Posts Tagged ‘Gaithersburg’

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Getting the Most from a Commercial Heater

Monday, December 17th, 2012

Getting the most efficient performance possible out of any heating system is a great goal to have, but it can be especially important – and difficult – when dealing with a commercial heating system. Commercial heating systems are put under a lot of stress, and they can go through a lot of energy to keep your commercial space comfortably warm. That is why it is so important that you contact a professional service provider, such as Tucker’s Air Conditioning & Heating, to handle all of your commercial heating services in Gaithersburg. Only a qualified professional can help you get the most out of your commercial heater.

The process begins before your commercial heating system installation is even performed. It is necessary that your commercial heater is appropriately sized for your commercial space. If the system is too small it will be overtaxed and inefficient. If it is too large it will heat the space too quickly, short-cycling often and reducing air quality. This can lead to unnecessary wear and tear or damages to your commercial heater.

The installation of your commercial heater is integral to its successful, efficient operation. This is a much bigger job than a residential installation, and your professional service provider must be able to integrate all of the components into your system properly for you to get the full benefits. If your installation is not handled by a qualified professional, you will never get the efficiency and effectiveness during operation that it should be capable of.

Finally, the most important step that you can possibly take is to schedule regular, professional maintenance for your commercial heater. Having a commercial heating expert service and maintain your system is the best protection you have to prevent minor problems from becoming serious issues. Even light damages to your system can quickly snowball, reduce efficiency and cause serious disruption to your commercial heating service if left unaddressed.

When you need to keep your commercial heating system in Gaithersburg running smoothly, you need to contact a professional. A high quality installation teamed with the exceptional services from Tucker’s Air Conditioning & Heating can help you get the most from your commercial heater. Call today to schedule service.

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How Does a Geothermal System Work? A Question from Gaithersburg

Monday, December 10th, 2012

Many homeowners in the Gaithersburg area have begun to hear about geothermal heating and air conditioning systems. At Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating, we’ve been offering geothermal services for many years. We’ve helped lots of homeowners start to take advantage of the benefits of geothermal technology. We get asked a lot about how exactly geothermal systems work. We thought it would be helpful if we put together a quick description of how they work and how they can potentially save you money.

The Ground Loop

10 feet below the surface of the earth the temperature is about 55° F. It remains this temperature throughout the year no matter what temperature the air is above ground. Geothermal systems use this consistent temperature to heat and cool your home. They take advantage of this using a series of coils filled with a water/refrigerant mix buried in the ground.

The Heat Pump

A heat pump in your home is responsible for circulating the refrigerant through the coils and then exchanging heat with the refrigerant through a condensing coil. In heating mode, the coils absorb heat from the ground and carry it to the condensing coil in the heat pump. The heat pump blows cool air from your home across the coils, extracting heat from them and carrying it into the house. In cooling mode, the condensing coils in the heat pump extract heat from the air in your home and then deposit it into the ground.

Geothermal Benefits

Gas fired furnaces and boilers burn fuel to create heat. One of the main benefits to geothermal systems is that in heating mode they don’t need to consume any fuel. They use the free and unlimited energy stored in the ground to heat and cool your home. This allows them to achieve very high levels of efficiency by reducing the amount of energy they use to heat your home. The only energy they require is the electricity to run the heat pump inside your home.

Geothermal Restrictions

Because geothermal systems work because of a series of coils buried in the ground, there are space limitations. Geothermal loops can be installed both horizontally and vertically in the ground. However, if your property doesn’t have sufficient space, a geothermal system might not be appropriate.

If you’re interested in learning more about geothermal systems and if they’re an option for your home in Gaithersburg, contact the experts at Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating. We have years of experience installing, repairing and maintaining geothermal systems. Give us a call today!

 

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What to Consider Before Scheduling a Heater Installation

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

Having a good heating system here in Gaithersburg is absolutely critical during the winters. We all love to go outside and play in the snow, but eventually we all want to go back inside to a warm home. When you decide to get a new heating system installed, there are a lot of things to consider before you move forward. At Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating, we’ve been helping our customers in the Gaithersburg area with their heating installations for many years. We thought it would be helpful if we put together some of the most important things to consider before having your new system installed.

Size of the System

No matter what kind of heating system you’re getting installed, picking the right sized unit is crucial to the success of your system. We get calls for service all the time to homes where the furnace too big for the home. Here are some of the problems that can result from a heating system being the wrong size for the house.

  • Short cycling – This happens when your heating system turns on, quickly heats up your home and then shuts off. A short time later when your house has cooled down, the system turns back on and then off again. Not only does this greatly reduce the efficiency of your system, it also causes more wear and tear on it.
  • Uneven heating – When you have a heating system that is too big or too small, it can cause certain parts of your home to be too warm while other parts of the house are still cold.
  • Reduced efficiency – While short cycling can cause reduced efficiency, the size of the ducts in your home also play a part in reducing the efficiency. If your home’s ducts don’t match the size of the system, your heater will have to work harder to push the air through them.

Efficiency Rating

This can be a confusing part of the process for many homeowners. There are a lot of different efficiency ratings and it can be hard to figure out what they mean. Here are a couple of the most common ones:

  • Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) – The AFUE rating measures how much of the fuel consumed is converted into useable heat. Many old furnaces have an AFUE rating of 60% which means that they waste about 40% of the fuel. New furnaces can have an AFUE rating of up to 95% and higher.
  • Heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) – This is typically used to measure the efficiency of heat pumps in heating mode. It measures the total heat output over a heating season divided by how much energy it used.

If you need professional heating installation services in Gaithersburg, contact Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating. We have experience working with all types and brands of heating systems. A good installation is one of the best ways to make sure that your heating system works well for many years to come. Call us today!

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Central Heating Maintenance

Monday, November 12th, 2012

Do you change the oil in your car regularly? Most people do. Regular maintenance for your car is a great way to potentially reduce repairs costs and increase efficiency for your vehicle. That principle is also true for the central heating system in your home. Making sure that all of the components in your central heating system are working properly may be able to reduce the cost of repairs in the long run. Here are a few of the common maintenance tasks that your professional heating technician can perform when they visit your home.

Forced Air Systems

If you have a forced air system like a furnace or a heat pump, there are a number of different things that your technician can do to make sure that your system works well.

  • Check the air filter – The air filter on forced air system is one of the easiest parts to maintain. It is also the most common cause of problems that we see in Bethesda.
  • Check the flue – If you have a gas-fired system like a furnace, your flue is responsible for removing the harmful combustion gasses out of your house. If it starts to leak, it can allow carbon monoxide and other harmful contaminants. Making sure that the connections and joints in this system are properly fitted, are absolutely critical.
  • Refrigerant levels – If you have a heat pump, whether it’s air or water source, your technician will check the pressure gauge to make sure that the refrigerant levels are at the proper levels.
  • The fan – The fan is one of the most critical parts of a forced air system. It’s the part that actually pushes the air through your duct work. Checking the fan blades, the fan bearings and the belt are great ways to make sure that the fan works correctly.

Water Circulation

Water circulation systems include boilers and other radiant heating systems. Because these systems don’t use a series of ducts to move air, they obviously require different maintenance tasks.

  • Check water pressure – This is one of the most crucial parts of a boiler system. Near your boiler there normally is a pressure gauge that indicates the water pressure in the lines. Depending on the brand and type of boiler you have, the optimal levels can vary. A trained technician will be able to tell you exactly what that is.
  • Expansion chamber – This chamber holds heated water that is allowed to expand and produce pressure. Water or air leaks in this chamber can lead to poor performance of your boiler system.

No matter what kind of heating system that you have in your home in Bethesda, the experts at Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating can help make sure that it works well when you need. We are committed to our customers’ complete satisfaction and have experience working on all types and brands of heating systems. Call us today at 301-670-0034 to learn more about our maintenance program, the Ultimate Savings Agreement!

