Denver HVAC Chick

3 Types of Residential Water Heaters

2011-09-27T17:14:00.000-07:00

Today there are three main types of water heaters used in residential heating and cooling systems; quick-recovery, slow-recovery and heat pump water heaters.

Quick Recovery Heaters:

This class of heater, as the name implies, has the ability to produce hot water at a more rapid rate than the slow-recovery type of heaters. It is frequently employed where repeated heavy requirement for hot water makes it essential to have a sufficient amount of water available on demand.

Thermostats used are of the throttling or snap-action type. Primarily the throttling thermostat is the one in which the amount of gas valve opening is directly proportional to the temperature changes of water in the tank. In the snap-action thermostat, the change from a completely open to a completely closed position of the valve, or vice versa, is accomplished by a snap action produced by a clicker diaphragm motivated by the temperature in the tank.

Slow-Recover Heaters:

The gas-fired slow recovery water heater is designed to keep a supply of how water in the storage tank and by means of a constantly burning gas flame, deliver hot water continuously to this tank.

Thermostats employed can be of the graduating or snap-action type. With the graduating thermostat, the burner operate between a low and high flame. The low position of the flame serving as a pilot light to keep the heater lighted and serving as a source of standby heat.

The slow-recovery automatic water heater is very economical since it can never burn more than a certain amount of gas, depending on the regulation offered by the thermostat. Also, the small amount of heating surface keeps the standby loss at a minimum, making this type of heater very advantageous where economy is the primary concern.

Heat Pump Water Heaters

A heat pump water heater consists of a small electrically operated compressor, the heat pump and domestic water supply controls, and a water storage tank. It uses the heat of the air in the room and energy used to operate its compressor to heat the water in its storage tank. Unlike conventional gas operated or electrical resistance water heaters, the heat pump water heater does not create heat. It transfers heat from one point to another. It is essentially a small heat pump that uses the room air as the heat source and the water in the storage tank as the heat sink. Because it is a heat pump, it can also cool the air and dehumidify it.

These three types of water heaters can be installed by any Denver hvac company. They are very common types of residential water heaters and have their own benefits.

(This article is from James Brumbaugh’s book “HVAC Fundamentals (Volume 3): Air conditioning, Heat Pumps and Distribution Systems”)

Hot Water Heaters

2011-08-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

A water heater is an appliance designed to heat water for such purposes as cooking, washing and bathing. This water is generally referred to as domestic hot water or potable water

The most commonly used water heater is the vertical tank-type stand-alone unit used in residences and small commercial buildings. It is independent of the space heating system and is separately fired water heater. Other water heaters depend on an external heat source such as a boiler. The domestic hot water is heated when it circulates through a heat exchanger inserted in the hot-water or steam heating boiler. These heat exchangers are used only with boilers. In a warm-air heating system, domestic hot water is provided by an independent and separately fired water heater. Most water heaters are installed by a local HVAC company regardless if it is for a residential or commercial water heater.

Types of Water Heaters:

Water heaters can be divided into several groups or classes. The most common classifications are based on the following criteria:

Size and intended usage

Heating method

Heat-controlled method

Fuel type

Flue location and deisng

Recovery rate

Water heaters are classified as either residential or commercial water heaters based on their size and intended use. Residential water heaters are those with input rates up to 75,000 Btu per hour. Water heaters regarded as commercial types have input rates in excess of 75,000 Btu per hour. Temperature is another of the criteria used to distinguish between residential and commercial water heaters. For commercial use, hot-water temperatures of 180 degrees or more are generally a requirement from the unit. The hot water used in residences doe not normally nexceed 180 degrees. For residential use, 140 degrees is generally considered adequiate.

Another method of classifying water heaters is by how the heat is applied. Direct-fire water heaters are those in which the water is heated by the directo combustion of the fuel. In indirect water heaters, the service water obtains its heat from steam or hot water and not directly from the combustion process.

Natural gas or propane, oil, coal, electricity, steam or hot water can be used to heat the water in a water heater. Either steam or hot water can be used as the heat-conveying medium in indirect water heaters. Neither, of course is a fuel. The fuels used to heat the residential water supply are gas, oil and coal. Gas is by the far the most popular fuel. Oil is gaining some popularity but it still falls far short of gas. The use of coal as a fuel for heating water is now only found in rare cases. Although electricity is not a fuel, in strict sense of the word, it is generally used along with the three fosil fuels as an additional category for classification.

Quite often, water heaters are also classified on the basis of flue location and design. This is particularly useful creiterion for classifying the various automatic storage type water heaters.

Water heaters can also be classified on the basis of their recovery rate. Quick-recovery water heaters are capable of producing hot water at a more repaid recovery rate than the slow-recovery types. Quick-recovery heaters are often used in commercial structures where there is a constant demand for hot water.

If you need help with your water heater, count on a trust Denver HVAC company. We have helped hundreds of people with their water heaters. We work on both residential and commercial water heaters; repairs and new installations. Contact us today (303) 997-1774 or visit our website: HVAC Denver

Keeping it Cool with AC Repair Tips

2011-06-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

Article posted by: Denver air conditioning

I found this article on ezinearticles.com and figured it would be good for my readers. It has been awhile since I posted so here is some air conditioning material until my next post! ENJOY

Air conditioning units can be complicated, and if they aren't running properly, can really make you sweat. While most air conditioners require the help of a professional, there are a few ways you can give your unit a quick maintenance fix to keep it running at least during an emergency. Here are some common problems and potential solutions.

A common home AC repair is if your unit is blowing hot air regardless of the temperature settings. There could be many potential reasons for this including a refrigerant leak which would require locating and sealing it, then refilling the tank. A dirty air conditioner is another quick fix problem. Ensure you cut off the power to the climate control unit before cleaning the vents and grills gently. If you have an outside unit, make sure no leaves or other items are blocking potential air flow ports. Follow the model's instruction guide carefully to be sure you don't cause any damage. If a quick clean or refrigerant top up doesn't seem to help, it might be time to call a professional to handle the AC repair.

If your air conditioner is getting too cold, you might have some problems with the cold coil in the system. One reason for this could be too little refrigerant, which can be topped up quite easily. Another possible reason is poor airflow which can prevent the coil from warming and melting away the ice buildup. A quick clean might be able to reverse this problem. Weather can also play a role in a freezing cold air conditioner. Humidity can cause excess water to buildup and then freeze. If you are consistently having problems with too much ice, call a professional to repair your unit.

Is your air conditioner so loud that it keeps you up at night? Would you rather sweat than deal with the racket? A noisy air conditioner can be caused by a number of factors, but one of the most common is an aging model. Air conditioners should be replaced every ten years or so and a loud noise, especially one that is recent and persistent, may be a sign that it's time to give up on AC repair and get a replacement.

High energy bills are another sign that your AC needs repair. You may have an older model that is just becoming less efficient with age, but you may also have a dirty filter or another simple problem. It is difficult to assess the air conditioner if there is nothing outwardly wrong with the unit other than a significant increase in your bills. If general maintenance doesn't seem to help reduce costs, it is time to call professional to save you some cash.

If you do attempt AC repair on your own, ensure you turn off the unit if necessary, follow the instruction guide, and use caution. It's better to be conservative in your repair attempts than to risk hurting yourself or permanently damaging the climate control unit.

If your air conditioner is just blowing hot air, San Antonio AC repair can help you solve the problem. Find more information on ductwork maintenance at http://www.saacrepair.com/ac_system_repair.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aaliyah_Arthur

Air Conditioner Repair Options For Prevalent AC Challenges

2011-03-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

Posted by: Denver ac repairs

If you are seeking for quick fixes to troubleshoot prevalent air conditioner problems, then you definitely came to the correct place. This post will present you with simple air conditioner repair options that you can do on your personal. But of course, it is nonetheless highly advised that you seek aid from certified and qualified technicians, like the HVAC Repair Denver or HVAC Repair Colorado Springs to make sure that your AC emergency will be dealt with accordingly.

