Atlanta Air Conditioning Guide: AC Installation Steps

May 21st, 2013

Are you in the market for a new air conditioner? Are you frustrated by the sheer quantity of options and don’t where to start? We understand completely. In today’s post, we’d like to clarify some of the major steps necessary to installation so that you can stay informed about how your AC works. Call Henson Mechanical today for comprehensive Atlanta, GA air conditioning installation services.

  • Indoor unit: All whole home air conditioners have an indoor unit that houses the evaporator coil and the air handler. In central air systems, the air handler extracts warm indoor air from your home by means of extensive ductwork, and sends it through the evaporator coil, whose cool liquid refrigerant cools this air to be sent back into your home. This is roughly one half of the refrigerant cycle. In a ductless system, however, the indoor unit sits directly in the living space, often suspended from the ceiling or high on a wall. While much more compact than in a central air system, it nonetheless performs a similar role and connects to the outdoor unit via a set of electrical, refrigerant, and drainage lines.
  • Outdoor unit: The outdoor unit for both duct and ductless systems is more or less the same. It contains the compressor, which accepts the refrigerant from the evaporator and raises its temperature much higher than the outdoor temperature. The condenser coils, which are also part of the outdoor unit, then take this and dissipate the heat into the air. The outdoor unit also contains an exhaust fan that assists with this process.
  • Other considerations: During installation, your AC will need to be equipped with a certain amount of “charge,” which is the level of refrigerant circulating through the cycle. Your thermostat will also need to be installed properly, at a good location away from the duct registers, sunlight, and drafts.

Call Henson Mechanical today for more information and for comprehensive Atlanta, GA air conditioning installation services! 

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Loganville, GA Air Conditioning Tip: How Duct Cleaning Can Protect Your AC

May 16th, 2013

Have you ever had your air ducts cleaned? Have you noticed a drop in your energy efficiency with higher bills than normal? Duct cleaning is a great way to ensure that your AC not only performs well but also remains protected. By ensuring that your ducts are free of dust, pollen, dander, and other debris, you not only improve your indoor air quality, you also improve the performance and energy efficiency of your cooling system. In this post, we’d like to explain a little bit about duct cleaning and its benefits. Call Henson Mechanical today for duct cleaning in Loganville, GA.

Protecting your air conditioner is largely about controlling what can enter your system and avoiding the possibility that unwanted materials may endanger the integrity of your AC. Let’s take a look at a few of the ways duct cleaning can protect your AC.

  • Energy efficiency: When your ducts become filled with dust and debris, they begin to impede airflow rather than encourage it. This works in two directions: in the extraction stage, when warm indoor air is brought from the interior of your home into the air handler to be cooled by the evaporator; and in the distribution stage, when that cooled air is then circulated throughout the ducts of your home into the various living spaces.
  • Damage: Because they tend to harbor dust and other debris, duct cleaning can prevent damage to your system. Both the mechanical and plumbing systems of your air conditioner can be dramatically affected by debris. When dust and dirt gets inside the moving parts of your compressor motor, or in the blower motor, they can create friction and freeze up bearings. When they coat your coils, they can prevent proper thermal absorption and dissipation.
  • Increased wear and tear: All in all, dirty ductwork makes your entire system work harder to produce an adequate amount of cooling during the summer months. It can impact every single aspect of your AC, and that means that you entire system is subject to increased wear and tear so long as your ducts remain filled with dust and other debris.

Make sure your AC stays in good conditioning this summer with Loganville, GA duct cleaning service from Henson Mechanical. Give us a call today!

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Air Conditioning in Atlanta: Go Ductless this Cooling Season

May 7th, 2013

There is a staggering array of cooling options on the market today. Today’s air conditioners perform effectively and efficiently. Whether you’re in need of replacement, or curious about upgrades, consider a ductless split air conditioning system. It’s highly energy efficient and offers many benefits unavailable to conventional cooling units. In this post, we’d like to review what a ductless system is, how it works, and its benefits. For comprehensive air conditioning services in Atlanta, from installation to repair, call Henson Mechanical today!

The conventional central air operates according to a refrigerant cycle. The refrigerant is designed to undergo radical changes in temperature and pressure in order to move heat out of your home and replace it with cool air. The outdoor unit, comprised of the compressor and condenser, takes the gas refrigerant from the indoor unit, comprised of the air handler and evaporator coil, and heats it up to a temperature much greater than that of the outdoor temperature. As the refrigerant circulates through the condenser coils, the thermal energy disperses into the outside air. The cool liquid refrigerant is then sent inside where the evaporator coil cools the air that has been removed from your home by absorbing the heat.

A ductless system does not change this refrigerant cycle very much. It has the same type of outdoor unit. What changes is that the indoor air handler is of a much more compact design, and there are often multiple units throughout the home. The indoor unit connects to the outdoor unit by a set of electrical, refrigerant, and drainage lines. The benefits of a ductless system result from the lack of ductwork and the capacity of multiple indoor air handlers. Going ductless means increasing the energy efficiency of your home because ducts account for up to 30% of energy loss. Furthermore, multiple indoor units allow you to control various parts of your home differently, so that you no longer have to use a one-temperature-fits-all approach to cool air during the summer.

