Posts Tagged ‘Newtown Square’

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Media, PA Geothermal Guide: Components of a Geothermal System

Monday, February 25th, 2013

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are really growing in popularity. They are able to both heat your home by utilizing the moderate temperature of the ground just below the earth’s surface. One of the perks of the system is its versatility, being used in the hot and cold months. Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning provides excellent geothermal installation and repair services. If you’re interested in hearing more about geothermal energy and how it can benefit your Media, PA home, call us today.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems utilize a heat pump to transfer heat from beneath your property into your home. In the summer months the process is reversed to cool your home. This operation requires a geothermal loop system. A geothermal specialist will install pipes underground, which contain refrigerant or water. The system circulates this mixture throughout the coils underground, absorbing heat in the winter, and dispersing it in the summer. This system is connected to a cycle including an evaporator, condenser, and heat exchanger. As with a heat pump or air conditioner, the system compresses or expands the refrigerant mixture, depending upon the temperature requirements. A fan blows air across the coils containing the hot or cold refrigerant, and then the air is moved into the house. This allows your geothermal system to keep your home comfortable more efficiently all year long.

The installation process will take into consideration the topography on which your house sits, as well as the composition of the ground beneath your house. Depending on your location, these coils can be placed vertically or in a relatively shallow horizontal bed. It is a green technology and does not rely on a fossil fuel. Geothermal systems tend to use from 25% to 60% less electricity than conventional systems, require no fuel supply, such as natural gas or oil, are durable and quiet. They are an ecologically-sound solution for homeowners interested in fossil fuel alternatives. To find out if geothermal is right for your Media, PA home, contact a geothermal expert at Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning today.

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Why Isn’t My Heating System Producing Heat? A Media, PA Heating Question

Monday, January 21st, 2013

When you line in the Media, PA area, you need a good heating system during the winter. We all love enjoying the winter evenings in a home that is nice and toasty. But one of the most common calls for heating repairs in Media, PA is for a heating system that isn’t producing any heat. There are a number of things that can cause this problem. At Cool It Heating and Air Conditioning, we’ve been providing comprehensive heating installation and heating repairs in Media, PA for over 50 years. We’ve repaired countless heating systems and wanted to share some of the most common reasons why your heating system might not be producing heat.

Why Your Heating System Isn’t Producing Any Heat in Media, PA

If your heating system isn’t producing any heat, then it’s obviously a very serious issue. Here are some of the common causes of no heat.

  • Pilot light/Igniter – If you have a furnace that has a pilot light, it can sometimes go out. But if it starts to happen a lot, you may have to call a heating contractor to clean it or replace it. The same is true if you have an electric igniter on your furnace.
  • Thermocouple – The thermocouple is a safety device that detects if the pilot light is lit. If it detects no heat from the pilot, it shuts off the flow of gas. If your thermocouple is malfunctioning, it could have mistakenly shut off the flow of gas which would mean no heat.
  • Thermostat – Another common problem is with the thermostat in your home. If its batteries are dead or if it is broken, it could be telling your heater that you don’t need any heat.
  • Clogged air filter – This is a common problem that we see in many homes. The air filter on your furnace or heat pump is there to keep dust from getting in. But if you don’t change it regularly, it can actually get so clogged that it keeps any air from getting into your home.

The Important of Regular Heating Maintenance in Media, PA

Many of the most common heating problems can be potentially avoided with regular heating maintenance. During regular maintenance visits, the Cool It heating technicians will be able to find small issues potentially before they turn into larger, more costly repairs. This may be able to keep your heating system working well for a very long time.

Contact Cool It today if you need heating repair in Media, PA or heating maintenance.

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Media, PA Boiler Tip: When to Call for Boiler Repairs

Monday, December 10th, 2012

At Cool It, we can provide you with all your Media, PA boiler repair needs. Before you call, it is important to know what to look for so that you know when it is time to call for a repair service. Here are some warning signs that tell you that your boiler may need a repair.

Not Producing Enough Heat

If your boiler no longer produces enough heat, keep these potential causes in mind. First, the water levels inside the tank could be off. When something happens to lower the hot water levels, it can cause reduced heat in the radiators and radiant floor heating system. This could be caused from sediment buildup, or you could have a broken pressure valve.

If the levels are off on your pressure gauge, call a repair technician ASAP. Pressure issues in boiler systems could be a safety concern. In addition, the technician may need to flush out sediment buildup in the boiler’s tank.