In this regard, here are some of the widespread sorts of air conditioning issues that you are likely to encounter as effectively as their respective options.

Foul Smelling Air From The AC

If your air conditioner produces a foul smell or odor every single time you use it, you absolutely would want to know what seems to be causing this. Properly, basically, moisture tends to assemble up inside of the unit on any ac repair. And if you do not clean your unit often, then chances are, stagnant water might have already accumulated inside. This is the best breeding ground for fungi, molds and mildew, which causes the awful smell. The ideal answer for this difficulty is to retain your AC unit clean at all occasions by altering its filter as instructed by the manufacturer. Also, be sure that your air conditioner is draining water correctly so as to keep away from accumulating water from inside the unit.

Humming Air Conditioner That Does Not Blow Air

This is nevertheless an additional common difficulty with air conditioning units. The humming sound commonly originates from a seized motor or compressor. But most of the time, they produce a buzzing or clicking sound rather than a hum but this nonetheless calls for a thorough inspection. If this is the situation, you need to have to replace the faulty component so that the AC unit will start off blowing air once more.

Fan is Running But No Cold Air Comes Out

For this dilemma, you have to verify the thermostat setting of the unit. Also, you have to listen if the compressor is generating unnecessary noises. If it does not, check to see if the AC coils are clean and totally free of all kinds of debris. If you have inspected every single possible cause and every little thing seems to be operating fine, then the dilemma could be the refrigerant. If the motor is running but the unit is not creating cold air, then probabilities are the refrigerant is already critically low. By no means try to carry on repairs on your personal as this may well void the warranty of the unit. That stated, it is superior if you bring it to the consumer service center of the unit's manufacturer. Or, enable a repair service person appointed by the manufacturer to check the unit.

Decreased Cooling Efficiency

If the AC is operating adequately but is unable to efficiently cool the room, the dilemma would either be a dirty filter or an appropriately sized AC unit. Perhaps, you have bought a unit that is too smaller for the room where it is installed in. If this is the case, then the air conditioner won't be capable to cool the complete room as it really should. The option in this sort of challenge is to invest in a unit that is suitable for the size of the space where it will be placed in. Meanwhile, if the challenge is a dirty filter, all you have to do is to clean it or replace it with a new a single as required to bring back the unit to its peak cooling efficiency.

Checking on your HVAC Company

2011-01-25T20:04:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Boulder Heating and Air

HVAC service crew assists establishments and residences by giving options of how to control the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and, sometimes, even refrigeration. It is a highly specialized profession wherein workers of this field are called to aid style, install and even construct units relevant to ventilation, heating and cooling. The nature of this profession focuses on the electrical, mechanical, electronic and manual elements of the devices that are utilized for it. With this sort of advancement, a set of controls can be supplied to the manager or owner of the building for the complete control of the vent method that supplies air, heat and coolness to the whole structure.

Qualifications

Folks who wish to be aspect of this field ought to be capable to tackle the distinctive aspects included in it. College education focusing on the lots of aspects linked with the field includes electrical, electronic, mechanical and standard engineering. The basics in heating, cooling and refrigeration are frequently taught in these fields. There are also secondary courses which take only as small as a year to finish that right away focuses on the primary concerns of HVAC service. Introduction to HVAC can be as early as high school where shop class can be specialized to suit the preferences of the student. There are also quite a few basic subjects in high school that teaches the initial introduction to the course such as physics, mathematics, personal computer application, chemistry and many far more.

These qualifications are vital to acquiring into the HVAC service profession. These are vital because the heating, ventilating and cooling market virtually always requirements troubleshooting that includes complex blueprint reading and graphical reading which can be confusing for initial timers. A lot of skill and capability is required to be prosperous in this job. Being a graduate of a four year college course want not be required to be able to take up the brief term courses that are related to the business. On the other hand, having a four year college course which is related to the business can support to increase one's chances of having a much better footing in the HVAC service ladder. This is not a guarantee, though, that it will help to enhance one's skills and abilities just for the reason that of a larger background in the profession. Innate skill is something that folks have in them and may not be discovered from courses alone.

How to Look For One

Looking for a reputable establishment or person that can deal with the several different heating, air-conditioning and ventilation options can be tough. Numerous of the individuals who are basically knowledgeable in this field have jobs which have them connected to larger firms that send out their teams for jobs. Fresh graduates can be a excellent option for those on a tight budget but there is a risk that they lack knowledge. Skilled men and women who are already in the Boulder HVAC company will answer to their managers. Recommendations from pals and relatives with regards to firms or men and women who have shown that they can deal with the heating, air conditioning and ventilating difficulties, installation and modifications.

Denver Heating and Air, The Boiler Loop

2011-01-10T14:07:00.000-08:00

Steam boilers demand a closed loop to carry high pressure steam close to a making for heat and then back to the boiler. The starting of the loop begins wherever the h2o is heated inside the water jacket. When the thermostat calls for heat, the pump kicks in and pushes superheated water by way of the loop provide line. The loop provide line is linked to the ground heating pipes, coils, or radiators like in previous methods observed in heating in Denver substantial schools built prior to central heat and state cash. As the steam flows via these gadgets, it drops off its heat. Then it flows back again into the impeller which pushes it back again from the circulation pump into the heating ingredient. Most industrial boilers have the circulation pump on the return facet, though some residential systems might have it on the supply side.

When functioning with an HVAC contractor, make confident they set up the pipes for effortless servicing. Isolation valves ought to be closeable so the circulation pump can be replaced without having effecting the loop. Upkeep on boilers is much simpler when air does not violate the integrity of the heat loop. If the loop is not breached, maintenance can be quickly preformed and the air purge drains will quicken startup by eliminating the will need to bleed air from the baseboards or radiators. HVAC technicians will be ready to get program repair perform carried out very much easier if these characteristics are installed. Air trapped in water loops is a main result in of difficulties.

This can be a significant position. A very good HVAC task will let air purge by way of only hooking up a h2o hose and filling the program. Air purge gadgets can also malfunction and allow air in rather of out. All commercial boilers ought to carry this certification and will pass inspection.

Quick HVAC Services in Highlands Ranch

2010-12-16T13:13:00.000-08:00

Posted by Highlands Ranch HVAC Company

Appliances were invented to offer comfort. Either to households or individuals, appliances makes it feasible for persons to reside life much easier. People today nowadays benefit from the utilizes of appliances; from air heating, ventilating to air conditioning methods (HVAC). Folks dependently reside their lives hand in hand with these appliances. Dependency of people to appliances 50 years ago is not at all the exact same as it is now. Presently, folks virtually reside with appliances.

It is unimaginable to see people today with zero appliance whatsoever in their houses. Appliances are not merely wants in today's life. It has already turned to necessities of every day living. I mean who would want to reside in a home without having a refrigerator? Or who would want to live in a location with no heater on throughout the winter? Quite sure, without having appliances, it is additional like living in the middle ages for most men and women nowadays.

The superior factor about appliances is that it helped revolutionize people's way of living. It made items less difficult and additional comfortable. The downside even so is the fact that these appliances, just like something that is in use, undergo put on and tear. The put on and tear with the distinctive brands of appliances differ in its rate but truth remains that it is in want of common maintenance. Services are meant to prevent the breakdown of these appliances. Take the number of HVAC services in Highlands Ranch as an example. Everyday, regardless of the season, it is inevitable that people today will end up needing maintenance to their appliances no matter what brand it is.

