Tri-County Aire HVAC Articles

Extreme Temperatures & Your Air Conditioner’s Performance

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 15:03:15 GMT

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Heat pump Needs Cleaning After Storms and High Winds

nancy@oasisgrafx.com (Nancy Sheridan ) — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 17:39:28 GMT

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Prepare Your HVAC System for Your Fall or Winter Vacation

nancy@oasisgrafx.com (Nancy Sheridan ) — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 17:25:18 GMT

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Expanding your living space may require expanding your HVAC system.

nancy@oasisgrafx.com (Nancy Sheridan ) — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 15:18:11 GMT

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How to Keep Your Upstairs Cool Without Constant Changing of Thermostat Settings

nancy@oasisgrafx.com (Nancy Sheridan ) — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 15:18:06 GMT

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Why and How to Clean Air Conditioner Evaporator Coils

nancy@oasisgrafx.com (Nancy Sheridan ) — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 19:07:10 GMT

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What can void an HVAC warranty?

nancy@oasisgrafx.com (Nancy Sheridan ) — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 15:56:19 GMT

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Change of Seasons: Time for Fall HVAC Maintenance

nancy@oasisgrafx.com (Nancy Sheridan ) — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 15:50:45 GMT

Proper care of your HVAC system is vital for ensuring you have a warm and comfortable home throughout the winter. Changing your air filter regularly is one of the best things you can do to keep your system working smoothly and safely. But to maximize efficiency, lower your energy use and extend the life of your system for as long as possible, you should schedule a professional fall HVAC maintenance appointment. Learn more about what happens during a heating system’s tune-up, and discover why each step is so important.

Fall HVAC Maintenance Checklist

The U.S. Department of Energy advises scheduling your fall HVAC maintenance appointments during the early fall to make sure you are prepared before the arrival of the first frost. Note that the same principles apply to your cooling system – a tuneup should be scheduled before the first heat wave. Tri-County Aire will typically perform the following tasks during your fall maintenance appointment:

Thermostat settings: The heating schedule on the thermostat is checked to make sure it’s programmed to keep your home comfortable when you’re there, and that it goes into energy-savings mode while you’re away from home or asleep.
System controls: All controls for the system are examined to ensure they work properly and safely. Your contractor will determine if the system’s operating cycle is functioning as intended (starts, runs and turns off).
Electrical connections: The voltage and current on the motors are measured, and all of the electrical connections are tightened. This is done to ensure safe and proper operation of the electrical components.
Moving parts: Every moving part gets lubricated to prevent friction, which increases energy use.
Condensate drain: Your contractor makes sure there’s nothing clogging the drain, as obstructions can cause water damage and unhealthy humidity levels.
Exhaust outlets: Your contractor inspects the exhaust system to ensure carbon monoxide or other harmful gases are not building up.
Burners, heat exchangers, fuel line and connections: Each is checked to make sure they’re in safe and proper working order.

For more information on fall HVAC maintenance for your Waldorf or Southern Maryland home, or to schedule your appointment, please contact Tri-County Aire anytime.

Upgrading a Thermostat In Your Southern Maryland Home: Here's Why You Should

nancy@oasisgrafx.com (Nancy Sheridan ) — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 17:02:14 GMT

A programmable thermostat can help lower your home’s heating and cooling energy consumption, but only if you learn how to program the unit, and how the settings can impact your savings. Even if you already have one installed, you may not realize that using your programmable thermostat settings properly is the key to reducing your household energy costs. The following setting and use pointers can help you get the full benefit from this energy-conserving device:

Program in your temperature setting changes for periods of at least eight hours to maximize the potential savings. The ideal times for lower or higher temperatures are at night when everyone in the household is sleeping, or during the day if the house isn’t occupied.

Avoid using the “temporary hold” mode that let’s you override the thermostat’s programmed settings unless it’s absolutely necessary. If you use this feature often, you’ll also override the energy savings of pre-programming.

Don’t use the “vacation/permanent hold” feature to make temporary temperature adjustments on a day-to-day basis. Instead, program this feature for a constant temperature that’s several degrees above or below your normal seasonal setting. For example, program a constant 55 degrees in the winter, or 85 degrees in the summer, when you plan to be away from home for an extended period of time.

Don’t make temperature setting adjustments to try to heat or cool your home faster with temperatures higher or lower than you need. This won’t work, unless you have a model with “smart technology.” A basic programmable thermostat is essentially just a timer that tells your HVAC system to cycle on and off at preset times.

