Touchstone Heating & Air Inc Blog | Air Conditioning and Heating Tips

Happy Holidays!

December 23rd, 2013

Holiday greetings from Touchstone Heating & Air! We hope you are having safe and pleasant season, enjoying your favorite traditions for this time of year. We wish you the very best, and we thank you for your business this year.

In honor of the season, here are some fun facts about one of everyone’s favorite holiday movies: It’s a Wonderful Life.

For years, one of the enduring December traditions in the United States was watching the movie It’s a Wonderful Life playing almost nonstop on numerous television stations. No matter the time of the day, you could turn on the TV set, flip through channels, and discover It’s a Wonderful Life playing. Whenever you needed him, you could find Jimmy Stewart shouting, “Hello, Bedford Falls!”

But now… It’s a Wonderful Life only appears on broadcast television a few times during December, and most families instead choose to watch the movie on video. What happened?

The reason goes back to the film’s initial wide release in January 1947. (That’s right, it opened after the holiday season. It was not even promoted as a holiday film.) It’s a Wonderful Life was a box-office disappointment at the time, and its studio, RKO Radio Pictures, lost more than half a million on it. The movie’s production company, Liberty Films, was sold to Paramount to avoid bank foreclosure. (A bit ironic, considering the movie’s plot.) In 1955, the National Telefilm Associates (NTA) took over the rights to It’s a Wonderful Life, which included the television syndication rights.

However, NTA failed to properly renew the copyright in 1974 because of a clerical error, which allowed the film’s images to enter into the public domain. Although the movie’s plot was still under copyright protection because it was adapted from a published story called “The Greatest Gift,” television stations across the world could now broadcast it with only minimal royalty payments.

In 1993, Republic Pictures, which now owned the NTA library, tried to enforce their claim to the copyright of the film, as they possessed the rights to “The Greatest Gift.” Republic Pictures succeeded, and licensed exclusive television rights to NBC. Suddenly, It’s a Wonderful Life vanished from local television stations, and NBC made the movie’s broadcasts—usually twice during December—into major events. As of 1998, Paramount again has the rights to It’s a Wonderful Life… 43 years after they lost them.

It’s still easy to make It’s a Wonderful Life a part of whatever traditions you observe during the holidays, whether through home video or television broadcasts. Despite its lackluster initial reception in 1947, Frank Capra’s film is now an inseparable part of December in the United States.

Have a great holiday week!

Things to Look for in a New Generator

December 18th, 2013

Florida means hurricanes, and hurricanes mean a loss of electrical power just when people need it the most. In cities like Gainesville, FL, generators are practically a necessity for any responsible homeowner. Generators can keep you warm and comfortable in the midst of a crisis, as well as maintaining key parts of your household such as a refrigerator (storing food) and radio or Internet services (keeping you in contact with the outside world). Buying a new generator is an important process, almost as important as keeping it fueled and maintained in anticipation of hurricane season. Her’ a list of things to look for in a new generator.

Sizing: By this, we don’t mean physical size (though that could come into play depending on where you wish to install the generator), but rather the amount of power it generates. You should determine exactly how much of a load you intend to place on your generator, then resolve to never go over it. Beware of ordering a generator that’s too small. Better to err on the side of a larger size and keep the generator operating than finding you need more power in the middle of a torrential rain.
Maintenance and fuel issues: Make sure you know what kind of fuel your generator uses and what its rate of fuel consumption is. Generators can run off propane, diesel, gasoline or similar fuels, and you want to make sure you have plenty stored with it. Calculating fuel consumption is just as important: you don’t want to run out of gas in the middle of a storm.

If you need Gainesville, FL generator service, talk to the experts at at Touchstone Heating & Air. We can discuss things to look for in and new generator, then perform an installation with courtesy and care. Pick up the phone and give us a call today!

How is Insulation Efficiency Rated?

December 10th, 2013

Insulation can help you make the most of your heating and cooling systems. Most people think that insulation works best in the winter, when it retains heat to keep your home warm. They thus tend to discard it out of hand, since our Florida winters are very warm. But insulation is equally effective during our hot summers, when it helps your home cool. Insulation is formed by numerous different kinds of material, making it hard for laymen to understand which one is the best. Luckily, a common rating system allows you to measure different types of insulation against a common standard. How is insulation efficiency rated?

The common measuring system is known as the R-value, which is determined by dividing the thickness of the material by its thermal conductivity (or ability to conduct heat). An easier barometer of insulation’s R-value is to compare the temperature on one side of the material with the temperature on the other side. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation works and the more effectively it can insulate your home.

Here in Florida, you want to look for insulation with a rating of no lower than R30 for your attic and R25 for your walls. The attic is usually the more important area to insulate, since heat escapes through the ceiling. Anything up to R60 is recommended, and the higher the R-value, the more efficiently your home will stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

If you’re looking to add insulation to your Gainesville, FL home, or perhaps replace your existing insulation with something more efficient, then it pays to contact experts to help. Here at Touchstone Heating & Air, our experts can advise you on the kind of insulation that is right for your home. Give us a call to set up a consultation today. You’ll be glad that you did!

