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Saddleback Plumbing Heating & Air Blog: Archive for March, 2012
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Friday, March 30th, 2012Corona Del Mar Heat Pump FAQ: Why is Steam Rising from the Outdoor Unit of my Heat Pump?
Wednesday, March 28th, 2012In the winter months, we often get calls from Corona Del Mar customers about steam rising from the outdoor unit of their heat pumps, which is often mistaken for smoke. Steam rising from your outdoor unit is a normal during the heat pump defrost cycle. The defrost cycle prevents ice from accumulating on the outdoor coils.
Under normal conditions, heat pumps in Corona Del Mar should run without needing a defrost cycle. However, if temperatures drop to near freezing, a sensor will set off the defrost cycle, during which the outdoor coils will heat up and melt any ice that has formed on the coils. During this cycle, you may see what can look like puffs of smoke, but it’s actually the steam caused by the coils melting the frost. The steam can appear to be denser if there’s excessive humidity or moisture in the air.
It is important to note that the defrost cycle should not last more than ten to fifteen minutes, and each cycle should only run every two hours or so. If you notice that the cycles last longer, run more often, or if you see ice on the outdoor coils of your heat pump after the cycle is finished, you may need a heat pump repairs. Another concern is cooler temperatures in your home, which could indicate that the heat strips are not working properly during the defrost cycle.
Once the cycle is finished, the fan motor should come on again, but if it doesn’t come on several hours after the cycle, you should call us to send one of our HVAC technicians to inspect your heat pump. There could be an issue with airflow, or a potential motor failure. When there’s a lack of adequate airflow, it can damage the compressor and other components. Call us any time you notice anything other than the normal steam rising from your heat pump during the winter.
There are some ways to prevent excess wear and tear on your heat pump during the winter. For instance, strong winds can greatly affect the performance of your heat pump and may cause abnormal defrost cycles. Make sure the outdoor components are protected from heavy wind by placing some type of natural or manufactured barrier around your heat pump, but be sure not to block the airflow. If you are buying a new heat pump, look for a model that has demand-defrost control. This feature helps to save energy by minimizing the defrost cycles.
Feel free to call Saddleback Plumbing if you have questions about your heat pump or Corona Del Mar heating.
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Why Orange County Residents Should Get a Energy Audit Before Installing a New Heating Upgrade
Wednesday, March 21st, 2012Yesterday was the first day of spring, so if you can’t feel it already, warmer temperatures are on their way to Orange County. When you envision the warm days of summer, do you picture staying cool with an energy efficient cooling system, without any worries about high energy costs? Or are you concerned that your older air conditioning unit won’t make it through another hot summer? Well right now is the perfect time for an air conditioning installation, not only because Saddleback Plumbing can save you money on your purchase, but because there have been so many upgrades to the technologies of cooling systems.
Before you take the plunge on new equipment, though, you may want to get a home energy audit. What you find may help you choose the right system.
A home energy audit is essentially an inspection by a professional of the materials used to insulate your home. This includes not just the insulation in the walls, but also the walls themselves, along with windows, doors and so on. The idea is to figure out how much heat is escaping your home to the outside, so an audit may also include looking at ducts, vents or anywhere else where air could flow through.
So what does an energy audit have to do with a heating upgrade?
Think about it like this. There are two ways to make your home warmer: increase heat gain (e.g., get a more efficient heating system) or decrease heat loss. If you are able to do the latter, you may find that the former is unnecessary.
For example, you may get an energy audit and discover that by installing new windows and resealing your doors, you can increase heating efficiency by 10%. This could have big implications for your decision to get a new heating system, as you may decide that you can save money by getting a smaller capacity furnace. Getting the right size furnace is very important; one that is too small will not be able to heat your home to the desired temperature and one that is too large will short-cycle, which leads to uneven heating and wears down your system quickly.
A home energy audit is the first step to getting a new heating system, and one that is sure to save you money. Give Saddleback Plumbing a call to set up an energy audit today!
How to Increase Your Water Pressure in Huntington Beach
Thursday, March 15th, 2012As a Huntington Beach resident it’s no fun when you are in the middle of taking a shower and your bathroom plumbing slows to a trickle. The most logical thing to blame the loss of water pressure is a toilet being flushed or a washing machine being filled. It is not uncommon for losses in water pressure to be associated with simultaneous water usage in other parts of the home.
But if low water pressure seems to be a constant problem when only one source is being used and there are no other appliances using water at the same time, you may have a bigger problem on your hands.
The first thing to do is to check the source of the water supply to your outdoor faucets. Turn the hose bibs to the fully open position and run the water. Is the pressure okay? If so, you probably have a problem indoors. While you are outside, check for any leaks in the hose bibs or faucets. A leak can cause a loss of water pressure in other plumbing circuits.
Now check the hose bibs on the lines leading to interior fittings, like faucets or showerheads, etc. Is the hose bib turned to the fully open position? Someone may have been playing with the bib and turned it down or off. If that checks out okay, take a look at all of the fittings in your plumbing fixtures. Are there any leaks? Is there standing water anywhere, indicating a leak?
If so, tighten up the affected fittings. If you need to remove any fittings to inspect or replace (i.e. a worn out washer or bushing), make sure you turn off the water line to the fitting first.
If there are filter screens in your faucets check them for an accumulation of debris and clean if necessary. A clogged screen can greatly reduce water pressure.
Many new homes now come with a pressure regulator, which governs the water pressure going into the home. The regulator is located above ground, usually where the pipes enter the home. The pressures are usually preset by the regulator manufacturer but may not always be compatible to the local environment. If you think that may be the problem, contact Saddleback Plumbing for a professional opinion.
A disruption in the piping that feeds water into the home can also affect water pressure, such as tree roots in the pipes or a break in the line. These problems can only be diagnosed and corrected by qualified plumbing professionals. Please do not attempt to find and fix these problems as the result may be costly or even dangerous to your health.
Low water pressure can be a drag but it may also only require a quick fix.
HVAC Tips: The Differences Between SEER and HSPF Ratings
Wednesday, March 7th, 2012When it comes to heat pumps in Orange County and across the country, there are two different ratings you’ll often see – the SEER and the HSPF. So, what does each of them mean and which rating is more important when purchasing your new device? Here are a few things to consider:
SEER
The acronym SEER is short for “seasonal energy efficiency rating” and is used most commonly to measure air conditioner efficiency or in this case, the cooling capacity of your heat pump.
HSPF
The HSPF is short for “heating seasonal performance factor” and is a measurement of how efficient the heat pump is in producing heat during the cooler months of the year.
The Difference Between the Two
Every heat pump will have both of these ratings, allowing you to see how efficient each is. This is important because you need to know for certain how well your heat pump will perform under certain situations – both in the winter and summer.
However, if you live in a colder climate where the summer rarely calls for air conditioner, your focus should be on the HSPF first. And if you live in a warmer climate where your heating needs are minimal, the SEER is most important. Another thing to consider is your supplemental heat. If the cost of your supplemental heating system is high, you’ll want an HSPF that is as low as possible to balance it out.
Choosing an Efficient Heat Pump
Heat pump efficiency directly impacts the price of the device you purchase but is almost always worth the difference. The key is to find a device that provides what you need based on where you live. Keep in mind as well that, like most HVAC upgrades, you won’t immediately recoup the cost of the device in your energy savings, so if you plan on moving soon, you should purchase a more affordable device now and upgrade later.
Purchasing a heat pump is an important step in making your home more energy efficient. If you are unsure which rating you need or how to analyze their meanings, contact Saddleback Plumbing to learn more.