How Green Technologies Are Changing HVAC Systems
In Florida, there’s no question that air-conditioning is a necessity for homes and businesses. Staying cool when it’s hot and humid is a priority for everyone, but that doesn’t mean that HVAC systems can’t do their job and use less energy. Thanks to new HVAC technology, homeowners and commercial property owners have plenty of energy-efficient options that keep them cool and lower their energy costs.
What Is Green HVAC?
When people hear the term “green HVAC,” they’re naturally curious about about the technology. What makes it a better choice than other HVAC systems? Any time a heating and cooling unit is described as green it means that it’s going to cost less to operate with fewer complexities that require more energy. Most green HVAC systems are roughly 30%-50% smaller than the average, energy-guzzling HVAC system.
What Types of Green Systems Are Available?
Green technology is found in a number of different types of systems such as the following:
- Dual fuel heat pump: This technology is an electric heat pump and gas furnace combo. An eco-friendly feature of this system is that when temperatures fall below 35 degrees, the pump switches from electric to gas to heat with better efficiency.
- Ice-powered air-conditioning: This is a green technology that commercial properties have begun to install to cool buildings and reduce energy usage. Instead of using Freon, this system freezes 450 gallons of water overnight during a process called ice charging. In the morning, it switches to the ice cooling mode and can cool a building up to 6 hours. After the ice has melted, the unit turns off and the regular commercial AC unit is used.
- Quiet Duct Wrap: This product is made from recycled denim and reduces heat gain and loss through air ducts protecting against moisture, air currents, and radiant heating.
- Geothermal heat pump: The technology has been around since the 1940s, but it’s only now growing in popularity due to the recent rise in homeowners and commercial property owners interested in green technology. What makes this technology so special is that it generates heat from the ground and stores it in a looped pipe. When it gets cold outside, the heat stored in the pipe is released and carried indoors. Geothermal systems are also highly efficient at cooling.
What You Should Expect from a Green HVAC System
When you switch to a greener HVAC system, you can expect reduced operating costs, fewer maintenance costs, improved reliability, and unrivaled efficiency. Although the up-front cost of energy-efficient systems might attempt to scare you away, don’t let it. If your budget allows, installing one of these new systems will earn you back your initial investment in very little time. You’ll see cheaper electric and gas bills and the unit won’t need constant repairs. Property owners should consider the overall cost and savings when deciding to go green.
How to Implement Green Technologies
Surprising to most, it’s relatively simple to install these new technologies. When you work with qualified HVAC specialists like those at Cox Air, installing green HVAC systems can be done quicker than you think. First, discuss your specific needs with your HVAC specialist. What is the goal you want to achieve? Some systems are better for different goals. For example, do you want to lower your energy costs to save a little money or are you looking for off-the-grid technology?
Going green is easier than you imagine, but you have to take the first step and make that initial call. To speak with a qualified HVAC contractor at Cox Air, call us at 727-442-6158.
Top Risks Associated with DIY AC Repair
Are you having problems with your home’s air conditioning system? Many people in this situation try to save money by attempting DIY air conditioning repair. However, do-it-yourself AC repair isn’t something that professionals recommend. Keep reading to learn more about how why it’s always better to hire licensed HVAC specialists for all air conditioning repair jobs.
Air Conditioning Systems Are Complex
You might have found a great YouTube tutorial that seems to show you exactly what you need to do to fix your air conditioning problem. It looks easy, right? The problem with those kinds of instructional videos is that they don’t take into account all the possibilities that could be wrong with your system.
For example, does your air conditioning unit keep tripping the breaker? Because you don’t have the training that an HVAC professional has, you might think all you need to do is change the breaker. So, you look up a tutorial to change the breaker, and the fix doesn’t work. Now, you’ve spent money on a part you didn’t need, wasted time fixing something that wasn’t broken, and you still don’t have air conditioning.
