Should I Use My Gas Fireplace?

Posted on: November 30th, 2015 by tcg_admin No Comments

Gas fireplaces can help efficiently heat your home, so it’s time to fire it up!

Name: ACTION AIR
Address: 868 Kraft Street, Clarksville, TN, 37040
Telephone: (931) 647-8525

There’s nothing better than a roaring fire on a wintry night, except a roaring fire that needs no tending, requires minimal cleanup, and doesn’t leave the rest of the house freezing cold.

Gas fireplaces have come a long way from anemic blue flames and unconvincing “logs.” These fires now burn more realistically, with glowing red ember flames that caress realistic logs, molded from ceramic.

There are currently 3 types of gas fireplaces available:

Class B Vent (Natural Vent) Fireplaces: This is a conventional gas fireplace. They require a through-the-roof flue, or conventional chimney, to carry away hot combustion gases and typically feature operable doors. These are the least efficient models, but still effective.
Direct-Vent Fireplaces: These are the most popular type of gas fireplace used today. The air to feed the flame enters from the outside and they have an exhaust vent to direct the products of combustion back outdoors. These have a high efficiency; 70 percent of the heat they generate remains in your home.
Vent-Free or Ventless Fireplaces: Air from inside the house is taken into the firebox, where it is used for the fire. The byproducts are then exhausted back into the house. The recycling of air allows ventless fireplaces, which do not need chimneys or an exhaust, to achieve efficiency ratings of more than 99 percent. The gasses that are vented into the house are completely safe and ensure that no warmth is escaping to the outside.

When it comes time to light the fire, there are a few different ways that can happen, depending on your fireplace unit. The easiest is a switch, similar to a light switch, that is installed with your fireplace unit. On some models, there will be a pilot light and an ignition. If you are having trouble starting a fire with your ignition, the pilot light may be out and you will need to relight the pilot light. The safest way to figure out how to light your fireplace is to read the manual at home, or look up a copy of your manual online.

The reasons to use your gas fireplace are numerous. Energy-conscious consumers can use gas fireplaces to optimize their heating efficiency. Utility bills are lower when you turn down the thermostat on a central furnace and use the gas fireplace as a supplemental heat source. Highly efficient gas fireplaces can heat up to 1,000 square feet of living space at low cost.

Call Action Air to set up an appointment, we can help keep your furnace running efficiently and our technicians can help answer all of the questions you have concerning your gas fireplace. They know when to use it, and how to optimize your fireplace’s efficiency. Remember, when you need action call Action Air!

Sources:
New York Times
This Old House
HGTV
Angie’s List

Do I really need a Carbon Monoxide Detector?

Posted on: October 31st, 2015 by tcg_admin No Comments

Energy efficiency is a huge priority for homeowners.

With cold weather coming, our houses are tightly sealed and furnaces are starting to run regularly.

In homes that are well insulated, carbon monoxide leaks can quickly reach dangerous levels. Having a properly installed, working carbon monoxide detector in your home is important to protect your family.

Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It cannot be detected by humans without the help of a detector, which makes it incredibly dangerous. The Journal of the American Medical Association has found that carbon monoxide easily passes through drywall, the material used to finish walls and ceilings in most residential homes.

Carbon Monoxide can be created by many different appliances around your home. Just a few of the many causes are:

Oil and gas furnaces
Motor vehicles
Stove/gas range
Gas line leaks
Gas water heaters
Generators
Space heaters
Gas/wood burning fireplace

So do you really need a Carbon Monoxide detector? If you utilize any of the above in your house, the answer is yes. Additionally, If you have an attached garage or back up generators, you should have Carbon Monoxide detectors installed. It is recommended that you have one on each floor of your home, including the basement, as well as having them within 10 feet of bedrooms.

Carbon Monoxide prevention is also key. Fuel burning appliances such as gas water heaters, dryers and other appliances should be checked to ensure they are properly vented to the outside of the house. Most importantly, an annual heating system tune-up is essential to maintaining the safety and reliability of your gas furnace. Contact Action Air and ask a technician to clean and check the furnace burners and test for the presence of carbon monoxide. We can also take care of your fall maintenance to get your house ready for the winter. At Action Air we have certified service technicians, qualified installers, and a knowledgeable sales staff. When You Need Action, Call Action Air!

Sources:
Forbes
About Health
About Home
ABC

What Type of Furnace is Right for You?

Posted on: September 30th, 2015 by tcg_admin 1 Comment

Your furnace keeps you warm at night and helps you out of bed in the morning.

While being comfortable is important, you should also consider energy efficiency and cost when you are thinking about a new furnace.

So, what are your options when you need a new furnace? At Action Air we have several types of furnaces available. There are many price and efficiency ranges available for you to consider. We are going to compare a few different furnace options that Action Air offers to the Clarksville area, and share a little about how each kind works.

Today’s furnaces pollute less and boost comfort by producing heat more steadily than older furnaces. Although electric and oil furnaces are still available, gas is the most common fuel used in furnaces today and the type of furnace we want to discuss. A forced air furnace utilizes propane or natural gas, and is generally the most efficient and economical method of heating. There are several types of forced air furnaces available and they have various energy ratings.

Single Stage Furnace – This type of furnace is the most common furnace, utilizing a simple operation. There is only one fan speed and the gas flame is either on or off. These furnaces will wait for the temperature in a building to get to the coldest possible setting before firing on. Once the furnace starts, it will fill the house full of heat until the thermostat registers the temperature being the same as its setting. The temperature within a house will vary greatly, which makes this type of furnace the most wasteful in terms of energy. A single stage furnace will also be the loudest during operation. They are, however, the most affordable during the initial investment.
Dual Stage Furnace – The dual stage furnace is more sophisticated than the single stage furnace. Rather than simply being on or off, its flame can be firing at a high setting, low setting, or off. The additional flame setting makes a dramatic difference in energy costs. In addition, a dual stage furnace is much quieter than single stage furnaces. The initial cost will be higher, but the difference will be made up over time because of the increase in energy efficiency.
Modulating Furnace – A modulating furnace will adjust its flame in increments. This helps to ensure that the true temperature of a building will never vary more than 1 or 2 degrees from the thermostat’s target temperature. This type of furnace regulates the temperature more thoroughly and will eliminate the long, cold periods that occur while a room cools to the temperature where the furnace restarts (a common occurrence in single and two stage furnaces). It also eliminates the buildup of heat that happens when a single stage furnace is on in full force. In addition to having variable flame settings, the blower settings on a modulation furnace are also variable. These will adjust according to the demand on the furnace. Modulating gas furnaces are among the most energy efficient furnaces and are rated at 98% efficiency. The initial cost will be the highest with modulating furnaces; however, this price will quickly be recouped because of the energy efficiency created.

Although this is good general guide, there are an even greater number of choices and variables available within these types of furnaces. To learn more about which furnace will be the best furnace for you, consult with one of the experts at Action Air today. You can call us at (931) 647-8525 or contact us online. Located in Clarksville, we have certified service technicians, qualified installers, and a knowledgeable sales staff serving Montgomery County and all of the surrounding areas. When You Need Action, Call Action Air!

Why is my air conditioner blowing hot air?

Posted on: July 30th, 2015 by tcg_admin No Comments

Air conditioning can be essential on a hot summer day.

Nothing is worse than hot air blowing from your AC.

We all expect that sound of an air conditioner working to mean a nice cool breeze and a comfortable indoor temperature. So why would an Air conditioner blow hot air? Well there are several reasons, some almost silly and some serious. Here are a few of the most common reasons that you aren’t feeling that refreshing chilly air.

Thermostat Setting: Did your thermostat somehow get reset? Make sure you check that your thermostat is set to cool! If the settings were changed, your air conditioner could be working perfectly, it may just not be on! HVAC systems will usually have several settings and although the sounds they make may be the same when they are working they all have very different functions. Make sure you don’t have yours set to a heat or fan mode.
Restricted Airflow: If there is something restricting the Airflow in your HVAC system there the cool air being produced by your air conditioner may not be making it through your ducts into your house. The main culprit for this is an Air Filter that needs to be changed. If a filter hasn’t been changed in a long time it can get very dirty and clogged which will stop the airflow from your AC. It is relatively easy to change a filter yourself, and could easily fix the problem. A dirty air filter can also make the coils in your AC dirty and that will require professional maintenance.
Electric Issues: Most air conditioners have two parts, and indoor and an outdoor unit. If the electricity is cut off to the outdoor unit you may be getting warm air blown into the house. An indoor unit will often be on a separate breaker from the outdoor, so the fan will keep blowing air even if the AC isn’t actually functioning. Check your outdoor unit to see if it is actually on and functioning. If it doesn’t seem to be you can also check the breaker and see if it has been tripped. If the breaker has been tripped there is probably a bigger issue involved and you should seek help from a professional.
Low Refrigerant: From the cheapest air conditioner to the most elaborate, they all use some kind of refrigerant (usually Freon). A Freon leak can leave you feeling the heat since you will have a complete loss of cold air. A Freon leak will be obvious if you see ice formed on the inside and outside of your unit. There are also a few other reasons your AC could be low on refrigerant. If that is your issue, a recharge and maintenance will be necessary and you will definitely need to seek the help of a professional.

Hopefully we have given you a bit more of an idea what is going on. If you decide you need professional help fixing your Air Conditioner in Clarksville, Tennessee or the surrounding area, contact Action Air. Our experienced technicians are on call Monday – Sunday 8am to 8pm and we have emergency service 24/7! Book an appointment online today at www.actionairclarksville.com, or give us a call at (931)-647-8525.

Action Air Carries HVAC Brands You Can Trust

Posted on: June 30th, 2015 by tcg_admin No Comments

At Action Air, we stand strongly behind the products we believe in.

With the crazy weather of middle Tennessee, the citizens of Clarksville and the surrounding areas need Air Conditioners and Heaters they can count on.

That is why the experts at Action Air have put in the time and research to be able to supply you with the very best HVAC brands available. Here is a quick overview of some of the brands we install.

Rheem – Respected for reliability, Rheem is an industry leader for total heating, cooling and water heating solutions. All Rheem products meet or exceed rigorous industry and regulatory standards for quality, reliability, efficiency, and air & water quality. Rheem products are frequently tested and certified by various government and third-party testing labs to ensure quality standards.
Trane – Every Trane product is designed down to every detail and rigorously tested for reliability and durability. Trane has to design, build, test, and rebuild some of their own parts. Trane pushes beyond the industry standards, making sure they match the reliability people expect when they own a Trane. When you own a Trane, you’re getting more than reliable comfort, you’re getting it year after year.
Carrier – Carrier is a world leader in high-technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions. Carrier heating and air-conditioning systems are trusted to bring energy-efficient, quiet, consistent comfort to millions of people. Carrier home comfort solutions can provide consistent temperature, humidity and air quality from room to room, hour to hour and minute to minute. Their systems are quiet which means no loud noises when the furnace or air conditioning turns on and no worries about performance – just ideal comfort.
Goodman – Goodman provides a refreshingly affordable product that’s covered by what many consider to be the best product warranties in the heating and cooling industry. The vision of Goodman’s founder is to provide high-quality heating and air conditioning to consumers that is easy to install at a refreshingly affordable price.
Mitsubishi Electric – Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating has innovated technologies designed to enhance your home and your life. Traditional cooling and heating options drive homeowners to choose between comfort and cost. Mitsubishi’s advanced, ductless climate control systems empower you to create your own personalized room-by-room comfort – without compromise.

Action Air stands by these brands and companies. Take some time and visit each company’s website for more information on the products available to you. Contact us at Action Air for a consultation and estimate. You are always welcome to stop by to speak with one of our HVAC Experts too!

(931) 647-8525 – 868 Kraft Street, Clarksville, TN 37040.

Source Links:

http://www.rheem.com/

http://www.trane.com/residential

http://www.carrier.com/carrier/en/us/

http://www.goodmanmfg.com/

http://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/

Why is my Air Conditioner so loud?

Posted on: June 16th, 2015 by tcg_admin No Comments

Do you ever find yourself wondering, “Why is my Air Conditioner so loud?”

Here are a few answers so you can troubleshoot, before giving Action Air a call!

Even the best central air conditioner can have problems on occasion. Air conditioners are supposed to make some noise, but there is a distinct difference between a properly running air conditioner unit and one that is having some difficulty. The age of an AC Unit can also determine how loud it might be. There have been significant improvements over the years; just because it’s loud, it doesn’t mean it’s dying. Here are a few common sounds to listen for and some ideas about what could be wrong:

Rattling ‑ If you hear a rattling noise coming from an exterior AC unit, it could be because something fell into the vents, such as leaves, sticks, or other outdoor debris. A rattle could also indicate something as simple as loose bolts, screws, or fasteners. However, the sound could also be coming from the compressor. As the motor in the compressor begins to age, it may get louder and begin to make noises, which would be the first sign of a problem.
Grinding ‑If you hear a grinding noise, it is most likely one of the fan motors. The noise usually signals that something might be going wrong with the fan motors, such as a worn bearing. This is a problem that may warrant a service call to Action Air Conditioning.
Popping ‑Sometimes, you might hear popping noises in your ductwork, especially when the air cuts on and off. This is actually an issue with your ductwork rather than the central air conditioning unit. As ductwork ages, it may also require maintenance. This will help to ensure that nothing is faulty or damaged. Proper care of your ducts means that your AC unit can continue to effectively and efficiently cool your home.
Hissing‑A hissing or whistling noise could also be due to a problem with ductwork. However, a hissing noise coming from the AC unit itself is often indicative of a refrigerant leak, which should only be handled by an HVAC professional.

Remember, if you have any questions at all regarding noises coming from your AC Unit, you can contact Action Air Conditioning in Clarksville, TN 24/7! We are happy to help diagnose and fix any air conditioning problems.

How can I reduce humidity inside my home over the summer?

Posted on: June 12th, 2015 by tcg_admin 1 Comment

People in Middle Tennessee have heard this phrase hundreds of times:

“It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity!”

There is a lot of truth to that phrase and low humidity is just as important inside your house as it is outside! The main way our bodies cool us down is through evaporation of moisture from our skin. If the humidity is too high, even with your AC unit blasting, you may not be able to get cool enough. So, what should indoor humidity be? The ideal humidity level inside your house is between 30% and 50%. Any higher than that and you’ll be sweating! Don’t worry though, there are some things you can do to help reduce humidity inside your home.

Exhaust Fans – Most homes come with exhaust fans already installed. Bathroom exhaust fans and vent fans for your stove can be key in keeping a low humidity level in your house. These products are designed to remove the excess humidity that is created by showering, boiling water, and other activities that will create excess moisture in the air. If your home isn’t equipped with these fans, installing them will help to seriously reduce your indoor humidity levels.
Air Flow – Increasing the airflow within your home will help promote the evaporation of any moisture. This is especially helpful for rooms that feel a little more stuffy than the rest of the house. There is a reason you see so many ceiling fans all over the south! The increased circulation of air will do wonders for reducing humidity and evenly distributing the cooler air from your air conditioner.
Seal Leaks – Leaking seals around your windows and doors can make your home more humid! Just as in winter when you can feel a cool breeze through a poorly sealed window, heat and humidity can come inside during the summer. Take a little time and insure the proper seal around your doors and windows. Most seals can be easily repaired or replaced with DIY products from a hardware store. It’s also important to check around any vents or exhausts like dryer vents.
Dehumidifier – When humidity becomes a serious problem, a dehumidifier can be the answer. The dehumidifier will remove excess humidity from the air in your home and will usually store the moisture in some kind of container. These containers will have to be emptied on occasion, and you will be able to see how much water they remove from the atmosphere. When the humidity is higher, it will have to be emptied more frequently. Water from a dehumidifier is perfect to use for watering your houseplants!
HVAC Service and Maintenance – Your air conditioner doesn’t just cool your home, it also removes moisture from the air. Leaks in your HVAC ductwork or an AC unit will not only allow the humidity to creep higher in your home, it will also cost you more to cool your house. That’s why it’s a good idea to have Action Air Conditioning in Clarksville, TN do an inspection of your HVAC twice a year.

When humidity seeps into your home, it can make rooms feel stuffy and even smell musty. Beyond these superficial discomforts, too much humidity can result in serious consequences. An overly humid home can lose its structural integrity, attract pests like silverfish and centipedes, and even make you sick. So make sure you consult with Action Air for the best air conditioning installation, service, and repair. If you have any questions or need more help please contact Action Air by calling (931) 647-8525, or visiting our wesite https://actionairclarksville.com/ When you need action, call Action Air!

Action Air’s Recommended Steps for Changing Your HVAC Filter

Posted on: March 30th, 2015 by tcg_admin 3 Comments

Steps for Changing Your HVAC Filter

All it takes are a few easy steps, but make sure you read the instructions for your unit first to help you understand how to change the filter.

It’s spring time in Clarksville, TN! Did you know changing the filter in your HVAC unit is one of the easiest steps you can take to ensure the long life of your system and improve its function? It will also help to save you some money! Your HVAC filter helps keep debris, dust, and pollutants out of your system and help it run more efficiently in the cold, as well as the heat. Action Air recommends changing it every 3 months for most systems, but some systems may need changed every month. Check your users manual to see what is best for your system.

Get a new filter – First you need to know what size it is. You can check the side of your current filter for the dimensions. Once you know the size you should be able to find a filter at any hardware store and even some department stores.
Turn it off – It is essential that you turn off your HVAC unit before you change the filter. This will protect you and your HVAC unit. If you can’t figure out how to turn it off, it’s as simple as turning off the breaker.
Take it out – Locate your old filter and gently take it out of the location. These are generally on the right side of the unit. Be careful, because it will probably be covered in dust and debris that it is has been cleaning from your air.
Slide it in – Carefully slide the new filter into the spot where the old filter lived. The arrows on the filter will indicate which side should be facing out and which side should face into the unit.

Need help ? Call Action Air Conditioning Service Inc.!

Very rarely will there be a filter inside your ductwork, but if there is you can call Action Air and one of our service professionals can come and change the filter for you. If you are ever unsure about how to change a filter, or are afraid you may have replaced something incorrectly, call our local Clarksville office at (931) 647-8525. In need of a regular maintenance plan? Let Action Air take care of you. Click here for more information.

Action Air Announces Winner of Redneck Photo Contest!

Posted on: March 23rd, 2015 by tcg_admin No Comments

Mrs. Peggy Coon

She swept the contest away by receiving 525 votes on her photo!

Peggy’s HVAC unit is 24 years old and is on its very last leg! Many days the family is surprised that the unit is still functioning at all. Peggy and her family are extremely grateful to be receiving this new unit!

Peggy & her daughter’s story:

The air-conditioning unit is a 1991 model, and has been at this location for over 20 years. My father has lived in the house for a little over two years. We’ve had to have multiple people come out and look at it, including action air. They checked for leaks and cracks. The Evaporator Coil is leaking refrigerant. The unit is also freezing up. It’s on its very last leg and I’m surprised it’s still running.We were planning on purchasing a new one about a year ago but before we could my father suffered from a massive brain aneurysm. He was in the hospital for a couple of months and went through multiple life threatening brain surgeries. The doctors were shocked that he survived. As you may know the brain is a very important part of the human body. It controls everything you do. Including your ability to talk. Unfortunately that was taken away from my father. He is now aphasic, meaning he can’t say full sentences. He knows exactly what he wants to say but its just not possible for it to come out. Without your voice it is very difficult to do anything. It is essential to be social for almost every job out there. Therefore, my father can not work and has no income. He deserves to win this contest because he is truly a person in need of a new unit.

Action Air is glad to be helping a family so deserving of this opportunity!

A big congratulations to Peggy Coon & her family, as well as we want to say THANK YOU to the rest of the participants.

Clarksville residents, call Action Air for all of you HVAC maintenance & preventative care needs at 931-647-8525!

Fireplace Safety Tips

Posted on: January 6th, 2015 by tcg_admin No Comments

The Action Air Team prides itself on keeping Clarksville warm all winter long by providing preventative maintenance and 24/7 emergency heating service! But we know that sometimes, there is just something about the glow of a crackling fire. Sitting by a cozy fireplace on a cold winter’s night can warm the heart and hearth.

Here are some fireplace safety tips to keep your family safe this season!

Unlike the “old days” when fireplaces were the main source of heat for the home, today’s fireplaces are meant for short durations of no longer than five hours.

Never leave a fire unattended especially if children are in the home and never allow children to play near the fire or with the fire tools.

Keep an open window in the home to prevent the room from becoming smoky. Air coming from the window will be drawn up the chimney.

Before starting a fire, make sure the damper is open. You can check this by lighting a match in the fireplace and quickly blowing it out to see if the smoke is drawn up the chimney.

Keep a non-flammable rug on the hearth to protect flooring from damage from sparks.

Never use your hands to handle burning logs. Use your fireplace tools.

Fireplace coals can remain hot enough to start a fire for up to 3 days, so wait at least that long before removing ashes. And never use a vacuum cleaner to clean up ashes since live coals may remain in those ashes.

Have your fireplace and chimney checked by a certified chimney sweep at least once a year.

Bonus Fun Fact: Did you know you can use Worcestershire sauce and a toothbrush to clean brass fireplace surrounds and utensils?

Action Air – Serving Tennessee & Kentucky - Action Air specializes in residential, commercial and industrial HVAC repairs and installations. Serving the Clarksville & Hopkinsville area since 1979.

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