A Plus Comfort Blog

Gas Furnace Equipment Components and How They are Utilized

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 19:01:19 GMT

There are many different parts that keep your furnace operating smoothly and efficiently. Below we will be breaking down the individual parts of your furnace system. We are going to be focusing on gas powered furnace components and non-geothermal heating methods. We are not going to be focusing as much on furnaces such as space heaters, but a lot of the space heaters have the same parts. We want to focus today on furnaces that are directly tied into a HVAC system. The furnace components we will be discussing will most likely belong to your standard furnace that is tied into a duct system.

Heat Exchanger

When gas burns it gives off a very toxic chemical called carbon monoxide. When breathed in it it can be very detrimental to the health of the residents in the domicile. A heat exchanger will help prevent the toxic gas from mixing with fresh air. A heat exchanger is a relatively simple piece of equipment considering its job is so important. A heat exchanger has long metal tubes that have been bent into an S shape. Gas flames burn inside the tubes and expel the toxic gasses through the roof. The blower motor forces air on the outside of the tubes heating the air as it does. This also keeps toxic flame exhaust from mixing with the clean air. This component should be regularly checked for cracks due to its very important job. Carbon Monoxide detectors in your home are also very important. Checking your Carbon Monoxide detectors and your furnace regularly can ensure the safety of you and your family. For a better understanding we’ve listed the systematic process of a heat exchanger in a heating cycle below;

Burners trigger combustion gases and send them through the first opening in the heat exchanger.
At the same time as step one the blower releases cool air over the exterior of the heat exchanger.
It uses heated combustion gases to warm the air, which is then distributed throughout the home.
Toxic Exhaust is released through the roof exhaust or FLUE pipe.

Igniter and Pilot Lights

A gas furnace needs some type of flame or very hot heat to initiate combustion. Older furnaces use a pilot light that burns constantly while the gas is on. Modern day furnaces use a Hot Surface Ignitor (HSI). The HSI (below) glows red hot, reaching a temperature hot enough to initiate the combustion process.

Burners

A burner is where gas and air are combined creating a flame that becomes the heat source.

Gas Valve

Gasoline has to be pressurized when it enters your home from your gas line. The pressure is usually 8-12 inches of water column when it originally enters the home. The gas valve pressurizes it to the needed amount of pressure for the furnace which is usually 3-5 inches of water column. Inches of water column is used to measure gas pressure. The gas valve controls all the gas going into the furnace. When the safety switch fails the gas valve kind of acts like a secondary safety switch shutting down the pathway into which all gas to the furnace.

Thermocouple

A Thermocouple is used in relation to the pilot light to detect whether or not the pilot light is lit. It uses two small metal wires that rest inside a tube that when heated conduct electricity. After being heated they send a 24 volt signal to the gas valve allowing gas flow. If the thermocouple is bad or does not sense heat from the pilot light it will not allow gas into the system.

Flame Sensor

A flame sensor works as a safety to detect heat when a Hot Surface Igniter is used. If it does not detect heat it will shut off the gas.

Draft Inducer Motor

Since when gas is burned it produces toxic fumes, it is necessary to have proper ventilation. This perhaps is one of the most important things that needs to happen in your furnace to ensure consumer safety. A draft inducer motor is triggered before the gas is. This in turn creates a vacuum inside the furnace system safely expelling combustion exhaust through the vent pipe.

Pressure Switch

The pressure switch’s job is to make sure the draft inducer motor has been turned on and is expelling gas properly through the vent. Inside is a small diaphragm that allows the switch to detect the vacuum that is pulled by the inducer motor. If a vacuum occurs then the diaphragm pulls in which activates a switch allowing gas flow. If a vacuum is not sensed then no gas will be allowed into the system.

Blower Motor

A blower motor is what blows the air into the vents of your home. The blower motor cycles air into the home from a return air filter past the heat exchanger and out into the home. Blower motors have a tendency to malfunction due to dirty air filters more than most components.

Blower Motor Capacitor

High and low voltage run through the capacitor run and send the necessary power to the blower motor. It is used to help start a blower motor and sometimes keep the blower motor running at a certain rate of speed in some cases. Not all systems use a capacitor to run the blower motor.

Furnace Limit Switch

A furnace has multiple safety switches contained within its system. Yet another is the furnace limit switch. When the furnace becomes too hot this switch is activated. The switch shuts off the gas to the system as soon as it’s activated. If at any point the the switch is triggered it will turn off all gas to the furnace until the problem is addressed.

Return Air Filter

The return air filter being dirty is one of the number one causes of dirt and debris entering your unit. To avoid this change out your filter every 30-60 days. This will prevent those debris from entering your system and keep your unit running for longer.

With all of your furnace needs this winter season allow us here at A-Plus Comfort LLC help you. We have over 5 years of experience in the HVAC trade in Huntsville, Alabama and the surrounding areas. We are more than happy to assist your in your HVAC needs or questions. Give us a call today at (256) 585-2550. Thank you!

Global Climate Change and How it Affects HVAC

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 18:37:20 GMT

As we progress in technologies the HVAC industry continuously is changing with new technology. This new technology provides a lot of benefits not only for the consumer, but global climate change as well. These technologies have helped increase the energy efficiency of the unit and overall systems. Below we will discuss why this is beneficial to global climate change.

