Common Heating and Cooling Myths

Posted on: October 26th, 2016 by tcg_admin No Comments

If you are like us, you have probably heard plenty of do it yourself advice when it comes to effectively heating or cooling your space. While some tips are spot on, others are very misleading and can actually end up costing you money in the long term.

Check out these common heating and cooling myths, debunked!

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

Myth 1: Closing off your vents will save you money on your heating bill.

We really aren’t sure where this folk tale came from, but no, blocking your vents will certainly not save you money. In fact, doing this can throw your system’s natural rhythm out of balance, which could even lead to damaging your heating equipment. The most energy efficient practice is to achieve even heat distribution throughout your home. This requires leaving all vents unobscured.

Myth 2: Leaving a ceiling fan on all the time will cool the room, even when you are not in it.

While the use of ceiling fans can have several benefits, lowering the temperature of a room no one is in is not one of them. Ceiling fans work to circulate the air in the room, which causes your skin to feel cool. While this does make you feel cooler, it does not actually lower the temperature of the room itself. Tricky!

Myth 3: The higher I set my thermostat, the more quickly my room will heat.

Even though it may ease your mind to crank the heat up when you come in from the cold, your furnace will deliver heat at the same rate consistently. The best thing to do is to set your thermostat to the desired temperature and be patient. Setting your thermostat higher than needed actually wastes more energy, because you will likely have to turn the heat down later once your body temperature comes up.

At Action Air, we pride ourselves on offering our customers honest, high quality service. Give us a call at 931-647-8525 today or visit us online to learn more about scheduling a service or routine maintenance appointment. One of our qualified technicians will be glad to address any of your heating & cooling needs!

Source:
Horizon Services Inc.

What’s the Point of Regular HVAC Maintenance?

Posted on: March 21st, 2016 by tcg_admin 4 Comments

My system is running well, can I skip maintenance?

Although you can technically skip maintenance, it is not advisable! Imagine doing the same with your car. If you never have the oil changed or a tune-up until the check-engine light comes on, you can’t expect it to last more than a few of years. With that in mind, there is one very practical reason to schedule maintenance and that is saving money! There are two ways scheduling yearly maintenance will save you money: prevention and energy efficiency.

Prevention:

Regular check ups give your technician more chances to detect small problems and correct them, before they become major issues. Repairing a small refrigerant leak may not be a huge charge, but buying a new compressor when low refrigerant levels burn your current one out can cost a significant amount of money.
Energy Efficiency:

Maintenance service will ensure that your HVAC system is running at maximum efficiency by cleaning out your system and making sure that everything is in optimal condition. When your HVAC is running well, it uses less energy to cool and heat your house. Lower energy usage means lower bills and less environmental impact.

So what are some of the things we will do in a routine maintenance visit?

Check thermostat settings. – This should be operating at optimum efficiency.
Tighten all electrical connections. – Bad connections can reduce the life of major components.
Lubricate all moving parts. – Friction can slow motors and increase the amount of electricity used.
Inspect the condensate drain. – A clogged drain can cause water damage and affect indoor humidity.
Check system controls. – We check the starting cycle of the equipment to assure the system starts, operates, and shuts off properly.
Clean air conditioning coils. – Dirty coils reduce the system’s cooling ability. This in turn makes the system run longer and wear down more quickly.
Check refrigerant level. – Improper refrigerant levels will make your system less efficient.
Inspect blower components. – Airflow problems can reduce efficiency by up to 15% in the winter.
Check all connections, gas pressure, burner combustion and heat exchanger. – Any problems here can cause the equipment to operate less safely and less efficiently.

At Action Air we’ve been providing the Clarksville area with heating, cooling, sales, and service since 1979. We have certified service technicians, ready to provide you with high quality and knowledgeable maintenance on your unit. Visit our website or give us a call at (931) 647-8525 to set up your maintenance appointment today!

Sources:

Trane
Home Advisor
Energy Star

Cabin Fever Can Save You Energy

Posted on: February 29th, 2016 by tcg_admin No Comments

As winter weather drags on, people tend to develop cabin fever.

Knowing that spring is approaching can get you down when you are stuck inside on a dreary winter day. Don’t let the crummy weather get you down! Action Air has some great ideas for projects to keep you busy until warmer days arrive!

