Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

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Buying the Right Ceiling Fan

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

Ceiling fans really help people reduce their heating and cooling cost. They have the ability to reduce warm temperatures up to 7 degrees, while dramatically reducing air conditioning costs. During the winter months, ceiling fans can operate in reverse mode. Doing so will circulate warm air throughout the room by pushing it up toward the ceiling. Careful consideration should be given when buying a ceiling fan, because of the wide variety available.

Fan Size

The fan should not be too large or too small for your room. A rule of thumb is to have at least 7 feet of clearance from the floor to the fan. The blades and the nearest wall should be a minimum of two feet apart.

Fan Motors

For ceiling fans to operate with efficiency, the size of the motor and the ground motor windings must coincide with blade length. This will allow the fan to run without using a lot of energy and continuously without any problems. However, when the blades or motor are not balanced correctly, the fan will begin to vibrate even at lower speeds. The motors that come with outdoor fans are built to endure temperature changes and moisture.

Fan Blades

Fan blades come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Appearance however is secondary to choosing ones that will provide the best performance and stability. You also need to decide what blade pitch you want. A higher pitch equals greater air circulation at lower speeds. Blade pitches are available between 8 and 15 degrees.

Another thing to consider is fan mounts. There are three types: flush mount, down rod mount, and tri-mount. Down rods are suited for higher ceilings, flush mount is designed for lower ceilings, and the tri-mount provides the best circulation regardless of height.

For more helpful hints check us out on www.southairinc.com

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Posted in Air Conditioning, Energy Savings, Gas Heaters, Geothermal, Heat Pump Systems, Heat Pumps, Heating, Home Savings, Indoor Air Quality, Insulation, Maintenance Plan/Comfort Club | Comments Off

Thinking of Changing Careers?

Sunday, December 18th, 2011

Are you looking for a job that will be around in the future? Consider the HVAC industry. People will always be living in homes and homes will always need to be heated in the winter and in the Atlanta area, cooled in the summer. Below are some compelling reasons to consider a career in the heating and air conditioning field.

The current demand for HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) specialists has been growing over the past couple of years and is expected to continue to grow for the next several years. This is according to current U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (or BLS stats).

Current industry trends indicate a future growth rate of nearly 28% nationwide – this trend is predicted to continue until 2018, a total period of researching and studying 10-year industry trends beginning in 2008. Studies have revealed that once the results of that research and those studies are complete, there will be nearly 395,000 individuals who make their living in the HVAC industry, and choose to make this their lifelong career.

Ironically, there are those who feel that the HVAC industry is not recession-proof. Whether or not this is true, we can tell you that there are no statistics of current career trends in the HVAC industry that prove this. So, saying that the HVAC industry is recession-proof or not is purely speculative. However, on a more positive note, here is why the demand for top notch HVAC techs is going to be worth looking into:

Going Green – Numerous HVAC companies have put their efforts into green technology. Many technicians are educated in energy-efficient systems because the industry demands that they keep up with HVAC market and technological trends.

Maintenance and repair – Even if you do not need to replace your current HVAC system, it will always need preventative maintenance and repairs. Just like electricity, natural gas, and water, air conditioning and heating is something that no homeowner or business owner wants to do without.

Replacing your system – Even well-maintained heating and cooling systems eventually need replacing, considering the average lifespan of a HVAC system is 10 to 12 years. This is the case whether the economy is good or bad.

Upgrading older systems – Most home and business owners realize that maintaining HVAC systems involves keeping up with energy efficiency and technology. By upgrading or replacing your current system, you will save money on your monthly utility bills.

Here is another great reason to consider a career in the HVAC industry. When you are a certified HVAC tech, you can earn from $40,000 to over $100,000 per year in the metro Atlanta area!

