properly. You may need a service contractor to check the fluid and adjust it appropriately.
• Reduce the cooling load by using cost-effective conservation measures. For example, effectively shade east and west windows. When possible, delay heat-generating activities, such as dishwashing, until the evening on hot days.
• Over most of the cooling season, keep the house closed tight during the day. Don't let in unwanted heat and humidity. If practical, ventilate at night either naturally or with fans.
• Try not to use a dehumidifier at the same time your air conditioner is operating. The dehumidifier will increase the cooling load and force the air conditioner to work harder.

Heat Pumps

 

Looking to purchase a new heat pump system for your home? Need to replace a residential heat pump? The experts at Air Tech Heating & Air Conditioning can help choose the right heating system for your needs.

 

It is important to understand the different options you have for your comfort system! At Air Tech Heating & Air Conditioning, you can speak with a trained professional that can help you select the best heating system for your specific needs.

 

Whether you're looking to buy a new heat pump unit, repair an existing one, or get routine check-up on your heat pump, the professionals at Air Tech Heating & Air Conditioning can help you SAVE MONEY! CALL 818.845.0777

Heat Pump FAQ

 

What is a heat pump?

A heat pump is essentially a central air conditioning system that also has the ability to heat your home during cold weather months. It's called a "heat pump" because it pumps heat into your home in winter, and pumps heat out of your home in summer. Its ability to both heat and cool makes it a very economical and efficient home comfort system.

 

How does a heat pump work?

During the summer, it functions exactly like a central air conditioning unit, by taking the heat that is in your home and releasing it outside.

During the winter, a heat pump simply reverses this process, taking the heat that is present in the air outside your home and pumping into your home.

 

But how can a heat pump get any heat from cold winter air?

This may seem strange, but there is ALWAYS heat in air, even when it is cold outside. As an example, think about the refrigerator in your kitchen. Do you ever feel the warm air blowing out the bottom? Your refridgerator is simply taking the warm air that gets trapped in your unit (by opening it and placing warm food in it, etc.) and pumping it out.

Similarly, heat pumps actually take heat from the cold outdoor air and pump that heat into your home or place of business.

 

What does a heat pump consist of?

For the most part, a heat pump installation consists of 2 parts: an outdoor unit consisting of the outdoor coil, reversing valve, compressor, and fan; and an indoor unit consisting of the indoor coil, supplemental heater and fan.

As you can see from the pictures above, an outdoor unit looks exactly like a central air conditioning system in both its size and appearance. The indoor unit, called an air handler, looks much like a gas furnace.

 

But what about the furnace?

You don't need one. The heat pumps actually takes its place. You don't need to burn any fuel to make heat...no smoke and no fumes.

 

Do heat pumps have efficiency ratings?

Yes. They have 2, one is for the heating system and one is for the cooling system:

Heating rating - Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)
Cooling rating - Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER).

In both cases, the higher the number, the greater the efficiency and the lower the operating costs. It is important to note that when you compare ratings, the numbers are based on the total system, meaning the combination of the outdoor unit and the indoor air handler unit.

 

Why is a heat pump economical?

Because during the winter, it is easier (and cheaper) to move heat inside as opposed to making it. Furnaces have to turn electricity or fossil fuels into heat, whereas heat pumps simply transfer heat from one place to another.

 

Why do heat pumps have supplemental heaters?

Because heat goes from warmer to colder areas, hot air can quickly escape through windows, doors, etc. A supplemental heater ensures that during extreme weather, if your home loses heat faster than your heat pump can replace it, you will still have a source of heat.

 

If you have any questions about heat pump repair or installation, feel free to contact a Air Tech Heating & Air Conditioning customer care agent today at 818.845.0777.

 

Furnace Info

 

Thinking about replacing or upgrading your furnace? There are some important things you should know:

 

Venting:

No matter how good your new furnace is, if you have poor ventilation, you will not get good output from your new system. Any qualified heating contractor should be able to tell you if any changes are needed in the venting of the furnace. For the most part, you will be able to place the new unit in the same place as the old, and use the same ventilation. In some cases, smaller units can be vented out side walls, which may be easier in your case. Be sure to ask about the venting!

 

Size:

It's important to remember that the size of a gas furnace actually refers to its heating capacity, not the physical dimensions of the system. Its capacity is measured in Btu's (British thermal units) per hour.

A unit that is too small will not provide the output necessary to keep you and your family warm. An over-sized unit will cost more to both buy and operate. Make sure to ask the heating technician which size system is best for your home or place of business.

 

Efficiency:

Gas furnace efficiency is indicated by its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). The US government requires all new furnaces to have a minimum efficiency level of 78% AFUE. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the furnace. The more efficient the furnace, the lower the heating bill.

 

Cost:

For the most part, higher efficiency systems will cost more than lower efficiency systems. It is important to note that a higher efficiency unit will help pay for itself over the life of the unit because of annual savingss in operating costs.

 

If you have any questions about your furnace, or would like to discuss prices of new units, feel free to  contact a Air Tech Heating & Air Conditioning customer care agent today at 818.845.0777.