Which Heating System is Best in a Warm Climate?

December 3rd, 2013

Here in Gainesville, FL, heating takes a bit of a back seat to air conditioning, which is more important during our long summer months. That may lead some homeowners to dismiss the need for a quality heater. This is a mistake. Heating systems play a vital role in keeping our homes comfortable, and just because we have fewer chilly nights than elsewhere in the country doesn’t mean that comfy heater isn’t welcome when the thermometer starts to drop. Florida does offer a rather unique climate, however, which can play a role when selecting a good heating system. Which heating system is best in a warm climate? It depends, but some of the more popular options are outlined below.

Gas furnaces. Gas furnaces rely on a centralized unit that distributes heat through a series of ducts. Furnaces can be very efficient, and they can heat your home very quickly.
Heat pumps. Heat pumps combine the functions of a heater and an air conditioner into a single unit, making them very effective in all climates. They work especially well in climates like ours, where the temperature rarely drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. That makes them an excellent choice for our area.
Geothermal systems. Geothermal heat pumps rely on the ambient temperature of the ground itself, which never changes no matter what the weather’s like. It involves a series of pipes filled with a heat exchanging fluid buried under the ground, which means it usually needs a fair amount of land space to work. The installation process is also extensive. On the other hand, they don’t cost much to run, and they last a very long time with few maintenance needs. Like air source heat pumps, they can both heat and cool your home.

All three of these units run well in warm climates, but which one is best depends on your individual circumstances. In Gainesville FL, heating advice and installation can be provided by the experts at Touchstone Heating & Air. Call us today and let us help you make the most of your heating system!

The History of Thanksgiving

November 25th, 2013

Thanksgiving is upon us: a time to get together with relatives, eat some great food, watch a little football or the parade, and stop to appreciate the good things we have in life. Beyond all that, however, there’s a fascinating history to the holiday and its traditions.

The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 in the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. Records are spotty at the time, but indicate that the harvest was particularly good that year due to help from the local Native Americans. The meal was probably much different than the one we’re used to, with venison and fish more likely than turkey, but the general principle was unchanged.

It wasn’t a few centuries later, however, that Thanksgiving became an annual tradition. George Washington called for a “national day of Thanksgiving” in 1789, and again in 1795, but they were both “one shot” declarations, rather than a call for an annual tradition. Individual cities and states picked up the ball, but it wasn’t until 1863 that Thanksgiving became a national once-a-year event. President Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November to be a Thanksgiving “to heal the wounds of the nation and restore it.”

From there, it remained a tradition until Franklin Roosevelt signed a law in December of 1941 making it a federal holiday. The law also changed the date from the last Thursday in November to the fourth Thursday in November, making it a little earlier in some cases (which Roosevelt hoped would give the country an economic boost).

Wherever you celebrate the holiday and whoever you choose to celebrate it with, we wish you nothing but happiness and joy this Thanksgiving.

Why You Cannot Afford to Put Off Heating Repair

November 19th, 2013

We concentrate on our air conditioning during our sultry Florida summers, and focus on heaters only when temperatures start to drop. That can entice some Gainesville, FL homeowners to put off heating repair for a time; for example, to limp through the winter and worry about repairs before the next heating season rolls around. In most cases, this is a mistake. Here’s why you cannot afford to put off heating repair in Gainesville, FL.

It boils down to stopping small problems before they get bigger, or to put another way, paying a little now to avoid paying a lot later. In many cases, a problem with your heater won’t necessarily shut it down; you’ll still be able to warm your home and “limp forward” until you can address the issue properly. The difficulty is that the faulty component – whatever it happens to be – invariably puts more stress and strain on the heater as a whole. That forces it to work harder to heat your home, which raises your monthly energy bills, as well as increasing the risk of another component suffering a breakdown as well.

It’s not hard to see how this scenario will go. You’re invariably paying more to heat your home as long as the problem remains in place, charging a “deferment tax” in exchange for not contacting a repair person immediately. Add to that the potential of a much larger repair bill, as well as a shortened lifespan for various components working under the strain, and waiting for repairs may end up costing you a great deal more than addressing the problem directly.

We all want to be frugal in these tough times, and that’s actually why you cannot afford to put off heating repair in Gainesville, FL. If you need to address a heating issue, call Touchstone Heating & Air to help you out. Don’t wait until next spring to handle your problems; pick up the phone and call us today, and save yourself money in the long run!

My AC is On, But Hot Air is Coming Out of My Vents

November 12th, 2013

It can come as quite a shock, especially on a hot day. “My AC is on, but hot air is coming out of my vents!” You don’t need to be an expert to know that something’s wrong, and when problems arise with your air conditioning, Gainesville FL weather can be particularly unforgiving. What causes an air conditioner to blow hot air? The obvious answer is that the thermostat hasn’t been set properly, or perhaps needs replacing. Beyond that, the possible causes grow more serious.

