Posts Tagged ‘North Potomac’

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How to Minimize Air Conditioning Repair in North Potomac, MD

Monday, May 13th, 2013

If your air conditioning system seems to need repair or professional service often, then you may be looking for ways to minimize repair needs as we enter the cooling season. The more you use your AC, the more subject it is to general wear and tear, and any festering issues may come to light when you need your AC most. In this post, we’d like to run through some ways you can minimize air conditioning repair in North Potomac, MD. Call Tucker’s Air Conditioning & Heating today for comprehensive services.

  • Homeowner maintenance: Your AC is a complex machine with overlapping electrical, and mechanical systems, as well as various components that need to be kept clean. One of the primary ways your system stays clean is the air filter. The air filter is designed to prevent the accumulation of dust and debris on sensitive mechanical components as well as the coils. But when it becomes dirty or clogged, it can actually begin to disrupt the refrigerant cycle by causing the evaporator coil to freeze over and other related airflow issues. 
  • Professional maintenance: The majority of maintenance tasks should be handled by an AC professional. When you schedule routine maintenance, you allow your system to be inspected, cleaned, and tuned-up by trained technicians who can spot problems that are developing, and prevent the need for repairs with thorough cleaning and adjustments. It will also help to upkeep your energy efficiency and cooling performance.
  • Too many repairs? Consider replacement if you seem to need repairs almost constantly to keep your AC running. This is especially important if your AC is old. After all, you don’t want to keep propping an obsolete system when you could save money on repairs and invest in the future of your comfort with a new one.

Call Tucker’s Air Conditioning & Heating today for comprehensive air conditioning repair services in North Potomac, MD.

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Rockville, MD Air Conditioning Solutions: Why Go Ductless?

Monday, March 11th, 2013

As summer approaches, homeowners are already thinking of ways they can more efficiently cool their homes. While we cannot control the energy costs, we can help you improve the energy efficiency of your home. We offer comprehensive air conditioning solutions, including the latest ductless mini split models. If you’re looking for an alternative to central air conditioning, then a ductless mini split system might be your ticket to better cooling performance this summer. For more information about the new systems you can get in Rockville, MD, call Tucker’s Air Conditioning & Heating today!

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons you should go ductless this summer:

  • No ducts. Ductwork not only requires repairs and maintenance, but given high moisture conditions, it can attract microbial growth and reduce air quality. Ducts can also account for significant amount of energy loss, especially when the develop cracks or air leaks. For homeowners with allergies, ducts often transmit airborne allergens, unless properly filtered. In short, it’s another system to worry about in your house. A ductless mini split system, on the other hand, uses no ducts to distribute its air, but rather relies on a regular outdoor condenser/compressor unit, and indoor air handlers, which hang high on the wall.
  • Efficiency. Ductless systems are more efficient for two major reasons: first, they tend to be more energy-efficient, and this leads to greater savings; and second, you can customize the zones of your home by using multiple units. This gives you a much greater control over how your home is cooled during the summer.
  • Quiet operation. Ductless mini splits are known not only for their sleek design, but also for their comparatively quiet operation. While the relatively louder parts of the AC system housed in the outdoor unit, the interior air handlers often surprise homeowners who hadn’t realized they were even on.

The ductless mini split AC is not only an alternative system, but also an excellent air conditioning solution in its own right. For homeowners considering switching to ductless, or for those who are looking for innovative cooling performance, contact an air conditioning specialist at Tucker’s Air Conditioning & Heating  at  301-670-0034 today!

 

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North Potomac, MD Heating Guide: Types of Heating Systems Available

Monday, February 25th, 2013

If you’re considering installing a heating system in your new North Potomac, MD home, or thinking of upgrading to a new type of heating, it’s important to know what your options are. Whatever system you choose, you’ll need to consult with a heating professional in order to make sure that your new heater matches the size of your home, and that it meets your energy-efficiency requirements. Let Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating help you make the right decision. Our team of experienced heating technicians can make sure that your home will stay comfortable all year long.

Depending on the size, location, and needs of your home, several options are available to homeowners in the North Potomac, MD area, from geothermal to ductless mini splits. Here are just a few:

  • Boiler- The boiler heats water and distributes either hot water throughout your home by means of baseboard copper piping or radiators. It can be fueled by gas or electricity. It can also heat the water in your home, making it one of the most versatile conventional heating systems. As an alternative to a forced-air system, the boiler does not use extensive ductwork to circulate air throughout your home, and remains an economical and energy efficient heater.
  • Furnace- This is probably the most common type of heating system. The furnace burns fuel to create hot air, which is then distributed through a system of ducts into the various spaces of your home. New furnaces boast outstanding energy efficiency ratings, much higher than their forebears. Gas furnaces run especially clean.
  • Geothermal. As its name suggests, geothermal systems harness the latent temperature of the earth to heat your home. The temperature of the ground below the frost line stays at a median of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the geothermal heating system extracts the heat of the median temperature by means of a heat transfer fluid, and a heat pump then uses that heat to warm air which is circulated throughout your home. It is a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution.

Remember that consulting with a heating professional should be the first step. Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating will ensure that your heater is professional installed and serviced. Call us today at 301-670-003 for heating solutions in North Potomac, MD and the surrounding areas!

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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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What Makes Up a Geothermal Heating and Cooling System?

Monday, September 17th, 2012

A geothermal heating and cooling system works by taking heat from the ground and transferring it to the home using fluid that runs through a system of pipes.  Just below the surface of the ground, the temperature remains at a constant – generally around 55 degrees.  By circulating fluid through this area to absorb it, this heat can then be transferred to the house.

Inside of the home is a heat pump, which is a piece of equipment made with the ability to transfer or ‘pump’ heat from one location to another.  The pipes which are buried under the ground are called the ground loop.  These pipes have a fluid inside them which absorbs heat from under the ground and carries it to the heat pump inside of the house.

The heat pump takes the heat from the water and distributes it throughout the house.  After taking the heat from the fluid, the system then sends that fluid back out to the pipes under the ground to absorb more heat.  This process works in reverse for air conditioning in the summer time.

There are different types of layouts for the underground pipes.  They can be placed in a vertical loop field, or a horizontal loop field.  For homes near a large body of water, a lake or pond loop field is used.  This differs from the vertical or horizontal loop field because coils are put at the bottom of the lake or pond, rather than deep underground.

Direct Exchange (DX) systems use copper piping instead of plastic.  This allows for greater heat exchange at a higher rate and can be used for heating and cooling water in addition to air.  The piping is usually buried closer to the home which makes installation less expensive.

Heating and cooling your home with a geothermal system is not only quiet, clean and safe, but it doesn’t cost much to maintain either.  These systems are highly efficient and are used frequently in many countries.  On average, geothermal heating and cooling systems can last longer than traditional heating and cooling systems, creating even greater savings in the long run.

For more information about installing a geothermal system in Silver Spring and the surrounding area, give Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating a call at 301-670-0034!

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Geothermal Question from Bethesda: How Often Should I Have My Geothermal System Checked?

Tuesday, September 4th, 2012

One of the primary reasons behind the popularity of geothermal systems in Bethesda is that they require very little maintenance. They have few mechanical components and heating mechanisms, and most of these components are underground. That means the components are guarded from the type of wear and tear that can be caused by external elements, and so they can be expected to last for 20 years or more.

However, though these elements are long lasting and durable, they may require a check and some maintenance work every now and then. This is essential to keep the geothermal system working at its best efficiency level. Once these systems begin to lose efficiency, the cost of running them goes up, and it can get quite high over time if not addressed. This is not what you want to happen, especially considering the fact that these systems are quite costly to install.

When speaking of geothermal system maintenance, the ground loop system and polythene tubing are the components that benefit the most from this type of service. This system carries out the task of circulating the refrigerant from below ground level to the compressor that is located above ground. If installed well, this system can last for decades together. However, leaks can develop due to lack of maintenance, and that can lead to a drop in efficiency. If this happens, you need a professional to dig up the system and seal the leak. The tubing in question is usually found around ten feet below ground level, making this type of repair both invasive and costly.

The handling unit, the pump and the compressor are the other important components of a geothermal system. Just like the loop system, these components must be checked on a regular basis to ensure that everything is running smoothly. These checks must be carried out by trained professionals because there are certain problems that are too subtle for the layman to spot. In this case, having professional Bethesda geothermal company help is the way to go.

The process of maintaining these components may require component lubrication as well as tube changes. These tasks can be carried out by building owners as well but it is advisable that a professional handles it during an bi-annual or annual check of the geothermal system. To schedule an appointment today, call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating!

 

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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!

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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!

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Air Conditioning Question from Gaithersburg: Should I Run a Ceiling Fan and AC at the Same Time?

Monday, June 25th, 2012

One common question is whether there is any savings to be had in running a ceiling fan along with an air conditioner. The logic is that if a fan moves air around and helps you feel cool, then it can take away some of the cooling work of the AC and do it at a fraction of the cost.

But does this rationale hold water?

The Short Answer: Yes.

Simply put, the logic behind this question is sound. The ceiling fan helps circulate the cooled air through the room better than air conditioning alone, plus the velocity of the moving air makes you feel cooler. These effects allow you to bump up the thermostat a few degrees to lighten the burden on your AC, without decreasing your comfort level.

The Longer Answer: Yes, when used correctly.

Sounds great, right? All you have to do is leave your ceiling fans running, bump the thermostat up a few degrees and watch the savings roll in, right?

Turns out it’s a little more complicated than that.

Running your ceiling fans in conjunction with your AC will save you money by making the room feel cooler…but that effect only works when you’re actually in the room. This is because fans don’t actually cool the air, they just make you feel cooler by moving air swiftly past your skin, which helps evaporate sweat, among other things.

So, when your AC and fan are on at the same time, the fan enhances your perception of how cool the room is. But, if the room is empty, the fans are just spinning futilely because there’s no one in there to enjoy the effects of the moving air. In the end, this practice can actually cost you money.

To maximize both your comfort and your savings, feel free to turn ceiling fans on in rooms that you are both cooling and actively using. If you’re not, then go ahead and turn the fans off. For more questions about how to effectively use your air conditioner in Gaithersburg, give Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating a call today at 301-670-0034!

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Window Units vs. Ductless Splits for Air Conditioning

Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

If you cannot afford or do not have duct work to support a central air conditioning system, there are two options – window units or ductless units. But, which is better? It depends largely on your budget, whether you rent or own and if there are any risks inherent in either choice.

Window Units

First let’s look at window units. Window units are the least expensive form of air conditioning on the market and don’t require any work on your home to install. They are good for single rooms and smaller apartments as well, and they can usually be installed by one or two people without professional assistance.

The downside of a window unit is that it cannot cool your entire home, even in an apartment. Also, window units tend to block an entire window and they pose a security risk, especially on the first floor. They are easy to remove from the outside and therefore should only be used in extreme circumstances if the window is easy to access.

Ductless Systems

Ductless systems offer benefits that counter all of the downsides of a window unit. Specifically, they don’t block the windows and are mounted inside on the walls. They are also more efficient than window units, using 30% less energy on average than a comparable window unit. They can be sized to cool your entire home and they still don’t use ductwork so extreme installation methods are not needed.

However, a ductless system costs more than a window unit. They are more efficient, quieter, and less obtrusive, but they require a professional installation. Another issue to consider is whether you rent or own your home. Renters may not be permitted to have a system installed like this as it takes up more space and requires some work that could alter the building.

Which Is Better?

So, which should you choose? It depends on the specific needs of your home. If you have two or more zones to cool and can want to have a ductless system installed, it is a great long term solution. To learn more about how a ductless AC system would work in your home, call Bethesda HVAC contractor Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating at 301-670-0034!

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