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Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning’

What is an Energy Savings Agreement?

Wednesday, July 24th, 2013

This summer you’re likely going to run your air conditioning system a lot in order to keep your home cool. All that use can add up on your energy bill and it can also take a toll on your home’s air conditioning equipment. So what can homeowners do to make sure that their AC works efficiently and that it doesn’t deteriorate too much? One of the best ways is to sign up for an Energy Savings Agreement? Read on below to learn more about these programs and how you can benefit from them. Call the Springfield, OR air conditioning professionals at Comfort Flow Heating if you have any questions or if you’re ready to sign up.

Springfield Air Conditioning Tip: Why Get an Energy Savings Agreement?

So what exactly is an Energy Savings Agreement (ESA)? In short, an energy savings agreement is almost identical to an air conditioning and heating maintenance program. For example, here at Comfort Flow Heating we offer an ESA that includes several visits each year from our experts. We’ll spend a few hours on each of your air conditioning and heating systems and perform a tune-up which includes the following:

  • Change air filter
  • Lubricate motors
  • Safety inspection
  • Check refrigerant charge
  • Cleaning indoor evaporator coils and outdoor condensing coils
  • Calibrate your thermostats
  • Much, much more!

Benefits of an Energy Savings Agreement

So what do you actually get?

  • Reduced energy usage (potentially reduce utility bills)
  • Reduced repairs
  • Longer equipment life
  • Discount on repairs
  • Priority service
  • 24/7 emergency services

These benefits could vary from company to company but here at Comfort Flow Heating we offer our ESA members a 15% discount on repairs. Give the Springfield air conditioning technicians at Comfort Flow a call today for any installation, repair or maintenance service you need. We know how important your air conditioning and heating systems are to your home which is why our Energy Savings Agreement is so important. Contact us today and one of our friendly professionals will be able to answer any questions that you might have.

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Air Conditioning and Indoor Air Quality: What You Need to Know

Wednesday, July 17th, 2013

During the Springfield, OR summer, you need to make sure that your air conditioning system works well no matter what type of weather arrives. The hottest time of the year often leads to conversations about temperature, but the importance of indoor air quality is often overlooked. This is unfortunate because indoor air quality is one of the top health risks in the country, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The chief reason is because of the airtight building design of modern homes, which have all but eliminated natural ventilation in order to keep our heating and cooling bills low. As this indoor air is recirculated throughout your home, it can accumulate contaminants. High humidity levels can also run rampant during this time of year. Other homeowners may be looking to improve the energy efficiency of their home with air sealing. At Comfort Flow Heating, we offer a comprehensive range of indoor air quality products and services. The Springfield, OR air conditioning experts at Comfort Flow to learn more about improving your home’s indoor air quality.

  • Humidity. Humidity is a critical concern of homeowners everywhere, but especially in the Pacific Northwest. If you find that you have stuffy, stale air circulating through your home, then you may be interested to know the benefits of a whole-house dehumidifier. This device integrates directly into your existing HVAC system, and remains highly effective at improving indoor air quality.
  • Air sealing. For homeowners concerned that their cool air is going straight into the outdoors, professional air sealing can go a long way towards making sure that your home remains energy efficient.The areas around your window and door frames, fireplace walls, garage and basement walls, piping, ductwork, and even your recessed lighting and electrical fixtures can add up to substantial energy loss in a given cooling season. By sealing these areas, you can get the most out of your electrical energy.
  • Air cleaning. If you’re concerned about the quality of your indoor air, then you should speak to a professional about installing a whole-house air cleaner. Both mechanical and electronic cleaners can be particularly effective at removing contaminants and pollutants, depending on what you need to target.

To learn how to improve your home’s air quality, contact the Springfield, OR air conditioning specialists at Comfort Flow.

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Air Conditioning Tips To Stay Cool This Summer

Wednesday, July 10th, 2013

Summer in Oregon is a great time of the year. With the heat and humidity, though, discomfort can be a real concern. There are many reasons that homeowners may tolerate an uncomfortable environment within their homes, but at Comfort Flow Heating we believe this should not be the case. That is why we have put together some air conditioning tips to help you make it through the season comfortably. Contact us today to learn more. Our skilled Florence, OR air conditioning technicians have the years of training and experience needed to help you get the efficient, reliable performance that you want from your air conditioning system.

One of the most important components of your air conditioning system is the thermostat, of course. After all, this is by far the piece of heating and cooling equipment that you have the most direct interaction with. It only makes sense, then, that you should have the thermostat that best suits your home, HVAC system and personal cooling habits. There are a few different options to choose from, so seek out the advice of a professional AC technician. A basic digital thermostat is a great way to ensure that you set temperatures accurately, as their push-button controls and digital display actually make them easier to use than old fashioned manual models. With a programmable thermostat, you can come home to a comfortable environment after a long day of work without paying to cool the house all day.

You should also supplement the operation of your air conditioning system with any ceiling fans, or even standing fans, in your home. Fans do not cool air directly, but they are a great way to ensure that the air cooled by your AC is distributed throughout your home evenly and effectively. This will make you feel more comfortable, and you may be able to raise the thermostat setting by a few degrees as a result.

