Downtown Air and Heat Blog : Archive for the ‘Heating’ Category

Benefits of High Efficiency Heating Systems in Orlando, FL

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

The most exciting recent advance in indoor heating technology is the development of special high-efficiency systems that make maximum use of their fuel supply while returning exceptional levels of warmth. The U.S. Department of Energy recognizes superior efficiency heating systems with the ENERGY STAR label. But many heaters go even beyond the DOE’s requirements.

We’ll show you the benefits of a high-efficiency heating installation in Orlando, FL. If you have more questions, talk to our NATE-certified technicians at Downtown Air & Heat today.

How a high-efficiency heater benefits you (and the planet)

The most common kind of high-efficiency heating system is the condensing furnace. Instead of using a single heat exchanger, a condensing furnace uses two: the second exchanger harnesses the liquid vapor exhaust from the first exchanger and condenses it, releasing further heat and reducing the amount of energy waste. The tiny amount of exhaust remaining then goes up a flue made of plastic, which is much smaller than the standard exhaust flue.

Here’s how much a difference this makes in fuel use: Where a standard weatherized gas furnace has an AFUE rating of 81% (according to the U.S. Department of Energy), a condensing furnace can score anywhere from and AFUE of 90% all the way up to 98.5%—which means only 1.5% of the fuel ends up as waste.

How much can you save with a high-efficiency furnace? Using a hypothetical situation of moving from a 79% AFUE furnace to a 97% AFUE condensing furnace, a homeowner can save approximately $400 per year off heating costs. High-efficiency furnaces cost more to install, but at this level of savings, the furnace will pay for itself in around five years. With a life expectancy close to 20 years, the furnace will end up providing tremendous savings.

Another benefit to consider: a high-efficiency furnace is better for the environment. Because these furnaces use up almost all of their natural gas fuel supply, exhaust emissions are reduce to a minimum. That means less greenhouse gases released to the atmosphere.

See if a high-efficiency furnace will work for you

Even with the potential savings of high-efficiency furnaces, there are a few caveats. First, as mentioned above, they cost more to install. Second, they require special attention for maintenance. You should have regular maintenance for any furnace, but it’s especially important for condensing furnaces in order for them to maintain efficiency. Third, depending on your home, a high-efficiency furnace may not be your ideal heating choice. Always consult with HVAC experts before you make a decision for new heating installation.

Call our high-efficiency systems experts Downtown Air & Heat to talk about the possibilities for installing one of these systems in your home. We can take care of your heating installation in Orlando, FL… whatever system will work best for you.

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Can My Heater Make the Air Too Dry?

Monday, January 27th, 2014

You are familiar with the term “a dry heat,” which is usually held up as superior to a humid heat. There’s a reason for this: the moisture in humid air condenses onto skin and releases more heat as it does so, giving you the sensation that the temperature is hotter than it actually is. The opposite occurs in a dry heat, which will make you feel as if the temperature is somewhat cooler than it is.

But a dry heat brings its own problems: aridity. Extremely dry air can lead to health issues: cracked and chapped skin, eye and noise irritation, asthma and other breathing troubles. During dry, cold weather, the temperature will feel lower without the addition of moisture to add heat from condensation.

A home heating system can contribute to the issue of dryness. The hotter your house becomes, the drier its air will become—and some heating systems remove more moisture than others. How does this affect our heating systems in Orlando, FL? It’s a bit of a different situation than in other parts of the country, as our technicians at Downtown Air & Heat can explain.

Because Florida has one of the most humid climates in the U.S., heaters like heat pumps that use condensation to release heat into a home can be beneficial to defeating the moist air. The condensing coil on a heat pump (the indoor coil when the system is in heating mode) removes moisture from the air as it releases heat through condensation. This can be a tremendous relief during moist cold weather. In general, a heat pump won’t make your air too dry, nor will a standard furnace (although a furnace will not be the same help with dehumidifying the air). In fact, we often recommend people in Florida invest in a heat pump for this very reason: its dehumidifying ability.

However, if your air does become excessively dry when you run your heater, it may indicate some sort of flaw, such as the heater running too long. When this happens, hire repairs technicians to examine the problem. Look to Downtown Air & Heat for the quality work on Orlando, FL heating systems that will make sure they are properly balanced to give you warmth without drying out your home.

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What Is a Ductless Heating System?

Monday, January 20th, 2014

Ducts are necessary for most forced-air heating systems to operate. The heater raises the temperature of the air, or removes the heat from the air, and then the blower in the air handler sends the air through the tight seal of ducts toward the vents, where the air enters the living or working space. It seems hard to imagine a forced-air heater could work without ducts.

However, ductless heating systems have existed for decades, and after many years working almost exclusively in business environments—particularly restaurants—they have become more common in homes. If you’re curious about ductless heating, call Downtown Air & Heat and ask about ductless mini split heating services in Orlando, FL.

For the moment, here’s a short explanation about how ductless heating works.

Ductless mini split heat pumps

Ductless heating systems are essentially heat pumps that use multiple indoor units instead of a single, central indoor unit. Like any heat pump, a ductless mini split operates using heat exchange: a flow of refrigerant from the outdoor cabinet to the indoor unit(s) carries outside heat and brings it inside, where a blower sends the heated air into rooms.

(Also like a heat pump, the process can reverse during the summer and remove heat from indoors, functioning as an air conditioner.)

The difference between the standard system with ducts and the ductless system is the multiple indoor units. Each of these indoor units is a small air handler with a refrigerant coil, blower, and individual controls. The unit is mounted up on a wall, and the refrigerant line runs out the wall and outside to the outdoor unit. The blower is powerful enough to provide heat for one area of the home, and it blows the air directly inside, without using vents.

Because ductless mini splits are placed in different spots in a home, they allow for “zone control,” with individual rooms capable of shutting off the heat to that area. This allows for energy savings, since you don’t need to heat rooms that aren’t in use. You’ll also receive savings from no longer needing to schedule duct cleaning or sealing. The lack of ducts also increases indoor air quality.

Should you go ductless?

To answer this question, you’ll need a consultation with professional who can analyze your home’s heating (and cooling) needs as well as its construction. If your home does not already have ductwork, or if you are planning a new home, ductless mini splits are often the ideal way to go. If you already have ducts from a furnace or heat pump, ductless may not bring you the same benefits. Listen to the advice from the professional installer to find out what your best options.

Downtown Air & Heat has NATE-certified technicians on staff to provide you with knowledgeable assistance and heating services in Orlando, FL. Talk to them if you think you may want to go ductless with your next heater.

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Does My Heat Pump Need a Repair Service?

Tuesday, January 14th, 2014

Heat pumps are invaluable in Florida weather, since they provide the perfect level of cooling (with humidity control) during the long, damp summers, and don’t encounter trouble providing efficient heating during the brief chilly spells of the winter. In colder parts of the country, heat pumps often need the assistance of a back-up system like a natural gas furnace, but they can work fine all on their own in Florida.

A heat pump is an intricate piece of technology that relies on a balance of numerous components to work correctly: chemical refrigerant, compressors, capacitors, multiple motors and fans, a reversing valve, and copper lines and coils. It requires special technical training to know how to properly repair one, and it also requires specialized equipment. If you encounter trouble with your heat pump, you most likely will need to call a professional repair service.

Downtown Air & Heat has 24-hour emergency service to help you out when you need heating repair service in Orlando, FL. If you experience any of these problems with your heat pump, they are a good sign that you need to call us for repairs:

  • Heat pump will only blow cold/hot air: If you cannot get your heat pump out of one of its modes, then it is likely that its reversing valve has failed. Only a professional can correctly remove and replace the broken valve. (The problem might also lie in your thermostat, and this also needs expert repairs.)
  • Icing develops on the coils: Ice along the coils doesn’t mean that the heat pump is getting too cold; it usually means that somewhere it is leaking refrigerant and cannot absorb enough heat. A repair service can locate where the leak is, seal it, and then recharge the refrigerant to its proper level.
  • Heat pump won’t start: If your heat pump won’t turn on at all, there are a number of possible reasons. One frequent cause for this is a burnt-out start capacitor, the device responsible for starting the motors with an electrical charge. Like the other components in a heat pump, this needs the work of a professional to replace it.

If you cannot immediately locate a simple source for an issue with your heat pump (incorrectly set thermostat, disconnect from a power source), don’t try to open up the cabinet and tool around with the components on your own. You don’t want to risk causing further damage to the heat pump with amateur work. An experienced technician should be able to locate the problem and fix it fast.

Call Downtown Air & Heat. We have NATE-certified technicians on staff who have the training and tools to take care of your heating repairs in Orlando, FL.

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Heating Systems for Your Business

Friday, January 10th, 2014

When you install heating in your home, you only have the needs of your family and occasional guests to worry about. When you install heating for your business, you have a much larger group of people to provide for: employees, customers, clients, etc. Picking out the right heating system in Orlando, FL for a business takes a great deal of thought, since it will have a large impact on daily operations.

Downtown Air & Heat stays current with commercial HVAC technology, so we are in an excellent position to help you find the right heating for your business. Here’s a short list of some of your options for commercial heating. Our NATE-certified heating technicians can install whatever system you need, and they will help you make the best choice.

Heat pump

Heat pumps have been popular for commercial use for years, long before they moved into the private sector. A heat pump has the advantages of taking care of heating and cooling with one system—no need for a separate AC and heater. Heat pumps sometimes struggle with temperatures below freezing… but that’s unlikely to occur in Orlando.

Ductless mini splits

If you are constructing a new space for your business, you may want to go with ductless mini splits, which eliminate the need for building ductwork into your designs. Ductless mini splits work the same as heat pumps, except they use separate blower units to distribute air, rather than ducts. This means that your employees can adjust the individual blower units to suit their own needs without having to change the temperature of the entire workspace.

Central furnaces

The traditional standby for most businesses is a central furnace—either gas or electric-powered—hooked up to ductwork. Furnaces remain common today because of their effective heat and the high temperatures they can reach. Furnaces are flexible; an installer can almost always find one to match a business’ needs.

Because your business space is likely much larger than your home, you need to have specialists perform a heat load calculation to determine the specific needs for heating. This involves numerous factors, including heat loss and gain through windows and the amount of heat the lights and other appliances radiate. With the right professionals on the job, you will end up with the perfect system for your business.

Contact Downtown Air & Heat today to get started with finding your ideal comfort for heating your business in Orlando, FL.

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How the Size of Your Ductwork Can Affect Your Heating

Monday, December 2nd, 2013

The ducts are a key part of your heating (as well as cooling) for your home. If you have a furnace or a heat pump keeping you warm during the Florida winter nights, then ductwork is the way you receive the toasty warm air from your HVAC system.

However, homeowners usually don’t think much about their ducts and tend to take their work for granted because their construction keeps them mostly out of sight within walls and ceilings. It’s easy to imagine that the design of the ducts doesn’t make any difference: ducts are ducts.

But poorly designed and sized ducts can present problems for your heater and end up costing you extra on your heating bills while bringing you substandard performance. Having properly sized ductwork is important if you want to get the most out of your heating system. For custom design ductwork in Orlando, FL, call up the experts at Downtown Air & Heat.

The importance of ductwork size

If you had your heating system professionally installed, the technicians sized it to fit your home’s heating specifications. But if your ducts are too large, they will cut into the effectiveness of a properly sized heater. Overlarge ducts will cause low air flow, which in turn will lead to uneven heating throughout the house. But ducts that are designed too small are also a problem: they will restrict air flow and result in a noisier system overall.

How major is this impact on your heater’s performance? Studies have shown that improper ductwork design and sizing can cause as much as a 60% loss of heating efficiency and effectiveness. The more your heater struggles to overcome flawed ductwork, the more it will wear down. You will end up spending more on your energy bills, and eventually more on repair bills.

Rely on professional duct design and repairs

If you have ducts that are giving you problems because of poor sizing and design, you should call in ductwork design specialists. Usually, you won’t need to have all your ducts ripped out and replaced (although that is occasionally necessary if the original job was amateur); the designers will find places where they can improve performance with replacements.

Our NATE-certified Orlando, FL ductwork service technicians at Downtown Air & Heat are also trained in airflow. They can analyze the issues in your airflow and pinpoint where they need to repair and replace your ducts. You can trust to the job we do: we offer a 1-year guarantee on our work.

If you need to enhance your heater’s performance through better ductwork in Orlando, FL, call Downtown Air & Heat.

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Why You Should Take Advantage of Professional Heating Maintenance

Monday, November 4th, 2013

Does your heater operate as it should? Do you find that it no longer heats your home as it once did, or that your energy bills have skyrocketed from one month to the next? It’s important to make sure that your heater is not only professionally installed but also professionally maintained. While installation can secure the functionality of your heater, it’s not enough to secure its future. Throughout its service life, your heater endures a significant amount of wear and tear and it accumulates dust and other debris. Such factors can take their toll and can lead to inefficient heating and reduced system longevity. In today’s post, we’d like to explain why you should take advantage of professional heating maintenance. Call Downtown Air and Heat to see what we can do for your heater.

The first reason to sign up for heating maintenance is to make sure that your heater lasts as long as (or longer than) it should. This is an important consideration for strictly budgetary reasons. New heater installations are major investments and you want to make sure that your get your money’s worth from your system. Unfortunately, many homeowners think they can merely leave their systems alone after installation, but you may place your system at risk if you neglect basic maintenance.

Another reason to take advantage of routine heating maintenance is that your heater will simply perform much better. During the course of its service life, your heater may accumulate debris that can cut down on system effectiveness. Simply put, when your system is clean, there is nothing to get in the way of the energy conversion and heat distribution processes. If you want a solid performer, then your heater needs to be kept clean and properly adjusted.

Lastly, everyone knows that heating and cooling the home uses energy, which costs money. There’s no getting around this hard truth, but while we cannot control the cost of energy, we can control how we use it. By signing up for routine heating maintenance in Orlando, you can make sure that your heater is highly energy efficient. Call Downtown Air and Heat for details on why you should take advantage of professional heating maintenance in Orlando, FL.

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What Type of Heater Does Your Home Need?

Monday, October 28th, 2013

Are you in the market for a new heater? Do you feel as though there is a daunting array of different system types and brands? It can be difficult to figure out what type of system works for your home as well as your heating preferences. What type of heater you need depends on various factors, including your budget, home size and layout, as well as your preference of duct or ductless options. In today’s post, we’d like to take a look at some of your options so that you can make an informed decision as to what’s best.

  • Furnace. A furnace is probably the most popular heating systems in America. It is widely recognized as a source of cost-effective and powerful heat, and it can make sure that your home is comfortable year-round. You can choose gas or LP gas as a fuel source or you can go with an all-electric model.
  • Heat pump. Another option is the heat pump, which is very similar to an air conditioner in that it uses refrigerant to transfer heat. It differs in one important regard, however, as it is equipped with a reversing valve that allows it to heat your home in the winter in addition to cooling it during the summer. It uses ducts to distribute your heated air, and remains highly cost-effective, especially due to Florida’s moderate winter temperature.
  • Ductless mini split. If you’re looking for an energy efficient alternative to duct-based systems, then look no further than a ductless mini split. This year-round solution provides excellent heating to your entire home. Each unit has several indoor air handlers so that you can heat distinct zones of your home separately. It’s essentially a heat pump but without the ductwork.

Make sure you not only find the right type of heater for your home, but also that it is appropriately sized. Call Downtown Air and Heat today for excellent heating installation service in Orlando, FL. We can guide you every step of the way.

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Common Heating Repairs

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2013

While Florida is not exactly known for its cold weather, residents of our service area know that a good working heater is a necessity during the winter months. But over time, you may find that your heater no longer works as it should, or that it makes a strange sound. It’s important to take care of any problems immediately so that they do not worsen or create further damage. At Downtown Air and Heat, we can take care of your heating repair needs, however major or minor they may be. Call us today.

Here are some common heating problems to keep an eye out for:

  • Heater won’t start. If you find that your heater won’t start, then you may want to consider a few things before calling for professional assistance. Firstly, take a look at your circuit breaker to make sure that your heater has not merely tripped the circuit; also, take a look at the thermostat to double-check that the system is calling for heating. If you own a furnace, your pilot light might be out; if you have a heat pump, then the capacitor may be faulty.
  • Inadequate heating. It’s important to make sure that your home has excellent heating at all times. Don’t settle for anything less. If you find that your heater no longer works properly or is otherwise underperforming, then you need to consider calling a professional. There are numerous reasons why your home could be suffering from inadequate heating so you need to make sure that your heater receives a professional diagnosis that can get to the root of the problem.
  • Can’t adjust temperature. If you find that your heater does not respond to your temperature adjustments, then you may have a problem with the thermostat itself. As your primary user interface, your thermostat has to be in good working condition at all times. You could also have a problem with the control board.

Call the professionals at Downtown Air and Heat for excellent heating repair service in Orlando, FL. We can diagnose any issue that you may have and recommend a cost-effective solution.

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