Bartels Heating & Cooling Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Hamilton’

3 Great Benefits of Routine Air Conditioning Maintenance

Wednesday, June 12th, 2013

As the heat of summer quickly approaches, many homes are starting to run their AC systems a lot more. We all want to stay comfortable in our homes and we need our air conditioners to run well in order to make that happen. We often get asked about how homeowners can get more consistent performance from their AC and potentially avoid repairs. Scheduling preventive maintenance is a great way to potentially make that happen. As you run your air conditioning system it will naturally start to degrade and develop problems. Those problems will likely turn into more costly and larger repair issues without the intervention of a professional. Here at Bartels Heating & Cooling, we offer complete services for all different types and brands of AC systems in Fairfield, OH. Check out a few of the benefits of getting regular  air conditioning maintenance.

  • Potentially reduce repair – One of the most attractive potential benefits to regular AC maintenance is that it could reduce the instances of repair. During regular maintenance, the experts at Bartels Heating & Cooling will thoroughly inspect every aspect of your home’s AC system. We will look for those small problems and fix them before they cause any further damage.
  • Extended life – Air conditioning system can actually be severely damaged by small problems that are allowed to fester and linger. By getting regular air conditioning maintenance you could be able to extend the life of your air conditioning system by fixing those issues early.
  • Increased efficiency – The small problems that your air conditioning system develops over time can cause it to have to work harder to cool your home—which reduces its efficiency. By finding the repairing those problems you could be able to return some of that lost efficiency to your air conditioning system.

For all your Fairfield, OH air conditioning repair, installation and maintenance service you need, call Bartels Heating & Cooling. We can fix any problem that your air conditioner might be having and we are dedicated to your complete satisfaction.

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AC Problem: Air Conditioning Electrical Problems

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013

We rely on electricity more and more every year to power our various electronic gadgets, to cook food and clean our homes. But we also rely on electricity to operate our air conditioning systems. In fact, your AC is probably one of the largest consumers of your electrical energy during the cooling season. Considering how much you depend upon the crisp, cool air provided by your AC, no matter what type it is, it’s imperative that your repair problems as soon as they arise. While routine maintenance is the best way to reduce the need for repairs, sometimes they are inevitable. In today’s post, we’d like to review a special type of problem that you may encounter this summer: AC electrical issues. Call Bartels Heating & Cooling today for comprehensive air conditioning services in West Chester, OH.

  • AC won’t turn on: First, check to make sure that you haven’t merely tripped the circuit breaker or blown a fuse. Also, check to make sure that your thermostat is set at the right temperature, is in “cooling” mode, and calling for cool air. If neither of those two helps, you may have a faulty capacitor. This small device stores extra voltage to boost the startup of your AC.
  • AC won’t turn off: While it may seem like this couldn’t possibly be a “problem,” your AC shouldn’t run constantly. It should reach the temperature that you have set at the thermostat, and should then turn off. An AC that won’t turn off often indicates an electrical or thermostat issue that needs to be taken care of. If not, it can lead to increased wear and tear on your system.
  • Short cycling: This term describes when your AC turns on and off frequently. You need to ensure that your AC operates in full and effective cycles so that you can ensure that you’re getting the most from your AC this summer.

If you’re concerned about the operation of your AC or think that you may have an electrical problem, don’t worry. Just call Bartels Heating & Cooling today for comprehensive West Chester, OH air conditioning services. 

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Upgrading Your Air Conditioning System

Monday, April 22nd, 2013

Is your AC no longer operating as it once did? Do you have trouble keeping your home cool during the hotter months of the year? If you’re considering upgrading your Fairfield, OH air conditioning system, spring is a great time to do so. Not only do you eliminate the risk of a major breakdown when the heat and humidity are at their highest levels, but you also ensure that your AC will operate at a high level of energy efficiency this summer. Because it’s one of the major energy costs during the summer, your AC needs special attention. For more information about Fairfield, OH air conditioning services, call the experts at Bartels Heating & Cooling today!