Air conditioning systems depend on refrigerant gas cycling through a closed system in order to function as they should. If the unit is blowing hot air (as opposed to not blowing any air at all), then the problem likely lies somewhere within this system. For instance, if the compressor is malfunctioning, it won’t be able to turn the refrigerant gas into a liquid – a vital step towards allowing it to cool the air.

The problem may also stem from a leak in the system, releasing refrigerant into the air. If too much refrigerant is lost, the process can’t work at all, and no cold air will be generated. You can spot this condition by the presence of frost on the evaporator coils: evidence of all the coldness that isn’t going into your home.

In some cases, the problem may be caused by a leak in your duct system or somewhere similar. Leaks can pull hot air into the ducts while the air conditioner is running, substituting the cold air with warm air.

Regardless of the causes, you need a trained expert to find a solution. The pros at Touchstone Heating & Air handle any problems you may have with your Gainesville FL home’s air conditioning system. Call us today to schedule service!

How a Generator Protects Your Comfort and Your Convenience

November 5th, 2013

Hurricanes. If you’ve lived in Florida for any stretch longer than a year, you don’t need a reminder of the No. 1 natural disaster threat we face in this state. Just as northern states face power outages from blizzards, down here we face losing power for extended periods because of the fury of high-speed tropical winds.

Hurricanes are one reason you should consider a backup generator in Gainesville, FL. However, generators have more purposes than insurance against a natural disaster like a hurricane. They protect your comfort and convenience from regular power outages that can occur from heavy rains or during hot summers. A generator will ease your mind about your comfort during any part of the year.

If you are interested in getting a generator, contact Touchstone Heating & Air. We install a number of whole-house generators and can find the right size one to power your home through emergency outages.

This is where we need to emphasize the term whole-house generator. People often think of generators in terms of small, portable units. This is not what you want connected to your home. A portable generator is great to have in a car, while camping, or if you only need to power a single appliance or a laptop computer; but it will not power all your residential essentials. A whole-house generator, if sized correctly, will run all the important appliances in your home to give you the comfort and convenience you need: the lighting, the electrical heating system, the refrigerator, the air conditioner. You can choose a smaller system if you only want the essentials to work during an outage.

The major difference between portable generators and whole-house generators isn’t size. A whole-house generator is actually wired into your home’s electrical panel, integrating into the electrical system. For automatic start-up generators, an electrical failure will cause the generator to turn on without any instructions, saving you from the inconvenience of going outside to activate it—during probably less than ideal weather conditions. You can remain in the comfort of your home and let the generator handle the work until the power comes back on. (There are also manual models available.)

You can’t simply a buy a whole-house generator on your own and expect to get it to work properly. It takes the skill of HVAC and electrical experts to pick the right model for you and to hook it up to your home’s electrical panel. You don’t want to discover that your backup generator needs a backup generator of its own when the power goes out!

Look to Touchstone Heating & Air for quality selection and installation of whole-house generators in Gaineville, FL—whatever the season.

Check Out this Classic Car, a 1941 Chevrolet Truck

November 1st, 2013

We recently had the pleasure of helping out the owner of this fine 1941 Chevy Truck. It’s a great flashback to the old days with a twist, we loaded a new HVAC system in the back! It’s great to see such a nice vehicle in such pristine condition with a great unit in the back, thanks so much!

Air Conditioning Repair Question: Why Is My Fan Running but AC Not Cooling?

October 29th, 2013

In matters of air conditioning repair, Gainesville FL know they need to schedule cerise right away. The sooner you can spot a problem, the more rapidly you can contact a qualified service technician to help. It helps to know the signs that you need AC repair, so that you can spot them early and call in the cavalry before something worse happens. For example “why is my fan running but AC not cooling?” is a common question we experience in our work. The answer is pretty straightforward.

The fan serves to blow cool air into your home. As refrigerant moves through the evaporator, it goes from a liquid state to a gas state, absorbing heat from the surrounding air in the process. A blower then moves the air through your ducts into your home. If the fan is running, the problem obviously lies elsewhere, and if you’re getting a good flow through your vents, there isn’t any blocked in your ducts.

The problem therefore lies in the cooling cycle itself. In some cases, it may be that the refrigerant levels have dropped below acceptable levels. Ice will form on the evaporator coils: which insulates them and prevents them from absorbing heat. Another problem may arise with the compressor motor itself. If it isn’t running, the refrigerant isn’t circulating and the air isn’t getting cooled.

Regardless of the causes, a good repairman can hunt the problem down and fix it quickly. When dealing with air conditioning repair, Gainesville FL has a team of experts ready to help. Touchstone Heating & Air has served North Central Florida since 1998, and offer 24-hour service for emergencies. We pride ourselves on your complete satisfaction, and we know how important it is to get your air conditioner up and running again. If you’re asking, “why is my fan running but AC not cooling?” contact us today!