Hagerstown AC Guide: Air Duct Components and Controls

May 14th, 2012

By way of various types of systems, cool air is distributed through a series of passages called ducts to create comfort and a feeling of luxury so common today we could easily take it for granted.

While the purpose of your Hagerstown air conditioning is to provide invisible comfort, the components under the floor, behind the walls, alongside of the house or up on the roof are very real.

Basic Conditioning

Based on the principal that heat gravitates to cooler temperatures, most systems of air conditioning utilize a process of making a chemical rapidly transform from gas to liquid and back again to absorb and redistribute unwanted heat.  Known as refrigerants, these chemicals are chosen for their properties to expand and contract at low temperatures.  Pressure is added by a compressor or released in coils to accelerate the transformation.

Likewise (and more obviously), heat is produced typically by a controlled flame and transferred to eagerly awaiting air.  In both cases, at an exchange point, the air is conditioned and blowers circulate the air to and from the rooms through the ductwork.

Ducts

Forced air heat in many older homes has ductwork hanging between the joists.  They are commonly made of metal, take up a lot of space and are prone to rattle.  The one big advantage, it was discovered, was that they were all set in place to distribute cool air as well as heat.

Advances in technology have increased the insulation capacities and decreased the sizes of ductwork so that more and more space can be treated with better value and less structural impact.  This is due in large part to the highly efficient heating and cooling systems which are available today.

Enhancing Control

Although the movement of air is fairly simple (creating a “breeze”), efficiency is increased by controls that monitor, increase and decrease the amount and temperature, isolate sections and filters and adjusts humidity.  What began as a simple manual turn of a lever, technology again now makes possible fully automatic control of everything from a remote location with a smart phone.

In between are thermostats, dampers, zone controls and relay switches to accommodate all of the many varieties we have found to take care of our most basic creature comfort.

For more information about how to best utilize your Hagerstown air conditioning system, give Larry & Sons Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning a call today!

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Common Problem Areas for Frederick HVAC Systems

May 7th, 2012

No one wants to have to call a Frederick AC contractor in to inspect their HVAC system. Problems in heating or air conditioning tend to be costly and time consuming to fix. But, the longer you wait, the bigger the problem is likely to get. So, it’s important to act quickly when you suspect a problem with any of the following common sources in an HVAC system:

  • Power Lines – Your HVAC system uses a lot of electricity so if it stops working, turns off suddenly or frequently shuts down, it may be a power issue. If the system stops working at any point, check your breaker box for a blown fuse or tripped breaker. You should also check the electrical line to your HVAC system. If you see any damage from animals, weather or otherwise, call a professional immediately.
  • Gas Lines – if you have gas furnaces and appliances, gas supply problems can be a major issue for your HVAC system. There are a number of safety measures in place in a gas line system. The gas valve connecting the gas line to your furnace has as safety shutoff switch. Your home has a carbon monoxide detector. A pressure drop in the system will also cause a shutoff. So, the most common problem you would face with a gas line is that is stops providing gas, usually because there is a problem in a component. If this happens, call the gas company immediately to check your system, and of course if you smell a leak, leave the house and call the emergency line for your gas company.
  • Drains – Air conditioners have drain pipes that release the condensed water that builds up inside as they run. However, over time, that drain can clog up if it’s not properly maintained. If you have a central air conditioning unit, check the drain pan once every week or so to make sure it is draining properly. Frequently, this drain pipe will be located higher in your home so that it can drain properly away from the property. Call a Frederick AC professional if it continues to clog or fails to drain at all.
  • Venting – Vent problems can result in more than just stuffy air. Clogged or dirty vents are fire hazards and they can decrease indoor air quality, making it both uncomfortable and unhealthy inside. Vents and ductwork should be cleaned annually to avoid the buildup of debris and sediment. Additionally, you should do a visual inspection once a month to check for debris and vacuum the space where possible.

Most of the problems commonly associated with your HVAC system need to be checked and repaired by a professional. However, by remaining vigilant and checking them regularly, you can avoid a much bigger problem and subsequent repairs. Call Larry & Sons today if you need any HVAC service in Maryland, Pennsylvania or West Virginia.

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Larry and Sons: Helping Those in Need

May 4th, 2012

Water Heater | Hagerstown | Larry and Sons “A lady calls telling us she can’t afford a water heater but could we hook up a used heater while she gets back on her feet from a house fire. Our service manager Mike Dennison responded we will be right over. With the help of service tech Rich Lohman ll they installed a new water heater at no cost because we want to help those in need. I am very proud of my team!!!”

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Hagerstown Plumbing Question: What Is a Whole House Water Filter System?

April 30th, 2012

When you think of water filters, you may imagine a faucet attachment or a pitcher with a filter installed. But there is an easier and more convenient way to provide filtered water to all areas of your house, and that is a whole house water filter system. These units are becoming more and more popular as people begin to realize that it is not just the water you drink that needs to be filtered. In fact, there are many reasons that you may want to filter the water you shower and wash your clothes in as well.

Impurities in your water can affect you and your family even if you do not drink it. And that is why whole house water filtration systems remove contaminants from your water before it even comes near any of the faucets in your home. These types of systems are attached by your Hagerstown plumber to the main water source for your home and can treat the water as it comes in and before it is distributed elsewhere.

These are generally simple systems, which makes them relatively inexpensive to install and maintain. Of course, your filter will need to be changed on a regular basis and that is an ongoing expense. But most of these filters are designed to filter between 10,000 and 100,000 gallons of water. While each filter will come with a recommendation for how often it needs to be replaced, it is important to remember that you may need to replace yours sooner rather than later depending on the amount of contaminants in your water supply.

You can also get different types of filters depending on the kinds of contaminants you are most concerned with removing from your indoor water. For instance, some water filters are better for removing bacteria and viruses, while others will do a better job of eliminating things like iron or other specific types of minerals and chemicals.

There are many good whole house water filtration systems out there, but finding the right one for your home can be tricky. For that reason, it is a good idea to consult with a professional Hagerstown plumber like Larry & Sons who can help you determine which product is right for your home.

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Hagerstown HVAC Tip: History of Heat Pumps

April 23rd, 2012

Thermal energy is the natural movement from warm temperatures to colder temperatures creating energy in the change of temperature to the mass.  A heat pump typically is a device that moves the air (or other matter) in the opposite direction from its natural flow.

A heat pump often uses an intermediate fluid called a refrigerant which absorbs heat as it vaporizes and releases the heat when it is condensed,  using an evaporator to absorb the heat (or energy) from inside an occupied space and forcing this heat to the outside through the condenser. The key component that makes a heat pump different from your Hagerstown air conditioner is the reversing valve which allows for the flow direction of the refrigerant to be changed, allowing the heat to be pumped in either direction.

Timeless Technology

While mechanical movement of this energy, what we can actually call a pump,  has been a relatively recent invention,  the concept of this principal of physics has been in use since ancient times. Harnessing the power of geothermal energy (produced from the heat of the earth itself), natural hot springs “pumped” warm air into cool spaces in China and Europe thousands of years ago.

By 1852, Lord Kelvin had theorized the heat pump, but it took nearly 100 years to actually build one.  In the last half century, the technological advances have made heat pumps part of our lives in many ways.

The First Heat Pump

In the 1940s a man named Robert Webber was motivated to build the first known heat pump while tinkering with his refrigerator.  Accidently burning his hand on the outlet pipes of the cooling system, he was quite painfully awakened to an idea about the transference of heat.

Recognizing the freezer was constantly producing heat to cool its interior, he connected the outlet pipe to the storage tank of his hot water heater, extended that into a flow through pipes which heated air nearby, and  then used a fan to blow the warmth into another room.

The first heat pump was a crude, but effective method to provide comfort.  Creating a full-size version soon after, Wagner could heat his entire home.

