Bartels Heating & Cooling Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Hamilton’

How Do Geothermal Systems Work?

Thursday, 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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Stages of Air Conditioning Installation

Friday, 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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Is Zone Control a Good Investment for Your Air Conditioning?

Friday, May 2nd, 2014

Central air conditioning for homes is usually an everything-or-nothing proposition. When your AC turns on, cool air goes through the ventilation system to each room in the house, regardless of whether it needs it or not. But cooling your home doesn’t need to work this way: through the installation of a zone control system, you can control which rooms in your home receive cooling whenever the air conditioner turns on. (It works for your forced-air heating system in winter as well.)

You can have zone control put in with a new central air conditioner, or have installers retro-fit your system for zone control benefits. We’ll look at the advantages of zone control and whether it makes sense for your home.

To learn specifics and to talk to an expert in air conditioning in Hamilton, OH, please contact Bartels Heating & Cooling. We have many years of experience installing and repairing zone control systems.

Zone control as an investment in comfort and energy savings

Zone control divides a house in a number of different “zones,” which can be as few as two (e.g. upstairs and downstairs) to as many as there are rooms in a home. Each zone has its own thermostat that operates a damper inside the ductwork to control the flow of conditioned air. The local thermostats link to a central control panel to operate all the zones.

Using zone control allows for immense energy savings, since you no longer need to cool down every room at the same time, only the ones that are presently occupied. If you have a guest room or a number of other places in your house that see only occasional use, zone control is a great advantage that will result in high energy savings. They will often pay back their installation costs after only a few years.

Aside from saving energy, zone control increases comfort. You can adjust the temperature to fit each room’s purpose: high cooling in the kitchen, reduced cooling in well-ventilated bedrooms. If a large number of people live in your house, a zone control system allows them to adjust the temperature to their individual comfort level wherever they are, which means less hassle and more comfort for everyone.

For smaller homes with a small number of residents, a zone control system will probably provide too few advantages to make installation worthwhile. But larger homes and families will usually find the return on investment in zone control extremely high.

Professional zone control installation

Call professionals in air conditioning in Hamilton, OH to learn how to best set up your home for zone control. Bartels Heating & Cooling can set up a zone control system for your existing central air conditioner, or make it part of a new air conditioning installation. Call us today to find out more about your options.

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Why Invest in a Variable Speed Furnace?

Thursday, March 20th, 2014

Winter is slowly coming to an end, and with it comes a chance to replace your old, outdated furnace with a new one. Here in Hamilton, OH, a great heating system is absolutely necessary to keep your home cozy and comfortable in the winter, and installing a new furnace is a chance to add some new bells and whistles to your system. For example, you may want to invest in a variable speed furnace, which allows you to adjust the blower between high speeds and low speeds. Why invest in a variable speed furnace? The shortest answer is because it can save you money.

Using the blower’s lower speed means that the air doesn’t distribute as quickly and it takes longer to heat your home. On the other hand, that doesn’t not matter on mild days when the temperatures don’t get that low, and it can save a lot of energy. A lower speed can still get your home to the temperature you want quickly, and the setting means that you’ll save money in the process. When temperatures get colder, you can use the higher setting to keep your home comfortable.

Variable speed furnaces improve the resale value of the home they’re in because of their flexibility. Many of them are programmable, which allows you to further tailor the speed with which you receive heated air to ensure the maximum amount of savings. And because the technology involved is reasonably simple, you can count on a standard technician to perform repairs instead of hunting around for a specialist.

For more on why you should invest in a variable speed furnace, or to discuss your heating options in general, contact Bartels Heating & Cooling. We have years of experience handling heating issues of all varieties, and we can help you determine the best time to replace your old worn-out furnace with one that offers a few more options to save you money. If you need Hamilton, OH furnace service, pick up the phone and schedule an appointment today!

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Reasons to Look into Carrier Greenspeed Technology

Tuesday, February 25th, 2014

The technology of furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps continues to surge forward each year. The furnaces of today have an energy efficiency far superior to models manufactured a mere ten years ago. If you are thinking about making a change in your home’s comfort system, now is an excellent time to look into the cutting edge technology available.

One of the best advances in heating and cooling is Carrier’s Greenspeed technology. We’ll explain why you should consider a heat pump or furnace in Hamilton, OH equipped with Greenspeed Intelligence. Call Bartels Heating & Cooling, your local Carrier dealer, for more information and to schedule a great installation.

What is Carrier Greenspeed technology?

Carrier, the company that invented mechanical air conditioning over a hundred years ago, constantly strives to lead the industry in innovation. Greenspeed Intelligence is an exciting recent advance in heating and cooling from Carrier that combines whisper-quiet operation, high energy-efficient performance, and ideal comfort.

Greenspeed Intelligence is designed to pair with the Carrier Infinity product line, such as the modulating Infinity 98 gas furnace or the variable-speed Infinity 20 heat pump, and improve upon their existing Infinity systems. Greenspeed can control the heating or cooling system to run at anywhere from 40% to 100% capacity depending on a home’s current needs, which results in better comfort levels and a significant reduction in power use. With variable speed, the system runs longer but at a steadier capacity, so it can operate at 40% capacity most of the time while maintaining the ideal level of heating or cooling for your home.

The amount of energy you can save with Greenspeed Intelligence is significant: the Infinity 20 heat pump with Greenspeed enhancement can run up to 69% more efficiently than other forced-air heat pumps.

Other benefits you’ll receive with Greenspeed: quiet operation from the reduced capacity, precision temperature control, and easier addition of air purifiers and humidifiers.

Call to find out more about Greenspeed technology

Are you interested in having installation of a heat pump or furnace in Hamilton, OH equipped with the Greenspeed difference? At Bartels Heating & Cooling, we have the equipment and skills necessary to install a heating/cooling system with Greenspeed so you can enjoy years of high efficiency and serene comfort. We are local Carrier dealers and can handle all your needs for home comfort.

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Air Conditioning Repair: The Problem with Dirty Coils

Monday, August 12th, 2013

Like any other mechanical device, an air conditioning unit can get dirty over time. Dust and other particles build up on the inside of the unit, which can result in larger and more significant problems if left unattended. In Hamilton, OH, the hot muggy summers mean that you can’t afford to let your air conditioning system go down for repairs. It may not sound like much when components like the evaporator coils get dirty, but the effects can bite you if you’re not careful.

The coils serve a vital function in the AC’s cooling cycle. Refrigerant enters the evaporator coils and transforms from a liquid state to a gas state, cooling the surrounding air. A blower fan then blows across the coils, distributing the cool air throughout your house. The problem with dirty coils is that it interfere with that process. The caked-on dirt reduces the cooling effects of the refrigerant, making you air conditioning work harder to keep your home comfortable. In some cases, ice can build up on the surface of the coils, increasing the wear and tear of the unit and possibly leading to further damage as well.

To combat it, you can replace the air filters in your air conditioning unit regularly. That will help keep the inside of the unit clean. In addition, you should schedule routine maintenance sessions from a qualified Hamilton, OH air conditioning professional. Your technician can safely clean the dirt off of the coils, as well as checking for low refrigerant levels, tightening any loose fittings and identifying potential problems before they get out of hand. Not only will it maximize the efficiency of your air conditioning system, but it should extend the overall life of your system, reducing the need for significant repairs.

Bartels Heating & Cooling has trained experts on staff who can handle air conditioning repair in Hamilton, OH. Our maintenance program includes 24-hour emergency service and a 15% discount on repairs made under the plan. We never charge you overtime if you’re on the plan and we dedicate ourselves to your complete satisfaction. Call us today, and make sure that dirty coils don’t get in the way of cool air.  

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Air Conditioning Tip: Why You Shouldn’t Put Off Repair Services

Tuesday, July 9th, 2013

It’s the case for most things in life that if you put off dealing with problems that they will only get worse. Your air conditioning system is no exception. It is usually best to call for professional air conditioning repair in Fairfield, OH as soon as you suspect that you’re having any AC problems. Call the friendly experts at Bartels Heating & Cooling today to talk with us about any services that you need. Here is a quick explanation of why you should never put off necessary air conditioning repair services.

  • Comfort – If your air conditioning system isn’t working well, it likely means that your hose isn’t as comfortable as it should be. Whether your air conditioner isn’t producing enough cooling or if it is making a strange noise, call early so that your house can return to normal.
  • Avoid larger issues – If your AC unit is having problems, you might be able to keep those problems from developing into even more complex issues by calling for repair as soon as you notice something is wrong.
  • Avoid long-term damage – Often, your air conditioning system can suffer severe damage from very small issues. Even something as seemingly insignificant as an air filter can actually cause tremendous damage if it is allowed to persist. Not only cause these types of problems cause immediate repairs, but they could also impact the life expectancy of your air conditioning system.

