System Design
Equipment sizing:
How large a piece of equipment?
When it comes to furnaces, size counts--a lot. A furnace that's too small won't keep the house comfortable during extreme cold. Partly to avoid that possibility, contractors sometimes sell furnaces that are too large for the home they're installed in. Cost is only one of the problems with such a unit. Compared with a correctly sized furnace, a furnace that's too large will cycle on and off more frequently. That puts more wear on its components, wastes energy, and may cause the temperature to vary uncomfortably. Also, upgrading to a larger furnace may require the installation of bigger ducts to accommodate the increased airflow.
Same ideas can be said for a larger air conditioner than is needed for the home. An air conditioner that is too large for the home will short cycle and create more wear and tear on the components. This is because the starting and stopping of the equipment, just like a car, has a detrimental effect on component life, reliability, and system efficiency. This will also have an effect on the comfort of the home, because a short cycling system does not properly remove humidity from the home. That is how air conditioning is truly effective and designed to operate. Bigger is not better when it comes to the size of the air conditioner. Just because your home is not comfortable does not necessarily mean you need a bigger unit. Sizing makes all the difference for a comfortable environment.
To be sure of correct sizing, we take the time to calculate heating needs using UPONOR load calculation software, such as found in the Air Conditioning Contractors of America's Manual J. Such calculations take into account the climate, along with the house's size, design, and construction.
System testing
Our company always check the Static Pressure of your system whenever repairing or planning to replace your heating and/or cooling equipment. A familiar comparison is when you go to your doctor, someone always checks your blood pressure.
Like blood pressure, Static Pressure is one of the key vital signs of your comfort system. This test helps us identify any significant blockage or leakage.
With this initial testing along with an indepth interview, your contractor can recommend the appropriate diagnostic tests followed by recommendations to correct existing issues and optimize your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
Air Balancing:
What Is Air Balancing? A History Lesson
Air balancing is an ancient trade dating back to 1732 when a French Engineer named Henri Pitot created a method for measuring fluid pressure. Even though air balancing is critical to the performance of your air conditioning and heating system, less than 5000 individuals in the world are trained and certified in air balancing today.
Air Balancing Defined
In it’s simplist form, Air Balancing is the process of testing and adjusting your air conditioning system to deliver the right amount of air to each room in your home. The actual Air Balancing process includes a number of related tests that determine the performance of your air conditioning and heating system. Air balancing hoods are used to measure the amount of air at each grille. Manometers measure system pressures. Hygrometers measure system temperature and humidity. The results of all these tests are compiled into a report to determine how well your system is functioning.
What Air Balancing Can Do For Your System
It’s not uncommon to find a system 30% to 50% low on airflow. Air passes through the equipment and carries the heating or cooling inside. The effectiveness of the equipment is entirely dependent on the amount of airflow. When your certified technician measures the airflow he can "see" system performance. With this information he can diagnose, repair and balance the duct system for maximum system performance. The end result is rooms that are the same temperature, cleaner air, better humidity control and real energy savings
Why Should I Have My Ducts Fixed?
A poorly performing duct system can cause air comfort problems, high utility bills and could become hazardous. We can measure your entire system’s performance and show you how to get the most out of your central heating and air conditioning.
We will first ask you questions about the system, what you like and don’t like about it, problem areas, air quality concerns, health issues, etc. Then we perform some preliminary testing to determine the condition of your system, the biggest problem areas, and so forth. This is generally performed using several instruments including a manometer which measures your systems pressure, much like a doctor checks blood pressure. Typically, we measure the amount of air coming out of each vent with a special instrument called a “Flow Hood.” Other measurements might include temperature, humidity and carbon monoxide testing.
How can I be assured the ducts have been renovated properly?
Our technicians test and adjust the results of their work when the duct renovation has been completed. This step is called air balancing. Up to just 10 years ago, air balancing was performed only on large commercial buildings. Today you can get this same precision adjustment in your home from our trained and certified technicians. We will review with you the test report showing the final operating condition of your system. In other words, your contractor will prove that you got what you paid for – in writing!
Your Duct System Can Directly Affect Your Home Comfort
What is a duct system?
The duct system is a series of conduits that carry the warm and cool air from your air conditioning and heating equipment into your home and then take it back to the equipment. The ducts also control how much air is delivered to each room. The right amount of air will keep the room temperatures where they need to be. If ducts are damaged, improperly installed or the wrong size, they can cut your system’s ability to heat or cool by more than half on hot or cold days, when you need it the most.
Can my ducts be fixed?
The typical duct renovation includes removing damaged ducts, straightening them, adding proper suspension and sealing all the joints. Sometimes larger ducts need to be installed to certain rooms or the registers and grilles need to be replaced. We will review the test results with you and make recommendations for duct repairs or additions. Other improvements might include adjusting fan speeds or improving your air filtration system.
How well do my ducts work?
Ducts move air, and air is invisible. So, to determine if your ducts work or not, air properties must be measured. Our system designers measure how much air goes to each room and compare it to how much is needed. He will also take other measurements including temperatures and pressures to determine how well your ducts work.
