Problems With HVAC

We use HVAC systems to maintain indoor comfort no matter what time of day or day of the year it is. You can stop worrying now about sudden utility spikes by utilizing your HVAC devices efficiently. You can spare yourself all the added hassle by keeping in mind money-saving tips to help regulate your electric use without compromising your safety and comfort.

There are other problems we should be wary of as the season changes aside from paying for higher utility charges. One thing we should look out for is the malfunctioning of our system that may result in various discomforts. It is for this reason that we need to be mindful of any changes with our HVAC system. Any minor change with the way it works like unusual smells and sounds may already be an indication that there is a much bigger threat or a budding problem that can cost you a lot of money when not fixed right away. You need to be observant and check if there are unpleasant smells that are noticeable in your house and you also need to determine if the smell continues to worsen when your HVAC unit is running.

Neglecting the existence of vampire energy otherwise known as leaking energy is the result of not turning off an appliance when not in use because it still draws electricity especially if it is not unplugged. Even though this incident only draws little to no amount of energy, if this small yet steady energy loss accumulates over a period of time, we will definitely notice a significant rise in our utility bills. It is why it is recommended to always unplug all electronic devices when they are not in use.

Keep Vents and Filters Clean

We have always reminded you that clean filters, vents and ducts help your air conditioning system perform efficiently. As your HVAC system draws air in and over its coils, it also pulls in the accompanying dust, dirt, and debris. If left to build up, the system will have to work harder to pull air through the system. Additionally, the pollen, dust, and other contaminants can create an unhealthy indoor environment. You don’t want suffering and medical costs for your family or household.

By frequently changing your air filter, vacuuming around vents/registers, and remembering to schedule bi-annual professional maintenance, the A/C won’t need to use more electricity to cool your home. And your indoor air will be healthier!

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Pests are one of the worst problems anyone can have. Farmers have difficulty in keeping their crops safe from pests because pests eat them and result in low production. In the HVAC industry, pests are likewise a major headache that you can’t just constantly ignore because they prove to be destructive when just ignored.

Be an observant owner and check all aspects of your HVAC system on a regular basis. Do not just wait for a problem to blow up when you could’ve possibly prevented it earlier. Remember that bigger problems may no longer be fixed and may warrant a replacement, which would prove to be more costly for you.

When it comes to bugs and other insects, keeping the area clean and clear is only the first step to preventing them from invading your home. Once they already invade your space, you may even have to require the services of an expert bug exterminator to get rid of them because they don’t just go away on their own.

Fallen leaves are likewise common during the autumn season. It is very important to remove fallen leaves and other debris that may serve as food or shelter for pests. Bugs or rodents in or around the AC unit can lead to performance problems due to pest waste or destructive chewing and nesting activities of these small animals.

Learn different tips on how to optimize your home by watching this video:

HVAC professionals are the ones that you should call when experiencing problems with your HVAC system. The HVAC specialists at Bulldog Heating & Cooling can definitely assist you in optimizing your HVAC system especially when it no longer gives you the comfort you wish to have. Get in touch with us today!

Other Resources:

Air Conditioning Units
The Heating and Cooling Mechanism
Change in the Season

Change in the Season

As the season changes, we must keep in mind that the rise in the electricity bill isn’t the only thing we should fear and anticipate. Our HVAC system may also malfunction due to excessive use and may not be able to give you the comfort you badly want and need. It is why we need to be mindful of any changes in our HVAC system.

These changes can be anything from unusual smells and sounds may already be an indication that there is a much bigger threat or problem that your HVAC system is facing. While some smells are merely unpleasant, others present serious health hazards that you need to address ASAP.

If the ducts in your HVAC systems are dirty, they can contribute to poor indoor air quality, wasted energy and the spread of indoor air pollutants throughout your home. These systems supply conditioned air to the different rooms in your house, so it is important to maintain its cleanliness to ensure that the air you breathe isn’t just fresh but clean too.

Lots of Dust

If you start seeing a large amount of extra dirt and dust around your home, it means that your heater or air conditioner isn’t catching contaminants as it should. You could need to change your HVAC system’s air filter or have your ductwork cleaned. Also, remove grass clippings, leaves, twigs, and other objects from your outdoor unit regularly to keep them from causing an expensive, uncomfortable breakdown.

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If strange noises can be heard from your HVAC systems and smelly odors start to arise, do not hesitate to contact a local HVAC professional right to check and clean the ducts when needed. By doing this, we can avoid other problems such as frequent breakdowns and a rise in utility bills as this problem may either be due to a dirty air filter or something more severe.

Must Mildew, or Moldy

If there is excess humidity or moisture in the HVAC system, you could end up with mold and mildew flowing through the ductwork. To help prevent mildew and moisture problems, fix all water leaks, improve drainage, schedule bi-annual HVAC tune-ups, and frequently replace HVAC filters. If you have exposed earth in your crawlspace or basement, you may want to look into ways to cover the soil.

Read full article at Service Champions.

There are a lot of ways in order for us to keep the air in our homes, buildings and establishments clean and clear such as the use of air fresheners and aerosol sprays but these products have negative effects on the environment. This is where we turn to one of the best options – plants!

We may know how plants are good at cleaning the air we breathe but they can also help keep your home cool. Filling your home with plants is a fantastic way to absorb solar heat and release moisture into a warm room. Also, shading your HVAC systems with trees or bushes may increase its efficiency by up to 10 percent.

To learn about ways to help you improve your home, check this video out:

Other Resources:

Air Conditioning Units
The Heating and Cooling Mechanism
Effects of Stale Air

Air Conditioning Units

Air conditioning units work straight to the point. It is made up of various components such as the warmth exchange pipes and the refrigerant tank. If you come to think of it, you may say that an AC’s components are really sophisticated and a bit complicated after your first glance of it. However, if you look at it closely, it is not that complex at all but more straightforward.

In several aspects, the components of all AC systems are quite similar and even an ordinary person can grasp right away and understand how they work. Air conditioning units act as valves that either permit or limit the flow of air depending on the machine’s setting.

It converts warm air to cold air by transferring heat from one space to a different area. The motor acts as its power mechanism, giving the AC the power to convert the warm air as long as the device is turned on. This includes the air intake and output pump.

1. Capacitors -- Capacitors help your HVAC motor start from a standstill. Over time they can weaken. As they weaken, they cause the motor to run hotter. This can shorten the life expectancy of your motor. Once a capacitor fails, the whole motor will stop working.
2. Compressor -- Compressors are outdoor components in your system. The compressor is the pump that circulates the refrigerants through the air-conditioner.
3. Contact/Relay -- Relays are electronically controlled switches that activate the various components of your HVAC system.

Read more at Home Advisor.

There are several types of air conditioning units. One of which is the window air conditioner and perhaps the most common AC unit you’ll see in different parts of the globe. It is common among residential spaces and the first units to be widely used in homes and offices the world over. This type of air conditioner is also referred to as a unitary air conditioning system because all of its components are stored in one compact box. It has its limitations too since it can only cool down a smaller space and not as energy-efficient as the newer models requiring a ductwork.

All types of air conditioning units have similar operating elements regardless of brand or model. Some of its major components include the refrigerant, compressor, condenser, enlargement valve and evaporator coil. All of these elements work alongside each other in moving the warmth and humidity from inside your homes outside only leaving behind cooled air that you desperately want during the warm months of summer.

Knowing the parts and types of air conditioning systems may not give you a master’s degree or a prestigious award but it sure can help you understand how it works. It can also come in handy when talking to HVAC technicians especially when relaying telltale signs of problems you notice on your AC. It makes the conversation smoother and helps us detect which part of the air conditioning unit has a problem thus making it easier to explain to HVAC contractors and technicians, so you no longer go around in circles with your explanation.

