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Archive for April, 2013

Springfield OR Air Conditioning: Are You Ready for Geothermal?

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, April 22nd, 2013

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

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

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

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

Monday, April 15th, 2013

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

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

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

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Salem OR Furnace Tip: Air Duct Tips That Help Improve Furnace Performance

Monday, April 8th, 2013

You rely on your Salem, OR furnace to keep you warm and comfortable throughout the heating season. Improving furnace performance requires ensuring that all the components and mechanisms are working together, including the extensive ductwork that brings heated air throughout your home. If you’re looking to improve your furnace performance, then you cannot neglect your air ducts, which, when faulty or damaged, can be responsibly for up to a third of your heating loss. We’ve compiled a list of air duct tips that we think may help your home heating system. For more information about how your ductwork impacts your energy efficiency, or to schedule a Salem furnace service, call the experts at Comfort Flow Heating today!

  • Seal air leaks. Schedule a professional duct sealing service in order to eliminate any air leaks in your ductwork. Air leaks not only reduce heated airflow, they also cause your system to work harder, thus increasing the amount of energy consumed. It’s important to take care of any air leaks promptly so that they do not affect your heating system. Despite its name, duct tape is not recommended, so make sure to hire a pro for professional mastic sealing.
  • Clean your ducts. Routine duct cleaning ensures that your heated air is unobstructed in its flow from air handler to living space. Over time, your ducts can accumulate dust, mold, and other debris, inhibiting airflow and reducing the quality of your indoor air. By having your ductwork regularly inspected and cleaned, you can ensure that your ducts do not get in the way of your high efficiency heater.
  • Duct insulation. Talk to your local professional about whether duct insulation would be right for your home. If your ductwork runs through your attic, crawlspace or basement, it may be subject to heat loss when it comes into contact with unheated spaces. Also, make sure that your home is properly insulated (especially the attic) to maximize your heating performance.

An effective and efficient furnace is paramount during the heating season. Make sure your home is warm and comfortable by scheduling a duct inspection, cleaning, or sealing. For Salem, OR furnace services, call Comfort Flow Heating today!

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Salem OR Heating FAQ: How Can Duct Cleaning Improve Heating Efficiency?

Monday, April 1st, 2013

During the heating season, many homeowners focus as much on the efficiency of their home heating system as the effectiveness with which it heats their home. With energy prices as high as they are, it is no wonder that so many people are so concerned with their heating system’s energy efficiency. There are many ways in which you can improve the energy efficiency of your heating system. In some cases, professional duct cleaning may be the solution you are looking for. If you are interested in scheduling professional duct cleaning service, call the Salem, OR duct cleaning technicians at Comfort Flow Heating.

There are a great number of factors that may affect the condition within your air ducts. Because we do not often have cause to inspect the interior of our ductwork, many homeowners do not even realize that there is a problem. If dirt, dust and other debris is allowed to accumulate in your ductwork, though, it can lead to a number of different problems, including reduced efficiency.

If there is excessive dirt and dust in your ductwork, your air filters are more likely to clog up. This can increase the airflow resistance within your ductwork. Your heating system will need to work harder to keep your home warm and to distribute heated air in this situation. That means that more energy will be needed to do so. The more energy your heater uses, the more money you will wind up paying to operate it.

When your air ducts are dirty, the condition of your heating equipment itself is put at risk. The air filter installed in your heating system by the factory is intended more to protect your heating equipment than to boost air quality. If dirt and dust is allowed to accumulate on the components of your heating system, its performance may be compromised. This can lead to reduced efficiency levels.

The Salem heating professionals at Comfort Flow Heating are available to answer all your questions about duct cleaning services. Contact Comfort Flow Heating today to learn more. We can help you keep your home warm and cozy in a more efficient, affordable manner.

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