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Commercial Cooling, Arizona Climate Friendly Refrigeration

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

The Increasing Cost Of Arizona Commercial Cooling Requirements

It seems every year that Arizona temperatures increase and the cost of commercial cooling shoots higher and higher. With the coming of each new summer season, the demand for climate friendly refrigeration elevates and the environmentally mindful sweat even more. But for Arizona business owners and operators, the cost of staying in business seems often to outweigh the price of environmental climate issues.

For many local business owners, cost-saving options are shrinking rather than increasing. To deliver an expected service or product in the face of raging Arizona heat waves, these owners and managers must run powerful commercial cooling units – A/C systems designed to keep large buildings comfortable and to ensure that information management components can function consistently and reliably day after steamy hot day.

For those of us trying to keep an ear out for better alternatives on Arizona climate friendly refrigeration solutions, relief may yet be on the horizon. Trane, one of the most reliable modern HVACR manufacturing and development firms, has revealed a newer, better, and more climate-friendly refrigerant. Announced at a recent company conference, DR-55 is slated for availability within the next year for commercial usage and a bit more after that for residential.

Cooler Breezes for Commercial Cooling

The new refrigerant dubbed the Trane AquaTrine is geared specifically for commercial businesses and hotels. Billed as the next generation of coolant, Trane AquaTrine promises to provide improved efficiency and stability to the HVAC industry. This is good news for every business that is looking to save some money while also delivering a greener footprint to the Earth. For most consumers making a business effort to reduce their company impact on local and world climate change, AquaTrine may be the new and great solution to an extremely difficult task.

Research and testing conducted by engineers at UC Davis has shown that the DR-55 refrigerant performs 10 percent better overall in outdoor air conditioning. It also promises up to a 70 percent reduction in emissions for the environment. Comparisons are based upon the performance of R-410A, the current standard found in over half of U.S. commercial buildings. And because the new DR-55 occupies the exact same space as the older units, the transition is seamless and will not require any special work or fees.

Committed to the Environment and Arizona Businesses

Modern Trane progress in commercial cooling is no accident. This company continually challenges themselves, their employees, and their customers to make energy efficiency and environmental impact a moving goalpost. The aim: Continually hit new milestones every decade. Example: By the year 2020, Trane hopes to offer future businesses and residents an air conditioning product that can reduce emissions by up to 35 percent reduction of current measurements. Furthermore, the company plans to reduce their necessary product and operations by up to 50 percent, and this in the same time frame. Right now, even as you read, Trane is spending hundreds of millions on research and development. They do not intend to meet the year 2020 without fulfilling these remarkable milestones of growth, performance, and changes in climate friendly refrigeration.

Many Arizona commercial business owners speak of customers with a more inquisitive concern for “green operations.” Wise operators cannot longer easily ignore such consumer concerns, especially with the word-of-mouth information age so quickly spreading current news.

Long-term commitments translate into long-term savings, ultimately. Having a sticker that says “highest rated energy efficient and environmentally-friendly cooling” on your window is like adding on a bonus star to any hotel or restaurant, for your average small business owner. It attracts the best kind of attention, which is also telling your customer: “We care.”

For more information on Arizona commercial cooling and new technology in Arizona climate friendly refrigeration, contact American Cooling and Heating now.

The Effects of Trane HVAC Progress on the Average Arizona Lifestyle

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in Air Conditioning Technology, Arizona Air Conditioning Upgrade Sale, Arizona Local.

Climate Control by Trane For An Improved Arizona Lifestyle

It’s been over one hundred years since Trane laid down the roots for innovation and American achievements in the world of climate-controlled engineering. And by establishing a landmark of unparalleled reliability and endurance, Trane HVAC products have helped secure the freedom of many U.S. states that at one time endured a limited capacity to succeed in a global marketplace.

The age of near year-round suffering from a near suffocating heat is finished.

In a time past, the impact of heat prevailed over southern and southwestern lifestyles. The pacing of daily Arizona living was slow. Builders crafted the architecture of the homes both old and new so as to make the best of current living conditions. The intensity of the heat cycles forced a careful use of energy. Local residents were often branded as stereotypical lazy.

But modern home and business cooling technology changes the playing field. With the aid of Trane and other HVAC design and manufacturing companies, many of the limitations of the previous Arizona lifestyles are lifted. Most of complications evoked by extended heat waves no longer hinder human productivity. Heat-intensive southwest regions such as Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and Utah now have a solid position in the world of global competition.