If you have multiple heating and cooling zones in your home, install a programmable thermostat to control each one. Program each according to its zone, and you’ll enjoy greater comfort and energy savings.

Make sure that you pay attention to the low-battery indicator on your thermostat, or check the battery power level periodically, and replace it as needed.

To learn more about using your programmable thermostat settings to lower energy consumption in your Waldorf or Southern Maryland home, contact us today at Tri-County Aire.

Zoning Systems Offer More Precise Temperature Control

nancy@oasisgrafx.com (Nancy Sheridan ) — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 16:24:49 GMT

Heating and cooling costs continue to rise every year. To keep your home comfortable, you need to maintain a temperature that appeals to everyone living there. Trying to balance comfort and cost is an ongoing challenge for most homeowners. A zoning system make both possible.

What is Zoning and How Does it Work?

Zoning basically divides your home into different sections for heating and cooling purposes. Each zone gets its own thermostat. This allows you to set a different temperature in each zone. The system uses dampers placed in the ductwork to block or divert air through the system. Those dampers and the zone thermostats connect back to a central control system.

When one of the zone thermostats detects that more heating or cooling is needed, it sends a signal back to the central control system. The central control signals the dampers to open up to allow the air to flow to the zone from the HVAC system.

Once the thermostat detects the zone has reached the desired temperature, it sends another signal back to the central control system which then closes the dampers. If no zone is indicating a need, the central control system turns off the HVAC system until its needed.

Benefits of a Zoning System

Save money – Since the system isn’t working to keep your entire home at one temperature, it has to work less.

Prolong the life of your HVAC system – Because the system isn’t working as hard, it will incur less wear and tear, which keeps it running longer.

Keep your home more comfortable – Whatever rooms you’re using are at a comfortable temperature, without worrying about the empty areas.

Keep your home quieter – Because the system isn’t working constantly and pushing air throughout the entire house, the amount of noise generated by the system is lower.

If you’re interested in adding a zoning system to your home, contact Tri-County Aire. We proudly serve homeowners throughout southern Maryland.

How to decide if it's time to replace your HVAC system.

nancy@oasisgrafx.com (Nancy Sheridan ) — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 15:55:18 GMT

In Southern Maryland, we rely on our HVAC system to provide comfort in our home or business throughout the year. But how do you decide whether you should replace or repair? If you have ongoing repair calls that are adding up, then it may be time to replace your system.

Tri-County Aire recognizes the cost to replace your HVAC system could be significant. To help you decide if it’s time to replace or repair, we have a few questions for you to ask yourself.

How old is your system?

If your air conditioner is older than 10 years or your furnace is more than 15 years old, they aren’t as energy-efficient as current systems. Efficiency standards have greatly improved and many consume only half the power/energy as those that are more than 10 years old. So, replacing it may be a wise choice.

Is your current HVAC system delivering comfort?

If not, it may be time to have it replaced. Before deciding to replace, we can check your system to see if it has leaks, inadequate insulation or other problems which might be why your system isn’t delivering comfort.

How much will it cost to have your system repaired?

Most problems can be repaired. But if repairing your existing HVAC system will cost more than half of what it would cost to have it replaced with a newer, more energy efficient system, it’s time to replace your system.

In the last few years, how many times have you had to make repairs?

As your heating/cooling system begins to wear out, it will require an increasing number of repair calls. If this is the case, replacing it is the better option.

We hope that these questions and your answers will help you decide which might be the smarter choice … repair or replace. Tri-County Aire’s goal is to deliver comfort with care through replacement or repair.

Leaves & Debris Can Damage Your HVAC Unit

nancy@oasisgrafx.com (Nancy Sheridan ) — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 15:26:20 GMT

If you’re blessed with tall trees loaded with leaves, you know that fall brings on a yard full of leaves. Raking and leaf blowing can be a huge task. But have you looked at your HVAC unit to see how many leaves and other debris are on or in the unit?

Cleaning out the outdoor compressor is very important before winter sets-in. Why? An electric heat pump is used to generate heat for your indoor comfort. Your outdoor HVAC unit cools and heats your home by using your electric heat pump. It won't run efficiently If leaves and other debris collect around or in the compressor. Inefficient performance results in uncomfortable indoor temperatures, increased energy costs and wear and tear on the unit.

How to Prevent Damage to Your HVAC System

Cleaning your outdoor HVAC unit can prevent damage. If you decide to clean the unit, be sure to turn off the power to your unit in your home's breaker box and turn off the outside switch near the compressor/condenser. After turning off the power, follow these steps:

Step 1 Remove Debris. Open the outdoor unit to access the floor of the compressor. If you find leaves and debris, take time to clean this area out by hand or use a wet/dry vacuum.

Step 2 Clean the Walls. The walls of your outdoor unit act as a filter. The walls are made of thin fins preventing entry of debris to the system. If these fins are covered with dirt/grime, clean the fins by using a water hose or a fin cleaning spray.

Step 3 Clear the Area Around the Unit. Once you have cleaned the unit’s interior, clear the surrounding area of any leaves or debris (top, sides, front and back). Give your unit plenty of room to work efficiently by clearing about 2 feet around the outdoor unit.

If you don’t have the time to maintain your HVAC unit, we can handle it for you. Contact us about our maintenance plan. href="/contact-us.html">Tri-Country Aire anytime.

How will a flood affect my HVAC system?

nancy@oasisgrafx.com (Nancy Sheridan ) — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 15:05:21 GMT

Hurricanes and heavy rain resulting in flooding and mud slides can render your system useless. HVAC systems aren’t designed to operate in or underwater or encased in mud.

We had a flood; is it safe to run my HVAC system?

It isn’t always obvious that a system has been flooded. Your outdoor unit might look the same as before a flood but there’s a chance it won’t work or there could be safety issues. Before running your HVAC system, we recommend having it inspected by a qualified technician.

What is a flood’s potential impact on my HVAC equipment?

Air conditioning systems and heat pumps have wiring running between the indoor and outdoor systems and there is a condenser coil and pipe through which refrigerant moves. So, if your unit was running during the flooding, electrical components could malfunction or short out through contact with water.

If you’ve experienced a flood and have seen the debris that moves with the water, just imagine what it will do to your equipment. If it’s exposed to debris, mud and such it may not run efficiently, require major repair or replacement.

If your home is flooded, what is the impact on your indoor HVAC equipment?

Damage may be difficult to see. Even though the outside of the equipment may appear to be clean and dry, the corrosion most likely will start inside of electrical components and controls. Corrosion can result in operational and reliability problems.

When in doubt, have the system checked by one of our professional HVAC technicians.

What are my options: should I repair or replace my system?

Because HVAC systems are not designed to operate underwater, many of the heating and cooling components could be damaged. A better option may be to replace the system.

If your unit was exposed to a small amount of water, chances are it could be repaired. A Tri-County Aire technician can determine whether a heating and cooling system should be repaired or replaced.

Should I worry about the ductwork?

If flood water has reached your ductwork, it should be replaced. Decontaminating ductwork exposed to flood water is a difficult process because flood water is often contaminated with pathogens from sewage, animal waste and other debris.

What will a licensed professional HVAC technician do after a flood?

Once the flood waters have receded, it will be time to request an inspection by one Tri-County Aire's certified HVAC technicians.

A technician will need to know the depth of water that flooded your home and how long the equipment was underwater. He’ll also want to know if your equipment was running during the flood event. Based on the information provided, he will inspect and make recommendations for repairing or replacing your equipment.

Typical steps include:

Inspect heating and cooling electrical components
Remove flood-residue from coils
Check all connections (indoor and outdoor units) and control circuits
Clean, dry and disinfect refrigerant system if not damaged
If there is a gas system, check gas valves and ductwork
Identify components that need repair
Or, recommend a system replacement

Increase Your Trane System's Lifespan by Keeping Your Air Conditioner's Coils Clean

nancy@oasisgrafx.com (Nancy Sheridan ) — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 14:29:17 GMT

DISCONNECT POWER TO THE AIR CONDITIONER

We'll look for the shutoff box outside, near the unit. If there is not shutoff box, you will need to show us where the circuit breaker is located so that we can turn off the power.

REMOVE THE OUTER CASE

Depending how the outer case of access panels are attached, we will need either a screw or nut driver to do this. Our technicians have the proper tools to service your unit.

REMOVE THE TOP FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER

Some air conditioners are constructed with the fan assembly attached to the top. If your air conditioner is built this way, we will be careful not to stretch or damage any wires.

CLEAN AND LUBRICATE ASSEMBLY

We will clean any dirt off the fan blades and use a shop vacuum to clean dirt off the fan motor and shaft. If the motor requires any lubrication, a small amount will be applied to each of its lubrication ports.

CLEAN A/C COILS

Dirt will be whisked away from the surface of the coils with a broom.

SPRAY TRAPPED DIRT AWAY FROM COILS

After covering any exposed wires or motors with plastic, we will use either water or a biodegradable foaming cleaner to spray cleaner and let oak for 10 to 15 minutes on the coils.

