Category: Energy Saving Tips
Two Stage Air Conditioning System Advantages
What is the advantage of a two stage air conditioning system compared to a a single stage air conditioning system?
Benefits of a Two Stage Air Conditioning System Verses a Single Stage AC Unit:
A two stage air conditioning system has many more comfort features, one of the best features is the on-demand dehumidification feature. The on-demand dehumidification feature will allow you to feel more comfortable at a higher temperature set point with a lower percentage of humidity in the air. Comfort aside, when moisture levels are high, there’s a higher potential for mold and other pollutant problems that could potentially lead to health issues.
How does it work?
The air handler fans speed ramps down into a lower speed utilizing a variable speed motor, when it ramps down to a lower speed it starts pulling more humidity out of the home.
Here is an Example
When you set your thermostat to 76° on the single stage system the air-conditioner will continue to run at 100% capacity in order to bring it down to 76°. However, on a 2 stage system with the humidity control feature you can set your thermostat to 78° and then set the humidity at 45%. Once the air-conditioner reaches 78° The two stage air conditioning unit will drop down into first stage and the fan speed will drop down as well, this allows the air conditioning unit to begin the dehumidification process and then starts to pull the humidity level down until it reaches 45% humidity in the home. Once it reaches 45% humidity the AC unit will shut down and it will feel like 76° even though the temperature is actually 78° in the home. This is because the humidity is only at 45%. This will save you money on your electric bill because your air conditioner does not have to operate at 100% capacity all the time of time in order to bring your home temperature down 76°
A two stage air conditioning system works 2 stages on the compressor mode, it starts up at 66% drawing less amperage upon start up and this is where you consume most of your energy costs. If the heat load in the home calls for more cooling 15 seconds later the 2nd stage kicks in the 100% capacity mode. Example, if you have a 4 ton air-conditioner with a 2 stage system it will start up as if it were a 2.5 ton drawing the amperage of a 2.5 ton system and then 15 seconds later it will go to 100% (only if the heat load in the home calls for 100% capacity) which will be a full 4 ton capacity however on a single stage system it will always start up at 100% capacity and draw the amperage that a 4 ton compressor will need and that 100% capacity is what winds up costing you more money on your energy bill. Dual stage air conditioners also tend to last longer because they are not running at full capacity all the time.
Summary
Two stage cooling means the air conditioner or heat pump has a compressor with two levels of operation: high for hot summer days and low for milder days. Since the low setting is adequate to meet household-cooling demands 80% of the time, a two-stage unit runs for longer periods and produces more even temperatures.
Longer cooling cycles also translate to quieter, more efficient operation, enhanced humidity control, substantial savings on your annual energy costs and extended lifespan of your cooling and heating system. Compared to a single-stage unit, a dual stage air conditioner or heat pump can remove twice as much moisture from the air. This is important because when moisture levels are high, there’s a higher potential for mold and other pollutant problems.
Purchasing a new air conditioning system is one of the most costly home improvement investments you will make so when it’s time to replace you air conditioning system or heat pump, call a name you can trust. Universal Air and Heat sells top rated residential and commercial two stage air conditioning systems by Rheem, Carrier, Bryant, Trane and Goodman at low prices in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Weston, Tamarac, Pompano Beach, West Palm Beach Jupiter and Tampa FL. Serving the Tri-County area of South FL and Tampa Fl with affordable AC repair and low cost air conditioning replacement since 1997.
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Energy Savings Tips – Air Duct Cleaning Saves At Least 11 Percent On Your Annual Energy Costs
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning a home or small commercial building is requires a lot of energy.
Your HVAC (heating, air conditioning and Ventilation) system accounts for 30 percent of the energy used in an average home or small building. In addition, heating and cooling larger dwellings accounts for up to half of the energy use. On the whole, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are by far the largest sources of energy use within a home or building. Heating and air conditioning systems tend to be the most important and expensive investment we make to our property but somehow, we take it for granted and most heating and cooling systems tend to be poorly maintained. These systems, which are used every day of the year, get dirty and can become heavily contaminated with dirt, dust, animal dander, and more.
Your HVAC (heating, air conditioning and Ventilation) system accounts for 30 percent of the energy used in an average home or small building.
