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Why Upgrade To A Programmable Thermostat?

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in Arizona Air Conditioning Upgrade Sale, Arizona Commercial Air Conditioning HVAC, Thermostats and Controllers.

Argument: Is A Programmable Thermostat Efficient?

According to one regional Department of Commerce web file, nearly 70% of the homes that currently heat and cool via the control of an installed programmable thermostat are wasting money (1). It seems that most homeowners fail to complete a primary step in the installation process: they don’t program the thermostat.

Thus a device designed to help you save energy ends up being no more efficient than the manual version of the same product. Hey. It doesn’t have to be that way. Fact is: if programmed effectively, the first-year savings from a correctly installed and programmed home comfort management system can sometimes recoup the full cost of the unit. Just ask the tech to help you get started.

After the initial unit cost is recovered, the energy saving from your thermostat investment becomes a cumulative benefit. A properly programmed “smart” thermostat requires less personal attention therefore you get superior home A/C comfort with better energy efficiency without the added cost of consistent manual manipulation of the controls.

Types of Thermostat – The Basics

A/C thermostats are used to control the temperature within a business, home or various sections thereof. By gauging internal temperature in relation to a pre-set comfort configuration, the thermostat activates the power controls on a central air conditioning, furnace, or heat pump comfort system. Furthermore, if the associated home comfort system includes air exchangers or humidifiers, the thermostat can control those mechanical systems also.

Throughout the ages, HVAC technology has advanced from a collection of simple and half-effective ideas to a degree of well throughout purposeful home comfort management systems that stuns the mind of the modern A/C consumer. Current thermostat options include: manual, programmable, and smart. Herein is a brief description of each format:

Manual Thermostat Units

In the tradition of the times, the wheel on early manual thermostats followed the nature of a dial telephone. The homeowner dials up the number (desired temperature setting) and conditions in the home or business remain stable as such until such time as someone rotates the dial left or right. However, due to the need of manual intervention, most folks have a habit of selecting a “comfortable” setting and then leaving it in place — even at night or during times when nobody is home to gain the benefits of a human-comfortable setting.

Programmable thermostat Units

By enabling users to make one-time changes wherein the temperature settings shift according to time of day or time of night, programmable thermostats up the efficiency of even a poorly performing HVAC system. Digital units, typically driven via touch-screen technology, enable users to make these changes directly on the device itself. Some models, for example the Trane XL800 Digital Thermostat, include multiple mode settings such as:

Min and max heating and cooling ranges
Hot key for daylight savings adjustments
Permanent memory storage
Auto and manual changeover features
“Dead Band” set points between heating and cooling changeover modes
And a host of other exciting options.

Various models also include options for auto-changeover for weekends and weekdays, evening to night and even special adjustment modes for morning versus daylight hours. Furthermore, many programmable systems include the power to manage and control heat pumps, air exchangers, humidifiers and other mechanical devices.

Smart Thermostat Units

Designed for the homeowner or business owner with a desire to reap even greater energy efficiency than that which can be provided via a digital programmable thermostat, Trane and other major A/C manufacturers have developed “Smart” thermostat technology. The programming options typically match or exceed the modes provided by a digital system, however Smart thermostats include one significant improvement: Smart thermostats use an applied rudimentary form of artificial intelligence so that they can actually “learn” the heating and cooling preferences of the user. This means the unit can actually make adjustments according to the factual presence of a human being within the dwelling or office. Additional features include Wi-Fi control via smart phone apps, tablets or personal computers. This also enables the homeowner to receive monthly e-mail reports that offer suggestions for even more efficient use of the system.

Some “Smart” units even link to home security systems. Thus some “Smart” programmable thermostat units not only monitor and control your homes HVAC systems, they can also provide remote monitoring and operation of many other home security and comfort functions.

To help guide your choices in this matter, American Cooling and Heating places a five-star mark of confidence in the Trane ComfortLink™ II SMART CONTROL. This intuitive and innovative touch-screen home HVAC management system functions well with most any other brand of standard central heating and air conditioning systems as well as with the Trane brand name. Among the many standard functions included with the ComfortLink™ II SMART CONTROL, you get:

Custom Scheduling and Control
Indoor/Outdoor Temperature Monitoring
Filter Monitoring
Remote Access
Live Weather Reports With Radar Images and More
And A Fantastic Digital Picture Frame Display For Times When The Unit Is Not In Use.

