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Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

How Chillers Work

Monday, March 31st, 2014

For your commercial HVAC installation, chillers are often a good option for large spaces when you need to remain on a budget, and they are also effective for cooling down industrial machinery. Many people are not aware of how chillers operate and what makes them different from standard air conditioners. We’ll look into chiller function in this post.

Comfort Flow Heating has many years of experience installing chillers in Eugene, OR, as well as installing many other kinds of commercial HVAC systems. We also offer 24 hour emergency service, so you never have to worry about failures when you’re working odd hours of the night.

How chillers work

A chiller is a refrigeration unit that produces cooling by removing heat from liquid using either vapor compression or refrigeration absorption. Most chillers use water rather than chemical refrigerant as the circulating liquid (although they will still use refrigerant in the refrigerant absorption cycle to cool down the liquid), which is one of the ways that a chiller differ from an AC or a heat pump.

In the standard chiller that works as an air conditioner, heat is removed from the circulating water through the condensing coils. The chilled water in the unit is used to cool the air when it passes through evaporator coils, and the water returns to the chiller where it is cooled again. The amount of cooling BTUs from a chiller can be substantial, between 180,000 to 18,000,000 BTUs per hour, which makes them ideal for industrial use.

Chillers can produce a large amount of heat exhaust, which must either be released to the outdoor air, or, in more efficient units, recovered as energy to use in the heating process of the cycle.

Professional commercial chiller installation

As with any major appliance for a business, you want to make sure professionals in commercial HVAC install chillers for company. There are many different options for the type and size of chiller installed, and you’ll need special expertise to pick the right unit. Comfort Flow Heating has formed trusted partnerships with many businesses in the Eugene area because of our skill with installation and maintenance for their valuable equipment. Make us one of your trusted partners with installations of chillers in Eugene, OR.

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How Indoor Air Quality Can Affect Your Air Conditioning

Wednesday, August 28th, 2013

Did you know that according to the EPA most of us spend about 90% of our time indoors? This means that the quality of air that we have in our homes has a huge potential to affect our respiratory health. In fact, the EPA also estimates that poor indoor air quality is one of the top 5 leading threats to respiratory health. However, poor indoor air quality can also negatively affect your air conditioning system. At Comfort Flow Heating, we offer a large range of indoor air quality and air conditioning repair services in Salem, OR. We wanted to share about how your air quality and AC system are interrelated.

Salem, OR Air Conditioning Repair Tip: How Air Quality Affects Your Cooling System

When you have bad indoor air quality it means that your air is full of contaminants like dust, pollen, pet dander, cleaning fumes, insect droppings and more. These are a few of the ways that your air conditioning can suffer because of those problems.

Clogged air filter – Probably the most common cause of air conditioning problems is a clogged air filter. If your home has poor indoor air quality then the air filter for your air conditioner could get clogged very quickly with pollutants and restrict the flow of air moving through the system. This could have some very serious consequences. It could reduce the amount of cooling that you get in your home, reduce the efficiency of your system and also increase the need for repair. Making sure that your home has good indoor air quality and that the filter gets changed regularly can go a long way to helping your AC system.
Clogged ducts – Another issue that can arise from poor indoor air quality is contaminants in your ductwork. As your AC pulls in outdoor air or recirculates indoor air, the contaminants in the air can get deposited in your ductwork. Not only is this bad for your respiratory health, but it could eventually start to restrict the flow of air through the ducts which will cause the system to have to work harder to push the air through them.
Motor issues – Your air conditioning system has a fan motor that pulls in warm air to cool it and then push it throughout your home. If there are a lot of contaminants in that air then they could get deposited inside the fan motor. This will likely cause it to malfunction which would result in you needing to call for Salem air conditioning repair services in order to get cooling in your home.

If you need any kind of air conditioning repair services, call the Salem, OR air conditioning technicians at Comfort Flow Heating.

Tags: Air Conditioning Repair, Salem
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Why Your Air Conditioning System Won’t Turn Off

Wednesday, August 21st, 2013

If you’ve started to notice that your air conditioning system is constantly running it usually is a sign that you’re system is having problems. There are a couple different causes of this problem, so call our Springfield air conditioning repair technicians at Comfort Flow Heating is you’re having any problems with your air conditioning system. Here is a quick explanation of what might be causing your AC system to run all the time.

Springfield Air Conditioning Issues: AC Runs Constantly

Here are a few of the things that could be causing your AC to run constantly.

