NY Boiler & Air Conditioning Repairs : March 2018

Saturday, March 31, 2018

Types of Boilers

Boilers are one of the most common home heating systems especially in older houses in the Northeast and other cold-climate areas. Boilers are the appliances that heat water, and then distribute hot steam or hot water along a series of pipes throughout the home. Steam is sent to radiators, and hot water flows to radiators or radiant heating systems. Boilers are powered by natural gas, heating oil, propane, electricity or a biodiesel-oil blend. New systems are very energy efficient.

Types of Boilers

Boilers are also known as central heating systems because the equipment is in a central location, and the heat is spread throughout the home. But unlike other heating methods, there’s usually a gap in time between the boiler starting and the heat being distributed.

Most boilers produce steam or hot water using natural gas or heating oil, and all are either condensing or non-condensing. Boilers are required by the federal government to be at least 80 percent efficient. Some boiler can have efficiencies as high as 98.5 percent. All boiler types usually last 15 to 30 years.

Gas-Fired Boilers

Gas-fired boilers are fueled by either natural gas or propane, and are highly efficient. Natural gas is not available everywhere though, and some homeowners at the end of a gas pipeline pay higher fuel prices. Propane is generally more expensive than natural gas, but it’s more available than natural gas.

Oil-Fired Boilers

Oil-fired boilers are common in areas that have limited access to natural gas. If you have an oil-fired boiler, you’ll need to have heating oil delivered and stored in tanks, and your operating costs will depend on the rise and fall of oil prices.

Some boiler companies now offer models that burn biodiesel fuel, which produces less pollution than regular heating oil. Depending on oil prices, biodiesel heating oil can be less expensive with standard oil. However, because it burns cleaner and lubricates the system, biodiesel fuel can also reduce your boiler service and cleaning costs.

Electric Boilers

Electric boilers are highly energy efficient. But they’re usually not economical because electricity costs are higher than other fuel types in many parts of the country. You may also consider a heat pump if you choose and electric heater.

Boiler Safety

The safe and efficient operation of boilers and domestic water heaters is necessary for the operation of most residential and commercial facilities. Improvements in designs and control systems have made modern units safer and more efficient than before.

But there are other factors to consider to ensure safety and efficiency. In addition to a well designed system, scheduled inspections and testing done by a technician or service professional could keep your boiler running safely and efficiently.

Safety Devices

All boilers and domestic water heaters have a variety of built-in devices to help ensure their safe operation. Like other components of major appliances, they require scheduled maintenance to make sure they’re operating properly. Boiler technicians and professionals pay close attention to three key safety devices to protect the safe operation of your home’s boiler:

Safety valves. The safety valve is the most important safety device in a boiler or domestic hot-water system. It is designed to relieve internal pressure if a range of failures occur within the system. Although it is simple in design and straightforward in operation, something as minor as corroded or restricted flow inside of the valve and its related piping can affect the overall operation.

Water-level control and low-water fuel cutoff. Many systems combine these two separate boiler-safety functions into one unit. They’re designed to make sure the water level inside of the boiler never falls below a certain amount. If that ever happens, the system is designed to shut down the boiler by cutting off its fuel. Proper functioning requires operators to make sure there is no build-up of sludge or debris within the system that would interfere with its detection and operation.

Water-gauge glass. Even with a functioning water-level-control system, it’s important for your service professional to verify the actual level of water in the system. Here, too, a build-up of sludge and debris can give false level indications.

Monday, March 19, 2018

Signs of a Bad or Failing AC Compressor

Your air conditioner’s compressor plays big role in the functionality of your ac unit. The AC compressor transforms the refrigerant from liquid to gas and back, creating the cool air in a cycle. Here are some signs to look out for if you suspect your ac compressor is bad:

#1 A clattering or ticking noise. In a furnace you’ll hear a rumble, pop, or bang noises if it starts to go bad. The thing about a noisy air conditioner is it’s also a sign of trouble, specifically with your compressor. Just before this component fails, it begins to hard-start, which means it’s struggling to turn on. When you first turn on your AC, if you hear a chattering or rattling noise, it’s likely that the electrical relay switch that starts your compressor may be wearing out. As with all electrical components, fixing this is specialized work that only an HVAC professional should handle.

#2 A clicking, tumbling, or rattling noise. Similar to the noises above, a clicking sound when the AC starts could mean that the compressor motor mounts have failed and the motor that distributes cool air from within the compressor has come loose and started tumbling around inside the sealed area that houses it. Also similar to the issue above, it’s important to have a professional come out to fix it because it’s dangerous to deal with loose motors around high voltage.

#3 Moisture leaks. If you find puddles or large deposits of moisture around any area of your HVAC system, it could mean that refrigerant is leaking out of the compressor, posing potential health risks and cause health symptoms including irritated eyes, headache, nausea, coughing, and more. Also, if it continues for a while, your AC will stop working completely because it will run dry of the chemicals it needs to create cool air.

Subtle Symptoms of a Bad Home AC Compressor

Loud noises and chemical leaks are obvious ways to spot signs of common compressor failure, but there are far more subtle ways that this component lets you know that it’s going bad. These symptoms are easy to ignore, but you should keep a close eye on them or they’ll be likely to lead to a shutdown of your ac system.

#1 Reduced airflow. The first sign that a compressor is weakening or going bad, and often hardest to spot, is diminished air flow from the AC vents. Cold air is generated by the compressor, and if it’s beginning to struggle, it won’t be able to generate as much air as it usually does. As a result, less air will be coming out of your vents. It’s a good idea to have a trained HVAC professional as soon as you notice this because reduced airflow also means you might have clogged ductwork.

#2 Warmer air. Some compressors will break in a way that reduces air flow, others will have a different problem that lets them continue distributing air. Unfortunately, this air will no longer be cool. Warm air coming out of your vents while your AC is on means that your compressor is low on refrigerant.

What is a Smart Air Conditioner and is it Right for me?

Smart air conditioners are air conditioners that are connected to the internet and are therefor controllable through your smartphone, both at home and away. It’s just one of the many appliances to join internet connectivity. Appliances connected to the internet have maximum controllability and convenience. Now you can just reach for your smartphone and fine-tune any and all settings on your air conditioner. Smart air conditioners afford you that kind of luxury.

What can smart air conditioners do?
So, what can you actually do with a smart air conditioner? It varies model-by-model, but the general key features of smart air con are:

-Smartphone app that can access all settings

-Controllable temperature and fan speed

-Controllable timer

-Controllable settings while you’re away from home

It’s like having a remote thermostat. On a sweltering hot day, the last thing you want to do is come home to a hot home. With remote controllability through your smartphone, you can press a few buttons while you’re at work or at the beach, and come home to an adequately-chilled home fine-tuned to your exact settings.

Probably one of the most convenient scenarios is if you forget to turn the ac off before leaving the house, you can now do it easily from your smartphone and avoid a high electric bill. So now that you know the basics, you might be interested in seeing which brands offer smart air conditioners

Is a smart air conditioner worth the money?
The answer depends on your situation. One thing you can expect is that you’ll be paying a premium for a smart air conditioner over a regular one with a standard remote control. Expect to pay about $2,000 or more for one. Granted, a lot of smart air conditioners are pretty large in capacity and are big enough for a large room or lounge room. If you’re the type who wants maximum control over your air conditioner at all times, it makes sense to go for a smart air conditioner with a smartphone app. If you just like to put on the air conditioner while you’re home or if you’re not home too often then perhaps a smart air conditioner may be overkill for your lifestyle.

Different Types of Thermostats and Which one is Best for You

Thermostat are the devices that control the temperature of your air conditioning system. The device is important in making sure that the heating and cooling system in your home is working properly. Using the thermostat correctly can save you an enormous amount on your energy bills.

One important factor to look for when you purchase a thermostat is the ENERGY STAR symbol. And when it comes to the types of thermostats, they are categorized into two basic types, Line-voltage thermostats and Low-voltage thermostats.

Line voltage thermostats are used in single heating systems like baseboards and radiant systems. These thermostats are installed in series with heaters. In this kind of connection, the electric current flows through the thermostat and the heater. However, when the thermostat reaches the set room temperature it shuts off even before the heater brings the room to the set temperature.

Low voltage thermostats are probably more efficient in controlling the flow of electric current. These kinds of thermostats are mostly used in central heating systems that use oil, gas and electricity. A low voltage thermostat not only helps you control current but also allows you to easily use the programmable controls mainly because they operate at 24V to 50V.

1. Programmable thermostats

A programmable thermostat helps adjust the temperature in your house automatically according to preset times. This allows you to conserve energy because it minimizes the temperature when you are away from the house and maximize the temperature when you’re home. These thermostats are available in several models. Simpler ones let you to program different daytime and nighttime temperatures whereas the more advanced ones can be programmed to adjust the temperature in different ways for a number of days and times of the week.

2. Mechanical thermostats

These are line voltage thermostats that are pretty easy to use. These thermostats operate by being triggered by metal bars that heat up or cool down. These are the easiest and the cheapest thermostats available. They have either vapor-filled bellows or bi-metallic strips that react to different temperatures. However, mechanical thermostats are considered to be unreliable, especially the cheaper ones that use bi-metallic strips.

3. Non Programmable digital thermostats

Non programmable digital thermostats are other kind of thermostats that can be controlled with a digital display. They are similar to the mechanical thermostats, but the major difference is they have no metal coil like the mechanical thermostats do, instead they have an electric temperature sensor. A tiny microprocessor that is set inside this thermostat sends ‘start’ or ‘stop’ commands to the heating or cooling system based on the reading it takes and the chosen temperature setting.

4. Electronic thermostats

Most electronic thermostats are low voltage, but you can have them for line-voltage purposes also. These devices have a sensor that can detect when the temperature moves above or below the set room temperature. They come built-in with convenient features like automatic setback and programmability. Electronic thermostats are more expensive than the mechanical ones, but they can keep a room at the particular temperature as desired.

10 Energy Saving Tips for your Air Conditioning

When temperatures continue to climb, air conditioning isn’t only necessary.. it’s a must. And it’s just as important to save on energy while running your ac. Here are some energy saving tips to keep in mind this summer:

1. Keep your air conditioner lower at night. Overnight you don't need the same level of consistent cool air. Turning your AC down during the hours you’re asleep, if your unit has one, use the "sleep mode" which lowers the temperature on a timer.

2. If you only need to cool a portion of your home, use a window or portable unit in the space you need it. While cooling your entire home ideal, it may not be necessary all the time. Window and portable units use up 50% less energy than a central air unit.

3. Close Off Vents. The basement is normally the coolest room in the home, so try closing all the vents in the lower part of your home. The cool air will trickle down there naturally and by closing those vents, you're forcing all the air up top first, cooling as it comes down.

4. Service Your Unit. Some basic maintenance might be all your air conditioner needs, but will greatly benefit from. Hosing down your ac filter, especially if you're plagued with nearby trees and brush, can keep your ac unit from working harder.

5. Check your ac ducts. Making sure the areas where your ac ducts run through parts of your home that receive no air conditioning, like the attic, are well insulated. This will keep the air coming in as cool as possible. Otherwise it would be like paying for half cool air.

6. Try rearranging your furniture. Furniture that is in the way of air conditioning vents means you could be cooling the back of a chair or the bottom side of your couch. There are plastic pieces you can buy for your vents to help force air in the right direction, but the easiest way is to just rearrange your furniture, even if only temporarily.

7. 78 degrees is a good point for an air conditioner to run at its top performance level. It’s a lot like a car on cruise control coasting on a long, flat stretch of road.

8. Turning the lights off can help reduce the heat in your home, but paying attention to how much light you let in from an open windows can also play a significant role. Although it might seem crazy to open and close your windows every day with the changing of the sun, it makes a big difference on how much heat your ac has to cool down.

9. While you're away from home turn your AC up to 85 and make sure the windows and drapes are closed. Even though it’ll be hot for a few minutes when you come home, the blinds will help keep the sun out and the heat won't be as heavy. This will keep your unit from having to work overtime to cool the room back down.

10. Don't forget to turn on the fan. We rely on air conditioners to keep things cool, but having a few fans on will help. Using them to circulate the cool air means you don't need quite as much help from your air conditioner.

Choosing the Right AC Filter for Your Home

You probably already know that cleaning or replacing your ac filter regularly is important to maintain the air quality of your home as well as help your ac run efficiently. Well now here’s a better understanding of the different types of ac filters to help you choose the right one for your home. But before getting into the different types of AC filters, it’s important to understand MERV rating. MERV is the rating system that measures how effective an AC filter is at removing particles that pass through it. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter.

You probably think that you want the highest MERV rating when buying an AC filter but when an AC filter is too effective, it will also make it harder for air to go through it. This will make your AC system run less efficiently and you probably won’t be able to feel any air going through it. Most residential AC systems should use an AC filter with a maximum MERV rating of 11 to 16. Check your AC manufacturer’s information to make sure.

Fiberglass AC Filters

These air conditioner filters are made of mesh of fiberglass. The mesh doesn’t really do a good job of collecting dirt and debris in the air. These filters will generally have a MERV rating of 1-4 and they only stop a maximum of 10% of pollutants. However, these filters are very affordable and you can pick them up for a few bucks.

Pleated Polyester AC Filters

These AC filters are made up of a zigzag design. This shape let them catch more dust and particles before it gets into the air – about 45% of it. They have a MERV rating of about 10-13 and cost around $10 to $15.

High-Efficiency AC Filters

These filters will remove about 85% of the dust and debris in the air, but they won’t eliminate the tiny particulates. These have a MERV rating of about 14-16. These are more expensive, but they’re worth keeping your HVAC system more efficiently and the air in your home much cleaner. Choose these if you have allergies, respiratory problems, young kids, or you’re experiencing a lot of dust in your home.

HEPA AC Filters

HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance and the standards are set by the US Department of Energy. In order to qualify as a HEPA AC filter, the filter must be able to capture at least 97% of all particles that are 0.3 microns. The issue with HEPA air filters is that they are almost too effective. Their extra fine mesh will actually block some air flow. Most home AC systems don’t have sufficient power to get the proper air flow through one of these filters.

Washable AC Filters

Washable AC filters may seem like a good choice because you can just wash them instead of having to replace them, but they’re generally not a very good option. They only have a MERV rating of about 1-4, which means they won’t prevent much debris from getting through. Washable AC filters actually work better when they’re dirty. They are designed in a way which relies on the buildup of dirt and debris to stop more dirt and debris from gpassing through. Therefore, each time you wash the AC filter you are also decreasing its effectiveness.