Premier Indoor Comfort Systems Blog

Marietta Air Conditioning Tip: Components of an Air Conditioner

March 26th, 2012

Ever wondered how your Marietta air conditioner that keeps you cool all summer actually works? How exactly does it use electricity to create cool air and dehumidify your home? It’s actually an ingenious bit of technology developed over a century ago using four major components and a thermostat.

How these parts are implemented may change depending on the type of air conditioner you have and how much space it’s tasked with cooling, but the following components are standard in all AC units:

  • Evaporator – There are two sides to an air conditioner – the warm side and the cool side. The Evaporator is on the cool side and is paired with a fan that blows air over the coils. The air then chills and blows into your home to keep you cool.
  • Condenser – The condenser is the device responsible with transferring heat within the air conditioner. An air conditioner doesn’t actually make anything cool – it just removes heat from one environment and places it into another. By removing heat from one set of coils and transferring it to another, it creates the cooling effect that the evaporator then uses to cool your home
  • Expansion Valve – The expansion valve is responsible for regulating how much refrigerant passes into the evaporator coils. This refrigerant immediately expands when it reaches the evaporator coil due to the pressure drop.
  • Compressor – Once the refrigerant has depressurized and turned back into a gas, it is passed to the compressor which is then tasked with converting it back into a liquid and passing it into the warm part of your air conditioner.

And of course, this entire mechanism is monitored and regulated by a thermostat which tells the air conditioner when to turn on and what level of cooling is needed by your home. The system can also be setup in one of a couple different ways. Self-contained units, like window units, house the entire mechanism in a single box, while a central air conditioner separates the two units – the hot side with the compressor and condenser are placed outside the house.

Because there are so many parts and they work in harmony to create the cool environment you want, your Marietta air conditioning system needs to be carefully maintained. Regular maintenance is a must for every component. To schedule regular maintenance or for any questions about your home’s air conditioning system, give Premier Indoor Comfort Systems a call today!

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off

Atlanta Geothermal Tip: The Growing Popularity of Geothermal Heating and Energy

March 21st, 2012

It’s no secret that use of alternative energy sources is on the rise in Atlanta. Solar panels, windmills and hybrid cars have been heavily publicized over the past several years as people and governments try to employ energy strategies that are more efficient, friendlier to the environment and more cost effective.

One alternative energy option that you may have overlooked amid the press that the above topics have received is geothermal heating. That is, using the existing energy of the Earth as a means to heat and cool your home.

If you have in fact been unaware of geothermal heating and energy thus far, it is rapidly growing in popularity as an alternative energy source. According to an article in GOOD Magazine, there are projects currently underway that would double the United States’ capacity to produce electricity from geothermal energy. In the summer of 2011, the U.S. Congress approved $70 million in funding to research geothermal energy.

It’s not just the government getting in on the act, either. Some contractors report anecdotally that over the past five years or so, demand from customers for geothermal heating installations has risen noticeably.

What’s all the fuss about? Well, for starters, geothermal heating can lower heating costs dramatically by reducing reliance on electric or fuel-based heat. Anyone that has received a staggeringly high home heating bill knows that any relief would be welcome.

Additionally, geothermal heating has the advantage of being hidden from sight. Unlike solar panels that have to be mounted on your home or a towering windmill that dominates your property, geothermal pipes run underground. Once they’re installed, no one even knows they’re there.

It’s not all great news about geothermal heating in Atlanta. You’ll need some extra land to house the underground coils, and the cost of installation is usually higher than other Atlanta heating systems.

So, geothermal may not be for everyone, but if you are looking for an alternative energy solution, you have some land and you can invest some money upfront to see savings each month, then it might just be for you.

For more information, give Premier Indoor Comfort Systems a call today!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Geothermal | Comments Off

Conyers Geothermal Contractor Guide: Geothermal Installation Steps

March 14th, 2012

Are you interested in geothermal heating for your Conyers home? Are you considering using the natural heating and cooling energy of the Earth as a way to keep your home at a comfortable temperature?

If you are, you probably have a lot of questions, not the least of which have to do with the installation process. You may assume that it is complicated, but in most cases it is quite simple. Here is a simple summary of the steps involved in installing a geothermal system:

  1. The very first step, before any kind of installation can even be planned, is to evaluate the ground on which your home sits to be sure it can support a geothermal system. The area must be evaluated for soil and rock composition, availability of ground and surface water and availability of land.
  2. Once you have determined that your yard can handle a geothermal system, it is time to choose the type of system you need. This depends a lot on the evaluation from step 1, as well as some other factors. For one example, if you have very little land available, you may need to opt for a vertical loop configuration. For another, if you are fortunate enough to have a small body of water on your property, you can take advantage of a pond loop installation.
  3. Your contractor will dig and/or drill trenches for placement of the geothermal pipes. Try not to be nervous. They will disrupt your yard as little as possible.
  4. With the trenches prepared, pipes can be placed in accordance with the configuration you chose.
  5. Your contractor will fill the trenches back in to cover the pipes loosely. You may want to work with a landscaper to fully “re-assemble” your yard where the pipes were installed.
  6. Finally, the installation team will hook up the geothermal system to your home, make any necessary final adjustments, and you are good to go!

If you’re interested in geothermal heating in Conyers, contact Premier Indoor Comfort Systems today to discuss the installation process for your home.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Geothermal | Comments Off

Riverdale Solar Installation Question: Does Solar Make Sense in a Cloudy Area?

March 7th, 2012

There is a longstanding myth that if you live in a cloudy area you can’t use solar panels because, after all, you cannot see the sun very often. However, the truth is a lot more complicated and thankfully for you it means that solar panels are in fact very useful in such areas.

First, the Science

Solar panels are designed to absorb ultraviolet (UV) rays which are what carry the light we see during the daytime. However that light is not the actual energy being absorbed by the panels. While we may see a ray of ‘sunlight’ as a single entity, it is actually very complex. The light itself may be partially blocked by the clouds, but the UV rays that your solar system needs to generate electricity still get through even on the darkest of days.

Of course, efficiency can drop on cloudy days, but for the most part, what is important is the number of hours of daylight, not the intensity of that daylight. Another thing to consider is that solar panels are actually more efficient when it is cold outside so cloudy environments that tend to be colder offset much of whatever energy loss they have due to lower daytime high temperatures.

Why the Difference Doesn’t Matter

The real issue in terms of solar generation is the number of hours of daylight averaged throughout the year. The longer the day, the more sunlight exposure your panels get and the more electricity they generate. Fortunately, most people have the option of staying attached to the power grid.

Unless you live in a rural area with no power grid nearby, you can simply remain attached and when the winter months roll around, pull electricity from the grid. Better yet, you can supply electricity to the grid during the summer months when you produce excess electricity (and yes, you will do that!) and have a credit on your account that allows you to get free electricity in return in the winter.

If you have any questions about whether or not a solar system will work with your Riverdale home, give Premier Indoor Comfort Systems a call!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Solar | Comments Off

Mableton Furnace Installation Question: What Is Electronic Ignition?

February 29th, 2012

Gas furnaces are very complex pieces of equipment to have in your Mableton home. Modern ones in particular are designed to use as little gas as possible, and to recapture as much of the heat generated from burning that gas as can be done safely. One of the many safety and energy-efficient advances in furnace technology in the least twenty years is the electronic ignition.

The Purpose of Electronic Ignition

In older furnaces and boilers, a pilot light would stay lit continuously whenever the heating system needed to be available. That meant continuously burning gas throughout the fall, winter and spring months for those times when heat was needed. It was inefficient and unsafe, especially in older devices that didn’t have safety valves.

Today, furnaces are built with electronic ignitions – small devices that only ignite the gas supply when the thermostat is on. there are two types of electronic ignition used in boilers and furnaces today.

  • Intermittent Pilot – An intermittent pilot is unique in that it releases a spark through an electronic component to the gas pilot, lighting the gas burners.
  • Hot Surface Ignition – Hot surface ignition uses an electronic filament (like a lightbulb) to heat up and ignite the burners when the thermostat calls for heat.

Both devices are designed to use a very small amount of electricity and reduce the amount of gas needed for continuous operation of your furnace.

 Safety Benefits of an Electronic Ignition

While gas efficiency was a big part of the transition from pilot lights to electronic ignition, safety was an equally big component. Whereas before, the pilot light was continuously lit, meaning gas was continuously flowing into the furnace, today’s furnaces are essentially off when not in use. This means less of a chance that gas will flow unburned or that the pilot will get dirty or burn too soft, releasing carbon monoxide.

If your furnace still uses a traditional pilot light, consider having it upgraded to electronic ignition, not just to save gas but to keep your home and family safer. If you have any questions about your heating system, give Premier Indoor Comfort Systems a call today!

