Archive for July, 2012

How Geothermal Cooling Works

Monday, July 30th, 2012

Our air conditioning systems have become increasingly energy-efficient as the years have progressed, and yet we are still left searching for the most energy-efficient air cooling options of those available to us.  Geothermal cooling has been an air cooling option which has been becoming increasingly popular, and which provides one of the highest amounts of energy-efficiency around.  As a geothermal company in Gaithersburg, Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating can help you understand exactly how geothermal cooling works.

The Geothermal Cooling Process

The geothermal cooling process is a quite straightforward process that uses a network of pipes or “ground loops” which are installed underground.  The liquid in the piping system absorbs the colder ambient temperatures from the ground and then the cold is transferred to cool the indoor air that is circulated in your home.

At the same time, the higher temperature air which is already inside the building is absorbed and the heat is dispersed via the return pipes back to the ground.  This movement through the ground loop system happens pretty much continually when the geothermal heat pump is functioning.

Geothermal systems can be used year-round because they provide colder air for warm summer months and hotter air for cold winter months.  This happens by reversing the process and instead pulling ambient heat from the ground to push into the building and pulling the cold air out of the building to be placed back in the ground.  Thus geothermal heat pumps can be a great replacement for a more traditional air conditioning system and heating system.

These ground source heat pumps can be up to twenty-five times more energy-efficient than even air source heat pumps, making it one of the best air conditioning and heating options available.

The benefits of geothermal heat pump use are phenomenal.  Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source, it is highly sustainable, and allows consumers to dramatically decrease their consumption of purchased energy month over month so utility bills drop considerably.  Geothermal systems are known for their longevity, lasting two to three times as long as standard air conditioning systems since their loop systems are placed underground where they are not hindered by constantly fluctuating weather patterns.

Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating is a professional heating and air conditioning company that understands the ins and outs of geothermal cooling.  Our well-trained geothermal technicians can ensure that your geothermal system is functioning properly all year round through geothermal maintenance and geothermal system repairs.  Contact Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating at 301-670-0034 and become a greener you with a more energy-efficient geothermal cooling and heating system.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Geothermal | Comments Off

Signs of an AC Fan Problem: A Tip from a Gaithersburg AC Contractor

Monday, July 23rd, 2012

Air conditioners have their share of routine problems, like any other device. One set of problems that you may run into is when the fan is not working properly. To be aware of potential problems with your AC fan, look for these signs.

Sign #1: Fan is not circulating air

Clearly, a fan that is not circulating any air is a problem. If you can hear that the fan is running, or at least trying to run, but you don’t feel air circulating like it’s supposed to, that’s a sure sign of a fan problem. It could be that the fan is just worn down by use and needs to be replaced. It is trying to circulate the air, but the motor lacks the power to do so effectively.

If your AC fan is not old enough to have outlived its usefulness, you can also check for obstructions or loose screws that may be hindering performance.

Sign #2: Fan is loud

Any loud, strange, unfamiliar or generally annoying noise is a good sign that something is going on with your air conditioner. In the case of a noisy fan, it usually means there is something loose around the fan that is getting knocked or slapped around. This could be a loose part or a piece of debris. Cut the power to the air handler unit and open the cover of the fan to see if you can get a look at what is causing the noise.

If this fails to correct the problem, there could be a mechanical problem with the fan motor. Call for repairs.

Sign #3: Fan shuts off suddenly

A third common sign of AC fan problems is when the fan just shuts off suddenly, before finishing the cooling cycle. This is usually the sign of an electrical problem that is causing power to the fan to be cut before it can complete the cycle. This could be due to frayed wiring, a short in the motor or any of several other electrical causes. When this happens, have the fan motor replaced right away. This problem will only get worse with time, and an electrical issue can quickly become dangerous.

Any time you have an AC fan problem that you can’t figure out yourself pretty quickly, you should call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating to have it looked at, before it gives rise to bigger problems for the whole AC system. We serve Gaithersburg and the surrounding area, contact us today at 301-670-0034

Remember that we offer a 5 Year Part & Labor warranty on service repairs. Check out our Ultimate Savings Agreement to learn more!

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off

Central Air Conditioning: How it Works

Monday, July 16th, 2012

If you’re ready to install a new cooling system in your home you may want to consider a central air system. Central air conditioning systems offer many features and benefits for your home’s comfort, but it is important to get the facts before deciding if central air is right for your Gaithersburg home. Here is some information on how central air conditioning systems work to get you started.

