Frosted Evaporator Coils Can Affect the Efficiency of an HVAC System

October 25, 2017

Having regular maintenance on your HVAC system can prevent frost from accumulating on the evaporator coils. As the weather becomes colder the frosted evaporator coils start restricting the airflow and can reduce the HVAC efficiency. This is a common problem faced by the building owners and managers. Frost is the root cause of many HVAC issues. When the temperature in the evaporator coil becomes lower than the dew point and dew collects on the surface of the coil, it does not pose a problem. But when the temperature reduces further and goes beyond the freezing point turning dew into frost it reduces the airflow and can cause a major HVAC problem. Types of Frost The initial layer of ice which forms on the evaporator coil is thin and is not harmful. In fact, it is conducive to the functioning of the HVAC. It increases the evaporator tube’s surface area. The subsequent layers of ice are more snow-like or crystalline depending on the temperature of the evaporator, humidity, and airflow. They are known as hoar frost or radiant frost. They reduce the heat-absorbing capacity of the evaporator. Indications of Diminished Airflow Low Levels of Head Pressure – The heat load is reduced...

View Article

Read More

5 Myths About Commercial HVAC Systems

October 19, 2017

Misconceptions related to an HVAC system can prevent building managers from keeping their systems in good shape. Commercial HVAC systems maintain the temperature of the building and keep the place comfortable throughout the year. Cooling and heating are equally important during the summer, winter, spring, and fall. But many people are under the false impression that they are essential only during the summer and winter seasons. So they tend to neglect them at other times. Besides this, there are some misconceptions related to the HVAC systems which prevent building managers from keeping their systems in good shape. Myth 1 – There is No Need to Fix a System Until it is Broken People think that that they need not take any action or fix the system until it breaks down. It is a mistake to believe that nothing can be wrong with the system until it is broken. In fact, a commercial HVAC system can continue to work with minor flaws or broken components for a long time. These defects may not be visible. If they are not rectified in time they can damage the whole system. It is imperative to arrange for regular inspections to get hold of these...

View Article

Read More

Poor Indoor Air Quality in Health Clubs Can Turn Away Clients

October 13, 2017

While having good gym equipment is important, so is having good indoor air quality. Most of us have experienced walking into a swanky looking gym and being turned off by the nasty air. No one would ever like to go to a gym that smells bad. The problem of poor indoor air quality in a gym can be addressed with proper air conditioning and ventilation. In this post, St. Louis HVAC technicians will talk about how you can maintain good air quality in your gym and attract new customers and retain old ones. Poor Air Quality Can Affect Health of Clients People visit a gym to improve or maintain their health through regular exercise. While having good gym equipment is important, so is good indoor air quality. If your gym’s ventilation system has not been properly designed or is not functioning properly, it can make the environment hot and humid. This happens because the system does not remove enough moisture from the air. Here is what can happen if you fail to correct the ventilation problem in your gym: Hot and humid air will become breeding ground for the growth of mold and mildew Humid air can create musty smells...

View Article

Read More

Air Conditioner Compressor Issues – 5 Signs to Look For

October 9, 2017

Call a St. Louis HVAC technician if you notice these signs of AC compressor failure. The compressor is the most vital part of an air conditioning system. When your AC compressor fails you may have to decide whether to repair or replace it. If the system is old it may not be advisable to repair the compressor as it may not be worth the cost. Here are some ways that will help you identify signs of compressor failure. The Compressor Does Not Turn On If you notice that your home is too hot, check the indoor unit of your AC. If you find that the fan is working properly, check the condensing unit, you may find that it is not running at all. In such a situation, you should turn down the thermostat so that the compressor comes on. If it does not turn on it likely means that the compressor has already failed. You should not try to fix the issue yourself. Seek the assistance of a St. Louis HVAC repairman to diagnose the problem. The System Blows Warm Air One sign of the approaching compressor failure is that the system blows warm air even though the condenser appears...

View Article

Read More

Deciding to Refit or Replace Your R22 Air Conditioner

October 4, 2017

We will answer your questions about the R22 phase-out and will help you decide which is the best decision for you and your family. Air conditioners that take R22 refrigerant, are being phased out and this type of refrigerant will not be available after January 1, 2020. If you are a business owner who relies on this type of system or a homeowner that uses it to keep your home cool, it is time to decide whether to refit or replace your air conditioner. R22 refrigerant is being replaced with the safer EPA-compliant R410A type. You have to either decide now to refit or replace your existing unit or be forced to do so after 2020 when R22 refrigerant is no longer available. R22 refrigerant, or Freon, has been used in air conditioning systems for a long time. However, due to its reclassification as a danger to the environment, the US Environmental Protection Agency has placed restrictions on its manufacture as well as a mandate to phase it out completely by 2020. Making a Decision While 2020 may seem like a few years away, the impact of the phase-out is already being felt. The price of refrigerant is soaring. So...