Believe it or not, heating and cooling systems in new homes and buildings are often heavily fouled before occupants move in due to construction debris. Contaminated heating and cooling systems contribute to poor indoor air quality in the form of increased airborne particulates and reduced comfort. Fouled systems have to work much harder due to decreased air flow which makes them more prone to failure. When it comes to having a productive, energy-efficient heating and air conditioning system, air flow is king. Increased air flow equals better performance. When HVAC systems become fouled, air flow is reduced. Dirty filters, clogged coils, fouled blowers and other components impede air flow and and make your air conditioning unit work harder and result in increased energy costs.
The solution is to have the heating and air conditioning system professionally cleaned by a NADCA certified Air systems Cleaning Specialist. Professional cleaning for a heating and air conditioning system entails cleaning not only the ductwork, but also the vents, registers, blower, coils, and other complete cleaning of the heating and air conditioning system is a highly specialized duct cleaning service that differs from the routine maintenance provided by the air conditioning technician sent out to clean and adjust the air conditioners. Complete cleaning of the heating and air conditioning system is important to ensure your air conditioning system continues to operate at peak efficiency. Call Universal Air and Heat to thoroughly clean your air handler components. 813-510-5667
So how much does it cost to operate a fouled heating and cooling system?
That is the question asked by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), a not-for-profit association representing companies around the world that inspect, clean and restore heating and air conditioning systems. In 2008 NADCA initiated a project with researchers from the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU) to conduct an in-depth study of this issue. Researchers conducted two field trials to assess the accuracy of the computer model.
Through this process, researchers came to realize that there was no comprehensive data available to quantify the savings that can be achieved through cleaning of heavily-fouled systems, typical of systems regularly encountered by NADCA members. (For purposes of this research, “Heavily-fouled” systems are defined as systems where complete cleaning results in a pressure change of at least 30 percent. Pressure change is simply an easier way to measure air flow.)
The calculations in the computer model were based on data collected from lightly-fouled systems – systems that are not very dirty.
According to the results of the study, cleaning even lightly-fouled systems can produce substantial energy savings. These findings are based on complete cleaning of heating and air conditioning systems in accordance with NADCA’s ACR 2006 Standard, which includes cleaning ductwork, coils, blower, other air-side system components, and changing the filter. Based on the initial research, cleaning a lightly-fouled system provides, on average, an 11 percent savings off of the energy used for heating and air conditioning systems.
Researchers have proven that cleaning even lightly-fouled heating and cooling systems can result in energy savings of 11 percent. Cleaning heavily-fouled systems is expected to produce an even greater savings than cleaning systems that are essentially clean. In addition to these savings, consumers who have their heating and cooling system cleaned can benefit from improved indoor air quality, reduced maintenance costs and extended life expectancy for the heating and cooling system. While not yet confirmed, cleaning
heavily-fouled systems is expected to produce even greater energy savings.
Universal Air and Heat is Waging War on Indoor Air Pollution!
Your air conditioning duct system functions as the respiratory system of your home. Dust, dirt, pollen, animal dander and other airborne contaminants are pulled into your system every time your air conditioner runs. Over time, these contaminates build up inside your duct-work, making your system a breeding ground for mold spores, bacteria, fungus, mildew, and other microbes, which are then re-circulated through your home, impacting the health and comfort of your family. Those who suffer from allergies, asthma or other respiratory ailments, especially children, the elderly and birds are vulnerable to the effects of indoor air pollution.
- 50% of all illnesses are either caused or aggravated by polluted indoor air. (American College of Allergists)
- Levels of air pollution inside the home can be 2 to 5 times higher, and occasionally 100 times higher, than outdoor levels. (Environmental Protection Agency)
- One out of six people who suffer from allergies do so because of the direct relationship to the fungi and bacteria in air duct systems. (Health Magazine)
Universal Air & Heat uses the latest state of the art Rotobrush BrusBeast Machine with 90% more suction power of any other air duct cleaning equipment used by our competitors. Our qualified team of professional duct cleaning technicians will help reduce microbes, spores, mildew and fungus to ensure that your ac system is free of all contaminants and bacteria. Having your ac air ducts cleaned regularly will give your home or business a healthy breathing environment.
Universal Air and Heat makes air duct cleaning affordable and has one of the largest Service Areas of any of our competitors in Florida. We proudly serve Miami Dade County FL, Broward County FL, Palm Beach County FL and Tampa FL.