This video tells you how air conditioners work. Check it out:

Other Resources:

Maintaining HVAC Conditions
Innovation and Its Gift – HVAC
AC Mayday: When The AC Is Out

Tuning Up Our HVAC Systems

Central air conditioning systems are the ones responsible for keeping us cool as the temperatures rise or when the air starts becoming colder during the cold winter season. Knowing how much they mean to us is all the more reason to maintain them regularly and properly because you’d end up spending more money once they break down. Imagine the discomfort you would also feel in the absence of these modern comfort devices. You’d regret neglecting their upkeep when you had the time to do so once it stops working.

In order for the HVAC system to be fully functional and give us the comfort we want and need, they too need to be checked and maintained to ensure its optimal condition. ACs should be tuned up and checked frequently to avoid any glitches from happening that can cause us discomfort or an emergency HVAC repair or replacement that is super costly.

However, some people are still skeptical about the regular maintenance of their HVAC system since they’ll end up spending more money in doing so but we must keep in mind that doing this will just worsen the situation. The lack of maintenance of our HVAC systems might backfire on us in the long run. For example, these breakdowns can trigger other safety risks like blasts, fires, medical issues, and higher power bills.

Maintaining your HVAC systems not only protects the equipment – it also protects the people in your building from discomfort and IAQ concerns, and protects you from a lawsuit. There are many ways to make sure that indoor air is kept at appropriate levels:

• Keep an eye on the air vents – you can find out if mold or other pollutants are entering your occupied space.
• Watch for a musty odor.
• Keep in touch with tenants/occupants, and ask them to participate in surveys regarding air quality.
• Listen to people’s complaints and take them seriously.

Read full article here.

Many people always wonder whether HVAC maintenance is a must but if you remember that your family’s safety and health are affected by your daily use of these modern comfort devices, you won’t have to think otherwise. Your home HVAC system does so much for you and your family. Spending a little more time, effort, and money in keeping it up only makes sense especially that you also spent a little fortune on buying them in the first place.

Sprays seem to be particularly problematic—think glass cleaners, air fresheners, and furniture sprays. One study associated these with a 100% higher chance of asthma diagnoses, as well as other health problems.

Chlorine bleach seems to be a special case. Bleach sanitizes, which may be why households that use it report a lower risk of eczema, asthma, and allergies. However these households also have a higher than average incidence of respiratory problems.

Read full article at OnHealth.

Problems with your HVAC system can appear out of the blue. Most issues faced by homeowners start small but become big problems because they just shrug it off and ignore thinking it will resolve on its own but most of the time they don’t. This is one of the reasons why HVAC maintenance is so important because you become aware of budding problems before they are actually felt and experienced by everyone.

When it comes to HVAC system's maintenance, you should be able to monitor routine maintenance dates because you sometimes forget them with how busy you get in life. The state of your AC units or furnace relies upon its quality, strength, age and how well it is maintained. This guarantees your HVAC framework will be in its best condition while it endures the changes in the environment as the months go by.

This video tells you about HVAC maintenance, check it out:

If you’re looking for a local HVAC professional, contact Bulldog Heating & Cooling today! If you are experiencing problems with your HVAC systems and they don’t give you the comfort and service you asked for, we can aid you in repairing and boosting it up to optimize its performance and offer you quality service. We also offer services such as HVAC system installations that are done by our professional employees.

If you live in the Edmonton area, contact Bulldog Heating & Cooling Edmonton AB for same day air conditioning service.

Other Resources:

Ductless Systems Actually Give More

Electric Components of HVAC Systems

Electrical and Indoor Air Quality Problems

Electrical and Indoor Air Quality Problems

Heating, cooling and air conditioning (HVAC) systems use a number of electronic components and safety measures and procedures to control and manage the flow of current in your system and to ensure that it will not impose any harm to you or your unit. Different types of electrical wires actually supply current to different components of the HVAC system.