Water Leaking from the Tank

Water leaks could be another reason for a reduction in pressure. This would also cause improper temperatures in the system. Water leaks are fairly obvious, but call a technician if you notice any signs of a leak, such as rust or corrosion.

Slow Hot Water Recovery

If you use your boiler to heat the water in your home, slow hot water recovery could be a warning sign. If you feel the tank and the hot water is at the top and the cold is at the bottom, there’s a problem. It should be the opposite: hot water at the top and cold at the bottom. This could be a problem with the air pressure or a water level in the expansion tank.

If you suspect any boiler repair needs in your Media, PA area home, call the heating specialists at Cool It.

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Geothermal Heating and Cooling System Benefits in Springfield, PA

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

At Cool It, we’ve been able to see the benefits of geothermal systems first hand. We’ve been installing, repairing and maintaining geothermal systems in the Springfield, PA area for many years. We thought it would be a good idea to assemble some of the main benefits that geothermal systems have to offer the Springfield, PA area.

What are Geothermal Heating and Air Conditioning Systems?

Geothermal systems are basically a kind of heat pump. Geothermal systems are known as ground source heat pumps. In cooling mode, they remove heat from your home and exhaust it into the ground. In heating mode, geothermal systems remove heat from the ground and transfer it into your home.

Free Energy

If you were to dig down about 10 feet into the ground, the temperature there would be around 55° F. It stays that temperature all year long no matter what the temperature of the air is above ground. Geothermal systems are able to take advantage of that consistent temperature. Using a series of coils buried in the ground, they move the heat from the ground into your home. In cooling mode, they move the heat from inside your home back into the ground.

Durability

Geothermal systems are known to be incredibly reliable and durable. The coils that are installed in the ground are typically made out of flexible pipe called PEX. This type of pipe is environmentally friendly, resistant to freezing and can flex during a natural disaster unlike rigid piping like copper or steel.

Reduced Energy Consumption

With a geothermal system using the free and endless energy of the earth, there is very little energy that you actually have to purchase from a utility company. In many cases, the only energy that you need to buy is the electricity to run the heat pump in your house.

In addition to being good for our planet, geothermal heat pumps represent a significant reduction in energy consumption for many homes. If you’re interested in knowing if a geothermal heat pump is a good choice for your home, then contact the experts at Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning. We offer comprehensive geothermal services in the Springfield, PA area. We would love to talk with you. Give us a call today! 

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Common Heating Repairs in Springfield, PA

Monday, November 19th, 2012

At Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning, we get a lot of calls from customers in Springfield, PA for heating repair services. We understand that heating a home efficiently is important to many of our customers. But what many people don’t realize is that taking care of any issues as soon as they occur is part of maintaining an efficient heater.

While most heating repair needs are minor, it’s important to know what some of the more common repairs are and how to detect them. Then you will know when it is time to call a professional contractor to take care of it before it gets worse. Here are a few of the more common heating repairs we get in Springfield, PA and the surrounding areas.

Heater Does Not Provide Enough Heat

When a heater isn’t providing enough heat, nine times out of ten it is cause by something small, such as a dirty filter or blocked air duct. Check the filter to make sure it has been changed or that it isn’t time to clean it. Reusable filters may need to be cleaned more often in the winter when the heating system is getting more use.

Also make sure that there’s nothing blocking vents in the ductwork. While it is believed that closing vents or doors to unused rooms saves energy, it actually increases energy use because it doesn’t allow for enough airflow. Once you have made sure everything is set correctly, turn up the thermostat to see if the home warms up. Start with about 5 degrees and wait at least ten minutes to see if it improves. If not, call a technician to inspect your heating system.

Constant Cycling

If your furnace or heat pump is cycling constantly, this could be caused by several things. First, make sure the thermostat is on the right setting. Many of the newer models have advanced settings to help improve efficiency, but they will not heat your home properly if they are not used correctly.

If you have further questions, give the Springfield  heating experts at Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning a call today!

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Boothwyn HVAC Tip: Why Routine HVAC Maintenance Improves IAQ

Monday, May 21st, 2012

Furnaces and air conditioners in Boothwyn are by far the most common way to circulate air throughout homes, offices and institutions, heating in the winter months and cooling in the summer.  Adjust the thermostat and controlled air is delivered almost immediately.

If a system is not regularly and properly maintained, however, that air can be dirty, dusty and full of odor, having passed through the heat exchanger, filters and ductwork that have accumulated a build-up of residue over time. Indoor air quality can quickly deteriorate.

The Basics

HVAC systems heat or cool air at a central point, often a furnace in the basement.  The air passes through filters to sift out dust and unwanted particles, then travels through a system of ductwork to be delivered to the space.  Return air ducts bring it back to the central point.

Along the way, the air accumulates the dust, germs and debris of the places it inhabits.  Over time, the filters become clogged and eventually contribute more contamination to the processed air than they can clean.  The enclosed and hard to reach ducts are also deposits of dust and decorated with spider webs that are quickly another form of filter that gives back more than it receives.

The Costs

Without routine maintenance, the system runs poorly and distributes more dirt into the living space than it is able to filter and clean, reducing the quality of life for the inhabitants, homeowners, businesses and customers.  Poor air quality can lead to serious health issues as well as the loss of time and productivity.

Not only does the quality of the air decrease, the strain on the system lowers efficiency.  Having to work harder consumes more energy, creating an immediate and noticeable rise in utility bills.  The stress also reduces the lifetime of the system and requires more rapid replacements of parts or the entire furnace, a huge financial cost.

Regular Maintenance is the Easy Solution

To maintain high levels of quality air, it is essential to schedule regular replacements of filters and a clean-out of the ducts.  The filters are accessible as part of the furnace and air conditioners and easily swapped out by the home owner once or (better) twice a year.

Ductwork, however, is enclosed and often out of site, just as easily out of mind and certainly harder to reach.  Scheduling a duct-cleaning along with an inspection and routine maintenance of the entire system with a licensed company such as Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning ensures longevity and efficiency along with peace of mind.

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Springfield HVAC Tip: Why Do Heat Pumps Need Refrigerant?

Monday, April 16th, 2012

Despite its name, your Springfield heat pump is not designed solely for heating. In fact, the technology in your heat pump was originally designed for air conditioning and is used today in air conditioners, refrigerators and cooling units in vehicles and airplanes. And the entire process relies on refrigerant – a chemical compound that is compressed and expanded to move energy from one environment to another.

 How Refrigerant Makes Heating and Cooling Possible

Springfield HVAC Your heat pump has quite a few components that work with the refrigerant to transfer it from one state to another. The compressor, as the name suggests, compresses the refrigerant to its liquid state. The liquid then runs through the expansion valve to the evaporator coils, where it expands into a gas. Refrigerant evaporates at a much lower temperature than water so it rapidly moves from one state to another, drawing heat from the surrounding environment.

That’s how an air conditioner or your refrigerator cool a space. However, in the case of a heat pump, the process can work in both directions. In cooling mode, your heat pump extracts heat from the air going into your home. In the case of heating mode, the heat pump extracts heat from the outside air. Because the heat is transferred into the refrigerant, it can then be recompressed by the compressor. The heat is then is then released in the condenser coils, where the gas returns to liquid state. A blower then distributes air blown across the condenser coils into your home as heat.

 Troubleshooting the Process

Your Springfield heat pump is a complex piece of machinery, but once you know how it works, you can perform quite a bit of troubleshooting should anything go wrong with the device. For example, if you notice cold air coming from your vents, you can check to make sure it isn’t in cooling mode and that there is enough refrigerant in the device.

Keep in mind that if any service needs to be performed on the heat pump involving refrigerant, you should call Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning due to the volatile nature of the chemical. In most municipalities, you must have a license to distribute or dispose of refrigerant and even if not, it can be dangerous to both you and the environment.

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Common Heat Pump Performance Problems: A Troubleshooting Guide from Broomall

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

The heat pump in your Broomall home needs to work year round to provide heat and air conditioning. This is why you want to make sure it’s performing as efficiently as possible to save on energy costs and prevent break downs. You should schedule an annual maintenance check-up and inspection with a certified HVAC technician to test the efficiency levels.

However, there are a few common causes of performance issues to be aware of so that you can be sure your heat pump performs at optimal levels. Call Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning if you have questions about heat pump performance issues, or to make an appointment for an annual inspection and professional cleaning.

Airflow Issues

There should always be a certain amount of airflow (measured in cubic feet per minute) in your heat pump to maintain proper efficiency levels. If the airflow is less than 350 cfm per ton, it could increase your energy costs. You should make sure your HVAC contractor checks the airflow whenever your heat pump is inspected. Always keep the coils clean. Sometimes the ducts are not the right size, or the fan speed needs to be increased, but often cleaning the coils will help airflow, which is why it is important to clean and maintain the components of your heat pump. A certified technician will know what methods are best, so if you suspect an airflow problem with your heat pump, call a professional heating technician.

Air Leaks in the Duct System

Inefficient or poorly-designed duct systems may not distribute air properly throughout your home because of potential air leaks. There should always be a balance between the intake and return air in a forced air system, which helps maintain a neutral pressure within the house and increase efficiency. Some contractors argue over how tightly a house should be sealed for this reason, but if your heat pump is losing heat through leaks in the air ducts, this will greatly affect its efficiency.

Improper Refrigerant

Refrigerant leaks are another common cause of low performance levels in heat pumps. Most heat pumps already have refrigerant when they leave the factory and shouldn’t have any issues. Heat pumps that are charged with refrigerant when they are installed can sometimes have the wrong amount of refrigerant. Either too much or too little refrigerant will lower the heat pump’s efficiency and performance levels. Always check the recommended refrigerant amount or ask an HVAC technician before you add refrigerant yourself.

If the heat pump in your Broomall home isn’t working properly, it is also affecting your heating bills. Call Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning today to set up an appointment.

 

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Pros and Cons of Various Heating Systems in Glenolden

Monday, December 19th, 2011

When it comes time to install a new heating system in your Glenolden home, there are a lot of options to consider. Many people get overwhelmed when confronted with all of the furnaces, boilers and heat pumps on the market these days. So, to help you get a handle on what each has to offer and which will offer you the best benefits, here is an overview of the modern heating system market.

Furnaces

Furnaces are the core of a forced air heating system and use gas, oil or electricity to heat air which is then circulated through your home by a blower in your air handler. Furnaces are among the most fuel efficient heating systems on the market today with options available at up to 95% AFUE (meaning it uses up to 95% of the fuel consumed to produce heat). They are also inexpensive to install and while they don’t last quite as long as boilers, they are highly efficient when well cared for.

Boilers

Boilers use gas, oil or electricity to heat water or steam which is then circulated through your home into radiators or baseboard heaters. The heated water or steam releases heat into your home and heats it in turn. While not quite as energy efficient as a high efficiency furnace, boiler heat is perfect for homes with existing radiators and no room for vents and ductwork. It also has less of an impact on indoor air quality since there is no air movement and boilers tend to last a very long time when well maintained.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular, especially in milder climates where it rarely gets below 40 degrees F. A heat pump uses the same technology as an air conditioner to extract heat from outside using a compressor, evaporator coils, and condenser coils with refrigerant.

It is most efficient in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild, but it uses much less energy than either a boiler or furnace and it can be used in the summer to cool your home. When properly maintained, a heat pump will last 10-20 years and save quite a bit of money, though it is recommended that you have an emergency heat source for days when the temperature outside gets below 40 degrees F.

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How Often Should I Have My Geothermal System Checked? Some Pointers from Newtown Square

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011

The beauty of having a geothermal system in your Newtown Square home is that is requires very little maintenance. They have fewer mechanical components are than other heating systems – and most of these components are underground or inside, shielded from the outdoor elements. The underground tubing usually is guaranteed to last 25-50 years and inside components are easily accessible for servicing.

Nonetheless, keeping a geothermal system working at peak efficiency is very important. If the geothermal system loses some of its efficiency, it will cost home and building owners money in energy costs, which makes little sense since geothermal system installation costs are higher than most other heating systems.

Its key component is the ground loop system, polyethelene tubing which carries refrigerant from below the Earth’s surface and back to an above-ground compressor. When installed correctly, the buried ground loop can last for decades. A leak in the metal tubing is usually the only problem if the ground loop is not installed correctly. In the case of a leak, it may be necessary to dig up the tubing – often installed at least ten feet below the surface – and repair the leak.

Other geothermal system components include its air handling unit, compressor, and pump. These components require periodic system checks by qualified professional heating and cooling technicians. Maintenance normally requires filter changes and component lubrication, to name the most common. In some cases, building owners can perform their own filter replacement and refill of lubricants. However, it is recommended that an experienced technician perform a multiple-point inspection of the geothermal system components, usually during regularly scheduled service calls.

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