Let’s take a look at some things to consider:

  • SEER rating: You may have already come across the acronym SEER, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. It’s a national standard that seeks to estimate the ratio between electrical energy input and cooling output. All air conditioning units are given one when they are manufactured and it’s a fairly good indicator of how efficiently your air conditioning system will be. The higher the number the better the efficiency.
  • Ducts or no ducts? Upgrading your air conditioner is an opportunity to consider moving to a ductless mini split system. These systems do not use ducts to distribute cool air throughout your home; rather, multiple indoor air handlers are installed directly in your living space, typically high on a wall, or recessed in the ceiling. They are highly efficiency because of their design, and the fact that ducts can account for up to 30% of energy loss.
  • Heat pump: If you previously had a central air, consider a heat pump. They operate according to the same refrigerant cycle as an air conditioner, but they can also heat your home in the winter. They offer year-round comfort and are highly energy-efficient. They can also be combined with furnaces.

For more information about upgrading your air conditioning system in Fairfield, OH, call the experts at Bartels Heating & Cooling today!

 

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Using a Zone Control System with Your Air Conditioning System

Monday, April 15th, 2013

If you have a forced-air distribution system, then you know that you often end up cooling parts of your living space that are unoccupied. Without anyone there to enjoy that cool air, it is a waste of energy. Energy costs are high enough as it is. Fortunately, there is an efficient solution to such problems. For Fairfield, OH air conditioning services, including zone control systems, call the experts at Bartels Heating & Cooling today!

Let’s learn more about zone control systems:

  • What it is: A zone control system is a set of dampers, thermostats, and other devices that integrate into your existing central AC unit. A professional will visit your home and install electronically controlled dampers that control the passage of cool airflow at particular points in your ductwork. These are assigned to thermostats linked to the air handler.
  • How it works: A zone control system works by utilizing this zone division of your ductwork, and gives you the ability to control each one separately from the others. Whereas before you had only a single adjustment for the entire space of your home, with a zone control system, you can fine-tune and customize the zones of your home.
  • Why it’s a good idea: A zone control system is a good idea because it will improve both the energy efficiency of your home as well as your home comfort. Not only will you be able to shut off the cooling to parts of your home that are hardly used, but you will also be able to configure the temperature of your bedroom differently than that of your kitchen. The one-size-fits-all is an outdate approach. Control your indoor climate while saving energy in the process.

For more information, or to learn about whether your AC can be integrated with a zone control system, call the Fairfield, OH air conditioning experts at Bartels Heating & Cooling today!

 

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Common Types of Air Conditioning Repair

Monday, April 8th, 2013

While we have only just left winter behind, spring is a great time to ensure that our air conditioning systems are ready to go when the summer heat arrives. While there are various types and brands of air conditioning systems installed throughout the area, there are some common air conditioning problems. In this post, we’d like to provide an overview of them, and to describe their possible causes. If your AC doesn’t operate properly, make sure you hire a trained professional. For air conditioning repair in Fairfield, OH, call Bartels Heating & Cooling.

  • Inadequate cooling: If you find that your AC no longer operates as it once did, or you notice a sudden drop-off in its ability to cool your home, then you probably need air conditioning repair. While it may be something as simple as a dirty or clogged air filter, it could also indicate a frozen coil, or a mechanical problem with the blower motor. It’s important not to delay the process of repair because it could lead to further damage.
  • Hot spots: This stems from inadequate cooling, but more particularly from the lack of cooling in a particular section of your home. While it may seem like an enigma that this or that corner can’t cool down, it’s most likely due to a system imbalance. This can stem from a crack or leak in your ductwork. If your ducts cannot adequately extract hot air and replenish cool air, then that cool air may simply not reach certain parts of your home. Your air handler may need to be adjusted. If you have a zone control system installed, then one of your electric dampers may be stuck.
  • Frozen coils: Perhaps the most common cause of a frozen evaporator coil is a clogged air filter. Because of their proximity to each other, if cool air cannot pass through the filter, it tends to build up in the air handler, causing the coil to frost over. Alternatively, there may be a problem with the blower motor itself.

