Archives for September 2015

All You Need to Know about Solenoid Valves

Coined by André Marie Ampère, a French physicist, solenoids refer to coils that have a helical shape. Nowadays, solenoids are used as the electromagnetic parts of valves, comprising the coil, core, core tube and the enclosure. Solenoid valves are controlled by electric currents which is why they are often employed in fluidics. Highly dependable and with a long life, solenoid valves are supposed to close off and dose fluids as well as distribute and mix them. Their design varies. They can have more than two ports, which dictates if the fluid can float between them.

ASCO

As the lead in the industry of valve system technology, ASCO designs items that dictate the flow of air, water, gas and steam. Their expertise in the field is backed up by 125 years of product development. They began creating elevator and generator controls back in 1888 and soon became the first firm to create and sell a device that was electrically controlled. The firm started expanding in the 50s and nowadays they produce and sell their products in more than forty two countries all over the globe. In the 70s they introduced new items, like valves that were air operated, devices that had a manual reset and switches for pressure and temperature that could meet the standards of the request.

By 1983, the company was expanding even more. They acquired Angar Scientific which produced and sold micro miniature solenoid valves. Two years later, ASCO was bought by Emerson Electric, an American multinational from Missouri. With a reputation that preceded them, Emerson Co, a Fortune 100 corporation, also bought Joucomatic in 1988, merging the newly acquire European company with ASCO. In 2008, it was announced that two of the leading names in the pneumatic valve industry, both held by Emerson Industrial, merged and formed ASCO Numatics.

ASCO Numatics

Emerson managed to combine two key ingredients that led to the creation of superior, high quality products that are unique on the market. Blending fluid control items with power products has resulted in a wide palette of items. The merger did not only produce top notch products, but it also lowered product costs and improved asset availability. With more than 50,000 solenoid valves, ASCO Numatics delivers items that are optimal for power generation, air ride suspension, power generation and HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning).

ASCO’s items include pressure sensor and angle body piston valves, while Numatics Inc’s offer includes custom made products and app elements that have helped the pneumatic technology make a significant development. ASCO Numatics quickly became a lead in the fluid automation field by delivering custom developed products to keep up with the challenging and ever changing environment. The company guarantees not only to offer the highest quality products, but also to deliver them in a timely manner. By offering the world’s most dependable automation solutions, the company also provides instant onsite tech help.

ASCO solenoid valves

With customers praising the company for their fast delivery and easy to install products that meet all their needs and perform flawlessly, there aren’t many things to complain about when it comes to ASCO solenoid valves. However, the company doesn’t lack competitors. The Parker solenoid valve is created by a company that has over a century’s experience. Parker’s products include miniature valves, fluid control valves and pneumatic solenoid valves. While their products are high quality, ASCO remains the lead in the industry, with a wide range of products that guarantee superiority. ASCO manufactures and sells various types of valves:

Two way solenoid valves have only one inlet and one outlet and can close off fluids. This type of valve can perform two kinds of operations: NC (which stands for Normally Closed) and NO (meaning Normally Open). This category includes general services valves, potable water valves and hot water valves
Three way solenoid valves are designed for food services and potable water. When one of the two orifices is open, the second one closes off. This type of valve is often used to put pressure in succession.
Four way solenoid valves comprise four or five pipes that are also known as ports. These kind of valves can be single or dual solenoid and single air operator. They are often used for intrinsically safe field wiring and gas applications with long life in dry air.
Dust collector solenoid valves are regular three way and four way valves which have had their mounting configurations and connections substituted by NAMUR configurations.
Medical and analytical miniature solenoid valves are best suited for general services and isolation since they cater for all fluid control requirements. This type of valves are extremely precise and reliable, which is why they are used in medical appliances and industrial equipment.
Manual reset solenoid valves include two way, three way and four way valves. All of them use manual resets for substituting the solenoid.
Group mounted solenoid valves were manufactured for gang mounting. This category includes two way, three way and four way valves which allow any association of normally closed and normally open valves.
Direct mount solenoid valves include standard three way and four way valves that now have NAMUR mounting configuration. These types of devices enable every valve to be directly attached to an actuator, without requiring hard piping or tubing be installed.