Issues regarding these wirings like faulty wirings, loose connections and exposure of broken wires can damage the HVAC system which may result in its malfunction which in turn disrupts the comfort you wish to be in. It is important to address these problems directly and professionally as it may determine your fate, health, and expenses. As days pass, the components of our HVAC system also degrade, especially if we do not know how to take care of them. They may get dislodged or lose contact with its component of the power source, thus resulting in discrepancies in how your HVAC system works. This will also disrupt the current flow to the component in which it detached from, thus causing malfunctions and system failures.

When there is a bare wire around your appliances, specifically your HVAC systems, this may impose huge threats to your health, safety, and property as it may lead to electrocution or fire. These incidents will greatly affect our lives. This can also damage your equipment if it comes in contact with water or another live wire. One thing you can do is to check for stripped and pinched wires in your system, but do not ever touch them.

Breaker Issues

Air conditioners tend to use a large amount of energy, requiring them to have their own breaker. Some electrical issues can stem from the breaker itself, whether the breaker is undersized or loose. If the breaker is loose, it can easily be tightened. In contrast, if the breaker is undersized or faulty, you will need to replace the breaker in your home’s electrical box.

Wiring Issues

One common electrical issue for air conditioners stems from the wiring in the system. Most systems are composed of intricate and abundant wires that are susceptible to corrosion, disconnection, fraying, and other damages. This can ultimately create issues with the flow of electricity throughout the system, negatively affecting its performance and operation. Finding the faulty wire can be difficult and dangerous. We suggest you hire a professional who’s trained to address this type of issue and can properly repair the wires without creating further damages.

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Some of the common pollutants that cause indoor air pollution include molds, pollens, tobacco smoke, household products and pesticides, gases such as carbon monoxide or radon and materials such as formaldehyde and lead.

There are numerous ways on how we can keep the air indoors clean without sacrificing the environment. We should always keep in mind to prioritize these methods in order for us to make sure that we do not bring harm to the environment as we protect ourselves.

How to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution:

• The top air polluter in the home is cooking with natural gas or at high temperatures in the oven or range, says Dr. Horner, so always use exhaust fans that vent to the outside in the kitchen (also in the bath and laundry areas). No exhaust fan? Open a window and use a small fan to move air outdoors.
• Don't smoke indoors.
• Run the fan in the ‘auto’ mode when using the AC. Continuous ‘on’ operation of the fan will raise the humidity and may lead to mold growth.
• Don't store chemicals, solvents, glues or pesticides near your living quarters.
• Provide good ventilation by opening windows occasionally in rooms with electronic gadgets (TV, toaster, computer, etc.) According to Dr. Horner, the heat they generate reacts with adhesives and plastics inside the product and can release toxic chemicals.

Read full article Today.

Indoor air quality is very important because we humans spend time inside closed spaces such as malls, offices, buildings and our rooms and homes. Health effects may arise if we do not see to it that the air we breathe, both indoors and outdoors, are clean and safe.

The fresh air we breathe from outside may be argued as the best but we cannot guarantee that its freshness also translates to it being clean. The outdoor air mostly in cities and heavily populated areas is filled with hundreds and thousands of pollutants and dust, which may have negative effects on our health. Some people also think that they are safe the moment they come inside their homes. This is actually false as indoor air pollution may exist.

To learn more about indoor air quality and indoor air pollution, check this video out:

If you’re looking for a local HVAC professional, contact Bulldog Heating & Cooling today! If you are experiencing problems with your HVAC systems and they don’t give you the comfort and service you asked for, we can aid you in repairing and boosting it up to optimize its performance and offer you quality service. We also offer services such as HVAC system installations that are done by our professional employees.

If you live in the Edmonton area, contact Bulldog Heating & Cooling Edmonton for same day furnace repair  service.

