Metro Express Service

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Inspecting and cleaning the coils in your HVAC system at least annually is one of the simplest, most cost-effective things you can do to increase your unit’s energy efficiency. Dusty coils cause compressors to operate longer and work harder than they should, which increases energy usage and utility expenses and decreases the life of the component and your comfort levels. In addition, dirty coils decrease airflow, which result in heat transfer and a degradation of the dehumidification process. This causes overall air quality to decline and systems to fail, and decreases the life expectancy of motors due to increased heat. It is not just the older systems that require cleaning. As a matter of fact, the newer and more efficient the HVAC system, the more probable it is to profit from routine coil inspections and cleaning. This is a result of the newer systems operating at significantly increased pressures and being less tolerant of those increases.

An air conditioning unit that makes unusually strange noises, or an HVAC system that does not cool down or heat up all of the spaces in your house sufficiently and evenly, is an indication that it may require service soon. Another sign that your system is not accurately working includes increased utility bills (for no apparent reason). Delaying an investigation of any of these issues could cause underlying problems to worsen. If your system is more than 10 years old, or if the temperature fluctuates from room to room, your system is more than likely not working as efficiently as it should, and you might want to consider installing a newer, more efficient system. However, it is possible that at one time or another only the outdoor or the indoor unit of your HVAC was replaced. A mismatched system does not deliver the energy efficiency or performance that a matching system does.

R-22 is a hydro chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), also known as chlorodifluoromethane or HCFC-22. It is a colorless gas commonly used as a propellant and refrigerant. It is being phased out in developed countries for its potential to deplete the ozone layer and add to global warming. There are environmental regulations in place to phase out R-22 by 2020. Its use is currently grandfathered in for existing units that operate with the gas. R-22 may still be imported for the purpose of repairing AC units in current use. Otherwise, the substance must be recovered, recycled, or reclaimed. As most units have a life of around 10 years, the 2020 deadline is intended to help phase out R-22 without undue burden to consumers using AC units that function with it.

As a general rule, it is a good idea to match your AC components. That said, it is possible to mix and match successfully as long as all coils and blowers are the proper size. A differentiation in age and brand may result in a loss of efficiency or capacity, however. You may want a professional to inspect the condition of various elements such as the ductwork, insulation, piping, electrical service and wiring, thermostat, registers, and more. If the older components are in good shape and sized correctly, then blending the old with the new can work. Often, though, replacement can be more cost-efficient than repeated repairs due to aging or mismatched parts.

The “seasonal” in Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio (SEER) plays a big part in how high a rating you may need to cool your home comfortably. An AC unit installed in Connecticut, say, might run for a couple of months out of the entire year with a minimum number of days above 90 degrees. An AC unit intended to cool a southwestern home may run upwards of six months of the year with regular summer temperatures regularly exceeding 100 degrees. The regulation is that all units have a minimum SEER rating of 13. In sunbelt regions such as the southwest, a rating of 16 or higher might be the best choice. While units have been developed that earn a SEER rating of 30, that number is excessively high for most installation purposes.

We suggest that you have your air ducts cleaned every three to five years. If you buy a new home and do not know when the service was last performed, it is a good idea to schedule cleaning to ensure the ducts are clear of allergens and other pollutants. Other reasons that indicate that you might be overdue for service or that you might need service prior to the next scheduled appointment. For example, if you suspect that you might have mold in the air ducts or if you notice rodents or insects exiting or entering the ductwork, we suggest you have the ductwork professionally inspected and cleaned. We have found that cleaning the ductwork reduces the volume of dust that collects in the return-air ducts. Also, it results in lowered levels of bacteria and mold. In addition, cleaning the return-air ductwork along with the air handler systems boosts air circulation and improves indoor air quality.

How often you replace your filters depends on which model of HVAC system you own. While some require weekly replacements, others only need monthly changing or cleaning. Generally speaking, we advise you to replace disposable filters at least monthly. If your system utilizes washable filters, then you should clean them about once a month. We can recommend a replacement schedule for you to make it easy to remember and ensure that your system delivers the optimum efficiency and filtration for your particular system. Our maintenance service includes cleaning and inspection of your system twice a year. This also includes changing the filters as well as servicing your air filtering system. We find that doing this is adequate unless we detect a problem in your system. However, we strongly encourage you to check all filters and filtering equipment regularly. If the filters appear to be dirty, then you should clean or replace them.

