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Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning’

How Does the Refrigerant Cycle Work?

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

Whether you have a ductless mini split or central air conditioning system, it relies on the refrigerant cycle to move warm air out of your house and cool air indoors. While our customers enjoy the convenience and comfort of having a comprehensive air conditioning system at their beck and call, knowing a little bit more about how the cycle itself works can go a long way towards knowing when your AC is not operating correctly. At Comfort Flow Heating, we are committed to educating our customers as well as servicing their HVAC systems. Call us today for excellent air conditioning services in Florence, OR.

Let’s begin with the compressor since it is the engine of the air conditioning system as a whole. During operation, your compressor accepts a low-pressure gas from the indoor evaporator coils, and turns it into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. This hot gas now works its way through the condenser coils that wrap around the compressor, which typically sits in the center of the outdoor unit. The condenser circulates this hot gas as the much cooler outside air is blown through them by means of an exhaust fan. This thermal interaction dissipates the heat into the outside air and condenses the refrigerant into a liquid.

But this liquid is not yet cool enough to provide adequate cooling for your home. That’s where the expansion valve comes into play. This small device meters the flow of refrigerant, reducing its pressure. This significantly drops the temperature of the liquid refrigerant, and it is now ready to be used to cool your air. The evaporator coils circulates this cool liquid as warm indoor air passes through the air handler. If you have a forced air distribution system, the air was sucked in through the ductwork by the blower motor. During this production of cool air, the refrigerant evaporates into a gas, and the refrigerant cycle starts anew.

Call Comfort Flow Heating today if you’re in need of air conditioning services in Florence, OR. We can make sure that your AC operates well, no matter hot it is outside.

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What Type of Air Conditioner Is Right for Me?

Thursday, June 13th, 2013

If you’re ready to replace your current air conditioning system or you need one for a new home that you’re building, the Salem, OR air conditioning installation experts at Comfort Flow Heating can help. There are a number of different types of air conditioning systems that are available to consumers. This can be frustrating and confusing process to go through so read on to see our simple guide to choosing a new AC system.

How to Choose a New Air Conditioner

Finding an air conditioning system for your home is a big decision. You have to live with that air conditioning system for many years to come which is why it is so critical to find one that is right for your home. The Salem, OR air conditioning installation experts at Comfort Flow Heating have years of experience working with countless homeowners helping them find a new AC system for their home. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you move forward.

  • Type of air conditioner – When it comes to the type of air conditioner that you get in your home there are a few things to consider. You can go with the traditional stand-by of central AC which produces reliable and efficient cooling. However, there are other kinds of air conditioners available. Geothermal air conditioning systems use the free and endless energy of the earth to provide cooling to your home. Ductless mini split air conditioning systems are terrific for homes that don’t have the space for ducts or want zone control in their homes.
  • Cooling capacity – Probably one of the most common mistakes that homeowners make is buying an air conditioning system that tis too big for their home. If you go out and buy the biggest AC unit that you can afford there are a number of negative consequences that this can have. It will likely make your home less comfortable and more humid. Call the Salem, OR air conditioning experts at Comfort Flow Heating and we’ll make sure that your new system matches your home’s needs and your budget.
  • Efficiency rating – Another important thing to think about is the efficiency rating of your new AC system. Air conditioners are given a SEER rating which describes how much cooling they provide over a season based on the amount of energy that they consume. In order to receive an Energy Star rating air conditioners will usually have to meet a SEER 14 rating at least.

Make sure that you contact the Salem, OR air conditioning experts at Comfort Flow Heating for all your services that you need.

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Springfield, OR Air Conditioning Tip: Common AC Problems

Monday, June 10th, 2013

As the heat of summer approaches, homeowners all over are getting ready for the cooling season. Unfortunately, some of these homeowners are bound to discover that their air conditioning system is not ready for the task that lies ahead. If you discover a problem with your air conditioning system it is always a good idea to contact your professional Springfield, OR air conditioning repair technician as soon as possible. The longer a problem with your AC is allowed to develop, the more serious it is likely to become. Call the Springfield, OR air conditioning repair pros at Comfort Flow Heating today for more information. Here are a few examples of some common problems that we come across with air conditioning systems.