Other Resources:

Furnaces – Proper Installation

Heat Pump Maintenance

Furnaces – How They Benefit Us

Electric Components of HVAC Systems

Distinctive sorts of electrical wires really supply current to various segments of the HVAC framework. As the days pass, these wires may free its unique limit. They may get removed or lose contact with its segment of intensity source, hence coming about to inconsistencies in how your HVAC framework functions. This will likewise upset the present stream to the part in which it segregated from, subsequently causing glitches and framework disappointments.

Instances of electric shock are at times connected to uncovered wires. An uncovered wire which may have been harmed purposefully or because of seniority may result in one's demise on the off chance that its uncovered or contacted as present is as yet streaming. That, as well as it can harm your apparatuses too. At the point when there is an uncovered wire around your machines, particularly your HVAC frameworks, this may force colossal dangers to your wellbeing, security, and property as it might prompt electric shock or fire and furthermore harm your hardware on the off chance that it interacts with water or another live wire.

One thing you can do is to check for stripped and squeezed wires in your framework, yet absolutely never contact them. In some cases, they might be covered up in the dividers and pathways and not effortlessly situated without an expert professional. So likewise be watchful while being around the territory of your HVAC framework.

Intermittent Power

You might have faulty wiring if you notice intermittent operation. The outdoor fan may activate, but quickly stops right after it strikes its peak speed. Air conditioners are outfitted with electrical defenses to stop functions when current rises too high. Systems that cannot run smoothly are being interrupted by their own safety defenses to avoid overheating and potential fires.

Damaging Components

Some electrical issues are more subtle than others. The outdoor AC unit uses a very large capacitor, or electronic component, to control power to the fan. If you suddenly have these components breaking down within the system, there may be a small short that's causing the issue.

Read full article here.

Furthermore, contaminants can likewise develop underneath backdrop, covering, and sinks, on roofs and inside the protection frameworks. Alongside the high stickiness levels amid spring and summer, it can likewise prompt allergen development, dust bugs, cockroaches and different issues. This will deliver stale or smelly scents in the room.

Cooling Season Discomfort Clues

In the cooling season, it’s common to hear complaints from customers who say that part of their home is too hot to use. These “parts” range from bedrooms to entire second floors. To offset the heat in these areas, you’ll often find the following clues:

1. Portable room fans
2. Register scoops
3. Window air conditioning units
4. Window shades

So, how frequently do you see these items in homes? Customers use them to cool down uncomfortable areas and make them a little more tolerable. They often use freestanding fans and register scoops to direct airflow. Furthermore, consumers use window units and shades in an attempt to counteract excessive heat gain.

Read full article at NCI.

The occupants of the home will feel more exhausted and awkward than expected. This must be understood by either cleaning their home regularly or opening a window to give a portion of the air a chance to out, yet just giving impermanent alleviation. In any case, they can likewise have the choice of having an indoor air purifier.

On the off chance that your home's service bills appear to be higher than typical, you may need to clean your channels. That way, you can dispose of drafts or warm spots from stopped up ventilation work, and you won't need to utilize your warmer or aeration and cooling system as much to keep your family agreeable. In numerous homes, the HVAC framework is in charge of about a large portion of the service charge. Cleaning your ventilation work and influencing your framework more proficient will to enable you to spare cash and vitality.

To learn more about HVAC Systems, check this video out:

If you’re looking for a local HVAC professional, contact Bulldog Heating & Cooling today! If you are experiencing problems with your HVAC systems and they don’t give you the comfort and service you asked for, we can aid you in repairing and boosting it up to optimize its performance and offer you quality service. We also offer services such as HVAC system installations that are done by our professional employees.

If you live in the Calgary area, contact Bulldog Heating & Cooling Calgary Alberta for same day HVAC service.

Other Resources:

Does Your HVAC System Need Rebooting?

Efficient HVAC Maintenance

Improving Your Home Through HVAC

 

Ductless Systems Actually Give More

Many people might have heard about ductless systems but some still have no idea what they are for. They may recognize them installed high up in walls of restaurants, malls and establishments but they could still be oblivious to what they really are. So, what are ductless systems anyway?