Air in your house enters into the return duct work via your HVAC blower fan. It is then either heated by the heat exchanger or cooled by the air conditioning evaporator coil. Frequent inspections of your filters help your heating and cooling system operate at peak performance levels. Also, it significantly improves indoor air quality. The air filter, housed in the return ventilation ductwork, cleans all of the air circulated through the system prior to coming in contact with various expensive components. Numerous factors decrease the performance of your unit, such as mold, allergens, dust, and dirt. By regularly changing your filters, you ensure proper airflow and help keep your home free from the particles and other materials that air filters trap. Changing your filter on a regular schedule maximizes filtration and efficiency for your particular HVAC system. In fact, it is the most important thing that you can do to protect your heating and cooling system between tune-ups.

The method most widely used for rating furnace efficiency and measuring the amount of heat actually delivered to your home is the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). AFUE compares the amount of fuel that is supplied to the heating unit with the amount it produces. In other words, standard systems with an AFUE of 80% simply means that the furnace converts 80% of the fuel it burns to warm for your house, but wastes the remaining 20%. High-efficiency heaters are over 95% AFUE, but you should keep in mind that the AFUE does not refer to the electricity usage of your system. It only looks at the seasonal energy efficiency of the HVAC fuel heating equipment. The more efficient a furnace is at converting fuel to heat the higher the percentage rating. Every HVAC unit has an AFUE rating so that you can easily compare units and buy the best HVAC system for your home.

If you are in a new home, or this is the first time changing your air filter, then the most reliable spot to start searching for it is by checking the area where all your heating and cooling equipment is located. Usually you will find it in the basement, a closet, or the attic. One foolproof way to find your system is by switching on the fan setting on your thermostat and then listening for the sound of the fan originating from the equipment. Your HVAC system’s air filter is located either in the blower compartment of your furnace or an attached filter case. Less commonly, some air filters are located in wall-mounted return ventilation grilles. Look for a grille with a hinged front covering the enclosure holding the filter. You can find this type of air filter housing in the wall or ceiling. Units found in garages tend to have filters located at the bottom of the blower area.

First, schedule an inspection to ensure the correct installation of all of your equipment and that the ducts are properly sealed and insulated. This can reduce your total energy bill by 20 percent or more. Next, keep your vents open and clean. It is a common myth that closed vents decrease energy use by preventing the need to heat or cool a particular room. In reality, closed vents actually raise your energy costs. Third, vent filters should be replaced monthly to avoid restricting ideal airflow. Fourth, while fans do not cool or heat the air, they do move it around. When air in your home circulates properly, it is easier to maintain an even temperature, meaning less work for your heating and cooling system. Finally, consider installing a programmable thermostat and setting your system to 76-78 degrees to reduce the cooling load on your HVAC system and the energy required to run it.

Emergency heat is supplemental to your system’s first-stage heating, which is generally the heat pump. As the name implies, it is used in an emergency situation. A heat pump may get iced over and freeze up. Emergency heat can come on in conjunction with the heat pump and provide a backup to the primary system. If the heat pump is critically damaged and cannot function, emergency heat will keep your house warm until you can get the pump repaired or replaced.

R-22 is rated to have both high Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) and high Global Warming Potential (GWP). While it is still widely used in developing countries, the United States and other countries have imposed regulations governing its use and import until it may be completely phased out. There is a target date of 2020, before which time it may be used to maintain existing AC units. Another substance in use, R-410A, has a negligible ODP rating, but is still considered to contribute to global warming. A greener gas known as R-407C is being used in Europe but is not currently available in the United States. While propane can act as a refrigerant, consumers are strongly warned against its use in AC units due to its highly flammable nature.

Uneven cooling (or heating) in a home can be the result of several different circumstances. While insulation of the rooms themselves or a system’s fan speed could be the culprits, it is more likely that the dampers to the air ducts need some adjustment to balance the flow of forced air between the rooms. A closed or nearly-closed vent would prevent proper cooling and heating of a room. In addition to balancing the damper openings, check to see that windows are in good shape and that furnace filters are changed regularly. It might be a good idea to schedule a professional duct cleaning to remove any built-up dust and debris. It is possible, too, that the system is aging and can no longer function well enough to efficiently heat and cool the entire house. In this case, replacement may be necessary.

Sometimes referred to as a ground source heat pump (GSHP), a geothermal heat pump is a central heating and cooling system that transfers heat to or from the ground. Rather than use air, a geothermal system uses the earth or the water underground as a source for heat exchange. The earth itself becomes a heat source in colder seasons, and a heat sink in hot weather. Geothermal heat pumps take advantage of the comparatively stable temperatures in shallow ground, which tend to be warmer in winter and cooler in summer than air. This type of heat pump can be a very efficient and cost effective way to heat and cool a home.