One of the most frequent service calls that we receive during the cooling season is about air conditioners that simply won’t turn on. As is the case with most air conditioning problems that you may experience, there are many different potential causes of this particular problem. The good news is that, in many cases, it is not a very serious issue. In fact, sometimes there is not a problem with the system at all. Before deciding that your air conditioner is broken down, check its power source. It is possible that your AC has become disconnected from its power source, or that a circuit breaker has tripped. A flip of a switch may solve the problem. You may also have set your thermostat incorrectly, so double check that it is on the “cool” setting and the target temperature is correct.

If there is no obvious cause of the problem, contact a Springfield, OR air conditioning repair professional immediately. It is possible that there is a problem with some electrical component of the system. If your AC turns on but is not able to cool your home, it may be low on refrigerant. This is a common issue, and usually indicates a refrigerant leak. Your AC recycles refrigerant, it does not consume it. This means that a low refrigerant charge is usually the result of leak requiring professional repair service.

For more information about common air conditioning problems, or to schedule professional air conditioning repair, contact Comfort Flow Heating today. We are happy to help you get a better performance from your AC. Let us help keep you cool this summer.

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Springfield, OR Air Conditioning Repair Tip: How to Eliminate Hot Spots

Friday, May 24th, 2013

In order to live comfortably in your home throughout the hottest time of the year, it is important that you invest in a quality air conditioning system and that you schedule your air conditioning installation with a qualified professional. Even so, there is no way to guarantee that you will never experience problems with your air conditioner. One common issue that homeowners notice with the performance of their air conditioning system is the development of hot spots throughout their home. This can be quite frustrating. Here is some information from the Springfield, OR air conditioning repair technicians at Comfort Flow about how you can eliminate hot spots in your home.

One way to resolve this issue is with a zone control system installation in your home. With zone controlled cooling, you can distribute cooled air throughout your home with more control than ever before. A zone control system allows you to set temperatures in different zones of your home independently of one another. This means that, if there is an area in your home prone to warmer temperatures, you can boost the air conditioning level in there to help compensate for this issue. Contact us today to learn more.

Another very effective way to resolve problems with hot spots in your home is to schedule professional duct repair and duct sealing services. A very common cause of hot spots in a building is damaged ductwork. If there are leaks in your ductwork due to damages or improper sealing, the rooms supplied by that section of ductwork are not going to be as consistently comfortable as the rest of the house. Our duct sealing and repair technicians have the training and experience to pinpoint the source of any air duct troubles you may have. Once we have found the root cause of the problem we can go about resolving the issue.

Do not let hot spots in your home disrupt your comfort this cooling season. Contact Comfort Flow today to learn more. We have the services you need to get more out of your air conditioning system. Speak with one of our Springfield, OR air conditioning repair technicians today schedule service.

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Salem, OR Air Conditioning Tip: How Duct Cleaning Can Help Your Air Conditioning System

Thursday, May 16th, 2013

A high quality air conditioning system is necessary if you hope to make it through the hot summer months comfortably. Of course, there are a number of different issues that your air conditioner may suffer from which can hinder its operation. The Salem, OR air conditioning experts at Comfort Flow Heating can help ensure that you are able to cool your home with the greatest efficiency and reliability possible. Contact us today to learn more. Here is some information about how scheduling professional duct cleaning service can help you improve your air conditioning experience.

While ductwork can be a great way to distribute heated and cooled air throughout your home, it is also possible for dirt, dander and other pollutants to build up within your air ducts. If your air ducts are improperly sealed, torn or otherwise compromised, you are at a greater risk for dirty air ducts. The professional duct cleaning technicians on our team can help resolve this problem.

Dirt and other pollutants in your air ducts can make their way into your air conditioning system itself. If such pollutants are allowed to build up on vital parts of your air conditioning equipment, such as your coils, the operation of your air conditioning system can suffer. These pollutants can also quickly build up on your air filter. When issues like this come up, your air conditioner will need to use more energy in order to cool your home. This raises energy costs for you and also puts unnecessary strain on your system. The more strain your system is under, the more likely damages and operational problems become.

Biological pollutants can also thrive in the cool, dark environment within your air ducts. When this happens, viruses, mold spores and other pollutants can circulate throughout your home, along with the conditioned air that is intended for distribution. Professional duct cleaning can help prevent your air conditioner from circulating undesirable substances throughout your home.

If you are interested in learning more about professional duct cleaning services, contact Comfort Flow Heating today. Our Salem, OR air conditioning technicians can answer any questions you may have. Call now for more information.

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Salem OR Air Conditioning: Why is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?

Monday, May 6th, 2013

Central air conditioning is one of the greatest luxuries that homeowners enjoy. As with any mechanical system, though, you are going to experience some problems with your air conditioner every now and then. It is important to remember that the best way to protect the condition of your air conditioning system is to schedule repair service as soon as you discover a problem. One common issue that homeowners may have with their air conditioning systems is leaking water. Call the Salem OR air conditioning experts at Comfort Flow Heating today if you notice a water leak in your AC system.

Frequently, what people mistake for a water leak in their central air conditioning system is actually just the result of a clogged condensate drain. As your air conditioner operates, it also dehumidifies air a bit. The moisture pulled from the air in the process has to go somewhere. That is why your central AC has a condensate drain. If this is backed up, water may begin to pool in the area. Changing your air filter will help keep this drainage line clear by keeping pollutants out of it. If your condensate drain is clogged, a technician on our team can resolve the issue.

Your air conditioning system is not a dehumidifier, remember, despite the fact that some dehumidification takes place during operation. If you have very high humidity levels in your home, you may want to consider the installation of a whole house dehumidifier. High humidity levels can lead to condensation in your home and this condensation may be behind what you think is an AC leak.

Of course, it is also very possible that your air conditioner actually is leaking water. If your drain hose or condensate pipe is broken, it can leak the water that it is draining into your home. Even small water leaks are a serious problem, and real damage can be done to your system and your home if it goes unresolved. Contact us today to learn more.

Don’t let a leaky air conditioner put the condition of your home at risk. Call the Salem, OR air conditioning repair technicians at Comfort Flow Heating as soon as you discover a problem with your system. We’ll have your AC working properly again in no time.

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Springfield OR Air Conditioning: Are You Ready for Geothermal?

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013

Spring is a great time to take stock of your current air conditioning system. Whether your AC is old, requires frequent repairs, or simply does not perform as well as you think it should, then you may be looking into other options. Depending the location and layout of your home, you might like to consider a geothermal system, particularly if you need an eco-friendly and highly energy efficient alternative. Geothermal systems use the moderate temperature of the ground beneath your feet to provide cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. For superior Springfield OR air conditioning, including geothermal installation, call the experts at Comfort Flow Heating today!

While you may heard the term, you still may be wondering how geothermal works. Basically, a geothermal uses a heat pump attached to a set of underground pipes that circulate water or a water-coolant mixture. While setups may vary from home to home, the basic parts are the same. The underground piping is typically made from a high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This “earth loop” is installed in a relatively shallow, horizontal bed of piping, or, alternatively, in a set of deep vertical wells, with piping at a depth of nearly 100 feet. The choice between these two depends on the soil density and composition of your ground, as well as the location of your home on the property.

The geothermal unit itself is not unlike a heat pump, which pressurizes and circulates the coolant through the loop underground. During the cooling season, the air extracted from the inside of your home is cooled by the moderate temperature of the earth-cooled water or water-coolant mixture. The cool air is then distributed throughout the ductwork. Like a heat pump, the energy efficiency of its operation is excellent; and, like a heat pump, it can reverse the cooling process by using the moderate temperature of the earth to heat your home during the cold months.

Are you ready for geothermal? Speak to a professional about whether your home and property would work well with a geothermal system. For more information about your Springfield, OR air conditioning options, call Comfort Flow Heating today!

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Salem OR Air Conditioning Tip: Energy Saving Tips You Can Use For Your Air Conditioner

Monday, April 22nd, 2013

As summer approaches the Salem, OR area, homeowners and tenants alike are looking for ways to save energy. Air conditioning probably takes up a significant portion of your home budget every cooling season, and that’s why energy efficiency is often just as important as performance. Fortunately, they often go together. When our AC systems are working as they should, they are maximizing the electrical energy they draw on. We’d like to share with you some energy savings tips that you can rely on to reduce your energy consumption all summer long. For more information, or to schedule a Salem OR air conditioning service, call Comfort Flow Heating today!