Three Points Critical To Efficient Use of a Programmable Thermostat

Installation – Although the physical installation of a programmable system may be fairly simple for some folks, remember that damaging your system due to a crossed wiring accident isn’t going to play well with the product warranty. Some units require wiring changes that the average homeowner is better off leaving to the skills of a trained HVAC technician. Furthermore, if you plan to include additional devices, the wiring tends to get even more complex.

Location – It’s all about performance and efficiency. To function most effectively, a thermostat should be located away from doorways, drafts, direct sunlight, windows and other specific forms of interference. The installer must also consider air currents such as those involved in war air rising or the opposite which is cool air sinking.

Programming Your Thermostat – Now is when the homeowner really has to consider various options, options that no tech can weigh-in without homeowner input. However, even without knowing the basics of your household family schedules, don’t let the tech leave without having him or her walk you through some of the basic programming processes. With American Cooling and Heating, you won’t need to worry about being inadequately trained. Our techs want you to know your system and how to get the best from your new programmable thermostat control unit.

1) https://mn.gov/commerce/assets/home-energy-guide_tcm17-28824.pdf

A Fair Heat Pump Comparison of Trane Vs Goodman

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in Arizona Commercial Air Conditioning HVAC.

Trane XL20i Versus Goodman DSXC18 – Like System Vs. Like System

When comparing heat pumps and other air conditioning equipment one against the other, Arizona homeowners deserve real facts that offer frank product comparison data. No one wants to read a biased A/C battle report wherein one manufacturer is favored over the other merely because the installer has better connections with that specific heat pump manufacturer. Serious buyers look for a price-balanced honest report that details which HVAC system can best suit a given home environment, housing structure, and the buyer’s budget.

This report offers Phoenix A/C buyers an accurate side-by-side Trane to Goodman heat pump comparison of similar models with similar features. We do not purpose to promote the cheapest model air conditioning system over the one with the most bells and whistles. Neither do we devalue the benefits of choosing a performance and convenience enhanced Arizona home heating and cooling product.

The following units are of similar quality and features. Perhaps this information will enable you to make an informed decision for your Phoenix regional home air conditioning purchase, replacement or upgrade.

Trane XL20i Versus Goodman DSXC18 – Choosing the Right Phoenix HVAC Contractor

From compressor work on a 1936 Chrysler Airtemp to servicing the environmental control system of an Airbus 380 commercial aircraft, workmanship is the core component for effective and reliable component installation and product repair. Hire a lousy A/C technician and your equipment may never function effectively. Get on an Airbus 380 that was serviced by a tech who lacks understanding of the A3XX ECS four-stage air cycle system, and you can expect some very unhappy results.

Likewise is the efficiency and reliability of your home Arizona HVAC equipment. Hire a half-trained heat pump installer and you can forget about brand name. Incorrectly installed heating and cooling equipment will not function efficiency or effectively. Furthermore, an incorrectly installed system may actually fail prematurely, forcing you to spend unnecessary dollars due to an early system replacement.

Quality HVAC contractors offer:

· Free Estimates
· 24-Hour Service
· Trained and Skilled Technicians
· Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship
· Support and Sales of All Brands of Air Conditioning and Heating Systems
· Broad Choice In Equipment and Equipment Options
· Evidence of Bonded, Insured and Licensed Qualifications
· Connections With National Quality Assurance HVAC Contractor Groups
· A Strong History of Proven Better Business Bureau Ratings
· Honest Sales
· Open Product Discussion
· AND Much, Much More.

To schedule your free Arizona heat pump installation product discussion and pricing estimate, contact American Cooling and Heating now.

Trane XL20i Versus Goodman DSXC18 – The Comparison

Let’s start by taking a gander at the HVAC buying experience. It’s much like buying a car wherein some salesmen tend to jockey for your business by leaving out small details of the final product. Likewise in the A/C business, buyers can select anything from a bare-bones heat pump with minimum performance to a unit that comes complete with an optional electronic air cleaner, a “smart” thermostat system, and a whole home humidifier. And for most homeowners, the salesman holds the key to efficiency at a reasonable price.

Furthermore, if you go for an energy-rated system while failing to correctly smart-match the air handler to the condenser, you can end up with less than you deserve. So when pricing your Phoenix air conditioning system, get the facts on paper, the model numbers in detail with all options listed, and exact features that will be included in your system. Don’t save two hundred dollars on the low-bidder while getting shafted on the thermostat control system.

Point-By-Point Comparison of Goodman DSXC18 versus Trane XL20i.

External Communication provides system support for remote access to your air conditioning controls via dial-up modem. Both the Trane XL20i and the Goodman DSXC18 support this optional feature.

Humidity Control enables the fan on a heat pump or condensing unit to operate at a reduced speed. This feature helps the evaporator coil remove a greater amount of humidity from your home. The XL20i offers this feature via the Trane Comfort R™ controller. The DSXC18 comes back with Goodman’s equally effective counterpart. For functionality, both units require that the condenser and the air handler install as a matched pair.

Two-Stage Cooling is offered with either system. The Trane XL20i ships with twin Trane Dual Climatuff® Compressors whereas the Goodman DSXC18 performs the same task via a single compressor running in a two-stage mode.

Charge Assist enables your technician to better ensure that your Phoenix home heat pump is right-charged for the most efficient performance. This feature is unique to the XL20i and may actually help the tech keep your system operating more efficiently.

Multi-Stage Fan enables more efficient operation of the system condenser fan motor and the system blower motor. Both Trane and Goodman offer compatible multi-stage fan/variable speed condenser and ECM blower motor controls.

Condenser Coil Construction comes in the Goodman as copper with aluminum fins whereas Trane includes the Two-row Spine Fin™ all aluminum system. Although either system is efficient, some techs favor all aluminum whereas other techs favor copper with aluminum fins.

SEER Ratings are defined in both systems as Energy Star, reaping up to 20 SEER for the Trane XL20i and up to 18 on the Goodman DSXC18. Ask your ACH tech to better define any further SEER differences in the units.

Enhanced Diagnostics can help an A/C technician more quickly identify an existing problem. However just as with the computer system in an automobile, an HVAC enhanced diagnostics system has limitations. Goodman lists this feature as a unique-to-Goodman value. However, as an Arizona homeowner you should focus more on the skills of the tech and less on the diagnostics features of the system.

System Warranties differ only slightly between the two units. Both Trane and Goodman offer a 10-year warranty. However Trane defines that warranty as 10-years parts/coil whereas Goodman defines that warranty as 10-years parts. Not much real distinction here. One point to notice: Trane warrants the XL20i compressor for 12 years limited whereas Goodman warrants the DSXC18 compressor with a Lifetime limited warranty. Again, wording in this area seems a bit cluttered. Suffice to say that both companies offer outstanding product support and warranty. Most important component of an HVAC warranty: the skill of the Arizona A/C installer.

Common Components includes use of R-410A refrigerant, weather resistant cabinet structure, and a product that is engineered for quiet operation. Trane steps a bit ahead by offering the DuraTuff™ Rust Proof base pan but don’t count that as a sale-buster.

Conclusion, Trane XL20i Or Goodman DSXC18

In basic features, performance and efficiency either of these units make for a great and comparable buy. In either unit, a buyer can find some features that are unique to that unit. However, your final decision should be based upon finding a great Phoenix HVAC tech who will guild you into the best buy for your home environment, housing structure, and buying budget. Installation prices vary and can be affected by the structure of your home as well as the sense of expertise that the installer has with a given unit. But remember this: Professional Arizona HVAC service techs are trained and skilled with all makes and models of home heating and cooling equipment.

Trane HVAC Equipment – Rated By Consumer Reports As A Standout AC Product

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in AC Service, Heat Pumps, News.

Flashback To 2014 HVAC Equipment Ratings

Once again Trane HVAC products shine with the best. It came out in the 2014 Consumer Reports brand-name review of the nine most popular HVAC brands in air conditioners, heat pumps and furnaces. Readers of CR posted over 55 thousand comments. The topics discussed included conversations covering seven years of home heating and cooling products and thoughts about product performances. The HVAC equipment lineup included, Amana, Carrier/Bryant, Goodman, Lennox, Rheem, York, and the twin brand Trane / American Standard units.

The product rankings wherein Trane equipment prevailed included:

Air Conditioners
Gas Furnaces
AND Heat Pumps.

Actual Trane HVAC equipment performance is as follows:

Trane Air Conditioner Performance

Trane ratings taking #1 and #2
Defect rate a mere 11%. Low score competition scored 17% defect rate

Trane Gas Furnance Performance

Trane came in strong, once more taking dominance of position #1 and position #2
Defect rate touched 12%. Low score competition rated #9 with a defect rate of 26%

Trane Heat Pump Performance

Trane ratings – Another great standing by taking position #1 and position #3
And, although the Trane performance defect rating came in at 17%, homeowners should consider that this was the average lowest score products was also 17% thus indicating a universal failure complication with heat pump products.

Special Points of Interest

In the category of standard central A/C systems, American Standard pulled performance top place for systems with the lowest need for repairs (Trane came in Third but one should remember that these two products are lines from the same parent company). As to heat pump performance with the least need for repairs, American Standard again took first place while Trane tied for second place with Carrier. Thus we have the same company holding top honors for HVAC equipment needing the least in repair-related service work.

For performance comparison, consider that all other HVAC competition came in with a 19 to 27 percent demand for product repair calls. As to natural gas furnace systems, Trane once more bested the pack by providing low-demand on repair calls. Trane gas furnace units maintained a low 13 percent demand for repair whereas the bottom line competition slumped down to a whopping demand for system repairs on 26% of their natural gas HVAC equipment furnace products.

Zoom In 2015 Consumer Reports On Heat Pump HVAC Equipment Performance

“Our readers also reported that when the more-repair brands of central air systems do break, they are more likely than most other brands to leave the home without cooling for at least a day, as reported by about one in 10 people who owned the more repair-prone brands,” (From Consumer Reports article, Brands Most Likely To Keep You Cool Season After Season (1)).

According to survey responses, homes using a brand of central heat pump that rates among the higher repair-prone listings end up leaving 12 percent of the owners without cooling for time periods exceeding one day. Furthermore, 11 percent of those homeowners report a $150 plus repair price tag.

Causes associated with such “extra” home cooling expenses include considerations for the greater complexity of a heat pump versus a central A/C system. Even though worse case scenarios present a 21 percent HVAC system repair ratio among heat pumps versus a 13-percent HVAC system repair ratio in homes running central air conditioning units, homeowners must understand that the duel nature of a heat pump means you are using a system that may well run year-round rather than merely seasonally.

Further CRNRC surveys reveal a basic consumer complaint wherein central air conditioning system repairs are defined as “a real hassle.” As to total-system breakdown, three percent of the homeowners using central A/C report complete system failures whereas four percent of the homeowners using a heat pump system complain of the same problem.

Trane HVAC Equipment

As one of the major HVAC system manufacturers in the world, Trane offers reliable heating and cooling equipment to businesses, homes, and industry. Pricing per product is relatively the same regardless of the vendor. However, the quality of the product installation and the reliability of the workmanship warranty can greatly differ from vendor to vendor.

If you want professional Arizona HVAC service and/or system installation for a reasonable price and from an established and reliable Trane HVAC equipment sales, installation and service center, contact American Cooling and Heating now!

1) http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2014/05/the-most-reliable-central-air-conditioning-systems/index.htm

Heat Pump Efficiency – Your Solution For Summer and Winter Comfort

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in Energy Efficient HVAC, Heat Pumps.

Benefits of an Installed Heat Pump System

During warm weather, heat pumps and air conditioners function identically. Both HVAC approaches are designed to provide homes and businesses with the physical comfort of reliable cooling and dehumidification. The typical A/C or HP system uses a process defined as vapor compression cycling. In general, refrigerant materials are noted for the temperature increase that takes place when the materials are compressed and then rapidly expanded. Thus a cycle of circulating refrigerant material through a compression / expansion process results in mechanically generated cool air.

Whether in homes or businesses, the process remains the same. The condensing unit of the air conditioning system houses the compressor and is typically stored external to the home or office. This is the noisy maker, the energy consumer, and the home of the condensing coil.

However, when the weather changes and you need something that provides heat as well as cooling comforts, heat pump efficiency suddenly takes a valuable leap above the capacity of a standard air conditioner. It’s a reversal of processes. Whereas an A/C condensing unit is capable only of functioning as a cooling system, a heat pump can reverse the process so that the heat of compression rather than venting into the outside air ends up within your home or office living and working quarters.

Layman’s Definition of Installed Heat Pump Functionality

So, you ask. Define heat pump efficiency in simple terms. Herein are the basics:

Heat pumps move heat from one fluid to another
In an air-source HVAC system, air is the fluid within the home and the external fluid is the outside air source.
In a geothermal heat system, water is the external fluid source
In times of hot external temperatures, the heat pump moves inside air into the outside fluid
In times of cold external temperatures, the heat within the outside fluid is moved to the inside air system.

Sophisticated Definition of Installed Heat Pump Functionality

Tip: Expect a 15-year lifecycle on the typical air-source HVAC heat pump. Furnaces usually pull 20-years. The actual processing method of a HP is as follows:

The external compressor unit pressurizes the system refrigerant
The pressurized refrigerant is piped inside the home
As the inside condensing coil receives the heated gas, room air passes over the coil and heat is transferred into the passing air.
During the process of heat exchange, the refrigerant cools and condenses
Now pressurized as a liquid, the refrigerant passes through a throttling valve, which causes expansion, cooling, and a shift into a state of low pressure liquid
In the cooling process, the external evaporator coil uses external air to boil the cold liquid refrigerant back into a gas
In the event that the external air is too cold to enable adequate heat generation, supplemental electric heat strips within the air handler provide the home with reliable heat.

During winter months, ice sometimes forms on the external coil system. The heat pump then engages a periodic defrost cycle which enables the system to melt ice and resume normal operation.

Air-Source HVAC Heat Pump Efficiency

Every form of measurement needs a base line. Thus horsepower as well as watts and amperage define engine performance. Likewise, heat pumps also require a base line measuring gauge. We call it the Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF). The gauging is based upon comparing the ratio of heat provided in Btu per hour to watts of energy consumed. The HSPF process also factors components such as:

Energy loss during the systems defrost cycle
Energy loss during system startup
Energy loss during system stops
And modifications due to specific climates.

Typical HSPF standards range from 7.7 for minimum efficiency equip to 8.2 for high efficiency units. Variable speed air-source HVAC systems may rate as high as 9.0. Actual efficiency performance varies from climate to climate.

When performing air-cooling services, heat pump efficiency performance is measured and rated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Again: the calculations factor in concepts such as start, stop and specific climate. Current national mandates set minimum residential air conditioning SEER rates at 13.0. However some units actually exceed a 19.0 SEER rating. And again, variable speed systems typically out perform standard units.

Expect to spend around 30% more for a variable speed HP or variable speed A/C. However, expect benefits as follows:

Better energy efficiency
Quieter operation
Better dehumidifying functions
AND better home comfort.

For more details on how to fit your Arizona home with a quality installed heat pump efficiency system, contact American Cooling and Heating now.

Basic Air Conditioning Troubleshooting, A Mesa Home AC Tip Sheet

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in AC Repair, Air Conditioning Technology, Home Maintenance.

Steps Your Tech May Take When Your Mesa Home AC Fails to Cool Properly

Troubleshooting a Mesa home air conditioning unit often exceeds the technical know-how of the average homeowner. Yet knowing a bit about the process can help you to better understand the reasons behind the A/C troubleshoot steps as performed by your local HVAC service tech. This doesn’t mean that you should annoy the tech with an over-the-shoulder gawking. However, many mechanical professionals tend to take a bit of pride in helping the homeowner better understand the basics of air conditioning troubleshooting.

Different Stages of HVAC Troubleshooting

When a tech arrives on site, they sometimes find a system that is either dead or acting dead. This means the tech will be checking breakers, disconnects, fuses, and other power-related heating and cooling system problems. Yet more often than not, “dead cooling” does not include a dead power source.

In this lesson on basic A/C troubleshooting, we want to focus on a unit that runs but fails to efficiently cool your home. So here are some of the points that your local Mesa air conditioning tech will likely investigate.

Steps That Should Precede the Connection of A/C Gauges

1) Evaporator and Condenser Fans – To cool effectively and consistently, the motors installed in your home A/C system must be rightly designed for the unit. This means the tech needs to check the fans to ensure that they are of the correct horsepower. Also, although it may seem a no-brainer, the testing must also ensure that the fans are set to the specified rpm and that they are turning in the correct direction. Cleanliness and size is also important. So expect the tech to confirm that your blower blades are right-sized, right-pitched, and clean.

2) Air Flow – To provide persistent and reliable Mesa home cooling, the condenser on your A/C unit must be supplied with normal outside air. This means the tech needs to ensure that no other devices are pumping hot air against the condenser. Checking the condition of the system filters is also part of the preliminary air conditioning troubleshooting process. You may also see the A/C tech investigating the condition of your evaporator supply and return ducting. You don’t want to lose cool air due to leaks in the ducting. Neither do you want the system drawing in warm outside air into the ducts.

3) Cleanliness – We already talked about making sure the blower fans are clean, but the tech will go further. He or she will also investigate and ensure that both the condenser and the evaporator coils are clean and that nothing is blocking the expected rate of airflow.

Connecting the HVAC Testing Gauges

Please note that the gauges and pressure checking tools should not be the first tools called into use. Failing to eliminate fundamental problems ensures that the A/C troubleshooting gauges will return incorrect pressures and temperatures. However, once the tech is ready to connect the gauges, the process should be somewhat as follows:

1) Refrigerant – The HVAC testing gauges are in place. The pressures are equalized, and the unit is switch off. Now the tech verifies that your Mesa home A/C contains the specified level of refrigerant. To perform this test, he or she will take a temperature reading of the evaporator coil. What is he or she looking to see: A reading that matches the chart or the pressure/temperature reading on the low side of the testing gauge.

2) Checking the System Operating Pressures – During this stage of the testing, professional air conditioning technicians run the unit until temperatures drop to near 5 degrees above the spec temperatures of the unit in question. What he or she expects from the gauges:

Suction pressure ranging between 35 to 40 degrees below return air
Superheat at the compressor within 20-30 degrees
20-35 degree discharge pressure above ambient
A 20-30 degree rise in air temperature through the condenser
A 15-20 degree drop in air temperature through the evaporator
At the outlet of the condenser or the receiver, a 10-15 degree subcooling readout

All Test Well Yet The Mesa home A/C Still Fails To Cool Correctly

By now, the tech has either asked you to “give some space” or he or she has shown you what to look for when reading the HVAC gauges. But now… All checks well yet the system still fails to cool your home.

Check the Capacity – This means the tech will now to investigate the web bulb returns on the air as it enters and leaves the evaporator. There will be some calculations involved. And unless the tech has the memory of an elephant, he or she will pull out an enthalpy conversion table or a pshchrometric chart. What exactly is being tested: How much btu of heat is being absorbed by the evaporator. The tech is making a comparison between the running capacities of your system against the design capacity of your system. This helps the A/C tech determine whether your Mesa home cooling system is sufficient to handle your home. Any system that is operating within reasonable range of the design capacity but still fails to persistently and efficiently cool a given space is just plain too small for the task.

So now that you are up-to-snuff on basic air conditioning troubleshooting, call in your local Mesa home AC service team. Contact American Cooling and Heating today.

Disclaimer:

Any HVAC service should only be performed by a licensed, fully trained, and competent person and/or company.
The contents in this article reflect accumulated data from various sources. ACH cannot and does not accept any legal responsibility to any person in respect of anything or the consequences of any reader responses, actions or lack of actions associated with reliance upon the whole or any part of this article and its content. All trademarks, logos, and associated content displayed are the property of their respective owners.

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Why Upgrade To A Programmable Thermostat?