HVAC Heat Pumps

HEAT PUMP BASICS

If your home is like most in Florida than the type of HVAC system you have is called a heat pump.  You may be wondering what the system is called a heat pump when we rarely use heat.  Read on to understand the basics of a heat pump. 

WHAT IS A HEAT PUMP?

First, a heat pump is installed in different parts. The first is the air handler which is installed indoors. The outdoor unit is similar to a central air conditioner unit however it is called a heat pump. There is a compressor that circulates refrigerant and absorbs and releases heat as it travels between the indoor and outdoor units.  The heat pump has a compressor that can be reversed in order to create heat or cold air in your home depending on your needs. 

HOW DOES A HEAT PUMP WORK?

A heat pump basically moves warm air from one place to another depending on when it is needed, where it is needed and what season it is. When it is cold outside the heat pump extracts the heat from the air outside and transports it into your home.  Even though it is cold, there are still warm air particles.   When it's warm out, the direction is reversed and the heat pump acts like an air conditioner, removing heat from your home.

Advantages

A main advantage of a heat pump is energy efficiency because it is powered by electricity you will save on fuel consumption heat pumps are among the most efficient ways to heat or cool your home.  Heat pumps are mostly suited for warmer or moderate climates.  Because they move heat around rather than produce heat.

Operating tips

·         Don't turn the thermostat so that the backup heating needs to come on, this is electric heat and will cost you more to run

·         Running your fan constantly will degrade the performance of the heat pump unless you have a high-efficiency fan motor

·         You should run your system on the auto setting for the fan on the thermostat

·         A programmable thermostat works best with a heat pump to create the utmost efficiency

·         Clean or change filters once a month or as needed

Floridians tend to take their air conditioning for granted unless something happens to it.  Now that you know the ins and outs of your heat pump system, you are on the right track to enjoying comfortable air temps inside of your home year round.  When you need maintenance, have any issues or questions on your heat pump call the HVAC specialists at Morgan Air.   813-500-7765

Why Change Your Air Filters Now?

Top 3 Reasons to Change Your HVAC Filters

If your air is not running as well as you think it should be the filters could be to blame.  Your HVAC filter is the only thing keeping particles and outdoor allergens from becoming unwanted guests in your home.  Changing your filters on a regular basis is the key to proper air flow and efficiency.  Here are the top 3 reasons you should change your air filters now.

Give your ac unit a rest

Your AC has been running all summer long… when you have clogged air filters, your HVAC unit is working extra hard to pump out the air through the dirty filter.  This puts unnecessary wear and tear on your unit and could lead to costly repairs.  A simple filter change can save you hundreds in the long run.

Breathe easy

Do you notice your sinuses acting up or a clogged nose?  Your HVAC filter removes allergens and pollen from the air before it enters your home.  Your filter needs to be changed on a regular basis so the air in your home is fresh.  You, your family and even your pets will be breathing easy when you change the filter.

Save money

Let’s face it, HVAC repair can be costly.  And who wants to pay more than they have to on their monthly electric bill?  If you change your filters, your unit will be more energy efficient which saves you money.  You will also cut down on costly repairs to your unit.

Don’t waste another minute; change your filters now for energy efficiency, money savings and overall better health.  If you aren’t sure how to change your filters be sure to contact your local HVAC repair service for assistance. Call Morgan AC today 813-500-7765

5 Common AC Problems and How You Can DIY

Common AC problems and how to solve them

You get home and you want to relax but your air is not functioning properly. Maybe it’s not cool enough or perhaps you hear a loud noise.  There are several simple things you can do if your ac stops working before you call for repair.  Here are some common issues and how do deal with them.

Air Conditioner will not switch on

Check that there is a supply from the main electrical panel. There could be a fuse blown or breaker tripped. The air conditioner should be on a separate circuit. If the breaker is tripped just turn it back on and your unit should turn on.  If not, then you will need to call for service.

Thermostat

Turn power off to the thermostat, remove the cover and check the batteries (if fitted). Re-assemble and switch back on after a few minutes.  If the batteries are okay and the unit still will not switch on then it could be dust in the thermostat.   The best cause of action now is to call a qualified HVAC technician to have your thermostat checked and repaired or replaced.

Poor Cooling Performance

There are number of issues that can cause poor cooling, the most common being a blocked or dirty filter.  Replacement is a simple procedure:

• Turn off power to the unit
• Open the air handler door or remove the cover and remove the filter. Depending on the type you have fitted, it may be possible to clean the filter, otherwise, replace it.
• Check for ice. If you find ice around the coils, replace the filter cover, reapply power to the unit and leave running for a couple of hours. The ice will melt naturally.

Check that the compressor is working by dropping the thermostat temperature to low and checking that the compressor starts up. If not then you need to call an air conditioning technician for more detailed testing.

Air Conditioner is noisy when running

Most modern air handlers have a direct-drive motor, but belt driven systems still exist. If the belt becomes nonaligned or loose, it makes a squealing sound. Repair or belt replacement is needed by a professional.

If the air conditioner has a direct drive system, and you can hear squealing or grinding, the likelihood is that the motor bearings are worn or damaged. You should switch the air conditioner off and call an HVAC engineer immediately.

Occasionally, your air conditioner will make squeaks, pops or small banging noises, which is usually due to the expansion of metal ducting. There is little you can do about this situation other than have a heating contractor fit insulated flexible ducting to minimize the noise. It is also worth checking that the furnace and handler doors are shut correctly as they can cause vibration noise.

Some of the issues discussed, you can fix yourself, but some do require the attendance of a qualified air conditioning technician. If you are not confident enough to undertake a task, then always contact a professional. Morgan Air has qualified technicians throughout Tampa, fl. We are only a call away. Ask a question or schedule an inspection 813-500-7765

What Happens If I Don't Change My Air Filter?

Before discussing what happens to your AC unit when filters are not changed regularly, it is prudent you first understand a few things about air filters. An air filter is an essential part of your AC unit that traps dirt and airborne contaminants from the air entering your house protecting both your family and HVAC system. But where do those trapped particles go?  They build up on the air filter with time. So, the longer the air filter stays installed, the more particles it collects, and the less amount of air flows. Eventually, it is likely that your air filter will clog making it almost impossible for your AC unit to push air. You may end up needing to contact an HVAC repair technician due to potential damages.
If you don’t change your air filters regularly, then the following is bound to happen:

1.    Increased energy consumption. Your AC unit relies heavily on the cooling unit’s blower fan, the heating performance and circulation of air that can impact the amount of energy consumed. Meaning that if the blower fan works harder than usual when drawing air, it will be reflected in your higher energy bills. According to the US department of energy, a clogged air filter may use up to 15% of extra energy. Note that just as the inefficiency increases so do your energy bills until you either call your HVAC repair technician or you service the unit.

2.    Frozen evaporator coils. In case your filter clogs during the cooling summer season, it can make the cooling coil or the evaporator to freeze up. Reason being that only a small volume of air goes past the coil to dispel condensation produced during the freezing process. Lack of enough airflow makes this condensation to cool – reducing the system’s capacity to remove the heat from the air and cool your home. It causes you to get an HVAC repair guy to service your AC unit eventual breakdown.

3.    Inadequate cooling/heating. If your filter becomes clogged with a lot of dust, debris, and dander, then you are likely to experience cold and hot spots in your residence; because your blower fan is not able to efficiently and effectively pass the air. According to the Florida Public Service Commission research findings, the second cause of increased energy bills during the summer was the clogging of air filters. If you detect that anomaly, you should contact an HVAC repair professional.


4.    Unhealthy Air. Contacting your HVAC repair professional may not be enough if air with debris and dust is circulated in your home. Why? Because chronic allergies associated with respiratory and asthma conditions may arise forcing you to contact your family doctor. Worse still, if you keep a lot of chemicals in your house, or you own pets, the indoor air quality may impact your health negatively over time. Remember all that can happen if your air filter is clogged or serviced by an HVAC repair technician.

5.    Furnace failure. According to Diamond Certified Organization, clogged air filters are the leading cause of AC unit failure as they make heaters stop. Getting an HVAC repair technician to change your clogged air filter may not be a bad idea considering that if you change it improperly, it can damage the other internal components of your AC unit.

Regularly scheduled maintenance includes changing your air filters. Indoor Air Quality tests can also be done and with proper equipment, eradicated. Call Morgan Air today to schedule maintenance or provide you with proper filters for your AC unit.

Humidity Levels Affect Home Comfort

Humidity levels in the air affect the comfort of your home. 

Particularly true when you want to tailor the heating and cooling preferences to meet your home needs. Unfortunately, this is no exception during winter. Aside from the short days associated with the cold months, winter also brings along cold and dry air. The only way to make your home comfortable is by maintaining proper humidity level.
Indoor Humidity Levels
Ensure that your home has the right levels of moisture all the time. Proper humidity levels make your home feel warm in the winter making them more comfortable to live in.
It’s important to remember that indoor humidity levels within your home will be affected by many factors including the number of people in your home, the frequency of showers that were taken and the amount of laundry done.
When your indoor humidity level drops below 25%, it may affect your comfort and your loved ones. Therefore, it’s important to keep the correct humidity level.
What Can You Do About It?
To help address the problem in humidity levels within your home, you’ll need a humidification system. A humidifier is an obvious solution to the dry air present in your home. They are specially designed to not only increase comfort in your home but also to reduce the problems associated with dry air.
However, you need to be careful because too much humidity can be equally harmful bringing in molds and bacteria. A humidifier will help you manage indoor humidity during the winter usually with an average relative humidity level of 30 – 40% recommended for the dry winter months.
This range provides you and your family the best comfort within your home while protecting your wooden floor and furniture. Consider settling for a cool mist humidifier or whole house humidifiers though make sure they are properly maintained and cleaned for positive results.
Monitoring Your Home Humidity Levels
Want to maintain proper humidity level during the dry winter months? Well, a hygrometer would work perfectly so consider settling for one. This small, useful instrument often used alongside a properly maintained humidifier will show you the relative humidity level in your room. It helps you monitor air allowing you the opportunity to adjust the humidity level quickly whenever you want.
Problems Associated With Dry Air
The cold winter makes air within your home dry leaving you and your loved ones feeling pretty uncomfortable. Aside from the significant dry air symptoms like nosebleeds, chapped lips and itchy skin, you may also get colds, flu and sinus infections.
Moreover, your home furniture would equally feel the impact of the winter dryness. It may damage hardwood floors and furniture; this is no good news to any home owner.
Final Thought
It may not be easy to keep the correct humidity level. Fortunately, with this article, you now have relevant information to help maintain your indoor humidity level.
Make the right adjustments with your humidifiers while using a hygrometer to monitor the level of humidity in your home carefully. By doing this, you’ll be creating a comfortable and healthy living environment for you and your loved ones during the dry winter months.
However, it’s important to seek help from a professionally trained heating and cooling expert if you have any concerns about how to maintain proper home humidity levels. You can reach Morgan Air at 813-501-7765

Save Money with Proper Ceiling Fan Direction

What Direction Should My Ceiling Fan Move?

Save Money with Proper Ceiling Fan Direction for Summer and Winter. Who knew? The direction of your ceiling fan can actually save you money. While you can save money by using less electricity alone, sitting in a room that’s uncomfortably cool or warm is, simply put, uncomfortable. When you use ceiling fans to maximize your comfort, you use less of your heat or air conditioner, resulting in less energy and lower power bills. Most homes in Florida have ceiling fans. If you have noticed that they help more in the winter and less in the summer, or vice versa, then the problem might be that your ceiling fan is not set for the correct season.

To help make a room cooler in the summer, set your ceiling fans to rotate counter clockwise. The airflow below the fan will create a wind chill effect, resulting in a breeze that feels cooler. Then, during the winter you should reverse your fans to rotate clockwise. This will create a gentle updraft that forces warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied space.By switching the direction of your ceiling fans, you’ll maximize your comfort by keeping all the cool air from collecting near the floor during the summer and all the warm air from collecting near the ceiling during the winter. And running ceiling fans uses less electricity than running your air conditioner or heater, it can help you start saving energy and saving money right away.
How to Switch the Direction of a Ceiling Fan: After you turn off your fan and let the blades stop, all you have to do is toggle a little switch between the lights and the fan blades that usually goes up and down. One sets the ceiling fan to spin clockwise, and the other sets it to spin counter-clockwise.Set your ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise during the summer. The leading edges of the fan blades should point up, allowing the fan to move air down and create a breeze underneath the fan.Set your ceiling fan to spin clockwise during the winter. The leading edges of the fan blades should point down, allowing the fan to pull cool air upwards and push warm air near the ceiling down towards the floor.And here’s another tip. If you are one of the thousands of people who rarely clean your fan blades, you might want to consider doing this before you change directions of the blades. If not, the dust that has collected on the edge will be blown off into the floor, onto the counters and into your mother-in-law’s hair.
For help with ceiling fans, more energy saving tips, or if you have questions, feel free to contact Morgan Air at 813-500-7765.