We hope that this gives you some indication about the various types of problems that arise during the course of your air conditioner’s working life. Make sure to get any problems diagnosed by a professional. For air conditioning repair in Fairfield, OH, call Bartels Heating & Cooling today! 

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Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips

Monday, April 1st, 2013

If you want to make it through the hot summer months comfortably, it is important that you purchase a high-quality air conditioning system and that the installation of that system is completed by a qualified professional. Of course, even the best air conditioning systems installed by expert technicians require continuing services to operate as efficiently and reliably as possible. That is why your air conditioning maintenance is so important.

While you must schedule routine air conditioning maintenance with a professional AC maintenance technician, there are a few things you can do yourself to keep your air conditioner working properly. Here are some air conditioning maintenance tips from Bartels Heating & Cooling to help you beat the heat this summer. Contact us with any questions.

One of the simplest ways in which you can help out the operation of your air conditioner is to change the air filter in your system regularly. If you are unsure how to do this properly, refer to the literature that came with your system or call a professional. It is important that an appropriate filter is used and that it is installed properly. This will help your AC work efficiently and reduce the risk of damage to your system.

You can also make sure that your air registers are clean and that they are not blocked off at all. If your air conditioner has to work harder to pull in and distribute air throughout your home it will incur unnecessary wear and tear. It will also cost more money to operate.

Also, take a look at your outdoor AC unit every now and then. Keeping it clear of leaves, branches and other debris will help prevent damage to your system. This unit must be able to pull in air and vent itself freely to operate properly.

The most importance West Chester, OH air conditioning maintenance tip we can give you is to schedule routine maintenance with a qualified professional. There is just no better way to keep your air conditioner operating properly. Contact Bartels Heating & Cooling today to learn more. We can help you keep your AC operating at great efficiency and performance levels.

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Why Now is the Right Time for AC Maintenance

Monday, March 25th, 2013

Spring is the best time to organize, clean, and get ready for the summer heat. It’s also the ideal time for AC maintenance. No matter what type of air conditioning system you have—whether central AC, heat pump, ductless mini split, or geothermal—you could benefit from professional routine maintenance. In this post, we’d like to inform our customers as to the benefits of our maintenance program. Whether you’ve just invested in a new cooling system or your existing system is getting on in years, we can help. Call Bartels Heating & Cooling for West Chester, OH air conditioning services.

A comprehensive routine maintenance program will make sure your system performs exceptionally. We will execute a variety of check-ups, including monitoring refrigerant pressure, replacing air filters, measuring airflow, adjusting blower components, calibrating your thermostat, and cleaning the coils. Here are some of the benefits:

  • Energy-efficiency. This is perhaps the most readily apparent benefit. Your system will only operate efficiently when its components are free and clear of dust and debris. Maximizing energy efficiency means you pay less on your utility bills every month.
  • Improve system life. Regular maintenance is widely recognized as one of the best ways to improve the life of your cooling system. Your AC is a big investment—by taking care of it, you can make it work for you in the years to come.
  • Reliability. One of the perks of enrolling in a maintenance program is that you receive priority service. Rapid response times are always available. Moreover, routine maintenance makes your system more reliable, an especially important characteristic to keep in mind as we enter the cooling season.
  • Reduce repairs. When left alone, your AC may begin to develop problems and quirks that a regular inspection may be able to take care of before they progress into major repairs or even premature system replacement. Even cleaning and adjusting goes a long way. While dust may not seem harmful, it can actually cause significant damage to the mechanical parts of your blower and even frozen coils.

Still not convinced? Call Bartels Heating & Cooling for air conditioning in West Chester, OH today! 

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Why You Need a Generator

Monday, March 18th, 2013

More and more, homes that rely on energy supplies for everything from their telephone to their heating and cooling, experience hardship when they lose power. That’s why you need a generator. Whether portable or whole home, a generator can provide your home with electricity so that you can weather the storm safely and comfortably. Depending on your home and budget, there is a wide variety of different options. Call Bartels Heating & Cooling for generator installation in Fairfield, OH.

Unfortunately, major storms seem to happen every year. Let’s take a look at some of the primary reasons to get a generator for your home before the next power outage hits:

  • Heating and cooling. When your power goes out, you won’t be able to heat or cool your home, unless you have a backup system. In times of extreme weather, the lack of these basic services can be hazardous, especially for children and the elderly. While you should moderate your use according to your fuel supply during an outage, a professionally installed generator can keep you warm and comfortable throughout a storm.
  • Food. While many homeowners prepare a supply of dry goods and water for outages, much, if not all of the food in your refrigerator or freezer can be lost during even minor power outages. This not only affects your supply of food, but also means losing hundreds of dollars of your hard-earned money. A generator allows you to enjoy the comfort of home-cooked food as the storm passes.
  • Preparedness. The sooner you invest in a portable or whole-home generator, the more prepared you will be for the next power outage. When people know a storm’s coming, it can be difficult to even find a bargain generator at the local hardware store, much less schedule a comprehensive whole-home installation.

Generators were designed to help you through the worst weather conditions. Install one today and let it assist you when the next power outage hits. For generator installation in Fairfield, OH, call Bartels Heating & Cooling today! 

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Geothermal Heating Guide: How Geothermal Works

Monday, March 11th, 2013

As its name suggests, geothermal heating systems use the thermal energy of the ground beneath your property to heat and cool your home. If you’re looking to replace your system with an energy-efficient, year-round, eco-friendly alternative to conventional heating and cooling systems in West Chester, OH, look no further than geothermal installation with Bartels Heating & Cooling. We offer comprehensive services that will not only get you up and running, but will also maintain your system for years to come. In this post, we’d like to introduce you to the basics of geothermal, so that you can make smart decisions when it comes to your home. For more information, call Bartels today!

So how does geothermal work? It is basically a heat pump attached to a set of underground piping. While your system setup will vary according to your home and property, the basic components are the same. Your geothermal system will either be installed using a relatively shallow, horizontal bed of piping, or a set of deep vertical wells, with piping as deep as 100 feet. It all depends on the soil composition of your ground, as well as where your home sits on your land. The underground piping is typically made out of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which circulates a water or water-refrigerant mixture. This is known as the “earth loop.”

The geothermal heat pump inside your home pressurizes the refrigerant and circulates it through the underground loop. During the heating season, the piping absorbs the thermal energy of the underground piping and brings it back up to your home, and your heat pump then creates warm air to be dispersed through your ductwork. The great thing about geothermal is that it also works the other way. During the cooling season, it reverses this same circulation process to air condition your home. The whole system relies on the consistently moderate temperature of the earth.

A geothermal system is an excellent way to heat and cool your home. More and more homeowners are making the switch to this simple, innovative, and eco-friendly home comfort solution. Call Bartels Heating & Cooling today for more information! 

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Why Choose Radiant Heating

Monday, March 4th, 2013

While long used for commercial applications, radiant heating has always been popular for homeowners looking for alternatives to forced hot air. Radiant heating works by heat transfer: it heats people and objects in the room rather than supplying hot air. If you’re thinking of installing radiant heating in your home, we can help you plan, install, and maintain your heating system. Here are a few advantages of radiant heating in Fairfield, OH.

Figuring out whether radiant heating is right for the heating needs of your home requires research, planning, and professional consultation. Here are some of the reasons to choose radiant heating:

  • Efficiency. Radiant heating is sometimes more efficient than forced air systems. Forced-air systems like furnaces and heat pumps use ductwork which can account for up to 30% of heating loss. If your radiant heating is hydronic (water-based), then it uses very little electricity, which can benefit those homeowners in areas with high electricity prices. It’s often the case that the level of indoor comfort can be achieved at a lower temperature through radiant heating than by forced hot air systems.
  • Quality. Because radiant heating doesn’t move air to heat your home it tends to invite less indoor air quality issues. For homeowners who are sensitive to allergens and other particles that can circulate through ductwork, radiant heating is a great alternative. If you don’t yet have ductwork or if your existing ducts are in disrepair, a radiant heating system may be an excellent option.

Radiant heating is an innovative and effective way to make your home comfortable throughout the heating season. For radiant heating in Fairfield, OH, call Bartels Heating & Cooling today.

 

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