Highlands Ranch homeowners fortunately don't come across this circumstance with appliances a issue at all, since appliance service in Highlands Ranch is just a single call away. Thanks to the presence of certified mechanics that caters to the servicing requirements of the GTA. The unfortunate factor in terms of appliance longevity nonetheless is the fact that no matter whether we like it or not, eventually it will give out. Air conditioning systems give out. Heating systems give out. Ventilating systems give out. The point is, the law of use and disuse is constantly applicable with these appliances and in occasions like these; repair is already necessary. It is for these quantity of factors that appliance repair in Highlands Ranch is also in demand as considerably as calls for servicing.

Repair fortunately is also a telephone call away in the Greater Denver Area. Season associated appliance repair like heating repair in Highlands Ranch is often well-known prior to the winter, since people today wouldn't want to act late and freeze in their houses when the temperature hits negative zero degrees.

Present time makes folks adjust with the enable of appliances. These appliances enable individuals live their lives comfortably. But these days, more than just helping with comfort; appliances make men and women reside usually. With out appropriate maintenance and servicing, homeowners would end up having their budgets being busted up and finish up acquiring one thing new. Thanks to the right persons who know how to deal with mechanical repairs; it is fortunate to have them just a call away.

Determining The Quality of your HVAC Company

2010-12-16T13:06:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Littleton HVAC Company

Are you questioning whether or not your HVAC Company is servicing you properly, but perhaps you're not very sure precisely how to ascertain that? By no means worry! I will be more than pleased to assist you with that!

There are lots of issues to consider prior to hiring a Littleton HVAC Company. For starters, you will want to make certain that they are each bonded and insured. This is particularly essential. The cause for this is due to the fact without having this protection, you could be held liable in the event that a single of their service professionals somehow gets injured on your property. Also, a excellent, reputable service company ought to be prepared to give you a absolutely free quote so that you know in advance how considerably they plan on charging you for their work. If they are not willing to do this, I would highly recommend that you take your company elsewhere. Also, it's generally most effective to go with a business that's willing to offer you you at least some sort of warranty.

A different wise factor to do is to check out the company with the Better business Bureau to see what type of record they have. The BBB presents a wonderful internet site that makes this specific activity really quick and quick. Also, rather just randomly selecting a HVAC repair provider from the yellow pages, you must ideally contact at least a few unique corporations and ask them to offer references for you. If they are in a position to generate references from other satisfied consumers, that is generally a really superior sign. Nevertheless, if they're unable to give you any such references, then that is really likely cause for concern. A beneficial HVAC service provider will make certain that your HVAC program is set up in a way that it not only effectively controls the temperature, but also gives exceptional air excellent in your property.

Mainly because a correct HVAC system is so essential to your family's comfort and safety, you will want to be positive to hire a person that is extremely quick to get in touch with. Be certain to ask them what their policy is for emergencies that take spot on holidays, weekends and/or following hours. Since you in no way know when such an emergency might arise, you'll want to make confident that you hire somebody that is obtainable fairly significantly anytime, even on short notice.

Thank you extremely much for taking the time to read this article, and I hope that you've find it to be useful! When searching between the different Littleton HVAC companies out there, remember some are good, some are bad!

Denver HVAC Repair - 24 Hour Heating and Cooling

2010-11-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

Posted by HVAC in Denver

This video was put out by 24 Hour Heating & Cooling about their HVAC services offered in the Denver area. If you have problems with your furnace or heating system it is important to call a professional Denver HVAC company to ensure your repairs get done properly and for your safety as well.

Heating Repairs - Do It Yourself or Not?

2010-11-01T07:33:00.000-07:00

Posted by: HVAC in Denver

Occasionally you can take care of heating repair service tasks on your own, but other times your security is at threat if you do. Understand when you require to employ a specialized and when you can safely tackle some thing as a DIY project.

Heating fix is a form of household improvement that you have to have to be quite cautious with. Some elements of your HVAC method you can simply resolve on your own but other tasks are best left to a specialist. As a good rule of thumb, if you are not confident in your potential to resolve some thing, you need to not do so.

Safe to Do Yourself

Some projects are include tasks the average homeowner can cope with. For instance, altering the furnace filter in your unit takes just a couple of minutes and calls for no unique ability. Basically eliminate the old filter and replace it with a new a single. You can also vacuum or brush the heat exchanger surfaces once per year. Just bear in mind to power off the device just before performing these maintenance chores.

Replacing a thermostat is an activity that you may well be able to handle on your very own, if you are comfy operating with wiring. You may possibly also be ready to gentle the pilot gentle on your device if it goes out. Just before carrying out either of these somewhat straightforward chores, test with the owner's manual for your HVAC system, and follow all directions carefully.

Repairs That Need to have an Expert

Often you are safer if you employ a expert to deal with your Denver furnace repair needs. No matter what the scenario, if you are unsure about the safest way to do something, call in a pro. Nevertheless, specific conditions pretty much often call for the ability of a trained, licensed contractor.

If your furnace stops working, take the time to troubleshoot the scenario before calling in a trained professional. Make sure the thermostat is set appropriately, and verify to see that the pilot mild is lit if the model has one. Examine the batteries in your thermostat as nicely. If the furnace has an electrical switch that turns it on and off, make sure it is on. If you have an oil burner, verify the oil levels. If none of these circumstances are the trigger of the issue, then you need to have a specialist company to search at the device and figure out what is incorrect. Attempting to fix other conditions in your furnace could put your security at danger.

If you need to have to add ductwork or adjust the layout of your ductwork in your furnace program, consider at least consulting with a skilled. Failure to install ductwork appropriately could lead to energy loss by means of leaks in the method.

Eventually, if you have determined that heating repair service is not the answer, but rather you need to have to install a new furnace or HVAC technique, you need to use a licensed specialist. Doing so assures that the job is completed to code and your loved ones is secure. It also guarantees you will not run into troubles when it comes time to sell your property.

Locating the Appropriate Company

When you will need heating fix services, take the time to locate a extremely suggested contractor. Ask other people who have had heating work performed, or look at reviews on third-party websites. These resources will assist you locate a Denver HVAC company with outstanding expertise and a solid reputation

Different Furnace Brands

2010-10-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

I found this article on www.everythinghvac.blogspot.com and I thought it would be good to share with you. They author, Tony Bassett is a 15 year old HVAC technician. The article is about the different brands about Furnaces on the market. ENJOY!

Hello Readers,

My name is Tony Bassett I have been in the Hvac Industry for over 15 yrs. I have done everything from residential installs, services and sales. In my recent studies of all different brands and after working on them I have found Trane and American Standard in my opinion to be the top most reliable brands there are out there on the market today. Some of the other brands are ok, but beware of the ones that preach " way to good to be true" warranties. The expected life span of a furnace is typically 12-15 yrs, and a air conditioning system about 12-18 yrs. So the point that I am trying to get to is a 10yr parts and labor warranty is the most common as far as being the most logical.

The most important part of any type of equipment you choose is the installation. Find an HVAC company that offers extensive training to there installers and service technicians, this key.

When Looking for a heating or air conditioning system only get three bids. Research the top three brands and get bids on those. If you are getting bids on equipment and one is substantially lower in price then the other two it is usually equipment that make a difference. If you are leaning towards the lower price company you may want to do extensive research on the brand and the company before making a decision. Otherwise save your money until you can get the system you can afford or want, you'll be happy you did.

Furnace & Gas Fireplace Safety Tips

2010-10-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

Now that the weather is starting to look more like winter it is time to run a routine inspection of your gas fireplace and furnace to make sure you have your heating appliances working properly. Regular furnace repairs is common as you do not use it year round and whenever dealing with gas you want to make sure it is working properly.

CSA International, a leading provider of product testing and certification services, offers the following safety tips to help prepare your gas fireplace and furnace for the fall and winter seasons:

General gas appliance tips:
• Installation, maintenance and repair of gas appliances should only be done by a qualified professional service person.
• Gas appliances should be inspected before use and checked annually by a qualified professional service person.
• Due to high temperatures, do not store or use combustible materials, like chemicals, paint, rags, clothing, draperies, paper, cleaning products, gasoline or flammable vapours and liquids in the vicinity of your gas appliances.
• Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and lethal gas that can occur any time there is incomplete combustion or poor venting. Any home that contains fuel burning appliances, such as a fireplace or furnace should have a CSA International-certified carbon monoxide alarm installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions in the owner’s manual, or use the care guide for maintenance and use of your gas fireplace or furnace.
• Control compartments, burners and circulating air passageways of the fireplace and furnace should be kept clean.
• If purchasing a new gas heating appliance, be sure to look for a certification mark, such as the CSA Flame certification mark to ensure it has been tested to the applicable standards for safety and performance.

Gas furnace maintenance:
• Keep vents, space heaters and baseboards clear of furniture, rugs and drapes to allow free air movement.
• Have a qualified Denver HVAC company perform a yearly maintenance check of your furnace and venting system.
• Ensure there is free air flow around your furnace and there are no storage items obstructing air flow.
• Clean or replace your furnace filter frequently during the heating season.

Gas fireplace maintenance:
• Children should be carefully supervised, and adults should be alerted to the hazards of high surface temperatures and should stay away to avoid burns or the possibility of clothing catching on fire.
• Do not clean your fireplace if it is operational or still hot.
• Be alert for unusual odours or odd-colored flames, which are often a sign that the fireplace is not operating properly. In such cases, contact your dealer or licensed technician for servicing. Contact the gas company or emergency services if you smell gas when the unit is off.
·• Gas fireplaces with glass doors should not be operated if the glass is cracked or broken.
• Any safety screen or guard removed for servicing a fireplace must be replaced before operating the appliance.
• If the pilot light or flame goes out, wait five minutes or longer (see the manufacturer's instructions) before attempting to relight the fireplace. This allows time to clear the fireplace of gas and is particularly important with direct-vent models.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners, and always refer to manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning glass components of your fireplace.

I always tell families to try their furnace before they need to heat their home to make sure it is running properly. You do not want to wait till it is 32 degrees outside and your house is cold and you need to heat your home to see if your furnace is working. It often takes a few hours for Denver furnace repairs to happen so do not wait till you absolutely need to use your furnace to test it out.

More HVAC Articles: Fixing Thermostat Problems | Heating Your Home w/ Solar Energy

Cleaning Out Refrigerant

2010-09-14T18:40:00.000-07:00

If your air conditioning system suffered major damage, it may be leaking refrigerant, or worse, have foreign particles which can destroy the whole system. Even when replacing refrigerant, it is important to completely evacuate all the old freon. This is because the system is designed to work with only one element inside. Water is a non-condensible gas so when it gets in the system it reduces efficiency until the compressor overheats or some other HVAC part fails.

When installing a new air conditioner or heat pump, the system is always tested for leaks after soldering. The soldering must be tested with pressurized nitrogen. As un-condensible gas gets forced into the condenser by the compressor, it will occupy space used for heat exchange. Even when filling the system or soldering joints, some air comes in. So the system must be evacuated to ensure proper use. You can be sure that any good Denver HVAC contractor will perform this service. It only takes a few hours. Over time a air conditioner with uncompress-able gases in it will fail after operating at high temperatures.

Not only gases, but any moisture will eventually mix with the oil lubricant in the system. As the oil migrates through the system, it becomes and acid sludge. A compressor will not last long in these kinds of conditions. The acid degrades the seals. Instead of just lubricating the interior, it will seep into the electric components of the compressor motor and short it out.

This is one of the most common causes of compressor failing. Unscrupulous HVAC contractors may try and replace the whole system instead of just flushing it, checking for leaks and replacing the compressor. Moisture not only causes electrical components to fail, it also interferes with the operation of the metering device. It can freeze inside the meter and stop it from cooling. As pressure builds up in the system, this is another reason to use refrigerant.

Of course it is not like air conditioners will last forever even with proper maintenance. This is the reasoning behind HVAC warranties. However the big manufacturers want the installer of your Denver air conditioner to be properly trained because proper installation is so important for the total life of the system.

Minimizing Central Air Conditioning Bills

2010-07-21T10:40:00.000-07:00

People can get hit with a double increase in heating and air conditioning bills as energy costs go up and aging HVAC units work less efficiently. A poorly maintained air conditioner can work at half the efficiency of a well maintained and designed unit. Heating bills are also going up, and many cities now charge energy on a graduated system where each increase in usage is billed at a higher rate. There are some things you can do yourself as a homeowner to increase HVAC efficiency, and some energy-saving steps require the help of a Denver air conditioning company.

The theory behind how cooling works is not all that complex, but trying to make your own adjustments can be hard, especially as Denver HVAC equipment gets more digitized. Even experienced HVAC techs often cannot diagnose cooling problems without the help of many specialized tools.

The steps to be followed on any service are pretty standard. First the technician cleans the coils and checks the refrigerant pressure. The standard checks involve looking at all moving parts and lubricating them. Normally the system should not need to be filled up. With correct sealant it should never lose pressure, however refrigerant fill up are still common.

In central air systems, the heater and air conditioner use the same ductwork. This means there must be a damper to separate the heating and cooling system, so making sure the damper is intact is an important part of minimizing air conditioner bills. Missing dampers waste huge amounts of energy as hot or cool air is dumped into the wrong areas. This is one of the most simple fixes your Denver furnace services company can do.

However regular maintenance and service need not take up all your time. Depending on the part of the country you live in, AC units need to be checked anywhere between every one and five years. If you did have a problem with cooling maintenance you may eventually need to replace an air conditioner.

Usually this will not happen, but if your ac unit is more than 10 years old, or has a poor SEER rating, replacing it may save money in the long term. Although there are many things you can do like fixing duct work, if your system is still hemorrhaging energy after sealing everything up a new HVAC system may be your only option.

Fixing Common Thermostat Problems

2010-07-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

Most homeowners have little HVAC knowledge beyond using the thermostat. If your thermostat fails, many people end up calling a Denver HVAC company thinking there is something wrong with their air conditioning equipment when in reality, there is something wrong with the thermostat. When the AC refuses to turn on, it can be hard for someone who is not an HVAC expert to determine if the problem is in the equipment or in the thermostat.

However, before you call a Denver HVAC company, try and follow this troubleshooting guide to see if you can get to the root of the problem. Even more advanced digital and zone-control thermostats really just function as thermometers that switch the HVAC system on and off depending on the temperature. As an electronic switch, the thermostat needs to be hooked up to power in order for it to work and communicate with the heating and air conditioning equipment.

Usually the power for the thermostat comes from the air conditioning unit itself. So any break along this line could cause the thermostat to turn off. You can check the circuit breaker in the air handler or heating split system to see if it has flipped off. Sometimes the handling unit also has a power switch outside the unit that looks like a light switch. Some digital thermostats have two different power sources: battery and wired from the external unit. The batteries power the display, so if the batteries go out, the display stops working but the ac unit does not stop cooling. You can save yourself a lot on calling a Denver air conditioning repair company by simply replacing the batteries. The batteries are there to maintain your programmed thermostat settings in case the power goes out.

If the problem with the thermostat is not the power, it could be the location the thermostat is installed. Except in very advanced models with multiple temperature sensors over the building, most thermostats have the thermometer built in. That means if the thermostat was built into an area that does not represent the air temperature in your home then it will give false readings.

Thermostats with mercury bulbs need to be level to give accurate temperature readings. Heating anticipatory can also get out of whack when not properly calibrated. The anticipatory needs an amp meter in mechanical thermostats to adjust to make sure it properly keeps the blower running past the burner time to get excess hot air out of the ducts.