Don’t forget that the best way to get the most consistent, efficient performance possible from your AC is with routine air conditioning maintenance. There is simply no better alternative to regular inspections and tune-ups. Call the Florence, OR air conditioning professional on the Comfort Flow Heating team today for more information, we are always happy to share any air conditioning tips we may have with our valued customers.

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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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Springfield, OR Air Conditioning Repair Tip: How to Eliminate Hot Spots

Friday, May 24th, 2013

In order to live comfortably in your home throughout the hottest time of the year, it is important that you invest in a quality air conditioning system and that you schedule your air conditioning installation with a qualified professional. Even so, there is no way to guarantee that you will never experience problems with your air conditioner. One common issue that homeowners notice with the performance of their air conditioning system is the development of hot spots throughout their home. This can be quite frustrating. Here is some information from the Springfield, OR air conditioning repair technicians at Comfort Flow about how you can eliminate hot spots in your home.

One way to resolve this issue is with a zone control system installation in your home. With zone controlled cooling, you can distribute cooled air throughout your home with more control than ever before. A zone control system allows you to set temperatures in different zones of your home independently of one another. This means that, if there is an area in your home prone to warmer temperatures, you can boost the air conditioning level in there to help compensate for this issue. Contact us today to learn more.

Another very effective way to resolve problems with hot spots in your home is to schedule professional duct repair and duct sealing services. A very common cause of hot spots in a building is damaged ductwork. If there are leaks in your ductwork due to damages or improper sealing, the rooms supplied by that section of ductwork are not going to be as consistently comfortable as the rest of the house. Our duct sealing and repair technicians have the training and experience to pinpoint the source of any air duct troubles you may have. Once we have found the root cause of the problem we can go about resolving the issue.

Do not let hot spots in your home disrupt your comfort this cooling season. Contact Comfort Flow today to learn more. We have the services you need to get more out of your air conditioning system. Speak with one of our Springfield, OR air conditioning repair technicians today schedule service.

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Salem, OR Air Conditioning Tip: How Duct Cleaning Can Help Your Air Conditioning System

Thursday, May 16th, 2013

A high quality air conditioning system is necessary if you hope to make it through the hot summer months comfortably. Of course, there are a number of different issues that your air conditioner may suffer from which can hinder its operation. The Salem, OR air conditioning experts at Comfort Flow Heating can help ensure that you are able to cool your home with the greatest efficiency and reliability possible. Contact us today to learn more. Here is some information about how scheduling professional duct cleaning service can help you improve your air conditioning experience.

While ductwork can be a great way to distribute heated and cooled air throughout your home, it is also possible for dirt, dander and other pollutants to build up within your air ducts. If your air ducts are improperly sealed, torn or otherwise compromised, you are at a greater risk for dirty air ducts. The professional duct cleaning technicians on our team can help resolve this problem.

Dirt and other pollutants in your air ducts can make their way into your air conditioning system itself. If such pollutants are allowed to build up on vital parts of your air conditioning equipment, such as your coils, the operation of your air conditioning system can suffer. These pollutants can also quickly build up on your air filter. When issues like this come up, your air conditioner will need to use more energy in order to cool your home. This raises energy costs for you and also puts unnecessary strain on your system. The more strain your system is under, the more likely damages and operational problems become.

Biological pollutants can also thrive in the cool, dark environment within your air ducts. When this happens, viruses, mold spores and other pollutants can circulate throughout your home, along with the conditioned air that is intended for distribution. Professional duct cleaning can help prevent your air conditioner from circulating undesirable substances throughout your home.

If you are interested in learning more about professional duct cleaning services, contact Comfort Flow Heating today. Our Salem, OR air conditioning technicians can answer any questions you may have. Call now for more information.

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Salem OR Air Conditioning: Why is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?

Monday, May 6th, 2013

Central air conditioning is one of the greatest luxuries that homeowners enjoy. As with any mechanical system, though, you are going to experience some problems with your air conditioner every now and then. It is important to remember that the best way to protect the condition of your air conditioning system is to schedule repair service as soon as you discover a problem. One common issue that homeowners may have with their air conditioning systems is leaking water. Call the Salem OR air conditioning experts at Comfort Flow Heating today if you notice a water leak in your AC system.

Frequently, what people mistake for a water leak in their central air conditioning system is actually just the result of a clogged condensate drain. As your air conditioner operates, it also dehumidifies air a bit. The moisture pulled from the air in the process has to go somewhere. That is why your central AC has a condensate drain. If this is backed up, water may begin to pool in the area. Changing your air filter will help keep this drainage line clear by keeping pollutants out of it. If your condensate drain is clogged, a technician on our team can resolve the issue.

Your air conditioning system is not a dehumidifier, remember, despite the fact that some dehumidification takes place during operation. If you have very high humidity levels in your home, you may want to consider the installation of a whole house dehumidifier. High humidity levels can lead to condensation in your home and this condensation may be behind what you think is an AC leak.

Of course, it is also very possible that your air conditioner actually is leaking water. If your drain hose or condensate pipe is broken, it can leak the water that it is draining into your home. Even small water leaks are a serious problem, and real damage can be done to your system and your home if it goes unresolved. Contact us today to learn more.

Don’t let a leaky air conditioner put the condition of your home at risk. Call the Salem, OR air conditioning repair technicians at Comfort Flow Heating as soon as you discover a problem with your system. We’ll have your AC working properly again in no time.

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