So we look back for a moment on what has made companies like Trane HVAC progress such a valuable asset of American engineering. And we observe how this company has so greatly influenced the overall competitiveness of the nation and of the southwestern US in particular.

A History of Trane AC Milestones.

The story of a company like Trane is fit for the making of a Hollywood documentary movie. Indeed, it shows that ideas born from necessity, rather than selfishness, are ones that begin with many challenges. Yet when perfected such ideas can revolutionize the world. James Trane’s Vapor Heating system was born out of working with cold pipes in the winters as a plumber. With curious minds, James, and continuing on with his son reveal how engineers go from fixing things to changing the way we think about cooling.

Fast-forward to the 1930’s and major businesses and commerce had the comfort of air conditioning to keep their customers comfortable and focused on enjoying their visit. Places like shopping plaza stores, restaurants, banks, offices, cinemas, hotels, and record stores saw air conditioning bring in larger crowds and more money.

Residents of the south and the southwest couldn’t really afford to outfit their homes with air conditioning units until 1950 when window units became obtainable by the average household. This was the beginning of a whole new culture and a distinct change in Arizona lifestyle. The desert wastelands of Arizona were about to receive a gift of extended life. The transformation of this and other southwestern states would be drastic. Arizona was soon to arise as one of the best, most affordable, and peaceful places to live within the entirety of the U.S. southern states.

In today’s world, the vast majority of southern homes, businesses, and facilities are all powered by HVAC systems. Most of the younger generation will scoff at the idea of having no air conditioning and having to rely on fans, open windows, and porch overhangs to fight the hundred-degree heat waves that are the norm in Phoenix and other regional Arizona cities.

A company built on satisfaction.

The power of Trane and HVAC systems has resulted in reduced mortality rates and growth in the economies of the south and the southwest. It took decades of inventing and reinventing to produce the HVAC system we now enjoy today. And Trane, with a commitment to customer satisfaction that will not be excelled, remains at the top of the industry’s surveys, including surveys pertaining to:

HVAC Reliability
HVAC Serviceability
HVAC Most Efficient
AND… HVAC Best quality equipment among the competition.

Arizona HVAC Support

Do you ever encounter drafty areas in your home? Does your Arizona air conditioning system “short cycle,” running regularly, yet for simply short spurts of time? Is the air in the winter abnormally dry? In the middle of the year, is your home cool yet feels damp? Is one spot of the house hot while other rooms stay cold? Is your HVAC running loud?

While you may sensibly imagine that these and different issues just call for repair or substitution of your heater or aeration and cooling system, complete jobs will need considerably more skill and thinking ahead.

Even the most straightforward repairs merit the best work

Today’s homes have complex warming, aerating and cooling, piping, and electrical segments that are controlled by mini-computers. That means it is troublesome and typically counterproductive to think about one section without giving thought to every one of the others. For instance, you should replace a 20-year old heater that is on its last leg in your home, however not the 15-year old AC unit that is showing no signs of trouble. But, once you sit down and examine everything, you will see that your home’s heating and cooling and ventilating segments are intrinsically connected.

Your Trane HVAC system has connected ventilation work, blowers, electronic computerized controls, and the list goes on. One can’t be supplanted without influencing the other. Hey. The joy of your Arizona lifestyle can be easily recovered by installation of a new Trane heat pump.

It may be savvy to add connect your existing A/C unit to new heater… or not? Would the expense of parts and work be better spent on a brand new, modern Trane HVAC system that is set to give you another few decades of reliability? It’s food for thought.

Taking into account the broad experience and item information, your American Cooling and Heating advisor can show you information about what existing parts are best to adjust to your new hardware and of which are all the more financially sound for your situation. Obviously, the choice is exclusively yours and must consider your specific needs, limitations, and desired Arizona lifestyle. Yet having the guidance of a qualified Trane HVAC expert is invaluable when it comes to investing in the future of your home.

Air Conditioning Efficiency – No Less Efficient Than Other Forms of Technology

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in AC Service, Air Conditioning Technology, Cooling Tips.

Air Conditioning Efficiency Compared To Other Forms of Energy Hungry Technology

They keep asking the question: How can we improve air conditioning efficiency? Yet one must really wonder if these wonder appliances designed to improve the human lifestyle are actually any less efficient than other forms of current technology.

To answer that, let’s take a look at recent reports posted in the pages of Scientific American. Accordingly, the United States expends more energy on heating and cooling than most any nation worldwide, averaging roughly 185 billion kilowatt-hours yearly (1). And it’s not all due to changes evoked by global warming or even by the current 20-percent growth rate of worldwide sales in air conditioning equipment. Face it: We live in an age when both businesses and homes expect year-around comfort. It means employees work more efficiently. Families rest more fully. In fact, throughout the industry of factories and care centers, HVAC equipment is often used to improve resident and worker safety concerns.

