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Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning’

Common Problems with the Condensate Tray and Drain

Friday, September 19th, 2014

Your air conditioner keeps you cool by relying on a refrigeration cycle to remove the heat from the air in your home. And while this helps lower the temperature, this same process also helps keep you more comfortable by lowering humidity levels. When there is too much moisture in the air, the evaporator coil helps to control moisture levels, while the condensate tray and drain help moisture evacuate from your home.

How It Works

The evaporator coil helps refrigerant to absorb heat from the inside air so that it can release outdoors. Additionally, as warm air blows over the very cool evaporator coil, the process of condensation leads to water droplets forming on the outside of the coil. Water then drips into the condensate pan, a shallow, angled tray underneath the evaporator coil with a hole at the bottom that allows the condensation to drain outdoors.

What Goes Wrong

Condensate Pan Is Misaligned: The condensate tray has to be at the correct angle so that water can flow easily into the drain. Sometimes, the technician does not properly position the tray, or it may get knocked out of place over time. If this is the case, water may leak into your home.
Clogged Condensate Drain: A clogged condensate drain may also cause water to leak from the tray. Over time, debris may fill up the drain pipe, causing water to back up into the pan. This is problematic for a couple of reasons. For one, the water may flow into your home. However, it may also attract mold and mildew which could cause health problems for some of your family members.
Damaged Tray: Finally, the tray may tear or become cracked over time, causing water to leak out of the pan. Usually, the least expensive option is to have a technician replace the tray entirely.

When you notice leaks from your AC system, you need a professional who can assess the problem and make quick repairs to avoid any potential damage to your home. For repairs, maintenance, or tips about air conditioning in Eugene, give the technicians at Comfort Flow Heating a call.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Eugene
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How to Make Your Air Conditioner More Energy Efficient

Friday, July 25th, 2014

Increased energy use in the summer means bills skyrocket, and many homeowners look for ways to cut costs. Your air conditioner uses a lot of energy to run, and may be responsible for a good portion of your high energy bills. So as the summer goes on, you may feel as if you have to use your air conditioner less frequently in order to save some money.

However, there are a lot of ways you can make sure your air conditioning system is energy efficient without shutting off your system entirely. Keep your home comfortable and your bills low with these money-saving tips.

Clean or Replace Filters: You should clean or replace the air filter in your system about once a month. This number may vary depending on use, so you should check the manufacturer’s instructions for a specific time period. Dirty filters block airflow so that your system has to work a lot harder to provide cool air to your home, reducing efficiency.
Professional Maintenance: One service that most homeowners can benefit from is air conditioning maintenance. When you call for maintenance, a technician cleans dirty components, inspects your system, and checks for leaks or damages that may affect the performance and efficiency of your AC.
Programmable Thermostat: Many homeowners can save money by taking advantage of the features of a programmable thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, you can set the temperature ahead of time to change throughout the day. Lowering the temperature at peak hours and while you’re away can save you a lot of money every month. If you do not have a programmable thermostat, an AC technician can provide an upgrade.
Install a New System: Sometimes, your air conditioner is unable to cool your home efficiently because it is simply too old and worn down. If this happens, replacement is usually the best option. However, this offers you the opportunity to choose a new high-efficiency system. Look for an AC with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and the ENERGY STAR label.

To get energy-efficient air conditioning in Salem, call the technicians at Comfort Flow Heating today!

Tags: Air Conditioning, Salem
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3 Signs You Need Air Conditioning Repair Now

Tuesday, July 8th, 2014

When your air conditioning system stops running, you know it’s time for air conditioning repair. But what if your AC seems to be working properly with only some minor concerns? When should you call a technician if your system has not yet broken down?

If you want your air conditioning system to last the entire summer, and for years to come, you should always schedule air conditioning repair at the first sign of a problem. If you’re still unsure, here are three signs that you need repairs right away.

1. Loud Noises

If you’re not sure whether the strange noise coming from your AC unit is problematic, it probably is. Any sound that seems strange or unwelcome should be addressed by a technician since it could lead to serious repairs in the future. A hissing noise, for example could indicate leaky ducts, which disrupt the air flow in your system and can cause the indoor evaporator coil to freeze. Buzzing may indicate an electrical issue that puts your home and AC unit at serious risk. A banging noise may mean that there is a loose component, which means parts of your system may fail before they should.

2. Loss of Cooling Power

Another indication that you need repairs now is if your AC has lost some cooling power. If your AC never quite seems to reach the number on the thermostat, it may mean you do not have enough refrigerant in your system, among other issues. If this is the case, your AC cannot remove heat from your home properly to replace it with cool air, and this may soon mean your indoor air handlers will only blow warm air.

3. High Energy Bills

Higher than average energy bills often indicate that your air conditioning system needs repair. If your AC unit is inefficient, the cause is most likely a faulty component within your system. If one of the components of your AC is not working correctly, the rest of your system often has to compensate to keep you cool. This means higher energy bills, but can also overwork your AC to the point of failure.

Comfort Flow Heating offers professional air conditioning services in Salem. Don’t wait to call; let us fix your AC at the first sign of a problem!

Tags: Air Conditioning, Salem
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AC Problems That Worsen without Repair

Friday, May 23rd, 2014

How great would it be if your mechanical devices fixed themselves? Unfortunately, this isn’t going to happen, and this includes your air conditioning system.

For over 50 years, Comfort Flow Heating has helped thousands of clients with air conditioning repairs, installations and replacements in Florence. When it comes to repairs, our technicians at Comfort Flow Heating have seen over and over how an ignored problem blossomed into a big one. Here are some examples of problems that we’ve seen get worse the longer they went without repair:

Refrigerant leaks

Refrigerant leaks can be sneaky because your system can, for a time, run ok on low refrigerant. Unfortunately, it’s never a good idea to have your air conditioner run just “ok,” and refrigerant leaks will only worsen with time. The reason for this is that your system has an exact amount of refrigerant it needs to work as it should; once this amount lessens due to a leak, your entire air conditioning system has to compensate for this, and does so by overworking. Additionally, unless the leak gets repaired, it continues to leak, driving your refrigerant level lower and lower.

Decreased air flow

Decreased air flow in your system can be caused by a number of things: bent fins on the outside unit, issues with fans and obstructions in the ductwork. Decreased air flow to your system can cause problems multiple problems, including icing, low air flow, and problems with your compressor. Unless the air flow is increased to its normal capacity, these problems will continue, and will most likely become worse; they may even lead to a full break down of your system.

Fan issues

The fans in your system help with the release of heat as well as the delivery of cool air into your property. When the fans have an issue, such as a worn-out belt that causes the fan to turn slower than usual, or a loose or bent fan blade that interferes with its blowing, air flow and the heating/cooling process can be affected. Worn-out belts will eventually break and loose fan blades will most likely become looser, leaving the potential open for the blade to come off entirely. Bent blades can cause damage to other parts if left to hit another object close by. Each of these problems can lead to bigger ones unless the initial problem is repaired in a timely manner.

Don’t Ignore the Small Problems

“Don’t sweat the small stuff” is a popular saying, but it does not apply to your AC. The small stuff in your air conditioner can lead to bigger stuff that may indeed leave you sweating on a hot summer day. There are lots of tip-offs that something may need work on your air conditioner, such as loud noises, warm air blowing into your home and low air flow. Even if you only suspect there may be a problem, it’s better to call an experienced Comfort Flow Heating technician to inspect it rather than letting it go unattended.

For over 50 years, Comfort Flow Heating has been working on air conditioning in Florence. Let us help you have a great summer with your air conditioner – call us today!

Tags: Air Conditioning, Florence
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Plan for Air Conditioning Repairs Now

Wednesday, April 30th, 2014

Spring is often the first opportunity you will have during the year to find out how well your air conditioner is running. When you turn it on for the first time, pay attention to all aspects of its operation. Look for any indications of faults or malfunctions. Loud, unusual sounds from the cabinets. Weak airflow from the vents. Circuit breakers constantly tripping. The compressor shutting off early, then turning right back on. Frost along the coils. All of these are warnings that the air conditioner isn’t ready for spring weather, let alone summer. Call a professional HVAC technician for repairs right away.

For quality air conditioning services in Salem, OR, make the call to a trusted name: Comfort Flow Heating. We’ve made comfort our calling for more than 50 years.

Why Take Care of AC Repairs Sooner Instead Of Later

A mild Salem spring can make it easy to dismiss air conditioning malfunctions. If the problem doesn’t seem to have much effect on the system’s cooling power, why not wait until summer to look into it further?

But you should never delay with repairs for an air conditioner for a number of reasons. First, malfunctions in any complex mechanical system will put additional strain on other components, causing problems to spread. What at first seemed like a minor glitch will enlarge into an expansive and expensive repair job after only a few weeks.

Second, the extra stress from a malfunction—even if it doesn’t trigger further failures—will cause the AC to run inefficiently. It will drain electrical power to overcome the repair needs, and this will translate into a spike on your electrical bills.

Third, you don’t want to have any fault in the air conditioner turn into a full breakdown when summer arrives. When the thermometer goes up, your AC will need to work more, and the additional stress put onto an already shaky machine can cause it to shut down. You don’t want to get stranded with a broken air conditioner on one of summer’s hottest days while waiting for emergency repairs.

Remember To Schedule Regular Maintenance

Let’s suppose that your air conditioner has already turned on and nothing seems amiss. You still need to contact a trustworthy repair service to schedule regular preventive maintenance for the system. All ACs should have annual maintenance to check for possible repair problems and to tune-up and clean the system so it will work at its best for the summer. An air conditioner that receives regular maintenance will sustain 95% of its efficiency for most of its life.

To have any necessary repairs done fast, call Comfort Flow Heating: we have 24-hour emergency service. Also inquire about out Energy Savings Agreement to maintain your air conditioning in Salem, OR.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Salem
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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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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.

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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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