Hybrid heating is a system that combines a furnace and a heat pump to heat or cool a home. It reacts to changing temperatures and automatically adjusts to use the most efficient method available to keep your home comfortable. Despite its name, the heat pump is the component responsible for cooling your home in warm weather. A benefit to hybrid heating is that it may use dual fuels. It can be a fuel-saving alternative to traditional systems in that it can switch to use the fuel that is most economical at the time. This can be a real advantage when fuel prices fluctuate

If your heating system works with an all-electric heat pump, then yes, it will cost considerably more to run emergency heat. The cost of running an emergency backup that runs on oil or gas may depend upon the cost of the fuel used and how much of it is required. While an oil or gas emergency system is likely to cost less to run than an electrical one, all types of emergency heat should be used only for as long as it takes to arrange a repair or replacement of the heat pump.

An older AC unit may have a Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio (SEER) of seven to 10. The standard for air conditioners today is a SEER of 13, with new regulations coming to raise that number to 14 for units installed in the south eastern and south western United States. All that means is that today’s air conditioners are at least 50% more efficient than their predecessors, and cost far less to run. When you install a new air conditioner with a SEER rating of 13 or higher, you are very likely to notice a drop in your electric bill.

The most important part of HVAC system maintenance is ensuring unrestricted airflow. Dirt, dust, and debris are your system’s worst enemies. Regardless of whether your system is an outdoor or indoor unit, keeping all filters clean and heat exchangers and coils free of restrictions is vital to optimum performance. We recommend thorough serve and cleaning for your HVAC system at least two times per year. The ideal times for these types of tune-ups are in the fall and the spring. In addition, we suggest that you replace the air filters frequently, depending on the type your system uses. By following this advice, you can eliminate the most common issues that require fixing. Also, this reduces significantly the likelihood of a serious full-system breakdown. We offer service plans to assure that your HVAC system’s maintenance needs are met regularly. This also allows us to identify and prevent any inherent concerns prior to becoming serious and costly problems.

Extending the life of your HVAC equipment requires performing proper maintenance at least two times a year. Chances are that with regular service you will notice a potential issue before it becomes a problem. Spending the money for a minor repair adds years of efficiency and life to your system. In addition, you should clean and replace your air filters frequently. How often the filter needs changing will depend on how hard your system works, but a good rule of thumb requires changing them every one to two months. Also, keeping your system fan set to the on position maintains a more even heating and cooling process. Leaving the blower running provides constant and continuous air movement throughout your home, which allows for better filtration and improved indoor air quality. In addition, by installing shades, screen, shutters, and drapes on windows exposed to extreme sunlight you can help keep room temperatures at comfortable levels

The Coefficient of Performance (COP) denotes the efficiency of the heat pump or air conditioning mechanism in your heating and cooling system. The dimensionless value represents the energy produced divided by the energy consumed. In general, a higher COP value reflects a higher heating and cooling efficiency. Normally it measures the efficiency of the heat pump or chiller. However, you should know that the COP varies depending on the temperature of the HVAC heat reservoir. Also, climates with severe fluctuations in weather cause a decrease in efficiency for heat pumps. Nevertheless, the COP of a unit gives you a fairly solid idea of its effectiveness. For example, an electric heat pump with a COP of 4.5 means that it produces 4.5 units of heat for each kWh that it uses. For comparison, a gas furnace that runs at 90% efficiency will produce less than one unit of heat for each kWh.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it evaluates the performance of your heating and cooling system by determining your HVAC’s operating efficiency under two different conditions: high and low humidity. Generally speaking, the higher the SEER value, the greater the cooling efficiency of your system. It is a representative measurement of how the system behaves over a season when the outdoor temperature varies by taking into account the energy consumption caused by the cycling of fan motors and compressors. The heating and cooling systems available today have a range of 10.00 SEER to 18.00 SEER. If the age of home is 10 or years old, your system probably ranges from 6.00 to 10.00 SEER. A decade ago, 10.00 SEER was considered high efficiency. By today’s standards, and with the primary focus on energy conservation, a system with 10.00 SEER is not very efficient. A system purchased today may cost a little more initially, but the projected energy savings will be wort

Most heating and cooling systems last about 15 years. Nonetheless, there are numerous factors that substantially affect the lifespan of your system. For example, if the heating and cooling capacity is inadequate for the intended space the system can break down sooner than expected. Other things that decrease the life of your system are the overall design and installation and whether or not you perform proper annual maintenance on the system. For example, a low-quality design and installation may only last five to seven years, whereas a unit with a good design, proper installation, and regular maintenance can survive 20 years or more. Conventional maintenance not only keeps your system clean, but it helps to avoid excess wear and tear on the components. As an illustration, a compressor built to last 15 years might wear out sooner with too little maintenance. The bottom line is if you properly maintain your HVAC system, you can expect a longer lifespan from it.