Yet to reap the benefits of modern air conditioning efficiency, we burn more fossil fuels than ever before in the history of man. Sometimes the HVAC is used for heat and sometimes the A/C is for cooling. We do so with the full knowledge that air conditioning bears with it a long-term price in energy consumption. However, according to the 2013 deputy director of ARPA-E, air-conditioning is “inherently inefficient.”

But what does this mean, this term “inherently inefficient?” By what comparison is the statement driven?

According to the deputy director, “It’s (air conditioning) everywhere and it’s (HVACR equipment) a huge energy sink.”

The imposed impression tends to define A/C equipment as though some great villain is loosed among us. But what is the measuring stick? Is it a comparison of comfort-to-cost versus necessity-to-cost? Or is the comparison merely applying performance and function to cost for usage? Furthermore unless the efficiency measurements that define the distinction between necessity and comfort meet criteria that are suitable to the homeowner or the business in question such measures are without value.

Average Energy Consumption For A Home Air Conditioning System

According to a recent article in Forbes, your home’s central heating furnace in off or standby mode uses roughly half as much energy per year as does a notebook computer in off or standby mode (2). That’s 300 Watts versus 600 Watts. Consider some typically monthly kWh usage in home appliances items functional under normal use cycles*:

Refrigerator … 30-200 kWh/month
Dehumidifier … 80-160 kWh/month
Water Heater … Averages 400 kWh/month
2.5 HP Swimming Pool Pump … 350-450 kWh/month
Central Air … 300-900 kWh/month
Heat Pump … 600-1,800 kWh/month (heating and cooling.)

Most appliances do not run 24/7. However, items such as hair dryers, curling irons, and vacuum cleaners typically consume more energy per hour of usage than do modern refrigerators. Energy consumption must be measured in balance with the service performed. Without defining a scale for cost-versus-achieved-benefit, it seems senseless to isolate any single technology as though that technology is less efficient than some other form of technology. After all, in spite of government efforts to regulate and force improved transportation-related efficiency, automobiles can readily be defined as an unnecessary comfort that is in many ways “inherently inefficient.”

New Heating and Cooling Technologies and the Primary Focus Of Use

Clearly current technology in air conditioning efficiency has not reached maximum capacity. Conventional systems continue to use refrigerants in the core cooling process. For cooling, heat is absorbed and then expelled into the outside world. For heating with a heat pump, the process is reversed. And in either event, the HVAC process demands use of electrically powered compressors, fans and pump systems. Efficient air conditioning doesn’t necessary mean that consumers will receive a create decrease in the cost of operation. To rightly measure this process, we must always balance cost to effectiveness.

One new concept in heating and cooling involves replacing the typical super-powered fluids and gases with some form of solid material. By using materials such as bismuth telluride and other applicable solids as a means of absorbing heat, both refrigerators and other air conditioning equipment can be manufactured without use of so many moving components. This not only reduces the electrical demands, but it also reduces the possibilities of equipment breakdown.

One strange point mentioned during many of the discussions concerning new cooling technology always seems to involve not so much the concept of cost as it does the concept of “necessity.” And it seems often to be a “necessity” that is also directly linked to comfort. Certainly the greater measure of HVACR research seems focused on life-saving applications wherein refrigeration of medical supplies, food and more come to the surface as the front-runners. However there is also much concern about providing efficient dehumidifiers and air conditioning for American military personal stationed in extreme overseas hotspots. And lastly, but not necessary least important is the question of how the U.S. as a nation and how the world as a whole is going to efficiently adapt to a future of increasingly extreme heat waves?

Whether addressed as a “comfort” item or as a “necessity” item, we need air conditioning efficiency that includes cost-effective pricing, long-term energy efficiency, and effective performance. If air conditioning equipment is as declared by the 2013 deputy director of ARPA-E “inherently inefficient”, so too are our cars, buses and hot water heaters. HVAC technology is no less efficient than many other forms of modern technology. As to purpose performed versus the cost, for me A/C rates among the most valuable current pieces of home improvement equipment. For a free estimate on Arizona installation of efficient Air Conditioning products, contact American Cooling and Heating today.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article are intended to provoke discussion. They reflect the thoughts and concerns of the author, and do establish any particular standing by American Cooling and Heating as an Arizona HVAC installation and service center.

Note: * kWh based upon national average

Air Conditioning Efficiency – Are Attic HVAC Systems Efficient?

Written by Rm Harrington on . Posted in Air Conditioning Technology, Cooling Tips, Home Maintenance.

The Value Of Air Conditioning Your Attic

In a recent report concerning home air conditioning efficiency, the U.S. Department of Energy challenged the wisdom of locating HVAC systems in an unconditioned attic (1). So what brings about this challenge to conventional A/C handling methods? Why would anyone want to air condition a space that is not used for personal comfort? If typical U.S. housing construction involves placing the A/C air-handling unit in unconditioned attic space, what benefits can be achieved by flipping the coin?

Well, live and learn.

According to Energy.Gov, placing components of your home HVAC system within the non-vented control of an unconditioned attic can actually increase heating and cooling-related energy consumption by as much as 10%. Several reasons promote this concept. However air loss due to A/C duct leakage may be the major factor. Current research evidences that duct air leakage often exceeds twenty percent of the regulated airflow. And that, my friend, results in a significant and controllable loss of energy.

The evidence is in: Placing your indoor home HVAC components within a non-vented insulated and conditioned attic or crawlspace can provide a substantial reduction in energy expenditure. Although the attic may not be used as home living space, capturing and retaining the loss air flow results in improved home heating and cooling energy performance. However, fully sealing the attic tends to defy traditional house building codes. And we all know that things that defy tradition trigger an automated human resistance to change. So after years of being directed to construct your home with installed attic ventilation, why should we accept this notion of change?

New Understanding of Air Conditioning Efficiency

Perhaps you are unaware of current construction changes as they relate to the air conditioning industry. However thanks to Building America, since 2006 the practice of constructing vent-free fully insulated attics has been an accepted home construction building code. For over twenty years, the U.S. DOE has sponsored the Building America program as a focus for helping study and promote innovation in residential building construction. The introduction of non-vented attics is just one more successful endeavor. The primary purposes of Building America include promotion of:

More affordable energy
Greater product reliability
Enhance product performance
AND Better home comfort.

Along with other various energy-focused products and home design, Building American partners with world-class HVAC industry and HVAC research leaders to raise the standards in home air conditioning and A/C product performance.

Air Conditioning Efficiency Enhanced By Non-Vented Well-Insulated Attics

Ventilation enables moisture as well as warm air to escape from an attic. When attic-installed A/C equipment is not involved in the equation, vented attics with a well-sealed and insulated ceiling decks prove to be very efficient for helping reduce the cost of home air conditioning. However, if HVAC equipment, including air conditioning ductwork, is installed in the vented attic of an Arizona home, the energy consumption of that home may actually increase.

Yet conditions to exist. If your Arizona air conditioning is installed in a home not purposefully constructed for a non-vented attic, updating to new standards can be costly and difficult. For example: standard home roof structures often include slopes that are inadequate for installing attic-wide top plate installation. Furthermore, the typical home attic includes installed flues, hatches, water piping, electrical wiring, and various difficult-to-work-with knee walls and ceilings. Unless your attic can be completely sealed, some measure of air leakage is unavoidable. The result: an increase demand on your heating and cooling system.

Funds spend to increase Arizona air conditioning efficiency may actually increase your problems. It humid air from your living quarters escapes into a non-vented and conditioned attic space, condensation and moisture against the cold roof sheathing may become a potential calamity of accumulated mold and mildew. On the other side of the scale, if inside warm air seeps into a sealed and conditioned home attic it can heat the roof deck and result in an increased winter risk of ice dams.

In conventional vented attics, installed HVAC components are routinely exposed to the current external temperature extremes – extremes that may well increase due to additional complications related to home attics. Insulating and effectively sealing along the roof line of your home can provide better:

Energy efficiency and savings
Increased moisture resistance
Reduced risk of wood rot and mold
A more secure storage space
And better wind resistance as well as increased fire and rain protection for your entire roof.

American Cooling and Heating – Arizona Air Conditioning Efficiency Experts

Maybe you are not certain about the conditions of your attic installed Arizona A/C equipment. Perhaps comfort in the living quarter is not a problem, yet the cost of staying cool seems out of hand. We can help. Call now for your appointment with a bonded, licensed and insured Arizona HVAC professional. The team at American Cooling and Heating is ready to provide 24/7 A/C repair, A/C replacement, and A/C evaluation.