Ductless systems give us a new way of interpreting the term, cooling. It gives us a new perspective of cooling, which is not limited to that of making a room or area cool. Through ductless air conditioners, cool air is spread, thus creating a more soothing effect. Air conditioned and heated air is supplied by a ductless system to a single or few rooms of a building or establishments. One concrete and common application of ductless systems include multi-zone systems which allows up to 8 rooms to be conditioned using only a single outdoor unit.

All air-conditioning uses the same outdoor components to produce the cold refrigerant that cools the air inside a home. The difference with ductless (see illustration) is where that air is cooled and how it's distributed.

Central-air systems send refrigerant to a bulky central air handler that then blows cool air into the house through a network of ducts. Ductless systems pump refrigerant to compact indoor units within individual rooms. Each unit operates like a miniature air handler, delivering cold air into its own zone only when it's needed.

Because there are no ducts, these systems don't have the air leaks, heat gains, or pressure imbalances that can undermine the efficiency and comfort of a central-air setup. And installation is a snap.

Read full article at This Old House.

Ductless air conditioners are quite simple but the benefits they offer are actually pretty good. They allow us to have better indoor air quality that covers a larger scope, without compromising any part of the building. Although some may require more energy than usual air conditioners, it is beneficial in the long run especially the ones that cover multi-zones. It is more practical to have one air conditioning unit that can cover the areas you want than installing an AC unit in every room or zone in a house, building or establishment.

We have discussed about what ductless systems are, but do you have any idea how they perform their wonders?

Ductless air conditioners, often referred to as mini-split air conditioners, have a few primary components:

1. An outdoor condenser that pumps cool air to the indoor components.
2. An indoor unit that you can mount somewhere on the wall or ceiling that releases the cool air into the house.
3. A conduit that connects the two, which includes the power cable, tubes of refrigerant cooling, and a condensate drain.

The end result is a cooling unit that works a lot like central air, but doesn’t require the installation of ducts in your walls or attic.

Read more here...

Ductless air conditioning systems are beautifully efficient and offer a better, wider, and more consistent air conditioning. It is deemed practical as it provides utmost comfort despite the wider scope it overs compared to that of normal air conditioning units. The decision of whether to install ductless systems however, still comes down to the consumer and it varies for every homeowner, building associates and those who take care of the AC systems in an establishment.

To help you decide whether ductless ACs are right for you, you can take a look on how it can benefit you. First, they offer highly flexible solutions. They can also help you Save Money due to its efficiency and fast and easy installation. Aside from that, they improve indoor air quality, and can lower carbon footprint, which greatly benefits out health and the environment.

A ductless heat pump or air conditioner typically consists of a wall-mounted indoor unit combined with an outside compressor. It’s most often used in a situation where a window AC unit or baseboard heating would be considered, such as a new addition to a house. But unlike window units, ductless units require only a very small hole to be drilled into the wall, making them less vulnerable to air leakage and security problems. Plus, they’re less visible and audible.

There are three strikes against ductless for most homeowners: up-front cost, regular maintenance and aesthetics. For those in extremely cold climates, there’s a fourth consideration: you’ll likely need a fuel-based backup if you want ductless heat, although some newer models can handle the load even when temps fall below zero.

Click here to read full article.

To learn how to install a ductless, mini-split conditioner, check this video out:

If you’re looking for a local HVAC professional, contact Bulldog Heating & Cooling today! We can help you find the best cooling or heating system for your home or fix your existing system that is no longer giving you the cooling or heating comfort that you and your family desperately need. We can work with your budget and find the right solution that matches the needs of your home and family.

If you live in the Calgary area, contact Bulldog Heating & Cooling Calgary AB for same day air conditioning service.

Other Resources:

Cooling – A Tedious Process

Keeping HVAC Optimized for Extreme Weather

AC Mayday: When The AC Is Out