Should you ever find that your thermostat is not getting enough power, the first thing that you’ll want to do is check the circuit breaker. Once you’ve found the breaker that controls the furnace and air conditioner and see that it’s tripped, turn it back on and see if that helps. You can also check the power switch on the side of the HVAC unit to make sure it’s in the ON position. Sometimes the most obvious place is the best place to start. You might also need some fresh batteries in your thermostat to get it working. Even if the batteries still have some juice in them, there might not be enough for them to adequately power the thermostat. If neither of those options works, you might have to use a multitester to see if your unit is getting enough volts.

There are a number of reasons that your thermostat might not be turning on. The first thing that you’ll want to do is check to see that all of the wires are properly affixed to the thermostat, which means that it’s getting power. Should you ever find that wires are corroded or loose, you’ll have to either replace those wires or tighten them up. You might also have to remove the cover of the thermostat and clean it to see if that will help it to work properly. Thermostats have to be level in order for them to work, so use a bubble level to make sure they aren’t tilted or slanted. Another reason that your thermostat might not be working is that it’s in an area of your home or office that either cools down or warms up too quickly.

Generally speaking, every programmable thermostat has pre-programmed settings to maintain it within two degrees of your optimal temperature. Numerous variations in top of the line models include a digital, backlit display, voice and phone programming, hold/vacation features, and touch pad programming. Other optional features include indicators to help you recognize when to change the air filters, a signal that alerts you of a malfunction, and control features that sense the time it takes to reach the optimal temperature. With a multitude of high-quality thermostats available, deciding which one to install means thinking about your schedule and how often you are away from home. For example, 7-day models are best if your schedule frequently changes. For the same schedule during the week, and a different one on the weekends, you should choose one of the 5+2-day models. Finally, if you have a set schedule during the week and different one on each weekend day, 5-1-1 models are ideal.

Setting your thermostat blower switch to run continuously uses more electricity, but in the long run it provides some crucial savings. As an illustration, a constantly-on setting keeps the air moving in your home 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which can greatly increase your overall comfort level. Additionally, you will find that because your fan is running all the time, you will experience better air filtration and notice a more even distribution of cooling and heating. Indoor air quality is usually considerably worse than outdoor air quality, and by keeping the air circulating you will help remove more allergens and particles from the air inside your house. Less on/off cycles mean the fan components will last longer, increasing the reliability of your system. Programmable thermostats allow you to select a circulate option, which relies on your high-efficiency filtration system to even out those annoying hot and cold areas in your home.

Not only are programmable thermostats a great way to save energy, they’re also a great way to save money. What makes this particular type of thermostat so unique is that it works off of pre-set temperature levels so that your home is always at the perfect temperature whether you’re there to change the temperature or not. If you do decide to get a programmable thermostat, chances are good that you’ll see a return on your investment within about a year. It’s not unusual to hear of a person saving as much as $150 annually. Anyone who is trying to go green will be pleased to learn that programmable thermostats are mercury-free and environmentally friendly. Individuals who work outside of their home during the day and have shifting weekend schedules will more than likely benefit more from a programmable thermostat than those who are usually home during the day.

The ideal thermostat temperature will depend on the current season. When you aren’t at home, you’ll want to let your house get a little warmer in the summer and a little cooler in the winter. This doesn’t meant that your home should become a sauna in July or an icebox in January, just that there’s really no need for your unit to be running the same way when you aren’t there to enjoy it. During the summer, aim for setting your thermostat at 78 degrees when you are at home and 88 degrees when you aren’t. During the winter, leave your thermostat at 68 degrees while at home and 58 degrees when you’re away. Alternatively, you can opt to use a programmable thermostat to save yourself some time as well as money on your heating and cooling bills.

No matter which thermostat you choose to buy, the first thing that you’ll want to do is make sure that it’s actually compatible with your current HVAC system; otherwise it won’t do you any good. Besides that, you’ll have several thermostat options to choose from, including remote energy management, learning and programmable. With remote energy management thermostats, you’ll be able to monitor, set and program your HVAC system from your electronic tablet, smartphone or PC. While learning thermostats are programmable, you don’t actually have to program them. Instead they’ll learn as you use them and map out a schedule according to how you utilize them. Programmable thermostats can be the most efficient for your system since they automatically adjust the temperature even when you aren’t there. Each thermostat comes with its own advantages, and every homeowner’s specific needs can be different.