One of the hottest discussions (pardon the pun) within the air conditioning and heating industry is the difference between two refrigerants – R-22 and R-410A. As a homeowner considering a purchase, it’s important that you understand the difference so you can make the best decision for your system. We’ve outlined below the main differences and why they matter.
As temperatures rise, homeowners must prioritize their HVAC system. Clean, maintain, and install a smart thermostat for a smoothly running air conditioner and lower energy bills. Additionally, consider the benefits of heat pump technology for efficient heating and cooling, reducing costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Your HVAC system unfortunately will not last forever and will eventually need to be replaced. Sometimes a simple repair is all that is needed, but there will come a day when the system either dies altogether or it simply isn’t worth it to keep draining money into constant repairs.
Thermocouples are critical components that ensure safe operation of gas-fired appliances inside the home, such as furnaces and hot water heaters. Many older gas-fired appliances use pilot lights, which ignite burners when there is a need for warm air or hot water. If the thermocouple fails to sense the presence of the pilot light, a thermocouple will not allow the gas valve to open preventing any kind of dangerous buildup of gas.
Previously we have looked at federal minimum energy efficiency levels and the metrics used today to rate air conditioning systems (such as SEER, integrated energy efficiency ratio, or full load EER). Now we are shifting focus and looking at system efficiency and where it is headed in the future.
Winter is just around the corner, ushering in frigid temperatures almost overnight. Ensuring your house stays warm is vital for your family’s comfort, and no matter how cozy your blankets and fireplaces are, you’ll want to make sure your HVAC system is ready to switch over to heat. Is your furnace prepared to handle the coldest months?
HVACR service technicians find themselves at the forefront of the refrigerant transition in AC and commercial refrigeration. As hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants with high-global warming potential (GWP) are being phased down, mildly flammable A2L refrigerants have been identified as potential lower-GWP alternatives. But information about A2L servicing requirements is largely unknown in the U.S., which raises many questions within the technician community. If you’re an HVACR technician, the chances of soon encountering A2Ls is very likely. It’s important to gain a better understanding of A2Ls to maximize safety and assist your customers with installation and service calls.
In comparison, a modulating furnace goes beyond a two-stage furnace and can have dozens of “on” settings. A modulating furnace begins at full speed, and once your house is sufficiently warm adjusts its settings in slight increments to change the amount of heat being put out. This method is more efficient and budget-friendly and ensures your home stays within one to two degrees of the desired temperature throughout the entirety of your day.
Due to the warm climate, homes in the Southwest need efficient cooling and dehumidifying systems as well as an option for light winter heating. While the majority of homes continue to use central cooling and heating systems, heat pumps are also widely used in the Southwest as an ideal solution for the mild winters.
Before you put your AC system away for the winter, you might want to consider having it checked out by a certified contractor. If it is older or has been giving you problems, you might want to have it replaced. AC replacements done in the fall often have much better outcomes for consumers than those done in the heat of the summer or when you first start your system up in the spring.
