Touchstone Heating & Air Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Gainesville’

Things to Look for in a New Generator

Wednesday, 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!

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How is Insulation Efficiency Rated?

Tuesday, 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!

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Which Heating System is Best in a Warm Climate?

Tuesday, 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!

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Why You Cannot Afford to Put Off Heating Repair

Tuesday, 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!

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

Tuesday, 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!

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How a Generator Protects Your Comfort and Your Convenience

Tuesday, 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.

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

Tuesday, 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!

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Air Conditioning Tip: When to Use the Fan Only

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013

We experience some seriously hot and humid weather around here, and a reliable air conditioning system is often your only weapon against the soaring temperatures outside. That air conditioning system uses a lot of energy, however: as much as 16% of your total household electricity, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. You can cut that down by using your system’s “fan only” feature, which stops the cooling process but continues to circulate the air in throughout your home.

The most obvious period is right after you’ve shut your air conditioning down for the day. With the cooled air still in your house, you can turn on the fan and help circulate it, staying cool for longer. This can keep your house from becoming stuffy when the AC is not running, and also make sure your air is going through your air filtration system.

You might also consider using the fan only after the sun goes down, or when cooler breezes blow near your house on days when the humidity levels are lower. The flow will refresh the existing air while keeping your temperatures down to agreeable levels.

You can help this process by ensuring that your air conditioner is functioning as it should and that the blower fan isn’t bent or damaged. Knowing when to use the fan only won’t do you much good if the air conditioner itself is broken. For expert service and advice, contact Touchstone Heating & Air! 

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Heat Pump FAQ: Will My Heat Pump Really Keep Me Warm this Winter?

Tuesday, October 15th, 2013

“Will my heat pump really keep me warm this winter?” It’s a fair question, and if you look at various forums and discussions across the Internet, you might conclude that it won’t. That assumes a generic staring point however: a world where the heating needs of New England are exactly the same as they are here in Gainesville, FL. They’re not, and things that work down here won’t work up there. If you’re looking for a heat pump, Gainesville FL presents an almost ideal environment, which means you won’t need to worry about sufficient heating in the winter.

Heat pumps operate according to the same principles as traditional air conditioners. Refrigerant is cycled through condenser coils, which place it under tremendous pressure and heat it up. The heat is dispersed in the condenser coils to outside of the unit, turning the refrigerant into a liquid state which keeping it under high pressure. It’s then passed into an evaporator coil, which allows it to evaporate and cool the surrounding air. The cooled air is then pushed into your home with a blower fan, which the refrigerant returns to the condenser to begin the cycle anew.

With a heat pump, this cycle is essentially reversible. In the winter, it can be used to bring warm air into your home, instead of just cool air. This makes it work well regardless of the weather, and because it uses less energy than a traditional central air conditioning system, it can save you considerable money in your monthly heating and cooling bills.

Perhaps most importantly, heat pumps work extremely well in climates like ours. Their effectiveness hits its peak in areas where the temperatures don’t drop below 40 degrees (like, say, Florida’s). Beyond that, their efficiency begins to suffer, making them less enticing as an option. Down here, however, our warm weather makes for an ideal fit, and if you’re willing to put up a little more for the installation itself, you could save a great deal in monthly energy bills.

If you’re asking “Will my heat pump really keep me warm this winter?” You needn’t worry. The experts at Touchstone Heating & Air can explain the benefits to you, then discuss options for installation and upkeep. If you’re looking for a heat pump, Gainesville FL makes a great fit. Call us today and let us show you how.

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Air Conditioning Repair: Causes of Grinding Sounds

Monday, October 7th, 2013

If you live in Gainesville, FL, you know that air conditioning repair is not something you want to put off. We need a swift repairman to correct any problem before the next heat wave hits and we need to be able to spot signs of trouble before they lead to bigger issues. Otherwise, our cool, comfortable homes will be at the mercy of our patented muggy weather. A prudent homeowner will notice when his or her air conditioner isn’t performing as it should. To cite one obvious example, spotting the causes of grinding sounds when your air conditioning unit turns on can help get the issue resolved that much more quickly.

Obviously, grinding sounds aren’t good when they’re coming from your air conditioning. The sound usually results from metal parts rubbing up against each other, a sure sign that something is broken. The blower fan is one common cause of grinding sounds. When it’s bent or misaligned, it can scrape up against nearby parts, causing friction and resulting in serious damage. In some cases, debris such as twigs can get caught in the fan blade as well, resulting in damage to the fan itself.

Grinding noises aren’t limited to the fan, however. They can occur in motors in the system which overheat or otherwise malfunction. With some air conditioning units, these components have automatic shut-off systems that kick in whenever they malfunction. Those that don’t will continue to run, however, making that awful grinding noise and causing further damage each moment.

Whenever you hear that noise, don’t hesitate. Shut off the unit and call an air conditioning expert. A qualified professional should be able to isolate the problem and correct it with a reasonable amount of expediency. If you have any questions about Gainesville FL air conditioning repair, call Touchstone Heating & Air for help. Our staff of trained professionals will track down the causes of grinding problems, then give you an accurate assessment before conducting repairs with speed and accuracy. If your AC unit is making sounds that it shouldn’t, don’t hesitate to call us today.

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