Today heat pumps are built in many ways and shapes to heat or cool buildings of many sizes. To learn more about having a heat pump installed in your home, give the Hagerstown HVAC experts at Larry & Sons a call!

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Hagerstown Plumber’s Guide: How to Read a Water Meter

April 16th, 2012

Do you know much about water meters and their main function? The answer is probably too obvious, the main function of your water meter is to meter the amount of water usage by your Hagerstown plumbing.

Easy to check, unless you don’t know where your water meter is, that is. In most cases, the water meter is located at the front of your property near the street – located there for easy reading by water department utility “meter readers.” The meter could also be located in a home’s basement, too.

To take a reading of your meter, locate the white numbers on the right side of the meter dial with the black background. These numbers count the number of gallons of water that have passed through your meter since it was installed or reset. Don’t be surprised to find a lot of numbers, particularly in an older home. The American Water Works Association estimates that the daily use of water per capita is 69.3 gallons. Multiply that by several years and the numbers become very big.

If you want to take a sampling of your daily usage, do the following:

  • Select a day to take the initial reading.
  • Write down the numbers on the meter odometer.
  • The next day (or week or month) at the exact same time on the 24-hour clock you took the initial reading, write down the new odometer reading.
  • Subtract the initial reading from the new reading and you get the consumption for that sampling time period. When you water bill comes from the city, you may want to “compare notes” to see if your billing is accurate.
  • Remember that events like overnight guests, filling a pool or hot tub, or excessive showering will impact the readings.

If you take the time to understand the numbers, it may also help you decide on ways to conserve water. It may also provide a hint to any possible water leaks in your home from sources like a toilet valve or garden hose. A meter reading can lead to you calling your Hagerstown plumber for a repair.

Reading a water meter may not require rocket science mentality but understanding the numbers could be very beneficial to your wallet and your well-being. For more tips about how to maintain your home’s plumbing, give Larry & Sons a call!

 

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Your Hagerstown AC: Why it Is Important to Stay Cool

April 9th, 2012

Ask a hundred people what the primary role of air conditioning in Hagerstown is and I’ll bet you they say “comfort”. We seek out AC to stay cool and beat the summer heat, but did you know your air conditioning is a lot more than just a convenience – it is a safety feature in the midst of heavy heat waves.

Heat Is More than Just Uncomfortable

We tend to think of heat as this massive, uncomfortable inconvenience. In reality, it is quite dangerous. According to the Center for Disease Control, heat waves killed 8,015 people between 1979-2003, more than hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning, earthquakes and floods combined in that time period.

Why is heat illness so dangerous? It comes on quickly and it’s easy to ignore the warning signs, especially when you are already uncomfortable. While hydration is important, the real risk occurs after you’ve become dehydrated – when your body can no longer keep itself cool. This is known as heat stroke and can lead to a number of life threatening conditions, especially for the elderly, infants and those with chronic conditions.

That’s where air conditioning comes in. On the CDC’s extreme heat preparedness webpage, air conditioning is listed as the number one preventative factor against heat related illness. Simply put – if you have an air conditioner, there is a much smaller chance you will get sick from the heat. Dehydration happens less frequently when you’re in an air conditioned environment, meaning that your body can regulate temperature internally and you feel comfortable – not a bad deal for a simple installation.

Staying Cool Is a Medical Necessity

So, air conditioning is about a lot more than just staying comfortable – it’s a health issue. Especially if you have small children or elderly adults in the house or if anyone in your family has a medical condition like obesity, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, an air conditioning system is an absolute must during heat waves.

If you have any questions about your home’s system, call the Hagerstown AC professionals at Larry & Sons!

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Yard Sign Winner!

April 6th, 2012

Every month we randomly choose a customer who has kept our yard sign in their yard. Our prize patrol awards the selected customer $100. Congratulations to this month’s lucky winner and valued customer. Want to be in the drawing next month? Contact us to find out how!

Hagerstown | Larry and Sons | Valued Customer

Larry and Sons, Inc. was founded as Corbett Brothers Plumbing and Heating under the ownership of Larry T. and John C. Corbett in the early 1960’s. The brothers took pride in providing the area with quality residential and commercial plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services.

Larry and Sons, Inc. has been a part of the business community of the tri-state area for over 50 years! We are consistent and committed to the residents of our community and realize that our continued success depends upon the satisfaction of you, our loyal customers.

 

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Your Martinsburg HVAC System’s Condensate Drain Line

April 2nd, 2012

There are a lot of components involved in a properly working Martinsburg HVAC system. One component that many people overlook is the drain line for the air conditioning system. Your air conditioning system has condenser coils that sweat the water drawn from the air in your home as it is cooled by your AC unit. These coils produce a significant volume of water, especially when it humidity is high, so a condensate drain pan is installed to capture the moisture and keep it from damaging your home.

A drain line from the drain pain out of your home is required to transfer all that extra water, but it can easily become clogged by debris in the area or simply from heavy condensation. If this happens, the drain line might need to be cleared or even replaced.

Inspecting your Condensate Drain Line

Full inspection of your drain line involves checking quite a few components, so I will point you to Inspectapedia for a thorough rundown of what you should look for (and some pictures to show you what you don’t want to see). But, in short, you want to look for evidence that your condensate drain is overflowing or that the liquid in your drain pan is backing up into the air handler.

You may also notice that there is no liquid coming out of the condenser – a sign that there may be a major problem in the system that needs immediate inspection. If this happens, make sure you check for blockages and if nothing is present, call a Martinsburg air conditioning contractor.

Cleaning Your Drain Line

Each year, it is recommended that you clean your drain line to make sure it is clear and ready for the summer’s heavy cooling and high humidity. The simplest way to do this is to disconnect the drain line and attach a hose to blow the line clear. This can get a little messy, so make sure you dress for the occasion. Another option if you have a wet/dry vac is to attach the hose to the end of the drain line and suck free any moisture still in there. Most wet/dry systems have attachments for drain line clearing or you can order one.

If your drain line is not clearing properly or you think there may be structural damage suffered during the winter, call Larry & Sons for a more thorough inspection. If you have regular maintenance done on your AC system each spring, this should be part of the process so make sure you write down any questions you have for when the contractor visits your home.

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Waynesboro Air Conditioning Tip: What to Do Before Turning on AC for First Time

March 26th, 2012

The weather is starting to heat up and you are eager to flip the switch on your Waynesboro air conditioning system for the first time. It’s been sitting there since spring, waiting to be used, but now you wonder if there are any tasks that should be completed before its first use. Depending on the type of system you had installed there are a few things you should keep in mind before you cool down your house. They include:

  • Outdoor Cleaning – First, make sure the outdoor unit (if you have a central AC system) is cleaned up nicely. Clear away any leaves, remove the cover and check the system for any growth or debris that might have gotten under the cover. Check the air supply registers to make sure they are open and either replace or clean your filters depending on whether they are permanent or disposable.
  • Check Your Thermostat – The thermostat should be checked before you start using the system. To do this, set the system to Auto-cool and then lower the thermostat setting to one degree lower than the actual temperature in the room. If the system turns on, the thermostat is working properly. Let it run for a few hours to make sure this stays consistent.
  • Clear Away Winter and Spring Dust – Now that your system is running, make sure you check the filters for any buildup of dust that was in the ductwork. Over the off season, your ducts might develop a layer of dust and debris, especially if your heating system doesn’t make use of them. The filters might clog quickly as a result.
  • Check for Water Leaks – Your condensate overflow drain should work properly as well – check for any potential leaks during the first 48 hours of operation. Even a small leak should be checked immediately to avoid potential problems as summer cooling season kicks in.

If you notice any problems other than those listed above, you should call a Waynesboro heating and cooling professional immediately. Ideally you will have your system inspected in early-mid spring to ensure it is ready for the summer, but even so problems can develop between inspection and first running. Electrical issues especially should be checked immediately.

To schedule your spring maintenance appointment for your air conditioner, please give Larry & Sons a call today!

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