Living in Southern Vermont or New Hampshire means that summer can really take its time in getting underway. While there are certain benefits to be had in easing into summer, it can also lull some homeowners into a false sense of security. Regardless of how chilly the rainy days of spring may be, know that the heat of summer is never really that far off. That is why you are well-advised to schedule any necessary air conditioning repairs immediately. Delaying in doing so can leave you to sweat through the hottest days of summer to come. If your air conditioner was struggling at the close of the last cooling season, or if you’ve tested it and found that it is not functioning properly, then now is the time to contact the AC repair pros at HB Energy Solutions. (more…)
Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning’
Schedule Any Necessary Air Conditioning Repairs Right Now
Monday, May 4th, 2015Is Your Air Conditioner Ready for Action?
Monday, April 27th, 2015We’ve made it through another winter, and are in the midst of a sometimes-warm, often-chilly spring season right not. In just a few weeks, though, the heat of summer will be headed our way; is your air conditioning system ready? Don’t hope for the best and simply switch on your AC when the hotter weather finally arrives. Instead, follow these tips to ensure that your air conditioner is ready when the mercury starts to rise. That way you can cool your home successfully and with the efficiency and reliability that you deserve. Contact HB Energy Solutions for exceptional air conditioning services in Vermont and New Hampshire.
Air Conditioning Guide: What Is Refrigerant?
Monday, August 11th, 2014The modern air conditioner requires numerous components to make it work: blowers, motors, a compressor, coils. But all of these together would create nothing more than an oversized fan if not for the presence of refrigerant running through the lines of the air conditioner. Refrigerant is the life-blood of an AC necessary for the process of heat exchange that cools down the inside of a building.
Like all the parts of an air conditioner, refrigerant is something that must remain in the hands of professionals. If you encounter a loss of refrigerant in your AC, call for experts to handle the problem.
HB Energy Solutions has 24-hour service in Southern Vermont from air conditioning specialists who will take care of whatever is amiss with your cooling system. Call us today.
The details of refrigerant
Refrigerant is a chemical blend that can easily shift from liquid to gaseous state and back again. Refrigerant begins in an air conditioner’s compressor, where the action of the compressor changes it into a high-pressure, high temperature gas. The refrigerant then travels to the outdoor coil, where it releases heat to the outside through condensation. It then moves to the inside cabinet, passing through an expansion valve that lowers its pressure and further reduces it temperature so that it shifts back into liquid form. The cooled refrigerant then moves through the indoor coil, where it absorbs heat through evaporation, cooling down the air. The refrigerant finally returns to the compressor to begin the cycle over.
Today, the refrigerant found in most home air conditioning systems is a blend called R-410A, a non-ozone depleting chemical mixture designed to replace an earlier blend, R-22. There have been many different types of refrigerants over the years. The earliest were toxic, combustible, or acidic, and it wasn’t until the invention of the first safe refrigerant, which was given the trademarked name “Freon,” that air conditioners started to enter use in homes. Continual advances in the production of refrigerant have resulted in increased air conditioner efficiency.
Refrigerant loss
During the heat exchange cycle of condensation-evaporation, refrigerant does not dissipate. It remains at the same level—called its “charge”—throughout the air conditioner’s life, unless a leak occurs. Leaking refrigerant will threaten an AC’s ability to cool and could lead to damage to the compressor due to overheating.
Should you notice a drop in cooling, ice appearing along the indoor coil, or strange hissing sounds from your AC, the system may be losing refrigerant. You will need professionals to locate the leak, seal it, and then recharge the system with the proper blend of refrigerant.
Call HB Energy Solutions for assistance with your air conditioning in Southern Vermont if you think you have a refrigerant leak. You can count on our 22 years in the business of making homes comfortable.
Common Causes of Inefficient Air Conditioning in New Hampshire
Monday, July 29th, 2013As a homeowner, you deserve to get efficient and consistent air conditioning in your home. But if notice that your energy bills keep going up, it can mean that you have a problem with your air conditioning system. So what could be causing your air conditioning system to operate inefficiently? Here are a few common causes.
- Clogged air filter – By far the most common cause air conditioning problems is a clogged air filter. Your AC uses an air filter in order to protect the insides from dust, dirt and other debris that might get in from the outside air. If the air filter doesn’t get regularly replaced, it can restrict the flow of air through the system which will greatly reduce its efficiency.
- Over-sized system – Another common cause of inefficient air conditioning operation is an air conditioning system that is too large for the home. This will cause it to short-cycle, which means that it will turn on and off again very quickly. This starting up and shutting down uses a lot of energy and will reduce your AC’s efficiency.
- Clogged coils – Your air conditioning system uses two different sets of coils in order to cool your home. On the inside are evaporator coils over which a fan blows the warm air from your home in order to cool it. In the outside unit are the condensing coils that exhaust the heat from your home. If these coils get clogged, it will restrict the flow of air and cause you to lose efficiency.
