Columbus Air Conditioning FAQ: What Are Evaporator Coils

May 20th, 2013

Do you know how your air conditioning system works? Have you ever heard of the evaporator coil? Whatever type of AC you have, it is a complex machine with numerous parts and mechanisms, all of which work in concert together to produce effective and efficient cooling. It’s a good idea to know the major parts of your AC, so that you know what to look for if you feel that something is not working correctly. In this post, we’d like to review just one of these parts, the evaporator coil. Call HHR Heating & Cooling today for comprehensive Columbus air conditioning services, including installation, repair, and maintenance.

Your evaporator coil is typically a pyramid-shaped bundle of metal piping that sits within your air handler. It plays a critical role in the refrigerant cycle. As cold liquid refrigerant emerges from the expansion valve, it enters into the evaporator, which interacts with the warm indoor air passing through the air handler. During this thermal exchange, the air is cooled and sent back through the ductwork and into your home for distribution. The refrigerant in the coils evaporates into a gas during this process, hence its name. Underneath your evaporator coil there sits a condensate drain pan because during the evaporation process, condensation forms on the outside of the coils and this needs to go somewhere besides dripping into the air handler. A drainpipe attached to this pan allows the condensation to flow away from your AC.

Problems can arise with your evaporator coils during operation. This is mainly due to airflow issues. They can be caused by a clogged air filter that can make your evaporator coil freeze over. If your coils get dirty, then they won’t be able to absorb the thermal energy from your indoor coils, and therefore your cool air won’t be as cool. If you’re at all concerned about the operation of your  air conditioning system in Columbus, OH, call HHR Heating & Cooling today!

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What Type of Air Conditioning System to Choose

May 16th, 2013

Are you sick and tired of repairing your old AC? Do you find that your AC no longer lives up to your cooling expectations? If you’re in the market for a new air conditioning system in Columbus, OH, then you have a staggering array of system options available for installation, depending on the layout of your home as well as your budget. But the most important aspect of this process of installation or replacement is hiring a quality technician to perform the job. Only a pro knows how to perform a load calculation of your home so that you get a system that matches the volume of air in your living space exactly. In this post, we’d like to share with you a list of just a few of the types of ACs that we offer. Call HHR Heating & Cooling Solutions for comprehensive Columbus, OH air conditioning services, including installation.

  • Central air: By far the most popular type of cooling system throughout the country, central air comprised two units: an indoor air handler/evaporator and an outdoor compressor/condenser. Like all air conditioning systems, a refrigerant circulates throughout the system, cooling your indoor air and dissipating this thermal energy outside of your home. This system requires extensive ductwork to extract warm air from your home and send cool air throughout your home.
  • Ductless mini split: As its name suggests, a ductless mini split does not used ducts to distribute cool air, although it works just like a central air in other respects. The main distinction is the design of the indoor air handler/evaporator, whose sleek and compact profile is installed directly in the living space, either high on the wall or suspended from the ceiling. There is no duct intermediary. It connects to the outdoor unit by means of a group of electrical, refrigerant, and drainage lines.
  • Geothermal: This comprehensive, year-round solution uses the moderate temperature of the ground to keep your home cool during the summer. An “earth loop” of piping is installed in a horizontal bed, or in deep vertical wells, and these connect to a heat pump. The cool temperature of the ground moderates the air drawn from your home, and cools it using the thermal energy of the earth.

For comprehensive Columbus air conditioning installation, call HHR Heating & Cooling Solutions today!

 

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Columbus, OH Air Conditioning Installation Tip: What to Consider Before Installation

May 6th, 2013

Spring is the perfect time start thinking about installing a new air conditioning system in your Columbus, OH home. Whether your AC is old, requires frequent repairs, or perhaps just simply can’t keep up with your cooling needs, a new AC can be a huge improvement. There’s no better feeling than knowing that you’re securing the future of your comfort, rather than propping up an obsolete system. But there is a staggering array of options on the market today, and it’s important to ensure that your AC is professionally installed. We’ve compiled a list of some things you may want to consider in consultation with your local technician. For Columbus, OH air conditioning installation service, call the experts at HHR Heating & Cooling today!

