How electronic air cleaners

Whole-house electronic air cleaners are installed inside ductwork (typically the return duct), and attract and trap airborne contaminants in the ducted airflow. Larger contaminants are captured by the air cleaner’s pre-filter. The small and microscopic contaminants that make it past the pre-filter, such as viruses, humidifier dust and mold spores, are given an electrical charge.

The charged contaminants flow into an electrostatic field of oppositely charged collector plates. The charged contaminants are attracted and stick to collector plates with an opposite charge. A post filter helps capture any remaining contaminants, or contaminants that elude capture because the plates are full. Hence, regular cleaning is required.

Regular cleaning and care

If the collector plates are laden with debris and contaminants, they lose attraction and capturing ability. Perform one of the two following cleaning methods every three months.

Dishwashing machine

• Use caution when placing the cells in the dishwasher to prevent damaging the sensitive components.
• Only use automatic dishwashing soap that contains sodium silicates.
• The drying cycle should not be used. It may “bake on” contaminants that were not washed or rinsed away.
• The cells will be hot when finished. Let them cool off before removing.
• Use a clean soft cloth to finish drying the ionizing wires.

Soaking method

• Fill the bathtub with hot water.
• Use half a cup of automatic dishwashing soap for each cell.
• Soak the cells and filters for half an hour.
• Agitate the cells to remove contaminants.
• Gently hand wash the filter.
• Empty the bathtub, and rinse the cells under warm running water.
• Gently dry the cells with a soft cloth.
• Make sure all components are dry before reinserting into the air cleaner.

For more information about electronic air cleaners, contact the professionals at Quality Mechanical Services today. We’ve provided northwest Ohio homeowners exceptional HVAC and IAQ services and installations for more than 40 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lima, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about electronic air cleaners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Air filters are rated on the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV, scale, which ranges from 1 to 16 for residential filters. Higher MERV ratings mean a filter that removes more and smaller particles from your air.

• MERV 1-4 filters are low quality and won’t do much to improve your indoor air quality.
• MERV 5-8 filters are medium quality and work well to keep the air clean in the typical home.
• MERV 9-12 filters are higher quality and are best for residents who have allergies or asthma, or for large households or those with pets.
• MERV 13-16 filters are mainly used in commercial buildings, though can be used in homes with special air-quality needs. They may require some system modification,  however, in order to compensate for reduced airflow.

Before choosing a filter, check the specs of your system to determine what type of filter it will accommodate. It’s important to balance air quality with optimum airflow.

HEPA filters (MERV 17-20) usually aren’t used in residential HVAC systems due to their thickness and density, which restrict the airflow considerably. However, you can install a stand-alone HEPA filter air cleaner if you desire better indoor air quality.

To determine the size of your air filter, measure it and round the numbers to the nearest inch. Dimensions are often printed on the filter frame, so you can also check your existing filter to determine what size you need.

For more expert advice about air filters, please contact us at Quality Mechanical Services, serving Northwest Ohio for over 40 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lima, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

The cooling process starts as the heat pump compressor delivers refrigerant to a heat exchanger. Heat from the refrigerant is rejected into the ground (or well water), cooling the refrigerant. The cold refrigerant then moves through the refrigerant-to-air heat exchanger. As warm, humid air from your home’s return ducts blows across the cold air coil, the air is cooled and dehumidified. It then gets distributed throughout your home for highly efficient cooling. The heat that’s extracted from the warm air is absorbed into the cold refrigerant, converting the refrigerant into a gas. The gaseous coolant then returns to the compressor, where the process is repeated. 

Some of the refrigerant from the compressor can be diverted for efficient water heating during the cooling process.

Besides lowering your electric bills, a geothermal air conditioning system has a long life span. The loop field can last 50 years or more, and the indoor blower can reach 25 years with proper maintenance.

These systems are so efficient that the government is offering a 30 percent federal tax credit on the purchase and installation of a qualifying geothermal heat pump. This credit is active through the end of 2016 and also covers the labor involved in the installation process, which comprises much of the overall cost of a geothermal system.

The installer has to dig trenches for the loop field, which can go very deep underground in a vertical installation or cover a more shallow area when installed horizontally. If your yard has access to a body of water, the installation is simpler, since the geothermal system can use the water as the medium for the heat transfer.

If you would like to learn more about geothermal air conditioning, please contact us at Quality Mechanical Services. We’ve provided superior HVAC services for Northwest Ohio for more than 40 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lima, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about geothermal and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

• Lubricate the moving parts of the system to prevent friction.
• Test the controls of the system to ensure it cycles properly.
• Record the operating temperatures and pressures.
• Adjust the refrigerant levels and check for leaks.
• Flush the condensate drain to prevent overflow, which could result in mold growth.
• Tighten electrical connections.
• Check and adjust system airflow.
• Check the blower motor and fan belt for wear; tighten the fan belt if necessary.
• Test the temperature drop at the return and supply registers and adjust the blower as needed.
• Clean and adjust the thermostat for accuracy.
• Check the voltage and amperage on the motor.
• Clean the compressor contacts.
• Clean the outdoor condensing unit.