  • Duct cleaning. When faulty, damaged, or clogged with debris, the ductwork necessary to airflow can prove incredibly counter-productive. The same airflow channels you rely on to distribute your conditioned air can also hinder it. Over time, your ducts can fill up with dust, pollen, dander, and other debris, all of which can be detrimental to the efficiency of the AC as well to your home’s indoor air quality. Routine duct cleaning in Salem, OR will improve airflow and cut down on the amount of dust and allergens in your home.
  • Programmable thermostat. Imagine if your thermostat knew when to turn on and turn off, so that you didn’t have to pay to cool your home all day just so you can come home to a cool home. A programmable thermostat gives you full control over your air conditioning schedule. It is not only highly convenient, but because you’re able to program automatic temperature changes, you can also save substantially on your energy bills during the cooling season.
  • Clean your air filter. You’ve probably heard this before, but regularly changing your air filter (about once per month during the cooling season) is a great way to ensure that your AC continues to run smoothly. A clogged or dirty air filter can restrict airflow, causing your AC to work harder for the same amount of cool air.

We hope you find these energy saving tips useful. When you need excellent Salem, OR air conditioning services, call Comfort Flow Heating today!

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Springfield OR Air Conditioning Tip: Getting Your AC Ready For The Cooling Season

Monday, April 15th, 2013

It’s not summer yet in Springfield, OR, although temperatures are starting to rise. Spring is a great time for cleaning up the house, and for clearing out the stale winter air that has built up inside your home. In addition to cleaning the garage, gardening, and organizing your pantry, go have a look at your AC, and fire it up. See how it looks and sounds. If you’ve already enrolled in a program of routine maintenance, then you’re probably not too concerned—after all, you pay someone to worry about your air conditioning for you. But if you haven’t signed up for such service, or want to wait until the summer hits, there are a few things you can do to ensure that you’re ready for the cooling season. For more information, call the Springfield OR air conditioning experts at Comfort Flow Heating today!

  • Clear debris. During the off-season, organic matter and other debris may have built up around your outdoor and indoor units. Check for leaves, twigs, branches, and any other curious items around your compressor/condenser. You’d be surprised what can get caked onto the exhaust fan. Keep the area clear around both units; proper airflow and circulation is essential. But make sure you disconnect the power supply before attempting any such cleaning.
  • Clean or replace your air filter. Check on your air filter and take not of its condition. If it is only slightly dirty, then it may take you through the first few weeks of the cooling season, although it’s probably best to start off with a new one. Remember, that during the cooling season, you should check and replace your air filter about once a month to ensure that your cooling system is energy efficient and operating correctly.
  • Check for anything unusual. When you test your AC, does it emit a strange sound? Are there any leaks around the air handler? Does it seem to work okay? If you have any doubts, spring is a great time to ensure that you pre-emptively repair any problems.

For more information about Springfield, OH air conditioning, contact Comfort Flow Heating today!

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Cottage Grove, OR Heating and Air Conditioning Tip: Choosing the Right Type of Ductless Mini Split

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

If you are considering a ductless mini split system for your Cottage Grove, OR home, there are a few things to keep in mind as you decide on the right model for your home. While they are a cost-effective choice for many homeowners, you may benefit from a different type of heating or air conditioning system.

Call Comfort Flow for all your ductless mini split needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind while selecting the right system for your home comfort needs.

Features to Look For

Size is an important factor because depending on the length of connecting pipes, you want to find a system that will allow the technician to install that the outdoor unit far enough away that you benefit from the quiet operation of these systems. There are some models that also feature a wall installation for the outside compressor. This is something you will want to consider if there’s limited space for the typical ground installation.

Indoor Design

The other great feature of ductless mini split systems is that they provide more flexibility in interior design options. You can install the indoor units on the ceiling, wall, or there are some that come in standing floor models. For wall and ceiling models, the system should come with a remote control to easily turn it on and off, but you’ll also have a thermostat for that air handler.

Zone Control and Thermostat Options

Because of the zone control that ductless systems give you, you will also need to decide how many units you want and choose the location for them.  There are many thermostat choices, including programmable and digital ones that are easy to use.

If you want to start saving energy and money, give the Cottage Grove OR heating and air conditioning experts at Comfort Flow a call any time.

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