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Everything You Need to Know about HVAC Repair

HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) keeps our homes warm during the winter days, cool in the summer and maintains the air quality throughout the year. Usually, HVAC maintenance is done either by the company that installed everything in your house or by another team of professionals twice a year. But you can contribute to the longevity of your HVAC appliances by following these useful tips and tricks. You don’t need special training to increase the efficiency level of your system. Here’s a few pointers on what you can start doing today:

invest in a superior and efficient air filter that will keep you protected from bacteria and allergies and will protect the motor of your installation from dust;
keep an eye out for leaves, grass, pollen and other small objects that could get stuck in your air conditioning;
don’t place anything too close to any outdoor heating units or air conditioning appliances;
replace or wash your air filters at least once every 90 days;
inspect the refrigerant lines once a month or once every other month;
make sure to replace the carbon monoxide detector battery once a year;
to avoid hot water heater problems, check the temperature pressure relief valve of your furnace and consider replacing the rod if it looks damaged;
try to only clean the air conditioning condensate drain by using bleach.

Heating and air conditioning repair

Heating is a must as soon the weather starts being chilly, just as air conditioning starts working when it gets too hot for shoes. But neither of these two can work forever. And there’s only so much you can do about taking care of them and making sure they run smoothly.

If your air conditioning is making funny noises or not cooling the room as it used to, that’s not something you want to ignore. Before you rush over to the phone to call on your handyman, there are some steps you can take that will save you time and money. First of all, make sure the drain line didn’t accidentally get disconnected or clogged. This is one of the most common problems. If the air conditioning won’t turn on, head over to your thermostat and check if it’s set to “cool”. You might also want to make sure the battery is still working. Check to see if there is a tripped fuse that’s playing tricks on you. If you feel your air conditioning is not working as well as last year, change the filter and make sure nothing is obstructing the cold air returns and registers.

Heating systems are no different. But how do you know when they’re worth replacing or fixing? Here are a few guidelines that will help you make an informed decision. If you’re not dealing with a clogged filter or a tripped fuse and you’re looking at repairs that will cost you an arm and a leg, think about the equipment’s life span. If it’s older than three quarters of its estimated life expectancy, you should feel no remorse for deciding to replace it. You should also think about your safety. If the heating system is a safety hazard you should have no second thoughts about buying new equipment. Start adding up the costs of the repair and the costs of replacing the appliances. How would the scales tip? If repairing your heating system will cost you over a third of the replacement sum, you should go ahead and change the fifteen year old equipment.

Furnace repair

Nothing is more irritating than the furnace breaking down on a cold winter morning. The silver lining here if that you can check for the issue yourself, before resorting to an HVAC professional. Some of the simplest steps you should make include checking the thermostat, making sure there’s enough oil in the tank by using a dipstick and feeling the cabinet to see if it’s warm. If you can’t hear the furnace running, it could mean the filter is so clogged that the flow of warm air has no way to pass.

Replacing the dirty filter with a brand new one should do the trick. If that wasn’t causing the issue, play around with the thermostat switching it from “automatic” to “run”. Make sure the circuit breaker isn’t tripped. If this keeps tripping, call an electrician to check everything’s running smoothly. You should also check to see if the furnace reset button is popped up – this might indicate an obstruction or lack of oil. If you hear knocking sounds from your furnace, most likely there’s air in the lines and you can purge it yourself. Squealing sounds point to issues with a belt which can be fixed with some oil.

Water heater repair

In order to avoid a water heater replacement, there are some steps you can take to make sure you get to enjoy it for as long as possible. Set your thermostat to 120 degrees. This way, you’ll be saving as much as 5% in energy costs and you won’t risk scalding. Make sure you don’t keep anything too close to your heater and follow the two feet clearance rule of thumb. You should also drain a quarter of the tank several times a year. This trick will remove any sediment and debris.

Another easy tip to remember is to switch your thermostat to “vacation” settings when you go on holiday. Hot water heater repair costs aren’t too steep, but you should stay on top of simple maintenance tasks so you can take water heaters off your mind for as long as possible. If you’re looking for new equipment or if you need to replace an outdated system, check out the Kenmore water heater which is known for its durability and reliability.

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The ABCs of the Best Furnace Filters

What do you usually think about when you read “MERV”? You’ll be surprised to find out it’s an ancient city in Turkmenistan, as well as a game show on TV. But most importantly, it stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This standard system enables customers to make a comparison between the filters produced by various manufacturers. The values can range anywhere from 1 (which represents the lowest efficiency level) to 20 (which stands for the highest efficiency level). Based on your needs and budget, when choosing a filter you should also keep in mind what particles you want to trap and how often you’ll have to change the filter.

How furnace filters work

Besides protecting the furnace, filters also help us keep allergens and contaminants away by constantly cleaning the air that circulates through our homes. A furnace filter’s efficiency level varies. In a nutshell, forced-air furnaces draw air in order to heat it before pushing the air into the rooms via ducts. The same process applies during the summer when you turn on your air conditioning, with the only difference that the air is being cooled down. A furnace filter’s job is to prevent dust, hair and other contaminants from being sucked into the fan. A dust free motor will live longer and won’t break down within a few months. If, in the early days, furnace filters were designed to protect the internal parts of the fan from being overwhelmed by dust and other gunk, the focus of their use has shifted in time. They’re now used to keep us healthy and safe from allergies and bacteria.

Filter types

The most popular kind of filter is the disposable pleated one. You can find it in various sizes and qualities. These are made out of paper and polyester and will do a good job at trapping the vast majority of particles and contaminants. Pleated polyester filters will last up to three months and are able to attract small particles to keep the air in your house clean. Fiberglass or cellulose pads are the cheapest alternative, but what you get is what you pay for. They’re set in a cardboard frame and will only catch big particles that can damage your furnace. Reusable filters can be washed and used over and over again for up to five years.

The plastic or metal foil pad they use can be coated in a material that will help them increase their efficiency of trapping smaller particles. Deep pleated air filters are four to six inches thick. This makes them difficult to set in the standard holders. These are highly efficient air filters made from one hundred percent synthetic media. Finally, electronic filters require a special box to be installed in the duct system. They run on electricity and trap the smallest particles to a negatively charged element. Electronic filters should be washed regularly, once a month. They are the most efficient, but they’re also expensive to fix or replace.

Merv ratings overview

Furnace filters are no longer a whim, they’ve become a necessity. As our air becomes more and more polluted, we need to make our homes a safe environment. There is a great variety of air filters out there that can suit all expectations. Let the system rating guide you when you’re making your choice. The higher the Merv number, the better the filter will do its job of trapping small contaminants. Merv 1 to 4 are used most of the times in residential buildings. Because they offer minimum filtration, they remove less than twenty percent of the 3.0 – 10.0 particle size microns. With these types of filters you’ll get rid of pollen, dust mites, spray paint dust and carpet fibers. Opting for permanent, metal and foam Merv 1-4 filters will keep you within the budget, but it won’t thoroughly protect you against contaminants and allergies.

On the other hand, Merv 5 to 8 filters are better suited for residential buildings and industrial workspaces. Merv 8 filters do a much better job at protecting you from mold, spores, and dusting aids. Their efficiency level varies between twenty and thirty five percent. If you opt for one of these you’ll have to replace them every sixty to ninety days. Merv 9 to 12 are some of the best furnace filters. They trap between fifty and eighty nine percent of particles, including lead dust and milled flour. The next Merv ratings vary between 13 and 16. These will catch tobacco smoke, bacteria and proplet nuclei (sneeze) with efficiency levels going as high as ninety five percent. The highest Merv values range between 17 and 20. Most of the times, these filters are used in hospitals, general surgery rooms and health care buildings.

It’s important to choose the best furnace filter that will strike the perfect balance between cost and efficiency. By implementing a highly efficient furnace filter you risk slowing the airflow to a great extent, but low efficient filters will fail to trap small particles that become dangerous in the long run. Merv 8 and Merv 11 filters are a justifiable investment and the best choice for families with kids, pets and asthmatics.

Merv 8 filter specifications:

high end type of filter;
perfect choice for families with no asthmatic members;
capable to trap fabric protector, hair spray and dust mite debris;
carbon activated Merv 8 filters protect against odors (cigar smoke, pets odor);
filtering effiency between 70%-85%;
change frequency ranges between 60 and 90 days;
suitable for any type of installation.

Merv 11 filter specifications

high end type of filter;
superior air filtration, eliminating bacteria, mild and pet dander;
ideal choice for people that have several allergies, respiratory difficulties or asthma;
can filter out over 85% or 3.0 – 10.0 microns (including humidifier dust and auto emissions);
compatible with any kind of installation;
recommended to be changed oncer every two or three months.