Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

Springfield, VT Air Conditioning Question: How Does Central AC Work?

Monday, August 13th, 2012

Air conditioning systems are designed with one main purpose in mind: cooling indoor air so that our homes remain comfortable even when the weather outside is much too hot.

Central air conditioning systems work by cooling air within the air conditioner itself, and then sending that air conditioned air through a series of supply ducts to rooms throughout a building.  The air then circulates within that room and over time it heats up and returns through return ducts back to the air conditioner where it is once again cooled.  The cycle repeats as long as the central AC system is running.

The air cooling process within the air conditioner happens through a complex process involving different internal mechanical parts of the air conditioner.  The compressor is a device which compresses refrigerant, increasing its temperature and pressure thus turning it into a vapor.  The vapor flows into the condenser where the excess heat is transferred outside.  As this happens the refrigerant is turned back into a liquid state.  As air passes over the coils the air is cooled and dehumidified.  During dehumidification, excess moisture is removed from the air and turned into a liquid which is then drained.

Central air conditioning systems can utilize the same duct system as heating systems, and both can be controlled through one main thermostat.  At the thermostat you can set temperatures for varying days and times.  Central AC systems are more energy efficient than they used to be, and they continue to improve every year.

HB Energy Solutions offers central air conditioning installation, maintenance, and repair, so call us if you need AC service in Springfield, VT and the surrounding area!

Springfield Air Conditioning Guide: Things to Check When Your AC Won’t Turn On

Monday, August 6th, 2012

When the temperature outside is high you need an AC that will provide the comfort you want with reliability. If your Springfield, VT home’s air conditioner won’t turn on, don’t sweat it. There are many possible causes for this, and most can be repaired quickly, easily and cheaply by a professional. The technicians here at HB Energy Solutions have put together a list of likely culprits as to why your AC won’t start up.

  • Start with the basics: Is your air conditioner on? It sounds silly, but if you’re not familiar with a new machine or thermostat it’s a good place to start. Make sure the thermostat is switched to “cool” and that the temperature is set lower than that of the room.
  • Electrical problems: Your home cooling system’s power supply is not as simple as plugging it into a wall outlet and flipping a switch. There are a lot of electrical components to check. Blown fuses or tripped breakers, outdoor service switches, and switches in the system by the air handler may be the cause of your AC’s power problem.
  • Wiring damage: Having your AC’s compressor unit outside allows you to enjoy a quiet cooling system, but it also puts some wiring in an occasionally rough environment. In addition to indoor wiring, make sure that all outdoor wires and cable are attached and undamaged.
  • Condensate overflow: This is another simple solution to what seems like a big problem. Many air conditioners will have a condensate overflow pan in addition to a drainage system. If this pan is nearing capacity, it can flip an automatic shut-off switch to your system. Getting your AC running may be as simple as dumping a tray of water.
  • Refrigerant problems: A slightly more serious problem, but still easily resolved with the help of a professional, are refrigerant leaks. If your system’s refrigerant is low it may cause your system to ice up and cease performing. A professional technician will check your refrigerant charge and, if necessary, recharge it. This may have your AC back in action in no time.

We hope this information has been useful and put your mind at rest. An AC that won’t turn on is not always a broken AC. Call a Springfield air conditioning professional HB Energy Solutions to help you figure out how to get yours up and running again.