Air Balancing: Tips

Air balancing will improve air circulation, increase energy efficiency and enhance the overall performance of your air conditioning and heating system. For a homeowner, it means delivering the right amount of air (hot or cold) to each room making your home more comfortable.

Air balancing for a HVAC technician is the process of testing and adjusting your system using their skill and tools of the trade. They look at your intake and output and adjust accordingly.

What is Air Balancing?

Air balancing is the process that involves modifying your existing HVAC system to make sure that air is evenly distributed throughout the home. All zones will have the correct amount of heat transfer. You want all components of your HVAC system working in harmony.

DIY Tips

Close/Open Your Register: Simple yet effective. You have the ability to move the damper blade. It will restrict air flow in the room. But, don’t completely close the vents, it could cause other issues to your HVAC system.

During warm weather temperatures, open registers on your upper floor and partially close registers on first floor and / or your basement. During cold temperatures, reverse the process.

  1. Set your thermostat to 76-78 degrees. (ideal range to start testing)
  2. Leave the temperature alone for at least 24 hours.
  3. In areas that are too cool, adjust the vents to allow for less air flow.
  4. Adjust in small increments to feel what works for your comfort.
  5. Re-check your adjustments (24 hours later) to feel if you reached the desired temperature.
  6. Continue until you reach your ideal temperature.

Two Degree Offset: If you’re in a two-story home and have two thermostats, set the temperatures to have a 2 degree off-set. For example, upstairs could be set at 74 degrees and downstairs at 72. This will help with uneven temperatures.

Check Your Filters: We say this all the time, but it really is important! There are numerous reasons to keep your filters clean…

  • Improves your air quality – cleaning the debris that builds up on your filters will aid with the flow of air.
  • Increases the efficiency of your furnace – reduced air flow through your heating and cooling system can cause your heat exchange to overheat and shut off too quickly. Keep the filter clean and it will aid in the efficiency of your furnace.
  • Extend the life of your HVAC system – would you believe the most common reason a HVAC breaks down is due to a dirty filter? A dirty filter makes your system work harder causing it to overheat.

Cover-up those Windows: Your windows will impact the comfort level in each room. Windows without drapes, blinds, shades, etc. can heat up a room faster before a thermostat has the time to turn on and add relief.

Window coverings can make a difference in the overall appeal and comfort level. They also can help improve energy efficiency. In cooling seasons, about 76% of sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters to become heat.

Check for Drafts: You want to make sure your windows and doors are sealed properly as these often cause cold spots in your home.

Adjust Ceiling Fan Direction: Changing the directional settings of a fan can have a profound effect on air circulation. Your ceiling fans should go counterclockwise during warming months to create cool downward airflow. However, it should go at a low speed in a clockwise motion during the cooler months so it can help evenly distribute warm air.

Thermostat Fan Setting “ON”: Your fan setting can have an impact on your indoor air quality and comfort level. Most systems have two fan settings: On and Auto.

By utilizing the “ON” setting, the fan will blow continuously, which will filter and always be replacing your indoor air. This, in turn, will keep the air steady. In using the auto position, your air can become more stagnant.

Both come with pros and cons. When flipping to the On setting, you may see an increase in your utility bill. 

When in Doubt…

If you’ve gone through the tips above and want to have a more thorough check of your HVAC system, or if you’re in doubt about what to do, the best thing to do is call a professional from Air Handlers.

Hearing Odd Sounds?

Loud vents? Air conditioner unit making a loud humming noise? Some noises are normal, such as a quiet hum or the sounds of air whooshing through the vents, but sometimes HVAC systems make strange noises and can become disruptive annoyances in the home. This doesn’t have to be the case. Check out these common causes of noises in an HVAC system and what you can do about them:

COMMON HVAC NOISES

Humming

An HVAC system that is running normally will make a soft humming noise. But if it’s more similar to clanking, that’s a sign that something is wrong. While normal humming could be from loose parts, such as the blower motor fan, loose blades, or loose pipes that are rubbing together, louder humming noises could be the result of loose wiring, circuit breaker overload, or failed condenser fan motor.

Clanking-like humming noises are a bit more serious because loose parts, if not addressed, can cause costly damage to your system. Your best bet is to turn the system off and call your technician.

Rattling

Hearing a rattling noise coming from your HVAC system could mean a few things. If it originates from the outdoor unit, chances are you have some kind of debris in the system, such as a twig. (While the grate will protect your system from most large debris, it’s still possible for small things to get through.)

Turn your system off and cut the power to the unit, then remove the debris. If you see visible damage to the condenser coils, compressor, or fan, call your HVAC technician. If the rattling seems to be internal, from a furnace or other internal component, turn the system off and call your HVAC technician since removing the obstacle isn’t as simple.

Hissing

Hearing a hissing noise most likely means air is escaping from your system. If the noise is coming from the walls, there’s a good chance your ducts are leaking. Not only can this cause noise, but it also wastes money because the air that should be circulating throughout your home is leaking into the walls.

Duct repair isn’t really a repair that homeowners can do on their own, so if your system is making a loud hissing noise,  call a technician. However, if the hissing is light, it could originate from your air vents. Typically when you hear this noise it is because your filter is not “set” right or you have the wrong size filter which is creating the gap in the seal. If this is the case, the air is squeezing past the filter or around it, instead of being pulled through it. This is a simple fix that starts with ensuring the filter is the right size and is placed correctly, leaving no room for gaps.

ADDITIONAL HVAC NOISES YOU COULD BE HEARING

Loud Whistles or Screaming

Hearing a whistling or screaming noise from your HVAC unit likely means that you have either a refrigerant leak or an excessive amount of internal pressure building up. Both of these causes are dangerous, so you should call an HVAC contractor as soon as possible.

Clicking

When you are turning your unit on and off, you are going to hear clicking noises. However, if you are hearing loud clicking coming from inside the cabinet of your HVAC you should be concerned. Most of the time this means that your capacitor is on its last leg. A poorly functioning or failing capacitor can be detrimental to your entire HVAC system. You should turn off your unit and call an HVAC professional to help you in this situation.

HVAC SYSTEM NATURAL NOISES

Keep in mind that your HVAC system is exactly that – a system. As it works, it will make noise. Hearing the motor running or humming, as wells as the fans blowing or air moving through the vents, is totally normal. However, unnatural sounds like rattling, hissing, or clanking, or the sounds becoming loud enough to be disruptive, can be signs of problems.

As with anything else, regular maintenance tune-ups, changing air filters, and other general repairs are the best way to avoid this, as well as knowing what sounds are normal and which ones are cause for concern.

TIPS FOR PROLONGING THE LIFE OF YOUR HVAC SYSTEM

HVAC systems can be a costly investment, one most homeowners should only have to make a few times in their life. The average system lasts about 15 to 20 years, and there are several things homeowners can do to maximize the life of their system and get the most out of their investment.

  • Pre-season cleaning and check-ups. It’s important to get your system cleaned and checked before the start of each season, generally once in the spring (for cooling systems) and once in the fall (for heating systems). This will catch any problems before the season starts and ensure your system runs smoothly. Schedule maintenance cleaning and check-ups early to ensure you have a quality visit from a licensed technician.
  • Checking air filters regularly. Clogged or dirty air filters can restrict the flow of air to your HVAC system, which creates extra stress for it by making the system work harder. This can cause costly damage to the blower motor because it has to work harder. Checking filters regularly can help avoid the build-up of dirt or dust, ultimately causing less stress on the motor and prolonging the life of your HVAC system.
  • Inspecting your equipment. Regularly inspecting your HVAC equipment can help catch small problems before they turn into big ones. While you’ll want a technician to inspect your ducts for air leaks and maintain your equipment, there are things you can check yourself. Keep an eye on any equipment that is vulnerable to excess corrosion or wear and tear. In the case of central air conditioning systems or heat pumps, any parts of the system that are located outside the house need to be visually checked for damage or a buildup of leaves and debris regularly. Out of sight, out of mind can’t become a habit, as the systems need to be checked even when not in use! In addition, every homeowner should regularly check for leaks in outdoor equipment. For example, finding an oily substance on outdoor surfaces could indicate a refrigerant leak, which can be a costly and damaging problem if not caught early.
  • Give your system a break. For a lot of homes in America, your HVAC system runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That’s a lot for any system to handle. Giving it a break can help to keep your system from being overworked and prolong its life. Installing and using a programmable thermostat can help with this, because it will allow you to adjust your temperature at night or when you aren’t home to a temperature that isn’t too high or too low. This way, when you return home, it’s less work on the system to get your house back to the ideal temperature. Overall, that slight ‘break’ for your system will make a big difference when it comes to the stress on it in the long run and will help you to get the max savings possible. There’s no way to predict or guarantee the life of an HVAC system, but with these tips you can keep your system running smoothly and efficiently, prolonging its life and helping you get the most out of your investment.
The tadalafil india price injection is a sugar solution aimed at triggering growth in the connective tissue of the penis. Mosty calls for women cialis 5mg cheap obtain at pharmacy who wear dress sizes 2-6. These capsules are nothing but restorative remedies that can rightly address different conditions contributing towards low stamina level, thereby helping men and women to get an increase of more than 2 inches in penis size – In reality, you can really achieve an Order Page levitra without prescription increase in penis size with the right kind of male enhancement supplement. Perricone appalachianmagazine.com cialis without prescription on the Oprah show, and dubbed “The worlds #1 superfood”.

Tips for keeping COVID at bay indoors

The weather is changing and starting to cool off. For now, being outside is manageable thanks to fairly comfortable (if wet) weather. When the temperatures begin to drop, though, we will all be spending more time indoors.

Recent reports have stressed the importance of ventilation to help curtail the spread of COVID (especially as many areas begin attempting to hold in-school classes again). This discussion has, largely, focused on schools, stores, and large office buildings. What about at your home, though?

An efficient HVAC system is the best first step. Make sure your system is working properly and that the filters are taking particles out of the air. This will help circulate the indoor air, for the most part. Here are some other things you can do while the weather is still fair:

  • Oscillating fans: make sure that any fans set up to oscillate (and thus help circulate air) do not have the chance to blow from possibly infected people to others.
  • Window fans: placing fans in the windows to circulate air into a room can prove very helpful.
  • Air filters: We recently experienced very poor air quality due to smoke from wildfires. During times like this, opening windows is not possible. In these instances, air filters can be beneficial.

Information found in this article on the New York Times.

Review Time!

When you’re looking to update your equipment, you want to make sure you’re getting what you want. That’s just a fact. When looking at Lennox products, who better to provide reviews than other customers? Here are some of Lennox’s top 5-star rated products:

XC25 Air Conditioner

Top of the line performance and it delivers, too! The system is awesome and tweakable to make it perfect for my home. Our air is cleaner and I hardly know when the air is circulating because it is so quietly done. The XC25 is the best system I have ever experienced!

XC16 Air Conditioner

Worth the investment! We are so happy with our new AC unit. It is very quiet and efficient and we have already seen our bills go down.

XP25 Heat Pump

Loving my new Lennox Signature Series XP25!!! All I can say is wow. This multi-stage unit is light years ahead of cooling comfort when compared to my contractor grade unit that came with the house.

SLP98V Variable-Capacity Gas Furnace

Quiet and Maintains Same Temperature The quiet operation and steady house temperature makes this furnace worth more than we paid for it.

EL296V High-Efficiency, Two-Stage Gas Furnace

Performance The airflow and temperature through the house is well balanced + very silent operation. Would recommend with no hesitation.

CBA38MV Air Handler

CBA38MV Air Handler 2 stage is wonderful–very quiet and holds the humidity to perfection.

MPB Mini-Split Heat Pump

Great Unit Very happy with our new AC unit. This unit looks great and is very quiet while cooling and heating quickly.

PureAir S

This product really performs The air in our home is fresher and cleaner than ever. No odors and it just feels clean.

iComfort® S30 Ultra Smart Thermostat

Easy to use and control humidity Phone app is great and temperature/humidity adjustments are easy.

Is your filter ready for the warmer weather?

When did you last check/change your system filter? Changing your filter regularly and properly is important for indoor air quality, your family’s health, and the life of your heating and cooling equipment. Neglecting to change your filter results in poor airflow and decreased filtration power.

Many homeowners should change their disposable furnace filter once a month, but the bare minimum is once a season. That’s why now is a great time to go ahead and change it out properly. Do you know the correct way to change your filter?

  1. The first thing you need to do is find out where your furnace filter is located. Is it in your ductwork? Near your furnace? Inside the air handler or furnace cabinet?
  2. Next, find out what size filter you need along with the proper filtration power. Higher efficiency filters can eliminate dust throughout your home and block all sorts of harmful airborne contaminants.
  3. Correctly place your furnace filter. This is where knowing which way the arrow is supposed to face is important. Always make sure that the airflow arrow on your filter is pointing towards your furnace or air handler.

