To the untrained eye, air conditioners cool your home by blowing cool air into it; the truth is that air conditioners remove the heat and humidity from your living spaces while blowing cool air into it. ACs are able to remove heat and humidity due to the refrigerant in the system. Refrigerant can absorb and release heat because it easily changes from a liquid to a gas and back again, allowing it to facilitate heat transfer. But humidity is moisture, and it is removed in a slightly different way. A typical sign of air conditioning issues is excess humidity, so if you are feeling cold and clammy inside your home in Hamilton, it’s time to give the experts at Bartels Heating & Cooling a call.
Bartels Heating & Cooling Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category
How Does an Air Conditioner Remove Humidity?
Monday, May 11th, 2015Why Is There Frost on My Air Conditioner?
Monday, May 4th, 2015Air conditioning systems are designed to keep us cool, which is serious business here in Hamilton, OH. Our Midwest summers can get quite uncomfortable, with high temperatures and higher humidity being the norm. Homeowners who notice frost on their air conditioning system may not think that anything is amiss. In fact, however, the presence of frost or ice signals a significant problem, requiring professional help to address it. “Why is there frost on my air conditioner?” you ask. Simply put, because your air conditioner is malfunctioning.
Why Should You Replace Your Air Conditioning System Now
Monday, April 27th, 2015With warm temperatures on the way, Hamilton, OH residents are switching from winter to summer. Temperatures are comfortable now, but soon enough that thermometer is going to rise, and with it comes the humidity and uncomfortable conditions that make an air conditioning system an absolute necessity. If you’re considering a replacement system, now might be the best time to contact an expert, before the heat of summer really kicks in. Why should you replace your air conditioning system now? Here are three good reasons for you to consider.
Does Your Commercial Air Conditioning Need Repair?
Monday, April 6th, 2015We are finally starting to see some warmer weather in our area, and if you have a commercial space, this means you’ll soon be switching from heating to cooling. While you need to be aware of potential problems developing with your commercial HVAC system year-round , the switch between seasons is especially important. Why? Part of your system has been dormant for a few months, and there is the possibility that an issue may have developed during that time. So what kinds of things should you keep an eye out for? Here are some tips from the commercial AC experts at Bartels Heating & Cooling:
Poor Performance
Is your thermostat set to 72 degrees and it feels like it’s almost 80 degrees indoors? Does your AC seem sluggish? Poor performance is a telltale sign of a system in need, so if you are seeing these signs, or are simply questioning whether or not your system is operating as it should, call for an expert.
Sky-High Energy Bills
Have you noticed a significant increase in your business’s monthly energy bills, but haven’t changed how you use your AC? When a part or an assembly in your air conditioning system malfunctions, it will create stress on the system; anytime your system is stressed, it will use more energy to operate. It can be tempting to wait for a full breakdown before calling for help, but this is never advisable. If you are seeing very high, inordinate energy bills, call a professional for assistance.
Strange Sounds
Your commercial AC system is designed to operate with minimal noise, so any kind of loud sound is typically a solid indication that a problem has developed. Examples of abnormal sounds would be clunking, banging, screeching, and anything else that sounds of out of the ordinary in regard to the system’s operation.
It’s critical to the operation of your business to have a cool, comfortable atmosphere in which to work – don’t compromise it by hiring an inexpert or amateur person to repair your commercial air conditioner. The commercial specialists at Bartels Heating & Cooling have been serving southwest Ohio since 1973, so call us today for all of your commercial AC needs!
3 Ways to Prevent Air Conditioning Failure
Thursday, April 2nd, 2015It’s difficult to think about when the outside air is still chilly, but warmer weather will soon be here, and your air conditioning system will be running regularly throughout the day before too long. It can be an alarming situation if your air conditioner breaks down in the middle of a hot summer day, which is why we recommend taking preventive steps now to avoid this. Follow these tips for successful air conditioning operation throughout the warmer months, and call one of our experts now for professional maintenance services in West Chester.
- Pay attention to problems – If your air conditioning system is struggling, you may be able to tell early on if you know what signs to look for. Noisy operation and slow cooling times indicates trouble. If your system has trouble starting up or staying on, it could do some damage to the compressor. Call for repairs early on to prevent parts from deteriorating any further.
- Change your filter regularly – The filter of your air conditioning system is designed for two purposes. First, it stops your fan from sucking in large debris that could damage the air conditioning unit. Second, it filters contaminants out of the air so that your family does not breathe these in. If you allow this filter to become clogged, though, air cannot successfully pass through and into the system, which may result in motor trouble or frozen coils, among other problems that could result in system failure.