View Article

Read More

Things to Do When an Air Conditioner Freezes

September 28, 2017

Having regular maintenance performed on your HVAC system will save you money in the long run. Whenever you notice any signs of frost or ice in your air conditioner or find that the unit is not performing properly, take immediate action. It is important to nip it in the bud otherwise it may damage the walls, floors, and ceilings. If the issue is ignored for too long it may lead to compressor failure. You may have to pay for expensive repairs or buy a new one. Here are some helpful tips on dealing with this type of issue. Common Reasons Why Air Conditioners Freeze Diminished Airflow – This can happen due to a clogged filter or a broken fan. If the fan runs sluggishly or does not turn on, the unit may freeze because when the fan does not work properly sufficient air does not flow over the coils and they become excessively cold. Obstructed Drain Line – There may be some obstruction in the drain line. Refrigerant Leak – The chemical which runs in the AC coil and changes the pressure and temperature to remove heat is known as the refrigerant. If there is a leak, the pressure may...

View Article

Read More

Maintain Your Cooling Tower Efficiently to Save Money in the Long Run

September 27, 2017

Regular maintenance of the cooling tower will help in increasing the efficiency of the cooling tower and reducing overall costs. Commercial HVAC owners are on a constant lookout for ways and means to reduce their energy consumption while trying to gain maximum cost-efficiency from their HVAC systems. The bigger fight however, is to try and keep the utility bills lower. One way to achieve this is by maintaining your cooling tower efficiently. What is a Cooling Tower? A cooling tower is a device that is used to remove excess heat that is generated when the HVAC functions to either heat or cool a building. Cooling towers remove the excess (or waste) heat by evaporating some amount of the water that circulates inside the system into the atmosphere. These are usually seen outside the building or adjacent to the building housing the HVAC system Two Types of Cooling Towers There are two types of cooling towers: Natural draft – A natural draft cooling tower cools by way of natural convection of the airflow. As the air inside the cooling tower becomes warm and moist, it rises to the top in the form of steam that evaporates, and the cooler air that...

View Article

Read More

4 Ways to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Ability to Cool Things Down

September 21, 2017

Having regular maintenance on your AC is essential for keeping costs low as well as extending the life of your HVAC system. Summertime can be extremely taxing on your air conditioner and your wallet. The best way to make sure that you are minimizing the damage to both is to make sure that you are doing everything possible to make your air conditioning run as efficiently and as smoothly as possible. There are things that you can do to enhance the way that your air conditioner runs that cost very little, but can have a profitable return. Replace Your Thermostat If you have a traditional thermostat, then you aren’t using your HVAC system as efficiently as you should. New smart thermostats are the best way to manage the temperature and conditions inside your home. They have better sensors than traditional thermostats to communicate with your units; they even consult local weather forecasts. It is estimated that upgrading to a smart thermostat can save you as much as ten percent off of your overall energy bill a year. Make Sure Your filters are Clean When your HVAC filters get dirty or clogged, they decrease the flow of air and increase the...

View Article

Read More

5 Reasons Your Commercial HVAC System Needs Preventive Maintenance

September 15, 2017

A well-maintained HVAC system can contribute a lot to the success of a business. Your HVAC system has a great impact on the commercial activities that take place inside your building. It not only forms an integral part of the building but also plays an important role in the growth of a business. In this post, St. Louis HVAC experts explain why preventive maintenance of commercial HVAC systems in so important. A Good HVAC System Makes for a Pleasant Shopping Experience The customer is the key to the success of any business. So it is essential to provide an enticing ambiance in the shop or restaurant. Commercial HVAC systems play an important role in making the place comfortable for customers. A well-maintained heating and cooling system can make a huge difference in attracting more and more customers retaining them. A Malfunctioning HVAC May Drive Away Your Customers If the place is stuffy or hot in summers or if the place is too cold during the winters, customers will likely stay away from it. If your building’s HVAC system is malfunctioning and causing discomfort the old clients who had earlier patronized the place because of its good environment may look for...

View Article

Read More

5 Warning Signs Your HVAC is Working Overtime and How to Fix Them

September 8, 2017

Your HVAC system can’t talk to you and tell you when it needs your help, but it just might be showing you signs. There is nothing more frustrating than wasting money. If your home’s HVAC system isn’t working efficiently, then that might be exactly what you are doing. The key to keeping costs low is spotting signs that are meant to warn you that your HVAC system is working overtime and burning money. While not always apparent, it is the minor things that can add up to a need for major repairs. If you can spot the signs, however, then you will not only cut back on your monthly costs but can extend the life of your HVAC system. Temperatures from One Room to the Next Vary Greatly If you walk from room to room and the temperature varies greatly, then you either have ductwork that is too long or dirty. The easiest way to solve the problem is to have your ductwork cleaned and change the air filter. If that doesn’t work, then you might have to consider reworking the ducts to shorten their supply chain. Your House is Still Humid Even with the AC On If you are...

View Article

Read More