Air conditioner is too small – If your air conditioning system is too small for your home it may run constantly in order to cool your home. Because it is too small, it won’t be able to circulate enough air so it will run all the time.
Thermostat – Your thermostats are one of the most important and powerful components of your AC system. If they are faulty, they may not shut off your AC when your inside temperature has reached the appropriate level.
Dirty condenser coils – Another cause of this could be the condenser coils. These are located outside in the condensing unit and they are responsible for exhausting the heat from your home. If they get too dirty, it will restrict your AC’s ability to remove heat from your home. This will likely cause it to run constantly as it tries unsuccessfully to exhaust the heat.
Thermistor – The thermistor is what detects the indoor temperature of your home. If it is faulty, it may not tell your air conditioning system to turn off when it should.
Main control – Your air conditioning system has a control board in it that provides the power to the compressor and the fan motors. If your system is running all the time then the control board could be defective.

If your air conditioner isn’t turning off, call the Springfield air conditioning repair professionals at Comfort Flow Heating.

Tags: Air Conditioning Repair, Springfield
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4 Signs That You Need To Replace Your Air Conditioning System

Friday, August 16th, 2013

If well maintained with regular service calls, your air conditioning system should provide reliable service for a long time. Sooner or later, however, every piece of machinery wears down and air conditioners are no different. In Springfield, OR, summer temperatures and high humidity mean that you should consider a new system in the fall or the spring, before you really need it. But is the time right to replace your air conditioning system? Here are 4 signs to let you know.

Higher bills. If you notice your monthly energy bills going up, but you’re not using any more appliances than normal, the fault may lie with your AC system. Worn parts and leaks may cause it to work harder than normal, raising the cost of cooling your air. You might also consider a new model if you’re experiencing frequent breakdowns and need to call a service professional too often.
Your home isn’t comfortable. You may find some areas of your home too hot or too cold, despite your air conditioning system apparently running as it should. You may want to consider switching to a zone control system, which lets you tailor the temperature in individual sections of your home.
Indoor air quality is suffering. When an air conditioning unit isn’t properly maintained, dust and other particles can creep into the system; damaged ducts can also let dust in, as can clogged filters. Stagnant water in the condensate pan can result in a lower indoor air quality, as can an air conditioning system that cycles on and off rapidly.
Your system is more than 10 years old. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends replacing any air conditioning unit that has been in service for one decade or longer. They suggest replacing an older unit with one featuring the EnergyStar label, signaling a higher efficiency rating and lower bills.

When the time comes to replace your air conditioning system, you can count on the professional Springfield air conditioning technicians at Comfort Flow Heating. We handle air conditioning issues throughout the area, and put customer satisfaction first. We can perform an efficient, professional air conditioning installation that keeps your home cool for some time to come. Contact us today to talk about your options.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Springfield
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Are You Ready for Geothermal Air Conditioning in Springfield, OR?

Friday, August 9th, 2013

Do you know what geothermal is? As you might have guessed, it has to do something with the thermal energy stored below the surface of the Earth, but it’s not related to lava or hot magma. Rather, it refers to the energy stored by the energy of the sun’s radiation. Unlike temperatures above the surface that fluctuate radically throughout the year, the temperature of the earth just below the surface remains relatively static and moderate throughout the year. Recent advances in geothermal technology have brought the ability to capture this moderating influence into the average home. But many homeowners have unanswered questions about what geothermal is and whether they could benefit from it. You need to find a reputable contractor who can make sure that your property can make the most of geothermal–it may not be right for everyone. Call the air conditioning experts at Comfort Flow Heating today for more information regarding your geothermal air conditioning options in Springfield, OR.

A geothermal setup is basically a ground-source heat pump with underground piping and ductwork. A coolant circulates through a system of underground piping, whether it’s installed in a shallow, horizontal bed, or in deep vertical wells. This piping connects to a fairly standard heat pump HVAC system with ducts extending throughout your home. It tends to be highly effective for those looking for a temperature solution whose energy source is renewable and sustainable. It uses the moderate temperature of the earth to cool your warm indoor air during the summer months, and it uses that same moderate temperature to heat your home during the winter. Because it uses very little electricity, geothermal tends to be highly energy efficient.

The decision to install geothermal in your home must be made in consultation with a professional. Your property will need to be looked at in order to assess whether it could be a worthwhile candidate for geothermal. The installation process itself involves excavation where you underground piping will go, and may require special equipment if you opt for vertical wells. However, the long-term energy savings often offset the higher upfront cost.