1) Building American, Top Innovations Hall of Frame Profile

Air Conditioning Troubleshooting For Homeowners

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

A Homeowner’s Guide To Troubleshooting A/C Equipment Prior To Calling The Repairman

Sometimes even a reliable HVAC service contract through the very best HVAC maintenance firm fails to prevent the need for a bit of rushed homeowner-handled air conditioning troubleshooting. Facts are simple: A well-serviced home A/C system typically runs without a great deal of unexpected complications.

However… Simple accidents and minor process failures do occasionally demand attention.

When you call a quality well-staffed HVAC service center you expect a rapid and often same day response to your home heating or cooling problems. Yet quick service does not always ensure that you will not lose a few hours of work time, or vacation time, or perhaps miss a baseball game you promised to attend.

Thankfully, some of the basic functional problems associated with your typical ducted split-type home air conditioning system can be corrected in record time by you the homeowner. The following tips are not designed to replace scheduled routine HVAC maintenance and service processes. However, this guide will help you check for a quick solution in a tough home cooling or heating situation.

It’s not about trying to save the cost of calling in an A/C repairman. It’s just about avoiding loss time when the problem could be handled by a bit of basic air conditioning troubleshooting.

** Note **

The following tips are not all-inclusive. Furthermore, we make no effort to evaluate your knack for performing A/C troubleshooting processes. If you do not understand the steps involved in a given process, call someone better qualified for the job.

5-Step Simple Air Conditioning Troubleshooting

1) HVAC System Not Cooling

Confirm that the thermostat/controller temperature setting reflects your cooling expectations and that the unit is set to cooling rather than heating or off.
Check and if necessary reset the main HVAC breaker in your home circuit breaker box. Also check the breaker that is typically located near to modern A/C condensing and heating units.
Visually confirm that both the indoor air handler and the outdoor condensing units are physically running.
Visually confirm that the outdoor condensing unit is not frozen over with ice.
Disengage the main HVAC breaker at your home circuit breaker box. Wait at least one hour before restarting. This may force the system to reset itself.

2) Limited or Nonexistent System Airflow

Ensure that all air filters used in any of your HVAC system components are clean. Replace if necessary. If your system is under an A/C maintenance contract, report the issue to the service provider. You may need to install a better grade of filter or isolate the cause for excess dust in your home.
Visually examine any external or internal units for signs of water accumulation in, near or own the exterior or indoor coil enclosure. Ice accumulation on the external Air Conditioning condensing unit is easily to spot. On the inside unit, be it in the attic, basement or crawlspace, hand test for an excessively cold exterior surface.

3) Overflow From the Indoor Air Handler Drain Pan

Remove any clogs blocking the exhaust pipe on the drain pan (See illustration). If there are not in the exhaust pipe, this homeowner-handled air conditioning troubleshooting secession should be promoted to the professionals. In the mean time, protect your floors and attic by turning the system off.

4) Compressor Fails But Fan Runs or Compressor Starts But Fan Fails

If the compressor fails to start, there is not much the average homeowner can do. The problem can relate to a bad compressor or merely a system that is low on refrigerant. To fix, call your local HVAC service center.
If the condenser fan fails to turn but the compressor starts, the problem may reside in the condenser fan motor. This repair is also beyond the scope of the average homeowner. Call in the pros.

5) Great AirFlow But Poor Cooling

Measure the temperature difference between the air leaving the air handler and the air entering the air handler. Modern high efficiency air conditioning systems typically run with a near 15-degree drop. Older units may show as much as 18 to 20 degrees difference.
Temperature drops that are below the norm indicate that your system is low on refrigerant. Call in a local HVAC service tech to correct the problem.
Temperature drops that greatly exceed the door indicate that the system is suffering a problem with the airflow system. Clean or replace the air filter. If that does not resolve the problem, ensure that the evaporator coils are clean. It that too fails to resolve the problem, clean the blower wheel.
Possible causes also include improper system design and/or installation, an incorrectly sized duct system, or simply a failure to perform routine HVAC maintenance.

Additional Help Via The ACH Study Guides Resource Links

The preceding air conditioning troubleshooting tips are geared toward homeowners who are seeking a quick fix for a simple and basic HVAC heating or cooling issue. Perhaps you need greater details and a move advanced air conditioning and heating tips guide. Have no fear. Check out the American Cooling and Heating consumer literature page. It’s under the Tips menu. There you can find ACH links to News, Certification study guides, and various other A/C related consumer literature.

Disclaimer:

1. Any HVAC service should only be performed by a licensed, fully trained, and competent

person and/or company.

2. 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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Commercial Cooling, Arizona Climate Friendly Refrigeration