Air Conditioning Question: What is the Condensate Drain?

July 30th, 2014

An 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!

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What Makes Commercial HVAC Repair Different from Residential?

July 21st, 2014

When you need to have repair work done for the HVAC system that keeps your business comfortable throughout the year, it is vital that you only call up technicians qualified for commercial work. No matter how talented a residential repair technician may be, no matter how experienced, if he or she has not done extensive commercial work or received the proper training, the job will not be done right, and your comfort and budget will suffer.

We will look at the ways that commercial HVAC repair in West Chester, OH is different from residential. Our team at Bartels Heating & Cooling has worked with both since 1973. We have high qualifications to handle any type of repair work you may need for commercial HVAC. We offer 24-hour emergency service, so we are always ready whenever your commercial heating and cooling encounters trouble.

The Differences in Commercial Repair Work

The most obvious difference between commercial and residential heating and cooling is size: the heating and cooling capacity for a commercial system must service a larger space and more people. But how does this affect repairs? One way is that commercial systems are modular, and often contain multiple packaged units to accommodate the needs of a large work space. A residential repair technician only has one unit to check, whereas a commercial repair technician must perform more extensive inspections to find which of the various units—and it might be more than one—is malfunctioning. The size of the system also means a more complicated series of dampers and thermostats; this intricacy of the system calls for specific training to remedy problems.

The majority of commercial units are packaged units, which means they contain all the components of a residential indoor and outdoor cabinet inside a single cabinet. Packaged units are configured much differently than other systems and require special training for their repairs and maintenance.

When doing repairs for a commercial system, a technician must have more in mind than maintaining comfort for the people inside the building. The system must also stay within local electrical codes. This is one of the reasons that you need to hire commercial specialists for your repairs, as you cannot take the chance of your building failing to stay up to code.

Schedule Service as Soon as You Need It

Don’t risk a breakdown in the comfort system that keeps your workplace viable for both employees and clients around the year. When the heating or cooling in your business appears in jeopardy, give us a call for commercial HVAC repair in West Chester, OH from Bartels Heating & Cooling. We can take care of your commercial comfort needs, any time of the day or night.

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Questions to Ask When Installing a Generator

July 15th, 2014

A commercial generator is an important insurance policy for your company in the event of a long-term power loss. Power outages are especially worrisome in winter, when an extended interruption in electrical service can create immense discomfort and even health risks. Installing a commercial generator in Fairfield, OH is an investment in protecting and maintaining your commercial space in case of an emergency.

However, you cannot simply select any generator for installation and trust to luck. There are many important factors that go into finding and installing the right unit for your business. Call for professionals to handle the installation, such as the experienced team at Bartels Heating & Cooling. Have a few questions ready for your installer so that you know you will receive the ideal generator for your needs.

Some Questions to Ask the Installers About Your Generator

  • How many appliances will the generator run? Generators come in a wide variety of power levels, and you need to make sure that the one you have installed will provide enough electricity to run the appliances you most need during an outage. Every homeowner will have different needs when it comes to a loss of power: perhaps you only require the minimum, such as a few lights, the heating system, and any vital medical equipment; or maybe you want full use of all your regular appliances. Work with your installer to figure out your exact needs so he or she can install the generator that will deliver you all the electricity you require during an emergency.
  • What fuel source is my best option? Generators can run on natural gas, propane, oil, or gasoline. Which model you get will depend on a number of factors, such as the availability of municipal gas lines and the local costs of heating oil. The installer will have suggestions to help guide you toward the right fuel source for your needs, budget, and convenience.
  • How often should I have the generator maintained? A generator is only worth installing if it will come on when necessary. Because you will rarely need to use it (we hope), the generator will sit unused for most of the year, and it might develop malfunctions without you realizing it. It’s essential that you have regular maintenance scheduled to take care of the generator so that it will be ready to work when you actually need it. The installer will know the best schedule for maintenance and help you arrange it so that you will feel assured that the generator will be prepared for the next emergency.

At Bartels Heating & Cooling, we offer full service for generators: installation, repairs, and maintenance. You can reach us 24/7 for the repair work on your generator in Fairfield, OH necessary for it to do its vital job. Our technicians are NATE-certified to make sure you receive the highest quality work. Call us today to schedule service.

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How Do Geothermal Systems Work?

July 10th, 2014

Here is the great secret of geothermal power: if dig down a mere 10 feet beneath the frost line, the Earth’s temperature remains at a steady 55° F. That’s either a “cool” temperature (if you have a blazing hot summer day above) or a “warm” one (if there’s a deep freeze happening above). Either way, it’s a reliable temperature for whatever your home needs to keep it comfortable throughout the year, and you can access this power using a geothermal heat pump.

We think that using a geothermal system in Hamilton, OH is an excellent idea for year-round comfort. At Bartels Heating & Cooling, we’ve installed many geothermal systems that have helped people achieve reliable comfort as well as energy savings. If you think that geothermal may be the best comfort system for your home, give us a call and set up an appointment with us today.

How Geothermal Systems Heat and Cool Your Home

Home geothermal systems are heat pumps, which means they circulate refrigerant between indoor and outdoor elements to move heat from one location to another. To supply a home with heat, the heat pump moves heat from the outside element and releases it to the inside. To cool down a home, the heat pump absorbs heat from inside and releases it outside. Standard heat pumps are “air-source,” which means they absorb and release heat using the air. But geothermal heat pumps are “ground-source”: for half the exchange, they use the steady energy levels of the Earth.

The indoor sections of a geothermal heat pump are similar to those of an air-source one. A coil with refrigerant either absorbs or releases heat, depending on the mode, and a blower circulates the conditioned air thorough the home. However, there is no outdoor “unit.” Instead, the refrigerant (water with anti-freeze in it) circulates through plastic loops buried in the ground deep enough to access the steady 55°F. In heating mode, the loops absorb heat from the ground to take it indoors, and in cooling mode they deposit heat from indoors into the ground.

Because geothermal heat pumps don’t have to combat scorching hot or icy cold air temperatures, they work far more efficiently than other heat pumps. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that a geothermal system can operate 3 to 6 times more efficiently than standard heat pumps. The ground loops have astonishing longevity as well, lasting longer than 50 years.

However, all these advantages won’t mean much if your home isn’t suited to geothermal power. A house requires sufficient space for the coils, and the soil must be the right condition. Before making a choice about heat pumps, call Bartels Heating & Cooling and talk to our specialists in geothermal in Hamilton, OH. We will find the best comfort solution for your home.

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The Famous Painting of the Declaration of Independence Isn’t What You Think It Is

July 4th, 2014

If you grew up in the United States, you probably first saw John Trumbull’s painting of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence in an elementary schoolbook. This oil-on-canvas 12’ x 18’ painting hangs in the rotunda of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. It is one of the most famous symbols of freedom in the country and almost every citizen can conjure it from memory.

Except… the painting isn’t of the singing of the Declaration of Independence. The actual title of the work is Declaration of Independence, and although it does portray an important moment in the history of the document that announced the Thirteen Colonies’ decision to break away from British rule, the event in the painting occurred on June 28, 1776, not July 4, 1776.

John Trumbull, a Connecticut native who fought in the Revolutionary War and whose father was the state governor, was commissioned to create the painting in 1817. He did painstaking research on the figures in the picture and also visited Independence Hall to see the actual chamber where the Second Continental Congress met. Trumbull only included 42 of the original 56 signers, because he could not find adequate likenesses for 14 or them, and added a few figures who were not present (most of whom declined to sign the actual document). In fact, the men depicted in the painting had never been present in the same room at one time.

So if the painting does not portray the signing of the Declaration of Independence, what is happening in the image? The Trumbull’s scene depicts the presentation of the draft of the declaration to the Continental Congress for editing and approval. The five-man drafting committee (John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert R. Livingston, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin) is handing over their finished work, which congress would then edit carefully over the next few days before voting on it and signing it on the day that we now celebrate as the start of the United States of America.

One last, odd, fact: two of the five-man drafting committee, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, both died on July 4th—although many years later.

Our family at Bartels Heating & Cooling hopes that your Fourth of July (or Twenty-Eighth of June if you decided to start celebrating early) is a memorable and happy one.

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Options to Consider With Your New Air Conditioner

June 27th, 2014

If 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.

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3 Reasons Why Duct Cleaning Is Necessary

June 26th, 2014

Try this test right now: Go to one of the vents in your home and unscrew the grate. Now reach inside holding onto a digital camera with a flash (your smart phone should do). Take a photo of the inside, the area just out of your sight. Now look at the image you just captured.

If it isn’t a pleasant sight—something like the lint-catcher of dryer after a large load—then you need to schedule duct cleaning service as soon as possible.

If more than two years have passed since you had your ducts professionally cleaned, you don’t even need to do the test; you’re overdue to have a team come in and use powerful vacuums and agitation equipment to cleanse all the contamination trapped inside your ventilation system. Call Bartels Heating & Cooling today to schedule duct cleaning in Fairfield, OH.

Here Are 3 Reasons Why You Need Duct Cleaning

  1. Protect your indoor air quality: The U.S. EPA has identified low indoor air quality as a major health threat in the country. Clogged up air ducts filled with dirt, dust, pollen, dander, dust mites, and other debris are a major contributor to the issue. You don’t want all this material collected through the return vents form your home to continue to circulate in the air that you and your family breathe every day. Duct cleaning removes this major reservoir of airborne pollutants from your home.
  2. Shield your HVAC system: The forced-air heater and air conditioner that use the ductwork of your home can suffer damage due to the contamination inside the ventilation system. Dust that enters the cabinets of air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces will increase stress on mechanical components, block up burners, clog filters, and restrict the function of evaporator and condensing coils. This will lead to numerous repairs and a reduced life for your system.
  3. Maintain energy efficiency: Aside from keeping the HVAC system in good shape, maintaining clean air passages for the air conditioner and heater is crucial for system efficiency. Even a small layer of dust coating the inside of the ductwork will create friction against the airflow that will force the HVAC system to work harder than it need to. As the ducts become more congested, you can expect to see a steep climb in your utility bills. Duct cleaning makes certain that your heater and air conditioner have the least resistance possible to providing you with comfort.

Don’t try this at home (at least, not on your own)

Duct cleaning requires professional equipment and technicians who know how to use them; you cannot clean the ducts are your own by sticking a vacuum hose into an open vent. Call the experienced professionals at Bartels Heating & Cooling when you need duct cleaning in Fairfield, OH. Along with duct cleaning, we also offer other indoor air quality services such as installation of air cleaners, air purifiers, UV sanitizers, and energy recovery ventilators.

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Air Conditioning Installation: 3 Factors to Consider When Sizing A New Air Conditioner

June 20th, 2014

Installing 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.

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Why Are Package Rooftop Units Popular for Commercial HVAC?

June 13th, 2014

Commercial HVAC systems in West Chester and other local towns have very different needs than residential air conditioning systems. They must handle a larger amount of space, for instance, and keep many more people comfortable. In addition, the demands on them will shift depending upon the particular business occupying the space. An office with a lot of computer hard drives, for instance, will need more air conditioning power than one used solely for paper storage. That creates different needs for office-based HVAC systems that can usually be solved by package rooftop units. Why are package rooftop units popular for commercial HVAC? We’ve provided a brief breakdown below.

In the first place, package units usually mean modular HVAC systems: multiple individual units all connected to the same system which can be added or removed as needed. This provides the building manager with maximum flexibility in terms of how much cool air is provided. He can divide the units between individual tenants according to their needs, and add or subtract units as appropriate. If one floor of the building is vacant, he can simply turn off the modular units providing that floor with cool air: saving money on monthly bills without disrupting the service for the rest of the building’s occupants.

That’s a big part of why such units are placed on the roof. Depending upon the size of the building, all those modular units can take up a lot of space. Putting them on the roof means that you don’t have to sacrifice any square footage that can go to cubicles, office storage or parking. And the rooftop still provides easy access in the event of repairs.

All of that combines to make package rooftop units very popular for commercial HVAC systems. If you’re a business manage or have a similar vested interest in commercial HVAC systems in West Chester, contact the experts at Bartels Heating & Cooling. We have the specialized training to handle commercial systems and we’re dedicated to your complete satisfaction every step of the way. Give us a call today and let us show you what we can do!

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Stages of Air Conditioning Installation

June 6th, 2014

Air 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!

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