Comfort Flow Heating Blog:
Archive for June, 2013

What to Look for in a New Air Conditioning System

Wednesday, June 26th, 2013

Are you looking for a comprehensive cooling solution? Is your existing AC no longer operating well? Fortunately, there is no shortage of air conditioning options available today. From Trane central air conditioners to Mitsubishi ductless mini splits as well as geothermal systems, there is a wide range of system types and brands to consider. But it’s not only the equipment itself that is important. You also need to make sure that your AC is professionally installed by a quality AC contractor. In today’s post, we’d like to give you some tips on what to look for in your new air conditioning system. When you need professional air conditioning in Florence, OR, you can count on Comfort Flow Heating. Call us today.

Let’s take a look at some things to look for in your new air conditioning system.

  • SEER rating. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, often abbreviated SEER, is an important rating that should be taken into consideration for any new system. It provides a numeric scale that estimates the energy efficiency of air conditioners over the course of a single cooling season, measuring electrical energy input against cooling output. The higher the number, the better the efficiency, although it is only one of the factors.
  • Ducts or no ducts. The recent rise in the popularity of ductless systems has left you with a choice when it comes to installing ducts in your home, and whether or not you want a ductless split air conditioning system or central air. There are advantages to each system. Ductless systems tend to be highly energy efficient, which leads to energy savings in the long-term. Forced-air distribution systems, on the other hand, tend to be more cost-effective initially, and many of today’s models boast great efficiency ratings even with ductwork playing the intermediary between the unit and your living space.

Those are just two of the major considerations to keep in mind when selecting your new AC. This is a major investment, so make sure it’s performed right the first time. Call the Florence, OR air conditioning specialists at Comfort Flow Heating today for excellent cooling services.

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How Does the Refrigerant Cycle Work?

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

Whether you have a ductless mini split or central air conditioning system, it relies on the refrigerant cycle to move warm air out of your house and cool air indoors. While our customers enjoy the convenience and comfort of having a comprehensive air conditioning system at their beck and call, knowing a little bit more about how the cycle itself works can go a long way towards knowing when your AC is not operating correctly. At Comfort Flow Heating, we are committed to educating our customers as well as servicing their HVAC systems. Call us today for excellent air conditioning services in Florence, OR.

Let’s begin with the compressor since it is the engine of the air conditioning system as a whole. During operation, your compressor accepts a low-pressure gas from the indoor evaporator coils, and turns it into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. This hot gas now works its way through the condenser coils that wrap around the compressor, which typically sits in the center of the outdoor unit. The condenser circulates this hot gas as the much cooler outside air is blown through them by means of an exhaust fan. This thermal interaction dissipates the heat into the outside air and condenses the refrigerant into a liquid.

But this liquid is not yet cool enough to provide adequate cooling for your home. That’s where the expansion valve comes into play. This small device meters the flow of refrigerant, reducing its pressure. This significantly drops the temperature of the liquid refrigerant, and it is now ready to be used to cool your air. The evaporator coils circulates this cool liquid as warm indoor air passes through the air handler. If you have a forced air distribution system, the air was sucked in through the ductwork by the blower motor. During this production of cool air, the refrigerant evaporates into a gas, and the refrigerant cycle starts anew.

Call Comfort Flow Heating today if you’re in need of air conditioning services in Florence, OR. We can make sure that your AC operates well, no matter hot it is outside.

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What Type of Air Conditioner Is Right for Me?

Thursday, June 13th, 2013

If you’re ready to replace your current air conditioning system or you need one for a new home that you’re building, the Salem, OR air conditioning installation experts at Comfort Flow Heating can help. There are a number of different types of air conditioning systems that are available to consumers. This can be frustrating and confusing process to go through so read on to see our simple guide to choosing a new AC system.

How to Choose a New Air Conditioner

Finding an air conditioning system for your home is a big decision. You have to live with that air conditioning system for many years to come which is why it is so critical to find one that is right for your home. The Salem, OR air conditioning installation experts at Comfort Flow Heating have years of experience working with countless homeowners helping them find a new AC system for their home. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you move forward.

  • Type of air conditioner – When it comes to the type of air conditioner that you get in your home there are a few things to consider. You can go with the traditional stand-by of central AC which produces reliable and efficient cooling. However, there are other kinds of air conditioners available. Geothermal air conditioning systems use the free and endless energy of the earth to provide cooling to your home. Ductless mini split air conditioning systems are terrific for homes that don’t have the space for ducts or want zone control in their homes.
  • Cooling capacity – Probably one of the most common mistakes that homeowners make is buying an air conditioning system that tis too big for their home. If you go out and buy the biggest AC unit that you can afford there are a number of negative consequences that this can have. It will likely make your home less comfortable and more humid. Call the Salem, OR air conditioning experts at Comfort Flow Heating and we’ll make sure that your new system matches your home’s needs and your budget.
  • Efficiency rating – Another important thing to think about is the efficiency rating of your new AC system. Air conditioners are given a SEER rating which describes how much cooling they provide over a season based on the amount of energy that they consume. In order to receive an Energy Star rating air conditioners will usually have to meet a SEER 14 rating at least.

Make sure that you contact the Salem, OR air conditioning experts at Comfort Flow Heating for all your services that you need.

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Springfield, OR Air Conditioning Tip: Common AC Problems

Monday, June 10th, 2013

As the heat of summer approaches, homeowners all over are getting ready for the cooling season. Unfortunately, some of these homeowners are bound to discover that their air conditioning system is not ready for the task that lies ahead. If you discover a problem with your air conditioning system it is always a good idea to contact your professional Springfield, OR air conditioning repair technician as soon as possible. The longer a problem with your AC is allowed to develop, the more serious it is likely to become. Call the Springfield, OR air conditioning repair pros at Comfort Flow Heating today for more information. Here are a few examples of some common problems that we come across with air conditioning systems.

One of the most frequent service calls that we receive during the cooling season is about air conditioners that simply won’t turn on. As is the case with most air conditioning problems that you may experience, there are many different potential causes of this particular problem. The good news is that, in many cases, it is not a very serious issue. In fact, sometimes there is not a problem with the system at all. Before deciding that your air conditioner is broken down, check its power source. It is possible that your AC has become disconnected from its power source, or that a circuit breaker has tripped. A flip of a switch may solve the problem. You may also have set your thermostat incorrectly, so double check that it is on the “cool” setting and the target temperature is correct.

If there is no obvious cause of the problem, contact a Springfield, OR air conditioning repair professional immediately. It is possible that there is a problem with some electrical component of the system. If your AC turns on but is not able to cool your home, it may be low on refrigerant. This is a common issue, and usually indicates a refrigerant leak. Your AC recycles refrigerant, it does not consume it. This means that a low refrigerant charge is usually the result of leak requiring professional repair service.

For more information about common air conditioning problems, or to schedule professional air conditioning repair, contact Comfort Flow Heating today. We are happy to help you get a better performance from your AC. Let us help keep you cool this summer.

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