One of the best ways to avoid repairs is to get your system regularly maintained by a professional. During regular maintenance visits, your technician will thoroughly inspect, clean and repair every component of your system. This will allow them to find any small problems that could be developing and fix them early. Not only could this potentially help you avoid repairs, but it could also increase the efficiency of your system and extend the life of your equipment.

If you need air conditioning repair in Fairfield, OH, make sure that you call Bartels Heating & Cooling.

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Air Conditioning Repair Question: My Compressor Won’t Start

Thursday, June 27th, 2013

Modern air conditioning systems are more efficient and reliable than ever before. That does not mean that you will never experience any problems with your AC, though. All mechanical systems can fail in a variety of different ways, and your air conditioner is no exception. If you notice any issues with the operation of your AC, or if it fails on you completely, contact the West Chester, OH air conditioning repair technicians you can really count on at Bartel’s Heating & Cooling. We thought it would help our customers if we provided some information on common reasons why your compressor won’t start.

Your compressor is a vital part of your air conditioning system, and if it will not start up you are in for some discomfort. Having the problem repaired as soon as possible is absolutely necessary. One reason this issue may come up is faulty wiring. Your compressor needs a constant supply of electricity in order to get running and stay on. If the power source feeding the compressor is not able to feed it that power, it will fail. The start capacitor, which transfers power to the compressor to get it going, may also be at fault.

Simple mechanical issues can also be to blame. If you have not had your system properly maintained it is possible that the motor is not properly oiled. The bearings may also be broken or damaged, or the motor itself may have some issue. Only a qualified professional can determine if a mechanical failure is causing your compressor to let you down.

Finally, a refrigerant leak may cause the level to drop enough that the compressor will not turn on. Refrigerant is recycled over and over, rather than being consumed, so a low refrigerant charge is most likely the result of a leak somewhere in the system. Contact your AC technician to have the leak repaired and your refrigerant properly charged.

To learn more about why your compressor may have failed, contact Bartel’s Heating & Cooling today. We can answer any questions you may have. Our West Chester, OH air conditioning repair technicians have the information you need to get your AC back up and running.

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Bartels Received 2013 President’s Award!

Monday, June 24th, 2013

habegger_bartels heatingBartels Heating & Cooling is proud to announce that it recently received the 2013 President’s Award from Carrier for its quality, leadership and excellence in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry. Dealerships were honored at a ceremony held in Las Vegas in March.

One of Carrier’s highest honors for its dealers, the President’s Award is given to Carrier® Factory Authorized Dealers who demonstrate technical expertise, while also serving as a leader in promoting the Carrier brand and raising the standard for equipment sales. Moreover, the dealership is committed to service excellence and provides exceptional customer care.

At Bartels Heating & Cooling in Hamilton, OH we proudly offer exceptional customer service and install top quality brands to find the best heating, cooling, indoor air quality, and geothermal systems to meet your needs. Give us a call today to schedule a service call and find out why we continue to receive recognition for our services.

 

 

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AC Tip: Common Air Conditioning Repairs

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

Here at Bartels Heating & Cooling, we’ve worked with countless homeowners to help them fix their AC systems. We wanted to put together a few of the most common repairs that we respond to so that you can identify them early. Check out our list below and give us a call if you need any kind of air conditioning repair services in Hamilton, OH.

No matter what kind of air conditioning system you have, it might eventually break down and need the services of a professional. Here are some common issues:

  • Not enough cooling – If your air conditioning system can’t seem to get your house cool enough, its a clear sign of a problem. This issue can be caused by low refrigerant, a bad compressor or a broken fan motor.
  • AC blowing warm air – When your air conditioning system starts to blow warm air, it could be caused by a low refrigerant charge, a broken thermostat or a broken compressor motor. Make sure that your thermostat is set low enough to turn on the AC, and that your unit has power. If you are still not getting cold air through your vents, call a professional to examine your system.
  • The air filter – One of the most common causes of AC problems is a clogged air filter. Your AC system’s air conditioner has an air filter on it that keeps dust and dirt from getting into the moving parts. If it gets clogged it will restrict the flow of air and can cause a frozen evaporator coil and inefficient cooling. During the summer, make sure you check your AC air filter once a month to see if it needs to be cleaned or replaced.

If you need air conditioning repair in Hamilton, OH,  make sure that you call the friendly professionals at Bartels Heating & Cooling.  

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