Posts Tagged ‘Andover’

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Andover MN Heating Tip: Does My Heat Pump Have a Refrigerant Leak?

Monday, December 17th, 2012

When properly installed, professionally maintained and expertly repaired a heat pump is an efficient home heating and cooling method. Like any other home heating and air conditioning system, though, problems do occur. No system is perfect, and the best thing you can do for your heat pump in Andover is to schedule professional service the moment you suspect that something is wrong with the system. The sooner any possible problems are resolved the less serious the ramifications are likely to be. Contact Air Mechanical today if you are concerned about a possible refrigerant leak with your heat pump. We can find out for sure if this is the case.

Before jumping to any conclusions about a possible refrigerant leak in your heat pump you must remember that pretty much any issue with a heating and cooling system may have multiple possible causes. Still, there are certainly some indications that point toward a refrigerant leak. One problem that may indicate a leak in your heat pump is the frequent freezing up of your evaporator coils. A heat pump generally has a defrost mode to handle this problem, and it is not that uncommon. If it is frequent occurrence or is happening more and more, though, there is a good chance your heat pump is leaking refrigerant.

Even lowered efficiency and compressor failure can be caused by a refrigerant leak. Again, though, it is certainly not the only cause. The only way to know for sure if you have a refrigerant leak is to have your heat pump inspected by a professional.

One strong indicator of a refrigerant leak is simply lowered levels in the heat pump system. Refrigerant is not actually consumed, but is recycled for reuse again and again. During testing a bit of refrigerant may escape here and there, but the levels should be pretty constant. Even this may not be a sure sign, though, as a mistake could have been made allowing for a large refrigerant loss without an actual leak.

Whatever the cause of your heat pump issues, a professional Andover heating service provider is the only one that can resolve it with certainty. Contact Air Mechanical today for the services you need to diagnose and repair any refrigerant leaks in your heat pump. We can get it back on track in no time.

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Andover Furnace Efficiency Tips

Monday, November 12th, 2012

If you’re like many people in Andover, you’re looking for ways to save money on your energy bills. With energy prices on the rise, people are doing everything they can to decrease the amount of fuel that they have to buy to heat their home. If you have a furnace in Andover, you’re likely in the same situation. Whether you have a gas-fired furnace or an electric furnace, we put together some tips on how to maximize the efficiency of your furnace.

Andover Insulation

Insulation is one of the most important factors in improving the energy efficiency of your Andover home. During the winter, the insulation in your attic is especially important. As heat rises into your ceiling and your attic, the insulation there needs to be able to keep as much heat inside your home as possible. Having a heating professional inspect your home’s insulation is a great way to find out exactly what state your insulation is in and if it needs to be replaced.

Seal Your Ducts

The ducts are like the veins of your heating system: they carry the heated air to each room in your home. If you have leaks or holes in your ducts, all the fuel that you purchased to heat the air might be lost when the air escapes out the cracks in your ducts. As your ducting ages, it might also shift and begin to pinch.  Unnecessary pinches or bends in your ducts can reduce the efficiency of the heater as it tries to push the air through.

Use Solar Power

If there is sunshine during the day, open your window blinds to allow in as much sunlight as possible. While there might not be a lot of heat, the sun’s heat will still collect inside your home.

Close the Doors between Rooms

By closing the doors between the rooms, you can trap the heat inside. This will keep heat from escaping out into your hallways or other spaces.

If you have any questions about the efficiency of your home in Andover, call the professional heating technicians at Air Mechanical. We take pride in the furnace and heating services that we offer our customers. We would love to talk with you about how you can improve the efficiency of your home and reduce your energy consumption.

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Ham Lake Plumbing FAQ: What is a Pressure Vacuum Breaker?

Monday, October 22nd, 2012

We get a lot of Ham Lake plumbing questions from our customers, and one we get frequently is about pressure vacuum breakers. The plumbing experts at Air Mechanical Heating, Cooling & Plumbing want to help answer all your questions. Call us any time if you would like information about your plumbing system or the services we provide.

Here’s a basic description of a pressure vacuum breaker and how it works.

A pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) is a device that helps prevent the risk of waste water getting back into your fresh water supply. This is why they are also called backflow prevention devices. PVBs use a spring-loaded valve that blocks the waste water from flowing in the wrong direction. The opening of the valve is determined by the pressure of the water inside the check valve, which only holds up to 1psi at a time. The valve will only open when the pressure is greater than 1psi. Therefore, the water leaving the home on the other side of the check valve cannot enter back into the water supply because there’s no pressure behind it.

Keep in mind that your vacuum breaker valve must be tested periodically by a certified plumber who is familiar with local codes. We recommend that you have your backflow prevent devices inspected at least once a year. The life of the components depends on several factors, including the condition of your water. Corrosive water conditions may limit the lifespan of the equipment; however, routine inspections and maintenance will help ensure that the internal parts are working properly and extend the life of the machinery.

Any type of backflow prevention device needs to be maintained according to the regulations of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), so it is imperative that you make sure that you hire a plumber certified to handle these kinds of inspections.

Call the Ham Lake certified plumbers at Air Mechanical for all your backflow prevention needs.

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Blaine Geothermal FAQ: Which Geothermal Heating Maintenance Service Should I Request Before Winter?

Monday, October 15th, 2012

Are you wondering what type of maintenance service to schedule for your geothermal heating system before winter arrives? While geothermal systems do require regular maintenance just like any other HVAC system, the good news is that there’s very little maintenance required for the seasonal tune-up. That means you save even more money on operating costs.

The Blaine geothermal experts at Air Mechanical can answer all your questions about geothermal heating and air conditioning. We also provide maintenance programs to help you keep track of the preventive maintenance for your heating system.

In addition to filter changes and routine cleaning, here are a few things that will need to be checked to ensure that your system works properly.

  • Check for any hidden issues
  • Check fan blowers
  • Replace any worn parts
  • Test thermostat
  • Inspect heat exchanger
  • Lubricate moving components
  • Test air flow
  • Inspect all wiring Test controls

 Duct Cleaning and Repair

After the items above have been tested and checked, we will also inspect your ductwork to ensure that there are no air leaks or other damages that may affect the efficiency of your system. We provide duct cleaning and duct repair if there are any issues with your air ducts. A duct cleaning service can improve indoor air quality as well. We also provide dryer vent cleanings to protect your home from one of the most common causes of house fires. These can all be taken care of during the fall maintenance visit.

Air Mechanical can take care of all your Blaine geothermal maintenance and repair needs. Scheduling your annual tune-up before winter arrives will help to ensure that there are no issues throughout the heating season. Call today to set up an appointment with one of our geothermal heating technicians.

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Ham Lake Heating Tips: Small Heating System Upgrades That Add Up!

Monday, October 8th, 2012

The Ham Lake heating technicians at Air Mechanical have a few tips to help you save on heating costs this winter! Here are some small upgrades and changes you can make that really add up in the long run. Call Air Mechanical any time if you have questions or would like more heating tips and ways to save energy throughout the heating season.

Programmable Thermostats

Installing a programmable thermostat is an easy way to save on heating costs, especially if you have an older system. The new high-efficiency heating systems are designed with energy-saving features, such as variable speed fans, that help reduce energy usage and lower heating bills. However, older, two-speed systems run at full speed for longer periods.

By installing a programmable thermostat with an older heating system, you can set the thermostat to automatically turn the system down according to the times you don’t need it. There are many different models to choose from, including models that have weekend and vacation settings.

Weatherization

There are quite a few simple and easy ways to make your home more efficient. Sealing doors and cracks is an easy way to start the weatherization process. You can also seal off attic spaces and garages to help reduce wasted heat. Upgrading doors and windows or adding insulation are other ways to increase overall home efficiency.

Duct Sealing and Cleaning

Duct sealing is another great way to reduce air loss in a central heating system. In addition, duct cleaning can also help ensure proper airflow, which increases the efficiency of a forced air system. If you are upgrading any component of your heating system, it is a good idea to have your ducts inspected and sealed.

Install a Humidifier

The air inside your home can become excessively dry because of the heat output from your heating system. Installing a whole-home humidifier that works with your heating system can help improve indoor air quality. Adding the right amount of moisture to the air can also help protect furnishings, wood furniture, and wood floors.

Call the Ham Lake heating professionals at Air Mechanical any time to learn more about ways you can upgrade your heating system to help save on energy bills.

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Andover Heating Question: Why Get a New Heating System?

Monday, October 1st, 2012

With cold weather fast approaching, it’s natural to think about making sure your Andover heating system is in good shape for the coming winter. Most of the time, that just means getting a tuneup, but if your system is getting older or you have some concerns about its performance, it may be time to consider getting a new heating system.

Upgrading for Efficiency

Especially if your current heating system is more than 10 years old, it can be worth upgrading to a newer model. That’s because the systems now available are so much more energy efficient than their predecessors that you can sometimes cut your heating costs dramatically by switching to a new system.

To determine if that’s the best course of action for you, you’ll have to calculate your current heating costs, projected heating costs with a new system and balance that against the cost of the installation. But more often than not, you’ll find that the new system will quickly pay for itself, making it a sound investment.q

Eliminate Frequent Repairs

If your heating system requires even minor repairs on a regular basis, it’s probably time to invest in a new system. Having a professional come out that often is costly, and even if the repairs themselves aren’t that complex, a system in this state probably isn’t operating at peak energy efficiency. Basically, that means you’re paying extra to heat your home and extra in repair bills, both of which could be eliminated by installing a new system.

Your current system will also probably break down completely relatively soon, meaning you’ll have to make that investment in the next year or two anyway. By upgrading now, you can make the same investment without paying for a year or two of repairs and higher than necessary energy bills.

For more information about installing a new heating system in Andover, give Air Mechanical a call today!

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Reasons To Install Garage Heating in Ham Lake

Monday, September 24th, 2012

Heating is expensive in Ham Lake. Probably the largest expense you have related to the comfort control of your home. So, why would you consider installing a heating system for your garage when no one spends a significant amount of time in it during the winter? it may seem strange, but extending heat into your garage or installing a standalone system can actually be very beneficial. Here are a few reasons why.

  1. Pipe Protection – Water pipes running through your garage need to be kept warm. While the weather may not always be cold enough to damage them, if it ever becomes that cold, you’ll want to be sure those quasi-indoor pipes are protected.
  2. Cold Air Barrier – If nothing else, you need to have some kind of barrier between the garage and your home – insulation or weather stripping on the door. Even still, cold air from your garage can leak into your home and heat from your home can leak out through the garage. You may already be heating the garage to some degree, but in the least efficient way possible.
  3. More Uses for Your Garage – Think about it. You can use your garage as a work space, a place to relax or any number of other things when you have a heating system in there. While you may not spend every day in the garage, it can be a fun place to spend time away from the usual areas of your home and with a heating system, it is possible to get some real work done there.

A garage heating system in Ham Lake doesn’t need to be extensive and it doesn’t need to cost a fortune to operate, but when properly installed and well maintained, it can provide ample heating for your garage and protect your home against heating loss or cool air coming inside. Consider a new garage heater for your home and see the benefits they bring.

For more information on how to improve your homes heating and plumbing this winter, contact Air Mechanical today! Air Mechanical Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has been a trusted provider of heating services in in Ham Lake since 1985.

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Andover Heat Pump Question: Why Won’t My Heat Pump Start?

Monday, September 10th, 2012

A heat pump that just doesn’t start one day is quite a common problem. The following are the most common problems that lead to an unresponsive heat pump.

  • A faulty thermostat
  • A faulty contactor
  • Some problem with the time-delay relay mechanism
  • A fault with the thermostat cable
  • The unit may be off due to a safety device being left open and exposed to high/low temperature, high/low pressure
  • A problem with the control module

There are instances in which the thermostat is not set correctly. This could lead to your heat pump not starting. If your emergency switch has been turned off, it could also lead to your pump being unresponsive. Apart from this, if your pump plug has been pulled out or the circuit breaker has tripper due to a surge, it could also lead to the same problem.

These may seem too obvious or simple but they are often the cause of an unresponsive heat pump. Other similar, simple problems may include a condensate pump switch being left open, the outdoor reset button may have been left off or the unit may have been locked out. In the last case, you can always turn the system off and turn it back on to get it to start working.

So before you go ahead and make that call to the service technician, make sure you check the following:

  • Ensure that no emergency switch is off
  • Make sure all breakers for the outdoor and indoor units are on
  • Check your fuses if possible
  • Check the safety switch on the condensate pump if you have one

If the problem persists even after trying all these steps, it is time to call the Andover heat pump technician. For any heat pump repairs that you need, give Air Mechanical Heating, Cooling & Plumbing a call!

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Andover Plumbing Q/A: Why Do I Need Water Filtration?

Monday, June 25th, 2012

Like most Andover homeowners, you’re probably asking yourself why you need water filtration – what exactly happens to your water that makes it necessary to install an entire new system in your home to keep it clean? There are a few things that might be an issue here and your specific circumstances will determine which affects you the most.

 Common Water Contaminants

While most homes don’t suffer from all of the following, there is a good chance you will have at least some of these contaminants in your home:

  • Sediment
  • Bacteria
  • Chlorine
  • Copper
  • Fluoride
  • Iron
  • Manganese
  • Nitrate
  • Sulfate
  • Viruses

This is only a partial list too – there are a number of other, more exotic substances that might be in your water. Now, this doesn’t mean your water suffers from all or even most of these problems. Many homes only have one or two contaminants and they may not even be immediately dangerous to your health.

But, here’s the issue – and the number one reason that most homes in Andover should have a water filtration system. Things change. While your home may not suffer from virus or sulfate infiltration now, it could later. Things happen to the water supply – pipes get old, things get into the water tables and chemical levels change at treatment plants.

The only way to combat these problems is to have a good water filtration system already in place. Specifically, a reverse osmosis system that can remove all of these contaminants through an advanced chemical process.

 Testing Comes First

To make sure you have the right system in place to tackle your water contamination problems, make sure you first contact someone to perform full water testing on your home’s drinking water. Because some of these contaminants must be treated with chemical infusions through pumps or special cartridges, it is important to know in advance what you’re up against. Call Air Mechanical Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today if you think you need water filtration in your home!

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Andover Air Conditioning Tips: How to Troubleshoot a Failed AC Unit

Monday, June 11th, 2012

For most scenarios, air conditioning system repairs follow a handful of typical troubleshooting steps. If you would like one of our Andover air conditioning technicians to help you get your AC unit running again, give Air Mechanical Inc for assistance. We can also send someone to your home if we can’t get your system working again.

Here are some basic steps to try before you call for a repair.

Check All Controls and Fuses

When your air conditioner won’t cool your home properly, always check the thermostat to see if it is on “cool” and set for the right temperature. If the air conditioner has shut down, check to make sure that the unit is receiving power by looking in the fuse box for a flipped circuit breaker and also making sure it is plugged in properly. You can also inspect the visible wires and electrical components for obvious damages. Call a TOWN NAME air conditioning technician if you see physical damage to the electrical components. Never try to fix this yourself.

Sometimes when there’s extreme weather conditions in the summer, such as very high temperatures or high humidity levels, the high-pressure switch can get flipped and turn off the air conditioner. You can easily find the switch on most AC models in the compressor’s access panel. Check your owner’s manual or call us if you don’t know how to locate or reset the limit switch.

Check for Refrigerant Problems or Condensate Pan Leaks

Refrigerant problems caused by the wrong amount of refrigerant can keep the AC unit from cooling your home properly, and you can usually tell if there’s a refrigerant issue by looking for frost or icing on the evaporator coil. When there’s excess coil icing, it means that there isn’t enough cool air being delivered to your home. If you see thick frost on the evaporator coil, a technician will most likely need to charge the refrigerant, or there could be a leak in the refrigerant line.

Condensate leaks into the condensate pan can also cause an air conditioner to fail. The condensate drip pan is installed underneath the air handler to catch condensate leaks if the drain system gets clogged. Most of the time, a small clog in the drain line can be easily cleared. Also check the condensate switch for issues; sometimes these can be defective and cause your air conditioner to shut down.

At Mechanical Air Inc, we want to be the only Andover air conditioning contractor you’ll ever need. Call us any time to get troubleshooting advice for your AC system.

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