Category: Filtration

For Reliable Heating and Cooling Throughout the Year, Consider an Air Handler

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

One of the most important components of a traditional heat pump system is the air handler. It provides you with reliable, steady heating and cooling all year round, while ventilating stale air out and fresh air in. Moreover, it filters out unwanted contaminants. An air handler can even give additional protection with humidity control and air quality upgrades.

How Does It Work?

The air handling unit is located in a home that has heating and/or cooling parts, a blower fan, dampers and filters. It controls the amount of air being sent through the heater or air conditioner. An air handler also determines whether the air being sent is cool or warm. It is connected to the ducts that distribute air through a home and returns it to the air handler via the air filter and return vent.

Installation Considerations

When selecting a new air handler, the existing cooling and heating systems in your home are extremely important considerations, as well as the total square-footage. Furthermore, if you only require an air handler for your heat pump or furnace for use in winter, you may not need dehumidification.

Conversely, if you want to use an air handler throughout the year for both cooling and heating, and have it integrated with other systems such as air filtration, UV germicidal lights and dehumidification, you’ll need one that can provide all the necessary tools and protections to meet your needs. A heating and cooling professional will have to come and assess your home to ensure you get a suitable air handler.

Common Culprits That Call for Furnace Repair

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Of course there are any number of things that necessitate furnace repair, certain problems occur much more commonly than others, as well as range from minor to potentially dangerous. Knowing what to look for can be helpful both in deciding how to proceed with the furnace repair process and also to help you communicate more effectively with your furnace repair technician.

One of the first things to check when your furnace fails to start is the thermostat. A faulty thermostat will not allow the furnace to recognize the need to start heating. The good news is a broken thermostat is also one of the more simple problems to have repaired.

If the furnace turns on, but one or two of the rooms of the house are not receiving air, the problem is likely to be in the air ducts themselves. Perhaps one or more of them are broken or have become blocked. This problem can become more difficult when the air ducts are in places difficult to reach.

If your furnace is lit, but none of the rooms are receiving air at, the problem could be the blower or the circulating fan. This problem will definitely call for a furnace repair. The blower takes the air from the cold rooms, runs them through the heat exchanger, warming the air, and then sends the warm air back into the house. A disruption in the flow of air can also cause overheating in the furnace itself.

Clogged, dirty, or blocked air filters can also cause problems and lead to furnace repair. It is essential to have clean and clear filters through which the air may move freely. Restricting the flow of air can cause unnecessary strain on the system and increase energy consumption. However, this problem is more an issue of maintenance. Make sure to clean your filters at a very minimum of once every three months during the use of the furnace; more often would be even better. Caring for and getting routine maintenance for your heating system will help prevent the need for furnace repair in the first place.

What to Know Before Furnace Repair

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Updated: October 2023

If you have a furnace, chances are one day you will find yourself in need of furnace repair. When that day comes, it will be a good idea to know a few basics about the furnace you are using at home. This way, you will be able to communicate more easily with any technician who will be helping you in your furnace repair.

First thing’s first: you need to know what type of furnace you have. Modern furnaces are usually referred to by their efficiency of heat use, and whether they use propane (less common) or natural gas (more common). You may also have an oil heating system. Most older furnaces have an efficiency of 50-60%, while newer furnaces can range anywhere from 80-100% efficiency. When speaking of efficiency, we are saying how much of the generated heat will go into the actual heating of the house, and how much will be vented away to the outside without having been used. When looking at furnace repair, you may hear some discussion about the efficiency of your furnace.

It’s also helpful to have a basic knowledge of the parts and setup of your furnace. As you will most likely not be doing the actual furnace repair (a certified technician should absolutely be called), a simple familiarity with some of the major terms will be sufficient:

  • Gas line – Where the gas enters the furnace from an outside source.
  • Shut off valve – Stops the supply of gas to the furnace.
  • Pilot light – Small burning flame which stays lit and serves to light the burners.
  • Electronic igniter – Electric alternative to a pilot light. Does not stay lit, lights the burners much as a spark plug.
  • Burner – Where the gas is ignited in order to provide heat for the household.
  • Heat exchanger – Area inside the furnace which the burners heat up. Air moves through the heat exchanger in order to become warm.
  • Blower and circulating fan – Takes cooler air out of the house, moves it through the heat exchanger (where it becomes warm), and pushes back into the house.
  • Ducts – The ventilation through which the air travels around the house and back to the furnace.
  • Filter – Screen designed to take dust and small particles out of the air circulation, helping both to improve air quality and to keep the furnace clean.
  • Flue pipe – Removes to the outside of the house carbon monoxide and any other exhaust produced from burning gas. Older furnaces often vent through the chimney; newer, more efficient furnaces do not produce as much exhaust and, therefore, may vent through a small, independent pipe.

Heating and Cooling Filters Never Get a Break – Change Them Every 3 Months

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

The performance of your heating and cooling system is greatly affected by the condition of the air filters. As air flows in and out of your system, the filter traps particles like pet dander, pollen, dust mites and dirt, and removes them from the air. Over time, dirt builds up on the filter like this:

Dirty, clogged filters block normal air flow and affect overall performance, but they also increase energy consumption. If you keep the filter in your heating and cooling system clean, you can reduce its energy consumption by 5-15 percent.

Dirty filters also:

  • Compromise the quality of your air.
  • Reduce the amount of air flowing into the system. This forces the fan motor to work harder and consume more energy, and you pay more money to stay comfortable.
  • Shorten the life of the motor because it works too hard. Once again, you pay money to have it prematurely replaced.
  • Cause the temperature of your furnace to rise as a result of reduced air flow. This places stress on the heat exchanger which may cause it to crack or allow lethal carbon monoxide to leak into your home.Filters should be checked every month. If they are dirty, replace them. At a minimum, air filters should be changed every 3 months.Many types of air filters are available. For your heating and cooling system to provide optimal performance, it’s important to use the correct type and size of filter. Often, the most efficient filters are not suitable for all systems. See which type of filter your owner’s manual recommends.

A Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioning System Can Do a Mighty Big Job!

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Ductless mini-split air conditioning systems offer you a space-saving alternative to large conventional heat pumps, air conditioners and furnaces. If mini-splits are properly sized for your home, they are just as effective and powerful as larger units that involve bulky networks of ducts to deliver air conditioning around homes.

A central outdoor unit is the main controller of a ductless mini-split air conditioning system. You can attach as many as four smaller units to it through a wall conduit. The great thing about mini-splits is that, when deciding where to put them, you’re not hindered by duct arrangements.

This means you can focus on cooling and heating rooms or spaces that are used often, leaving those that are used less frequently with no air conditioning. All four of the air-handling units can operate separately, thereby reducing overall energy use.

Mini-splits are extremely energy-efficient. They reduce the energy that’s often lost with ducted air conditioning. They also help improve the quality of indoor air. No air is circulated through ducts, so there are fewer airborne contaminants and particles in your air. This cuts down on the aggravation of allergies and respiratory problems like asthma.

Small mini-splits give you numerous options for room design and arrangement because they can be positioned almost anywhere, and even incorporated into a room’s design.

The initial expense of a ductless mini-split system is about 30 percent more than central cooling and heating systems – and twice more expensive than window air conditioners. But, the advantages and convenience of mini-split air conditioning easily justify the initial outlay.

Your A/C’s Air Filter: MERV By the Numbers

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Taking the mystery out of what MERV ratings are and how they affect the air quality of your home doesn’t have to be a chore. We’ll break it down for you in an easy and comprehensive way. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, by which your indoor air filter is measured according to the filter’s ability to arrest airborne particles. Filters are measured on a MERV scale from 1-16.

Choosing the right air filter can greatly improve the indoor air quality of your home and give your family relief from common irritants such as allergens, tobacco smoke, spores, dust mites and odors. Your air filter will vary in efficiency depending on its composition. Let’s break it all down by the numbers.

  • The most common air filter type found in most homes and apartments has a MERV rating of 1-4. These filters capture contaminants 10 microns and larger, such as carpet fibers, pollen, dust mites, sanding and spray paint dust. These types of air filters need to changed very often.
  • Filters with a MERV 5-8 are basic commercial filters and are highly recommended for home use due to their ability remove mold spores, fine cement dust and particles as large as 3 microns in size.
  • Commercial and industrial air filters that are rated between 9 and 12 have the ability to arrest particles that are 1-3 microns in size such as smoke, lead and insecticidal dusts.
  • Hospitals, sterile environments and clean rooms require extra protection and use filters rated MERV 13-16. These air filters will capture particles as small as 0.3 microns in size, such as viruses, bacteria and fumes from cooking. These Merv 16 filters are available for home use and are highly recommended for homes.

It’s also important to note that electrostatic filters are not listed and do not have MERV ratings due to the fact that they use a different method of capturing particles.If you’d like more information or a consultation, our friendly and knowledgeable experts at Acosta Heating and Cooling will be glad to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today!

Elements of a Well-Designed Duct System

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

As a homeowner, you’re likely to think that your duct system is not as important as your heating and cooling equipment. But it is. That’s because a well-designed duct system can boost the efficiency and comfort potential of your HVAC equipment—significantly.

You see, your HVAC equipment relies heavily on your ductwork to deliver the heated and cooled air that it generates. If your duct system’s design is under par, your comfort and efficiency can be greatly hindered—no matter how efficient your system is.

To develop a well-designed duct system that will efficiently deliver conditioned air and boost your home comfort, it should:

  • Meet the heating and cooling load of individual rooms, which is calculated using the Manual J method
  • Be properly sized, using Manual D
  • Minimize air leaks with a tightly-sealed system that keeps conditioned air inside of the ductwork
  • Balance the return-air and supply-air portions of the duct system, so that the home remains at a neutral pressure
  • Reduce temperature gains and minimize temperature losses as the air moves through the supply and return ducts.
  • Install registers where they are not blocked by room furnishings
  • Supply outlets located away from return outlets so air will not short cycle
  • Utilize a return grille on each floor of a two-story home
  • Plan for a return duct in rooms with doors

Provide adequate insulation for ductwork that runs thru unconditioned spacesWith these design principles in mind, your duct system can optimize heating and cooling equipment operations, boosting efficiency to expected levels and ensuring a comfortable home while minimizing hot and cold zones.Enlist the help of an expert to design your duct system for optimal results. Proudly serving homeowners in the greater Charlotte area for over 40 years, Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical is happy to help you design a new system, or retrofit your existing one. Just give us a call today! With our expertise and expert training, you can rest assured that we’ll get the job done right the first time.

6 Ways to Minimize Your Risk of Water Damage When You’re Running Your Air Conditioner

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

One of the benefits provided by your air conditioner is dehumidification of your indoor air. As air circulates through the system, it flows across the evaporator coil. Water is drawn out of the air as condensation forms on this coil. The water is then drained away and the drier air circulates back into your home.

The presence of this water creates a constant possibility of leaks and overflows. Here are six ways you can minimize the risk of water damage from an active air conditioner.

1. Preventive maintenance:

Contact your local trusted HVAC service professional to schedule regular preventive maintenance. This is the best thing you can do to keep your air conditioner running well and without leaks. Your technician should check and clear main and emergency drains. Coils should also be cleaned and contactors inspected for possible damage.

2. Algaecide:

Regular applications of algaecide will keep algae from growing inside the pipes and causing clogs.

3. Adequate airflow:

Your air conditioner must have an unobstructed flow of air to work properly. Change filters regularly to prevent them from getting dirty and clogged. Ensure adequate airflow around the outside unit by trimming back tree limbs and other vegetation.

4. Emergency drainage:

Check the emergency drain outlet frequently. If water is coming out of this pipe, it means your primary drain is clogged and a leak is likely to happen soon. Shut off your air conditioner and call for service.

5. Mechanical media filter:

If your air conditioner uses this type of filter, contact an HVAC technician to replace it at least once a year.

6. Safety float switch:

Have a safety float switch installed in the drain pan. If the water level in the pan rises too much, the switch will shut off the air conditioner. When you notice the air conditioner isn’t running, you’ll know to call for service.

For 40 years, Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical has been providing professional heating and air conditioning services to customers in Charlotte and surrounding areas. Contact us today for more information on preventing water damage from your air conditioner or to schedule a preventive maintenance call to ensure clear drains and effective operation.

Your New Air Conditioner: Pay Attention to the Seer Ratings, But Consider These Features, Too

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

No matter what brand of air conditioner you choose to buy, the unit should be as efficient as possible so that it provides good cooling at a reasonable price. An Energy Star certification will ensure you’re getting a model that has passed government tests for efficiency. The unit should have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 15 or higher, with higher SEER numbers indicating better efficiency.

Beyond SEER, however, there are several other features that will improve the performance of your new air conditioner while providing high levels of efficiency and ongoing savings on your monthly cooling bills.

  • Variable-speed air handler: Variable-speed blower motors in your air handling system are designed to operate at lower energy consumption while delivering the right amount of air circulation for your indoor comfort. They produce all the air you need without using excess energy.
  • Automatic delay fan switch: This feature shuts off the fan a few minutes after the unit’s compressor turns off. This ensures that all cooling left on your indoor coil is circulated before the fan is shut off.
  • Fan-only switch: This feature lets you run the fan in your system for ventilation only. It also circulates the air in your home cleaning it as it passes the filter and the air movement makes it feel cooler, keeping air circulating through your house without spending money on unnecessary cooling.
  • Filter reminder: Filter changes keep your air conditioner running efficiently and reliably. A filter reminder will let you know that it’s time to put a new filter in the system to keep it running at its best and without breakdowns.
  • Sound Rating: A noisy air conditioner can be a source of aggravation. Make sure the model air conditioner you choose has a low sound rating to reduce stress-causing background noise in your home.

For 40 years, Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical has been a trusted source of professional heating and air conditioning services for customers in Charlotte and surrounding areas. Contact us today for more information and expert advice on air conditioners and the features that will work best for you.

Whole-House Air Cleaner and UV Lights – for That Breath of Fresh Air You Need

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

If you’re looking to improve the quality of your indoor air with one simple purchase, a whole-house air cleaner and ultraviolet (UV) lights are two of your best choices. Knowing what pollutants trigger allergy or asthma symptoms for you or members of your family is the first step. However, if multiple contaminants trigger these symptoms, there’s an even better solution.
Manufacturers such as Lennox now recognize the advantages of various technologies, such as whole-house air cleaners and UV lights, and you can now choose equipment that combines multiple indoor air-quality solutions in one system.

One such system, Lennox’ PureAir, utilizes a whole-house air cleaner and UV lights, along with odor and vapor protection to optimize results.

Whole-house air cleaner

This portion of the PureAir system relies on a filtration technology to target a range of problematic pollutants, including pet dander, pollen and dust particles. Utilizing a Precision Pleat MERV 16 filter, when the air first passes through the system it is able to capture the smallest of particles, down to 0.01 microns, taking them out of your home’s airstream.

UV lights

Next, the air passes over UV lights, designed to specifically target mold, viruses, dust mites and bacteria. Instead of trapping these pollutants, powerful ultraviolet rays zap them, so that they are harmless after coming into contact with the UV rays.

Odor and vapor protection

During the final phase, the PureAir utilizes powerful odor- and vapor-reducing technology to filter out volatile organic compounds, in addition to removing odors from a variety of sources, including those from cleaning solutions, paints and cooking.
When choosing a system, consider the following factors:

  • Clean air delivery rate (CADR). Select an system with a CADR rating that will match the square footage of your home
  • Operating costs. Air cleaners will generally work only as long as you run your furnace blower, even if your furnace or A/C is off, in order to circulate air. Run the numbers with an expert to estimate each system’s annual operating costs.

With a whole-house air cleaner like PureAir, you can expect cleaner air. For expert advice in greater Charlotte, contact Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical.