HVAC Archives - Richmonds Air Houston

HVAC Parts 101: Expansion Valve

August 24, 2017 by Richmond’s Air

The central air conditioning system is a great example of modern engineering, and there’s nothing better on a hot summer day than a cool home.

However, there’s more to your air conditioner than meets the eye. Small parts work together keep your home comfortable all year long.

One of those parts is the expansion valve. Without this critical component, air conditioning would be impossible. Continue reading to learn more about the expansion valve and how you can keep your unit on top of things.

What is the Expansion Valve?

Your air conditioner works by moving refrigerant throughout the system and changing that refrigerant from a liquid to a gas and back again. Cool, liquid refrigerant moves inside your home or office and absorbs heat as it does.

With the heat absorption, the refrigerant then turns into a gas. The gaseous refrigerant moves to the outdoor portion of the unit where the absorbed heat is released outside. This release makes the refrigerant go back to liquid form and the cycle repeats.

Once the gaseous refrigerant releases the heat from the air into the outdoors, the refrigerant is still too warm to absorb more heat once back inside.

This is where the expansion valve steps up to the plate.

The expansion valve removes pressure from the refrigerant, allowing it to cool rapidly in preparation for more heat absorption.

When Your Expansion Valve Malfunctions

There are many A/C problems that could be associated with a malfunctioning expansion valve. These include:

Your A/C not blowing cool air
Frozen coils
A constantly running system

Luckily, most expansion valves can be cheaply repaired or replaced. If you feel that your air conditioning system isn’t performing as well as it should, Richmond’s Air can help. Contact one of our professional HVAC technicians to schedule an appointment, or check out our A/C Equipment Guide to narrow down the problem.

HVAC Parts 101: Condenser

August 17, 2017 by Richmond’s Air

Summer is in full swing and your air conditioner is probably on most of the time, especially if you live in the Houston area. It’s often taken for granted, but your air conditioner is full of intricate working parts that all function together to help keep us comfortable despite the blazing heat outside.

One of those critical parts is the condenser – without it your HVAC unit would not be able to release the heat it absorbs from the air in your home.

Continue reading to learn more about the condenser, how it works, and how you can keep it running smoothly.

What’s the Condenser?

Your HVAC system works to cool the air, in part, by absorbing heat in your home and then releasing that heat into the outdoor air. Your condenser is the part of your system that’s responsible for releasing the heat, so it’s typically found in the outdoor unit.

When liquid is turned into a gas, heat is absorbed. This is the basic function for how your air conditioner works to cool. Liquid refrigerant absorbs the heat in your home through the evaporator. Once the heat is absorbed, the refrigerant turns into a gas; however, to cool the room, the heat must soon be released outside.

This is where the condenser comes in.

Once the gaseous refrigerant is put under pressure, the extra heat can be released as the refrigerant returns to a liquid. The condenser works to release this extra heat into the outdoors.

Maintaining Your Condenser

Your AC condenser is made up of a motor, fans, tubes, coils, etc. and each of these parts can malfunction. One of the easiest ways to keep your condenser running smoothly is to clean it regularly. Since this part of the unit is outside, debris can easily build up.

We recommend using a water hose to spray down your condenser about once a year.

It’s also key to make sure that debris stays well away from your outdoor condenser. Regularly clear leaves, grass and other debris for a smooth-operating unit.

If you’ve made sure your condenser is clean but are still experiencing problems, it could be time for some repairs. Richmond’s Air is dedicated to serving the Houston area. We offer both maintenance and repair services to keep your home comfortable. Contact us today to see how we can help or to schedule an appointment.

Choosing the Best HVAC System For Your Home

April 21, 2017 by Richmond’s Air

Choosing an HVAC system is not an easy task, but factors like climate and home layout can help you decide which is best for your home. Let’s take a look at the four major types of HVAC systems and the advantages of each one.

