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Be Careful of Extreme Heat, the “Silent Killer”

8/31/2022

The excessively hot temperatures we’ve been experiencing this summer have not only been uncomfortable and inconvenient, but also dangerous. Many people are unaware of how deadly heat can be. In contrast to the visible, destructive and violent nature of floods and tornadoes, heat is the “silent killer.” According to a CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) study, 8015 deaths were caused by exposure to extreme heat from 1979-2003. From 1999-2003 more people died from excessive heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, and earthquakes combined. The CDC reports an average of 350 people a year die due to the effects of heat.

It’s important to take precautions to avoid over exposure to these extreme temperatures. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) and local heating and cooling company, Blind & Sons, offer preventative measures on how to stay safe and cool during extreme heat.

Air conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death, according to the CDC. During conditions of extreme heat, people should spend more time in air-conditioned homes or buildings such as shopping malls, public libraries, or public health sponsored heat-relief shelters in their area.

“If your air conditioning at home goes out make sure you have the name of a reputable heating and cooling service company that offers 24/7 emergency service,” says Comfort Engineered Systems. “Keep this information handy. Air conditioning rarely goes out at a convenient time and in this heat getting your system fixed promptly can be crucial.”

“Air conditioning systems have to work hard to keep up with the demand of these hot temps. Make sure you are checking and changing or cleaning your heating & cooling system air filter regularly. A dirty filter will restrict the air flow in your system and reduce home comfort,” states Blind.

“Another great tip for homeowners is to adjust their blinds, drapes or curtains seasonally. Direct sunlight can raise the temperature of a room by as much as 10-20 degrees,” states Blind. “You can keep direct sunlight out by closing your blinds, drapes or curtains on the east and west facing windows during the day. This helps keep the sun’s direct rays from entering your home and helps reduce the amount of effort your air conditioner puts forth to keep your home cool. In the evening, open your window treatments to allow the heat to escape back out through the windows of your home.”
The CDC says, “The best defense is prevention” and offers these great tips.

- Drink more fluids, regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.

- Use fans, particularly ceiling fans, to help cool your home. Fans help move cool air and can also ease your air conditioner’s workload.

- Keep in mind, using electric fans may provide some comfort, however, when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.

- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

- NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.

Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. The elderly, infants, and anyone with a chronic illness, may dehydrate easily and be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Create a “neighborhood watch” to check on family, friends and neighbors that are elderly, “shut-in”, sick or disabled to make sure their air conditioning is keeping up with the heat. Watch these individuals for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need more frequent watching.

Don’t forget that pets also need protection from dehydration and heat-related illnesses! Finally, remember to use common sense and stay indoors, if at all possible, in an air conditioned place. Safety is the number one priority during these extreme hot summer days.

Basics of Air Conditioning

8/24/2022

Most people don’t realize how their central air conditioner actually works. They think that an air conditioner functions by pumping cool air into their home. But your air conditioner actually removes warm air and recirculates it as cool air. An air conditioner is basically a refrigerator. It uses the evaporation of a refrigerant, like Freon, to provide cooling. A central air conditioning system includes both the cooling and heating of air and cleans the air as well as controls the moisture level.

   There are a number of ways you can cool our home, but with any central air conditioning system the basics are the same; you will have a method of removing warm air to create cool air, a way to distribute the air to all of the rooms in your home, typically your duct system, and a way to control or regulate your system (thermostat).

   The first component of your air conditioning system is temperature control. When the air temperature rises above a preset level on your thermostat, the thermostat sends a signal to the air conditioner. This signals the air conditioner that it is time to turn on.

   The compressor (which is controlled by the thermostat) is the “heart” of the system. The compressor acts as the pump, causing the refrigerant to flow through the system. Its job is to draw in a low-pressure, low-temperature, refrigerant in a gaseous state and by compressing this gas, raise the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant. This high-pressure, high-temperature gas then flows to the condenser coil.

    The condenser coil is a series of piping with a fan that draws outside air across the coil. As the refrigerant passes through the condenser coil and the cooler outside air passes across the coil, the air absorbs heat from the refrigerant, which causes the refrigerant to condense from a gas to a liquid state. The high-pressure, high-temperature liquid then reaches the expansion valve.

   The expansion valve is the “brain” of the system. By sensing the temperature of the evaporator, or cooling coil, it allows liquid to pass through a very small opening, which causes the refrigerant to expand to a low-pressure, low-temperature gas. This “cold” refrigerant flows to the evaporator.

   The evaporator coil is a series of piping connected to a furnace or air handler that blows indoor air across it, causing the coil to absorb heat from the air. The cooled air is then delivered to the house through ducting. The refrigerant then flows back to the compressor where the cycle starts over again.

   Most central air conditioning units operate by means of a split system. That is, they consist of a “hot” side, or the condensing unit—including the condensing coil, the compressor and the fan—which is situated outside your home, and a “cold” side that is located inside your home. The cold side consists of an expansion valve and a cold coil, and it is usually part of your furnace or some type of air handler. The furnace blows air through an evaporator coil, which cools the air. Then this cool air is routed throughout your home by means of a series of air ducts.

   Heat pumps and geothermal systems are other options for cooling your home. The basic principle of removing warm air and replacing it with cool air applies to these systems as well.

   It is important to understand how air conditioning systems are rated for efficiency. They are rated by what is known as S.E.E.R., Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Air conditioners with a higher SEER are more efficient, less costly to operate and more environmentally friendly. The current government minimum is 13 SEER (BIG CHANGES COMING IN 2023).

So those are the basics of your cooling system, the thermostat for control, the central air conditioning unit to remove warm air in order to create cool air, and a duct system to move the air through your home. And that how your central air conditioning system keeps you cool!

4 Major Benefits of a Maintenance Agreement

8/23/2022

The majority of homeowners these days understand that HVAC maintenance plays a really big role in keeping your comfort high and costs low. But what about a maintenance plan? Are there any real benefits to signing on for a long-term or yearly agreement? Follow along with the maintenance specialists at Comfort Engineered Systems while we talk about what makes joining a plan so great!

WHAT IS A MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT?
A maintenance agreement, maintenance plan, or service agreement (Lots of terms, all the same meaning) is a contract set between a contractor and a homeowner. Generally speaking the agreement includes all of the standard tune-up and HVAC maintenance services the homeowner needs throughout the year—typically one in the spring for AC, and one in the fall for heating. On the surface an agreement seems like not a whole lot. Maybe just a way to ensure you don’t forget to get your annual service! But there’s a lot more to it than that, because in most cases HVAC contractors offer unique incentives.

WHAT ARE THE INCENTIVES OF A MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT?
While the incentives offered do change a bit here and there, there are some stable perks that a service agreement nearly always offers. These include: Long-term cost savings. Even with the most basic maintenance agreement a homeowner can anticipate a considerably large amount of savings over the span of the agreement. In most cases the difference is actually fairly large, helping you shave money off of keeping up with your HVAC maintenance. Why do contractors do this? Because return business is good business, and saving a client money only sweetens the deal!

Discounts on additional services.
Many maintenance agreements also offer further discounts on other services, including labor, diagnostics and repair, and parts if applicable. That means just by being part of the contract you stand to get a whole lot more emergency coverage. Extending the lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment. Maintenance isn’t a one and done kind of thing, and the benefits of the service compound best when it’s administered over time. This goes for optimizing your system for higher efficiency, avoiding repairs, and increasing the overall life expectancy of the HVAC system.

Staying up to date with your warranty.
Most modern cooling and heating systems come with really solid warranties. But they also now all stipulate that you get maintenance on a routine basis in order to keep the warranty valid. That means forgetting even once can land you in an unlucky situation. What’s the best way to not forget? Just sign up for a maintenance plan.