For more information about ductless mini split air conditioning systems, or to schedule air conditioning services in Atlanta, call Henson Mechanical today! 

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Duct Cleaning in Atlanta: FAQs

April 29th, 2013

If you have a forced-air distribution system, then you may already be aware of how much dust and debris can build up inside your ductwork, whether it’s made out of flexible plastic or sheet metal. If not, then you’d surely be surprised at how much stuff can collect on the interior surface of your ducts, which becomes a problem when cool air picks it up and delivers it into your home. Fortunately, professional duct cleaning is available for clients who are concerned with the levels of dust and allergens in their home, or who think that their indoor air should be of much higher quality. Below are some frequently asked questions about duct cleaning so that you can make an informed decision. For comprehensive duct cleaning in Atlanta, call Henson Mechanical today!

  • What does duct cleaning involve? The equipment and techniques of duct cleaning vary according to the type of ductwork, and your particular cleaning needs. The process usually begins with an inspection, in order to assess what the interior surfaces of your ducts look like. The cleaning itself removes a variety of allergenic substances, including dust, dander, and other debris.
  • How do I know if I need duct cleaning? There are numerous signs of dirty ductwork that could benefit from being cleaned. One major reason to take advantage of a professional duct cleaning service is to improve indoor air quality. If you see visible dust anywhere on the duct registers, then there might be much more inside. Also, if you notice a decline in energy efficiency, or uneven cooling in one part of your home, then there might be a significant partial blockage in your ductwork that needs to be taken care of.
  • What are the benefits of duct cleaning? Duct cleaning is not only about improving indoor air quality in the home. It’s also about improving airflow, which is what your comfort and energy efficiency ultimately depends upon. Depending on the condition of your ducts, the results will vary accordingly.

For more information about duct cleaning in Atlanta, contact a professional at Henson Mechanical today! 

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Quality Air Conditioning Services in Atlanta

April 26th, 2013

Henson Mechanical is a family-owned company offering HVAC services to meet all of your needs. Our technicians are fully trained and certified in the latest HVAC technology and practices so you can rest assured that you will receive the highest quality service at competitive rates to fit your budget. We offer 24 hour emergency service throughout the Atlanta area because we know emergencies don’t always happen during business hours. Whether you’re looking for a new air conditioning system installation or a tune-up, call us today to schedule service!

 

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Loganville, GA Air Conditioning Tip: Benefits of a Low SEER System

April 22nd, 2013

If you’re in the market for a new air conditioning system for your Loganville, GA home, then you may have come across the acronym, SEER. You probably saw it on a bright sticker on one of your prospective systems, or perhaps you’ve come across during some of your research. While it is a nationally recognized measurement of energy efficiency in air conditioning, it’s important to know what it is and how it actually impacts your particular home. While many of today’s systems boast high SEER ratings, that level of efficiency doesn’t always translate to instant savings. In this post, we’d like to inform you as to what SEER means and some of the benefits of a low SEER system. For more information, or to schedule Loganville, GA air conditioning service, call Henson Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning today!

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it’s a measurement set up by the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute. It is the cooling output of a given system during an average cooling season divided by the amount of electricity required to power its operation. The higher the rating, the higher the energy efficiency, and therefore the more cooling per dollar. Today, air conditioners sold in the US must have a SEER rating of at least 13, while Energy Star rated devices must have a SEER of 14.5 or more.

SEER rating is important, but there are some reasons to consider the benefits of a low SEER system:

  • Low cost: The higher SEER rated systems are nearly always more expensive than those with the minimum standard. Technological developments in the compressor motor, design, and construction materials of the AC have boosted the SEER, but they have also increased the cost of upfront cost.
  • Energy: While SEER rating is a useful barometer of potential energy efficiency, it actually does not consider the particular layout of your home, its condition and insulation, as well as the condition and type of ductwork you have. Ductwork along can account for up to 30% of energy loss, if there are air leaks. SEER rating does not instantly make or break your energy efficiency.

While it’s a useful standardization, SEER is a broad estimate of your new AC, and you can probably get by with a low SEER AC and still enjoy crisp, cool air in your home at great value. For more information, call the experts at Henson Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning today!

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Atlanta Duct Cleaning Tip: Benefits of Duct Cleaning

April 15th, 2013

In Atlanta, we know how important our air conditioners are for our home comfort. We rely on them on a daily basis to provide reprieve from the high heat and humidity. One of the most important components of your forced air distribution system is the air ducts. Your air ducts are responsible for distributing the heated or cooled air produced by your central AC or furnace throughout your home. With all that use, it’s no wonder that it may be subject to dirt and debris buildup. Even with a routinely cleaned air filter, dust, dander, hair, and other materials build up inside your ducts. There are many benefits to having your ducts professionally cleaned, and in this post, we’d like to review several of them. For more information about how to improve your air conditioning in Atlanta, contact the experts at Henson Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning today!

