Why Is My Furnace Leaking Water?

The cause of your furnace leaking water can be due to a multitude of reasons. We will list the possible causes and solutions below.

furnace-leak

Was Your Furnace Installed With the Correct Flue Pipe Size?

standard-efficiency furnace has a metal exhaust pipe that should not have condensation. If it does, the flue pipe may have been incorrectly sized. The wrong sized flue pipe could allow the the exhaust to cool down and cause condensation in the pipe, then drain back to the furnace and leak out.

Small Leaks can Signify Bigger Leaks to Come

If your house is heated by hydronic baseboard heat, then you may need to close off the valve feeding the heat system so the amount of water available is limited. If this is let go, the water leak will get worse. If this is your issue, give Top Notch a call to assess the issue before it turns into a bigger issue. We likely drain and repair the system, unless the damage is too far along and we need to replace the system.

Did Your Furnace Leak Water While Running the A/C?

Clearing a clogged condensate drainIf you are running a high efficiency forced air furnace then check the drain hose and make
sure you don’t have a clogged condensate drain tube. Condensation from outside air and air conditioning coils contain bacteria and can form slime and clog the condensate pan drain tube.
To clear the slime and prevent the coils can getting clogged again take the following steps: Remove the drain tube and fitting.  Then buy slime prevention packages (Example: AC-Safe Air Conditioner Pan Tablets) and follow the directions. Then install a larger tubing structure. This should permanently eliminate the clogging issue.

condensate pump

You May Have a Faulty Condensate Pump

If your heating system is a multifunction heating, ventilation, and AC, then your leaky HVAC may simply have a broken condensate pump. A new condensate pump is minimal in cost. Before replacing it try pouring water into the pump to see if it turns on, then attempt to turn it on. If it does turn on but the level of water does not decrease, then your tubing is clogged and then it may be clogged and need replaced.

10 Energy Saving Tips to Heat Your Home Most Efficiently

Heating and cooling amount to 47% of the energy costs in your home. Improve your home with this list of energy saving tips to heat your home most efficiently this Winter, and simultaneously prep your home to keep cool air in this upcoming Summer.

  1. Stop Drafts From Electrical Sockets. Oftentimes, the insulation around and behind your electrical sockets is not placed properly, creating drafts through the electrical sockets in your exterior walls. Stop letting air in through and around your sockets by removing the cover plate, and filling in small gaps with acrylic latex caulking, or foam sealant for bigger gaps.
  2. Replace Worn Weatherstripping. Worn and torn weatherstripping allow warm air to escape through the cracks. Proper sealing and insulation can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs, or up to 10% on your total annual energy bill,” according to Katie Cody, Lowe’s Spokeswoman.  “Air leaks from windows and doors are easy to find by moving your hand around the frame. Applying weather stripping and caulk to these areas will help cut down on drafts.”121458_R_Z001
  3. Insulate your Water Heater. Wrap your hot water tank in a cozy 80 mm jacket. Water heater insulation blankets can cut heat loss by 75 %, and you’ll recoup the cost of it in less than 6 months! Also, turning down the temperature of the water heater to the “warm” setting (120 degrees F) to keep water warm, but not scolding, to save energy in the meantime.
  4. Get your Furnace inspected annually. Annual furnace or boiler inspects ensure that your systems are functioning properly. If your Furnace isn’t functioning properly and for example, your filters weren’t cleaned or replaced right and theres a blockage in your ventilation, then your heating system will have to work harder all winter, and your home could be filled with air that isn’t filtered properly as well. Make sure your system is in proper working order by getting your furnace inspected every year.
  5. Get a Humidifier for Your Home. Low humidity often makes us feel more cold than you would with the proper amount of humidity, causing you to turn up the thermostat. Get a humidifier and spend less on heat bills this cold season.
  6. Insulate your Doors. Stop energy loss from poor door insulation. Fit draught excluders or sealant strips around all exterior doors, and interior if needs be. Sealant strips can be bought cheaply from DIY stores and are very easy to fit – just like applying sticky tape. Don’t forget to get a brush trim for letter boxes, bigger gaps and the bottom of doors.The Vent in the Home Wall. Air Condition Vent
  7. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat. The programming power allows you to set when your heat kicks on and off, making it so you
    can turn off your heating at night or when you leave the house, and set it to turn back on only 30 minutes before you get home.
  8. Close your Vents. Close the vents to any unused rooms during winter so you aren’t heating rooms your not in.
  9. Insulate your Windows. Insulate your drafty windows with a Window Insulator Kit. Help keep warm air in through wrapping your windows with heat shrink window film.
  10. Get a Storm Door. Reduce your homes energy loss up to 50 percent by purchasing a storm door made with low-emissivity glass or coating.

