Newsletter 1st Edition (10)

The outdoor Heat Pump Unit is very similar to an outdoor Air Conditioner Unit.  There are a couple of additional valves and components that allow the Heat Pump Unit to reverse the refrigerant flow as needed when switching between the heating and cooling modes.  Heat Pump outdoor units run anytime there is a heating or cooling need for inside the home.

The Air Handler inside the home basically consists of the fan assembly, coil, electric heat strips and other electronic controls.  The coil works with the outdoor unit to transfer heat from or to the inside of the home.  In colder weather it takes longer for the Heat Pump to warm up the inside of the home since it is removing heat from the cold outdoors.  This is where the electric heat strips turn on to add additional heat in the home until the Heat Pump “catches up”.

Heat Pumps are considered more energy efficient than Air Conditioners with Furnaces.  Many electric companies provide larger rebates for Heat Pump system upgrades over the Air Conditioner and Furnace systems.

Trane offers several different models of Heat Pump Systems from a basic system to those with variable speed indoor fans and 2 speed / 2 compressor outdoor units.  In all cases, the Trane Heat Pump systems are made with high quality components for long life.

Nothing beat a Trane.

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.

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.

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.

Before making your choice, call or check with the Better Business Bureau’s website to make sure the dealer is reputable. Also, find out if the dealer is a member of a local association such as the Chamber of Commerce. This, in itself, is some indication of reliability.

Central Texas BBB

Ask About Training and Experience

Many dealers take advantage of training by their manufacturer or distributor to help you determine your comfort needs. As a result, when they make recommendations, you can be more assured they have selected the right system for your home. If the dealer is a Trane Comfort Specialist you can rest assured that they have met the requirements to do a top notch job.

Trane Comfort Specialist

Ask For References

Former customers are an excellent source of information. Call these individuals and ask if they were pleased with the dealer’s work. Many times references or testimonials can be found on the Contractors website.  A recommendation from a friend or a past customer is a great way to know what to expect from a contractor.

Check Local Licenses

Depending on where you live, the dealer may have to comply with certain local or state regulations, so ask to see any applicable state and local licenses and insurance information. All company trucks should be well marked with the Contractors license number and information.

Financing provided by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, a subsidiary of Wells Fargo Financial.*  Wells Fargo Financial is an affiliate of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.**

*For the Wells Fargo Financial hyperlink, please link to: http://financial.wellsfargo.com

**For the Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. hyperlink, please link to: http://www.wellsfargo.com

We will give you a more then 10 point check on your home air conditioning system including checking your refrigerant charge, checking your thermostat, cleaning your condenser coil, checking your contactor points and more.

To make sure that your cooling system is working energy efficient and at an optimum, give us a call at 512 238-6699  to schedule a service check today.  Yes you can have a comfortable summer here in Texas!

Humidity can be a good thing.  A good comfortable level of humidity in your home is between 30% – 50% with 45% being ideal.

Humidity that is too high can stain ceilings and walls, and higher humidity can cause paint and wallpaper to peel. It is also a breeding ground for mold, rot and insects such as termites, cockroaches and dust mites. Homes that are more energy-efficient are also more likely to suffer from problems with higher humidity because they are tighter and less air is exchanged.

If the humidity is too low, you can suffer from dry noses and skin. Dryness can also damage wood and drywall in your home, cause your wood floors to shrink, and even cause your piano to go out of tune. Static electricity is also increased as the humidity levels decreased.

There are a few ways to help keep the humidity at an ideal level in your home. Here are a few suggestions…

1)      Install a Trane 800/900 series thermostat with humidity control. These Trane thermostats do an excellent job of controlling your home humidity level using your home air conditioning system.

2)      Install a Trane Fresh Effects. This will help your energy efficient home remove the humid air outside and bring in fresh outside air (pre-cooled & dehumidified)

3)      If installing a new home heating and air conditioning system ( HVAC )… be sure to install

a fan system that has variable speed such as a Trane XV80 duel stage gas furnace.

It is also a good idea to install an air conditioner or heat pump system with a two stage/speed compressor (or even 2 compressors!). These air conditioning systems will run for a longer period of time at slower speeds.  This allows the system to do a much better job of dehumidification making your home much more comfortable while being much more energy efficient since they are not starting/stopping as much.

SOS Mechanical is committed to helping you have the best home heating and air conditioning systems available for your home. We want to help you to be comfortable year round while saving as much energy as possible.  Please click on the brochure Link at the top of our websites homepage if you would like any information on the Trane HVAC products mentioned above or give us a call at:

SOS Mechanical, Round Rock, Texas 512 238-6699

]]> http://www.sosmechanical.net/2009/05/humidity-whats-the-problem/feed/ 1 http://www.sosmechanical.net/2009/04/importance-of-a-quality-air-conditioning-installation/ http://www.sosmechanical.net/2009/04/importance-of-a-quality-air-conditioning-installation/#comments Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:36:55 +0000 sosmech http://www.sosmechanical.net/?p=272 Have you ever purchased a beautiful new automobile but was later left disappointed because the dealer had such poor service?  Well, that can also happen when you install a new heating and air conditioning ( HVAC ) system in your home.

Proper installation of your new home air conditioner will ensure long and trouble free operation along with the home comfort you would expect.  Air-conditioning systems and heat pumps suffering from improper refrigerant charge can cause problems that range from reduced operating efficiency to system freeze-up and even possible compressor damage. If your air conditioning system is over-sized this will increase your on/off cycling and this will lead to poor de-humidification and higher running costs.

Today over 50% of all heating and air conditioning systems are believed to be adversely affected by one or more installation issues.

In the past, we at SOS Mechanical have seen many customers that purchased top quality equipment and were very disappointed with the end results.

Some problems were:

• Installation of top quality whole house air cleaners with gas pipe or ducts blocking the door access.
• Home heating systems installed with service access on back (So the service technician would have to crawl over the heater to service)
• No drain pan (Or using the old rusty one) with no cut off float switch allowing condensation water to leak through the ceiling into the home.
• Air ducts installed with no duct sealant allowing airflow to leak into the attic (causing the HVAC system to lose efficiency)
• Poor installation welds causing refrigerant leaks and improper Freon charge.

Sometimes the home heating and air conditioning system you expected is not the one you get!

SOS Mechanical installs all Home HVAC systems with factory trained personnel and top quality products and components.

Call us today for a comfort survey/quote on a new Trane comfort system! (512) 238-6699

SOS Mechanical Provides Residential HVAC Services to the following cities and zip codes in central Texas:

78681 Round Rock

78664 Round Rock

78665 Round Rock

78626 Georgetown

78628 Georgetown

78633 Georgetown

78660 Pflugerville

78613 Cedar Park

78727 Austin

78731 North Austin

78757 North Austin

78729 North Austin

78634 Hutto

78641 Leander