Roadrunner Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing Blog: Archive for December, 2014

What You Need to Know about Air Conditioning Installation

Friday, December 26th, 2014

Are you in the market for a new air conditioner? Would you like to make sure that it works properly for years to come? Do you also want to make sure that your system is highly energy efficient?

It can be challenging to find an air conditioner, despite the diverse range of options available to the residential consumer. There are plenty of factors to consider, including your budget, cooling preferences, as well as your energy efficiency expectations. First and foremost, however, it’s essential that you get in touch with a professional technician who can make sure your new system is successfully integrated into your home and that it’s appropriately sized.

Here are some factors to consider:

  • We know that the budget is the bottom line factor when it comes to investing in HVAC systems. If you’re thinking about a new system, it’s important that you know what your budget is going into the project so that you can narrow down your options as well as feel good about your decision. There are options for all budgets, even if you think that you’ll never be able to afford a new cooling system.
  • System selection. There are plenty of options to consider in terms of system selection. What type is right for you? From central air units and heat pumps to ductless mini splits and swamp coolers, you need to find a system that will work when you need it most, but also one that satisfies your comfort requirements. If you already have reliable ductwork set up in the home, then you may want to continue using it with a heat pump or central air unit. If not, then you may want to opt for a ductless system for superior energy efficiency.
  • System cooling capacity. It’s critical that your air conditioner be appropriately sized so that you can be confident it will work as expected for years to come. Overly large and small systems are ineffective, they break down more often, and they are not as efficient as they should be. A professional will be able to match a system’s cooling capacity to your household.

Call on our friendly HVAC technicians today for all of your air conditioning installation needs.

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Why Do We Hang Up Mistletoe?

Wednesday, December 24th, 2014

Of course, you probably know part of the answer to this question already. You hang up mistletoe so that the people standing underneath can share a romantic holiday kiss! But what you may not realize is that the origin of this longstanding ritual predates many of the other holiday traditions we celebrate today. Why would a plant that has many poisonous varieties (most types sold for use in the home have few negative effects, but you can wrap it in netting to prevent children from consuming any fallen berries or leaves) be used as a symbol of holiday affection?

There are a couple of ways to explain the positive associations of (potentially hazardous) mistletoe. For one, this semi-parasitic plant has long been hailed as a treatment for illnesses and pain. The ancient Greeks and Romans used it to cure cramps, epilepsy, and more. Even today, mistletoe extracts are one of the leading alternative medicines studied for their effectiveness in killing cancer cells. And because the early Celtic Druids saw it as a sign of healing and life, they may be the first to bestow upon the plant its romantic associations, deeming it worthy of treating the infertile.

But it is Norse mythology that is likely responsible for a majority of the modern traditions associated with this small hanging bunch. One of the powerful Norse god Odin’s sons, named Baldur, was said to be invincible due to an oath his mother took to protect him from harm. But Loki, a god who often set out to make trouble for the gods, set out to find the one thing that could do some damage, and eventually discovered that Baldur’s mother Frigg had never included mistletoe in her invincibility oath. When mistletoe was finally responsible for her son’s demise, the grieving Frigg vowed that the plant would never again be used to hurt another living thing, and that she would plant a peaceful kiss upon anyone who walked underneath it.

And that is one of the reasons that, today, kissing under the mistletoe is viewed as a source of good luck. From our family to yours, we wish you a safe holiday season, and we hope that you and your family are full of joy and good fortune—mistletoe or not! Happy holidays from Roadrunner Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration!

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What is a Tankless Water Heater and Do I Need One?

Friday, December 19th, 2014

There is no shortage of options when it comes to home improvement. A stroll down the aisle of your local hardware store or a scroll down the page of a website devoted to this industry both reveal a staggering diversity of products, materials, brands, and information. It can be difficult to navigate your way through the morass to come out with something that works well for your home, that’s reliable and that will operate efficiently. Because of the importance of your water heater, it’s imperative that you have a model that works well for years to come.

While many customers continue to rely on tank water heaters for their hot water needs in the home, the tankless water heater has become a household name, as it has been for many years throughout the rest of the world. The chief reason for this is its stellar energy efficiency ratings. A conventional tank water heater works by heating a large volume of water in a cylindrical tank and then distributing it as need be to the various fixtures in your home. But this inevitably leads to a fair amount of what’s called standby energy loss, the thermal energy that escapes the tank and dissipates into the cooler surrounding air.

A tankless water heater works without a large storage tank by utilizing a high-efficiency copper heat exchanger that heats your water whenever you need it. It is therefore also known as an on-demand water heater. Because it only heats the water you will actually use and it operates only when such water is called for, it operates much more efficiently than conventional tank systems. If you’re eager to save money on a fair-sized chunk of your monthly bill, then you should definitely consider one for your home.

At Roadrunner, we make sure our customers take full advantage of the latest technology, and we install and service a diverse range of tankless water heaters within our service area. Contact our friendly technicians today for tankless water heater services.

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The Amazing Swamp Cooler

Friday, December 12th, 2014

Everyone’s looking for a bargain. Whether you’re trying to reduce household expenses by being “green” or by turning off the lights in every unoccupied room, you may be looking for another sure-fire way to reduce expenses during the most expensive time of the year, summer.

In order to keep cool, you likely run your air conditioner nearly 24/7 during times of peak heat, but this can create high energy bills that can put a damper on an otherwise comfortable domestic life. In order to save money on your cooling bills, you may want to consider a high-efficiency system that will give you the comfort you deserve without the incredible expense. We’re talking about the swamp cooler, of course.

The swamp cooler is not a cooler for the swamp, despite its moniker. In fact, it’s a type of cooling system that really only works in dry climates such as ours. This is because it adds humidity to the air as it cools, unlike central air units and heat pumps that dehumidify the air during the cooling process. The swamp cooler utilizes a fairly basic principle of evaporative cooling that has been used widely throughout the world for many, many years. When hot air passes over cold water, the air is cooled by the water’s absorption of its thermal energy. This thermal exchange also leaves the air humidified, which is an added benefit in our neck of the woods.

The benefits of this approach are clear enough. Because it does not have to power a large compressor to effect change in a chemical refrigerant, it can save you a lot of money during the course of its operation. Energy efficiency really is its chief benefit, and many of our customers also enjoy the fact that it does not dry out the air further like conventional air conditioners.

If you’re interested in learning more about swamp coolers and whether they are right for you, make sure you give us a call today. Our HVAC technicians are always available to assist our customers.

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Refrigeration Fact

Wednesday, December 10th, 2014

“How Long Will Food Last if the Power Goes Out?”

According to the FDA, a refrigerator will only keep food “chilly” for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep food frozen for 48 hours. If it is half full, only 24 hours. You can add block ice or dry ice to your freezer.

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Ice Machines…

Wednesday, December 10th, 2014

Ice Machine Cleaning Benefits:

-Sanitary ice production
-Health code compliance
-Promotes ice machine functionality
-Increases ice yield
-Extends life and increases performance
-Keeps producers safe from fines and health related incidents/lawsuits
-Promotes the health of the general public
-Ice Machine Cleaning Products from Technical Hot and Cold

*If not cleaned regularly, ice machines can accumulate biofilm, a mold/slime agent that will reduce the function of the ice machine and the health and safety of your ice.

 

 

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UV AIR TREATMENT

Wednesday, December 10th, 2014

The Benefits Of UV Air Treatment System


* They eliminate up to 99.9% of mold spores and kill up to 87% of certain airborne bacteria passing through the air system.
* They help maintain system efficiency and airflow, which saves money by not having to have your system coils cleaned as often
* Some have SmartLamp(tm) technology, which optimizes efficiency of lamp run time. These lamps usually need replacing about once a year.
* With SnapLamp(tm) replacement bulbs, the replacement process is quick and easy.
* The sealed unit design and multiple interlocks prevent accidental contact with UV rays making these systems safe.

Improving air quality in your home should be a concern for anyone from the very young to the elderly as well as allergy sufferers. UV Air Treatment Systems used in conjunction with HEPA filters can greatly reduce the allergens present in your home.

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Plumbing Tips

Wednesday, December 10th, 2014
Plumbing Tips
Things to beware of:

UNUSUALLY LOW BIDS: If a contractor doesn’t provide the full cost, he/she may ask for money to complete the job.

NO CONTRACT: A contractor may try to inflate the price. Don’t sign a contract unless it specifies all key details, including how much will be paid and when.

SCARE TACTICS AND HIGH PRESSURE: Some contractors who try to rush you into costly action should be avoided. If …faced with a high pressure pitch, take time to get another opinion.

USING LOW-QUALITY MATERIALS BUT CHARGING FOR BETTER: A contractor may promise to use the best parts and charge for it, but could be using lower quality parts. Ask for a parts list and compare brand types of materials on the invoice.

PLANTING EVIDENCE: To avoid this ask a technician to videotape/photograph something identifiable near your sewer cleanout. Hire only contractors with proven records of good customer satisfaction.

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Duct Cleaning

Wednesday, December 10th, 2014

Duct Cleaning

It is important to know that air duct systems can collect unhealthy amounts of lint, dust, moisture and other debris which can lead to serious health problems and allergies. If you suffer from allergies or breathing problems, this could be playing a factor in it. When was the last time you had it done, or has it ever been done? We use a $7000 state of the art, duct cleaning machine and clean the entire duct system, whether 10 ft or 40 ft., then use a camera to make sure it’s entirely clean. We also clean all grills and can do the blower wheel, blower cage, heating and AC coils as well. Then we sanitize it afterwards. Don’t be fooled by the company only charging $297 to do a poor job by going in 3 ft. from grill with a vacuum. Roadrunner Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration offers state of the art air duct contamination removal. In addition, Roadrunner’s air duct rejuvenation team members are friendly and professionally trained to do the job right!
Call:

505-473-9000 today to schedule your FREE in home evaluation!!!

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Facts & Myths

Wednesday, December 10th, 2014

FACTS:

A slow leak of 3 drops a minute WASTES 157 gallons a year!

 Visit the American Water Works Association’s drip Calculator at awwa.org.

MYTHS:

Ice cubes DO NOT sharpen garbage disposal blades

Flushable wipes are NOT ok to flush

Dropping lemon peels down the disposal makes for a good smell, but can also clog the drain

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