Where we keep it SUPER cool with affordable prices and expert Hvac technicians on stand by to get you up and going!
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ALL ABOUT COASTAL HVAC
Heating Ventilation and Cooling in Coastal areas
Common Coastal Problems For Your HVAC System.
One of the major problems coastal living brings to your hvac system is the salty ocean air:
Salt in the air corrodes machinery in part by doing the same thing – attracting moisture. Salty water from the ocean contains large amounts of sodium chloride (salt) particles. Moist air from the sea carries salt particles which creates a dust-like film on the surface of your equipment. This film of salt attracts moisture. The combination of salt and water easily corrode and deteriorate the metal parts of the cooling system.
This salt and moisture combination leads to rapid corrosion and deterioration of metals like aluminum and steel. Many parts of your AC system can be affected.
Your air conditioner’s condenser coil is the most vulnerable to this problem. It’s made up of copper tubes with attached aluminum fins that spin to disperse heat quickly. When salt and moisture make their way between the copper and aluminum it causes corrosion and eventually Freon leaks.
The harm that salt can cause to an AC unit is staggering. On average, most air conditioning units last 10 to 15 years, but salt corrosion can reduce the life of an AC unit to as few as 5 to 10 years.
Next is a ripple effect. Corroded coils mean your system isn’t getting proper air flow and the heat transfer is reduced. This eventually leads to even further damage in other parts of the system. Your AC system will begin to operate inefficiently and will probably have frequent shutdowns.
Most home warranties wont cover units with any rust or corrosion damage as is written in MOST home warranty policies. Ways to protect your ac unit or to help prevent corrosion and salt air damage would be well giving your unit a nice wash down with the water hose on a regular basis. A good rise also helps keep debris and dirt from restricting air flow into the unit.
Remember placement of your system outside your home is important too. Shielding your unit behind your home away from the ocean breeze can help significantly in prolonging the life and decreasing damage in your unit.
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Another common problem with coastal living is Humidity:
When humidity is high, it makes sense that A/C systems have to work harder to keep the home cool. If you're dealing with an older, inefficient or wrong-sized system, it may not be able to handle the job. Your home may end up feeling warmer than it actually is because the air is holding extra moisture that isn't being properly removed.
What's more, the system will be working longer and harder without providing the desired result. This adds wear to the unit and can result in higher utility bills.
It's important to know that a larger capacity air conditioning system will not necessarily produce the cooling effect that you want in your home.
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Types Of HVAC systems
It’s All in the Details
There are four main types of HVAC systems. There are split systems, hybrid systems, duct-free systems, and packaged heating and air systems. Each of these types of HVAC units have pro's and con's, and knowing these factors can help you decide which is best for you.
Heating and Air Conditioning Split System
It’s called a split system because there is an outdoor unit containing the condenser and compressor, and an indoor unit containing the evaporator coil and blower. Split-system central air conditioning is most popular type of residential heating and air-conditioning. The indoor unit is often connected to a furnace or heat pump.
If you have a furnace but no air conditioner, a split-system is the most efficient and cheapest to install.
HVAC split systems will typically have:
An outdoor unit that houses the condenser coil, compressor, electrical components, and a fan.
Refrigerant that circulates to and from the indoor and outdoor unit via a series of pipes (refrigerant lines).
An evaporator coil that usually sits above the furnace inside the home.
A blower that sends warm air over the cold evaporator coil, which absorbs heat from the air.
Ducts that carry air throughout your building. Supply ducts pull in air while return ducts blow it out.
A thermostat that controls the systems and sets your desired temperature.
The occasional optional accessories for quality indoor air, such as air scrubbers, purifiers, humidifiers, UV lamps, and so on.
Packaged Heating & Air Conditioning System
A packaged HVAC system contains the compressor, condenser, and evaporator all in one unit, often located on a roof or near the foundation.
It is a good solution for homes and offices without adequate space for all the separate components of split systems. They are sometime used in small commercial buildings and often include electric coils or a furnace for heating.
Packaged HVAC systems include:
The air conditioner/heat pump together with the evaporator/fan coil in one unit.
Thermostat/control interface for a complete control of the system.
Optional air quality improves. Things like the air purifiers, cleaners, ventilators or UV lamps, which gear towards making the air extra clean before it circulates your home or office.
That concludes our lesson in HVAC for now. Hopefully it has educated you a little more on the various types of HVAC systems and what each of them do.