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Posted in About Us, Air Conditioning, Energy Savings, Heat Pumps, Heating, Home Savings, Maintenance Plan/Comfort Club, Tax Credits, Trane | Comments Off

Testimonial: Kathy Murphy From Waleska

Monday, September 26th, 2011

South Air has always been committed to customer service. We try hard to make sure that our customers are always happy, as Kathy Murphy from Waleska knows! Here is what she wrote to us about her experience with our great team:

Shane is always patient, quiet, and thorough. I ask a lot of questions and he goes above and beyond to make sure I get answers. Lisa is always friendly too. I feel like I’ve known her all my life, even though we’ve never met. I think it was Ben who sold me my new system. I’ve seen him on the property since and he always makes a point to stop and ask how it’s working. I expect a lot from any company I hire and I’m willing to go through several to find the right one. I’m pleased to have found the “right one” to handle all my heating and cooling needs and would highly recommend South Air to anyone who asks.

- Kathy Murphy

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How Do I Choose an Appliance? A Question From Northpoint

Friday, September 16th, 2011

There are a lot of responsibilities you’ll face as a Northpoint homeowner, but one of the most important is the selection of good appliances that will keep your energy bills down and improve the value of your home. But, what factors should you consider when choosing a new appliance to ensure you get the very best? Here are some things to keep in mind.

  1. Capacity – First, make sure you know the capacity you need for your new appliance, along with the size available for installation. Choosing the perfect air conditioning system is great, but if it doesn’t fit the space you have available, it might not be a good selection.
  2. Energy Efficiency – Next on the list should be energy efficiency. Be aware that this will directly affect the price. So, if price is a major issue for you, move it up on the list by at least one spot. However, if you want to save money in the long term on electricity and water and you want to do your part for the environment, look for Energy Star labels and the highest efficiency ratings on the market.
  3. Cost – Cost is a big deal for almost all homeowners. Unless you have very specific needs, you should break down your search by budget range. Most of the time, you can contact an appliance salesperson or contractor and give them a budget with which to work. If researching online, use ConsumerReports.org or Amazon.com to review specific models by price range (you may even find a good deal).
  4. Noise Factor – Many people forget just how much noise an appliance makes until they install it and realize they can’t hear a person from three feet away in the laundry room. Noise cancellation costs more, but in some instances, especially for appliances in the living space like a refrigerator, air conditioner or bathroom fixture, it’s a major plus.
  5. Digital Controls – Most new top of the line appliances have digital readouts and LCD displays that allow you to review your options, reduce energy consumption and make quick adjustments. However, digital readouts and expert controls are not always necessary to get an efficient, affordable device, so this becomes a convenience factor.

Review your options carefully before selecting an appliance for your home. Organize the above five factors by importance to you and review the options in that range accordingly. You’ll hopefully find the perfect appliance for your needs.

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The Top 10 Mistakes Homeowners Make with Home Maintenance: A Tip From Townlake

Friday, September 9th, 2011

Maintaining your Townlake home is important, but it must be done properly. Learn these common maintenance mistakes so you can avoid making them yourself.

  1. Forgoing an Annual HVAC Maintenance -Your home’s heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system should be thoroughly inspected each year. This is vital to keeping your house comfortable and energy efficient.
  2. Improper smoke and/or carbon monoxide detector maintenance – Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors should not just be installed properly, but also maintained properly. Test them monthly and replace drained batteries immediately.
  3. Not checking for radon – Radon is a deadly odorless gas that can cause lung cancer. The EPA has extensive materials on the risks of radon and how to mitigate them.
  4. Ignoring manufacturer instructions – Not only instruction manuals are they important for proper installation of important equipment in your home, they also contain maintenance recommendations and schedules. Adhering to these instructions protects your investment in your home.
  5. Not replacing filters regularly – Speaking of regular maintenance, remember that the air filters in your furnace and air conditioning units need to be replaced regularly according to manufacturer recommendations.
  6. Procrastinating on minor leaks – Even the most minor leaks need to be repaired immediately. The water from a tiny leak can damage structural components and create a breeding ground for termites or hazardous mold.
  7. Not keeping gutters clean – Speaking of water damage, clogged gutters can overflow and cause problems in a hurry. Clean gutters and downspouts at the start of spring and regularly as needed.
  8. Insufficient cleaning (filters, ducts, vents, carpets, furnace room) – Keeping filters, vents and ductwork clean extends the life of your ventilation equipment and keeps energy costs down, as does vacuuming regularly and keeping your furnace room free of debris.
  9. Hasty measuring during repairs and renovations – The old saying goes, “measure twice, cut once.” Failing to measure twice when you are making repairs or renovations in your home can lead to a lot of frustration and waste of costly materials.
  10. Skimping on labor costs – Paying cheap rates for poor labor will cost more down the road when you have to hire another contractor to fix the first one’s mistakes.