- Low refrigerant – Your air conditioning system uses a compressed refrigerant in order to carry the heat out of your house. If you don’t have enough refrigerant in your air conditioner, then it will have to work extra hard in order to cool your home which reduces its efficiency.
If you need repair, installation or maintenance services for your air conditioning in New Hampshire, just contact us here at HB Energy.
Save Energy with a Quality Air Conditioning Installation
Monday, July 15th, 2013Are you in the market for a new AC? Tired of paying for frequent repairs on your old unit? Whatever your reason for needing a new AC system for your home, there’s nothing more important to the future of your comfort than a quality installation. Air conditioners are complex machines with various components that must cooperate to remove heat energy from the home and cool your air. Your indoor and outdoor units need to be installed by a professional and properly charged with the right amount of refrigerant. Call HB Energy today for all of your air conditioning installation needs in Southern Vermont and New Hampshire.
Let’s take a look at how you can save energy by hiring a quality air conditioning professional for your next installation project:
- Sizing: Before you even reach the actual installation phase, you need to make sure that your AC is appropriately sized for your home. Only a professional will be able to provide an adequate load calculation of your home and match that to an AC that fits your home’s needs.
- Options: When you deal with a professional, you have options. Not only do you have central air systems to select from, but you can also take advantage of ductless split heat pumps that provide cooling in the summer and warmth in the winter. A professional can help you differentiate between the various types of system to find one that’s right for your home.
- SEER: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is the rating used in the US for air conditioning units. Every AC has a numeric SEER rating, and the higher the number, the greater its estimated energy efficiency. While energy efficiency depends on numerous factors beyond your AC’s SEER, it’s generally a good guide for purchasing a new system.
- Refrigerant: During installation, your AC will need to be properly charged with refrigerant. This level is incredibly important to both the energy efficiency and effectiveness of your new system. If it is not completed properly, it can result in inadequate cooling and high energy bills. Your AC technician will make sure your system is charged with the manufacturer’s recommended amount of refrigerant.
Call HB Energy Solutions if you need air conditioning installation in New Hampshire.
Causes of Uneven Air Conditioning in New Hampshire
Monday, July 8th, 2013Your air conditioning system is a critical component of your home’s comfort. But what if it is only cooling certain sections of your home? This can be incredibly frustrating and is often a sign that you need repairs for your air conditioning in New Hampshire. Read below for a brief explanation of what could be causing this issue.
Air Conditioner is Too Big or Too Small
If your air conditioning system is too large for your home, it will turn on and quickly cool the areas closest to it and then shut off when the thermostat senses that the area is cool. Conversely, if your air conditioning system is too small, it won’t be able to cool enough air. In order to fully cool your entire home, your air conditioner will needs to be properly sized.
Ductwork
Another common cause of hot and cold spots throughout your home could be with your ductwork. It might be the case that the ducts in a certain area of your home are leaking. Any cool air that tries to get through could be leaking outside. It may also be that your ducts are poorly insulated so the heat in your attic warms the air as it passes through the ducts. Uneven cooling can also happen if ductwork in your home is too small for your air conditioning system. In this case, your AC system is trying to pull in more air through the ducts but there simply isn’t the space for it.
If you are having any of these problems or if you need service for your air conditioning in New Hampshire, make sure that you call the experts at HB Energy.
Southern Vermont Air Conditioning Repair Guide: Signs of a Faulty Capacitor
Wednesday, June 26th, 2013A reliable air conditioning system is one of the best investments any homeowner can make. During the hottest time of the year it is great to be able to come home to a cool, comfortable environment. Even the best air conditioners on the market, though, are still mechanical systems. Like all other mechanical systems, it is impossible to guarantee that they will never suffer from operational problems. That is why it helps to understand some basic warning signs that trouble is brewing with your AC. Here are some indicators that you may have a faulty capacitor in your system from the pros at HB Energy.
First of all, what is a capacitor? Basically, a capacitor is a device that stores an electrical charge. In an HVAC system they are used in fan motors and compressors. A run capacitor is used in the fan motors of AC systems, heat pumps and furnaces. It is their job to maintain a certain voltage charge which keeps the motors running, and to increase their torque when the motors first start up. A start capacitor is also used in many heat pumps and air conditioners. When the compressor first starts up a start capacitor supplies a torque boost. Once the compressor is up and running the start capacitor switches off automatically.
Many different problems may be the result of a faulty capacitor in your air conditioning system. Depending on whether the capacitor fails completely or if it loses strength you may notice that the motor it works with stops running. If the compressor motor in your air conditioner won’t run your AC will not cool your home. If the outdoor fan does not operate properly then the compressor may short cycle or shut down. Only a professional Southern Vermont air conditioning repair technician can determine for sure what the exact cause of your problem is.
To learn more about the basic components of your air conditioning system, or to schedule service with a Southern Vermont air conditioning repair technician, contact HB Energy today. Our team of skilled professionals has the answers to all your questions.