Air Conditioning Repair Requires Special Tools
Depending on the problem, you’ll need more tools that what’s in the average DIYers’ toolboxes. Some of these tools aren’t even available at your local home improvement store, and if they are, you might not know how to use them. Professional HVAC contractors have all the tools, the equipment, and the know-how to make efficient repairs that ensure your air conditioner problems go away.
Access to Parts
Sure, you can find air conditioning filters at your local home improvement store. You might even find an AC capacitor at the hardware store, but that’s about all you’ll find parts-wise at these stores. That’s because air conditioners require specific parts that aren’t available to the general public. Air conditioning repair companies must order these parts from the manufacturer or, in some cases, wholesale distributors. So, although the YouTube video might make it seem easy to install the part, you have to find it first, and that can be the most challenging part of the repair process.
Don’t Give Up Your Valuable Time
People are busy. Between work, family activities, and countless other responsibilities, there’s very little time in one’s day to get it all done. Add a home repair into the mix, and you could lose more time without seeing any results.
Does professional air conditioning repair cost money? Yes, it does, and sometimes those repairs are costly. However, you’re paying for expertise and peace of mind. You know that the job will get done right the first time and you’ll be cool and comfortable in your home. Peace of mind and time are worth the money you pay for professional air conditioning services.
If your air conditioning isn’t working and you need repair services, Cox Air has the tools, the expertise, and the availability to help you today. Call the local pros at Cox Air in Clearwater, FL, at (727) 442-6158.
The Impact of Humidity on AC Performance
It’s no secret that excessive humidity makes people feel hotter during the summer months. Not only does this affect the outside temperature, but it also affects the efficiency of your air conditioning system. Anytime the humidity gets too high or even too low in the house, this affects how well your HVAC system runs.
Keep reading to learn more about how humidity affects your air conditioning, as well as some tips for keeping humidity levels balanced.
How Air Conditioners Work
To understand the correlation between humidity and your air conditioning system, it’s important to understand how your ac system works. Most people think the only job of the air conditioner is to keep the home cool. However, in order to do this, the system must get rid of moisture from the air. This moisture is what we know as humidity, and the only way to get rid of the heat is to cool the air. Unfortunately, your equipment must have sufficient cooling power to do this, especially when there’s extreme humidity. If your air conditioner can’t do this, you’ll never feel as cool as you could be in your home no matter what the temperature reads on the thermostat.
Signs Your Indoor Humidity Is Too High
How do you know if your home’s humidity levels are too high? You notice one or more of the following signs:
- The air feels clammy and moist and your skin may feel sticky
- Your home’s windows fog
- Your home smells musty, a sure sign there’s excessive dampness in the home
Why Your Air Conditioner Isn’t Keeping Humidity Levels Balanced
One reason your home may be humid is that your air conditioner isn’t the right size for your home. There’s an assumption that bigger is always better. Sometimes people install air conditioners that are too big for their home. Not only does this waste energy, but it makes it harder for the air conditioner to remove moisture. You’ll end up with a house that always feels sticky and you’re never comfortable.
Air conditioners that are too big or more powerful than you need don’t run as often. While you might think this is a good thing, it’s not when you’re trying to remove moisture from the air. The unit turns off before all the moisture is removed and this is what causes your house to feel sticky.
So, how do you fix the problem? Do you need to replace your air conditioner? Luckily, there’s a much cheaper solution.
Install a Dehumidifier
The fastest way to get rid of moisture in the air is to purchase a dehumidifier. This home appliance is an inexpensive way to pull moisture from the air before it enters your home’s duct system and travels through the house. Most people are familiar with portable dehumidifiers that plug into an outlet and use a hose that allows the moisture to drain into a floor drain. There are also models that have a storage area that collects the moisture and needs to be emptied regularly.
If you’re battling high humidity levels, call Cox Air at 727-442-6158 to make an appointment with one of our cooling specialists. We’ll help you explore your options for making your home cool and comfortable once again!
Recent Comments