1. Standard split systems

Standard split systems can be configured in several ways to give you more options: furnace and A/C, heat pump split systems and hybrid (or dual fuel) heat systems. Standard split systems continue to be the most affordable and most popular type of HVAC system. If one component needs to be replaced, a new one can be easily installed without any major changes to the existing ductwork or other AC components.

2. Ductless split systems

If your home doesn’t have any ductwork or you’re building on an additional room, a ductless split system (or mini-split system) may be the way to go. This type of system has an air conditioner or a heat pump outside and a fan to distribute the air on the inside. These systems are very efficient and have the option of zone climate control, but they aren’t made for cold climates because a ductless split system cannot host a furnace.

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3. Packaged systems

A packaged system, like the name suggests, is contained in one big cabinet outside. Pros for this system include cutting down on noise inside your home, but cons are that the system is not as efficient and doesn’t tend to last as long. Packaged systems are usually only used when they’re the only option available.

4. Geothermal HVAC systems

Geothermal HVAC systems cost quite a bit more than the other three systems, but they save on energy costs because they are extremely efficient. A geothermal system works by regulating temperatures via an underground or underwater pipe. Water containing refrigerant then cycles through the pipes, giving off or picking up heat, depending on the season.

Since buying an HVAC system is a big investment, don’t choose one until you’ve talked to an experience HVAC professional. If you live in the Houston area, contact Richmond’s Air today.

To read more about HVAC systems, check out our article: Common Types of HVAC Systems.

What Does HVAC Stand For?

March 10, 2017 by Richmond’s Air

While you may be familiar with the acronym, you might have no idea what HVAC actually stands for. If you’re a residential technician or designer, you probably hear the term multiple times a day.

HVAC stands for “heating, ventilation and air conditioning.” It’s a term used for the entire system that runs both the central heating and air conditioning in homes and buildings. An HVAC system also includes a system of air ducts that run throughout the entire space to distribute air evenly to the various rooms.

The 3 Parts of HVAC

To understand a little better, let’s break down the three parts of an HVAC system further:

Heating. The heating element of an HVAC system usually consists of either a furnace (gas, electric or dual fuel) or a heat pump.
Ventilation. The ventilation component has the most parts because it includes all of the air ducts, air vents, filters and exhaust fans.
Air Conditioning. The air conditioning is the heart of the system. Its major parts include: a condenser, compressor, expansion valve and evaporator.

An HVAC system is the most efficient and convenient way to heat and cool your home. However, regular maintenance is vital in keeping your system running well.

If you live in the metro-Houston area, contact Richmond’s air today for your HVAC maintenance and repair needs.

Further Reading:

A How-To Guide for Hiring the Best HVAC Company

December 12, 2016 by Richmond’s Air

No one enjoys a broken HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system, especially while at work or home. Nothing is worse than trying to focus your tasks and chores while freezing cold or dripping in seat.

Unfortunately, breakdowns happen, and you’ll likely need to hire an HVAC company to take care of the repairs. An honest, capable local HVAC repair company can make the process easier.

Here’s our advice on how to go about finding one:

Take Advantage of Social Media

Social media is a valuable tool when doing research for potential HVAC companies. Clients post both positive and negative reviews on sites like Facebook and Twitter, and they can help you decide which company to hire. Once you’ve hired someone, you’ll have the opportunity to leave your own feedback.

Check Industry Organizations

Trustworthy HVAC companies are likely members of an industry organization that offers membership based on the company’s good reputation and qualifications. Some organizations you can check out for HVAC include:

Compile a List and Call

Using the tools above, take note of the best HVAC companies in your area and make a list of what you find. Call each and ask questions concerning your needed services, price estimates and warranties, and an estimate for how long the project will take. Record and compare their answers for a well-rounded look at the industry in your area.

If your home is located in the greater Houston area, start by contacting Richmond’s Air for all of your HVAC repair needs. Our experienced, professional technicians are ready to provide you with the expert and professional maintenance services you deserve.