When Should You Replace Your Boiler or Furnace?

Why is it so important to make certain that your home heat system is working efficiently?

For starters, if your home runs on oil or gas, the Energy Saving Trust believes it is responsible for 50% of your energy bills. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2009, the average PA home spent approximately 1,250 dollars annually on oil and gas in the home. The cost of your heat depends largely on the efficiency of your boiler or furnace. That is why it is important to replace your heating system when it is outdated, or not working properly.

In Western Pennsylvania, we use our heat about 5-7 months out of the year. And given the limited amount of sun we get in the Pittsburgh area, it’s probable that we use heat closer to 7 months of the year. Do you want to run a system the majority of the year that wastes gas or oil and raises your energy bills? We think not!
When to Replace your Boiler

*Tip: Ensure the longest lifespan for your heating system by keeping it maintained. Get your boiler or furnace serviced annually to make sure it is safe, and repair problems before they become too expensive to fix.

Find out if your boiler needs to be replaced by determining how efficient it is.

Every boiler and furnace has a rating associated with it. This rating is based on its energy efficiency or annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). Both the age and type of heat system you have affects how efficient it is. However, AFUE percentages are hypothetical numbers based on calculations. Read below for a simple way to find out if your boiler or furnace has a low, middle, or high efficiency rating based on how it functions, and the components it has.

Low-efficiency heating systems:

  • Natural draft that creates a flow of combustion gases
  • Continuous pilot light
  • Heavy heat exchanger

These systems tend to be older, as some of these functions, like the continuous pilot light, are no longer allowed in modern boilers. On average, these systems have between a 56% to 70% AFUE rating.

Mid-efficiency heating systems:

  • Exhaust fan controls the flow of combustion air and combustion gases more precisely
  • Electronic ignition (no pilot light)
  • Compact size and lighter weight to reduce cycling losses
  • Small-diameter flue pipe

In general, these systems have between a 80% to 83% AFUE rating.

High-efficiency heating systems:

  • Condensing flue gases in a second heat exchanger for extra efficiency
  • Sealed combustion
  • Temperature control devices

High-efficiency heating systems with the above components usually have between a 90% to 98.5% AFUE rating. Temperature control devices make it so you can be exact with how and when you heat every area in your home.

Why You Should Have a Home Humidifier in Western PA

A healthy level of humidity in your home will make you healthier while making you home more comfortable. In Western PA, we turn on the heat in our homes for 5-7 months of the year. That’s a lot of time spent with the windows closed, and hot air coming out of our vents. A whole home humidifier is one of the most effective ways to add the proper amount of humidity to your home.

Cold winter air brought into your home and heated likely has less than ideal Relative Humidity (RH) levels. This is due to the fact that colder air is less capable of holding moisture, making it so the colder the air is outside, the less humidity it has the capacity to hold. This is why homes in Western PA that undergo 5-7 months of cold weather should have a humidifier. A humidifier allows you to combat the dry air coming into your home, and add the proper amount of moisture to it, helping to keep your home comfortable.

Make Your Home More Comfortable.

By putting the correct level of humidity back into the air of your home, you prevent problems that can occur from dry air, such as:Recommended Indorr Humdity Levels Relative to Outdoor Temperature

Dry air increases likelihood of getting sick. Viruses causing colds and the flu prosper in low humidity. Dry air has also been proven in studies to make you more susceptible to infection. Dry air can also exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms.
Dry air causes home damage. Just like dry air causes your skin to crack, it also can cause walls, woodwork, and hardwood floors to crack as well.
Dry air can cause bigger energy bills. Low humidity often makes us feel more cold than you would with the proper amount of humidity, causing you to turn up the thermostat.
• Dry air makes you feel uncomfortable. From bloody noses, to dry

mouth and itchy eyes, sore throat, cracked, itchy skin, and static shocks, dry air is no fun for anyone.

Prevent the problems caused by dry air with a Home Humidifier installed by Top Notch, created by AprilaireAprilaire Humidifier Display Screen

Aprilaire makes the best Home Humidifiers on the market. Top Notch has been installing and maintaining Aprilaire Humidifiers into homes in the Western PA region for over 25 years. We stand by the brand because of its reliability as a humidifier manufacturer, and its top notch features. For example, only Aprilaire Humidifiers offers Fully Automatic Digital Humidifier Control. These humidifiers make it easy to maintain the correct RH for your home, ensuring that you always have the optimal indoor relative humidity in your home.

We supply compact units like the 65-pint unit for townhomes, condominiums, and homes with closet HVAC systems, up to 135-oint units, for very large homes, 4,000 square feet and up. If you live in the following counties and are looking for a top-notch home humidifier, look no further than Top Notch Heating and Cooling:

  • Allegheny County
  • Butler County
  • Somerset County
  • Armstrong County
  • Fayette County
  • Washington County
  • Beaver County
  • Greene County
  • Westmoreland County

Learn more about the humidifiers we carry on our website here: Aprilaire Products in Pittsburgh.

 

Now is the Time to Prep Your Furnace in Western PA

Professional Inspecting Furnace
Prep your home’s furnace or heat pump for winter soon because Winter Is Coming!! And it comes especially quickly in Western PA.  In November 2014, temperatures dropped down to 14 degrees! Make sure your home furnace is prepped for the inevitable dropping temperatures by getting your systems inspected and prepped sooner – rather than later!

Prepare for colder months before winter, and ensure your systems are up to par and working at full capacity by scheduling an appointment with Top Notch before the cold months occur. By getting your inspection and prep done now when we’re less busy, you will get more availability, rather than right before the first frost when we’re in our peak season and hustling all around the Pittsburgh area, from South Fayette, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Upper Saint Clair, Mount Lebanon, and more.

The first step you should take in preparing your furnace for winter months, is having a professional come in to inspect and clean it. The small fee of an inspection, will more than outweigh the cost increase an inefficient furnace could collect through sky high, wasteful energy bills.

Replace Furnace Air Filter

We suggest replacing your air filter, or rinsing your reusable filter. Next time you buy a filter, you might want to look into reusable filters, which don’t require replacing, but instead just rinsing. Some filters need to be replaced once a month, others, every three months. This depends on the quality of the filter, as well as other factors such as geographical location. For Top Notch customers located in Allegheny, Washington, Butler, Somerset, Armstrong, Fayette, Beaver, Greene, and Westmoreland Counties, we suggest checking your air filters monthly, and changing them when they look dirty.

Another item in your furnace or heat pump that we will review and potentially recommend replacing, is the humidifier pad. Your furnace’s humidifier pad should be replaced at least once a year.

After that, we’ll check other items, like your blower blades, blower belt, and potentially oil the blower motor (given it is an unsealed blower motor). We will look for loose belts, which can increase furnace operation time, and also frayed or cracked belts, which can stop your furnace from operating altogether. We also review your heat pumps’ return duct, condensation drain, filter, filter slot, and internal pieces within it to make sure everything is running well, and clean. We also may suggest cleaning the heating ducts, depending upon how they look, when you had renovations last, the last time you had them cleaned, etc. We change your humidistat from off to about 40-50% room humidity. We make sure that your blower doors are replaced properly to keep carbon monoxide away from the air that circulates throughout your Pittsburgh Home.

All in all, our thorough inspection of your system will ensure that it is in optimal shape to heat your home this winter, safeguarding your home and your family against dust, toxins, and other safety hazards. Save money on your energy bills and keep your home safe and comfortable by getting your furnace inspected and cleaned before use this year.

How Much Does Air Conditioning Installation Cost in Pittsburgh?

A common question that we get at Top Notch is ‘How much will it cost to install an air conditioning system in my home?’ Well, every home is different and therefore every air conditioning installation price is unique. Make sure you take a look at our last blog post that goes over ‘Professional AC Installation Criteria’. That way you will know what Top Notch Heating and Cooling takes into consideration when outfitting your home with the ideal equipment (and know when another company might not have all the information necessary to make an informed AC decision for your home as well).

Top Notch installs everything from Central Air Conditioning Systems, to Ductless Split Air Conditioning Systems, and Window Units. We do maintenance on all different makes and models of HVAC equipment, but stand by the following brands when it comes to new installations: Goodman and Airtemp; Sea Breeze, Fujitsu, and Daikin for mini split systems, as well as Crown, Utica, HTP for boilers.

Goodman Air Conditioning and Heating Pittsburgh

Goodman: The Goodman brand has been building air conditioning equipment since 1982. Given their decades of experience in the heating and cooling business, customers can be assured that Goodman brand air conditioning systems meet the highest industry standards and are installed by some of the best and most experienced professionals in the industry. Goodman offers a 10-year Parts Limited Warranty coverage on all functional parts, and a Lifetime Compressor Limited Warranty on the compressor in our air conditioning products, as well as similar warrantees are their heating products too.

AirTemp Air Conditioning Pittsburgh

AirTemp: Airtemp air conditioning systems are designed, assembled and repeatedly and thoroughly tested in North America. AirTemp only uses reliable components and proven technology, and builds quality into their products during every step of the manufacturing process. They have a 10-Year All-Parts Limited Warranty and also stand by a 1-Year Replacement Pledge (in case of compressor, or the heart of the system, failure).

 

Top Notch relies on a combination of things for our Top Notch Service. We have a strong team of skilled, experienced professionals that install and maintain our top of the line products, which are backed by strong warranties. This winning combination and our fare prices make Top Notch a reliable source for your HVAC needs.

At Top Notch, we steer clear of partnerships with dealers such as Lennox, Carrier, Bryant, and Trane…. Partnering with dealers makes HVAC companies inflate customer prices and promote their products, which may not be the best for the specific needs of the customer at hand. By staying independent, Top Notch is able to choose the nest, and most correct product for the job at hand, and charge customers the proper fee, without having to increase it to pay off the partnership of a distributor.

In general, Air Conditioning Installation Cost with Top Notch starts at $2800. Depending on size, efficiency, and the number of bells and whistles required for the job, the price goes up from there. When you are looking for a company to install HVAC systems in your home, call around to different companies and get pricing and ask them what criteria they use to decide what option is best for your home, and which brand product they will use. And make sure you start with us, here at Top Notch.

 

Professional Air Conditioning Installation Criteria in Pittsburgh

goodman HVAC units
A frequent question we get at Top Notch Heating and Cooling is, “How much does it cost to get a new air conditioning system installed in my home?” This is a hard question to answer, given that every home is unique, which in turn makes every air conditioning installation different. Air Conditioning Installation is a big purchase and decision and is therefore heavily considered. Most people looking to install a new air conditioning system will buy a good quality system that lasts longer, uses less energy, and therefore pans out over the course of the years they plan to spend in their home.

The first question you have to answer is: ‘What’s the best type of Air Conditioner for My Home?

Your home is unique. From its components, to its size, location, your style of living, your preferences, heat loss, and so on. Your air conditioning system will be specific to you. Below we will try our best to break down how we assess which AC system is best for your home, dependant on your situation. Below lists how we, as HVAC professionals, arrive at the expert advice we give to the unique homeowners that we serve in and around the Pittsburgh area.

Measuring Home Size (BTUs)
The size of your home is a major factor in determining the best air conditioning system. AC units are measured in British thermal units, (BTUs). They are measured by the amount of heat they remove in a home in one hour. The bigger your house, the more cooling power it will need. Get too large of a system, and it will cycle on and off which created a loud sound and also wastes energy. Get too small a system, and your AC will run all the time and inefficiently cool your home.

Lifestyle
The unique build of your home and how you use it will greatly affect which Air Conditioning System fits you best. Answering questions such as: Is your basement finished? How well is your attic insulated? How do you currently heat your home? Do you want the capability to cool some rooms and not others? Etc.

Calculated Heat Loss
A multitude of factors determines how much heat-loss your home has; this information helps decide its’ air conditioning needs. Your geographic location, area of ceilings, floors, and walls exposed to outside temperatures, the number and quality of windows and doors, the perimeter length of Slab on grade floors, your homes volume, and internal heat gains (from warm bodies, lights, appliances, etc) are all factors that make up your calculated heat loss.

Additional Considerations
At Top Notch, we also factor in such things as; the materials that make up your home, when it was built, past duct infrastructure, and more. We also look for problem areas such as preexisting duct leaks and seal problems, as well as potential draft locations, cheap windows, etc.

Unit Load Calculations
An air conditioning contractor will do a load calculation to determine the proper air conditioning unit for your home. We use a variety of computations to properly analyze your home’s cooling characteristics. We do this both for the whole house, and/or room by room to help determine duct size and assess all needs of the home thoroughly.

Would you like to get your home assessed by a Top Notch Cooling and Heating Professional? Let us help you find the best cooling solution for your unique home and lifestyle. Serving homeowners in and around the Pittsburgh area including:
• Allegheny County
• Butler County
• Somerset County
• Armstrong County
• Fayette County
• Washington County
• Beaver County
• Greene County
• Westmoreland County

Give us a Call today at 412-381-0598 or send us an email on our contact page. We look forward to serving you and making your home nice and cool for the rest of summer!

Stay tuned for our next blog post that will answer the question: How Much Does Air Conditioning Installation Cost for an Average Pittsburgh Home?

Summer Savings Tips for Homeowners

Homeowner expenses

High Summer Temperatures outside often mean higher electricity bills to keep your homes cool inside. Below are some simple tips to help cut down on energy use and lower your electric bill at the same time. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Top Notch Technician if you want to chat with an expert directly about maintaining a more energy efficient home.

Air Conditioning

Make sure your Air Conditioning System is running at Top Notch this Summer by keeping your air filters updated, assessing air and water leaks, checking your compressors health, and fixing a noisy AC. Read our blog post, ‘How to Maintain and Troubleshoot your Air Conditioning System’ to learn how to check and maintain the items lists above. If you didn’t get your system inspected prior to the season starting and you’re running into issues now, not to worry, a Top Notch Technician can still inspect your system and make sure it’s running at full capacity for the second half on Summer, no problem!

should you turn off AC when not home?

 

Should you turn your AC off when your not home to save energy?

Yes. People often think it takes more energy to re-cool a room than to just keep the AC running at a higher temperature all day, but that is simply not true. Turning off your AC unit saves energy. Running it at a higher temperature all day, only turns things on and off at different rates, and doesn’t use so much less energy that it is more worth it to leave it on. When your asleep, or away for the weekend or at work for the day, turn off your AC. When you come home, turn it back on. Programmable thermostats are great for this purpose.

Use of Appliances

Oven – An easy way to keep your home cool and use less electricity in the Summer, is to use the oven and other heat generating appliances more sparingly. Cook dinners that don’t require use of the oven. (Here’s 100+ No Oven Recipes).

Washer/Dryer – Only do loads of laundry when they are full. Use drying racks instead of the dryer. Wash in cold water.

use ceiling fan with AC

Fans – Use your bathroom exhaust fan after showering to remove heat and humidity. Use ceiling fans when in rooms to circulate air better.

Lighting – Turn off and unplug lights/appliances when you aren’t using them. Buy energy efficient bulbs. Check out Consumer Reports ‘Choosing the Best Energy-Saving Lightbulbs’ to see how your bulbs compare, and what you should buy next time your bulbs burn out!

Save energy and money by following these energy saving tips! Both your wallet – and the environment, will thank you for your decreased use of energy! Here’s to a cool and comfortable Summer while using less energy! Share these tips with the homeowners you know, and help them save and decrease their energy usage too!

 

Why You Should Hire Professionals for Air Conditioning Installation

Everyone likes to save money. Sometimes, that involves cutting corners. This tactic for saving works on many things. But sometimes cutting corners in an effort to save a few bucks just isn’t worth it in the end… Like when your daughter tried to cut her hair and ended up with a mullet, or when the dollar store trash bags made a mess in your kitchen. Somethings, like Air Conditioner Installation, should be left to the experts because in the end, spending those extra bucks will end up saving you money in the long run.How Does an Air Conditioning System Work?

 

A recent NIST study has gathered Air Conditioning systems operate inefficiently and waste significant energy due to a variety of installation errors. These set up errors range from improper refrigerant charge, incorrect airflow, oversized equipment to leaky ducts. These errors can raise your energy bill by as much as 30%. That is why professionals like the Top Notch team should install your Air Conditioning System, and get it set up right the first time. (Read the full NIST study to find out exactly how much energy can be wasted through insufficiently set up air conditioning equipment. )

Professional Air Conditioning Installation

A major strength of the team here at Top Notch Heating and Cooling, is the amount of experience we have in the industry. Top Notch has served over 20,000 customers and has been serving the Pittsburgh area for the last 20 years. With this experience, we are able to make educated decisions with homeowners about which system is best for them given the unique area, home, and owners. We find the air conditioning unit that fits all of your criteria best. Then we perform a heating and cooling load calculation, which helps us determine the correct unit size, which is important for the systems functionality, and the amount of energy it uses. Many factors about your home help us make this determination, such as: foundation type, type/ color of roof, insulation values in walls/floors/ ceilings, window type/location/quantity, size of home, and more.

Your air conditioning system is a major piece of equipment that you use regularly and for many years. Remember that somethings should be left to the professionals, and for good reason. Save yourself money in the long run by getting your system installed the right way, the first time.

If you live in or around the Pittsburgh area and need help with your heating or cooling systems, give us a call at 412.381.0598 or send us a message through the Top Notch Air website. We look forward to serving you and saving you money.

 

How to Maintain and Troubleshoot your Air Conditioning System

Air Conditiong Maintenance Allegheny County

Keep your Air Conditioning Systems running well with the tips and troubleshooting answers listed below. Maintaining your AC will keep your systems performing at Top Notch, help you save money by using less energy, and stop major problems from occurring by assessing the smaller ones. Protect your home investment and read on to learn about how and why to check your system, assess issues, and ultimately uphold the value of your air conditioning system. Read on for 5 tips to help you maintain and prevent problems with your air conditioning system.

  1. Update Air Filter. The top cause of HVAC system malfunction is dirty filters. Also, those dirty filters make it harder for air to pass through, which causes the system to use more energy in pushing the air through all of the debris. If that isn’t enough to make you change your filter, then think about it this way: Dirty filters mean dirty air ducts which means the house is dirty and full of allergens. Keep your filters clean to avoid more problems, and keep the air in your house clean.
  2. Assess Air Leaks. If your system used to work better and make the air cooler and it isn’t anymore, then one of the many reasons that can occur is from leakage. Make sure your window units are sealed properly, (Tip: follow Top Notch on Facebook for tips on how to find leaks and more useful info!) and if they are leaking air, try stuffing foam in between the device and window frame. For central air-conditioning, check for leaks around duct connections. For ductwork, you can use foil tape to seal tiny gaps, and duct mastic for larger leaks.
  3. Check Compressor Health. Put your central air compressor and condensor on the north or east side of your house to keep it out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Place it in a clear area, 24 inches away from anything else to keep it running at its best. Troubleshooting compressor problems: If your compressor starts and the fan does not, then the condensor fan motor could be the issue. If the fan starts, and the compressor does not, your refrigerant could be low or the compressor might be bad.
  4. Assess Water Leaks. If your Air Conditioner is leaking water, then it may be due to a clogged tube, or due to a problem with the condensation pump. If ice is blocking the tube, then clean or change your filters and/or check refrigerant levels. If your refrigerant is low, a Top Notch technician will gladly refill it for you. If it’s not due to a tube, make sure the condensation pump is plugged into a working outlet, and then pour water into its collector, and then see if the pump starts. If it doesn’t start or does but doesn’t empty the water, its stuck or broken.
  5. Fix Noisy AC. Most newer air handlers have direct-drive motors, but older units may be belt driven. Squealing sounds can occur from air conditioning systems reliant on belts. See our previous blog post, to make sure a repair on an older machine is the right move, or if you need to prepare for the Freon Phase Out which may prove your system obsolete in light of new government changes for refrigerants. If your direct-drive motor is making noises that sound like squealing or grinding, call Top Notch – the motors bearings are probably shot.

If you have a question about maintenance or troubleshooting your AC unit or system that is not listed above, reach out to the Top Notch Heating and Cooling Experts. We service areas in and area Pittsburgh, including but not limited to homes in Allegheny County, Washington County, and some of Beaver and Fayette counties.

Find out more about Top Notch on the Top Notch website.

Air Conditioning System Update: Plan Ahead for the Freon Phase Out

Air Conditioning regulation is in the process of making changes that you need to know about. Be aware of the updates you are going to have to make in the next few years and make the most cost effective decisions by understanding the changes and how they will effect you, your family, and your current air conditioning systems with help from Top Notch Heating and Cooling of Pittsburgh.

No more Freon in Air Conditioning Units

The Freon Phase Out:

In 2010, air conditioning manufacturers discontinued the production of equipment that utilize R-22 Refrigerant, also known as Freon.

Prior to 2010, Freon based Air Conditioning Systems were the popular AC Unit, used for decades in residential homes and for commercial businesses. However, in recent years we have learned that Freon is a fluorocarbon pollutant that removes the ozone layer, which as you know, acts as a protective layer against harmful ultraviolent rays from the sun. If you currently use equipment that recharges with Freon, you can continue to recharge your equipment up until 2020. Meaning that you will absolutely need to get new equipment that does not rely on Freon after January 1st, 2020, as it will not be available thereafter. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ruled to completely stop production of HCFC-22 by the year 2020.

So Why Upgrade before you absolutely have to in 2020?

  1. As Freon becomes more difficult to obtain, it will also become more expensive. In 2014, 51 million pounds of Freon were produced for consumption. In 2015, that numbered dropped to 22 million. By 2020, that number will drop to zero.
  2. You are hurting the ozone layer and quality of life for all of its inhabitants by using a fluorocarbon pollutant that has been classified as harmful to the environment.
  3. There is an alternate cooling unit, R-410A (brand name Puron), which is just as efficient as Freon at cooling and does not harm the environment like Freon. New air conditioning systems use Puron, which is currently about half the cost of Freon, which will become increasingly more expensive until its deletion in 2020.

Update your Air Conditioning Unit before 2020

See what KDKA has to say about the Freon to Puron Phase Over: ‘Switch To New Refrigerant Likely To Boost Cost For Consumers

Top Notch supports the Airtemp and Goodman brands for residential air conditioning systems. All Top Notch installed Air Conditioners utilize refrigerant R-410A, specialty warrantee options, and high performance and quality products that Top Notch stands by and that our customers can rely on. Learn more about Top Notch Cooling Services on our Cooling Page.

 

When, Why, and How You Should Get Your AC Inspected This Spring

Air Conditioning Inspection

Before using your air conditioner, you should make sure that air can flow through it freely and most efficiently. This preventative measure can improve the air quality within your home, and save you money in the long run.

So when exactly should you get your air-conditioning inspected? A tell tale sign its time to get your system inspected are the budding of plants and flowers which mark the start of Spring and the warmer months to come. Other times you may want to get your AC system inspected are from sensory clues that there may be an issue. Sometimes AC problems are visually noticeable. Here are some Ductwork problem you might be able to identify through sensory clues:

  1. Peeling duct tape and loosely fitting seams
  2. Dirt marks that signify escaping air
  3. Damaged ducts that look flat or torn
  4. Dents in the system itself
  5. Damage from plant growth on the outside of compressors
  6. Bent condenser unit fins that obstruct airflow
  7. Thermostat not working property or displaying incorrect information
  8. Warm air coming through the air vents when on a cool setting
  9. Different temperatures in different rooms
  10. Outdoor unit making strange noises

So why should you get your AC inspected? Because inspections more than pay for themselves in improved energy efficiency, which ultimately saves money through lower utility bills and making your AC unit last you a longer time. Inspection of your AC unit can lower your monthly energy bill by up to 15%! That’s huge! AC inspection can prevent your AC unit from breaking down as well by addressing small problems, before they become big, costly problems.

When a TopNotch team member comes out to your home to inspect your AC unit, we check your systems connections, refrigerant levels, operating temperatures, return and supply lines, operating pressures, as well as the motor, blower, drain line, and coils to make sure they are functioning properly. We also clean the filters, connection points, motor, and coils, too, with out current promotional offer listed below.

In the least, one thing that you can do yourself to help maintain the efficiency of your AC, is replace or clean its filters on a regular basis. Clogged, dirty filters block airflow and increase your air conditioners energy consumption. Dirty filters can also cause other, bigger issues, like bringing dirty into the evaporator coil, which lowers the coil’s heat-absorbing capacity and ultimately makes your AC less effective.

Here’s an interesting fact about AC Inspection:

Did you know that in the United Kingdom, you get fined if you fail to get your air-conditioning inspected at least once every 5 years?

TopNotch recommends that you get your air-conditioning inspected at least once a year, to keep your systems working at peak performance. In fact, at TopNotch, we have a special! Get your air-conditioning inspected and cleaned for only $58! Find out about more Top Notch specials on the Top Notch Promotion Page.

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