SPS Mechanical Inc. Blog: Archive for August, 2013

Upgrade Your Air Conditioning in Cherry Hill, NJ with Zone Control

Monday, August 26th, 2013

Are you looking for a cost-effective way to improve your air conditioning? Are you tired of a one-temperature-fits-all solution? There are some excellent cost-effective upgrades you can take advantage of, from thermostats to zone control systems. It’s the latter we’ll focus on for today’s post. A professionally installed zone control system is a great way to improve your forced-air distribution system. What’s more, you can also use it year-round if you use a furnace or a heat pump to heat your home in the winter. Call the Cherry Hill, NJ air conditioning experts at SPS Mechanical if you’re interested in improving your cooling system.

Installing a zone control system is relatively straightforward for an experienced professional, but it does involve modifying your existing HVAC system as well as installing new components. The process begins by integrating electronically controlled dampers at strategic locations in your ductwork, thus dividing the network of ducts into zones, each of which can be separately controlled. Thermostats need to be located in a proper location, away from drafts, duct registers, windows, and exterior doors.

Each zone can be controlled by its own thermostat, which allows you to save substantially on energy during the cooling season. You can also avoid any disagreements about the temperature settings from room to room. The master bedroom can be set at 75 degrees Fahrenheit while the kids can keep it at 72. You may also find that the overall cooling performance of your air conditioning is much improved because it no longer attempts to cool parts of your home you rarely use or that remain unoccupied for much of the summer months.

A zone control system installation should always be handled by an HVAC technician. It involves handling your ductwork and damage can result if it’s not done correctly, including leaky or loose ducts. It may also require modification to your indoor air handler as well as the installation of additional thermostats, all of which need to be professionally completed. There’s simply no substitute for the technical expertise and experience of a technician.

Call SPS Mechanical today for all of your Cherry Hill, NJ air conditioning needs.

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Maintaining Effective Air Conditioning in Sicklerville, NJ

Monday, August 19th, 2013

Residents of Sicklerville, NJ know how important it is to maintain effective air conditioning. Western New Jersey experiences high humidity levels in the summer, along with equally high temperatures. Air conditioning is far more than a luxury when the thermostat rises, but at the same time, prudent homeowners need to keep an eye on the bottom line. Maintaining effective air conditioning not only saves money on the electric bill, but does so without compromising on comfort levels during those hot New Jersey days.

Effective air conditioning starts with good maintenance. With regular “check-ups”, a professional technician can spot small leaks, worn parts and other wear-and-tear issues before they become big problems. Sealed leaks and tightened fittings keep the air flowing efficiently, while a routine cleaning service can keep various AC components free of dust and dirt. On a simpler level, you can change used air filters on your air conditioning yourself, which keeps it clean and prevents a build-up of dust and particles on the filters. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can increase your unit’s energy efficiency by up to 15% simply with routine filter changes.

If your air conditioning unit is older and struggles to perform effectively, you may want to consider replacing it. Newer models can function much more efficiently than older ones, both because they haven’t suffered as much wear and tear and because they take advantage of newer and more efficient technology. Look for models with the Energy Star label, those that meet the stringent energy efficiency standards set forth by the EPA. Depending on the kind of home you have, you may also want to think about a two-stage air conditioning unit, which uses less power on mild days, or a ductless AC system which can be more efficient than a central system in smaller homes.

Regardless of whether you want to replace your air conditioning or simply give your existing one a tune-up, it pays to consult a qualified expert. The technicians at SPS Mechanical are all NATE-certified and provide air conditioning services throughout the Sicklerville, NJ area. Contact us today to set up a maintenance service, or to discuss the installation of a new unit. We’ll explain your options to you and ensure that the job is done right.

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Air Conditioning Repair FAQ: Where is this Water Coming From?

Monday, August 12th, 2013

Is your air conditioning system leaking water? While this is something to be concerned about it is also a very common issue that we get called for here at SPS Mechanical. Because this issue is so common, we wanted to put together a quick explanation of what can cause your air conditioning system to start leaking water. However, make sure that you call for immediate air conditioning repair if you notice this issue as this problem can cause serious water damage to your home if you continue to operate your AC system.

This summer you’ve probably taken a cold glass outside and noticed that moisture started to collect on the side of the glass in the form of condensation. This phenomenon occurs because warm air holds more moisture than cold air. As the hot air touches the outside of the glass and cools, it releases the water that it carries onto the glass.

The same thing happens when your air conditioning system pushes the warm air from your home over a series of cold evaporator coils in the indoor unit of your AC system. As the warm air is cooled, it releases its moisture onto the evaporator coils.

Under normal operating conditions, this condensation drips into a pan and drains away in a tube. But if the condensate drain or drain tubes get clogged with dust, dirt or bacteria then it can cause a clog. The condensate pan will fill with water and start to overflow.

If you start to notice that your air conditioning system is leaking water you should call for immediate air conditioning repair in Sicklerville, NJ. This issue happens slowly put can definitely cause huge problems for your home in the form of water damage.

Here at SPS Mechanical, we have years of experience fixing all different types and brands of AC systems. If you need any kind of AC repair, just give us a call today and we’ll get your equipment fixed as quickly as possible.

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Why Air Conditioning Repair in Cannot Wait

Monday, August 5th, 2013

You need to make sure that you’re taking care of your air conditioner during the heat and humidity. Now is the time to enjoy the comfort of a cool home, but it’s also the time when your AC is taxed the most, and when it may be most liable to reveal any problems that have been developing for some time. If you have a problem with your AC, don’t wait—contact your local AC technician immediately. Waiting on repair only leads to further damage, possibly even premature replacement, depending on the severity of the damage. With pro installation and routine maintenance, you can ensure that your AC runs well for years to come, but problems are inevitable. Call SPS Mechanical today for comprehensive air conditioning repair in Cherry Hill.

Due to the complexity of your AC, there are numerous things that can go wrong with its operation, especially when it has to work during the peak heat and humidity. Here are some common problems that you may encounter:

  • Low refrigerant. This is most often caused by a refrigerant leak somewhere in the coils or copper lineset that connects the outdoor and indoor units. When it was installed, your AC was given a certain amount of refrigerant. This “charge” must remain the same; your AC should not be expending refrigerant during operation. Thus, there must be some way your refrigerant is getting out of this closed system. While punctures from physical damage are common, the corrosion and erosion of copper coils is another potential risk.
  • Overheated compressor. As long as your AC is properly sized, your compressor should be able to work well for years, but if there are any airflow issues, then your compressor may become overheated. This is not a good sign. Make sure you get it checked out immediately.
  • Water leak. If there is water coming out of your indoor air handler, there is probably an issue with the condensate drain pan, which collects the condensed water vapor produced during the cooling cycle. If moisture gets inside the blower motor, it can be problematic, so get this fixed ASAP.

Call SPS Mechanical for excellent air conditioning repair in Cherry Hill if you’re at all concerned about the operation of your AC this summer. 

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