Humidity Control Benefits and Options

By: Ken Metcalf
      Owner

Being a life long Florida resident and having spent the last 10 years in both the indoor and outdoor cooling business, I've become quite knowledgeable about humidity and the effects it can have on your indoor environment.  Most people don't realize that controlling humidity is key to controlling temperature because higher humidity will make the same temperature feel warmer than lower humidity.

When it comes to managing our indoor comfort most people only think of temperature as a key driver, but humidity has a profound impact on how comfortable we feel and the overall health of our indoor environment.  High humidity not only makes a room feel warmer but can lead to other problems like over cooling and promoting mold and allergen growth.  A well planned strategy can lead to lower energy bills, a more comfortable home and a healthier living environment.

The biggest myth regarding humidity control is that you air conditioning system is a dehumidifier and controls the humidity level in the home.  Although dehumidification is a by-product of the conditioning process it is not a managed function of most systems.  Most system controls have a temperature setting and only manage to temperature, not humidity.  The result is your system will have to work harder to get down to the desired temperature in more humid environments.

There are several options to assist in dehumidification:

1.  Purchase a thermostat with humidity control.  This options allows you to set your humidity to a specific level and will run your A/C as a dehumidifier when necessary.  You have to be sure to set your thermostat a few degrees higher since the dehumidified air will feel cooler.  The downside of this option is you'll be running your air conditioning and full speed for dehumidifation so you'll be cooling at the same time thus incurring the same costs as when you run your system for temperature control.

2.  Purchase a variable speed system with humidity control.  Same principal as above however, the system will run at lower speeds when only doing humidity control and will not us as much energy.  It will also be a bit quieter in humidity control mode.  This is very effective option but still runs your system to control humidity.

3.  Install a whole house dehumidification system.  This is the most expensive option upfront but offers the most flexibility and long term benefit.  In this model a separate unit is installed and is controlled by an integrated temperature/humidity control or a stand alone humidity control.  The air conditioning system is kicked on to maintain temperature and the dehumidification system is run to control humidity.

The dehumidification system can control humidity down to 50% which will greatly reduce the amount of cooling necessary to be comfortable thus reducing the amount of time your A/C will need to run.   A home running at 50% relative humidity can run the thermostat up to 4 degrees higher and still feel the same as a comparable home with humidity levels at 65%+.

As with any solution the real benefits are based on your desires and needs.  Lower humidity will make your summer more enjoyable and can lead to lower energy bills and longer system life span.  It can also result cleaner air and less allergens.

Heat Pumps

By: Ken Metcalf
      Owner

We often get asked, what is the difference between a heat pump and a straight cool air conditioner and why should I buy one vs. the other?

The fact is, when it comes to cooling your home there is little difference between the two systems.  Both pump cool refrigerant into a coil that air then run across to remove humidity and cool the air.  Hot gas is returned to the compressor to be cool and repeat the cycle.  There is no cost savings of one vs. the other in cooling mode.

The big difference in these two systems is how they heat a home.  A straight cool system will use an electric heating element inside the air handler to heat the air.  This is a very inefficient method of heating as the element will require lots of electricity to get heated to the necessary temperature to be effective.  Electric heating is usually the most expensive form of heating you can use.

A heat pump only uses an electric heater as an emergency backup and instead reverses the flow of refrigerant to the air handler, sending cool gas to the compressor and hot gas to the coil to heat the air as it passes over.  This is accomplished by a reversing valve in the compressor that enables the reverse flow of the gas.  This provides an efficient system for heating in mild winter environments.

One thing to be aware of is that since the cool gas is being pushed back to the compressor the heat pump will freeze over the coil.  This panics many people but is a normal operation of the system.  The heat pump has a defrost mechanism that will unfreeze the coil.

A heat pump will generally cost a bit more than a straight cool system but the energy savings over the life of the system generally pays for the difference.

Things to Consider When Buying a New Air Conditioning System

By: Ken Mecalf        February 11, 2013 Buying a new central air conditioning system can be an overwhelming experience, especially considering it is most people's third largest purchase they'll ever make behind their home and automobile.  Here are a few answers to question we get a lot. 1..Why should I hire a licensed contractor?

Installing a central air conditioning and heating system is a complex job that must be done in accordance with state codes, manufacturer guidelines and generally accepted standards.  Only licensed contractors are validated through state testing and on ongoing education requirements.  Licensed contractors also carry the necessary liability and workers compensation insurance to ensure you are not at risk if an accident were to occur during your installation.

2.

Why do I need to have a permit?

Not only are permits for HVAC installation projects the law, they are a protection for the consumer.  In order to pull a permit the contractor must prove that they are licensed and insured to do the work, they are installing appropriate equipment and the equipment is properly sized. Pulling a permit also makes sure the work is done to state code and regulations as it must be inspected by an agency official prior to closing the permit.  Unpermitted work can expose the homeowner to the risk of loss of homeowner’s insurance coverage and can cause issues with closing on the sale of the property in the future.

3.

What is the process for completing an installation?

At Air Command a typical replacement installation process consists of 5 steps as follows:  Estimate and Processing – One of our qualified service technicians will perform a thought site survey and evaluation and offer an estimate taking into account all items that will be sure the installation is in compliance with code and that the homeowner is receiving maximum value. Schedule and Job Setup – Once you decide you wish to move forward, our administrative staff will setup your job in our tracking system, schedule an installation time, apply for the appropriate permits and order your equipment and materials. Installation – Depending on the type of system being replaced the typical installation will take between 4 and 8 hours.  Our highly professional installation crews will remove and dispose of the old equipment and materials and install the new system to code specifications.  They will always work in a clean and professional fashion. System Startup and QA Inspection – To insure that no mistakes have been made and any follow-up items are addressed; our office will schedule a Quality Assurance Inspection prior to calling for a final permit inspection.  We will make sure everything is working up to specification and ready for the final inspection to close the permit.  We will also file any applicable rebates with the power company and/or manufacturer. Final Inspection – Our office will schedule a time with the homeowner and schedule the inspection with the appropriate municipality.  Unfortunately most municipalities will not schedule a specific time or window and the homeowner MUST be present at the inspection.  Once passed on the final the permit closed.

4.

What is covered in my warranty?

Most equipment warranties are 10-year parts and compressor and 1-year labor warranties but may require the homeowner to register with the manufacturer to get the full warranty.  Be sure to register within the manufacturer’s allotted time or you may only be eligible for 5-years of protection.  Typical warranties only cover labor and refrigerant for a maximum of one year.  The homeowner will be billed for these items on repairs required outside the labor warranty period.

5.

Why can’t I just buy one part of the system?

In the latest energy code revisions, the state of Florida has required that all equipment being installed must be a certified matched system by the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) as a matched system to a specified SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating).  This means in most cases where systems are over 3-years old both pieces of a split system will have to be replaced in order to qualify to pull a permit for the job.

6.	How long should my system last?
	Typical residential HVAC systems last between 8-12 years.  The life of the system can be impacted by quality of installation, how the system is operated, location of residence and the maintenance of the system.  Like all mechanical systems, properly maintained systems will last longer with less issues.

7.

How much can I save on my energy bill?

You should be very careful of false claims regarding this topic.  In Florida, cooling and heating represent 40-50% of the typical household’s electric bill.  Therefore the maximum savings from the replacement of your HVAC system is limited to the amount the system represents in your total energy bill.  Thus if your energy bill is $100 per month and your HVAC represents 50% of that amount, a system saving you 50% on your heating and cooling costs will yield a total saving of 25% or $25 on your total bill ($100 X 50% X 50%). Also be wary the claims of systems beyond 15-16 SEER as the increased cost to get the additional SEER rating is often difficult to justify in cost savings.

8.

Why should I service my new system?

For most people the purchase of a new HVAC system is the 3rd largest purchase they’ll make in their lifetime only behind a home and car.  Like all mechanical systems, your HVAC system will last longer with fewer issues is properly maintained per the manufacturer’s specification.  Most manufacturers recommend inspection at least once a year and most often twice a year.  Many manufacturers require maintenance or risk voiding the warranty

Welcome the the Air Command Digest

Welcome to Air Command's Digest blog where we'll do our best to keep you informed of what is happening in the ever exciting world of our business.  Air Command is a full service residential air conditioning repair, service and replacement contractor.  We are located in Pinellas Park, FL and serve all of Pinellas County, FL.

Our major brand is Carrier but we also service and install all other central air conditioning brands.  Our service team is a group of highl experienced professionals who regularly attend continuing training and education to keep their skill and knowledge up to date.

Air Command is owned and operated by Ken Metcalf and his wife Jenny.  We have been in business since 1984 and Ken and Jenny have owned the company since 1993.  We are a licensed and insured contractor who stand by our work and will do what ever it takes to make the customer happy.

We look forward to sharing tips of the trade, general information and maybe a funny story or two here.  So follow us and have a great and comfortable day.

Take Command of Your Comfort,

Ken Metcalf