  • Ducts or no ducts? If you have grown tired of the ductwork in your home, or if you used to have room air conditioners, then you may like to know that ductless mini split air conditioning is available. Of the many benefits that ductless systems have to offer, their high energy efficiency is unparalleled. Because ductwork can sometimes have energy loss problems, ductless systems tend to use much less energy than their conventional counterparts do.
  • Size: Above all, make sure that your pro installation includes a professional load calculation so that your AC is sized properly. If your AC is too large or too small, then it can lead to significant faults in cooling performance and efficiency. It can also lead to premature replacement and short cycling.
  • Indoor air quality: There are many indoor air quality devices that are available to be integrated into your new air conditioning system, including UV germicidal lights, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air filtration, purification, and cleaning. In short, your new AC installation presents an opportunity to ensure that the air inside your home is not only crisp and cool, but also free of contaminants.

We hope this helps you make your new AC a success. For more information about your options, call the Columbus, OH air conditioning installation experts at HHR Heating & Cooling today! 

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Columbus, OH Air Conditioning Repair Guide: Thermostat Problems

April 29th, 2013

While small and seemingly insignificant, your thermostat is more than just a box and buttons. It plays a crucial role in the cooling process. By controlling the setpoint (your desired temperature), communicating that information to the AC unit, and sensing the temperature of the room, has a huge impact on the comfort of your home. In this brief post, we’d like to review some thermostat problems that we find to be common among homeowners. For excellent Columbus, OH air conditioning repair services, call the experts at HHR Heating & Cooling today!

  • Improper installation: Professional installation is the first step towards the prevention of thermostat problems. You have to make sure that your thermostat is compatible with your air conditioning and heating system, and that it is calibrated to your home. Also, it needs to be installed away from windows, exterior doors, sunlight, and duct registers so that it can sense the correct temperature of the home. Make sure you consult with a professional about any changes to your thermostat.
  • Electrical problem: If you have a hard-wired thermostat, it has to communicate with your AC unit via electrical wiring. Over time, or because of interference or damage, this connection may be subject to disruption. If that occurs, then you may have a problem with your thermostat.
  • Wireless problem: If you have a wireless thermostat, then you need to ensure that your thermostat and AC can adequately communicate. Wireless connectivity can be disrupted by certain materials, so make sure that your setup is properly installed.
  • Calibration issue: Your thermostat needs to be adequately calibrated to the temperature within your home so that it can communicate the correct temperature to your AC.  If it is registering a higher temperature than you home really is, your AC will run longer than it needs to. This not only wastes energy, but it can also make your home less comfortable.

For more information about thermostats, or to schedule Columbus, OH air conditioning repair, call HHR Heating & Cooling today! 

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What’s Involved in Professional Columbus, OH Air Conditioning Maintenance

April 22nd, 2013

As we approach the cooling season in Columbus, OH, homeowners throughout the area are thinking about whether they will be able to rely on their air conditioning systems this summer and those to come. Professional installation and repairs are both important to ensuring that your AC works properly. But more importantly, air conditioning maintenance is the key to energy efficiency, performance, and system longevity. Whether your system is 2 or 12 years old, a routine maintenance plan is imperative to peace of mind and home comfort. In this post, we’d like to run through what’s involved with professional maintenance as well as its benefits. For more information about our professional Columbus, OH air conditioning maintenance service, call the experts at HHR Heating & Cooling Solutions.

  • Inspection: Your AC technician has to know the status of your system in order to address any potential problems with its operation. Routine maintenance involves looking closely at all system components, including the coils, compressor, air handler, as well as the refrigerant level.
  • Cleaning: This is the most important aspect of maintenance, as I’m sure you know. Even if you are diligent about changing the air filter every month during the cooling season, dust and debris can still accumulate within your indoor and outdoor units, especially when they lay dormant during the heating season. Dirty coils can create inadequate cooling and dehumidification, and cause system imbalances that can increase your energy costs.
  • Repair recommendations: Depending on the type of maintenance plan you enroll in, your technician may be able to address certain issues as part of the maintenance protocols. But, more importantly, he will also recommend solutions to issues that he finds problematic. It’s important to take his advice seriously, because a minor repair today might be a major costly repair tomorrow. Problems do not go away on their own; your AC does not have an immune system.

Increased energy efficiency, reduced need for repairs, and excellent system performance are all benefits to enrolling in professional routine maintenance. For more information about air conditioning service in Columbus, OH, call the experts at HHR Heating & Cooling Solutions today!

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Columbus, OH Air Conditioning Guide: Airflow and Air Conditioning Efficiency

April 15th, 2013

As the cooling season approaches in Columbus, OH, many homeowners are starting to fire up their air conditioners to ensure that they are in good working order before the summer heat and humidity arrive. One of the major concerns on the minds of most homeowners is energy efficiency, which measures the ratio of electrical energy input against cooling output. In this post, we’d like to address this question in terms of airflow. We’ll try to explain some things that might help you improve your air conditioner’s efficiency and cost of operation. For more information, or to schedule Columbus, OH air conditioning service, call the experts at HHR Heating & Cooling Solutions today!

Your AC requires proper airflow to operate. If there are any obstructions or leaks, then it can seriously hamper your energy efficiency and performance, and therefore your energy costs and home comfort. Here are some common airflow problems:

  • Clogged air filter: This is probably one of the most common airflow and air conditioning efficiency problems. During the cooling season, your air filter needs to be checked to ensure that it isn’t dirty or clogged. When it is, then it quickly becomes an airflow problem. It will not only reduce the energy efficiency of your air conditioning system; it may also cause damage to your system.
  • Bad fan motor: Your indoor air handler is equipped with a fan in order to pull air from your home and send cool air in through the ductwork to be distributed throughout the various living spaces. If the motor on this fan malfunctions or doesn’t operate correctly, then it will seriously inhibit adequate airflow. It may not remove enough air from your home, or it may not push enough cool air into your home.
  • Duct leaks: If your home has a forced air distribution system, then you rely on the ductwork to circulate air. Duct leaks can lead to decreased energy efficiency and inadequate cooling performance. They can also lead to indoor air quality issues.

Airflow and air conditioning efficiency go together. Make sure your air conditioning system operates to the best of its ability with professional AC repair and maintenance. For more information, or to schedule an air conditioning service in Columbus, OH, call the pros at HHR Heating & Cooling Solutions today!

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Columbus Air Conditioning Tips to Minimize Energy Costs

April 8th, 2013

As warm weather approaches us in Columbus, OH, many homeowners are thinking about ways to minimize their energy costs. While we cannot control the cost of the energy we use, we can control how we use it. In this post, we’d like to give you some options to consider that may help you save on your cooling this summer. If your AC is getting older or requires frequent repairs, you might like to consider replacement, but there are often some relatively minor steps you can take to maximize your cooling performance and energy efficiency. For more information, call the Columbus, OH air conditioning experts at HHR Heating & Cooling Solutions today!

Let’s take a look at some ways to reduce your energy costs:

  • Routinely clean and replace your air filter: This is one of the easiest ways to improve your cooling system. While your air filter is designed to prevent the passage of dust, debris, and pollutants into your living space, when it becomes dirty or clogged, it actually impedes your airflow. This counter-productiveness not only reduces the energy efficiency, but also can damage some aspects of your system and overwork your AC unit.
  • Enroll in a maintenance plan: There’s simply no substitute for professional attention. By enrolling in a maintenance plan, you ensure that your system will be inspected, cleaned, and evaluated on an annual basis. This improves the energy efficiency of your system, extends the life of your system, and may be necessary to uphold the manufacturer’s warranty. Moreover, you may also be eligible for significant discounts on repairs and priority service.
  • Keep it clean: Making sure that your AC unit and area surrounding it is free and clear of dust, organic matter, and any potential objects that could block airflow is necessary to maintaining its energy efficiency and cooling performance.

These are just a few of the things you can do to ensure that you don’t pay more than what is absolutely necessary to run your cooling system this summer. You don’t have to sacrifice your comfort in order to minimize energy costs. For more information about what you can do to maximize your cooling this summer, call the Columbus, OH air conditioning experts at HHR Heating & Cooling Solutions today!

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Air Conditioning Repair in Columbus: Why is My AC Freezing?

April 1st, 2013

When the heat of summer really sets in it is important that you are able to count on the efficient, reliable performance of your air conditioning system. Even the best air conditioning systems are prone to some common operational problems, of course. One such issue is the freezing over of your air conditioner. Like most air conditioning problems, there are a number of different factors that could be causing this issue. The best way to find out for sure why your AC keeps freezing up is to call a qualified professional. For air conditioning repair in Columbus, call HHR Heating & Cooling Solutions.

Your air conditioner icing up may be a sign that you are running low on refrigerant. This points to another problem: the refrigerant leak itself. Your air conditioning system does not consume refrigerant. Rather, it recycles it over and over. If you are low on refrigerant you most likely have a leak in your system somewhere, though some may have simply been released during maintenance or some other service. To know for sure and to have your refrigerant recharged you must call a qualified air conditioning professional.

There also just may not be enough air flow through your air conditioning unit to keep the coil warm enough. A dirty air filter can account for this, as can multiple closed registers. This is an easy problem to fix, but if you wait too long to repair it you risk further damage to your system.

You may also find that your fan is not working adequately to keep airflow going. It may be impeded in some way or it may just be moving at too slow a setting. Make sure that you get the best, most reliable air conditioning performance possible by dealing with this problem as soon as you can.

Do not force your air conditioning system to operate in a compromised condition. If your AC keeps freezing up, call the professionals at HHR Heating & Cooling Solutions today. We are the company you can count on to handle your air conditioning repair in Columbus.

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Common Columbus Heating Repair Guide

March 25th, 2013

Summer is not yet here in Columbus, and homeowners still need to use their heaters to keep warm on cold nights. But spring fast approaches and it’s the best time to take care of any heating repairs that you’ve been putting off. Ensuring that your heating system is in top shape throughout the year can prevent major repairs as well as increase system longevity. In this post, the Columbus, OH heating repair experts at HHR Heating & Cooling Solutions have compiled a list of common repairs. For comprehensive heating services, including installation and maintenance, call us today!

  • Thermostat malfunction. When you set your desired temperature on your thermostat, it communicates with your heater to adjust the heat accordingly. It’s your primary interface with your climate control. But if the wiring becomes damaged or it is improperly calibrated, then your thermostat can fail to perform its task properly.
  • Inadequate heating. This is a common complaint. If you’re heater turns on, but doesn’t heat adequately then there may be an airflow problem. It could be something as simple as a clogged air filter, or it could mean a fault with the blower motor or fan mechanism. Alternatively, your ducts may have begun to crack or become dislodged from each other. This is a frequent cause of inadequate heating.
  • Heater won’t turn on. This is commonly an electrical fault. Your heater may have blown a fuse or tripped the circuit breaker. Another possibility is that your pilot light is out. This can occur if your gas supply valve is clogged with debris, or if your thermocouple detects an issue and shuts off the ignition. If you have automatic electric ignition in lieu of a pilot light, then there may be an electrical fault somewhere within the circuit.
  • Too much noise. If your heater is excessively loud or makes an unusual sound, there is probably something wrong with one of its internal mechanisms. Grinding is often a result of dry bearings that need to be lubricated, and rumbling can be an issue with your burner mechanism.

These are just a few common heating problems. If you think you may have a problem with your home heating system, call the Columbus, OH heating repair experts at HHR Heating & Cooling today!

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Columbus Heating Tip: Reasons to Consider a Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump

March 18th, 2013

If you’re in the market for a comprehensive heating and cooling option, ductless mini split heat pumps are an innovative and highly efficient approach to your indoor comfort. While they operate on the same heat transferring principle as the heat pump and the air conditioner, ductless mini split heat pumps offer greater versatility and efficiency as a heating and cooling option. If you’re ready to go ductless, call HHR Heating and Cooling today. We can help you plan and install your system, as well as maintain it for years to come.

Here are some reasons to consider a ductless mini split heat pump as your Columbus home’s heating system:

  • No ducts. Whereas conventional forced air systems rely on extensive ductwork to facilitate the movement of cool air, ductless systems use economical and compact air handlers connected to an outdoor unit. These air handlers sit high on the wall or in the ceiling. They are nearly silent when operating and they can often go in places ducts cannot. While ducts often create high moisture conditions detrimental to those who sensitive to airborne allergens, ductless systems avoid such problems entirely.
  • High efficiency. No ductwork means significantly greater energy efficiency. Whereas ductwork can account for up to 30% of heating and cooling loss, ductless systems contain heat transfer much more economically. The result is energy savings. Ductless heat pumps also tend to have high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings than conventional systems.
  • Zone control. Because you can assign a thermostat to each indoor air handler, ductless mini split heat pumps are a great option for homeowners looking to maximize efficiency and customize the temperature of certain areas of the home. When you’re not upstairs, you can turn it off, and enjoy cool air downstairs without any problems. Dividing up your indoor home space into zones often helps you reduce energy costs as well.

Ductless mini split heat pumps are quickly becoming a household name. As a versatile, year-round provider of indoor comfort, a ductless system may be the answer to your heating and cooling needs. For more information, call HHR Heating & Cooling today! 

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