Air Conditioner Condensing Unit

2010-07-21T08:10:00.000-07:00

The air conditioner condensing unit is one half of the cooling cycle with the evaporator coil. The condensing unit's job is to diffuse and reject heat, while the evaporator coil absorbs heat. All HVAC technicians learn this as the first step in their cooling education. The condenser is located in the big boxy exterior unit at most buildings. Heat pumps also use condensers, but most people North of Denver do not use heat pumps because the efficiency of heat pumps decreases as the temperature drops.

The condenser along with the compressor is the main transferor of heat between the outside air and the air blowing through your house. To do this, the compressor must be sealed inside the cooling cycle, and that is why compressor replacements are so common. It is very hard to try and repair something that is sealed within the system. On the other hand, there are many things you can do to try and maintain the life of your condensing unit. If not properly maintained, the condenser and most other air conditioning parts will go into a downward spiral before they self destruct. As the parts become worn and less efficient, the compressor and blower motor will start working harder to try and keep cooling despite reduced ability. Eventually parts overheat and fail.

One thing you can do to maintain your Denver HVAC system to to check the outside cooling unit before summer starts and it is in heavy use. I recommend calling a Denver air conditioner company to perform the check, but if you feel handy and know how to operate around electricity, then go ahead. The first step before doing any work on a condensing unit is to shut of the breaker supplying electricity to the unit. Spin the fan and see if it turns. Then turn on the power and switch on the thermostat and make sure the fan starts blowing upward a good deal. A common problem with these condenser motors is bearing failure, which will stop the fan from spinning properly.

The main reason you want to check the condenser fan motor before you operate the system is because it is connected to the compressor. A failure at the fan can overload the compressor, and the compressor is a much more expensive part than the condenser motor.

Just like evaporator coils, condenser coils can build up dirt and gunk which will decrease efficiency. Just like everything else in central air, as efficiency goes down, the system tries to work harder to compensate until it fails. The solution is to call an air conditioning services Denver company to clean the condenser coils. You can also do it yourself, but you will need to turn the thermostat and breaker off and pull the plug on the condenser electrical box. You will need to spray the condenser with enough pressure to remove dirt without bending the fins. A little soap can help too. The key to maintaining performance with these units is maximizing airflow. So the condenser should be clean and the exterior unit should have clear airflow.

Filter Role in Maintaining HVAC Performance

2010-07-20T15:51:00.000-07:00

Many homeowners with central heat are unaware that they even need a filter for their HVAC system. The filter cleans the air for two primary reasons: to keep you healthy, and to keep your heating and air conditioning equipment healthy.

For your central air system to work properly, air should easily circulate through the ducts, vents and evaporator coils. All of these parts can become clogged by dirt and other foreign particulate matter. Clogged air works means the compressor and blower have to work harder to push air through the system. They will heat up and eventually work at high energy, sub-optimal cooling modes, then fail. Dust inside the evaporator clings to the moist coils and stops the heat transfer between he air and coil coolant. You can get a recommendation for a good quality HVAC filter from your local Denver air conditioning service company. A poor quality filter will not strain out enough particulate matter to be effective.

These quality air filters also make a big difference on the quality of air you breath in your home. Your filter should stop pollen, dirt, harmful chemicals and allergens from being circulated though your home's Denver HVAC system. Along with the traditional physical filters you can also get electronic air cleaners and electrostatic filters. These offer much more filtering ability and do not need to be regularly replaced.

The electric charge on an electrostatic filter pulls dust to it out of the air. The dust is attracted from a distance, instead of having to get caught up in a tangle of webbing like a traditional filter. A HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter is the Denver heating professional's choice when it comes to air filtration. These filters are certified by the Department of Energy as being very effective at removing small airborne particles.

The first filters were created for work on the atomic bomb to stop the spread of radioactive particles. HEPA filters are well used in hospitals and research labs, these filters will stop most airborne viruses, mold and bacteria. Hospital filters may include a ultraviolet light to kill all organisms in the air. Airlines used to be a prime location for the transmission of disease untill HEPA filters were installed. Now airline cabins have lower dangerous organism rates than the average home. Residential HEPA filters are also available and you HVAC company would be happy to help you install one.

Heating Your Home With Solar Energy

2010-07-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

One of the cheapest, most environmentally friendly, and efficient ways to heat water is to use solar water heating. A new advance in the HVAC community is solar energy for heating homes. Even in the winter, the sun still bathes the earth with an incredible amount of free energy. The main limitation for solar heating is the climate. In cloudy areas like London, solar heating my not be the best choice. However HVAC in Denver is a great place for home solar energy because of the nearly year round appearance of the sun.

Solar heating is divided into active and passive systems. Passive systems use architecture and smart building design to allow the sun to heat a building. This is not the place for Denver heating companies because passive heating does not use any mechanical equipment.

Active heating collects either heat or solar energy in the form of electricity to heat a house. Then pumps or a HVAC system pushes the heat around the house from the stored heat source. A simple device that can heat a whole house is the non-concentrating flat plate collector. These collectors use a simple plate of some sort of heat-conductive material like metal to absorb solar heat which is then pumped through the house. If your furnace is broken, instead of calling your Denver furnace repair company, consider installing a flat panel solar heat collector. These devices are actually cheap and simple. Not only will you be saving the environment through reduced energy use, but the Denver heating devices pay for themselves after several years of service.

A little more advanced design is the concentrating collector, which uses mirrors or some other device to concentrate all the solar energy to heat a smaller absorbing area. The final and most technically advanced design is using photovoltaic cells to convert solar energy into electrical energy. These systems can be integrated into your house's whole power supply, so it will supply you with electricity for uses other than HVAC.

These solar cells are becoming increasingly efficient and user friendly. A common design has the cells hooked up to batteries to continue to provide power even when the sun is not out. Solar cells create DC current which must be converted to AC to run appliances in the western hemisphere. Any heating device worth the price should be able to continue providing heat at night and on overcast days. Otherwise, you can just use your solar heating device as a supplement, to reduce your energy bills on sunny days.

Controlling Indoor Air Pollution with HVAC Equipment

2010-07-19T13:09:00.000-07:00

Pollution within structures is often many times worse than outside because pollutants do not have the whole atmosphere to be diluted in. Especially in manufacturing and heavy industry applications, proper ventilation is necessary to have workers on site. Workers are very vulnerable to indoor pollutants because they will receive continued exposure to them for the duration of their time on the job.

The first step in maintaining proper ventilation in a work environment is to identify all possible pollutant vectors, as well as all the inlet and outlet air ports in a building. Buildings are usually not near air-tight, so harmful fumes can enter or exit from many unusual of locations. Consult with a Denver HVAC company to identify all the natural and man-made ventilation points in your building. Natural points are windows, doors and leaky walls, while man made ventilation points are things like ventilation ducts and blow-off valves.

Not maintaining proper HVAC ventilation puts your company at risk for workplace injury and lawsuits. The first thing a possibly injured worker will do to determine if they are getting sick from improper building ventilation is to leave and see if the symptoms subside. There are a wide range of symptoms and possible indoor pollutants, so it is best to get and idea of what they are and how to address those pollutants from your Denver heating company instead of the local lawyer. Without a vigilant HVAC company or workforce to report problems, many dangerous gases are not noticed until a Denver furnace repair services technician notices something strange. Unfortunately, there are too many stories to count of Denver HVAC techs working in refineries with dangerously inadequate ventilation.

Not controlling these fumes can lead to "sick building syndrome" where workers feel lethargic and sick when at work. In public institutions like hospitals and schools, these symptoms must be taken very seriously because children's immune systems may have less natural ability to fight off toxins. A HVAC system with the central air hooked up to filters and scrubbers will take care of most harmful substances on non-industrial applications.