Universal Air and Heat offers Air Duct Cleaning Services vent using the newest state-of-the-art air duct cleaning equipment along with air duct sanitizing. We also offer dryer vent cleaning services to help prevent lint build up that is one of the major causes of home fires nationwide.
Universal Air and Heat is committed to improving indoor air quality at an affordable price.
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Buying a Replacement Central Air Conditioning System?
Ask The AC Expert: Is Buying a Bigger Replacement Air Conditioner Better?
When you’re ready to buy a replacement air conditioner you will need a professional AC contractor to accurately determine the correct size air conditioner for you particular home’s need. Any contractor you hire should calculate the size of the cooling equipment you need by using such recognized methods as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual J. A professional air conditioning technician will assess the square footage of your home, ceiling height, sun exposure, climate and insulation in your home in order to calculate the heat load. All of those factors are used to properly determine your air conditioning and heating needs.
There is a popular misconception that having a larger AC unit will cool better. Not true! When the air conditioning system is too big it will cool the area too quickly without having enough time remove enough moisture. You will be left with a cold and clammy indoor environment.
On the other hand, an air conditioner that’s too small won’t do a good job cooling your home and will be more expensive to run. When you install central air conditioning, size matters. Underestimate your cooling needs, and you could be sweating. Buy more power than you need and your living space may become cold and dank.
If you live in a colder climate you may already have ductwork for your heating, adding a central system can cost less. But keep in mind that ducts used for heating might not be the right size or in the right location for optimal cooling.
Your contractor should use a duct-sizing method such as the ACCA Manual D. The pros should make sure that all duct sections are properly sized and that there are enough supply registers to deliver sufficient air flow to the right places. Not only is the proper size ductwork essential for meeting each room’s heating and air conditioning needs but also because undersized ductwork can make for noisy operation. Leaky ductwork or ducts with insufficient insulation can reduce system efficiency considerably. All joints and seams must be sealed and not with duct tape that can dry and fall off.
If your home doesn’t have ducts, adding them can be expensive, though if you plan to cool your entire home, central air is typically the best choice. If you are not planning to cool the entire home, you might want to consider a split-ductless system. Unlike central systems, split-ductless systems need no ductwork (though they require connections for electrical, refrigerant and condensate drains), making them easier to add to homes with designs that aren’t conducive to installing ductwork.
It would not be practical to guesstimate the correct size central air conditioning system because there are so many variables to consider, including a home’s size and design, and how the air-conditioning unit is installed. In fact, a significant variable affecting performance is the quality and construction of the duct distribution system. Poorly designed or installed ductwork can cause improper cooling, noise and even equipment failure. Instead, to help you make an informed choice we strongly recommend you contact Universal Air and Heat, a licensed, professional HVAC contractor, we can determine the correct air conditioning equipment for your home and assist in choosing the perfect heating and cooling system that meets both your needs and budget.
Call Universal Air and Heat for your FREE ” no-obligation” air conditioning estimate today!
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Mike Thompson, of Universal Air and Heat, answers some questions that will help readers ensure their heating and cooling systems are running as efficiently as possible – and what to do if they’re not
Living in South Florida, it is nearly impossible to overstate the importance of a properly functioning air conditioning system. Not only is it necessary to keep you cool during nearly year round hot temperatures, but it will keep your monthly electric bill under control.
Universal Air & Heat service professionals arrive with fully-stocked trucks with all the common parts and standard tools needed for complete coil cleaning, fan cleanings, drain-line cleanings and more. Living in South Florida, it is impossible to overstate the importance of a properly functioning air-conditioning system. Not only is it necessary to keep you cool during nearly year round hot temperatures, but it will also help keep your monthly electric bill under control.
Question: What are SEERS?
Answer: SEER stands for “seasonal energy efficiency ratio.” The SEER rating is the BTU of cooling output during its normal annual usage divided by the total electric energy input in watt hours during the same time frame. SEERS range from 13 (lowest) and 21 (highest). The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the system is.
Question: I bought my first house and am now responsible for air-conditioning care. What is the difference between all these stage systems and compressors, and what will help me with my electric bills?
