Archive for November, 2009

HVAC systems are available with different options that affect both heating and cooling.  The fan motor in the furnace pushes both heated and cooled air through the HVAC system so when you replace the furnace, you are dealing with more than just heating for the winter.  Let’s look at the main components of a furnace to help you decide what would be the best furnace for you.

Fan motor or blower:  This is what moves both heated and cooled air throughout your home.  Most existing home furnaces have single speed fans that turn on and off as needed.  In fact, most HVAC system manufacturers today still use furnaces that only run at one speed.  Trane offers several models of furnaces with true variable speed fans.  The fans start off at ½ speed for a minute, then speeds up to around ¾ speed for several minutes and then runs at maximum speed until the temperature selected has been reached.  For winter use, this reduces the “cold air” blast of air that you currently feel when the heater comes on.  For summer use, this helps the air conditioner lower the humidity in your home by removing moisture from the air in the first few minutes that it runs each time.  In both cases, it reduces the start up pressure shock to the homes duct work when the blower first turns on.  In summary, a variable speed fan or blower is best for any air conditioning and heating system.

Heat Exchanger: This is the part of the furnace that creates heat by burning natural gas or propane.  Heat exchangers are usually either steel or aluminized steel.  The metal expands and contracts with usage which can cause a problem (cracking) with those that are welded together.  Trane uses aluminized steel heat exchangers that are crimped together, which allows for the expanding and contracting without cracking (longer life).

Gas Valve:  This is the part that controls the amount of gas that flows into the heat exchanger.  Most furnaces use a single stage gas valve that runs at maximum all the time.  A 2 stage gas valve will allow the heat exchanger to run at ½ of normal when mild temperature changes are needed and at full flow when a lot of heat is needed.  The 2 stage gas valve will reduce the amount of gas burned in mild temperature changes and reduce your energy costs for heating.  Trane offers several models of furnaces with 2 stage gas valves.

Furnace Cabinet:  The cabinet holds all the heating and fan components within it.  Most manufacturers use painted steel with some type of insulation in it.  Trane uses a high quality, heavy steel cabinet with a uniform paint finish.  Trane’s furnaces are fully insulated and they use automotive grade gaskets around the doors and panels which reduces noise and keeps the conditioned air inside the furnace.

So what’s the best furnace for you?  It’s a quality built unit that is properly sized for your home with 2 stages of heating and a variable speed fan or blower.

Nothing beats a Trane.

When it’s time to replace your air conditioning and heating system, you are naturally concerned about the cost and feel sticker shock when you see the costs. It’s the same as when you go out to replace your 10 year old car and find out that a $20,000 car in 1999 is now $30,000. If the auto dealer does a good job explaining what the car has that your old one doesn’t, then that 50% increase in price is a little easier to deal with. Better fuel mileage, handling, performance, sound systems, on board communications, air conditioners, appearance and warranty are all part of today’s new auto purchase.

With HVAC systems, many people still think it’s only about hot and cold air. In reality, the replacement of your air conditioning and heating system includes the same performance enhancements of the new car purchase. There are 2 big differences though. First, you most likely spend one half of your life in your home and the HVAC system controls the environment. Second, the investment in your HVAC system becomes part of your home’s value. Let’s look at today’s quality HVAC system and compare it to the new car features (Car-HVAC):

Fuel Mileage – Electric and Gas usage: Today’s best HVAC systems have 2 speed compressors, 2-3 levels of gas flow through the furnace (called multi-staged) and variable fan speeds all of which save you energy costs.

Handling-Air flow performance: Today’s best HVAC systems with true variable speed fan motors come on and turn off without noticeable differences in comfort. Your current system comes on at maximum speed, always with that blast of cold or hot air, which produces a surge in electrical use and also shocks the air ducts each time it happens.

Performance-Temperature, Humidity and Air Filtration: Properly designed HVAC systems not only control temperature, but they can also reduce humidity and remove particles as small as the Flu Virus from the air.*

Sound Systems-Noise: Today’s best HVAC systems are much quieter that old units, both in the furnace area and outdoor units. Less noise is always better.

On Board Communications: Today’s best HVAC systems include a communicating network of all components and can even include remote diagnosis and owner controls through telephone systems**

Appearance: There is nothing worse than a rusty outdoor unit in your yard or discolored unit in the garage/closet. Today’s best systems are galvanized for rust proofing and powder coated***

Warranty: You know the importance of this. 10 years or more is what you should expect.

As you can see, there is a lot more to think about when purchasing a new HVAC system today. It’s not just about cold and hot air anymore. It’s about comfort, health, energy savings, efficiency, quietness and technology.

• *Trane Clean Effects is a patented electronic air filtration system that has been proven to remove up to 99.98% of all breathable particles from the air as small as .1 microns. This is smaller than flu viruses, pollen, mold spores, etc.
• **Trane Comfortlink II is a communication network that connects all parts of the HVAC system together for integrated communication which allows for the ultimate performance, plus diagnostics and owner remote access through a telephone (with the telephone module)
• ***Trane uses galvanized metal which is then powder coated for appearance. Galvanizing resists rust and power coat paint is thicker and more evenly applied than spray painted. Trane warranties their products against rust and corrosion even at the oceans coastline. Most HVAC manufacturers will not cover this.

Fall and winter is the best time of the year to replace you old air conditioning and heating system since the air conditioner isn’t being used and the HVAC Company’s summer rush is over. The last thing that you want to do is to have to replace it when it’s 95 outside because you will be in a rush and may not make the best choice in selecting the right product for your needs.

If your system is over 10 years old the clock is running, especially on lesser expensive, lower quality equipment brands. If you have had to do repairs over the last year, especially Freon leaks, then this is a good time to make the investment in your home for the future. Remember that although this is an unwelcome expense, it is also an investment because…

Besides water, electricity and a roof over your head, your air conditioning and heating system is a major part of your home’s value, your families comfort and health. Most families spend 50% or more of their time in their home. A well designed air conditioning and heating system can make a huge difference in how you feel and your health. Trane defines this as a Comfort System.

Equipment that you will be considering is an efficient outdoor unit, a furnace, a cooling coil, thermostat control, air filtration, humidity control and the duct system. We usually don’t think much about air filtration and the duct system, yet that is where many weaknesses are found by HVAC contractors who actually care about the total quality of your Comfort System. (Heat Pumps use Air Handlers instead of a furnace-cooling coil)

When selecting a replacement HVAC system, look for a top quality brand and a contractor who looks at every part of your current system so he can correct any deficiencies when installing the new equipment. Here at SOS Mechanical, we do just that. We offer Trane systems which are known as the best HVAC systems available. We are also a Trane Comfort Specialist dealer which is one who provides high quality products and services that rank in the top of the industry.