How Thermostat Location can Affect Your Air Conditioning Installation
Tuesday, June 18th, 2013Your thermostat is critical to the smooth operation and energy efficiency of your air conditioning system. There are various makes and models on the market today, from old-fashioned conventional models to the latest in wifi-enabled “smart” units. If you’re having an air conditioning installation service in your New Hampshire home, then you need to find a good location for your thermostat, one that maximizes the potential of your new AC. At HB Energy Solutions, we strive to make the entire process easy on you, from equipment selection to the installation itself. Give us a call today to learn more about thermostats or about a new air conditioner for your home.
The thermostat has a simple, but absolute vital purpose. It provides the homeowners with a relatively simple user interface by which he or she can control the indoor climate, and it also senses the temperature of the space and communicates with the control board on the AC itself. But much of its ability to perform its function successfully depends upon its location in the home. Let’s look at some factors related to thermostat location that can affect your AC:
- Drafts: Whether from doors, windows, ducts, or fans, drafts can disrupt your thermostat’s ability to sense the temperature accurately. It should be located away from spots in the home that have drafts.
- Sunlight: You should make sure that your thermostat is not in the direct line of the sun coming through the window or skylight. For obvious reasons, this can substantially affect its ability to sense the temperature accurately, which can then throw off the entire cooling process.
While there are many DIY enthusiasts out there, it’s important that your new air conditioning equipment include professional installation services. There’s simply no other way to ensure that your entire AC—thermostat included—satisfies your expectations. Don’t underestimate the importance of thermostat location. It can make or break the operation of your cooling system’s performance as well as its energy efficiency. Call HB Energy Solutions today for comprehensive air conditioning installation services in New Hampshire.
How to Protect Your Air Conditioning System
Tuesday, June 4th, 2013New and seasoned AC owners alike often assume that once their air conditioner is installed, it should just work until it needs to be replaced. That’s not the case. The best thing you can do for your air conditioner is to ensure that you take care of any homeowner maintenance duties on a regular basis, as well as scheduling professional maintenance. All of this is in the interest of maintaining optimal performance and energy efficiency, as well as protecting the condition of your air conditioning system. Call HB Energy Solutions today for comprehensive AC maintenance and repair services.
Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can protect your AC.
- Take care of repairs ASAP: This is critical. Don’t let those minor repairs snowball into major, costly repairs. If you have any suspicion that your AC is not operating as well as it should, then make sure you get it checked out as soon as possible. Whether you have a refrigerant leak or frosty coil, or simply think that your AC performance has declined over the years, a professional AC technician will be able to arrive at your home and assess the situation quickly.
- Enroll in a maintenance program: This is an important step in extending the longevity of your AC, and thus protecting your investment. A preventive maintenance program gives the AC tech an opportunity to examine your AC closely and inspect any problematic areas. It also involves the thorough cleaning of its various components, as well as testing and adjusting the electrical and refrigerant levels. Hands down, this is the best thing you can do for your AC.
- Do your maintenance duties regularly: Although the majority of air conditioning maintenance should be taken care of by a professional, there are a couple of things that you can do to protect the performance and efficiency of your cooling system. First, keep an eye on your air filter and make sure that you change it regularly. Second, keep the area surrounding your outdoor and indoor units free of any belongings or organic debris.
Call HB Energy Solutions today for comprehensive Southern Vermont air conditioning services.
New Hampshire Air Conditioning Repair Tip: Signs of Electrical Problems
Monday, May 6th, 2013While professional installation and regular maintenance will often prevent many problems before they start, some repairs are inevitable. As you well know, your AC requires electrical energy to create its cool air, and that can often be the source of various problems. We’ve compiled a list of some signs of electrical problems to look out for as we approach the summer. For more information, or to schedule a air conditioning repair in Southern Vermont or New Hampshire, call HB Energy Solutions today!
- Buzzing noise: If you hear a buzzing noise in or around one of your AC units, then it could indicate a serious electrical problem. The electrical supply line may have become damaged, or there may be something known as electrical “arcing,” which can be hazardous. While you can expect your AC to make a certain amount of noise during its operation, a distinctive buzzing sound often means something is not right.
- AC won’t turn on: If your AC won’t turn, make sure you haven’t merely blown a fuse or tripped the circuit breaker. Also, make sure that your thermostat is switched on and calling for cool air. If neither of these steps works, then you may have an electrical connectivity problem with your AC, or possibly a bad capacitor.
- Short cycling: In order to operate properly, your AC requires a certain amount of voltage constantly running to it. If there are any changes to the line voltage of your outdoor unit, which houses the compressor, this may cause the AC to short cycle (turn on and off). This leads to inadequate cooling and energy inefficiency.
Enrolling in a maintenance plan is a great way to ensure that your AC is always running well throughout the summer. With inspection, cleaning, and tune-ups, many electrical problems can be caught before they interrupt your home cooling. Make sure you hire a professional to perform any repair work on your AC. For more New Hampshire air conditioning repair tips, call HB Energy Solutions today!
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