PRK Services, Inc. Blog: Archive for October, 2013

How Are Heat Pumps Installed?

Tuesday, October 29th, 2013

In towns like Lantana TX, heat pump installation remains a viable alternative to traditional gas and oil furnaces. A heat pump works in a manner similar to an air conditioner, circulating refrigerant through a system that first bleeds off its heat (turning it into a liquid) and then uses it to cool the air (by placing the liquid in a series of evaporator coils). Heat pumps simply allow the system to be reversed, which provide heat into your home as well as cool air. They work best in areas with comparatively mild winters, like here in Texas, and their comparative efficiency means that they cost less in monthly heating bills. But how are heat pumps installed? Specifics vary, but the basics are fairly easy to explain:

  • A technician selects the optimum place for the heat pump: on an outside wall with at least 36 inches of clear space around the edges of the pump. He’ll place the pump somewhere that provides optimal heating and cooling coverage inside the home as well.
  • The outside portion of the heat pump is placed on a temporary foundation, matching the spot where it will stand after it is installed. The technician then drills holes in the walls corresponding to the refrigerant lines and other key connection points.
  • The technician mounts the inside portion of the heat pump and connects the lines, ensuring that the tubing has sufficient insulation and space.
  • The heat pump fittings are tightened and the mountings are tested for stability before the temporary foundation is moved away from the outside part of the unit.
  • The pump is turned on and tested to see that it works correctly.

A trained technician knows how to conduct each of these steps safely and will have the tools to conduct the job. In Lantana TX, heat pump installation is handled by PRK Services, Inc. We can explain how heat pumps and installed, then help determine if a heat pump is right for your home. Our heat pump installation services in Lantana TX are performed with courtesy and care, and we offer maintenance programs to help keep your heat pump in peak condition as time goes on. Give us a call today to set up a consultation.

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Why Am I Not Getting Enough Heat from My Furnace?

Friday, October 18th, 2013

In Aubrey TX, heating repair services need to move quickly once you spot the signs of trouble. Our winter nights can get chilly and a functioning furnace is the best means to keep your home warm and comfortable. When problems arise, you want to deal with them quickly, particularly when it involves your furnace not generating enough heat. “Why is my furnace not generating heat?” you ask. A good technician can provide the answers before conducting an efficient furnace repair.

The problems with a lack of heat are obvious. The furnace will need to work harder to warm you home, raising your energy bills and creating more wear and tear on the system.  The causes depend on the exact nature of your furnace. In some cases, the problem can be traced to the thermostat, which can be set too low or misreading the temperature in your home. You may need to move the thermostat to a spot in the home that more accurately gauges the heat, or it may be necessary to replace the thermostat entirely.

Other problems can stem from a lack of overall maintenance. When air filters get clogged, they can restrict the flow of air, preventing heat from reaching the interior of your home. A clogged blower can affect the flow of air as well, as can a dirty burner which affect the heat and consistency of the flames that serve to heat the air in your furnace. In these cases, a regular maintenance session from a professional can alleviate the problem. He or she will clean the unit, tighten loose fittings and ensure that everything is ship-shape. It’s usually a good idea to schedule such a session in the fall, before the cold set in in earnest.

Regardless of the causes, if you’re asking “why am I not getting enough heat from my furnace,” then it’s time to call in a professional. PRK Services Inc. offers Aubrey TX, heating repair services. We will hunt down the source of your low heat and work overtime to restore it to full functionality. Call us to set up an appointment today.

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How A Clogged Air Filter Can Cause A Need for Heating Repairs

Wednesday, October 9th, 2013

Ever forced-air heater comes equipped with an air filter. It is an essential part of the system that prevents your  heater from accumulating a significant amount of dust, dirt, and other debris. When such substances settle on sensitive system components, they can create efficiency as well as performance problems. They may even lead to system damage. Such issues are often easy to prevent: by keeping your air filter clean at all times, you can ensure that the internal components are protected from the adverse effects of debris. However, this is not always possible. And it can be difficult to keep track of everything in the household. In today’s post, we’d like to discuss how a clogged air filter can lead to heating repairs.

Your air filter is there to capture particles as they pass through your ductwork and air handler. Whether you own a furnace or a heat pump, you need to have an air filter so that debris brought in by the blower motor’s suction does not lead to mechanical damage. Every home has dust, dander, and other debris; over time, these will clog up your air filter and inhibit the passage of air. This can lead to serious energy efficiency issues because your entire system has to work harder to push or pull air through a clogged screen.

Another issue that pertains to clogged air filters is that it can lead to increased wear and tear on the system. Every extra effort that your system has to put into heating your home is more load on the components of your system. One of the risks of this is that you may place undue stress on your compressor (if you have a heat pump), and this is a major component, whose replacement is often costly.

One of the downsides of having the air filter there is that it can become clogged, but it’s an absolutely necessary part of the HVAC system. Most of these issues can be prevented by keeping your air filter clean at all times. Change yours about once a month during peak usage times. The best way to keep your system from becoming problematic is to enroll in a preventive heating maintenance plan.

Call PRK Services, Inc. today for all of your Highland Village heating repair needs.

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Do I Really Need a Contractor to Install My New Heater?

Tuesday, October 1st, 2013

A heating installation in Flower Mound, TX usually comes down to one key decision: do it yourself or hire a professional. Texans pride themselves on self-sufficiency, and installing a new heater sounds like something a good do-it-yourselfer can handle without a problem. Looks can be deceiving though. When asking yourself, “Do I really need a contractor to install my new heater?”, the answer is invariably “yes.”

Well, What Are the Benefits?

In the first place, a contractor has experience in heater installation that even the most skilled layman can’t match. Heaters are designed to last many years, meaning you won’t be installing one on your home every day. A trained professional does handle such operations every day, however, which means he or she can anticipate problems you might not even consider, while handling routine obstacles with confidence and assurance.

Along those lines, a contractor can provide you with peace of mind during the installation process. If you’re doing it yourself, you not only need to shoulder the responsibility of quality installation, but take in any addition costs for tools, the cost of removing the old unit, and so on. If repairs or upgrades are needed down the road, you must handle them yourself, and all of that assumes your installation meets the proper codes and permits required.

With a professional, all of those worries are eliminated. The service technician handles all the paperwork and has the tools he needs, as well as dealing with specific issues like removing your old heater. A good contractor will have the backing of pertinent organizations, as well as a slew of recommendations from previous client. All of which can help you rest easier knowing that your home’s heat is in good hands.

At PRK Services, Inc., we’ve been handling heating installations for over 40 years. We work with heat pumps and geothermal systems as well as traditional centralized heaters, and offer financing options to make sure you get the service you deserve. If you’re asking “do I really need a contractor to install my new heater?” contact us today for an answer that’s bound to make you happy.

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