  • Energy efficiency: While we cannot control energy costs, we can control how we use energy in our homes. Efficiency measures the electrical input against the cooling output. When dust and debris buildup inside your ductwork, it can cause serious airflow problems, and this can lead to your system having to work harder to provide the same amount of cooling.
  • Performance: Performance and efficiency go together. You don’t have time for anything less than cooling performance. If your system is professionally installed and routinely maintained, then you should expect it to work well for years to come. But it can’t work properly if one of its components is full of dirt and debris. You wouldn’t expect the same of your lawnmower or car engine. Clean ductwork improves performance.
  • Indoor air quality: Because your ducts are responsible for circulating your conditioned air, they are also responsible for the quality of your indoor air. If you have dirt and dust in your ductwork, then it becomes airborne when air moves through that ductwork. It’s as simple as that. Clean ductwork improves the air quality inside your home.

For more information about how duct cleaning affects your cooling system, make sure your contact your local AC technician. For air conditioning services in Atlanta, GA, the only number you need is Henson Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning. Call us today!

 

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AC Airflow Problems in Atlanta

April 8th, 2013

The key to effective and efficient air conditioning is flow. As the hot air is removed from the interior of your home, cool air is sent in. As refrigerant passes through the coils of your condenser, it dissipates heat, while, at the other end of the refrigerant cycle, your expansion valve rapidly cools the refrigerant by dispersing it into a gas. This process needs to be uninhibited so that you can stay cool and comfortable during the long hot summer. But AC airflow problems can cut down on the effectiveness and efficiency of your cooling system. Make sure you take care of any problems now to avoid breakdowns in the summer. For Atlanta air conditioning, including repair and maintenance, call Henson Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning today!

Let’s take a look at a few common airflow problems:

  • Dirty or clogged air filter: This is the most common airflow problem. Your air filter is designed to prevent the passage of allergenic particles into your living space, but it can actually begin to hamper airflow when it becomes dirty or clogged. It’s important to change your air filter regularly so that it doesn’t begin to affect cooling performance.
  • Duct leaks: You depend on the integrity of your ductwork to transport air to and from your AC unit. If you develop a crack, loose connection or any other type of mechanical damage in your ductwork, then your supply and return systems will begin extracting or filling up spaces of your home that were never meant to be accessed, like the space between walls or the attic.
  • Blower motor fault: If you feel that your airflow suddenly drops off, or has gradually decreased, there may be a problem with your blower motor, which blows cool air through your home. If it is old, its bearings may be dried out, or it may be so full of dust and debris that it can no longer adequately function. Whatever the reason, this can lead to replacement if it is not caught early.

The best way to prevent airflow problems is to enroll in a maintenance plan. That way, you can let the pros worry about your air conditioner—you can just enjoy it. For Atlanta air conditioning service, call Henson Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning today! 

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Spring Savings and Promotions

April 5th, 2013

Spring has arrived and so have the savings! Henson Mechanical is offering some new promotions you won’t want to miss like a “free service call with repair“.

Other promotions include “Buy one 15 SEER or more, and get one 50% OFF“! Or if your ducts need some spring cleaning, we have a deal “$289 for 12 vents and 2 returns“.

Henson Mechanical offers one of the largest selections of HVAC services in the greater Atlanta, GA area. Call us or schedule service online today!

Henson Mechanical - duct cleaning coupon

 

 

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Air Conditioning Repair in Atlanta: When to Schedule Service

April 1st, 2013

If you are wondering when to schedule air conditioning repair in Atlanta, the best answer we can give you is the sooner, the better. Problems with your air conditioning system will only get worse the longer you allow them to progress. That is why you should always contact an Atlanta air conditioning repair professional the moment you discover a problem with your air conditioning system. In order to do so, obviously, you will need to able to recognize a problem with your AC. Not all of them are immediately noticeable. Here are some tips from Henson Mechanical about when to schedule air conditioning repair.

First of all, it helps to keep an eye on your energy bill, even if you have it paid automatically. If you do not make any real changes to your home cooling habits then there should not be a great amount of fluctuation in your air conditioning costs. More likely than not, an unexplained increase in the cost of operating your air conditioner points towards an underlying problem causing it to lose efficiency. If you recognize a spike in your energy costs, contact an air conditioning repair professional immediately.

While a completely broken down air conditioner is an obvious indicator that you should schedule air conditioning repair, you should not ignore more subtle performance issues. These will likely become more serious over time. Plus, having any issue resolved gives your air conditioning repair professional a chance to discover smaller, developing issues before they can compromise the integrity of your air conditioning system. If you notice the development of hot spots throughout your home, air conditioning repair may be necessary. This is true with even the most minor issues, such as odd sounds during operation. Any irregularities with your air conditioner may signal the presence of a more serious issue. Only a professional can determine this for certain.

Contact Henson Mechanical the moment you suspect a need for air conditioning repair in Atlanta. You can trust the quality of our work with your comfort and the condition of your air conditioner. Do not put up with any discomfort in your home this cooling season.

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