Converting an Air Conditioner to a Heat Pump Can I convert my air conditioner to a heat pump? Yes you can do this if you:
I get this question a lot in my emails and wanted to address it. The time and materials it would take to change an air conditioner into a heat pump are not worth it. You would be better off having a new heat pump installed replacing the old air conditioning unit. For me, or another HVAC technician, this would be a pet project for teaching students how to braze for refrigeration and wire heat pump controls for the proper sequence of operation.
It would be a good lesson in metering devices for air conditioners and heat pumps. It would also be a good lesson in finding all the appropriate parts for the size and model number of the air conditioner equipment.
What Type of HVAC System Needed for Sun Porch - We added a 300 sq. ft. of living space to our home as a sun porch. How do we effectively, efficiently heat/cool this space? We’ve been pitched several options. 1) Use existing with a manual duct damper to the new sun porch. 2) same as above but use a zoned approach. Zoned w/auto dampers for main house 1st floor and sun porch plus separate thermostats. 3) HVAC with new units for sun porch (e.g., radiate, forced air, etc) (more…)
Variable Speed GE ECM Motors - When you look at buying a new HVAC system it will surely arise when the HVAC salesman or HVAC contractor who comes to give you an estimate will show an HVAC system that has a variable speed motor or the GE ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor) installed in it. These are systems that have a higher efficiency rating than the HVAC equipment that has the typical electric blower or condenser fan motor. (more…)
York Variable Frequency Drives VFDs | HVAC Control - Variable Frequency Drives or VFDs have added a whole new dimension to energy efficiency and control. These drives, or VFDs, are hooked up to two different York VAV air handlers that have two three-phase motors a piece. (more…)
This is a horizontal flow air handler installed in the attic. Notice the drain pan under the air handling unit to catch condensation if the primary pan were to overflow. This is the secondary condensation pan which is installed under the air handler to save a ceiling.
Also slightly visible is a float switch which offers triple protection against flooding in an attic if the primary drain were to plug up. The primary and secondary drains coming from the air handler also drain into condensation pumps. These pumps have floats inside them and a reservoir. (more…)
Quality HVAC Installation is Important for Energy Efficiency
Is it true that Quality HVAC Equipment Installation Equals Energy Savings when upgrading older equipment?
The average homeowner will buy from the lowest bidder and fully trust the HVAC contractor 100% to finish the work. Some homeowners will do their homework while many will not. While most of the HVAC contractors will do the right thing and give the homeowner what they pay for, there are absolutely some unscrupulous contractors that will take advantage of the homeowner all without the homeowner’s knowledge. There are some home improvement contractors who know absolutely nothing about HVAC do HVAC work and they failed miserably.
Regardless there is a responsibility upon all parties involved to do the right thing. The homeowner should research all the best opportunities. They need to seek out the best contractor and the best HVAC equipment for the money being spent. The HVAC contractor has a responsibility to correctly install the equipment for a competitive price for the customer. The contractor should also offer some sort of guarantee on their work. This guarantee should be for a specified period of time to prove they stand behind their work. (more…)
HVAC Tip - You can add energy savings by placing a blanket wrap insulation around your water heaters. Additionally, for electric water heaters, you can have a timer added to the power circuit to turn the water heater off in times when there is no usage. For example: Set the timer to turn the water heater off from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Most timers can be customized and set for different times so that the water heater is turned off for most of the day and night. This, along with the insulation (which will keep the water hotter longer), can save in energy usage and your energy costs.
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What Type of HVAC System Needed for Sun Porch - We added a 300 sq. ft. of living space to our home as a sun porch. How do we effectively, efficiently heat/cool this space? We’ve been pitched several options. 1) Use existing with a manual duct damper to the new sun porch. 2) same as above but use a zoned approach. Zoned w/auto dampers for main house 1st floor and sun porch plus separate thermostats. 3) HVAC with new units for sun porch (e.g., radiate, forced air, etc) 
York Variable Frequency Drives VFDs | HVAC Control - Variable Frequency Drives or VFDs have added a whole new dimension to energy efficiency and control. These drives, or VFDs, are hooked up to two different York VAV air handlers that have two three-phase motors a piece. 
This is a horizontal flow air handler installed in the attic. Notice the drain pan under the air handling unit to catch condensation if the primary pan were to overflow. This is the secondary condensation pan which is installed under the air handler to save a ceiling.