Call Comfort Flow Heating today for all of your air conditioning needs in Springfield, OR, including geothermal installation and repair.

Tags: Geothermal, Springfield
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Why Your Air Conditioning System Fails to Start

Tuesday, July 30th, 2013

One of the most common problems involving your HVAC system occurs when your air conditioning system fails to start. This can be especially frustrating during the dog days of summer when heat and humidity are at their highest. You need to make sure that your air conditioner is functional at all times because when it doesn’t work properly, your home can quickly become an uncomfortable place to live. There are numerous reasons why your air conditioner may fail to start, and in order to look at this problem in more detail, we’ve made it the subject of today’s blog post. No matter what type or brand of AC you may have, you can depend on Comfort Flow Heating all cooling season long for professional air conditioning repair service in Springfield, OR. Call us today.

As you know all too well, your air conditioner runs on electricity. It is wired into your service panel and likely has its own circuit breaker so that it has the electrical energy it needs to give you the cooling you deserve. But when electrical problems arise, your AC may have trouble starting up and turning off. If your AC fails to start, first check to see whether it hasn’t simply tripped the breaker. You should also check to see that your thermostat is calling for cooling. If neither of those options work, then you may have a problem. You could have a faulty capacitor, which is the device responsible for providing an electrical energy boost to your AC during start-up. Alternatively, there could be a fault with your thermostat, or even with the electrical supply line itself.

Electricity is always a potential hazard, so make sure that you contact an HVAC technician to fix your AC should it fail. Tinkering around with your AC will often lead to nothing but further damage, but you could place yourself in harm’s way. Leave it to a professional who has the technical expertise and experience to restore your cooling.

Call cooling specialists at Comfort Flow Heating today if you’re in need of air conditioning repair services in Springfield, OR.

Tags: Air Conditioning Repair, Springfield
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What is an Energy Savings Agreement?

Wednesday, July 24th, 2013

This summer you’re likely going to run your air conditioning system a lot in order to keep your home cool. All that use can add up on your energy bill and it can also take a toll on your home’s air conditioning equipment. So what can homeowners do to make sure that their AC works efficiently and that it doesn’t deteriorate too much? One of the best ways is to sign up for an Energy Savings Agreement? Read on below to learn more about these programs and how you can benefit from them. Call the Springfield, OR air conditioning professionals at Comfort Flow Heating if you have any questions or if you’re ready to sign up.

Springfield Air Conditioning Tip: Why Get an Energy Savings Agreement?

So what exactly is an Energy Savings Agreement (ESA)? In short, an energy savings agreement is almost identical to an air conditioning and heating maintenance program. For example, here at Comfort Flow Heating we offer an ESA that includes several visits each year from our experts. We’ll spend a few hours on each of your air conditioning and heating systems and perform a tune-up which includes the following:

Change air filter
Lubricate motors
Safety inspection
Check refrigerant charge
Cleaning indoor evaporator coils and outdoor condensing coils
Calibrate your thermostats
Much, much more!

Benefits of an Energy Savings Agreement

So what do you actually get?

Reduced energy usage (potentially reduce utility bills)
Reduced repairs
Longer equipment life
Discount on repairs
Priority service
24/7 emergency services

These benefits could vary from company to company but here at Comfort Flow Heating we offer our ESA members a 15% discount on repairs. Give the Springfield air conditioning technicians at Comfort Flow a call today for any installation, repair or maintenance service you need. We know how important your air conditioning and heating systems are to your home which is why our Energy Savings Agreement is so important. Contact us today and one of our friendly professionals will be able to answer any questions that you might have.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Springfield
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Air Conditioning and Indoor Air Quality: What You Need to Know

Wednesday, July 17th, 2013

During the Springfield, OR summer, you need to make sure that your air conditioning system works well no matter what type of weather arrives. The hottest time of the year often leads to conversations about temperature, but the importance of indoor air quality is often overlooked. This is unfortunate because indoor air quality is one of the top health risks in the country, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The chief reason is because of the airtight building design of modern homes, which have all but eliminated natural ventilation in order to keep our heating and cooling bills low. As this indoor air is recirculated throughout your home, it can accumulate contaminants. High humidity levels can also run rampant during this time of year. Other homeowners may be looking to improve the energy efficiency of their home with air sealing. At Comfort Flow Heating, we offer a comprehensive range of indoor air quality products and services. The Springfield, OR air conditioning experts at Comfort Flow to learn more about improving your home’s indoor air quality.

Humidity. Humidity is a critical concern of homeowners everywhere, but especially in the Pacific Northwest. If you find that you have stuffy, stale air circulating through your home, then you may be interested to know the benefits of a whole-house dehumidifier. This device integrates directly into your existing HVAC system, and remains highly effective at improving indoor air quality.
Air sealing. For homeowners concerned that their cool air is going straight into the outdoors, professional air sealing can go a long way towards making sure that your home remains energy efficient.The areas around your window and door frames, fireplace walls, garage and basement walls, piping, ductwork, and even your recessed lighting and electrical fixtures can add up to substantial energy loss in a given cooling season. By sealing these areas, you can get the most out of your electrical energy.
Air cleaning. If you’re concerned about the quality of your indoor air, then you should speak to a professional about installing a whole-house air cleaner. Both mechanical and electronic cleaners can be particularly effective at removing contaminants and pollutants, depending on what you need to target.

To learn how to improve your home’s air quality, contact the Springfield, OR air conditioning specialists at Comfort Flow.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Springfield
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Air Conditioning Tips To Stay Cool This Summer

Wednesday, July 10th, 2013

Summer in Oregon is a great time of the year. With the heat and humidity, though, discomfort can be a real concern. There are many reasons that homeowners may tolerate an uncomfortable environment within their homes, but at Comfort Flow Heating we believe this should not be the case. That is why we have put together some air conditioning tips to help you make it through the season comfortably. Contact us today to learn more. Our skilled Florence, OR air conditioning technicians have the years of training and experience needed to help you get the efficient, reliable performance that you want from your air conditioning system.

One of the most important components of your air conditioning system is the thermostat, of course. After all, this is by far the piece of heating and cooling equipment that you have the most direct interaction with. It only makes sense, then, that you should have the thermostat that best suits your home, HVAC system and personal cooling habits. There are a few different options to choose from, so seek out the advice of a professional AC technician. A basic digital thermostat is a great way to ensure that you set temperatures accurately, as their push-button controls and digital display actually make them easier to use than old fashioned manual models. With a programmable thermostat, you can come home to a comfortable environment after a long day of work without paying to cool the house all day.

You should also supplement the operation of your air conditioning system with any ceiling fans, or even standing fans, in your home. Fans do not cool air directly, but they are a great way to ensure that the air cooled by your AC is distributed throughout your home evenly and effectively. This will make you feel more comfortable, and you may be able to raise the thermostat setting by a few degrees as a result.

Don’t forget that the best way to get the most consistent, efficient performance possible from your AC is with routine air conditioning maintenance. There is simply no better alternative to regular inspections and tune-ups. Call the Florence, OR air conditioning professional on the Comfort Flow Heating team today for more information, we are always happy to share any air conditioning tips we may have with our valued customers.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Florence
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What to Look for in a New Air Conditioning System

Wednesday, June 26th, 2013

Are you looking for a comprehensive cooling solution? Is your existing AC no longer operating well? Fortunately, there is no shortage of air conditioning options available today. From Trane central air conditioners to Mitsubishi ductless mini splits as well as geothermal systems, there is a wide range of system types and brands to consider. But it’s not only the equipment itself that is important. You also need to make sure that your AC is professionally installed by a quality AC contractor. In today’s post, we’d like to give you some tips on what to look for in your new air conditioning system. When you need professional air conditioning in Florence, OR, you can count on Comfort Flow Heating. Call us today.

Let’s take a look at some things to look for in your new air conditioning system.

SEER rating. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, often abbreviated SEER, is an important rating that should be taken into consideration for any new system. It provides a numeric scale that estimates the energy efficiency of air conditioners over the course of a single cooling season, measuring electrical energy input against cooling output. The higher the number, the better the efficiency, although it is only one of the factors.
Ducts or no ducts. The recent rise in the popularity of ductless systems has left you with a choice when it comes to installing ducts in your home, and whether or not you want a ductless split air conditioning system or central air. There are advantages to each system. Ductless systems tend to be highly energy efficient, which leads to energy savings in the long-term. Forced-air distribution systems, on the other hand, tend to be more cost-effective initially, and many of today’s models boast great efficiency ratings even with ductwork playing the intermediary between the unit and your living space.

Those are just two of the major considerations to keep in mind when selecting your new AC. This is a major investment, so make sure it’s performed right the first time. Call the Florence, OR air conditioning specialists at Comfort Flow Heating today for excellent cooling services.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Florence
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