1) Keep the heat inside your home:

There are some easy diy projects that you can do to help you keep the heat inside your house. Just a few simple but effective projects are…

Seal Air Leaks With Caulk – Air leaks can waste a lot of your energy dollars. One of the quickest energy and money-saving tasks you can do is caulk, seal and weatherstrip all cracks and large openings to the outside.
Optimize Vents – Close off vents in rooms that are unused or that you don’t go into often. Unblock any vents that are obstructed by furniture. Close the door to rooms you won’t be using.
Switch the Direction of Your Fans – Instead of leaving your ceiling fan dormant during the winter months, you can switch the direction. When you switch from counterclockwise to clockwise, you start moving the hot air that rises back down into your room.

2) Plant an indoor garden:

It may be a while before your garden outside is thriving, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying fresh flowers and beautiful plants. There are indoor-friendly plants for all levels of gardeners, and even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can find a plant that will work for you. We especially love to pick plants that help purify the air inside your home and make your house a greener, happier place!

3) Build a fort:

Let’s be honest, a day at home is not the worst thing that could happen. We suggest gathering all of your pillows and blankets and getting to work. Once you build an epic fort, snuggle up, get a fire going and start a movie to have fun and stay warm! We can’t think of a better way to save energy than that!

If you want to learn more about keeping your house energy efficient you can visit our website, or call us for more information. We’ve been providing the Clarksville area with heating, cooling, sales, and service since 1979. When it comes to any of your air conditioning or heating needs the choice is simple. When you need action, call Action Air.

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!

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

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!

Saving Money with a Digital Thermostat

Posted on: August 28th, 2015 by tcg_admin No Comments

Let’s face it, digital thermostats can be intimidating.

But, used properly, they can save you lots of money!

Are you wondering how can a digital thermostat save you money? It’s all in the way you program them. The basic principle is to lower or raise the temperature of your house during the times you aren’t home.

Digital thermostats offer lots of features in terms of multiple setback settings, overrides, and adjustments for daylight savings time. In order to save money with a digital thermostat you need to take advantage of these features. When programming your thermostat, consider when you normally go to sleep and wake up. Also, think about the schedules of everyone in the household. If there is a time during the day when the house is unoccupied for four hours or more, if so it makes sense to adjust the temperature during those periods.

Some general rules for the timing of your thermostat program are:

Reduce the heat or air conditioning 20 to 30 minutes before you leave home
Adjust the temperature back to your comfort level 20 to 30 minutes before you come home each day.
Reduce the heat or air conditioning around 60 minutes before you go to sleep each night.
Increase heating or cooling approximately 30 minutes before you wake up each morning.
Schedule weekend settings that will be different from your mid-week thermostat settings.

Energy.gov provided a great example of what this sort of schedule might look like for an average family during the winter:

6:45 a.m.: The family wakes up to get ready for the day. The temperature of the house is 68°F; the heat automatically turned on a bit earlier so it would hit this temperature by 6:30.
7:45 a.m.: The family leaves the house and the thermostat is set to 63°F. By turning their thermostat back 5° or 6° for 8 hours, the family can save 5% to 15% a year on their heating bill — a savings of as much as 1% for each degree if the setback period is eight hours long.
4:30 p.m.: The family starts returning home from work and school. The heat turned back on a bit before this so the house would again be 68°F for their return.
10:30 p.m.: The whole family has gone to bed (bundled in warm pajamas and snuggled under blankets), and the thermostat is again set to 63°F.

The same principles apply during the warmer months of the year, only in reverse. A cooler temperature can be set for the hours when your family is home while allowing the temperature to be higher when your home is unoccupied. Digital thermostats will have override functions for times when you are home unexpectedly, or if you need to change the settings while you are out of town.

Programming a digital thermostat can be intimidating. This online tool is a great way to practice and get a better idea of what you are working with. Although it may not be your exact thermostat, it will help you get a general idea of how programming a thermostat will work. If you don’t have a digital thermostat and are looking to upgrade, or just need a little bit of TLC in order to get yours programmed, contact us at Action Air today. Give us a call at 931-647-8525 or send us a general inquiry. And remember when you need action, call Action Air!

SourceLinks:

http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/program-your-thermostat-fall-and-winter-savings

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=thermostats.progThermostat

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 – 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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