There are other ways to err in home maintenance, but this list covers some of the more common doozies. In general, as long as you are careful, diligent and not afraid to call in professional help when needed, you will be just fine.

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What is R410A? A Question From Taylorsville

Monday, September 5th, 2011

If you’ve recently started researching a new air conditioner for your Taylorsville home, you may have run across “R410A” – a newer form of refrigerant increasingly being used in high end air conditioning equipment. What is R410A and why is it different from the existing refrigerant most air conditioners have?

Chemical Composition

R-410A is a composite of diflouromethane and pentafluoromethane. This mixture of R-32 and R-125 creates a new compound designed to be used in commercial and residential air conditioning devices. Sometimes referred to as Puron, Genetron and EcoFluor, R-410A is a more environmentally friendly approach to cooling than the existing coolant most air conditioners use – R-22.

To date, R-22 has been the refrigerant of choice for millions of devices. However, because R-22 will no longer be permitted in new devices starting in 2020, R-410A is growing in popularity rapidly and will soon become the standard refrigerant option in new devices.

Environmental Impact

Despite being very similar in chemical composition to other refrigerants like Freon and R-22, R-410A does not contribute to ozone depletion, a major step forward for air conditioning. However, it has as very similar global warming impact – producing nearly 1725% more damage than carbon dioxide. One of the factors that negates this high global warming risk is the fact that R-410A is being used in a more efficient manner than past refrigerants.

Choosing R-410A

You cannot simply replace the R-22 in your cooling system with R-410A. Because it requires higher pressure, the devices that run with R-410A must be built specifically for this refrigerant. As a result, many manufacturers are starting the transition to the new refrigerant now, in anticipation of the 2020 phase out date for R-22. If you are preparing to buy a new unit, keep this in mind. You can still buy R-22 devices, but they are not as environmentally friendly as this newer form of refrigerant.

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Steps to Take When Your HVAC System Breaks Down: Some Tips From Vinings

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

Imagine this – it’s a sweltering summer day in Vinings. The humidity outside is obscene, hitting you like a wall when you open the door. So, the only place you want to be is on the couch with the cool air conditioned air being blown across your face. Sounds pretty good doesn’t it? Now, imagine what happens when that cool conditioned air stops flowing.

A breakdown in your HVAC system is the absolute last thing you want to experience on a day where the mercury dings 90+ but it can happen, and the only way to ensure things don’t get out of hand is to take the following steps.

  1. Check Common Problems –While the system itself could be broken, make sure there are no other issues involved. Frequently, the electricity supply can be interrupted by a power surge or a tripped breaker. In both cases, you can usually get the system back online by yourself. However, you should call an electrician to inspect it as soon as possible.
  2. Does it Turn On – If the air conditioning system turns on and simply doesn’t provide enough cooling for your home, it is likely a problem in the unit. In this case, check other common problems. Clogged filters can severely reduce efficiency and if the system freezes over, it may stop providing enough cooling.
  3. Still Not Working? – If the system refuses to turn on and there are not clear problems that you can fix yourself, it’s time to call a professional. A professional HVAC contractor should be available almost any day of the week for emergency calls like this. Of course, in the middle of a heat wave or cold snap, it’s very likely that they may be booked up for a couple days. To avoid this happening, have routine maintenance done as often as recommended to avoid the possibility of being without cooling or heating indefinitely.

A good HVAC system is the only thing standing between you and discomfort, or worse, danger to your health. Don’t let the system go into such disrepair that you can’t use it at all.

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Window Units vs. Ductless Splits for Air Conditioning: A Guide From Woodstock

Monday, August 29th, 2011

If you cannot afford or do not have duct work to support a central air conditioning system in Woodstock, there are two options – window units or ductless units. But, which is better? It depends largely on your budget, whether you rent or own and if there are any risks inherent in either choice.

Window Units

First let’s look at window units. Window units are the least expensive form of air conditioning on the market and don’t require any work on your home to install. They are good for single rooms and smaller apartments as well, and they can usually be installed by one or two people without professional assistance.

The downside of a window unit is that it cannot cool your entire home, even in an apartment. Also, window units tend to block an entire window and they pose a security risk, especially on the first floor. They are easy to remove from the outside and therefore should only be used in extreme circumstances if the window is easy to access.

Ductless Systems

Ductless systems offer benefits that counter all of the downsides of a window unit. Specifically, they don’t block the windows and are mounted inside on the walls. They are also more efficient than window units, using 30% less energy on average than a comparable window unit. They can be sized to cool your entire home and they still don’t use ductwork so extreme installation methods are not needed.

The major drawback is cost. A ductless system costs much more than a window unit, usually by 5-10 fold. They are more efficient, quieter, and less obtrusive, but they require a professional installation and the units themselves are pricy. Another issue to consider is whether you rent or own your home. Renters may not be permitted to have a system installed like this as it takes up more space and requires some work that could alter the building.

Which Is Better?

So, which should you choose? It depends on the specific needs of your home. If you have two or more zones to cool and can afford to have a ductless system installed, it is a great long term solution. However, if you are a renter, only have one or two rooms to cool or you live on a higher floor of a shared building, a window unit may be sufficient for your needs.

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Do Heat Pumps Work for Air Conditioning? A Question From Adairsville

Monday, August 15th, 2011

It’s possible that in the course of your search for a new air conditioning system in Adairsville, you read or were told about heat pumps. Doesn’t sound right, does it – heat pumps providing cooling for your home? Regardless of the seeming misnomer, heat pumps are actually much older and more reliable cooling technology than you know. And once you understand how these units work, the name makes much more sense.

What Is a Heat Pump?

Technically every refrigerant containing air conditioner is some form of heat pump. A heat pump is a device that removes heat from one area and transfers it to another. So, in the case of your air conditioner, warm air cycles into the condenser, the heat is removed, and the cooled air is circulated back through your home. The actual science behind this is slightly more complicated, but the gist is simple – cold air isn’t produced and then pumped into your home; warm air is removed.

Your refrigerator and freezer operate under the same principle. It works so well that it’s been a standard technology for nearly 100 years, albeit with quite a few upgrades and enhancements. So, if an air conditioner already is a heat pump, why are these devices called something different? Because heat pumps can do so much more.

Heat Producing Heat Pumps

A true heat pump can work in two directions. It can extract heat from your home or it can extract heat from outside and pump it into your home. A true heat pump offers year round climate control because it both heats and cools – not too shabby if you think about the cost of a furnace and central AC system. And with modern green technology, heat pumps can even be connected to geothermal systems that draw their energy from the earth – saving a tremendous amount of money.

So, back to the main question – should you purchase a heat pump for your air conditioning needs? The short answer is “it depends”. For the most part, a heat pump is comparable to the same air conditioning model in terms of energy efficiency and capacity. The major difference is its ability to heat your home. So, if you are interested in ditching the furnace or boiler, it may be a great upgrade. If not, a standard air conditioner can get the job done equally well.

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Testimonial From Northpoint

Friday, August 12th, 2011

Kam Clark from Northpoint was really impressed by our air conditioning repair service. Look at what she had to say:

Unexpectedly this summer, my air conditioning stopped working. Words cannot describe how miserable it was in my house. After getting 3 separate estimates for a new unit, it was discouraging to realize this was going to be a very expensive repair. That was until I remembered my friends at South Air. With one phone call, I was able to arrange service and a payment arrangement.

The men who came out to replace my unit were kind, clean, knowledgeable and completely professional. They even took special care to make sure my puppy didn’t run out of the backdoor while they worked. I am extremely thankful for South Air and the phenomenal job they did.

- Kam Clark

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