The major culprits to get people sick inside buildings are: tobacco smoke, burnt combustibles like exhaust smoke, biological pollutants like mold or viruses, volatile organics like solvents and jet fuel, and heavy metals like lead or any other smelter fumes.

How TXV thermostats work

2010-07-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

If you are smart and want to save money, you have a programmable thermostat; a thermostat that monitors air temperature and controls heating and cooling digitally. Most Americans however, have an old fashioned thermostat with a wire thermostatic expansion valve. If your thermostat is round or square and says "Honeywell" you are in the same boat with most Americans with their wire thermostatic heating controls.

These thermostats work by monitoring the size of a coiled length of wire. As the temperature increases, the wire expands, and as it decreases, it contracts. Although not the most accurate, these thermostats have been a staple of Denver HVAC for over 50 years. Inside the actual cooling apparatus, there is another kind of thermostat that regulates the equipment. This is a thermostatic expansion valve, or TXV.

Instead of measuring the ambient air temperature, the expansion valve controls the refrigerant as it flows into, and boils out of the evaporator. This split separates the high and low pressure sides of the system. Although still mechanical, the TXV is a little more complex than the Honeywell on the wall, because it must balance three different forces: the bulb pressure trying to open the valve, the spring pressure which tries to keep it closed, and the evaporator pressure, which also forces the valve closed.

All certified Denver air conditioning services technicians learn these forces early on in their HVAC training. With the advent of central air conditioning and heat pumps, many thermostats ore more complex. However the simple thermostatic expansion valve will close if evaporator pressure increases and bulb pressure is stable, and will open if the bulb pressure increases.

Superheat is a Denver air conditioning term that refers to gaseous refrigerant that is still maintaining excess heat. This increases pressure on the bulb, which opens the valve to allow more refrigerant into the evaporator. A problem with your TXV will send your air conditioning out of line because the pressure differential essential to the cooling cycle cannot be maintained if the valve is stuck open or closed. A Denver HVAC technician can identify problems like this relatively quickly. The thermostats come from the factory already calibrated, but the settings may not match your local air conditioner use profile very well.

EPA Standards for HVAC Equipment

2010-06-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

The majority of the US is in a temperate climate. This means that although the temperature does not reach extremes found in tropical and arctic latitudes, there are major seasonal weather variations. Most Americans choose to use a central air or HVAC system to control interior temperature. For large HVAC jobs like schools and warehouses, the cost of ventilation means that careful planning must go into designing the systems. Average temperatures, energy savings, humidity, local and national codes and indoor air quality are just some of the factors that most be considered on public works projects.

The first step for a large building is using central air handling units, instead of individual ventilators in each room. In some instances like a isolated field house, a unit air conditioner may be a better choice because they take up less floor or roof space. Individual units are harder to maintain in a group and cause other ventilation and moisture problems when combined with a central unit. Central heating is especially popular with teachers because it is quieter and therefore they do not mind using it in the classroom. Denver air conditioning companies installed central heat in Denver high schools over 30 years ago and the system has been a success. Central heat is less prone to drafts because of multiple sources of air. A professional HVAC company can maintain a central unit and tweak the global settings to control humidity.

The consolidated design of central units allow them to be serviced without disturbing the work in a building- and they generally take up less interior space. To meet EPA certification for government buildings, HVAC systems must meet certain requirements. Coils must have sloped non corrosive drain pans to prevent water from stagnating or rusting the system interior. They should be in a wall cabinet with easy access that also reduces sound. This means double wall replacement doors with tight seals. EPA filters are always at least two inches thick. A well designed filter bank will take these high performance filters over a large area for max lifetime. Air filter monitors notify Denver HVAC techs when to replace the filters, as well as any major problems in the system.

To maintain indoor air quality, the easiest solution is to increase air flow from outside. This must be balanced with cost, because to increase air flow, your HVAC system must run longer. The minimum government standard devised by www.ashrae.org is 15 cubic feet/min of airflow per person in schools. Many systems just meet this standard for minimum cost. Energy recovery equipment can minimize the cost from increased ventilation airflow. Energy recovery is popular in Air conditioning in Denver and the east because the technology in this option saves money on large scale HVAC systems.

HVAC FAQ

2010-05-25T14:58:00.000-07:00

Air conditioners are measured in "tons." A 1-ton HVAC system is the equivalent of 12,000 BTU/H. Depending on the spatial layout of your home and the insulation quality of the house, you can expect every ton to cool between 300 and 800 square feet of space. Although tonnage estimates are good for initial pricing and product research, the only way to know for sure if the system is a good size is to have the home professionally evaluated by a Denver HVAC technician.

"Does an Air Conditioner's "SEER" Value Matter?

SEER stands for "Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating." Although some air conditioners have simple EER values, seasonal values are more accurate because they measure how efficiently a cooling system will operate over an entire season according to Energy Star, a service of the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy. SEER values are important because a more efficient air conditioner will waste less energy over time, leading to decreased electricity bills. When comparing central air conditioning units, look for a SEER rating of at least 15.

Is Central Heating better than installing a heat pump?

In terms of efficiency, water transfers energy at a much higher rate than air although radiant heat has been found to be more comfortable for the human body than warm air heating from a heat pump. A weak heat pump will generally only heat one room, using fan forced air, where as a central heating system can heat the whole house with a radiator system.

Why Have Your Air Ducts Professionally Cleaned?

Contaminants in your Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) system can aggravate asthma and allergies. Duct Cleaning can help eliminate bacteria and fungus to improve the air quality in your home. Cleaning your air ducts can protect everyone in your home from breathing contaminated air. Cleaning your air duct system can help maintain a cleaner home, requiring less dusting. Cleaning your air duct system helps your HVAC system run more efficiently, resulting in less run time and lower heating and cooling bills. Cleaning your air duct system can also extend equipment life. You should consider having your ducts cleaned if there is substantial visible mold growth or any other physical contaminants inside sheet metal ductwork or on other components of your heating and cooling system.

What should I do if my Pilot Light goes out?

Pilot lights do go out occasionally. Some people even shut them off in the summer. Every homeowner should know how to light his or her pilot so you do not have to call a Denver HVAC technician. It isn't too difficult and there are usually instructions printed on the equipment itself. Many of today's systems don't have a pilot light, they use spark or electronic ignition. Always follow the instructions on the appliance before anything else. Turn off furnace, boiler, or water heater at thermostat or power switch. Locate the gas valve and turn knob to "pilot" position. Hold down the red button, which sends gas to the pilot burner.At the same time hold match to pilot burner. Continue holding button for 60 seconds. Now let go of button, pilot should stay lit. If not, you need to call for service. Turn gas valve knob back to the "on" position.Turn on appliance, turn up thermostat, main gas should light. Remember to put back metal cover if your system had one. If your pilot light goes out more than once a season there could be a problem.
How often should I change my air filters?
For best performance of your system your air filters should be changed every three months although this depends on the conditions in your home. If you have to dust your furniture once a week then you should stick to the quarterly filter changes. You can tell when to change an air filter by inspecting the back side of the filter, any dirt or discoloration on the back side indicates the filter is fully loaded and is releasing dirt into the air stream.
Will a programmable thermostat really save me money?
Generally, as with anything, this depends on how it is used. The more you set the thermostat to adjust the temperature above or below your standard setting, especially when you expect to be out, the more you save. Adjusting the temperature just a couple of degrees while your sleeping will save you money alone but if your home is unoccupied during the day then the savings can be substantial. You can expect a basic programmable thermostat to pay for itself within the first year under the best circumstances and easily within two to three years in circumstances where the adjustments are minimal.