Answer: A two-stage system is a much higher-quality system than a single-stage system. Most people purchase single-stage air-conditioning units because they are less expensive than a two- stage, but aside from the price factor, most people are not properly educated on the benefits of having a two-stage system. A single stage starts up at 100% capacity while two stages start up at 60% capacity, and 15 seconds later go into 100% capacity. A two-stage system draws less amperage on start up, which helps you save money on the electrical bill. Other added benefits of the two-stage system include on demand de-humidification features. If your home reaches the desired temperature set point but the humidity level is very high in the home, the system will go into de-humidification mode that brings the humidity levels down to the requested level. This allows you to have your home set at a higher temperature set point with less humidity in the air, so you are more comfortable in your home at an even higher temperature set point because there is less humidity in the air.
Question: It’s 98 degrees outside and my AC is not blowing. What do I do?
Answer: Check the breakers, and if it is not related to an electrical short, call for service. You can check to see if you have a dirty filter, as this may cause the unit to freeze up.
Question: How do I care for the filter?
Answer: Filters should be changed or cleaned once per month. You can clean them by vacuuming it off and washing it with water (if it’s a washable filter). Let it dry completely before placing it back in. Use a good quality filter like an electrostatic washable, which we sell and can have custom made to fit in the AC unit. If you prefer to change the filter every month, invest in a sponge pad smart filter that has a custom-made aluminum frame and a rubber seal gasket that goes along with the top of the filter. With filters removed, check the coils by shining a flashlight. If they appear to have microbial growth on the coils or appear to be clogged in any way by dog hair or dirt impacts, have a specialist come in for a coil acid cleaning. The fan blower inside the AC should also be removed and cleaned once every two to three years.
Question: How often should I clean my air ducts?
Answer: If you have a really good filter and a UV light, you should only have to clean your ducts every three to four years. If you have a standard filter and no UV light, you should probably clean your ducts every one to two years. Different air-duct cleaning packages are available, depending on how dirty the ducts are. Call our experts and we can help determine how severe the air-duct buildup is.
Question: How do I care for my AC’s drain line?
Answer: Pour a little bit of bleach down the drain line pipe every six months — that will reduce the amount of algae build up in the drain line and reduce the chance of the drain line filling up with water.
Question: How often should I have my AC tuned up?
Answer: It is recommended that you check your unit every six months. We perform a 21-point inspection, and make recommendations on anything that needs to be done. Our service professionals arrive with fully- stocked trucks with all the common parts and standard tools needed for complete coil cleaning, fan cleanings, drainline cleanings, UV light installations, etc.
Question: What brands do you recommend?
Answer: Rheem, Trane, Carrier, Byrant, American Standard, Payne.
Universal Air and Heats sells, services and installs all major brands of heating and air conditioning equipment. We offer free estimates and free installation on all air conditioning and heating systems we sell. You will not find a lower price or better service than Universal Air and Heat and we back it up in writing with our Quality Assurance Guarantee.
Our Team is Available 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday to help with any air conditioning related questions you might have.
Mike Thompson – Universal Air and HeatAir Conditioner Tune Up Specials – How to Stay Cool in Florida During the Summer Heat
AC REPAIR SERVICE – MIAMI FL – BROWARD COUNTY FL – PALM BEACH COUNTY FL – TAMPA FL
It’s that time of year again… Summer in South Florida where the average daily temperature is 95 degrees with 90 percent humidity. That’s a lot of wear and tear on your Air Conditioner, the most essential and expensive piece of equipment in your home. Can you imagine surviving the hottest time of year without your AC Unit? Like all machinery your air conditioner requires routine maintenance in order to cool at peak efficiency and help prevent costly breakdowns. The best way ensure your air conditioning system will cool reliably and keep your energy bills in check is to call the professionals at Universal Air and Heat. Our air conditioner Tune Up includes a 24 point check up in addition to checking for microbial growth inside you air conditioning unit. Schedule your appointment online and enjoy additional savings. That’s right, take 10% off any AC Repair, air conditioner tune up or duct cleaning service when you schedule your appointment online. Our certified air conditioning technicians will keep your A/C system working properly to keep you cool during the hottest summer days in South Florida. All of our professional air conditioning service technicians are employees of Universal Air and Heat. This ensures the highest quality AC repair service every time you call. Our friendly and knowledgeable customer service staff are always here to assist you.
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Universal Air and Heat is gearing up with amazing air conditioner Tune-Up specials for Summer…
Beat the heat at unbelievable savings!