Central air conditioning systems circulate cool air throughout a system of supply and return ducts. Supply ducts and registers, which are the grate-covered openings you see in floors, walls and ceilings, carry this cooled air throughout the home. The air, which has become warmer during circulation, is then returned to the central air conditioner through the return ducts and registers.

If you have a furnace already and require only an air conditioning system, a split-system air conditioner can be a very economical choice. An outdoor metal cabinet contains the noisy compressor and condenser components, while an indoor unit contains the evaporator. This cabinet may also include a furnace or the indoor components of a heat pump if you are also heating your home with this central system. The evaporator coil is often installed in this cabinet or in the main supply duct of the furnace or heat pump component.

When replacing or upgrading your current cooling system in Gaithersburg, central air conditioning is certainly worth your consideration. They are much more efficient than running individual window units and even systems manufactured just 10 years ago pale in comparison to the efficiency of newer models. If you think that central air conditioning may be right for you, call Tuckers today. We have the answers to any additional questions regarding the benefits and operation of central air conditioning systems that you may have.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off

AC Limit Switches: A Tip from Gaithersburg

Monday, July 9th, 2012

In addition to their major components, air conditioning systems have many smaller parts that all work together in generating and circulating cooled air. Among these myriad switches, valves and tubes is the limit switch, a small safety device that every homeowner should know about in the event of a performance problem.

So, let’s delve deeper into what an AC limit switch does.

Have you ever seen a treadmill that has one of those plastic key cards inserted into the console, with a stretchy strap on the outside end? Pull that piece of plastic out, and the treadmill doesn’t work. When you were a kid, did you ever try to open the door on the fridge just a bit to see if the light stayed on when you shut the door? Of course it doesn’t, because there is a switch in there that turns off the light when the doors is closed.

In effect, those two devices are limit switches – they kill the power to the machine when a certain condition has been reached. If you start to fall off the treadmill, the plastic key falls out and the motor shuts off. When the refrigerator door is shut, the light shuts off.

Your air conditioner has a similar device, which tells it when to shut off after the air has been cooled enough. In this way, the limit switch is the way that your thermostat and air conditioner communicate. When the inside temperature reaches the target temperature you have set, the thermostat activates the limit switch and turns off the AC. When the temperature rises, the limit switch turns the power to the AC back on.

The most common symptom of a problem with the limit switch is that the AC will short cycle, turning off too quickly. Or sometimes, it may not turn off or on at all. This may mean the limit switch is stuck or that the wiring has gone bad. In any case, you should call for repairs.

For any ac repair in the Gaithersburg area, give Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating a call at 301-670-0034!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off

Why Air Conditioning Maintenance is Important: A Guide from Gaithersburg

Monday, July 2nd, 2012

Home maintenance tasks probably aren’t high on your list of priorities. The reason we do them anyway is that they actually save time, work and money down the road.

Air conditioner maintenance is no different. One of the best ways to keep your AC running and your house nice and cool is to have routine maintenance performed on your air conditioning system on a regular basis. This includes keeping the coils clean. How does this help you avoid headaches down the road? Let’s look into that question.

First, you have to understand that those coils are integral to the operation of your air conditioner.  They play vital roles in the cooling process, which is the whole purpose of an AC in the first place. So, it behooves you to keep them working optimally.

A dirty coil is one that can’t work efficiently. When a coil is covered by dirt, dust and debris, it can’t readily absorb heat from the ambient air and transmit it away. This means your home isn’t as cool because your air conditioner can’t work as well as it would otherwise be able to.

When the coils are dirty and cooling efficiency is degraded, the AC has to work harder to cool your home. That means more wear and tear to do the same job. This can lead to more frequent repairs and a need to replace the system sooner. Plus, with all the extra work being done by the AC system, you can expect higher utility bills. So, a clean coil is also good for your wallet.

Between the increased comfort, better performance and both long-term and short-term savings, you can see that keeping AC coils clean is an investment that pays dividends over time. Even just the lowered risk of malfunction and the inevitable repair visits that follow make it a chore worth doing. To schedule the annual maintenance visit for your air conditioning system in Gaithersburg, give Tuckers a call at 301-670-0034!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off