Buying Air Conditioning for Dummies - Part 2

Recap from the last article - Here are the six components of your Air Conditioning System.

(1) Outdoor air cooled condenser or heat pump.
(2) Indoor evaporator coil, this device works in conjunction with the outdoor unit.
(3) Freon piping system connecting the outdoor condenser to the indoor evaporator.
(4) Indoor air handler (electric heat) or furnace (gas heat). They are the heating module and contain the blower providing the airflow for both heating and cooling.
(5) Air distribution system which consists of the ductwork, grilles and register.
(6) Air filtering or clean air component, i.e. whole house air purification system.

And So we Continue...

I should mention at this time, your HVAC system is most likely the largest energy consuming appliance in your home and competes with the automobile in producing pollutants that may have an adverse impact on our environment. The pollution is not seeping directly form your system but from the power plant producing the electricity for your AC unit. Finally, I would like for you to realize this acquisition for your home will be with you for a decade or more, so proceed with caution as all air conditioning units, furnaces or the installing contractors are NOT created equal and the decision you are about to make will be long lasting.   

HVAC systems are purchased from and installed by heating and air conditioning contractors and the contractor is required by law to have a State License.  The State requires the contractor to maintain liability insurance and display their Name and License number on all trucks/vehicles in use of service or installing HVAC systems.

You will be buying your new HVAC system from a local installing contractor who will recommend an air conditioner and furnace unit brand such as Carrier, Trane, Lennox or a number of generic brands.  You might ask why some contractors recommend one brand over the other, well that’s simple, it is called dealerships. Just like the automobile industry the Ford dealer must meet Fords strict qualifications and most likely doesn’t sell Toyota who has its own specialized dealers and is a direct competitor. So most established HVAC contractors are a dealer of a premium brand, meaning they meet the requirements and training of the equipment manufacturer so, obviously that is the brand they will recommend. Some of these contractors will offer a premium brand with a generic offer for a lower price and promote it as being as good as the premium; the old bait and switch. The largest groupings of service contractors are the one or two men operations.  There is more small operators than large companies and they will recommend the generic brands because they don’t meet the major brands rigid qualifications. So, think on this for a while, and we will venture into the most important part next time.

For any queries or questions please contact Chapman Air Conditioning or call us at 214-340-4999

Trane Rooftop Unit Hoist, with helicopter.

So yesterday morning - Early morning, we drove out to Grapevine Mills Mall, because Chapman Air was lifting Rooftop Units onto the roof of the Mall. We get there, there is this HUGE, bright red Helicopter, just sitting there waiting for us - EXCITING. So I jump out, get my camera ready and start snapping away. its not often that I am let out of the office onto the job sites, so I had to make the most of it.

Sirkosky S-58-t and she was a beut. 5 State Helicopters In provided the bird and pilots, and of course Trane provided the rooftop units, All being coordinated by Chapman Air & Heat, albeit fretfully - by Carla.

So I took a couple of still shots whilst the crews got everything settled and organized. Air Conditioning is no joke and they had to get all their equipment ready, positioned, though I don't envy them because the boss was along to watch this one, and he is a stickler for procedure and getting things done right - the first time. So after about 30 minutes everything was ready, and the HeliWhopper was fired up. You would not believe the wash that those rotters made. One technician's helmet was blown clean off, and he had to scurry to get it back - because safety first, and you do not want to be underneath a helicopter with no helmet on.

Within a matter of minutes, the pilot had the bird in the air, hoisting the Trane Rooftop units and depositing them on the roof, with an efficiency and speed that I could only admire. It is always a pleasure to work with people who know what they are doing, and these jocks knew their stuff. So 4 Roof top units - hoisted with great ease, and now I can die a happy man.

Chapman Air & Heat, they sure know their stuff.

by
Job Ruzvidzo

Buying Air Conditioning for Dummies

**Warning; this is a boring document. However, if you can drudge thorough it, you will develop a better understanding of your home air conditioning & heating system. The purpose is to give you the knowledge (power) to select an Air Conditioning Contractor and equipment that will fit your family’s indoor comfort, budget and your home energy consumption.   

Let’s start with a little background about this unappreciated appliance called central air conditioning. Yes, I said unappreciated because most likely your furnace is in some dark closet, damp basement or dirty attic and the A/C unit is outside hidden behind shrub or bush. The only part of the system you are familiar with is the thermostat.  The human need to control indoor comfort began way back during the Roman Empire but for us it was with Willis Carrier’s revolutionary new invention in the year of 1914; a system that would control temperature, humidity, air circulation, ventilation and cleanse the air. Now in the 21 Century this appliance provides indoor comfort for millions of American families. 

First, you should know what you are buying is a central heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC, AC, air conditioning, heat pump, electric heating, furnace,) system that consist of six components:
(1) Outdoor air cooled condenser or heat pump.
(2) Indoor evaporator coil, this device works in conjunction with the outdoor unit.
(3) Freon piping system connecting the outdoor condenser to the indoor evaporator.
(4) Indoor air handler (electric heat) or furnace (gas heat). They are the heating module and contain the blower providing the airflow for both heating and cooling.
(5) Air distribution system which consists of the ductwork, grilles and register.
(6) Air filtering or clean air component, i.e. whole house air purification system.

Phew, done with the first part. Next we will be showing you how your HVAC system is most likely the largest energy consuming appliance in your home, and how you NEED to take a bit more time into making the right purchase.

For more insights, visit our website, www.chapmanair.com and see all the services we offer in your neighborhood.