- Keep your AC professionally maintained – Changing the air filter regularly is an important part of maintaining your unit, but one of the best things you can do for your system is to schedule regular maintenance visits from a professional. Professional maintenance involves checking refrigerant levels, testing the voltage, tightening electrical components, cleaning the coils, oiling the motors, and many other tasks that help to extend the life of your system. For the most part, these tasks require an expert with the proper tools for the job and the experience necessary to recognize trouble quickly.
Call the cooling experts at Bartels Heating & Cooling for air conditioning maintenance, repairs, and any additional services in West Chester and the surrounding areas.
Air Conditioning Question: What is the Condensate Drain?
Wednesday, July 30th, 2014An air conditioned room is the perfect place to take shelter when it gets too hot. But did you know air conditioners protect against high humidity as well? The concept of air conditioning actually came to be about 100 years ago, developed as a defense against high humidity levels. Today, these systems are much more advanced, and one of the key components in humidity control is the condensate drain.
To understand the role of the condensate drain in humidity control, you must first understand the concept of heat exchange. Air conditioners move heat from inside of your home to the outdoors. This is usually done with a split-system air conditioner consisting of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit which refrigerant moves through repeatedly. Inside, the evaporator changes refrigerant from a liquid to a gas and heat is absorbed in the process. Outside, the condenser coil changes refrigerant from gas to liquid and heat releases into the air.
The indoor coil stays relatively cool as warm air blows over the evaporator and cool air returns to the home. Any moisture from the air begins to collect on this coil as condensation. Much like a glass of ice water on a warm day, the evaporator coil forms water droplets on the outside of the coil which eventually need some place to go.
This is where the condensate drain comes in. First, the water droplets fall into a shallow tray called a condensate pan. Then, water flows either directly into a condensate drain or through a condensate line that leads to an outdoor drain.
Sometimes, condensate drains encounter problems. If the drain line is clogged by debris or because of faulty installation, the condensate pan may overflow and harm your system, or else water may leak into your home. Water leaks are one of the most common reasons homeowners call for air conditioning repair, but these may be prevented with annual maintenance by an air conditioning technician.
If you run into problems with your system, or if you have questions about air conditioning service in Fairfield, OH, call Bartels Heating & Cooling today!
Options to Consider With Your New Air Conditioner
Friday, June 27th, 2014If you need air conditioning installation service in West Chester, there are a lot of factors involved that can make the process seem overwhelming. Your new AC should be a high-performance system that doesn’t cost you a fortune on your energy bill. We’ve made it easier by detailing some options you may consider, including information about energy efficiency and about whether to choose a central AC or a ductless mini split system.
Energy Efficient Systems
One of the most important options to consider with your new system is its energy efficiency. Whatever system you choose, it’s important to have an energy efficient system to help cut down on your energy bill. Look for a system with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating and the ENERGY STAR label. An HVAC specialist can tell you which systems are the most energy efficient and will help you find more ways to increase energy efficiency for the life of your system, such as yearly professional maintenance. Energy efficient options are available for both central AC systems and ductless mini splits, detailed below.
Central Air Conditioning
The most common form of AC you see in homes is central air conditioning. An outdoor compressor/condenser unit works with an indoor evaporator to move the heat from inside your home back outdoors, and the system uses the ductwork to circulate cool air. With regular maintenance and a high SEER rating, a central AC system can run smoothly and efficiently for years to come.
Ductless Mini Split Systems
A ductless mini split system is a great option when the structure of your home makes ductwork installation difficult. Similar to central AC, ductless systems require an outdoor unit and indoor unit. However, this system uses multiple indoor units so you can adjust the temperature in each area of your home. A mini split does not use ducts to blow air; instead, technicians mount compact indoor air handlers onto the wall or suspend them from the ceiling, so they don’t have to interfere with the interior design of your home.
For quality, professional air conditioning installation in West Chester, Bartels Heating & Cooling wants to help you find the air conditioning that’s right for your needs. Give us a call today to schedule your next service with us.
Air Conditioning Installation: 3 Factors to Consider When Sizing A New Air Conditioner
Friday, June 20th, 2014Installing a new air conditioner can be a great thing for your home and family, but if your new AC isn’t sized properly, it can be the opposite. Many factors need to be calculated when determining what size of air conditioner is really the best for your property, so it’s best to work with an experienced professional to ensure that your air conditioning installation service in Fairfield will give you the cooling you need and want for your home.
Factors to Consider
There is one important question to answer when sizing a new air conditioning system: how much cooling do you really need? The answer lies in calculating a number of factors together in order to get the correct answer, and it’s a calculation that is best done with your Bartel’s Heating & Cooling expert.
Here are 3 important factors to consider when sizing for a new AC:
- Levels of insulation throughout your home – just as insulation is important for keeping heat in your home during winter, it is just as important in keeping the warm air outside during summer. Knowing exactly how your home is insulated, and at what R-level, is a big part of the cooling calculation, and one that should not be missed or overlooked.