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off

Cartersville Solar Installation Guide: Myths About Solar Energy

February 24th, 2012

Have you ever heard…

  • Solar panels don’t work in cold places
  • They are ugly and bulky and drive down property values
  • Solar panels break when it snows or hails

There are countless myths like the ones above about solar energy and how effective it can be for your Cartersville home depending on where you live or what type of climate you have. However, most of these myths are just that – falsehoods and rumors spread from the days when solar power wasn’t a very effective energy source.

These days, solar energy is increasingly efficient and works in almost any climate if properly installed. Here are some other common myths you might hear about this popular alternative energy source.

  1. Too Expensive – While it is true that solar power is expensive, it is dropping in price rapidly. The cost of manufacturing has dropped to such that the cost per watt is between $5 and $8 – an all-time low. On top of that, most state governments and the federal government offer general rebates and tax incentives for having solar power installed.
  2. Constant Maintenance – If you want constant maintenance, stick with your fossil fuel based heating and energy sources. Solar panels and heating systems require less frequent maintenance than most other systems and last for up to 25 years.
  3. Inconsistency – Older solar panels were less efficient, only capturing 1-5% of the energy emitted by the sun. These days, solar panels are much better at capturing solar energy – ranging from 11% to a whopping 20% capture rate, which means they are incredibly effective, even in bad weather. For the record, that’s the same energy capture rate as your gasoline fueled car, but with none of the emissions.
  4. Making Back the Investment – Solar investment recuperation used to be a long process. These days, however, solar panels increase the value of your home, decrease your annual costs and give you peace of mind. The usual payback time is down to less than 20 years and even less if you sell your home.

Solar energy is one of the most efficient and effective ways to power your home today, despite the myths. Contact Premier Indoor Comfort Systems if you have any questions about using solar power for your home!

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Solar | Comments Off

Peachtree City Solar Installation Guide: What to Know Before Going Solar

February 22nd, 2012

If you’re preparing to make the leap to solar power for your Peachtree City home, there are a few things you need to know. From the cost of installation to the maintenance needs of that solar system and the amount of energy you can expect to pull out of the sun’s rays on a cold, wintery day, you’ll want to be prepared for whatever you’ll be up against.

Cost and Maintenance

The cost of solar panels has dropped quite a bit in recent years. In fact, the cost per watt is down to less than $8 and in some cases, can be as low as $5 due to state and federal rebates for using solar power. Maintenance costs are also low if you consider the fact that solar systems are self-sustaining and only need to be checked as often as your electrical system. The lifespan of these systems is also very long, up to 25 years in most cases.

Dependability in Bad Climates

While it is true that you will get a better return from solar panels in southern states like Arizona or in higher elevations where exposure is greater, most solar systems are very dependable. Because you can wire your system into the power grid, you can offset the low times with peak performance in the summer. Most people won’t even use all of the electricity they generate during long summer hours (especially when on vacation!) so they can make it up in the winter.

Hot Water and Heating

Most people picture photovoltaic panels when they think of solar power, but you can get an equal number of benefits from solar panels for your hot water or heating system. These passive solar systems are even less expensive than PV electrical systems and recuperate their costs in under 10 years in most cases.

Solar power is highly efficient, clean and increasingly affordable for any homeowners. If you are getting ready to make a major upgrade to your electrical or heating system, consider the benefits that are to be had with solar panels.  For more information about getting solar for your home, give Premier Indoor Comfort Systems a call!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Solar | Comments Off

Happy President’s Day from Your Greater Atlanta Metropolitan Area HVAC Contractors!

February 20th, 2012

Happy President’s Day from everyone at Premier Indoor Comfort Systems! Today we celebrate all of the great leaders that helped make our county what it is today. It is also a great time to think about ways you can help improve your community. Whatever town you live in, there are always ways you can help make it even better.  If everyone takes a little time to volunteer or help a neighbor, it can make a big difference! Remember that upgrading your HVAC system will make it more energy efficient, and making your house more green is good for everyone!

It’s an old tradition to celebrate Washington’s Birthday with cherries, in honor of the cherry tree story, so here is a recipe for some delicious cherry pie!

“You ‘ll be able to tell that this is a prize-winning recipe. The crust is flaky and buttery, the cherry filling is thick and perfectly sweetened, and there’s a lovely hint of almond extract.”