REMOVING THE CLEANER

We'll spray rinse water from the inside to remove the cleaner and any dirt away from the air conditioner coils.

INSPECT COIL FINS FOR DAMAGE

Using a special comb, we can straighten any bent coil fins.

REASSEMBLE THE AIR CONDITIONER

As your Trane Comfort Specialist™, we will reassemble your air conditioner after cleaning the coils.

DISCLAIMER

Trying to maintain your system may void your warranty. If you have any questions about your system, call Tri-County Aire at 800-890-5123.

Tips for Hiring the Right Southern MD HVAC Contractor

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Summer is here and your air conditioner is in high demand. So whether you need routine maintenance, repairs or replacement, you will need to be sure you’re hiring the right contractor for the job.

Know What You Want or Need. Be knowledgeable about what you need before calling an HVAC company. Take time to learn more about heating and air conditioning systems and make sure you know the make and model of your current system and the maintenance history. Be sure to make a list of how your system is performing ... not cooling, doesn't run, it's noisey, etc.
Ask for Referrals. If you trust your friends’ opinions about which auto repair, lawn care service, or restaurants, then why not trust their recommendation for an HVAC contractor.
Check for License & Certifications. You should see a company’s l icenses and certifications on their website. Knowing that your heating and air conditioning technician is certified by groups like NATE means your technician has passed quality and knowledge standards.
Ask for Proof of Insurance. Servicing and installing air conditioning systems can be hazardous which is why it’s important your service company is covered by general liability and workers’ compensation.
Get It in Writing. When a technician comes in for a service call, the cost for repair and/or installation can quickly add-up. Get all estimates in writing, and ask that the technician is specific in writing equipment needs and prices.
Not Sure, Get a Second Opinion . If something is questionable, don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion. Have another company look at the same problem and get a written estimate for comparison. Be sure to ask questions about what makes up the recommended equipment and cost difference,
Or, Go with Your Gut . Trust your instincts when it comes to working with a contractor. If something doesn’t feel right when it comes to service or professionalism, think twice before hiring that contractor.

For over 30 years, Tri-County Aire has provided quality and trustworthy heating and air conditioning service to Southern Maryland homes and businesses.

Don't hesitate to call 800-890-5123 to discuss your heating, air conditioning and indoor air quality needs.

Storms, Electrical Damage & Your HVAC

Thu, 05 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Here in Southern Maryland, we've experienced hurricanes, thunderstorms, lightning, high winds and fallen trees knocking out power lines and have been left in the dark. But when the power came back on, were you left without air conditioning?

Thunderstorms can bring on lightning strikes which can cause a power surge tripping a circuit breaker. Or maybe there’s an outage because a transformer blew which could result in a surge when the power comes back on. The circuit breaker’s job is to protect your equipment. Do you know how to reset the breaker and turn the a/c unit back on?

Start by turning the air conditioning system OFF at the thermostat.
Next, go to your electrical panel and find the circuit breaker for the a/c unit. Reset the circuit breaker by flipping the switch to OFF and then back to ON.
Be sure to wait 30 minutes making sure the thermostat is OFF. Doing this will give your air conditioner’s internal circuit breaker time to reset. If your thermostat is trying to cool, it won’t reset.
After 30 minutes, reset the thermostat to COOL. Usually, your air conditioner will come back on but if it doesn’t, you may have electrical damage.

How to tell if there is electrical damage.
If you reset the breakers and you still don’t have air conditioning, you may have electrical damage. Here’s what to check:

The Circuit Breaker Won't Reset
If you have more than your air conditioning failing to come back on, then the electrical damage extends beyond your a/c. If this is the case, it probably happened as a result of a power surge caused by lightning, or even a surge that happened when the power came back on. In this case, you’ll need to call a licensed electrician to repair the damage.

OR

The A/C Circuit Breaker Continues to Trip
If after turning your A/C back on you see that the breaker continues to trip, this may not be a sign of electrical damage to your air conditioner, but more. If it’s only the air conditioning circuit breaker that keeps tripping, it could be that your air conditioner is probably overheating, causing it to draw too much power.

CAUTION: If a circuit breaker is tripping repeatedly, do not turn it back on! The circuit breaker’s job is to protect your home’s wiring and equipment by shutting off the flow of electricity when the current flow gets too high. If it keeps tripping, there is a risk of fire when you turn it back on.

If you’re having recurring issues with your air conditioner, contact Tri-County Aire to request service .