Measurement Tools of Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency in HVAC, refers to how efficiently your HVAC system is consuming the energy and how much energy it takes to run the system. The more energy efficient your system is, the more money you will save as the consumer. Energy efficiency is measured by SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio). Your heat efficiency of your system is measured by HSPF (heating seasonal performance factor). Also with furnaces and heating systems the fuel consumption usage of the system is measured by the AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency).

How Energy Efficiency Affects Global Climate Change

The more efficient your system is the less fuel and energy your system will consume. High efficiency systems consume significantly less amount of energy than your standard system. Utilization of energy and fuel will mean much less energy and fuel pollution expelled from your HVAC system. 50 percent of all energy consumed in a household is directly correlated with the home’s HVAC system. That is why it is at the utmost importance that your HVAC system be as energy and fuel efficient as possible.

The Evolution of Refrigerant and HFCs

There are two main types of refrigerant in residential and commercial use right now; R-22A and 410A refrigerant. R-22a is currently being phased out by the more environmentally friendly refrigerant 410A due to the Montreal Protocol. The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances that are responsible for ozone depletion. The new refrigerant expels much less HFCs or Hydrofluorocarbons. HFCs are the ozone depleting exhausts that rapidly build up in the atmosphere. By switching to this lower HFC emitting refrigerant we can help slow the buildup of HFCs in the environment which will in turn help the ozone layer overall. R-22A is a huge contributor to ozone depletion. That is why it was essential to phase it out for 410A refrigerant.

Here at A-Plus Comfort LLC we’d be happy to help with your refrigerant phase change. We have been gladly serving Huntsville, Alabama and the surrounding areas for over 5 years. We would like to assist you in all your HVAC needs, give us a call at (256) 585-2550. Thank you!

Why You Should and How You Should Clean Your Dryer Vents

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 21:36:49 GMT

Lint build up in your dryer vent is a huge fire hazard due to the combustibility of lint. Lint builds up in more places in your dryer duct system than most people realize. Here in this blog we will be giving a detailed description on how to clean, identify, and avoid these huge fire hazards.

Signals of Lint Buildup

When it comes to lint buildup there are a couple of things you want to look for;

Clothes are not drying fully or are taking longer to dry than usual.
Your clothes feel hotter than usual at the end of your dryer cycle.
The outside of the dryer is overheating or feels hot to the touch.
Low exhaust velocity, which is indicated by your outside exhaust flap not opening fully.
Noticeable difference in humidity in the laundry area.
A burnt smell is permeating from your dryer.

All of these listed above are signs that it could be time to clean out your dryer vents. Make sure to keep an eye out for these signs to avoid fires and lower efficiency of your dryer system.

Tools For The Job

First you will need a vacuum with a long hose extension. Second you will need a dryer vent brush kit, which should be available at your hardware store. Third you will need a Phillips head and, or flat head screwdriver. Lastly you will need UL- listed foil tape.

Safety Considerations

First before you ever work on anything be sure that the power to your device is off. In this case it’s a dryer. Make sure to wear gloves and the proper safety equipment as well. Here at A-PLus Comfort LLC your safety is our number one concern. After you’ve acquired all the correct equipment and completed the steps above, you are ready to start cleaning!

Remove the Dryer Lint Trap

Carefully remove the trap in your dryer that catches all the excess lint from your clothes. Using a vacuum get all the excess lint caught in the screen of the trap. Make sure to clean thoroughly. Once completed there shouldn’t much lint at all left. Cleaning this regularly with help prevent lint buildup in your vents.

Vacuum the Lint Trap Housing

There is a lot of lint that your lint trap does not catch. The housing that holds the dryer lint trap gets incredibly dirty. Vacuuming this out is also a great preventive measure to avoid having to completely clean your dryer duct system. It will also prevent a dryer fire from taking place. Make sure to periodically check this housing. A lot of homeowners totally forget about this manifold.

Dryer Ductwork

The next step to this cleaning process is disconnecting your ductwork from your dryer system.

First make sure your dryer is unplugged and the breaker to it has been flipped to off so no power is going to your dryer. If it is a gas powered dryer make sure that the gas valve is shut completely off. Disconnect the duct joint closest to the dryer. Next pull your dryer away from the wall and ductwork. Be careful not to rip or puncture your duct system. Also make sure it has been completely disconnected from the dryer before you attempt to pull the dryer out. Next pull out any excess ductwork, and carefully remove any old take from the duct system. Using the manufacturer's instructions carefully assemble your duct brush kit. Insert the duct and rotate it in circular motion. Make sure to pull out the brush assembly regularly and clean it. Repeat this process until there is no more more visible lint. You will clean the remainder of the duct system using these same techniques. After that is complete check the outdoor dryer vent and clean that until it’s free of debris.

Reattach Your Ductwork

After you’ve completed all the steps above, you are now ready to reattach your dryer duct work. Make sure it is reattached properly to your dryer system. Make sure your reattached duct meets all of the building codes and requirements.

Closing Statements

Here at A-Plus Comfort LLC we are happy to assist you in any way we can. We have gladly been serving Huntsville, AL and the surrounding areas for over 5 years. Feel free to contact one of our technicians today at (256) 585-2550. Thank You!

How Long You Can Expect Your HVAC System to Last and Factors That Contribute to Shorter Lifespan of System

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 18:56:20 GMT

Furnaces typically have a life expectancy of 15-20 years on average. Heat pumps last 16 years on average. Air conditioning units generally last 16-20 years. Tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of 20 years while a gas or electric water heater have a life expectancy that’s half that. Even though the older units were significantly less energy efficient, they malfunctioned a lot less. In the older units there were much less parts that could malfunction and the system while low in efficiency was very straightforward. Due to the lack of moving parts the older systems could take a lot more abuse from the elements and much less maintenance. They were less susceptible to dirty filters, plant overgrowth on the outside of the condenser, dirty blower wheels, dirty coils, and oversized ductwork. The newer systems save you much more money relative to the old ones. The new units require more maintenance but have the potential to last just as long as the old units while simultaneously saving you way more money on energy efficiency.

Factors Pertaining to the Life Expectancy of Your System

In any HVAC system it is important to maintain a certain level of understanding. Having this knowledge can help you keep your HVAC system running correctly, efficiently, and overall will increase the life of your unit. Are you regularly getting your system maintained? Poor maintenance practices can lead to a unit malfunction. If your unit had manufacturer issues or a defective essential component failure that can be a cause of unit failure as well as, over-sizing or under-sizing the system. Here are some additional factors; improper installation, to high or too low of an electric load, improper system usage. Out of all the reasons listed above the most common cause for system malfunction is two things: Lack of seasonal and general maintenance and an over-sized system. A lack of maintenance can lead to the wear and tear of the unit and its components as well as shorten the overall unit life expectancy. Over-sizing your unit can lead to frequent on and off cycling. This puts unwanted extra pressure on the compressor or blower motor and cause them to fail.

Here at A-Plus Comfort LLC we can help to keep your unit and system running. We have been gladly serving Huntsville, AL and the surrounding areas for over 5 years. If you need some assistance give us a call at (256) 585-2550 we would be happy to help you! Thank you!

Tips On Buying a Furnace for a Historic Home

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 18:49:29 GMT

When buying an older home there can be a lot of things to consider. If you still have the original furnace system of the home it most likely is outdated, unsafe, and very low efficiency. If you are flipping a house to resell it replacing the furnace system can increase the value of your home. When replacing a furnace system we here at A-Plus Comfort LLC are here to help advise and inform you on the multiple things to consider.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is at the utmost importance when considering how much money you are going to save. There are basically three types of energy efficiency ratings.

High Efficiency- provides 90% energy efficiency

Medium Efficiency- provides 80% to 90% energy efficiency

Conventional Efficiency- provides 75% to 80% energy efficiency

Generally high efficiency systems are used in commercial applications. You could get a high efficiency system for your home, but getting a unit that is too big for your home doesn’t save energy at all due to the fact that it is costing more energy to run the oversized unit. A medium efficiency system will suffice for your home and be the most cost effective unless you have a smaller home, then a conventional furnace will do.

Ductwork

If your furnace is outdated the ductwork surely will be too. Older ductwork is incredibly prone to leakage. Leakage is one of the biggest ways you can lose money and efficiency on your unit. When changing out your furnace consider changing out your ductwork. This will utilize the maximum efficiency of your system. It's also very important to have a very well ventilated system.

Maintenance

Maintenance of your furnace system is very important for efficiency and safety reasons. Talk to your local HVAC professional for the best preventive maintenance plans and options. Maintenance will also increase the longevity of your unit.

Aesthetics

New age furnaces are very adaptable. They can virtually fit almost anywhere without sacrificing the functionality. This is also important for preserving the historic nature of your home. Your furnace can most likely remain out of sight which certainly preserve the natural patina of your home. With all your local HVAC needs in Huntsville, AL and the surrounding areas A-Plus Comfort LLC will be happy to help. Call us at (256) 585-2550 today!

Why Your Furnace is Blowing Cold Air

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 18:26:35 GMT

When winter arrives, the last thing you need is your furnace going out. The furnace of your HVAC system provides heat throughout your entire home, so during the winter, it's very important that it’s working properly. I will explain also how to troubleshoot a furnace as well.

Your Furnace Needs To Warm Up

When you first turn your furnace on its completely normal to feel a blast of cold air. Your furnace needs time to warm up and is expelling cold air out of the vents. Just give it a moment and if you feel warm air you are golden.

Thermostat is Set to On

If you can still feel cold air blowing after about 15-20 minutes after you have turned your furnace on, check your thermostat the unit fan may be set to on. This makes your furnace blower constantly run, even when your furnace isn’t heating the air. Your furnace blower is the fan inside the furnace that helps expel carbon monoxide out of the exhaust vent of your furnace. By setting the fan to “auto” the fan will only blow when the furnace is heating air.

The Flame sensor is dirty

Pilot-less ignition furnaces use a flame sensor (pictured below) to keep the furnace burning once it cycle starts. If your flame sensor is dirty your unit will begin to turn on and heat up, but then very quickly turn cold. To clean your flame sensor we recommend employing the help of a licensed HVAC technician.

The Pilot Light is Out

The older your furnace is, the more likely your pilot light has stopped working. Which in turn will cause your system to blow cold air. To reignite your pilot light we recommend a licensed HVAC tech, to ensure your security and safety. If it doesn’t stay lit, this most likely means it's time for your HVAC to do some routine maintenance. There could also be the thermo-couple which is the copper rod the pilot flame hits. (image below)

Check Your Air Filter

Your air filter should be changed out every 1-3 months on your HVAC system. If your air filter is clogged, it can cause your furnace to run improperly. A dirty filter can limit the airflow going into your system. In turn, this can cause your furnace to run longer until it overheats from exertion. If your furnace overheats it will do nothing but blow cold air. Changing out your filter will then resume the correct airflow to your system, and it will be much less likely to overheat.

If you have gone through all the steps above and still can’t figure out what’s wrong with your furnace be sure to get in contact with a licensed HVAC professional. If you live in Huntsville, AL or the surrounding areas we would love to assist you here at A- Plus Comfort LLC. Give us a call at (256)585-2550 and one of our licensed tech will be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Thank You!

The Difference Between a Good and Bad Install

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 18:47:58 GMT

When performing a HVAC system install there are a lot of very important factors that must be considered each time. Experience and knowledge of HVAC systems is highly viable when doing installs or service calls.

Understanding Combustion Safety

Carbon monoxide poisoning is every HVAC tech’s and family’s nightmare. That is why a complete understanding of how a combustion system works is essential to every technician. A bad tech will go straight to the heat exchanger and check for cracks and leaks in it when at a service call about a monoxide leak. When no cracks and leaks are found a lot of them assume it was a false alarm and not think twice. This is a HUGE mistake. A lot of the techs lack knowledge of backdrafts of combustion systems, nor do they test for it. If you're an HVAC contractor and not testing for flue gases and worst-case depressurization on these calls, you're leaving a potentially dangerous situation. A good service tech will always check these things and avoid the leaky situation all together.

Focusing on the Airflow of a System

The duct system of a unit is so essential, and this is where most technicians falter. It is essential because it is the pathway in which all of your airflow from the unit comes. A good tech will make sure that no leaks are detected in your duct system as well as, ensuring that your duct system is fully sealed to the unit. Sealing the ductwork is not the only important thing that pertains to ductwork. You also want your duct system to require the least amount of ducting as possible. Think about it like you’re walking down a football field, the best route to get across the field is forward, not in a zigzag motion. The more ductwork you have the less air efficiency you are reaching. (refer to the pictures below) A bad duct system will almost always result in completely replacing it all due to leaks and inefficient airflow.

Bad Duct

Good Duct

Ignoring Unit Performance and Efficiency

A good service tech can go into a customers home and spot poor insulation duct work and sealing. A good tech will share with the customer what they need to do in order to achieve maximum system efficiency. Think about it like this why replace the transmission on your car when your engine isn’t working. Same concept. If you replace a unit and you still have all these other issues in your system, you are shorting yourself of energy and system efficiency. A good tech will inform the customer of these issues and make more money for his company and for the customer by saving them on energy efficiency.

Forgetting About Ventilation

New homes are very tight in their ventilation, and building codes are more strict than ever before. A good tech will do blower door test to verify air tightness. Tight homes need mechanical ventilation, and all homes need spot ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms. A good tech knows the essentials of ventilation which include; positive pressure, negative pressure, and balanced. They will also make sure to measure the airflow in the system.

Math of a System

The knowledge of math in a system is important. Heat gain and heat loss calculations, air flow of the system, exhaust calculation outputs, these are some of the very important calculations that have to be made in your system. A good tech has the knowledge and tools in order to calculate these things. Ignorance of this knowledge is one of the biggest issues in the HVAC field. Because of this ignorance not all contractors are created equal keep that in mind.

Bottomline

Overall laziness and ignorance of a system, is the key difference between a good and bad tech. A good tech will always choose the most efficient path regardless of what it takes. They don’t take shortcuts and they don’t stop until the job is completed correctly.

Here at A-Plus Comfort LLC we don’t believe in shortcuts. We strive to bring you the most professional and efficient service possible. Curious about our work or pricing? Contact one of our techs today at (256) 585-2550.

Reasons to Use a Programmable Thermostat

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 18:26:59 GMT

Convenience is the first reason we are going to discuss why a programmable thermostat is right for you the consumer. If you like your home at a certain temperature, a programmable thermostat can ensure that it stays in the temperature range you set for it. Not only that, you can program the thermostat to make your house reach a certain temperature before you arrive home in the afternoon and before you get up in the morning.

These settings are what differentiates between a normal and programmable thermostat. Because of these settings your thermostat will help you save lots of money by not running while you are away. It has been reported that the average consumer can save about 10-30% on their heating and cooling costs alone. Maximum energy saving settings are pre-programmed for your convenience. A programmable thermostat has precise temperature control with only one degree variations. Most programmable thermostats also tell you when it's time to change out the filter in your unit as well.

A programmable thermostat is compatible with almost all systems and is super easy to install. There are many programmable thermostats to choose from according to your lifestyle. For every consumer a programmable thermostat is a cost effective and smart option. If you have kids for example and the kids get home earlier than you, sure you could trust them with your thermostat, but with a programmable one you wouldn’t have to worry about that at all. Your home will be the exact temperature that you want it at when you arrive or leave your home. With the hustle and bustle of busy life who wants to worry about the thermostat. Go out and get a programmable thermostat today or call us.

For all of your thermostat questions and installation guidelines feel free to contact one of our technicians here at A-Plus LLC (256) 585-2550. We will gladly assist you in anything you need pertaining to thermostats and hvac in general. Call us today!!

Zone control system in HVAC

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 18:20:53 GMT

A zone control system splits your home into multiple zones. By doing this a zone system is increasing the efficiency of your system. Also each zone can be heated or cooled independently of the other zones. For example you may like your bedroom much cooler than your living room. A zoned system can ensure that is achieved.

How a HVAC zoning system works

Your standard system usually works to heat or cool the whole home. It is controlled by a single thermostat. What this means is if you feel uncomfortable, and you go to adjust your thermostat it adjusts the temperature of your entire home. This costs more energy and money for the consumer. When zoning is used, each zone is controlled by its own thermostat. The thermostats then communicate to the zoning system. The zoning system includes; a zoning panel and zoning dampers within the ductwork, and they allow the heating or cooling unit to deliver air where it is needed.

The Benefits of the HVAC Zoning System

The benefits for using a zone system is very extensive. Some of these benefits are listed below;

No more wasting energy trying to heat or cool your whole home. This is due to the independently controlled zone temperature.
Comfort in each zone can be controlled. This will keep unwanted rooms to be shut down. (refer to above) This saves greatly on energy costs as well. It accommodates to the special needs of each room.
With zone control you limit the wear and tear of your system, by utilizing the system for only certain zones of your home. This will save you greatly on maintenance cost and your system should last substantially longer.
A zone system will also help compensate those more difficult rooms to heat or cool, by providing even temperatures throughout the home.

Is a HVAC Zoned System Right For You?

A zone system can be installed with any system that has duct work; however, it runs most efficiently in larger scale environments. Zoning system efficiency is also relative to the architecture of the structure. Here are some examples on what works best with a HVAC zoning system; a two-story home, basement, attic living space, Cathedral ceilings, living space over your garage, sunroom, Several large windows in the house, wide layout with two or more wings.

Alternative HVAC Systems To Zoning

When it comes to Heating Ventilation, and Air Conditioning you have a few options besides zoning. A HVAC zoning system might not fit your home or domicile properly or efficiently. You can go with a ductless system or just your normal system without the zoning materials. For any work you need done pertaining to HVAC in Huntsville, Alabama and the surrounding areas, A-Plus Comfort LLC is here to help. We have trained professionals on staff that can assist with any questions you may have. Feel free to call us at (256) 585-2550 or visit our website ( https://www.apluscomfortllc.com/ ) Here at A-Plus Comfort LLC we want to help you in anyway we can give us a visit, and thanks for reading.

Why you should choose A-Plus Comfort LLC?

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 18:02:35 GMT

A-Plus Comfort LLC, is a veteran owned and operated HVAC business. Collectively our technicians and staff have over 20 years of experience, and understand that you the consumer deserve the best quality service provided. Here at A-Plus Comfort LLC, our mission statement is ensuring customer satisfaction and comfort.

Pricing

At A-Plus Comfort LLC we strive to give you the best service and competitive pricing. We pride ourselves on working with all of our consumers on what they can afford, and what system would be best for them based on their budget. We also work directly with the warranty company to reach the absolute best price if your system is covered under a warranty. Don’t take our word for it check out what our consumers have to say; https://www.apluscomfortllc.com/testimonials

Customer serviceCustomer serviceCustomer service

We work hard to make you the consumer happy. 100% transparency is what we work to achieve everyday here at A Plus Comfort LLC. All of our techs have customer service and satisfaction as their top priority. We always maintain a level of professionalism and open line of communication for all of our consumers. Not only that but if we can save you money we will, and we will inform you on all the knowledge necessary to start transactions. Customer service is very important to us here at A Plus,and part of our business model is making sure to provide the best services possible while simultaneously saving you money. Here at A Plus Comfort LLC your comfort is our guarantee.

Knowledgeable and experienced technicians

Good workers are hard to come by. This is especially true in the HVAC industry. With over 2 decades of combined experience and knowledge our techs have a leg up on almost all of the competition. We are a family owned and operated business as well so when we go to a service call our first thought is “If this was my family’s system how would i want it done?”. Tried and true our customers can reflect we do some of the best work in Huntsville, Alabama, and the surrounding areas. ( https://www.apluscomfortllc.com/testimonials .) We will not stop a job until it is completed successfully and efficiently. Time after time when put to the test we do the best. Our techs have a great knowledge of HVAC systems and the dynamics of said systems.

Closing statements

For all your HVAC needs, here at A Plus Comfort we got you covered. Your comfort and satisfaction is our number one priority. We guarantee that our team here at A Plus will do everything in our ability to see that you the consumer are satisfied. We are recognized throughout Huntsville, Alabama and the surrounding areas as an utmost professional business. For all your HVAC needs we hope you come to us first so we can show you how much savings, time, effort, and energy we can save you. Here at A Plus Comfort LLC you are family, and we will help you to the best we can. Please feel free to contact us at (256)585-2550. When put to the test we score the best! A- Plus Comfort LLC

HVAC Maintenance Tips For Pet Owners

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 17:54:39 GMT

Having an efficient unit that runs properly is important in all HVAC systems. Why is that important you may ask. Well pets carry extra dander or micro particles that can get caught in the airways of your home. Here are some tips to help prevent that, and keep your unit in great shape.

Bathing and Grooming

Your pets fur staying clean and groomed will actually help your system more than you know. Your pets fur locks in a lot of pollen, dirt, and debri. Giving your pet regular baths with really help your pet not only stay healthy and clean, but it will significantly decrease the amount of all the debris from your pets fur that gets into your system. Keeping your pet well groomed will ensure that the amount of pet fur in your HVAC system is decreased as well.

Keep Your Home Clean

Keeping your home clean is important for all home owners and pet owners especially. Your pet is constantly shedding whether it be summer or winter. Making sure your house is swept, vacuumed, and mopped regularly will prevent a lot of your pets fur and dander from getting into your HVAC system. Remember to clean and change your filter regularly.

Seal Your Ducts and Hide Exposed Wires

Keeping a sealed duct system will help fur and dander from entering your HVAC system. If your duct system has any leaks pet fur can completely ruin your entire unit. Exposed wires can be incredibly dangerous for not only you but your pet as well. Make sure to hide and put away all exposed wires to ensure proper HVAC and personal safety.

Condenser Unit Health

Your condensing unit is outdoors. Keeping your pet away from this is very important. Enclosing your HVAC unit away from your pet is a good measure to take for the longevity of your system. For any of your HVAC questions or concerns feel free to call us and speak to one of our experienced technicians at (256) 585-2550. Here at A-Plus Comfort LLC we serve Huntsville, Alabama and the surrounding areas, and we would love to assist you in anyway we can.

How to Winterize your HVAC Unit

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 17:13:53 GMT

Winterizing your HVAC unit can ensure a longer life of your HVAC unit and system. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure you are not only comfortable this winter season but have a greater knowledge of your HVAC system. We highly recommend that you contact a licensed and insured HVAC company.

Turn Off Power

Turn off the power to any unit before doing any work on the unit. Safety is very important and to ensure your safety turn off all power to the unit. Make sure to wear gloves and safety glasses. Since you are winterizing your HVAC unit you are going to be working on the condenser. Using a power switch outside or by turning off the breaker to the unit inside, ensure all power has been turned off to the unit.

Clean the Unit

The next step of this winterizing process is cleaning the outside of the HVAC unit. Using a rag to wipe down the outside of the unit make sure to dirt, bird droppings and debris off the HVAC unit. Make sure to clean under the unit really well also. A shop-vac can really assist you in this. Once you've ensured there are no debris on the outside of your unit, make sure your unit is dry as well. You want to do this on a warmer day.

Cover the Unit

Covering your straight AC unit is the next step. This does not apply to a heat pump. You can find these covers online. Using an actual HVAC condenser cover is your best bet. A tarp or cloth both have a likelihood of not fully securing your outdoor unit from rodents. Whether or not you decide to use an actual cover, or use a tarp/ cloth make sure to cover the top. Make sure the top is completely secure. This prevents debris from falling down into your HVAC unit and protects your whole system. When you turn your unit back on in the summer make sure to take off the cover. There is a possibility that you could really damage your system by overheating it if you do not.

Cover All Exposed Pipes

Using pipe foam covers, cover all exposed pipe leading from the house into the unit. We have found that after covering the copper pipe taping around the creases with electrical tape really ensures that the pipe covers are secure. After you have made sure to cover all the copper piping you have completely winterized your HVAC system.

Regularly Check the Outdoor Unit Throughout the Winter

Regularly check your outdoor unit. You can make sure rodents haven’t nested into your system You may also want to consider a furnace tune up. Here at A Plus Comfort LLC one of our licensed techs can assist you in a furnace tune up to get your unit running at maximum efficiency. If you have any questions or concerns about HVAC in Huntsville, Alabama and the surrounding areas feel free to call us at (256) 585-2550.

Why Seasonal Hvac Maintenance Is Important And How It Pertains To You The Consumer?

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 16:23:36 GMT

Just like any machine regular maintenance checks are very important to keep the machine running efficiently and smooth. Just like you have regular oil changes and maintenance for your car so should you have regular checks on your HVAC units and systems. A general maintenance plan can save you 100s of dollars on unit replacement and repair.

How can maintenance save the components of my unit?

Let’s say there is a component on your unit that is on its last leg due to normal wear and tear. One of your regular maintenance techs would be able to replace that before it starts to have a domino effect. When one of the key components of your units fails it can cause failure on other key components to overwork or fail all together. Regular scheduled maintenance can help prevent that.

How can maintenance potentially save me 100s?

Simply put general maintenance will keep your system running as efficiently as possible. Not only that, part malfunction risk will be greatly reduced due to the fact it’s being checked regularly. This will keep you from having to replace a unit, component or just the whole system in general. Down below is a checklist of all the things your unit requires maintenance wise.

This is a representation of how just getting your coils cleaned can save you 575$ in the lifetime of your unit on just the coils alone. (Above) When all the seasonal maintenance is calculated it will save you 20-22% of overall costs in the lifetime of your unit. Pertaining to money you spend on an unit, that is a substantial amount. Here at A+ comfort LLC we care about all of our consumers very much. Our top priority is to make sure to save you as much money as possible while maintaining efficient unit systems and customer satisfaction. For all your maintenance needs, requirements, and questions feel free to contact one of our reps at (256)-585-2550. Thank you!

Ways to lower or raise humidity in your home

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 16:10:10 GMT

Ways to lower humidity

Higher humidity in your house does decrease energy efficiency. Humidity makes the air warmer in your home and your unit is going to have to cool it down during the cooling season. If you have a dirty crawl space that can cause excess humidity as well. The best way to decrease humidity from coming up from your crawlspace. You want to make sure that the soil in your crawlspace is dry. (you can use fans to dry it out extensively.) Another great way to keep moisture down in your crawlspace is to cover it in polyurethane plastic. Your dryer duct vent needs to be outside as well if not you run a risk of a fire hazard and increased moisture issues. If you have exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom run those as well. They will help relieve your home of excess humidity. Another way to be rid of your home of excess humidity is plants. Some specific plants will remove the moisture from your home. A dehumidifier will also of course take out the humidity of your home. Don’t boil water. Especially when it’s humid outside, boiling water can make the humidity worse. When you boil water it turns directly into steam, which in turn directly increases the humidity in your house. Also another way to prevent excess humidity is to make sure all of your clothes are fully dried. When your clothes are damp you risk excess moisture entering the atmosphere of your home. Your AC filter will also pull in excess moisture from outside and keep your home from receiving too much moisture. A good way to ensure that it keeps doing this is to make sure that your filter stays clean. If your house has too much moisture also consider replacing your carpets. Along with allergens and dander your carpet is also a major moisture holder. Replacing that will decrease the humidity of your home and increase air quality.

How to raise the humidity in your home

During the winter months it can be very difficult to maintain. The first way you can introduce more humidity into your home is by buying a humidifier. The humidifier will pump humidity throughout the home. Another way to increase humidity in your home is to boil water. When water turns into steam moisture goes directly into the air of your home . You can leave water in your bathtub and that will introduce moisture into your home atmosphere. Air drying your clothing inside can also introduce more moisture into the air. Anything that causes evaporation of water will introduce moisture in the air and most likely increase the overall humidity of your home. You can even put bowls of water around dry areas of your home.

Humidity, heat, and temperature all go hand and hand. Your indoor atmosphere of your home is like a delicate ecosystem. For all the delicacies of HVAC trust your local professionals here at A Plus LLC, feel free to contact us at (256)-585-2550, for all your HVAC needs!

What is Temperature?

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 16:01:10 GMT

Temperature and heat are not the same thing. This is an important distinction that needs to be made right off the bat. Heat we measure in total heat quantity to acquire total heat content. Temperature is the measure of average molecular velocity within a substance. Another way of saying it is a measure of kinetic energy within a substance. The reason why the word average is used is because some molecules are moving faster within a substance and some are moving slower. If you average out the energy within a substance, let’s say a glass of water. If you put a thermometer into a glass and it reads 80 degrees, that tells you the average molecular velocity within that substance. If you have another cup of water that measures 60 degrees, that would mean that the average molecular velocity in the 80 degree cup of water is higher. Which also means that the molecules in the 80 degree cup are moving faster than the 60 degree cup. If you take the 80 degree cup of water and compare it to an 80 degree pool they would have the same molecular velocity. This also means that they have thermal equilibrium. What that means is you would not lose heat energy if you were to put the glass and pool water together. That does not mean that they have the same amount of heat in them. The swimming pool has more heat because it has more molecules. (refer to the temperature measure graph below for a temperature measuring example)

Cold is the absence of heat. We do not measure the amount of cold like we measure amounts of heat. However we do measure a point of cold. Where we measure the point of cold is absolute zero.It’s the theoretical point at which all molecular movement stops. With heat there is no maximum amount that can be measured.

The biggest thing we can do with temperature is compare molecular velocities to each other in order to see which direction heat will move. For example, when you are saying that you are cold you are essentially saying the rate at which heat is leaving my body is making me uncomfortable. Water for example has a greater density of molecules and transfers heat faster. So water that is colder is going to transfer heat out of your body at a faster rate. Water that is warmer is going to transfer heat out of your body at a lesser rate. Heat transfer is what makes an individual feel hot or cold. If heat is moving into your body that’s hot. If heat is moving out of the body that’s cold. When there are greater differential temperatures heat moves quicker.

Total heat content of something is generally measured in BTU’s. A btu is defined by the total amount of heat required to change one pound of water by 1 degree fahrenheit. It is about the amount of heat coming off a match.

Temperature Scale

Absolute zero on the fahrenheit scale is -460 degrees. In the celsius scale it’s equivalent to -273 degrees. The kelvin scale is the Celsius version of the temperature scale. The Rankine scale is the fahrenheit version of the temperature scale in HVAC. They both start at absolute zero, and have no negative numbers. (refer to the graph below)

The absolute zero for Rankine starts at -460 degrees fahrenheit. The absolute zero for Kelvin starts at -273 degrees Celcius. For all your HVAC needs, feel free to contact one of our techs at (256)-585-2550.

What is Manual D Duct Design and The ACCA?

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 15:46:42 GMT

All duct systems have to meet certain code and size requirements. For residential air duct designs ACCA’s Manual D is the procedure recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and specifically required by residential building codes. ACCA stands for Air Conditioning Contractors of America. They construct most of the codes and other modifications that are approved by the EPA and government mandates. They use a checklist to see if a duct system reaches all of the necessary requirements. They use a graphical size chart to calculate proper sizes. ( listed below)

Why Do Duct Systems Have to Meet Requirements?

The importance of duct system requirements, size, and standards is absolute in Hvac. Without these standards duct systems and energy efficiency of units would almost be non existent. Without proper sizing duct systems would be incredibly leaky and inefficient. In order to reach proper energy efficiency the duct system must be absolute and correct. Here at A+ comfort LLc we pride ourselves on top standard ductwork. We know the importance of a good duct system. For an amazing duct job contact A+ comfort llc today at (256)-585-2550 and let one of our reps help you today!

What is AFUE?

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 17:06:45 GMT

Energy efficiency is one of the most important keystones in saving the consumer the most money. With proper efficiency your unit can save the consumer a substantial amount of money yearly. What AFUE pertains to is the energy efficiency of your furnace. As a consumer or a technician efficiency should be up on your priority list.

AFUE is an acronym that stands for: Annual, Fuel, Utilization, and Efficiency. The standard efficiency of a furnace that can be sold in the U.S. is 80%. That is the lowest efficiency furnace available for installation in the United States. 90% efficiency is the next level in the furnace efficiency tier. The 80% efficient furnace is known as a standard furnace while the 90% efficiency furnace is known as a high efficiency furnace/ condensing furnace. How fuel efficiency is measured in these units is by measuring how much fuel is exhausted in the flue or otherwise known as the exhaust pipe.(see picture below) Technicians also use a formula to measure the output. (refer to the simplified formula below)

(Heating Output)/ divided by (Energy input)

What is the difference in 10% efficiency?

Let’s start off with our standard 80% furnace units and what 80% efficiency means exactly. The difference in efficiency is mainly due to heat loss. Heat loss and furnace efficiency directly correlate to one another. On a standard unit the temperature of the exhaust in the flue averages at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. While your high efficiency 90% unit is only exhausting about 125 degrees fahrenheit on average. The 125 difference in a heating system is everything. The more heat loss you can avoid the greater the efficiency of your unit will be. For every 1$ you spend on an 80% furnace you are losing 20 cents on the dollar. For every 1$ you spend on the 90% efficiency furnace you are only losing 5 cents of every dollar. This is due to the higher fuel consumption efficiency of fuel. (Refer to the graph below)

As you can see there is a direct correlation between energy efficiency and savings. The better your AFUE is the more money you will save yearly. Our Technicians here at A+ comfort can easily calculate your AFUE rating and begin to save you money today. Contact us at (256)585-2550 to be sure how efficient your HVAC system is so you can start saving energy and money today!!

What is SEER and why is it important to you and your Hvac system?

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 21:59:55 GMT

What is SEER and why is it important to you and your Hvac system?

Whether you are new to the hvac field of work, wanting to learn more about hvac, or looking to purchase or repair a unit, you probably have many questions pertaining to your new system. The topic of discussion today is what is seer, seer rating, and why you should care.

SEER is actually an acronym that stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Basically what that means is the SEER rating for a unit is the overall efficiency of the unit and how well that system is heating and cooling your domicile. The formula to measure SEER has two different variations that are relative to the season. During the cooling season, SEER is measured by dividing the Cool air input (how much cold air is going into the home) divided by energy output( the energy you are using to heat or cool your home). (refer to the simplified formula below)

(Cool Air Output)/ divided by (Energy Input)

Our next topic is SEER rating. Every SEER rating is unique to an individual’s system as it measures the efficiency of one's personal or commercial system. Refer to the graph below;

This graph is a direct visual representation of how your SEER rating directly correlates with energy efficiency. The more energy efficient your unit is directly related with the amount of money you can save per year on your system. If you refer to the graph you can see as your overall SEER rating goes up so does the savings and the efficiency of your unit. The more energy you save, the less electricity your system will use and the more money you will save.

Modern day ac unit’s manufacturers strive to make the newer units as energy efficient as possible to save the consumer as much money as possible. It hasn’t always been this way. HVAC over the past 30 years has improved greatly in the art of efficiency. Government mandates, technological advances, and improved overall general knowledge in the Hvac field is the reason why people today can get as high of a rating as 18 SEER. If you refer to the graph below you can see just how drastically SEER rating has changed.

As far as saving money and energy the SEER rating of your unit is very important. When getting a new system installed it always great to keep your SEER rating in mind. If you're ever curious about your SEER rating talk to the experts at A-Plus Comfort. We can easily calculate the SEER rating of your system. Contact us at (256)585-2550 to be sure how efficient your HVAC system is so you can start saving energy and money today!!