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup shortening

1/2 cup cold water

1 pinch salt

2 cups pitted sour cherries

1 1/4 cups white sugar

10 teaspoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon butter

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Cut the shortening into the flour and salt with the whisking blades of a stand mixer until the crumbs are pea sized. Mix in cold water. Refrigerate until chilled through. Roll out dough for a two crust pie. Line a 9 inch pie pan with pastry.
  2. Place the cherries, sugar, and cornstarch in a medium size non-aluminum saucepan. Allow the mixture to stand for 10 minutes, or until the cherries are moistened with the sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Lower the heat; simmer for 1 minute, or until the juices thicken and become translucent. Remove pan from heat, and stir in butter and almond extract. Pour the filling into the pie shell. Cover with top crust.
  3. Bake in a preheated 375 degree F (190 degree C) oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

This recipe is from allrecipes.com, visit their site for more details!

Tags: ,
Posted in Holiday | Comments Off

Mableton Heating Repair Question: Can Your Heating System Warn You of a CO Leak?

February 17th, 2012

As everyone in Mableton knows, carbon monoxide is a serious health risk. It is an odorless gas that is produced as a natural byproduct of combustion. So, any time something burns, carbon monoxide (CO) is released into the air.

As long as the area is properly ventilated, the carbon monoxide cannot build up in the air to a dangerous level of concentration. For example, if you are around a campfire or charcoal that is burning outside, you are generally safe.

In the home, the danger arises when combustion is not properly ventilated and this toxic gas is allowed to seep into our living spaces. If you use any gas, fuel or wood burning appliances in your home, you are at risk for exposure to carbon monoxide. To help mitigate that risk, it is important to know some warning signs. Your heating system gives off some warnings that can tip you off to danger, so be on the lookout for these three signals:

  1. Carbon monoxide detector goes off. Some heating systems these days have built-in carbon monoxide detectors, which can provide an extra measure of safety. Whether you have one of these systems or not, your home should still be equipped with a CO detector. If it begins sounding the alarm, get everyone out of the house immediately.
  1. A fume vent is leaking. Fuel-burning furnaces have vents to move combustion gases out of the house safely. If you notice this vent is leaking on your heating system, CO may be seeping into your house. Shut down the furnace, open windows for ventilation and have the fume vent repaired immediately.
  1. Smoke backing up from the fireplace. If you have a fireplace and you notice smoke in the room while using it, stop using it immediately. Your chimney may be blocked or leaking, preventing the smoke from rising and venting properly, which means CO can e getting into your house. Do not use the fireplace again until you have had the chimney inspected.

Please take care and note this is just a simple guide. There are other risks and warnings of carbon monoxide. If you have any suspicion that there is CO in your Mableton home, immediately call a Premier Indoor Comfort Systems to look into the situation.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off

Happy Valentine’s Day from Your Greater Atlanta Metropolitan Area Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor!

February 14th, 2012

Everyone at Premier Indoor Comfort Systems wishes you a very happy Valentine’s Day! We hope you have a day filled with lots of candy, flowers, and Valentines! Today is all about showing your appreciation for those you love, including your friends, your family, or your significant other. Take a moment today to think about everyone who makes a difference in your life and how you can let them know how special they are to you.

While traditional gifts like candy and flowers are wonderful idea, why not think a little out of the box this year? Upgrading your HVAC system can make your whole house more comfortable, which is something that your entire family will appreciate! A new air filtration system can help you breathe easier, and a new heating and cooling system can significantly lower your energy bills. While not the most romantic of gifts, it certainly will let your family know that you care.

For more information about how a few HVAC upgrades can make your house more comfortable, give Premier Indoor Comfort Systems a call. In addition to making your home cozier, you can also make your friends and family happy by making this delicious recipe for Fudge Truffle Cheesecake:

“When the chocolate addict in you begs for a sweet fix, bake this fluffy chocolate cheesecake over a chocolate cookie crust. Decorate it with even more cocoa delights, such as chocolate-dipped fruit or chocolate whipped cream.”

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/3 cup butter, softened

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed

milk

4 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, mix together crushed vanilla wafers, confectioners’ sugar, cocoa, and butter or margarine by hand. Press ingredients into a 9 inch springform pan.
  3. In the top of a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips, making sure that they are very smooth.
  4. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy with an electric mixer. Gradually beat in condensed milk until smooth. Mix in melted chocolate, eggs, and vanilla. Beat with electric mixer on low speed until the ingredients are thoroughly blended. Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
  5. Bake at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) for 55 minutes. The cake will seem underbaked in the center, but will continue to cook after you remove it from the oven.

For more details, visit allrecipes.com.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Holiday | Comments Off

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »