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Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning Installation’

Can Ductless Air Conditioning Keep Up with Summer Heat?

Monday, April 30th, 2018

air-conditioner-blowing-airThe ductless mini split heat pump is an increasingly popular choice for both homes and businesses. For new residential and commercial building construction, a ductless system allows for more freedom in building and designing. A ductless mini split uses an outdoor unit (or more than one outdoor unit depending on how large the space they need to condition is) that connects to up to 8 indoor air handlers per outdoor unit. Each of the indoor air handlers contains a refrigerant coil and blower fan to send cooled or heated air directly into the living space.

If you’re considering going with a ductless system for your home, you may feel a bit hesitant at first. After all, those air handler units look a lot like window air conditioners, just not set into a window. Window units aren’t much good for efficiency or comfort, so you might wonder if the ductless system can really keep up with a hot summer.

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Do You Need a Spring Air Conditioning Replacement?

Monday, April 16th, 2018

comfortable-womanWe’re in the race toward summer. Why is it a race? Because the time is shortening when you can have air conditioning services like repairs and upgrades done before the hot weather arrives and AC work is much less convenient. It’s especially important to act fast on spring AC jobs if you think you need to have a new air conditioner put in.

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Closing Air Vents in Empty Rooms: Will This Save on My Bills?

Monday, August 21st, 2017

room-ventThis is a question that we sometimes hear from homeowners. When utility bills start to climb during the summer and winter because the cooling and heating system has to work more often, people wonder if closing the shutters of the rooms vents will help cut down on costs. The idea may make some sense initially—but the truth is that not only won’t this help reduce costs, but it can cause damage to the HVAC system. You don’t want to close off or block any of the room vents in your home.

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A Few Things You Need to Know about Wi-Fi Thermostats

Monday, May 29th, 2017

adjusting-thermostatIt’s always tempting to update to the newest and “shiniest” piece of technology available. But it isn’t always the best path to take. When it comes to comfort in your house, you should be cautious of trying to make any updates to your HVAC system that aren’t done in connection with trained professionals.

One trap that we sometimes see homeowners fall into is making an upgrade to their thermostat by purchasing a Wi-Fi enabled “smart” thermostat from an online retailer and then either trying to install it themselves or have an HVAC company install it for them. If you want to upgrade your comfort system with new climate controls, call on the professionals ­first so they can guide you toward the best solution—and away from some expensive and even damaging missteps.

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Is Your Air Conditioner Dying? 4 Ways to Tell

Monday, May 15th, 2017

question-mark-badgeNo machine lasts forever, no matter how sturdily it’s constructed or how well it’s cared for. Your household air conditioner has a limited lifespan, and when it approaches the end of it, it’s a wise idea to have the system replaced before it suffers from a total breakdown. You’ll end up trapped on a hot day (because that’s the most likely time for system stress to cause a failure) with no immediate relief in sight as you scramble to schedule new AC installation. And during those final months—or perhaps years—of the dying AC’s lifespan, it will waste money through inefficient operation.

We want to help you diagnose when an air conditioning system is on life support. This way you can arrange for a convenient replacement, prevent an emergency loss of cooling, and begin saving money with a fresh system with superior energy efficiency.

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Is It Time for New Air Conditioner? Don’t Miss These 5 Steps

Monday, June 22nd, 2015

Buying a whole home air conditioner is nothing like purchasing a simple window unit. There are a number of considerations that go into the installation of a whole home AC system, many of which need to be reviewed and factored in before you move ahead with purchasing and installing. To help you better navigate this process, the experts at Comfort Flow Heating have put together a quick list of 3 of the more important steps to take prior to installing your new air conditioning system.

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Upgrades to Consider During Air Conditioning Installation

Friday, August 22nd, 2014

When you install a new air conditioner for your home, you will likely receive a system with improved energy efficiency over your older system. However, you don’t have to let the benefits end there. As part of installation, you can choose some additional upgrades for your HVAC system to improve performance and increase energy efficiency.

Comfort Flow Heating has performed air conditioning installations in Springfield, OR for more than 50 years. We know many ways to upgrade your AC system that help you get the most from your cooling.

We’ve listed some of your options below; to find out more, contact one of our cooling specialists today.

New Thermostat

If you’ve had your current air conditioner for more than 10 years, you probably have an outdated thermostat controlling it. If you still use a manual thermostat, now is the time to switch to a more precise digital model. If you already have a digital model, you can upgrade to one with programmable features that will allow you control the temperature even when you are away from home. A new thermostat will make your life easier, your comfort better, and your utility bills lower.

Zone Control System

With a central air conditioning system that uses ductwork, you must cool down every room whenever the AC turns on. But installing a zone control system into the ventilation changes that. Dampers placed into the ductwork and connected to separate thermostats allow you to shut off cooling to different areas (“zones”) of the house, saving you money and allowing individuals to adjust the temperature in their area to their needs.

Heat Pump

This is an upgrade for your whole system, and for your comfort during the whole year. Instead of putting in another standard air conditioner, you can choose to install a heat pump. A heat pump works the same way as an air conditioner—except that it can reverse the direction that it moves heat and bring heat into your home. So it works as both an air conditioner and a heater, packed into one unit. It works more efficiently than most heaters as well.

Comfort Flow Heating can install all of this and more for your air conditioning installation in Springfield, OR. We also strongly recommend that you sign our Energy Savings Agreement, which will delivery you annual maintenance for both your air conditioning and heating system to make sure they work in prime condition for many years. We offer 1-, 2-, and 3-year agreements, so you can select the plan that best suits your budget. In addition, the Energy Savings Agreement provides a 15% discount on repairs, 24-hour emergency service, and priority customer scheduling.

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How to Properly Prepare for Air Conditioning Installation

Friday, July 18th, 2014

A whole-home air conditioner can be a great asset for your property, but it’s not like purchasing a simple window fan. An air conditioning system is a large appliance that will have an effect on everyone in your home for a number of years, so it’s important to take a number of steps before installing an air conditioning system in your home.

Choose a Type of Air Conditioning System

When it comes to air conditioning systems, there are a number of options available for purchase. Each type offers its own set of benefits, which you can discuss with your air conditioning installation expert:

  • Traditional split system – a very popular choice for residential properties, a split system air conditioner has two units, indoor and outdoor, that deliver the cool air via ductwork. The outdoor unit contains the compressor, condenser, condenser fan and coils; the inside unit houses the blower and evaporator coils. Even though there are two units, the system works as a single, closed system.
  • Ductless mini-split system – ductless systems have an outdoor unit very similar to a traditional split-system AC, but use separate individual blowers to distribute the air throughout your home rather than ductwork. Blowers can be installed into your choice of rooms, and each outdoor unit can support up to 4 blowers.
  • Geothermal system – geothermal systems use an in-ground loop to take advantage of the steady temperature of the earth below the frost line to both heat and cool your home. A geothermal system extracts the heat from the Earth during the winter and, using the heat pump, delivers it to your home. In summer, the heat pump removes the heat from your home and deposits it into the Earth. There is no use of fossil fuel with a geothermal system and the only component that needs electricity is the heat pump, which requires very little energy to run.

Choosing a Size

Size is very important when it comes to your air conditioning installation. An AC that is either too big or too small will result in discomfort and potential problems with the system itself. The best way to accurately calculate what size of air conditioner is best for your home is to determine the cooling load needed. This is done by considering a number of factors that answer the important question, “how much cooling does my home really need?” This calculation can be complex, so it is strongly recommended you work with a trained professional.

Energy Efficiency

Today’s air conditioners are very energy efficient. This efficiency is measured by a number known as a SEER number – seasonal energy efficiency rating. This rating starts at a minimum of 13 and can go as high as 23.  A high efficiency level is great for the environment and your monthly bills, but typically, the higher the SEER number, the more expensive the system. A trained professional can help you determine what the best SEER number is for your home and wallet, both short- and long-term.

A lot of factors need to be considered and weighed when purchasing a new air conditioning system. For over 50 years, Comfort Flow Heating has helped many customers with their air conditioning installations in the Springfield, OR area. If you are ready for a new air conditioner, call the experts who can help you with every aspect of your installation: Comfort Flow Heating.

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What Are My Air Conditioning Options Here In Springfield, OR?

