Power Surge Protection for Air Conditioning Systems
August 19, 2008
Every one is familiar with power outages and brownouts and it is common to protect small home elctronicas such as computers with a simple surge protector. However, most may not be familiar with how important that same concept is for your most cherished home appliance, your heating and air condtioning system. One item we all must think about when considering your HVAC unit is an HVAC surge protector.
An air conditioning surge protection system is a logical, low-cost solution to the problems that can occur within your system in the event of an unexpected power outage. A simple surge protector will protect your system from electrical surges by shutting it off in the event of an electrical surge caused by lightening, utility outages, hurricanes, and so on.
Each home experiences 300-plus potentially damaging electrical surges per year. Home appliances and HVAC equipment, which depend on electronics, are sensitive to these surges. These units are a costly investment for the homeowner, and there typically is no protection.
A surge is a high-amplitude, short-duration electrical fluctuation that can cause harm to electrical, electromechanical, and electronic equipment. Surges are caused by lightning, utility events, and internal events:
— Refrigeration motors;
— Dishwasher motors; and
— Washer/dryer motors.
These events can result in the three D’s of surge problems: degradation (of equipment components), destruction, and downtime.
Interested in surge protection for your florida home’s air conditioning system? Click Here
By Gary Lampasona, For The News
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Indoor Air Quality Concerns Pushed Higher
August 14, 2008
As America reacts to bioterrorism, officials remind us that more people risk death from the flu than from anthrax infection. For the foreseeable future, there’s no reason to think otherwise. Yet planning for a future where those risks increase is another matter.
Long before “anthrax” became headlines, indoor air quality was a concern for heating and air conditioning contractors. In America today, people spend up to 93% of their time indoors. Because tighter, more energy efficient building construction has led to reduced natural ventilation, indoor air pollution can be up to 10 times greater than outdoor levels.
Noah of Star Quality Air, points out that his industry is now taking indoor air quality discussions to a new level.
“Air conditioning and heating systems filter the air we breathe,” he said. “Their protection - especially in commercial establishments - will become even more crucial as we deal with threats of bioterrorism.”
Security procedures for people who maintain air conditioning and heating systems will be a consideration, Noah noted. “So many times, a technician will walk in and say, ‘I’m here to look at your air conditioning system’ and be waved right on through. I’m not promoting paranoia, but there are some simple steps to take such as verifying the name of the individual and the company, verifying the work to be performed and informing security about the maintenance.”
“Just as cockpit doors are being strengthened on airplanes,” he added, “we may also have to look at making access to air conditioning systems more difficult.”
For additional protection, ultraviolet (UV) lights and their ability to destroy airborne germs are among options being considered. “We’ve installed UV lights as a means of sterilizing indoor air and are encouraged by the potential here,” said Noah.
“Air filtration has advanced with technology. Home filters can stop particles is down to about 3 microns; even smaller for special applications. So there is a potential defense here and I’m confident that research is going on around the clock.
“This is a new day, and these discussions will be ongoing,”Noah said. “But we’re doing what we can to be reasonable and safe.”
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How to Avoid 90% of All System Failures
August 13, 2008
Dirt. Five year olds love it, plants can’t live without it, and you’re breathing it in every day. Not just breathing it in—you’re paying to inhale the largest cause of your home’s dust and allergy problems.
You’re probably thinking that’s an exaggeration. But the simple truth is that you are paying to run your heating and cooling system, more and more as the weather heats up. And since dirt is the number one cause of system failure—90% of all failures, in fact—chances are good that dirt is keeping your system from running at peak efficiency.
Before you invest in a family set of gas masks or prepare for a nomadic existence in the Sahara (hey, at least then you won’t be paying for the dirt), you might want to give your heating and cooling professional a call.
“Your system works hard,” says Noah of Star Quality Air Conditioning. “It’s constantly circulating and cooling the air that keeps your family comfortable. Like anything else that works, it gets dirty and has to be cleaned.”
There are a few questions to ask yourself before having your system cleaned:
· How long has it been since your HVAC system was cleaned?
· Are there pets in the home?
· Do any family members experience burning in the eyes, nose, or throat while in the home?
· Does your climate have high humidity?
· Do any family members show symptoms of mild to severe allergies?
Noah told us “System failures caused by dirt, as well as expensive repairs, can be avoided with a little preventative maintenance. Most people don’t realize how much money they can save by making sure their system runs efficiently.”
Learning the precautions is part of Star Quality Air Conditioning’s effort to educate the public during “Appreciate Your Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Professional Week”. Star Quality Air Conditioning wants to show homeowners certain neglected maintenance items that can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs or system replacements.
You can get your ventilation system inspected, plus receive other energy saving tips for free by calling Star Quality Air Conditioning at 772-299-9818 or visit our service plans.
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Florida’s Premier Blog on Home Comfort
August 5, 2008
Welcome to the Florida Home Comfort Resource Center. This page has been created to keep a continued log of articles, tips and information about your home comfort system.
If you are looking for a Vero Beach heating and air conditioning company or our Comfort Protection Plan, please call us today at 772.299.9818 or complete our online service request form.
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