HVAC tech Motivation

2010-05-13T13:03:00.000-07:00

In Colorado, HVAC engineers are members of a unique, specially recognized group. They belong to an international society for all individuals interested in precision climate control. They also conduct social work during the weekend to better the surrounding community. The society specializes in furnace repair in Denver for underprivileged and lower income families. It allows exchange of knowledge and experiences for the benefit journeyman appliance workers in Denver heating repair. They provide many opportunities to participate in the development of Denver air conditioning via, for example, the installation of air conditioning products in single Denver Heating and Air conditioning prides itself on paying union wages.

In lieu of profits some companies promote from within and offer free healthcare benefits with participating providers. In certain states, these courtesies are not extended to the common shop worker in air conditioning and heating profession. However, each employee that is hired for Denver furnace repair undergoes a strict 3-year background check. Local Building Permits are closely followed by Denver Heating contractors in public properties. Members are doused with the flame, which is a corporate tradition in which newly initiated employees are roasted from head to to with a localized propane torch to induce adherence to corporate guidelines. Some HVAC companies are looking at new ways to motivate their workers also offer a critically acclaimed employee assistance program for weigh loss to qualifying Denver Air Conditioning associates who have been with the company for 6 months or more.

One way techs get educated is through case examples and parables of employee behavior. One common education tactic is to take the employee through the refrigeration control system troubleshooting checklist. This is useful more for education, as modern refrigeration boards consist of solid state transistors. In such a case contact your Denver HVAC supplier to get a computer tech on the job. For older systems, this step by step ac checklist is a good confidence builder for air conditioning virgins. No matter how complicated a schematic is, control systems can only have a few outcomes from a given set of parameters. They can control: compressor or condenser fans, evaporator fans, line solenoids, or maintain a desired temperature. Whatever the component is, a great motivating tactic is to trace back the circuit to the switch that controls it. Once the tech sees where everything goes, his HVAC karma will be at one. If a solenoid drops to a set point the evaporator fan will run continuously. This simple solution should be evident once you have a trained HVAC technician.

Building Commissioning and HVAC Certification

2010-05-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

Building commissioning is the process of ensuring all building HVAC systems work properly through one year of verification and documentation. Any large commercial HVAC system will need proper commissioning to ensure all systems are safe, working properly, and will pass Denver HVAC certification standards. Systems must work interactively with the owners according to the original design and intent to get this certification. Different jobs may have different levels of commissioning. Originally, the commissioning process was just making sure the building matched the original engineering specifications. Today, especially in socially conscious areas like Denver HVAC systems are often trying to achieve green building standards. Proper design and implementation can now save money as builders are trying to obtain tax breaks and increased sales through Green recognition. Not only in areas of efficiency, building commissioning is now holding contractors to a higher standard in electrical, health and safety systems, as well as overall building structural integrity. Commissioning is now involved in every aspect of the construction process, from design to training the operators of building systems. For green cities like Denver heating repair is not all that hard to accomplish and maintain standards. Those without HVAC contractors aware of green standards will have a harder time trying to commission a green building.

This is called total building commissioning. Obviously this adds cost to the project, but it also adds value to the property and may save money over time. The owner of a project will assign various responsibilities to the commissioning team based on trust and the difficulty of the project. The team may work with the HVAC contractor or with the owner.

A specialized commissioning engineer will work with your HVAC contractor in Denver from the beginning. A schedule of equipment testing will be worked out to determine when which piece of equipment will meet certain Denver heating and air conditioning standards. The commissioning team should review all documents to look for inconsistencies or flaws that could effect construction. Different commissioning plateaus will be assigned based on product arrival documents, proper function and testing. A large commercial HVAC job may even require factory testing before and at instillation. Training of operators should also be documented to insure they can operate all the functions of the building. Proper testing validates overall building design by testing functionality in various scenarios. Operating procedures for the use of equipment is a step in the commissioning process that helps ease the transition from construction to a fully functional site. The commissioning process is helpful from the heating contractor in that everything is documented. Any problems that arise later should be easier to identify, and liability will no longer be on the contractor.

Replacing a Thermostat: Wiring Colors

2010-05-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

Replacing thermostat by yourself without a Denver HVAC technician can be pretty harrowing if you do not hook up the wiring correctly. Inside of the thermostat there are several terminals which must hook up with the right wires. The R-terminal is the thermostat's power. R means Red, the Colorado heating repairman should have red wires going to this terminal. This power comes from the transformer. The transformer is usually in the condensing unit or the air handler in a split system. Because they are supplying power, it is a good idea to kill the power to both the condenser and the air handler before working on the thermostat.

The RC terminal is the power for cooling. Some large HVAC systems have two transformers, one for cooling and one for heat. In such a case, the power from the ac system goes to the thermostat terminal. A jumper can be installed between RC and RH for a single transformer heating and cooling system. The RC terminal is also red.

The RH terminal is the heating power-in. This is also red and can be jumped to the RC.

The Y terminal is yellow and goes to the compressor relay. Some Denver HVAC specialists use a terminal board strip on the air handler control board which makes splices not needed. Y2 is usually light blue and is the code for a second stage cooler. If you do have two compressors, both should work off the same thermostat. Most Denver heating and air companies do not need the cooling of a two stage company.

W is the heating terminal. W is for white terminal. This should go directly to your heating source, whether it be a furnace or boiler. W2 is for second stage heat and is usually brown. This is for gas furnaces with low and high settings. Heat pumps use W2 for auxiliary heat.

G is for green and goes to the indoor blower fan relay.

C is for Common, and does not have a specific color although black is seen frequently. For digital thermostats that consume power, the common wire is necessary to complete the 24 volt circuit.

Orange "O" and "B" Blue are for heat pumps. Rheem and Ruud heat pumps use the B terminal for the cooling reversing valve. Other HVAC manufacturers use the O terminal. Trane, Lennox, Goodman, Ducane, Heil, Carrier, Fedders, Amana, and Janitrol are normally hooked up to the O terminal by HVAC contractors in Denver.

E is for emergency heating. This has no standard color but should be wired to the heating relay or E terminal strip board.

S1 and S2 are for outdoor air sensors. This has no standard color, but should use a shielded wire to reduce interference and the possibility of water damage from outside.

Warning: These colors are the defaults. The person wiring the thermostat could have used unconventional color coding.

Identifying Shoddy HVAC Ductwork

2010-05-05T09:39:00.000-07:00

The Uniform Mechanical Code states that all duct work should be rugged enough to stay together and not leak. Support is a big part of durability, because ducts are not made to be structurally sound by themselves and will cause damage and leaks without proper support. Make sure you have the proper permits when you hire a Denver HVAC contractor to replace or repair your heating and air conditioning system.

A proper permit will protect you when your inspector finds shoddy ductwork. Often ductwork is overlooked by Denver air conditioning and heating installers, so more than likely, there will be some sort of problem. Specialty HVAC companies in Denver test commercial ductwork. They work with engineers to balance the design with the original HVAC parameters. For commercial HVAC jobs, the contractor will usually not receive full payment until the system passes these test. A good Colorado heating and AC contractor will not be hesitant about inspections and permits. If it is a good job, the inspector will validate your HVAC contractor's work.

If your inspector does not do a thorough job, consider hiring an independent HVAC contractor to inspect the work. In areas susceptible to flooding, the mechanical code asserts that the ducts be sealed from water. This ductwork is usually made of hard sheet metal sealed at all joints. Wet insulation will fall apart and expose ducts to moisture. In Denver HVAC systems that are wet can corrode and cause damage from mold an mildew. These problems can be harmful to your health so inspect your system and make sure there is a vapor barrier.

Do not make me reiterate: Duct tape is not for ducts. Duct tape is the number one sign of shoddy heating and air conditioning work. Duct tape specifically made for central air designs works O.K., but in reality, duct tape was not made for ducts and does not hold a seal for long enough. It was originally used in World War 2 to seal ammo containers. The name was changed to duct tape after the war to find a use for this handy tape. New HVAC certified duct tape should have an aluminum backing.