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Can Geothermal Systems Reduce Humidity? A Question from Gaithersburg

Monday, November 5th, 2012

Geothermal heating systems are a great way to heat and cool your home dependably in a very ecofriendly way. In addition to transferring ambient heat from the ground or water on your property for use in your house, geothermal systems are also effective at reducing humidity levels in your home. At Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating we know that great temperature control is only part of the recipe to keep your home as comfortable as possible. The quality of the air in your home is just as important, and high levels of humidity create uncomfortable living conditions and reduce indoor air quality. If you are thinking about the installation of a new heating and cooling system and are also concerned about humidity levels in your home call the experts at Tuckers. We’ll help you decide if a geothermal heating and cooling system is right for you.

Problems Caused by High Humidity Levels

A little extra moisture in the air inside your home may not sound like that big a deal, but in fact excess humidity can cause some problems. In addition to uncomfortable, clammy air, high humidity levels can promote the growth of bacteria that thrive in damp environments. Too much moisture in the air can damage moldings and any wooden furniture or floors. You may also notice that the paint or wallpaper in your home is peeling away from the walls. Too much moisture can cause affect the adhesion of the paint and wallpaper to the walls, causing the separation. Even conditions that seem like minor annoyances, such as condensation on your windows, can cause damage as the water pools at the bottom of the window.

How Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Help

Geothermal systems keep humidity levels in the comfortable zone between 30-50%. High levels of moisture are removed from the air in your home, and it is condensed into a liquid and drained by the geothermal heat pump. This lowers the relative humidity level inside and helps prevents the problems that humidity can lead to discussed above. In fact, geothermal heat pumps generally do a better job at lowering indoor humidity levels than traditional air conditioning systems. They accomplish this by providing your home with very constant air conditioning performance and maintaining more level temperatures throughout the day.

If you have any other questions about the installation or operation of geothermal heating and cooling systems call the experts at Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating at 301-670-0034. We’d be happy to answer any questions that you may have. We serve Gaithersburg, Germantown, and the surrounding areas.

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Geothermal Installation Steps

Monday, October 29th, 2012

Geothermal heating and air conditioning systems are starting to gain traction here in Gaithersburg. In addition to energy savings and environmental benefits, geothermal systems are also know for their durability.  But what are the actual steps to installing one of these systems? Conceptually, a geothermal system is not much different than a traditional central air conditioning system: it uses a pump to move refrigerant through a series of coils. But while most central AC systems use the outdoor air, a geothermal system uses the energy stored in the ground to provide both heating and cooling. Below we outline the installation steps that allow a geothermal system to do that.

Do you have the space?

With a geothermal system, a series of pipes need to be buried in the ground. When you contact your local geothermal specialist, this will most likely be their first order of business. The size of your house and your heating and cooling needs will determine how much piping will be necessary.

Vertical vs. Horizontal

You have the ground space required for a geothermal system, then you’ll need to start drilling and digging. The series of pipes can be laid out horizontally in the ground or they can be dug deeper into the ground and installed horizontally. The type of soil on your property and your space constrictions will determine which method your contractor uses.

The Heat Pump

At the heart of your geothermal system is a heat pump that will be extracting the heat from the refrigerant being pumped through the coils. The heat pump will blow air over a heat exchanger and then your ducts will carry the air through your home. Heat pumps are normally pretty compact and will most likely be placed in your basement or storage area. Your contractor will be able to recommend which brand or model of heat pump you should choose for your specific application.

Supplemental Equipment

A geothermal system works because of the temperature difference between the air in your home and the temperature of the ground. While the temperature in the ground remains relatively constant (around 55° F all year long) the temperature in your home can vary. If you live in an area with extreme cold or hot temperatures, your geothermal system might need some help to heat or cool your home. If this is the case for you, your contractor may recommend the installation of additional heating or cooling equipment to supplement the work of the geothermal loop.

If you’re curious about geothermal systems and would like more information about our geothermal services in Gaithersburg, then contact Tuckers Air Conditioning Geothermal heating and air conditioning systems are starting to gain traction here in Gaithersburg. In addition to energy savings and environmental benefits, geothermal systems are also know for their durability.& Heating today!

 

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Get Your Home Ready for Winter

Monday, October 15th, 2012

With winter fast approaching it is important to make sure that your home is ready for it. There are a number of steps you can take to make sure that home is comfortable and efficiently heated on even the coldest days of the year. Here are some tips from Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating to help your prepare your home for winter.

  • Air Stripping and Shrink Wrapping: It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing look, but shrink wrapping your windows can make a big improvement on heating efficiency. Air stripping your door frames will also help keep the heat in your home, where it belongs.
  • Schedule Maintenance Now: Before you put your home heating system into heavy rotation make sure that it is in good working condition. Call a professional heating and air conditioning company for maintenance service before the cold arrives. That way you know that your heater will be ready for action.
  • Flip the Switch: Did you know that your ceiling fans actually have two settings? There is a switch on the fixture that allows you to reverse the direction in which the fan blades spin. In the winter keep your blades spinning clockwise (usually) to force the air that has risen back down to the living area.
  • Schedule an Energy Audit: If your heating costs seemed unusually high last year you may want to schedule a professional energy audit. Procedures such as a blower door test can help pinpoint where your home is leaking energy, making it easier to repair hard-to-find leaks.
  • Upgrade Your System: If your heater was inefficient last year, it’s going to be inefficient this year. Don’t be put off by the initial investment of an equipment upgrade. Look for products that offer the most energy efficiency for your budget and the savings will add up, offsetting purchase costs.
  • Put on a Sweater!: This may sound simple, but simply putting on an extra layer or two while at home will allow you to lower your thermostat settings by a few degrees. It may seem inconsequential, but even small reductions in energy use will add up over the season.
  • Clean Out the Gutters: Clogged gutters are never ideal, but when temperatures drop the debris and moisture can freeze up. This will lead to overflow from your gutters, in turn leading to icy conditions around your home. Keep your walkways safe and ice free this winter.
  • Add Some Wood to the Fire: If you have a fireplace remember that it is not just for decoration. Keep wood on hand for those nights when you want a little extra comfort but don’t want to turn up the thermostat. A working fireplace is a great opportunity for cozy evenings with the family.

Take these tips to heart and you can start living more comfortably during the coldest months of the year. Get creative and see what else you can come up with. When it comes to getting your home ready for winter preparation is key.

Call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating today at 301-670-0034 to schedule your annual maintenance visit or to learn more about our Ultimate Savings Agreement!

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Common Geothermal Heat Pump Repairs in Gaithersburg

Monday, October 8th, 2012

With a professional installation and routine maintenance geothermal heat pump systems are a great, efficient way to heat and cool your home. Like any other home comfort system, though, maintenance does not eliminate the need for the occasional repair. While maintenance can help to keep the need for repair service infrequent, minimally invasive and affordable, the fact of the matter is that your geothermal system will probably require some level of repair service during its lifespan. If you operate a geothermal heat pump system in Gaithersburg, it’s best to understand some of the more common repairs that geothermal heat pumps need.

  • Poor Installation – It is important that your heat pump is installed by qualified, professional technicians. If you have a new heat pump that is underperforming and cannot provide adequate heat the problem is not necessarily with the pump itself. The buried loop system may have been poorly designed and/or installed, causing the heat pump to function less effectively and efficiently than it should. A slinky installation, for instance, where the pipes are coiled to save space, can potentially absorb too much heat from too small an area. This makes it hard for the ground temperature to recover and forces your heating system to rely more heavily on an electrical backup, reducing efficiency. Make sure your installation is done right the first time.
  • Poor Air Flow – Like any forced air system, a geothermal heat pump using ductwork can suffer from poor air flow or distribution. There are a few potential causes for this problem ranging in seriousness. If you notice decreased airflow from your geothermal system check your air filters before taking any further action. If dirt and debris has collected on the filter to the point that air is encountering too much resistance to pass through simply replacing the filters may be all that is necessary to resolve the problem. If your filters are fine or if the problem remains after replacing the filters, call a professional technician. You may have faulty or damaged ductwork. Air leaks are a big problem with ductwork, and a professional duct repair technician can fix the issue and improve the efficiency and airflow of your system.
  • Breaker Trips During Operation – Tripping a circuit breaker here and there does not necessarily mean there is a problem with your heat pump or electrical system, but if it happens with any regularity you should consult a professional technician. There are a number of possible causes for this problem, from bad wiring to faulty connectors or even a compromised capacitor. Whatever the issue it is important that any maintenance and repairs on the geothermal system itself or your home electrical system are handled by professionals.

These are just a few examples of potential problems you may experience with your geothermal heat pump system. If you have a problem that we have not addressed or have any further questions about the geothermal system in your Gaithersburg home feel free to contact the professionals at Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating at 301-670-0034. We’re always happy to help.

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Getting a New Heating System in Gaithersburg: Why You Need the Ultimate Savings Agreement

Monday, September 24th, 2012

If you have just purchased a new heating system or are in the process of doing so, one of the first things you should consider is a maintenance plan that will keep your system in good condition each year for many to come. Specifically, if you live in the Gaithersburg area, we recommend you consider the Ultimate Savings Agreement for your home’s new heating system. Provided by Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating, the Ultimate Savings Agreement is an extended warranty for labor, parts and service for your new heating system.

What the Ultimate Savings Agreement is Important

Tucker’s is the only company in the region to offer a 15 year parts and labor warranty and we offer lifetime unit replacement for heat exchangers and compressors with our Ultimate Service Agreement. Why is this important? Because the manufacturers only warranty their products for 10 years, which is not nearly long enough. You don’t want to be replacing your heating system again in just 10 years. A warranty for a full 15 years will ensure the 12-15 year life cycle of most heat pumps and furnaces is protected.

Repair Services Warrantied As Well

The Ultimate Service Agreement goes beyond just parts and labor on your heating system. We also offer a full 5 year warranty on the work we do. If we visit your home and perform a service repair, we will back it up for as long as 5 years and ensure that if the same component breaks again in the future, we will fix it for you.

Replacing your heating system is a stressful, expensive process and we know you don’t want to go through it any more often than is absolutely necessary. To obtain the peace of mind that you will be able to enjoy your new heating system at least 15 years, contact us today at 301-670-0034 and ask about our Ultimate Service Agreement maintenance plan.

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Geothermal Question From Gaithersburg: Will Switching to Geothermal Save Me Money?

Monday, September 10th, 2012

You will come across a wide variety of home heating and cooling equipment on the market today. Most honestly, each one of these systems is more or less appropriate depending on your particular situation. Of course, there are always some options that are way cheaper and smarter than the others. Though this is not all you should look for when comparing various heating and cooling equipment for your home, it certainly is a major determinant.

Geothermal systems are certainly much cheaper to operate when compared to other heating solutions in Gaithersburg. However, this is not all you need to think about when installing a geothermal system for your home. Before you can go for one, you must understand the basic functioning of these systems.

Geothermal systems do not create heat by themselves; they absorb it from the surrounding ground and deliver it to the air inside your home. This is why they use so little energy when operating.

Another noteworthy point about geothermal systems is that they are far more efficient than conventional heat pumps when it comes to absorbing heat from the ground in freezing conditions. These systems are capable of keeping you warm even under the most extreme temperature conditions for a sustained period.

While conventional heat pumps also do not cost much to operate, you may need the assistance of a furnace if the air temperatures drop too low. However, with geothermal systems, there is no such requirement. So if you live in a region with more extreme temperatures, a geothermal system is the thing for you. Though you have the option of a furnace in these conditions, you will be spending more in keeping it running. So, geothermal systems do work out to be the cheaper and smarter option in a variety of circumstances.

The best way to get a clear picture of whether to switch to a geothermal system or not is to take a look at your current bills. Now, you must factor in the installation costs if making the switch to geothermal systems. Though this is something of an investment, it is a long lasting and efficient solution to all your home heating and cooling requirements.  For more information about installing a geothermal system in Gaithersburg, give Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating a call today at 301-670-0034!

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