Thursday, June 19th, 2014

Many industries are experiencing a push for better technology to help with the environment while also helping consumers; the cooling industry is no different. At Comfort Flow Heating, we’ve been able to see these advances implemented in our customers’ homes, and we look forward to continuing to bring the best cooling products to our customer base. Are you considering an air conditioning installation for your Springfield property? If so, we’ll tell you about several air conditioner options currently available on the market.

Types of Air Conditioning Systems Available

It’s a good to have choices, but sometimes it can be it a bit overwhelming when trying to decide what air conditioner will work best for your home. A lot goes into choosing the right air conditioner, so it’s important to work with a professional.

Traditional Split-System

One of the most common types of air conditioners found in residential properties, a traditional split-system AC has two units – one indoor, one outdoor – that delivers cool air via ductwork. The outdoor unit contains the compressor and condenser while the inside unit contains the evaporator and blower.

Ductless Split-System

Long used in commercial spaces, ductless air conditioning is becoming a very popular choice with homeowners. As per the name, a ductless system does not need ductwork to deliver cool air, opening the possibility of whole-home air conditioning to property owners that do not have ducted systems.

A ductless air conditioner has an outdoor unit very similar to a traditional split system, but uses individual indoor blowers to deliver the cold air. The outdoor unit connects to the indoor blowers through a conduit placed in an exterior wall in which the refrigerant and drainage lines are housed. Each blower has its own programmable thermostat, giving the ability for zone control, and the blowers can be mounted flush to a wall, hung from a ceiling or left free-standing.

Geothermal System

A geothermal system uses the ground’s natural, stable temperature to provide heating and cooling. The upper ten feet of the earth’s surface stays at a steady temperature between 50° to 61°F (10° to 16°C). Using a geothermal device, the system draws heat energy into the outdoor heat sink and transfers the cool temperatures into a warmer area. Geothermal systems need ductwork to deliver the cooled air.

Use a Professional When Choosing Your Air Conditioner

A whole-home air conditioner is a big purchase that is meant for the long-term, which is why it is important to work with a professional to ensure your air conditioning system fits with your property. Have questions about your air conditioner options? Call Comfort Flow Heating today and schedule professional air conditioning installation in Springfield, OR.

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Stages of Air Conditioning Installation

Monday, June 9th, 2014

Installing a new air conditioner is a DIY job… if you’re installing a small window unit. You may need a friend to help balance the heavy piece of equipment while you angle it into the open window, but once that’s done, all you have to do is screw down the window and the side flaps of the unit and plug it in. Done.

But installing a ­central air conditioning is not a DIY project! It requires specialists with years of training and experience to do the job correctly and in a timely fashion. Don’t ever trust the work to amateurs. Call a company with years of history handling air conditioning installation in Salem, OR. Call Comfort Flow Heating today, and we’ll take you through the following stages of AC installation:

The Stages of the Air Conditioning Installation Process

  • Selecting and sizing the unit: Before any tools come out, the installers will help you pick the right model of AC and size it so it has the right power and cooling load to match your home and its energy needs. Incorrect sizing can turn out disastrous, so you need to have the professionals on the work from the beginning.
  • Ductwork resizing: When the actual work of installing starts, the installers will first cut your existing ductwork to fit the new system. This usually only involves some minor changes.
  • Placing the indoor unit: Next, the indoor evaporator unit goes into place. It is hooked to the ducts, connects to a drain line for condensate drainage, and links to the coolant line that will go outside to the condenser unit.
  • Placing the condenser unit: The outdoor cabinet that houses the condenser coil and the compressor, is placed and secured to a solid foundation. The coolant and power lines connect to it.
  • Electrical systems check: The installers inspect all the electrical connections. Because air conditioners use a great deal of power to run the compressor, they need to be checked to make sure they will not cause tripped circuit breakers.
  • Full system check: Now that the complete air conditioner is hooked up and charged with refrigerant, the installers run the AC and check on air flow, cooling power, and thermostat control.

Professionals will not leave your home until they are 100% certain that your air conditioner is working as it should, with no malfunctions or unnecessary stress that could lead to repairs in the near future. You now have your sturdy and powerful new air conditioner ready to work keeping your home cool for many summers to come.

Call Comfort Flow Heating when you are ready for new air conditioning system installation in Salem, OR. Our history speaks for itself: more than 50 years of providing comfort for our customers… and we’ve no intent of stopping now.

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