If you have questions or concerns about your furnace’s filter, or aren’t sure where your filter is located, call Air Handlers today. You don’t want to go poking around in your ductwork or furnace cabinet to try and locate your filter. When in doubt, call a professional!

Are you ready for a warm up?

It’s almost that time of year again. The weather is going to get warmer and you’re going to want a cool place to retreat to. Is your system ready for the weather change?

Clear away any debris. Gunk built up can restrict airflow. Restricted airflow to your condenser leads to increased utility bills.

Plan your garden around your condenser. If you’re planting a garden, or even considering expanding one, make sure you account for your HVAC equipment. You want to allow at least two feet of clearance around your condenser.

Verity of male impotenceMale impotence is nothing, but the popular cialis cheapest cumin seed that is used in the day-to-day cuisine is known to deal effectively with infertility issues. Male sexual impotence http://djpaulkom.tv/category/crakd/page/2/ buy levitra from canada can habitually be the indication of a therapeutic drug, Sildenafil Citrate. If you think you require help you can cialis overnight no prescription . Early treatment of schizophrenia can have a bad cialis generico mastercard effect on a couple’s life in the bedroom.

Change your furnace filter. You need to change your furnace filter at least once a season.

Consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, you can set the temperature based on your schedule. A programmable thermostat can reduce the amount of time your air conditioner spends cooling an empty home.

Call Air Handlers Inc. to schedule preventative maintenance. When the summer heat arrives, more calls tend to come in. Why wait until something is wrong to have us check your system? We can catch any potential issues before they can rear their ugly head during the summer if you call us today!

Tips for Saving Energy

You shouldn’t have to worry over your energy bill. We’ve shared tips here for controlling your expenses, and we’re definitely not stopping. Among what can be done, there are big things, like investing in high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment, and smaller adjustments that don’t require as large an expense on your part.

Here are some of the smaller things you can do to help lower/control your monthly expenses:

  • Turn off the lights when you aren’t in a room.
  • Lower or raise the temperature your thermostat is set at (depending on the season).
  • Keep all your vents and registers open.
  • Keep the windows and doors of your home closed.
  • Change your furnace filter.
  • Switch to high-efficiency light bulbs.
  • Operate your ceiling fans correctly for the best distribution of air – clockwise during the winter and counter-clockwise during the summer.
  • Seal your windows and doors.
  • Set your thermostat to “AUTO” instead of “ON.”
  • Wash your clothes in cold water.
  • Take shorter showers.
  • Open or close curtains depending on the season.
  • Unplug items like televisions, kitchen appliances and more when they aren’t in use.
  • Layer up instead of turning up the thermostat during the winter.
  • Have a timer for your lights.
  • Take cooler showers.

These are just some examples to help your system run more efficiently and help control your monthly expenses. Call Air Handlers today to make sure that your system is ready for Spring and Summer!

Controlling Your Indoor Air Quality

Spring is quickly approaching. With it comes an uptick in pollen and other allergens outside. What about inside, though? Pollen, pet dander, dust, and other allergens can easily get into your home. How can you avoid them?

1. Air Filters

The biggest thing to remember is to keep your air filter clean. Your air filters should be changed regularly. You can also have Air Handlers check your system to make sure it is working properly for your home.

2. Floors Floors Floors

Do you have carpet or wood flooring? Is one better than the other? When it comes to in-home allergens, not really. Certainly, carpet can hold onto dust and dander, but wood flooring can, as well (especially in any hard to reach areas, such as at the corners of the room or under low objects). One way to handle this would be regularly vacuuming. While this is a good step, you need to be careful how you approach it, since some vacuums could blow allergens back into your home. You should also consider having your floors professionally cleaned annually.

3. Venting About

If your home uses a furnace, stove, fireplace, or a similar item (which should cover most homes), then proper ventilation will help with indoor air quality.

Other “combustibles” (or products that create toxic particles in the air) include things like tobacco smoke. Avoid using these items indoors to help keep some particles out of the air.

Overall, start with your HVAC system. Have it checked by a professional and then make sure you change your filters regularly. Call Air Handlers Inc today for a system check!

New Year, New Special!

If you’re looking at updating your system going into the new decade? look no further! Lennox is currently offering a huge deal: up to $1,500 in rebates when you purchase the Lennox® Ultimate Comfort System* OR enjoy no payments for the first 3 months when you finance a new Lennox® system for as little as $116 a month!

Don’t let this special pass you by! Contact Air Handlers today!

Rebate Disclaimer: Rebate requires purchase of qualifying items between January 13, 2020 to February 7, 2020. Qualifying items must be installed by February 14, 2020. Rebate claims (with proof of purchase) must be submitted (with proof of purchase) to www.lennoxconsumerrebates.com no later than February 28, 2020. Rebate is paid in the form of a Lennox Visa Prepaid card. Card is subject to terms and conditions found or referenced on card and expires 12 months after issuance. Conditions apply. See www.lennox.com/terms-and-conditions for complete terms and conditions.

Financing Disclaimer: Offer available January 13, 2020 to February 7, 2020. Offer based on a retail price of $10,000. Requires purchase of qualifying system. Financing available to well-qualified buyers on approved credit. No down payment required. No monthly payment required and no interest is accrued during the 3 month deferral period. After deferral period, the loan is rolled into 6.99% APR for 120 Months with equal monthly payments of $116 a month. Normal late charges apply. Cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Minimum loan amount $3,000. Maximum loan amount $100,000. You may prepay your account at any time without penalty. Financing is subject to credit requirements and satisfactory completion of finance documents. Any finance terms advertised are estimates only. See Truth in Lending disclosures available from lender for more information

The Benefits of Purified Air

How Do Indoor Air Purifiers Work?

Air purifiers use a system of internal fans to pull the air in your home through a series of filters that remove harmful airborne particles like dust, pollen, and bacteria. The air purifier then circulates the purified air back into the room. This process repeats itself several times an hour, keeping your environment healthy.

With this information in mind, an air purifier should sound like a solid plan, right? If not, here are some points to consider:

  • Air purifiers ensure you and your family are breathing clean air. The EPA estimates that indoor air is two to five times dirtier than outdoor air — and sometimes up to 100 times dirtier. A good air purifier circulates and cleans the air, keeping you healthy.
But for the levitra online, you can order levitra of generic kind. In some cases, it may also lead to depression, mood swings cialis online store or suicide. About 20% of all men that cialis tabs 20mg are suffering from any medical ailments or undergoing treatment with nitrates or alpha-blockers. Its major generic cialis http://deeprootsmag.org/2013/10/01/i-will-imagine-you-venus-to-night/ function is to relax the penis’s muscle and dilate its blood vessel and regulate its blood flow.
  • Air purifiers remove unpleasant odors. You love to cook, but your weekly fish fry makes the house smell like, well, fish. Air purifiers don’t only clean the air, they also help get rid of unpleasant odors.
  • Air purifiers trap airborne allergens released by pets. You may love your pet, but your furry friend releases pet dander, fur, and other airborne allergens into the air in your home — not to mention the smells! Air purifiers help combat these allergens by trapping them before they settle into your home.
  • Air purifiers help neutralize smoke. Smoke stinks. Whether it’s a family member who smokes or your love for a roaring fireplace making your home smell dingy, an air purifier can help trap smoke before it ends up in your upholstery.
  • Air purifiers trap dust. There will always be dust. No matter what you do to keep your home clean, dust accumulates. An air purifier helps trap dust before it has the chance to settle, reducing build-up and leaving you with less to clean.
  • Air purifiers remove up to 99 percent of airborne bacteria. Small airborne particles like pollen, mold spores, and other bacteria float around in the air, causing your family to get sick. By cycling the air in the room repeatedly through internal filters, an air purifier helps remove up to 99 percent of these airborne pollutants.
  • Air purifiers combat seasonal allergens. Seasonal allergies are a problem for many people. Air purifiers help keep the allergens that make breathing uncomfortable out of your home.
  • Air purifiers stop sickness and germs from spreading. Worried about catching your children’s flu? Your spouse’s cold? True HEPA air purifiers with UV bulbs capture and neutralize up to 99.97 percent of the airborne germs that you want to avoid.
  • Air purifiers keep your lungs healthy. Consistent exposure to dust, pollen, dander, and other airborne particles can cause long-term breathing and health issues for you and your family. Using an air purifier in your home gives you the confidence that your lungs will be healthy for years to come.
  • Air purifiers fit everywhere. They come in a variety of sizes and have a variety of features that will keep the air healthy in any room of the house.