Is it really HVAC?

2010-04-28T21:53:00.000-07:00

HVAC stands for Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning. Any system that works to improve interior comfort can be considered HVAC. But if you want your Denver heating and air conditioning to work, it is best to consult a Colorado certified HVAC specialist. You can dramatically effect your energy bills by making sure your HVAC is up to par. Denver HVAC companies really make their money on big boxes, and medium and large office buildings where proper heating and air conditioning result in big savings on overhead.

The three functions of a Denver HVAC: heating, cooling and ventilation, became needs in the industrial revolution when people were crowded into factories and office buildings. Originally, these comforts were provided by a hodgepodge of fans, boilers and fireplaces. A proper Colorado HVAC provides comfort as well as clean air. Most Denver heating and cooling systems do not run under the strains of a full blown office space system, but a certified HVAC professional can still provide savings. For larger buildings, architects and engineers specifically design the heating and air conditioning systems to match the building and the HVAC to our Colorado weather. For it to be considered HVAC, it must be a truly unified system.

Heating is essential in Denver winters. Central heating consists of some sort of heating element like a boiler or furnace, a transport system to pull the heat into the room, and a thermostat to monitor temperature.

Unfortunately, air quality is going down, so in Denver ventilation systems are a must. Some construction or industrial sites need special ventilation to keep harmful fumes from workers. But even the average office worker wants clean air to be able to work properly.

Cooling is done by air conditioning except in very dry climates. Some homes in Denver use evaporative coolers, which cool through the natural power of water evaporation, and add moisture to the air.

Central air and heat pumps need a proper cooling charge. A certified Denver HVAC specialist should check your system for the proper charge. An incorrect amount of coolant will put a strain on your air conditioning or heat pump. Air flow out of the cooling system should also be optimized so it can go smoothly from your refrigerating element to the house.

Energy Star Qaulified HVAC

2010-04-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

Heating and cooling account for more than half of the energy use in the average Denver home. You need heat to keep from freezing in Denver, and the piercing summer sun takes up money in cooling a Denver home. HVAC - Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning is just what it says: the way you keep your home warm or cool. In a green state like Colorado, everyone is trying to do their part to reduce energy use... and save money. In Denver heating is a matter of survival, while few can give up air conditioning now. One way to keep Denver air conditioning costs down is to make sure your Denver HVAC system meets federal Energy Star guidelines.

These tips will not only lower your heating bills and emissions, they will also make your HVAC system work more effectively - and keep you comfortable all year.

The easiest, and often overlooked step is to replace your Denver HVAC air filters. Check your air filter every month, because especially in times of heavy use, Denver heating and air conditioning needs to work at optimal condition. Change your filter at least every 3 months. A dirty filter wastes energy because the HVAC needs more power to move the same amount of air through the clogged filter. Clean filters prevent dust and malfunctions to your heating system caused by dust. A dirty HVAC system can fail, and you do not want your heating in Colorado to fail during January.

Tune up your system. If you have a Denver HVAC contractor that you trust, calling them for a little tune-up is preventative maintenance. Your Colorado heating and air conditioning specialist should also install a programmable thermostat. These smart thermostats save you money and time over the year by shutting off when you are not home. If you are away from home at regular times, a programmed thermostat can save hundreds a year. Having the perfect Denver heating source means nothing if your HVAC ducts are not properly sealed. The ducts transfer all that precious warm or cold air to your room. Improperly sealed and insulated ducts can cost your upwards of a 20% increase in energy bills. Any Denver HVAC company worth its salt will seal your ducts and inspect them for free. Focus on sealing ducts that run through un-insulated areas like the attic, garage or crawlspace. Duct sealant and metal foil tape actually works much better than duct tape. If you want your Denver heating and air conditioning system to leak like a siv, use duct tape.

Your actual equipment should be Energy Star qualified. An old HVAC system in Colorado is probably costing you money. A professional Denver HVAC contractor can evaluate your system and see if upgrading part of it will be cost effective. Replacing old equipment with Energy Star certified HVAC hardware can save around $200 a year. Some of the main problems old or improperly designed Denver HVAC systems have are Low airflow, Improper charge, and Duct leakage.

Properly sized equipment will keep your system running efficiently. Too large a system will result in frequent on-off cycling. In Denver heating and air conditioning should not be on simultaneously! Incorrect sizing will also stress that expensive equipment your HVAC contractor installed.

Is Do-It-Yourself HVAC a Good Idea Or Bad Idea?

2010-03-22T09:55:00.000-07:00

Posted by: Denver HVAC

Is do-it-yourself HVAC a good idea? It is very important to understand that DIY HVAC is in some cases a great idea, but in most cases, these projects can be daunting and are not for everyone. Let's look at what is involved in a few of these projects and then decide if you are up to the task.

Air Conditioner or Heat Pump unit replacement: This usually involves removing the existing outdoor condenser or heat pump and replacing it with a new unit. That sounds easy, right? Well, it is, if you know what you are doing and have the proper tools to do it. To remove the existing unit, you, by law, must evacuate the existing refrigerant from the system. This requires two things that most of us do not have, an evacuation pump that removes and stores the refrigerant and a CFC Refrigerant Certification. Ouch!! Now what do you do?

Because of these restrictions and rightfully so, as the handling of refrigerant chemicals can be dangerous because of extreme temperatures and high pressures that can harm humans if subjected to either, and the ever present concern of releasing the CFC related chemicals into our atmosphere that are illegal to expel, it would appear that you are not going to be able to do this project yourself. But all is not lost.

What you can do, is purchase your equipment from a reputable company that specializes in making HVAC equipment available to homeowners. This will be the most important step you will take. In many cases the money that you will save will be so dramatic that you will wonder why you have not done this before.

Next, you can prepare the site location for your new equipment. This may include grading an area outside of your home and installing a new pad, either prefab or poured concrete. You can also run and secure new refrigerant lines set between the outdoor unit and the indoor coil. Because you are not directly handling refrigerants, you are allowed and most likely capable of doing this portion of the job. Depending on building and electrical codes in your area, you may be able to run electrical connections and have those ready for professional connection or possibly make these connections yourself. You can purchase and install a new thermostat if needed as well. As you can see, there is plenty that you can do yourself that will save you money in the end.

When the time is right, hiring a local professional to complete the project is the best option and may be the only option. But remember that the money you have saved by purchasing your own equipment and the pre-work that you have done yourself will pay big dividends.

Here is an example of potential money saved by DIY:

Professional installation of a 3 ton Air conditioner, Line set and Thermostat.

Equipment - $2,100

Installation Supplies- $ 400

Thermostat - $ 100

Labor - $ 800

Total $3,400.

DIY Project

Equipment - $1,200

Install Supply - $ 300

Thermostat - $ 60

Labor - $ 400

Total $1,960.

Disclaimer: DIY is not for everyone and this article is not recommending that this practice is for everyone. If you are the type person that does not enjoy or get personal satisfaction from doing this type of project yourself, don't do it. If you do not have access to the proper tools or do not have the skills to do this level of work, don't do it. If you do not have the time to invest to make sure and do all the required steps correctly, don't do it. If your situation is that of an emergency, requiring immediate action in order to regain cooling or heating conditions for health purposes, don't do it. If your area has codes that do not allow for this type of project to be completed by yourself and requires license, don't do it. But, if you like the challenge, are mechanically inclined or handy, get personal satisfaction from doing a job yourself and like to take control of your hard earned money, you just might be a prime candidate for DO-IT-YOURSELF.

Jay Boyd owns his own heating and air conditioning store Home Air Direct where he helps the do-it-yourselfer save money. His blog site Ask Boyd contains numerous tips and stories involving the HVAC industry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Boyd