- Floor plan design – the floor plan design of your home doesn’t just describe the layout, it also indicates how air will flow through the property. For air conditioning, there is a big difference between floor plans that are open versus floor plans that have multiple, walled rooms. For instance, you can have two homes that are both 2,000 square feet in size, but if one has an open floor plan, the cool air is going to move very differently through it as compared to the one that doesn’t.
- Daily heat gain – every home takes on heat throughout the day, but does so at different rates and temperatures. Different factors go into heat gain, such as the orientation of your property, types of windows, natural and indoor shading, etc. Heat gain can raise the temperature in a home anywhere from 10-15 degrees during the summer months, so knowing how many degrees your home gains during the day is an important factor to know before purchasing your new air conditioner.
Make the Calculation Correctly with an Expert
Bartel’s Heating & Cooling has been conducted air conditioning installation in Fairfield since 1973. Our technicians understand how important it is to calculate correctly for the right-sized air conditioner for your property. If you are ready to install a new AC but aren’t sure what size to purchase, call Bartel’s Heating & Cooling today and schedule a consultation with one of our experts.
Stages of Air Conditioning Installation
Friday, June 6th, 2014Air conditioning installation in Hamilton, OH is not a light undertaking, but eventually, it’s necessary. Sooner or later, even the most well-maintained system breaks down, requiring a new system to take its place. Every installation process is different and a reliable service company can set up a plan that works for your unique circumstances. It may help you to understand the general stages of air conditioning installation in Hamilton, however. That way, you won’t be caught by surprise and you can discuss the specifics with your technician from a more knowledgeable perspective. We’ve provided a quick breakdown below:
- The technician arrives at your home and conducts measurements to determine the proper power load for your air conditioner, balanced against such factors as square footage, insulation in your attic and sunlight exposure.
- The technician makes calculations to determine the square footage needed for your need system, as well as the location of electrical wiring, vents, drain lines and other auxiliary components that need to line up.
- The technician brings in any equipment needed to remove your old system and install the new one.
- The technician shuts off power to your home and methodically disconnects your system from electrical connections, drain lines, the duct system and other components which your new system might need.
- The technician removes your old system with care, ensuring that no other part of your home is disrupted.
- The technician places the new unit in position, then methodically attaches all of the lines, hoses and electrical connections.
- The technician turns on the power, and runs your new air conditioner for 15-20 minutes while checking for potential problems. Only when he is satisfied that everything is as it should be does he turn off the unit and complete the installation.
The experts at Bartels Heating & Cooling can explain all of the stages of air conditioning installation in Hamilton to you, as well as performing the operation with courtesy and care. We value your satisfaction as a customer and we won’t rest until you are completely satisfied with your new AC unit. Pick up the phone and call us today for a consultation. You’ll be glad you did!
Components of Your Home that Can Affect Your New Air Conditioner
Friday, May 16th, 2014Ohio summers bring the heat, and one of the best ways to beat the heat is the installation of a whole-house air conditioning system. Air conditioners have come a long way in the last decade, providing cool air more efficiently while also reducing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted. But an air conditioning system purchase is a big one no matter how you look at it, and ensuring you’ve gotten an air conditioner that fits your home is one of our specialties at Bartel’s Heating & Cooling.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing Your Air Conditioner
In order to ensure that you are purchasing an air conditioner that satisfies the amount of cooling you’ll need for your home, your Fairfield air conditioning installation will require a calculation that involves several components. Some of these components are:
- Orientation (the direction your property faces) – orientation can affect the daily heat gain of your property
- Insulation levels – just as insulation is important for holding in heat during winter, it does the same for the cool air during summer
- Any existing ductwork – older ductwork can be in need of repair or possible replacement to help mitigate potential air loss with a new system
- Floor plans – an open floor plan has a very different indoor air flow from a multi-room floor plan, something that can affect how your home cools
- Square footage – how much area needs to be cooled
- Daytime heat gain – your home will gain heat throughout the day from sunlight and rising temperatures; it is important to know exactly how much heat your home gains in order to determine how much cooling it needs to counteract the heat gain
Why Are These Factors Important?
Each of these factors helps to answer the question, “how much cooling does my property need?” Every home has its own answer to this question, even if one home has the same square footage as another. These factors are also important in helping to determine how much energy efficiency you want in your air conditioner, and what type of air conditioning system you want (i.e., traditional split system, ductless, etc.)
As you can see, multiple components need to be factored in to any new air conditioning installation. For over 40 years, Bartel’s Heating & Cooling has conducted multiple Fairfield air conditioning installations, helping our customers attain the right air conditioner for their property. Not sure about what air conditioner is right for you? Call Bartel’s Heating & Cooling today and schedule an appointment for an estimate with one of our experts.