Using a Geothermal System during the Cooling Season in Louisville KY

March 4th, 2013

Whether you currently have a geothermal system or are considering one for your home’s air conditioning s, knowing how it works during the cooling season is important. After all, one of the greatest benefits of geothermal is that it works throughout the year, no matter what the temperature is outside. Professional advice is invaluable, whether you are planning to install or maintaining your existing system. AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning provides exceptional Louisville, KY geothermal installation, repair and maintenance services. We work with new and current clients to help them figure out how geothermal can best work for them. Call us today.

How Louisville KY Geothermal Systems Work

First, a note about how geothermal works. A professional geothermal expert will install a pipe system underground. The layout of the pipes will typically be either a shallow horizontal bed or a deep vertical well. The geothermal heat pump inside your home circulates water or a water-refrigerant mixture throughout the pipes. In heating mode, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the ground or groundwater and moves it into you home. In cooling mode, it extracts heat from inside your home and disperses it underground.

The setup is designed to transfer heat—the direction of the transfer depends upon the season. Thus, the only major difference between geothermal heating and cooling modes is which way the heat is moving. The moderate temperature of the earth just below the surface is a natural source of energy to balance the temperature of your home.

Benefits of Louisville KY Geothermal Installation

Depending upon the fuel and utility bills in your area, geothermal often compares very favorably with conventional heating and air conditioning solutions. While it may require a larger initial investment, geothermal systems can save anywhere from 30% to 60% off their utility bills. With the only fuel costs being the electricity to run the heat pump, geothermal is also an eco-friendly solution for homeowners concerned about ozone depletion and global warming.

All in all, geothermal makes a great cooling system, and it offers versatility throughout the year that few conventional systems can match. If you think geothermal might be the right match for your home, call the Louisville, KY geothermal experts at AccuTemp Heating & Cooling today!

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Saving Energy with Air Conditioning Maintenance in Louisville KY

February 25th, 2013

Maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of your AC unit as the cooling season approaches is important. Air conditioning maintenance means not only comprehensive inspection and cleaning but also recognizing problems before they become major, costly damages. Spring is a great time to make sure you save energy during the hot summer months. Call AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Louisville, KY today.

The energy efficiency of your air conditioner depends upon many factors, having to do with the integrity of the ductwork in your home, the SEER rating of your unit, as well as the age of your device and the insulation of your home. Your AC maintenance plan will also vary, depending upon the type of air conditioning system you have, whether it’s central air or a ductless split system. Here are some things a comprehensive plan will check to make sure your air conditioner is operating effectively this summer:

  • Air filters. The air filters promote the passage of quality, contaminant-free air into your air conditioning system. However, they also tend to accumulate dust, dander, pollen, and other materials rather quickly. Regularly checking the air filters ensures that your system is running smoothly.
  • Compressor. The compressor is the engine of your cool air system. It compresses the refrigerant mixture and moves it through the evaporator and condenser, and then the various coils. All of the components will be inspected, but the compressor is one of the most important.
  • Adjust refrigerant levels. If your system is operating with improper refrigerant levels, then it may not be cooling adequately. You may feel that your air conditioner used to cool much more efficiently, and this can be one of the reasons.
  • Cleaning. This aspect involves clearing out any debris that has collected on the inside of the device, as well as ensuring that the coils and condensate line are free of dust and debris. Such materials can interfere with the system.

AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning provides a comprehensive maintenance plan. If you want to ensure the longevity of your Louisville, KY AC for years to come, then schedule routine service today. It can often help save you money in the long-term.

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Benefits of Geothermal in Louisville

February 18th, 2013

Geothermal is a technology that uses the natural moderate temperature of the ground to heat and cool your home. It is a green technology, meaning that it is a sustainable and renewable energy source, and a replacement for a gas, oil, or electric-based system. It has many benefits, and it is worth considering as an option for the heating and cooling needs of your Louisville, KY home. For further information and to find out how geothermal may improve your home, call AccuTemp today.

A geothermal system installation involves a pipe system that circulates water or refrigerant mixed with water that absorbs heat from the ground and returns it to heat pump inside the building. This warm air is then circulated throughout your home by an air handler, just as it would had it come from a furnace or boiler. To cool your home, the system is reversed: the pipe system collects heat from inside your home and disperses it under ground. Geothermal is known for its high-efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Boasting a greater efficiency than air source heat pumps, geothermal pipe systems are not changed by surface temperatures, thus dramatically reducing the amount of energy required to keep your home comfortable. A properly installed and serviced geothermal system also delivers more energy per cost unit. With these greater energy-efficiency comes cost-benefits. They tend to use from 25% to 50% less electricity than conventional systems. Geothermal systems cost significantly less to run than their fossil-fuel counterparts. Such a system will significantly lower your utility bills, and there are governmental incentives to move into environmental-friendly heating and cooling. Furthermore, geothermal systems have comparatively few moving parts, they are durable and reliable, easily accessible, quiet, and do not typically have outdoor compressors, and are therefore not susceptible to accidental outdoor damage.

There are many benefits to installing a geothermal system in your new home or retrofitting your current home. To learn more about what geothermal can mean to your Louisville, KY home, call AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning today.

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Louisville Geothermal Guide: Geothermal Loops

February 11th, 2013

Geothermal heating and cooling systems offer huge benefits to homeowners throughout the Louisville area. One of the most common questions we get asked about geothermal systems is the ground loop. At AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide complete geothermal system installation. We thought it would be a good idea to put together an answer for the most common geothermal question that we get.

What Is a Geothermal Heat Pump

If you have a central air conditioning system in your home then you have a heat pump. Heat pumps, as their name implies, pump heat. For central AC systems they pump heat out of your house and exhaust it into the air through the outdoor condensing unit. Geothermal systems operate in almost the exactly the same way—except that they exhaust it into the ground. Additionally, they can be switched into heating mode to provide comfortable heat for your home.

The Geothermal Loop

If you were to dig down into the ground about 10 feet the temperature of the earth there would be about 55 F. This temperature is constant throughout the year—no matter how cold or hot the air above it is. Geothermal systems take advantage of that constant temperature to provide heating and cooling for your home.

In order to do that, a long loop of coils need to be buried in the ground. This is called the geothermal loop. The loop is filled with refrigerant and each end of the loop is attached to the heat pump in your home. The heat pump circulates refrigerant through the loop to either heat or cool your home. In heating mode, heat from the ground is absorbed into the refrigerant and then exhausted into your home. In cooling mode, heat from your home is absorbed by the heat pump and then exhausted into the ground.

If you’re interested in installing a geothermal system in Louisville, call the experts at AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning.

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What You Need to Know About Geothermal Drilling in Louisville

February 4th, 2013

When you schedule a professional geothermal heating and cooling system installation in Louisville, you can heat and cool your home more efficiently than ever before. A geothermal system does not depend on the consumption of a fuel source in order to heat and cool your home. Rather, it uses ambient heat taken from the ground to use indoors. In order to accomplish this, a geothermal loop system must be installed on your property. For more information about the geothermal loop system installation and the geothermal drilling that may be required, contact the experts at AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning.

There are a number of factors that will decide whether or not a geothermal heating and cooling system is right for your home. The energy savings can be very beneficial, but not all properties are able to accommodate the equipment necessary for a geothermal heating and cooling system installation. A geothermal loop system is usually installed horizontally. This means that staggered trenches are dug and the pipe loop system that carries and antifreeze solution to absorb heat is lain within. Due to a lot of deciding factors such as soil makeup, geological conditions and, perhaps most importantly, available land, a horizontal installation is not always possible.

Many commercial properties will opt for a vertical installation, though they can also be used residentially. This type of installation is a great space saver, requiring less land than a horizontal option. A vertical installation does require geothermal drilling, though. Holes are drilled about 20 feet apart from one another to depths between 100 and 400 feet. Pipes are inserted into these holes, connected by a u-bend at the bottom. This forms a loop, and these installations are connected by horizontal pipe.

The geothermal drilling required for this type of installation increases the cost of a geothermal heating and cooling system. Even with this increased upfront cost, though a geothermal system can still save you money. The potential for long term energy savings helps offset the initial investment.

For more information about geothermal system installation and the geothermal drilling process, contact AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide exceptional geothermal services throughout the Louisville area. Let us know when you are ready to take advantage of geothermal technology.

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Louisville Air Conditioning Tip: Why You Cannot Afford to Neglect Air Conditioning Maintenance

January 28th, 2013

There are many reasons that you cannot afford to neglect air conditioning maintenance in your Louisville area home. Get prepared for the summer with a routine tune-up by AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning! We’ll make sure everything is in good working order so that your AC works when you need it most.

To get you started, here’s a list of why maintenance is important and some things you can do to help maintain your system.

Changing or cleaning the air filters in your AC system is very important. It helps maintain airflow, efficiency, and indoor air quality. You should make sure that your filters are changed before the cooling season begins. Our technicians will also check your air filters during a routine tune-up. And of course, a regular maintenance check-up also provides our technicians a chance to look for other potential problems that could cause an issue down the road.

Another important task for heat pumps is to clean the compressor and coils. If something is obstructing the outdoor unit, it won’t get enough airflow and can cause issues. Make sure there’s no dirt caked on the unit, and clear away any tree limbs, brush, or grass that might be blocking the airflow. It’s also a good idea to vacuum out the ductwork and vents in the home. Check the condensate drain pan often and make sure it isn’t clogged.

If you aren’t sure how to change air filters or clean your air conditioning system, check your owner’s manual. You can always call the Louisville air conditioning experts at AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning. We are happy to provide you with expert advice and instructions on how to maintain your system. It’s never too early to schedule your annual tune-up, so call today!

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A Louisville Heating Guide: Cut Down Heating Costs During the Work Week

January 21st, 2013

Everyone is looking to reduce their energy usage these days. We all want to stay comfortable in our homes and here in Louisville , you definitely need a good heating system during the winter. But we won’t want to break the bank to heat our homes. At AccuTemp, we thought it would be helpful for our customers in the Louisville area if we put together some ways that they can cut back on energy reduction during this heating season.

Programmable Thermostats

With a programmable thermostat, you can control exactly when your heating system turns on and off. This is one of the best ways to reduce the amount of heating energy that you use and to give yourself more control over the climate in your home. You can set your heating system to turn off when you leave for work during the day and then turn back on 30 minutes before you get home.

Zone Control Systems

Many homeowners aren’t aware of zone control systems and the benefits that they can have for homeowners in Louisville . Zone control systems allow you to divide up your home into different heating and cool zones. This allows you to heat or cool only the areas that you are using. For example, you can tell your heating system just to heat your bedroom while you are sleeping at night instead of heating your entire home.

Duct Sealing

One of the other areas that can cause energy waste in your home is the ductwork. As air travels through your ducts, any leaks or holes there can allow that energy to leak out. When you get your ducts regularly cleaned, repaired and sealed in Louisville, you can potentially increase the energy efficiency of your home.

When you’re looking for ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home, make sure you call your local Louisville heating contractor. At AccuTemp, we have years of experience working with homeowners throughout the Louisville  area to help them improve their home comfort and energy efficiency. 

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Louisville Heating Tip: Why Schedule Professional Duct Cleaning

January 14th, 2013

Do you have a forced air heating system in your Louisville home? Then you also have ductwork that is a vital component in the system that helps distribute the air to all the living spaces of your home. When the air ducts are dirty or damaged, you could be losing efficiency and money! It could also be affecting your indoor air quality and causing issues with your health.

Call the heating specialists at AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning for duct cleaning services. We’ll do a thorough job and make sure that your air ducts are not leaking air through holes, cracks, or loose joints.

When you have your ducts cleaned, the technician will make sure that the entire length of the ductwork is cleaned. Using a special brush and vacuum, the cleaning can get to every square inch of the inside of the ductwork, and the vacuum hose will keep dust and debris from re-entering your home.

In addition to better indoor air quality, proper airflow is another reason to get your ducts cleaned. Having enough airflow will ensure that your forced air heating system is working efficiently and effectively. It also allows the technician to check for other issues or areas that need improvement.

Because your ductwork may run through unfinished areas, such as attics or basements, you may be losing heat without proper insulation around the ductwork. During the cleaning, we can also make recommendations to improve the efficiency of your air ducts and your home.

Always hire a contractor you can trust to clean your ductwork. That will ensure that the job was done properly and without damage to your air ducts or home. The Louisville heating technicians are fully certified and provide comprehensive duct cleaning services. Call AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning any time if you have further questions.

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Using Ductless Mini Splits Efficiently

January 7th, 2013

A proper installation and regular, professional maintenance can get your ductless mini splits off to the right start and keep them operating optimally. There are a few ways in which you can get a more efficient performance out of these already highly efficient systems, though. At AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand the toll that paying high energy bills can take on your budget. That is why we want to share this information about using ductless mini splits more efficiently with our customers. It is our belief that every homeowner throughout Louisville should be able to keep themselves comfortable without worrying about the cost.

One of the great features of ductless mini split heating and air conditioning systems is how easily they can handle different heating and cooling zones in your home. The individual air blowers that ductless mini splits use make it simple to maintain different temperatures in different areas of your house. If you are cooking dinner in the kitchen, you will not need to heat it as much as you will the living room where the kids are watching television. Rather than cooking in uncomfortable heat or forcing the kids to be too cold you can simply turn down the heat in the kitchen alone. Anytime you can use less energy while remaining comfortable is step towards better efficiency.

Simply planning ahead can also help you use your ductless mini splits more efficiently. It is a good idea to turn down the heat in unoccupied bedrooms during the day, for example. However, it is bad for efficiency to crank the heat up right at bedtime only to lower it again when you overheat. When bedtime is getting closer remember to begin bringing the temperatures up gradually.

Familiarizing yourself with the proper use of your ductless mini splits and control systems is necessary in order to get the most efficient performance possible in your Louisville home. If your energy bills seem higher than they ought to, contact AccuTemp Heating & Air Conditioning. We are extensively trained and experienced with ductless mini splits and we will be happy to help you use yours more efficiently. Call us today for more information.

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Happy New Year’s Eve!

December 31st, 2012

Everyone at Accutemp Heating & Air Conditioning wants to wish you a very happy New Years! We hope you have a fun (and safe!) time saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming in the new.

If you are a person who makes resolutions, why not try to make your home more environmentally-friendly next year? Upgrading your heating and air conditioning system can reduce the amount of energy you need to keep your home comfortable. You can also save energy by adding insulation and sealing any air leaks. A greener home is not only better for the environment, but it also saves you money by reducing your utility bills. Contact Accutemp Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more about the benefits of upgrading your HVAC system.

Have a great New Year’s Eve!

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