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AC Components – Evaporator Coils and How They Function In Air Conditioning Equipment

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in AC Service, Air Conditioning, Maintenance.

Carrier Air Handler and Evaporator CoilAir Conditioning Evaporator Coils – Tips From the AC&H Phoenix AC Installation Service Center

Central air conditioners contain two major cooling components: The Condenser coil and the Evaporator Coil. In the typical system, the condenser is located outside the home or office building. However, the Evaporator coil is normally associated with the furnace component of the air conditioning unit. It is mounted in the junction of the main internal duct system.

Keeping your Mesa or Scottsdale AC system clean and efficient requires yearly inspection and routine maintenance of the functional components, including the condenser and the evaporator coil. Many of the advertised discount HVAC tune-up offers ignore the condition of your evaporator coil. If your current AC inspector and AC tune-up provider fails to open the internal unit, you can bet that they have ignored the importance of a clean evaporator coil.

Ensure that your next Phoenix AC maintenance is performed by a licensed, insured and certified Phoenix air conditioning service center. Contact American Cooling and Heating to schedule a complete AC maintenance service call.

Evaporator Coils and the Split System

The typical central AC system operates as a split system. Thus the unit contains a “hot” side and a “cold” side. The “hot” side is positioned exterior to the home. The “cold” side is in the crawlspace, the attic or sometimes in an internal closet compartment. Core components within each unit section are as follows: 

  • Hot Side – Typically contains the condensing coil, the fan and the compressor, as well as various electrical switches and capacitors
  • Cold Side – Usually consist of a cold coil and an expansion valve, typically assembled as a sub-section of your air handler or furnace system. Home cooling occurs when the air handler forces air through the evaporator coils and then delivers that chilled air throughout your home duct system.

Evaporator Coils – The Process of Home Cooling in Action

Evaporators come in three general configurations: Cased, Uncased and Vertical. Correctly matching the evaporator coil to the specifications of your exact AC unit determines the efficiency and performance of the system. The condenser pipes, evaporator pipes, system ductwork and air handler work together to maximize and evenly distribute the cool air transfer of air throughout your home.

As air from the air handler or furnace passes over the pipes that make up the evaporator coil, heat is absorbed into the pipes. Cooled air is then delivered into the ducting system and distributed throughout the house. Refrigerant within the coils is returned to the external compressor, and then the process starts over again.

Assuming that all systems are evenly matched and working efficiency, the evaporator coil is kept slightly under the dew point but moderately cool. This causes it to condense water vapor from the processed air. The moisture is drained from the system. The cooled area of the home experiences a lower level of humidity.

For further information, read the AC&H detailed heating and cooling glossary.

Phoenix AC Service and Maintenance

Routine system check-ups and maintenance preserve the life of your Mesa air conditioning equipment. Evaporator coils can age, rust or wear down. Proactive system maintenance and upkeep of your Gilbert AC system assures you of efficient system performance, long-term reduction in your energy bill and increased durability of your Phoenix air conditioning equipment.

Homeowners can perform many of the basic heating and cooling maintenance procedures. However, cleaning your evaporator unit and your evaporator coils can result in a damaged system. Don’t make this a do-it-yourself solution without studying the process via a certified training manual.

For quality Phoenix AC installation or services, contact American Cooling and Heating. We are: 

  • Licensed
  • Insured
  • Bonded
  • Trained for the job
  • AND determined to provide superior customer service, including a complete and through heating and cooling maintenance program.

Make sure your home cooling system is performing at maximum capacity. Keep your evaporator coils clean and in peak condition. If the airflow is slow or less cool than it should be, you may need system maintenance right this moment. Call AC&H today. We offer 24-hour same day service.

 

Aluminum Condensing Coils Vs. Copper Condensing Coils: Advise From Phoenix AC Installation Pros

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in AC Installation, AC Repair, AC Service, Cooling Tips, Maintenance.

For the Phoenix AC installation industry, the debate concerning aluminum condensing coils versus copper condensing coils could be termed “economic focused.” For the Mesa homeowner, the Scottsdale business owner or any other buyer in need of new air conditioning equipment, the debate hinges on how to get the best quality for the least expenditure.

A Note of Qualification For Arizona Air Conditioning Contractors

If you are a Phoenix air conditioning service center, don’t let the “economics” comment ruffle your feathers. This article comes in via the viewpoint of a buyer. Industry arguments about copper versus aluminum involve many aspects of technology. From the viewpoint of an Arizona AC contractor, economics is only one component of the debate. However, from the viewpoint of the buyer, all contractors have a primarily sales-orientated end goal.

Buyers expect heating and cooling installation and repair dealers to hedge the details. It’s a mindset that comes about due to the competition in the HVAC industry. The pricing, the product favoritism and the value-added sales incentives merely reflect the mindset of new and used car dealers.       

Dedicated To Meet The Needs of Inquiring Valley Metro Homeowners

This article is for the benefit of homeowners and business owners throughout the greater Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. As such, the text presents both sides of the argument: Which works best, air conditioning with aluminum condensing coils or air conditioning with copper condensing coils.

Even the information presented via governmental and educational resources tend to be tinted by manufacturer economics. Everyone wants to claim the better heating and cooling solution. It’s just a matter of how to gain marketing share.

Here at American Cooling and Heating we carry all major brands of heating and cooling equipment, including Amana, Carrier and Trane. We handle units that are crafted with copper condensing coils and units manufactured with aluminum condensing coils. Economics may indeed be our purpose for being in business. Without profit, we would fade away.

However, AC&H strives to meet any customer need or demand. Perhaps the following information will help simplify your choice.

Aluminum Condenser Coils – The Beginning

It began in the 1970s when General Electric was still in the HVAC business. All other AC manufacturers provided condensing units with aluminum fins bonded to copper tube. GE wanted to reduce production expenses. This brought about the introduction of coils with aluminum tube and aluminum fins.

For the most part, this was an industrial solution. Prior to 1980, only around 20% of residential structures had installed air conditioning. AC unit components and AC installation expenses rendered air conditioning as a luxury item. Very few homeowners could afford central heating and cooling.

Then the market shifted. Construction boomed. Inflation invaded. Home values increased and the market for home air conditioning bloomed into a lucrative enterprise.

The use of aluminum coils provided GE with a competitive edge. In no long time, other AC manufacturers began to produce their own version of compatible aluminum coil solutions. GE no longer competes in the HVAC business, but the aluminum tube with aluminum fin condensing coil remains a stable market product.

Drawbacks of Using Aluminum AC Coils

The arguments in this matter fall on both sides of the street. Some of the reasoning can be demonstrated scientifically. Some of the reasoning is merely personal dealer favoritism. From a scientific viewpoint, the following statements are true – providing that all tubing measurements are identical between the components:

  • Copper is superior in strength to aluminum
  • Copper is more reliable than aluminum
  • Copper is more durable than aluminum
  • Copper is easier to maintain than aluminum
  • Copper provides better heat transfer characteristics than aluminum
  • Aluminum coils damage easier than copper coils
  • Aluminum coils are more difficult to clean than copper coils.

However, due to the expense of manufacture and an effort to keep up with the reduced unit pricing associated with units that use aluminum tube coils, the manufacturers of copper-based coil systems have resorted to downsizing the thickness of the copper tubing wall. Thus strength, reliability and durability are relative to the actual components used during the air conditioning construction stage.

Field Maintenance is also often listed as another drawback associated with aluminum tube condensing coils. Some Phoenix AC repair companies complain that leaks in aluminum tubes are more difficult to fix than leaks in copper tubes. The argument contends that aluminum coils cannot be repaired in the field. To the homeowner, this means more downtime. To the AC service center, this means additional expenses when dealing with warranty issues.

Unfortunately, the DOE does not provide statistics pertaining to leaky air conditioning coils – aluminum or copper. The rule is simple: If your unit is low on refrigerant, have trained AC technicians repair the leak, test the repair and then recharge the unit to manufacturer recommendations.

Galvanic Action describes leaks that occur when oxygen reaches the condensing coil at the point where the aluminum meets the copper in the condensing unit. The problem is often considered not repairable. Qualifier: More and more AC repair centers now carry welding rigs capable of welding aluminum. Over the years, the aluminum coil repair process has improved and will likely continue to improve in the future.

Drawbacks of Using Copper AC Condensing Coils

In the earlier years of aluminum condensing coils, Arizona AC contractors tended to favor copper tube with fin coils. However, a change over may be taking place. No matter what other arguments are in place, unit cost remains a primary factor in any AC purchase decision. For example:

  • Aluminum coils cost less to manufacture than copper coils
  • Due to pliability, copper coils require more material than aluminum coils (even as much as three times the material); this results in higher manufacturing expenses
  • Galvanic corrosion is common problem with all copper tubing
  • To remain price competitive, new units are shipping with substandard quality coils
  • The thinner the copper, the more difficult it is to repair the coil.

Copper is harder to damage than aluminum, provides better heat transfer and is easier to clean. Modern engineering eliminates the majority of galvanic corrosion. The prices of the units continue to remain considerably higher than AC equipment constructed with aluminum condensing coils. Homeowners question the value of the exchange.

Conclusion

Without collected statistics, fears of leakage and early system failure are difficult to substantiate. All-aluminum coils are more fragile than copper tube coils but manufacturers take care of this issue by protecting the units inside a heavy-duty cabinet. This, of course, results in a system that is harder to clean and maintain.

When area consumers call for AC services and semi-annual system tune-ups, they get often get ripped by vendors who provide a less than necessary clean and inspection process. Most Phoenix AC installation and repair centers do not properly clean the coils.

American Cooling and Heating goes the extra mile. Our Full System AC Maintenance Service includes opening the case, applying special cleaning fluids to the coils and many other value-added AC tune-up functions. If your system is leaking, contact us today. If you need to install new air conditioning in your home, we service Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale and most all other Phoenix area homes and businesses.

Montreal Protocol – How The Restriction of R22 Refrigerant Affects Your Phoenix AC Service Needs

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in AC Installation, AC Replacement, Cooling Tips.

As an environmentally conscious Phoenix AC installation center, American Cooling and Heating keeps close tabs on programs designed to provide critical ozone layer protection. This makes compliance with the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer a significant component of the AC&H Glendale, Gilbert and other Phoenix area air conditioning services.

 

A Hole in the Ozone

 

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can harm the earth and the life thereon. However, the dangers are limited by a high-altitude air-shield created as a natural protective resource for life and the abundance thereof on this tiny planet. Technically identified as the stratospheric ozone layer, this air-shield is susceptible to damage due to manufactured human waste products.    

 

Identified by some scientists, including Nobel prize-winning scientist Paul Crutzen, as a hole in the atmosphere that “marks the worst disaster to hit global environment,” the depletion of the ozone layer is a direct result of man-made chemicals. The initial problem became evident during the mid-1970s. Something was changing, and as scientists began to study the events they noticed that the thickness of the Earth’s ozone layer was decreasing. Additional studies followed. Soon after, plans for correcting the problem began to take shape.

 

A Multi-Nation Solution to AC Refrigerant and Other ODS Complications

 

In September of 1985, major changes concerning global efforts to control depletion of the earth’s ozone layer began to take place. Naming a September 16 meeting of the United Nations as the International Day for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, a host of nations came together for the purpose of establishing precise goals for the healing of the hole in the sky.

 

In September of 1987, the international community came together and signed into effect a joint ozone protection agreement defined as the Montreal Protocol. This established the foundation for precise measures established to ensure the protection of the Earth’s stratospheric ozone layer. As of 2013, 191 countries have participated in meeting the stipulations of the Protocol. By signing the agreement, these nations have committed to the process of phasing out the production and consumption of ozone depleting chemicals.

 

Hailed among the most successful international treaties ever crafted, the Montreal Protocol extends beyond the original meeting goals by prompting multiple nations to come together as one cooperative entity capable of resolving major environmental issues. In recognition of the significance of this achievement, countries around the world typically assemble to celebrate the signing of the Montreal Protocol.

 

U.S. Responses to the Terms of the Montreal Protocol

 

The current U.S. EPA response to the Montreal Protocol reflects a sustained and renewed commitment toward U.S. implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer. The history of associated U.S. regulations begins with the 1990 Clean Air Act (CAA) – modified ‘98 to provide additional provisions and deadlines concerning protection of the Earth’s stratospheric ozone layer.

 

CAA Amendments define the EPA’s involvement in the development and enforcement of national regulations dedicated to managing ozone-depleting substances (ODS) within U.S. borders. The legal framework of the process is fully defined in Title VI of the CAA instruction codes. As of 2013, the U.S. has met, exceeded and even accelerated the deadline dates as projected under the provisions of the Protocol as well as the CCA instructions.

 

In summary, the U.S. regulatory program establishes the following goals:

 

  • Flexible Allowance System – The initial program for the reduction of ODS production and import.
  • Regulated Reclamation and Recycling – A program that ensures emission control of AC refrigerants and other ODS products.
  • Alternative Refrigerant Solutions – The Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) establishes a means for introducing and gaining approval of alternatives to ODS products. Current better than 300 alternative solutions have been approved for consumer and commercial use. The EPA has also approved over 60 industrial alternative products.
  • Forced Management – EPA preventive regulations now ban the release of ozone-depleting refrigerants. During service, maintenance or replacement of AC products, professional air conditioning service centers must collect and properly dispose of all ODS refrigerant fluids. The controls include the management of any form of refrigeration equipment.
  • Product Labeling – New regulations ensure that manufacturers correctly label and product that contains harmful ODS materials.
  • Exemptions – When immediate full-scale alternative ODS products are not yet available the EPA grants temporary product exemptions. The primary list of exempt items includes: CFCs used in medical inhalers, essential fumigant methyl bromide projects and managed ODS inventories awaiting destruction.

 

The following chart reveals the current and projected status of the U.S. ODS phase-out program:

 

US ODS Phase Out Schedule

 

Phoenix AC Installation and the Effects of the Montreal Protocol 

 

The R22 phase out is already in effect. The year 2020 will bring about cease in the production of R22 refrigerant. In 2010, a ban against the production of new air conditioning equipment requiring R22 refrigerant became law. U.S. homeowners and business owners, including those in Glendale, Scottsdale and other Phoenix areas, will not be forced to upgrade their existing equipment. The refrigerant will remain available for another seven years. However, the cost will continue to rise due to an increase in demand and a decrease in supply.

 

As a professional Phoenix AC installation and service professional, the team at American Cooling and Heating can help you measure the value of retaining your existing air conditioning systems for yet a few more seasons against the value of investing in a new, environmentally friendly and energy efficient ac unit.

 

Call to schedule an appointment:

Contact American Cooling and Heating

 

 

 

 

Cheap AC Units Aren’t Always The Best Choice, Don’t Get Burned This Summer!

Written by American Cooling And Heating on . Posted in AC Installation.

American Cooling and Heating Announces Reasonable Arizona Regional Alternative To Cheap AC Units

Local Phoenix Air Conditioning Installation Center Offers Compelling Price Incentives To Valley Metro Residents and Businesses Because Cheap AC Units Aren’t Always The Best Choice.

“Our company is built on integrity and quality workmanship. We value reasonable pricing and quality AC installation over cheap services and inferior system components. Every American Cooling and Heating customer receives specialized attention dedicated to meeting the precise air conditioning needs of their home or business,” Management, AC&H.

Battling a Rush of Poor Services and Cheap AC Units in Arizona

As Valley Metro temperatures continue to climb, the demand for local AC replacement will increase. Although the current area weather forecast predicts a slight drop by Friday, desert temperatures of 95-degrees will never be comfortable without the use of efficiently installed Phoenix air conditioning systems. Gilbert and Mesa will fair no better. A possible dip by two additional degrees won’t reduce a single local cooling bill. The heat is on. Local residents must be warned of the risks associated with fly-by-night vendors, shoddy workmanship and obsolete dry-shipped technology.

Customers who know the meaning of dry-shipped or dry-charged air conditioning systems may already be playing into the hands of a cut-rate Glendale AC repair center. R-22 refrigerant, prevalent in older air conditioning units, is under a government-mandated phase out process. By the year 2020, the product will no longer be available to the U.S. air conditioning market place.

However, certain product vendors, as well as a group of cut-rate AC service centers, have discovered a “loop hole” in the R-22 phase out program. New AC units are being shipped dry-charged. This means the unit is shipped less the refrigerant fluids. Dry-shipping air conditioning systems permit dubious dealers to provide homeowners and business owners with a low-cost front-end solution to immediate Scottsdale, Mesa and other Phoenix regional AC installation requirements. The long-term customer expense shows up months later via poor system efficiency, higher costs in maintenance and an eventual forced refrigerant replacement expense.

Quality Air Conditioning In Arizona

Quality AC unit installation must include quality pre and post installation services. AC&H never takes shortcuts – neither does the company mislead customers concerning the values, pros and cons of following any given choice in AC products or installation methods. Competitive AC prices always focus on unit efficiency, correct product-to-requirement match up, and reliable professional system installation.

Five Costs Linked To Quality AC Services In Areas Such As Phoenix, Tempe and Gilbert

Initial Cost of Unit and Unit Installation 
Yearly Maintenance Costs 
Daily Operating Costs 
Repair Costs 
Early Replacement Expenses.

Summer Is Here – Take Advantage of the American Cooling and Heating Alternative To Cheap AC Units

Air conditioning installation is a competitive industry. Although some “installers” view the market as an opportunity to low-ball the competition at the buyers expensive, American Cooling and Heating plans to provide long-term system support for Valley Metro business owners and residents.

The AC&H product line includes top suppliers such as Amana, Carrier, Goodman, Rheem, Trane and other major brands. Areas serviced include Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and all neighboring Arizona towns and cities. AC&H technicians are drug tested, licensed and hand trained for residential and commercial AC services.

Valley customers desire reasonable cost savings but no one is looking for “cheap” AC replacement options.

AC&H maintains one of the best reputations in the industry. The company offers expert 24-hour Phoenix AC installation and AC service of Amana, Carrier, Lennox and other top name AC and Heat Pump units. Every AC&H service truck arrives on site fully stocked to service Goodman, Rheem, York or any other major AC system.

American Cooling and Heating prices are reasonable but the company installed AC products and services are never “cheap,” “loop hope focused” or “shovel” installed. Each technician fully understands the factory specs associated with a given manufacturer’s unit. Every completed installation is fully inspected, leak tested and performance tested before being released to the customer.

AC buyers, home or business centered, deserve reasonably priced quality. With American Cooling and Heating, no customer receives a shade-tree solution that is limited to short-term benefits and long-term additional costs. The pricing is upfront, clearly defined and covered by the AC&H commitment to competitive pricing, professional installation and the best factory warranties available.

For More Information please visit: https://americancoolingandheating.com/

 

R-22 Alternatives – Need AC Refrigerant Than Can Keep Up With Phoenix Heat

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in AC Installation, Cooling Tips.

R-22 ReplacementAs a result of national ozone layer protection programs, R-22 AC refrigerant, a hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) product, is nearing the final legs of merchandise availability. As of January 1 of 2010, stocking and topping-up with virgin R-22 has been banned. Although the use of reclaimed R-22 is still available up to January 1 of 2015, the pricing for the product lends to greater restraints.

After January 1, 2015, your Phoenix air conditioning installation and AC repair service center will no longer be permitted to stock or top-up your air conditioning system with virgin or reclaimed R-22 AC refrigerant. While homeowners are not being forced to install new AC equipment, they will be required to upgrade to a non-ozone depleting refrigerant.

Unless planning a new and near-future Phoenix AC installation project, any necessary cooling service requirements should involve a switchover to an environmentally safe, cost-effective and readily available modern refrigerant replacement product. The Glendale air conditioning repair and installation experts at American Cooling and Heating provide area residents and business owners with several products capable of dealing with the Phoenix area heat index. For example: R-438A by DuPont performs well against the toughest Arizona heat waves, provides reliable mineral oil compatibility and installs hassle free.

Mounting Pressure Driving the Removal of R-22 Refrigerant Products

 In accordance with the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone, all developed countries have agreed to the caps on consumption and production of HCFC products. Although the Montreal Protocol includes various “Critical and Essential Use Exemptions,” home AC refrigerants do not meet any of the phase-out limitations. The supply is drying up. 

In striving to remain current with federal requirements and customer needs, American Cooling and Heating investigates every avenue of R-22 alternative services. Customers need a product that provides the cooling power of R-22, holds up to the Phoenix heat index, and enables technicians to provide a quick and relatively inexpensive change over. It’s a simple rule: Get the R-22 out and install new AC refrigerant efficiently and with the least hassle.

Additional Alternatives to R-22 Refrigerant in Residential Air Conditioning

Eliminate of ozone-depleting substances involves a multitude of options.  Some of the replacement refrigerant products have proven more energy efficient than R-22 refrigerants. By installing the right combination of coolant and equipment, Phoenix homeowners can increase home cooling efficiency by 30% or more. The associated equipment upgrades, such as inverter air conditioning components, can reduce CO2 emissions, boast energy efficiency and decrease the cost of cooling your home.

Along with R-438A, current EPA reviews of R-22 alternatives include: 

  • R-410A      – A mid-range solution that does not deplete the ozone layer but is still      listed as a hydrofluorocarbon that contributes to global warming
  • R-407C      – Listed as an acceptable R-22 substitute in residential AC products but      is not yet available for use in the U.S.

 Don’t Rush, But Avoid the Rush

If your home is running a reliable leak free R-22 solution, you need not rush for immediate system replacement. However, 2015 is just around the corner. Remember: Last minute solutions often involve high-pressure decisions. Tax benefits are still available.

As a recommended Phoenix air conditioning installation center, you can count on the technicians from American Cooling and Heating for clear-cut advise on how to best work these legally required changes into your current heating and cooling needs. Don’t wait for the rush. Now is the time to contact American Cooling and Heating.

 

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