Professional maintenance is essential for an efficient air conditioner, but maintenance doesn’t end with your yearly tuneup. Here are a few tasks you should perform to ensure your system operates efficiently and to prevent mid-summer breakdowns:

• Check your system’s air filter every month and replace it when it looks dirty. Your air filter prevents the buildup of dust inside your A/C. A dirty filter reduces the flow of air to your system and can cause it to overheat, which can result in significant damage to your air conditioner.
• Keep your outdoor condensing unit free of debris such as grass clippings from mowing and weed growth. Hose down the condensing unit every month to remove dirt buildup.
• Maintain the area around your indoor unit. Keep it dust-free and make sure the unit is easily accessible in case service is needed.
• Keep obstructions such as furniture and drapery away from your return and supply registers to ensure optimum airflow to your system.

For more expert advice about air conditioner maintenance, please contact us at Quality Mechanical Services, serving Northwest Ohio for more than 40 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lima, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air conditioner maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

• Remove dust buildup on the filter, blower and indoor coil.
• Check ducts for loose joints and cracks, and seal with metal tape or mastic sealant.
• Measure the airflow to your system for optimum performance.
• Measure and adjust the refrigerant level and check for leaks.
• Clean and tighten electrical connections.
• Lubricate the moving parts of the system to prevent friction.
• Inspect the belts for wear and tighten them if necessary.
• Test the controls of the system to ensure heating is locked out when the system is set for cooling, and vice versa.
• Clean and adjust the thermostat for accuracy.

Preventive heat pump maintenance doesn’t end with the professional tune-up. There are several things you can do during the cooling season to ensure your system stays efficient and to keep your cooling bills under control:

• Check your air filter every month and replace it when it’s dirty to promote optimum airflow and keep the interior of the system clean.
• Keep the outdoor unit free of debris such as grass clippings and plants growing too close. Hose it down monthly to remove dirt buildup, which can impede the flow of air to the system and result in overheating.
• Keep the area around your indoor unit clean to prevent dust from building up inside, which may decrease the system’s efficiency, cause damage and increase your utility bills.
• Keep the return and supply registers in your home free of obstructions like furniture and draperies, which can prevent optimum airflow to the system.

For more expert advice about maintaining your heat pump year-round, please contact us at Quality Mechanical Services, keeping Northwest Ohio residents comfortable year-round.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lima, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about heat pump maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

• Ventilation upgrades: Improve air quality through ventilation. The majority of heating and cooling systems do not bring fresh air into the home. However, this can be alleviated by turning on your attic fan and opening windows when the weather is moderate. You can also opt to run a window air conditioner unit with its vent control open. This “increases the outdoor ventilation rate.” Inspect bathroom and kitchen fans to ensure they are exhausting outdoors and are therefore contributing to proper ventilation.

• Filtration: An HVAC unit with a dirty filter is not going to help your indoor air quality. Check your air filters at least once a month to ensure they are functioning correctly. Replace filters when they look dirty. In the spring when the air is laden with allergens, just to be on the safe side, change the filter once a month.

• Humidity control: If your home is overly humid, it becomes a breeding ground for mold and mildew. This is of special concern in your home’s bathrooms, kitchen and basement. Utilize dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture from the air. Remember to check your dehumidifiers regularly for proper function.

• Air cleaning: Consider investing in an air cleaner if you and your family are still suffering from allergies. Options range from room units to whole-house cleaners depending on what you require. Research the many different types of cleaners to determine what suits your needs. Another option is to bring more plants into your home, as they naturally clean the air. Recommended plants include peace lilies, spider plants, rubber plants, English ivy and Boston ferns, among others.

Use these and other tips to improve the air quality in your home. For more expert advice on air quality and other issues relating to home comfort, please contact us at Quality Mechanical Services. We’ve been serving Northwest Ohio for more than 40 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lima, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about boosting your air quality and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Sizing

The HVAC industry uses a protocol called Manual J that walks contractors through the steps that lead to proper sizing. Going by your current system could be misleading because you may have made your home more efficient since the original installation. Manual J takes into account these factors about your home to get an accurate assessment of our home’s cooling load:

• Cubic footage you need to cool;
• Number of windows, their energy efficiency and placement;
• Insulation levels;
• Air infiltration rates;
• Preferred indoor temperatures;
• Number of home occupants and their ages; and
• Landscaping factors.

Learning the proper size beforehand helps you make improvements to your insulation levels and seal air leaks that could help you buy a smaller air conditioning system, saving money on the investment and lowering energy bills for years to come.

Energy efficiency

The energy efficiency of the air conditioner you choose also impacts your electric bills. The minimum SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) currently stands at 13, and advanced efficiency A/Cs sport SEER ratings well into the 20s. In our region, a system that has a variable-speed motor in the indoor blower removes more humidity and uses less electricity than a single-speed motor. Another upgrade for this climate is a dual-speed compressor in the outdoor condenser. It only runs on its highest speed when the weather is exceptionally hot.

Installation

It’s important to find a place for the outdoor condensing unit out of the sun, away from the dryer vent and free from vegetation that could block airflow. The condenser has to cool the refrigerant coming from your home, and anything that interferes with the process will increase your energy bills.

To learn more about a new air conditioning system, contact Quality Mechanical Services. We’ve provided high quality and dependable HVAC services for Northwest Ohio for more than 40 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lima, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air conditioners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

First-hour rating

The first-hour rating is how much hot water a system can generate when the tank is full and operates for about an hour. You’ll find this rating often listed as “Capacity” on the EnergyGuide label affixed to water heaters, along with other information such as the estimated annual operating costs and fuel consumption. Before you can select the first-hour rating of the water heater, you’ll need to know how much hot water your household uses during peak demand.

Peak-hour demand

Determine the hour of the day when your household places the greatest demand on the water heater. For most households, peak demand occurs in the morning, when family members shower, shave, wash their hands, wash dishes and maybe even run a load of laundry. With your contractor’s help, make a list of the activities conducted during your peak hour. Your contractor can provide you with a list that estimates how much water each activity requires.

Here’s a sample peak-hour demand:

• Four showers: 40 gallons
• One shave: 2 gallons
• Six uses of a faucet (for hand washing or preparing food): 12 gallons
• Running the dishwasher: 6 gallons

To find the peak-hour demand, total the number of gallons used, which in this case equals 60 gallons. This peak-hour demand should match the water heater’s first-hour rating within just a few gallons. In this way, you’ll be secure in knowing that your household will have access to a sufficient supply of hot water.

Quality Mechanical Services has served homeowners in Northwest Ohio for more than 40 years. Contact us for tips about upgrading, or for help sizing your water heater. Give us a call today or visit our website for more information.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lima, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about sizing a water heater and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

GFCI

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are probably the most critical safety feature we recommend to ensure home safety. GFCIs provide protection from what used to be common causes of death and injury. The interrupter prevents electrical shock through the outlet caused by a ground fault or electrical current leaks, a process whereby electrical current moves through the outlet, outside the conductors.

AFCI

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) also ensure protection for the household, but in this case, AFCIs prevent fire hazards that are the result of increases in electrical arcs. Dangerously high electrical arcs have caused the majority of fires in residential buildings. It’s estimated that AFCI devices help prevent at least half of these fires, as they’re installed in newly built homes and included in electrical networks in retrofitted homes.

Why put your home safety at risk with a DIY job or by hiring an expert who fails to follow industry leading safety practices? When it comes to your choice of electricians, take the time to hire an expert who employs best practices and puts the safety of your household first.

If you’d like expert help selecting from electric outlet options, or need to hire an electrician, please contact us at Quality Mechanical Services. We’ve served homeowners in Northwest Ohio for more than 40 years. Give us a call today or visit our website for more information about hiring an electrician or home safety.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lima, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about home safety and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Learn how much power you need

Size your solar photovoltaic system according to your budget and your household’s needs. One advantage to installing solar power in the home is that you can start with just a few solar modules to supply power to your heating and cooling systems, for instance, and then add more panels in the future to eventually power the entire home. Regardless of whether you’re planning to install solar power to just a few systems or the entire home, work closely with your contractor to determine the amount of power you need to appropriately size the solar system.

Comply with local codes

Local codes dictate factors ranging from who can install the photovoltaic system to what guidelines electricians must follow when installing the system. Your contractor should be thoroughly familiar with the codes your municipality requires. Working with a reputable expert at this stage of the planning process is imperative, as any missteps here could severely compromise your investment.

Choose the type of system

Two types of solar systems are generally available: grid tied and stand-alone. In many cases, local codes require homeowners to connect their systems to the area’s electrical power grid. This ensures an electrical connection to the utility’s grid should the residential system fail to source enough power on any given day. When the system generates extra power, it routes to the grid, so the utility benefits from it, and it provides a credit to customers in return. A stand-alone system, on the other hand, isn’t dependent on the electrical grid, so the homeowner will still have power if a blackout occurs. Each type of system may require additional equipment, such as power-conditioning equipment, meters, safety systems, batteries and so forth, to ensure the solar system is operational.

Planning to install solar power in your home soon? Contact Quality Mechanical Services today. We’ve served homeowners in Northwest Ohio for more than 40 years, and we’re happy to help you start the process of retrofitting your home for solar power.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lima, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about Installing Solar Power  and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock