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Air Conditioning - Heating - Electrical | Ennis, Texas

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EPA’S R22 PHASEOUT AND WHAT HOME AND BUSINESS OWNERS NEED TO KNOW.

March 18, 2017 by JPH Mechanical Services

by Daniel Estevao on October 7, 2016

The refrigerant in your air conditioning or heat pump system is responsible for absorbing and releasing heat to and from your indoor and outdoor units. The type of refrigerant you use depends on how your HVAC system was installed. Most air conditioning and heat pump systems use R-22 refrigerant (known by the brand name Freon®).

But that’s about to change. Many countries, including the United State, are phasing it out due to its ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP).

What is the R-22 Refrigerant Phaseout?

Beginning in 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has started a complete phaseout of all consumption and production of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) under the Clean Air Act. Since R-22 refrigerant (chlorodifluoromethane) is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon, this ruling will affect all equipment that uses this type of refrigerant. If your AC or heat pump was manufactured prior to 2010, you are most likely using R-22 refrigerant.

HCFC-22 (R-22) production and consumption will decrease until it reaches zero in 2020. Starting January 1, 2020, no new production or import of HCFC-22 will be allowed.

This final rule affects residential and commercial air conditioning, heat pump, and refrigeration equipment that uses HCFC-22 or R-22 refrigerant (also known as Freon®).

What Does the R-22 Phaseout Mean for Homeowners?

If you are a homeowner that uses HCFC-22 (R-22) refrigerant, you will need to think about your choices when it comes to servicing, repairing, or replacing your AC or heat pump equipment.

  • If you have an air conditioner or heat pump that was manufactured before 2010, you are most likely using HCFC-22 (R-22) refrigerant. Check your unit’s nameplate on the outdoor condenser or your owner’s manual to find out what refrigerant your air conditioner/heat pump runs on.
  • HCFC-22 is currently a banned import and manufacturers may no longer produce it. As a result, R-22 (Freon®) is getting more expensive and more difficult to acquire.
  • Existing stocks of HCFC-22 may be used to service existing AC, heat pump, and refrigeration equipment until 2020.
  • After 2020, “only recycled, reclaimed, or previously produced HCFC-22 can be used to service existing equipment” (EPA).
  • Homeowners are under no obligation to replace their existing equipment or convert R-22 units with non-ozone-depleting alternatives.
  • If you choose to retrofit your existing equipment, keep in mind that changes to the unit’s components will be required since alternative refrigerants aren’t easily replaceable. Most experts will recommend that you purchase a new energy-efficient unit instead.
  • R-410A refrigerant (known by the brand name Puron®) is the most common non-ozone-depleting alternative for use in residential air conditioning equipment.
  • Only hire trained and certified HVAC technicians to handle refrigerants.
  • Bi-annual maintenance of your heating and air conditioning equipment results in increased energy efficiency and reduced maintenance and repair costs. Routine maintenance reduces your impact on the environment.

Filed Under: air conditioning, Uncategorized

Fall Is Here

September 25, 2016 by JPH Mechanical Services

Published by the U.S. Department of Energy

This article will help you find strategies to help you save energy during the cool fall and cold winter months. Some of the tips below are free and can be used on a daily basis to increase your savings; others are simple and inexpensive actions you can take to ensure maximum savings through the winter.

If you haven’t already, conduct an energy assessment to find out where you can save the most, and consider making a larger investment for long-term energy savings.

Also check out no-cost and low-cost tips to save energy during the spring and summer.

Take Advantage of Heat from the Sun

Photo of a window with the curtains open. Sun is shining into the room and snow-covered mountains are visible outside. Copyright iStockphoto.com/Giorgio Fochesato.

  • Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.

Cover Drafty Windows

  • Install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.
    Find out about other window treatments and coverings that can improve energy efficiency.

Adjust the Temperature

  • When you are home and awake, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable.
  • When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back 10° to 15° for eight hours and save around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills. A programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature.
    Find out how to operate your thermostat for maximum energy savings. Also see ENERGY STAR’s June 5, 2008, podcast for video instructions on operating your programmable thermostat.

Find and Seal Leaks

  • Seal the air leaks around utility cut-throughs for pipes (“plumbing penetrations”), gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets.
    Find out how to detect air leaks.
    Learn more about air sealing new and existing homes.
  • Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.
    Find out how to select and apply the appropriate caulk.
    Learn how to select and apply weatherstripping.

Maintain Your Heating Systems

  • Schedule service for your heating system.
    Find out what maintenance is required to keep your heating system operating efficiently.
  • Furnaces: Replace your furnace filter once a month or as needed.
    Find out more about maintaining your furnace or boiler.
  • Wood- and Pellet-Burning Heaters: Clean the flue vent regularly and clean the inside of the appliance with a wire brush periodically to ensure that your home is heated efficiently.
    Find other maintenance recommendations for wood- and pellet-burning appliances.

Reduce Heat Loss from the Fireplace

Photo of a fire in a brick fireplace. Copyright iStockphoto.com/Oliver Malms.

  • Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a window wide open during the winter; it allows warm air to go right up the chimney.
  • When you use the fireplace, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window slightly — approximately 1 inch — and close doors leading into the room. Lower the thermostat setting to between 50° and 55°F.
  • If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue.
  • If you do use the fireplace, install tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system that blows warmed air back into the room.
  • Check the seal on the fireplace flue damper and make it as snug as possible.
  • Purchase grates made of C-shaped metal tubes to draw cool room air into the fireplace and circulate warm air back into the room.
  • Add caulking around the fireplace hearth.
    Find out more techniques to improve your fireplace or wood-burning appliance’s efficiency.
    Learn tips for safe and efficient fireplace installation and wood burning.

Lower Your Water Heating Costs

Water heating can account for 14% to 25% of the energy consumed in your home.

  • Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F). You’ll not only save energy, you’ll avoid scalding your hands.
    Find other strategies for energy-efficient water heating.

Lower Your Holiday Lighting Costs

  • Use light-emitting diode — or “LED” — holiday light strings to reduce the cost of decorating your home for the winter holidays.
    Learn about the advantages and potential cost savings of LED holiday light strings.
    Find manufacturers and brands of ENERGY STAR®-qualified decorative light strings.

 

 

Filed Under: air conditioning

Spring Into Action

March 18, 2016 by JPH Mechanical Services

Prepare your HVAC System for the Spring and Summer Weather Now.

Springtime is on its way to Texas. While you’re preparing for the warmer temperatures that are on the way, don’t forget to also prepare your heating & air conditioning system as well. Here are a few HVAC tips to help you prepare for spring and summer.

1. Replace your filters.

The first step in preparing for a change in seasons is to replace your HVAC filters. During periods of heavy usage, you should clean or replace your filters at least once a month. Dirty filters can cause your air conditioning system to work harder than it needs to.

2. Check your ductwork.

Your ductwork (also known as ventilation system) is an important part of your home’s heating and air conditioning system. Check to make sure any holes are sealed and cracks and connectors in the duct system are taken care of as well.

3) Test your air conditioning unit.

Before the really hot days arrive and you really need your system, test your air conditioning unit by turning on and briefly running it. If there are any problems, you’ll have a heads-up before summer really arrives.

4) Clean around the outdoor unit and clear any obstructions.

The outdoor unit of your HVAC system contains the compressor, which is the most important part of the unit. Make sure that you clear any obstructions away from the outdoor unit, including debris such as plants and leaves.

5) Schedule your annual HVAC tune-up with JPH Mechanical Services.

Keeping your HVAC system running great is easy to do with a maintenance agreement from JPH Mechanical Services. Our maintenance agreement provides local HVAC customers with regular maintenance – plus additional benefits.

By: Holtzople

Filed Under: air conditioning

Spring Cleanup List Begins with HVAC

April 11, 2015 by JPH Mechanical Services

Spring Cleanup List Begins with HVAC

To keep your house in top shape, give systems an annual checkup.

By: Marjie O’Connor

 

Spring cleaning is a tradition, but there are some other chores that should be part of your springtime routine, too. Most of them take only a few minutes, so get started!

  1. Check your air-conditioning and heating equipment before the beginning of a new season.
  2. Check and replace your furnace and air-conditioning filters every month. There are several types from which to choose, depending on your needs. Fiberglass filters last only one month, while the filters typically last three to four months. HEPA filters last up to six months and can be cleaned with a vacuum nozzle.
  3. To keep a dehumidifier working properly, remove its housing and let the unit dry completely. Vacuum every accessible surface and crevice.
  4. Clean your bathroom fans once a year. Take the cover off, wash it in soapy water and clean dirt off the fan blades with a toothbrush. Be sure the power is off when you do this!
  5. Check the flappers on your toilets at least once a year. If they are showing their age, replace them before they start leaking and wasting water.
  6. Remove all faucet handles and clean their insides to keep the screws from corroding. Use a rust remover if necessary.
  7. Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors twice a year: when the time changes to daylight savings time and then back to standard time. While you’re at it, dust or vacuum the detectors to keep them working at peak performance.
  8. Make sure you have a fully charged fire extinguisher that you can reach quickly and easily.
  9. Inspect and, if necessary, caulk around your home’s windows and doors annually. That will help keep out heat and humidity in the summer and cold drafts in the winter—and save money on your utility bills all year round.
  10. Open and close all windows. Do they all open easily, yet close tightly? If not, check the weather stripping. There are a number of different types to consider.
  11. The best time to caulk a joint outdoors is during the spring or fall. That’s when the width of the joint is halfway between its seasonal extremes. A plastic drinking straw or a length of plastic tubing makes a handy extension tube for caulking hard-to-reach places. Secure the extender with duct tape.
  12. To really clear and clean screens for springtime, rub them with kerosene on both sides, then rinse with soap and water. Kerosene fumes are dangerous, so make sure to do this outside or in a well-ventilated area.
  13. To fix a small hole in a window or door screen, dab clear household cement over the hole with a toothpick. If the screens are plastic, test the cement on a scrap to make sure it won’t melt the material.
  14. Use the same technique to repair screen tears. Pull the two halves of the tear together and hold them in place with masking tape on one side. Apply the household cement to the tear, then smooth with a putty knife. When it’s dry, gently remove the tape and apply cement to the other side.
  15. Clean out the gutters of winter debris and check them for damage from ice. Install gutter screens or protectors to help keep debris out of the gutters.
  16. If a roof gutter is sagging, pitch it back to a level position by tightening its strap with pliers. The tighter the strap is twisted, the more the gutter will rise.
  17. Be sure the gutters slope properly toward the down-spouts.
  18. To prevent foundation erosion, build up soil around the house and slope it away from the foundation.

 

Filed Under: air conditioning

Tips to help reduce your summer electric bills

July 15, 2014 by JPH Mechanical Services

50% of your home’s energy costs come from your heating and cooling system.  To help increase the longevity and efficiency of your system, we’ve found some helpful tips from www.bounceenergy.com on how to cut electricity costs during the summer months.

1.   Change your air filters monthly

A dirty air filter can cost you money because it blocks the air flow, causing your unit to work harder to push cool air through your home.   A clean air filter will save you money on energy costs and prolong the life of your air conditioner.  Avoid filters that restrict the airflow.  Also, there is no such thing as a “3-month” filter.  Filters need to be changed when they start to get dirty.  This might be 30 days, 60 days, or longer depending on the conditions inside your home.

 2.   Set temperature on a Programmable ThermostatImage showing thermostat

According to the Energystar.gov website, you can save about $180 annually by using a programmable thermostat (Note: this figure only applies if using the thermostat correctly). Programming temperature changes throughout the day will allow you to maximize the usage of an air conditioner to coincide with the outside conditions (night vs. day). It will also help you by automatically adjusting the temperature up when you are away at work or school (no sense in cooling an empty house for 8+ hours a day). If you are forgetful, this tool is an easy way to automate your savings. Just don’t forget to change the programming for each season!

If you’re looking to upgrade or switch to a programmable thermostat be sure to click on the link below to get a sneak peak at one of the newest and most innovative smart thermostats that will soon be on the market.  The Lyric Thermostat by Honeywell is making a name for itself with its many features.  Take a look!

http://www.lyric.honeywell.com/

3.  Ceiling Fans

Fans are an efficient way to make a room comfortable without having to lower the temperature. The air circulation they provide evaporates moisture on your skin, causing you to feel cooler. The combination of fan use and prudent management of your a/c settings will result in overall energy savings. If you do not have ceiling fans, they can be easily installed in almost any room with an overhead light.  Also make sure that your fan blades are spinning in the correct direction for the summer months.  The fan should blow down in the summer and up in the winter.

4.  Use Shades/Blinds

One way to cool your house is by not letting the heat in. Shades and/or blinds provide a great barrier to the outside heat, and not require any electricity usage. If you currently have shades in your home then during the day, remember to keep them closed, especially when the sun is beating down in the afternoon. If you do not have shades or blinds in your home, they can get pretty expensive, so at least try to cover the windows that get the most sun exposure. Another option is solar screens, which block out 90% of the UV rays while still allowing you to see out your windows.

5.  Keep plants cut back around unit

Keep shrubs and vines away from your outside a/c unit by at least 12″-24.”  The a/c unit needs to “breathe” to operate efficiently.

6.  Air Conditioner Maintenance- THE MOST IMPORTANTpreparing to install new air conditioner.

Proper maintenance of your air conditioning can ensure that your system will operate at its optimal efficiency level. The more efficiently it runs the less energy/money you waste. The best time to have your system serviced is in the winter or early summer, before the 100+ degree days start.  Proper maintenance can also prevent many small problems from becoming big, expensive ones later.  Call or email us to schedule your annual maintenance.

Filed Under: air conditioning

Common Air Conditioning Problems

January 28, 2014 by JPH Mechanical Services

According to Popular Mechanics magazine*, the following is a list of typical air conditioning issues when a professional is needed for the job:

“Central air-conditioning systems are fairly complex but, fortunately, fairly reliable. Beyond the simple power outage or clogged condensate drain line, more serious problems are best left to experienced, licensed technicians. Signs that should lead you to call for service include:

  • Unit running but no cool air coming out. If the appliance cools intermittently, it usually points to a problem with the refrigerant and may mean the system needs to be recharged.
  • Odd sounds coming from the condenser/ compressor unit. Turn off the unit and call for service.
  • The system doesn’t come on at all. First check the obvious culprits–that the thermostat is set to cool and that the appliance’s circuit breaker is in the “On” position. Likewise, check all other system switches or disconnects. If these aren’t the problem, make sure the air-conditioner is off and call for help.
  • Any significant leak or a dripping circuit breaker. This should be dealt with immediately by a professional. Turn off the unit and make the call.”

Do any of these problems sound familiar to you?  JPH Mechanical Services can help!  Contact us today for a free estimate on repair or installation.

Schedule a Service Call Now!

* External Source

 

Filed Under: air conditioning, common HVAC problems Tagged With: common a/c problems

Frequently Asked Questions

January 28, 2014 by JPH Mechanical Services

We are proud of the fact that we have helped many local customers with their heating and cooling needs.  Our customers often ask the same questions when it comes to air conditioning and heating repair and maintenance.  The following is a list of FAQs:

WHEN SHOULD I REPLACE MY HEATING OR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM?

Depending on the age your your system, a replacement might be the best way to lower utility costs, improve air quality, and effectively heat or cool your home.  If your equipment is more than 10 years old (air conditioners or heat pumps) or more than 15 years old (furnace or boiler), then it may be time to replace your units.  Other indicators that you should consider a new system – increased utility bills, frequent repairs, noisy equipment, hot and cold areas in the home, humidity or dust problems in the home.

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT HEATING/COOLING SYSTEM?

There are many heating and cooling products on the market today.  Our technical training and years of experience has shown us the size and models that are most appropriate for a particular spaces.  Our team also takes into considerations such things as age of home, the number of people that live there, the number of rooms, the direction your home faces, and other variables to help you choose the right system for you.  Regardless of whether you have a residential or commercial space, we have a variety of top quality products to offer our customers, including Trane and Goodman products.  Our staff of professionals are happy to discuss the equipment options that will work in your space.

HOW LONG WILL A NEW UNIT LAST?

With proper care and routine maintenance, air conditioners can last up to 12 years and gas furnaces can last from 20-25 years.

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY SYSTEM?

Regular maintenance by a service professional will keep your equipment in top condition and alert you to any areas of concern.  Homeowners can do their part by checking thermostats for appropriate temperature settings, make sure registers and returns are unobstructed, keeping air filters clean.  For homeowners this means changing them about every 3 months or every 90 days (for a main residence).  Vacation homes require less frequent air filter replacements.  Homeowners with allergies or pets will want to change filters every 30-45 days.

SHOULD I REPLACE MY INDOOR COIL?

If you are replacing your air conditioner and heat pump, it is a good idea to replace your coil as well.  Your indoor coil works together with your air conditioner and heat pump to properly heat and cool your home.  The energy efficiency rating on the system is based upon all components functioning in top conditions.  By keeping an old coil, you may not achieve the maximum benefits possible with your new equipment, such as achieving the lowest possible utility bills for your home.

WHAT IS COVERED WITH MY WARRANTY?

Warranties vary by manufacturer, so each product’s warranty will be different.  Our service professionals will be able to describe your warranty to you and will provide warranty paperwork  at the time of installation.

DO YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? 

We have answers!  Call us today for an estimate on your system installation or repair.

Filed Under: air conditioning, FAQs Tagged With: FAQs

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Your Health

January 28, 2014 by JPH Mechanical Services

Did you know that Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has an effect on health?

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, most people spend 90% of their time indoors.  Your health might be adversely affected over time because of pollution inside your own home!  There are often several sources (pollutants) contributing to the air quality indoors, so an Indoor Air Quality Assessment is a good method to determine what pollutants could be causing problems for you.

If your home has one or more of the following problems, you could suffer from poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ):

  1. Inadequate ventilation
  2. High temperature
  3. High humidity levels

We can help you determine potential sources of pollution in your home (such as carbon monoxide), improve ventilation, and weatherize  your home with an Indoor Air Quality Assessment.

Don’t put you and your family’s health at risk!  Contact us to schedule an Indoor Air Quality Assessment today.

Call Today! 972-878-7604

Filed Under: air conditioning, Healthy Home, Indoor Air Quality Tagged With: indoor air quality

JPH MECHANICAL SERVICES

110 North Kaufman St.
Ennis, TX 75119
(972) 878-7604 Phone
(972) 878-0758 Fax

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Your Health

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  • EPA’S R22 PHASEOUT AND WHAT HOME AND BUSINESS OWNERS NEED TO KNOW.
  • Fall Is Here
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110 North Kaufman St.
Ennis, TX 75119
(972) 878-7604 Phone
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