Archives for December 2016

Air Conditioner Compressor Application: A Home Owner’s Guide

December 28, 2016 by Sindy Aubrey

An air conditioner is a functional system composed of four mechanical parts: the compressor, the condenser, the evaporator, and the expansion valve. When the air conditioner compressor starts giving you headaches, it’s important to know how to deal with it.

The purpose of an air conditioner compressor is rather complexly worded. In essence, it works to transmute refrigerant compound from a gas state to a liquid state and then back to gas. The cycle is continuous and it manages to relieve the evaporator of the heat-laden vapors residing in it. Using high temperatures, the air conditioner compressor does what the name suggests it does – it compresses. More specifically, it compresses the vapor.

The Air Conditioner Compressor Cycle

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The compressor is the core of the cooling system of an air conditioner. Although the process itself is rich in details and technical information, we can narrow down its purpose to several main functions which constitute the working cycle of the compressor.

A Compressor Compresses

As we previously mentioned, the main function of this part is to pull in from the indoors cool refrigerant gas. Once it goes through the component, it’s heated curtsy of high temperatures and high-pressure processes and then exits at high velocities as a hot gas.

Transfer of Heat

The air conditioner compressor expels hot gas toward the finned condenser coil found in the side of the air conditioner that meets with the outdoors. There, the fans blow the outdoor air through the fins and across the coil. The heat is extracted from the refrigerant and then transferred outdoors.

Liquid Turning

Once the air conditioner compressor extracts enough heat from the refrigerant, the latter turns into a warm liquid. The liquid gets filtered through high pressure until it reaches the expansion valve. There the refrigerant is cooled down and makes the transition from high to low pressure.

Heat Absorption

The journey of the refrigerant finally gets it to the evaporator. Because of the considerably lower pressure found in the evaporator coil, the chemical construction of the refrigerant forces it to revert to a gas state. In order for this process to be completed, it requires the intervention of heat, which is granted by the evaporator coil’s fans blowing over the warm indoor air.

This is the point when you begin to notice a change in your room’s temperature. The room heat continues to get moved to the evaporator and, as a result, the indoor air gets cooler. At this point, the refrigerant is back to what it was in the beginning: a low-pressure, cool air. Once released, it gets pulled back into the air conditioner compressor to start the cycle all over again.

Fixing a Faulty Air Conditioner Compressor

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An air conditioner compressor isn’t necessarily something that can be easily swapped or repaired at the snap of your fingers. This is mostly due to the fact that it’s strongly interconnected with the other mechanical parts of your air conditioning system. As such, it’s recommended to appeal to a professional if you wish to do any work on it.

But if you do have some basic technical knowledge, then you can afford to save the expenses of ringing an expert and doing the job yourself. Here’s how.

STEP #1: Make Sure the Compressor is the Problem

Stick out your hand in front of the air conditioning system. If no air is coming out or if the air is warm instead of cool, then you definitely have a problem on your hands. However, you need to make sure that the compressor really is the problem here. A faulty air conditioner compressor is actually one of the worst case scenarios, meaning that there are many other possible explanations that can come before it.

Perform some basic check-ups on your cooling system. As you continue to cross possible explanations off your list, you will gradually be left with only the compressor as the possible culprit. Some things that you need to check include:

Check that your unit is plugged in or that the socket has electricity running through it;
Make sure that the control settings on the remote aren’t messed up;
Investigate some other components that could have led to this issue, such as blower fans, duct work, and air filter. If something unruly catches your eye, it’s better to gear your efforts in that direction instead.

Some of the steps mentioned above do sound a little bit basic, but things like these can happen to the best of us. It’s better to scratch off the possibility of a small slip-of-the-mind rather than invest time, effort, and even money in something that wasn’t even the problem.

STEP #1.B: Common Compressor Problems

You can go about it one of two days: problem arises, scratch off everything until you’re only left with the compressor OR problem arises, start with the compressor.

There is a set of particular issues that are nine-out-of-ten situations connected to the air conditioner compressor. If this problem arises, your best bets are checking the compressor first and going from there is something is wrong.

Improper Cooling

The immediate effect of a faulty air conditioner compressor is the unit not being able to expel air as cool as you’d like it to be. In most of the cases, the one responsible for this is the pressure control of the compressor. Any variations above or beyond the ideal pressure level can cause malfunctions, including unusually high or low pressure discharges.

If you want to, you can check where the problem lies manually, by taking a look at the pressure gauges. Grab your unit manual and look up the pressure gauge section, which should, among other things, tell you what it should read when functioning under normal circumstances.

If your actual readings don’t fit with what the manual is telling you, then this means that there might be a problem. In this situation, it’s best that you get a specialized technician on the job, as clumsy alterations to the pressure gauges can cause more harm than good.

Burning Out

When the air conditioner doesn’t even start up, the cause of this problem can be of many different types. It can also be because of a burned out compressor. If the motor wiring gets exposed to negative conditions or damaged, it can affect the electrical system in the unit and, therefore, the compressor. The result can be either a burned compressor or a short between it and the motor’s steel parts.

Rather than tending to this problem, it’s much easier to avoid it. You can prevent these kinds of damages by performing regular inspections to the unit’s electric system.

Hard Starting

The issue defined as “hard starting” is a pretty common one. It usually involves the unit having difficulties starting up or “stuttering,” more often than not being the result of the compressor struggling to properly respond to the “on” command.

It might be a one-time problem or it might persist. If it’s the case of the latter, you can attempt to fix it yourself by replacing the fuse or by making some repairs at the level of the wiring.

STEP #2: Check the Type

If you can identify with either of the problems listed below, then you can pretty much green-light the replacement of the air conditioner compressor. Naturally, you need to make sure that you’re going to purchase the correct kind of replacement. You can do this by checking in with your unit’s manual, which typically mentions the type of your compressor.

You can have one of the five main (unaltered and not customized) types of compressors:

Reciprocating;
Scroll;
Screw;
Rotary;

For further visual validation, you can check out a guide that can help you identify the look and the technical composition of each of these compressor types.

STEP #3: Take out the Refrigerant

IMPORTANT! Before you attempt any operations on your unit, it’s crucial that you disconnect it from the electric supply. Not cutting off the power beforehand can result in serious injury.

Now that you’ve taken all preventive safety measures, crack the cooling system and remove all traces of refrigerant. Before proceeding with anything else, cut off all the refrigerant lines.

STEP #4 Take out the Compressor

After you’ve taken care of the aforementioned steps, it’s time to take out the compressor. As a general direction, an air conditioner compressor is usually found outside. If you have trouble locating it, consult your manual.

STEP #5: Unbolt the Compressor

Unbolt your compressor before proceeding while also making sure that you remove the hosing.

STEP #6: Swap Compressors

Using the mounting bolts, install the replacement compressor within the condenser unit. Reconnect all of the refrigerant lines. And speaking of the refrigerant, might as well replace the coils while you’re at it too.

STEP #7: Finalize

Assemble your unit once again, reconnect it to the power source, and check if your problem is fixed. If any further malfunctions appear of it no results show, it’s time to call an expert and avoid accidentally having it develop into a more pressing issue.

Bottom Line

With this short guide, we hope that you’ve got the general gist of what an air conditioner compressor can do, what problems can arise from its malfunction, and how you can fix these issues. We mention that if you’ve never had any previous technical experience, it’s best to do everything under the supervision of a technician.

Trane Thermostat Review: Pros, Cons, Performance, Top Picks

December 16, 2016 by Sindy Aubrey

This Trane thermostat guide is a great place to research your next thermostat. It provides an overview of the thermostat models available, their pros and cons and the top models in each series. The guide concludes with important issues to consider as you determine which thermostat is right for your HVAC system.

Trane is one of the best-selling brands of residential HVAC equipment in the world, and the Trane thermostat lineup supports its split system and package units. Most Trane thermostats can be used with equipment manufactured by other brands too, as long as system capabilities such as single-stage or multi-stage heating/cooling match.

Trane Brand Overview

John Trane started the company in the late 19^th Century, and he began manufacturing the Trane Vapor Heating System in 1910 when his son Reuben received a mechanical engineering degree and returned to the family business in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. Since that time, Trane has been an innovative leader in the HVAC industry.

The Trane brand has changed hands several times, but now is owned by Ingersoll Rand, a Fortune 500 company with manufacturing plants across the globe. The company also makes American Standard HVAC components and thermostats that are essentially identical to Trane models.

Trane Thermostats Technical Specifications

There’s a Trane thermostat for every application, from a single gas furnace to an HVAC system equipped with multi-stage heating and cooling components. Your system will work most efficiently and durably when the components and thermostat are properly matched.

Trane thermostats are available in models supporting single-stage and two-stage cooling and single-stage to modulating heating for all conventional gas/electric, heat pump and dual fuel HVAC systems.
Filter-change reminders and built-in memory of your temperature settings are standard on most Trane thermostat models.
Programmable Trane thermostats offer 5-2 weekday/weekend programming and full 7-day programming where the schedule for each day can be unique.
Trane interactive thermostats include models with 4.3-inch screens and 7-inch screens.
Wi-Fi/Ethernet Trane thermostats make it possible to access and control the thermostat remotely using a smart device.
Z-Wave and Nexia Bridge connection thermostats and ComfortLink II thermostats from Trane can be part of a complete smart home automation system.
Trane’s best thermostat, the ComfortLink ™ II XL950 thermostat, displays a live-weather, 5-day forecast and radar.
Models XL824 (4.3-inch), ComfortLink II XL850 (4.3-inch) and ComfortLink II XL950 are Wi-Fi connected and feature full-color, high definition touch-screen, interactive displays.
Trane thermostat models like the support room-by-room zone heating systems.

Pros and Cons of Trane thermostats

There are many reasons to choose a Trane thermostat for your HVAC system and a few potential negatives to consider before you make you purchase.

Trane Thermostat Pros:

Trane has an outstanding reputation for innovation, quality and durability, so Trane thermostats should provide dependable service for the life of your HVAC system.
Trane programmable thermostats can lower costs by more than 10% when programmed to reduce heating or cooling when the house isn’t occupied.
Wi-Fi connected thermostats from Trane allow you to monitor and control your heating and cooling system from any connected device including your smartphone or tablet whether you are across the room from the thermostat or across the globe.
Trane’s ComfortLink II system is controlled by the thermostat and coordinates the function of the AC, heat pump or furnace with the air handler or blower to optimize both indoor comfort and energy efficiency
Most Trane thermostat models work with Trane Comfort-R equipment to reduce humidity when the system is in air conditioning mode.

Trane Thermostat Cons:

While Trane has an impressive worldwide reputation, its products are priced higher than most leading competitor’s thermostats without a significant quality advantage.
Trane’s thermostat warranties are about average when compared with industry standards.
Your Trane thermostat must be registered within 60 days to keep the best warranty coverage in force, a policy like those of other leading thermostat manufacturers, and if not, the unit will be covered by Trane’s Base Limited Warranty with significantly poorer coverage.
Multi-stage Trane thermostats should be installed by a qualified and experienced professional to ensure proper system performance and efficiency, so DIY installation is not recommended and may, in some cases, void the warranty.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Trane Thermostat

Your selection of a Trane thermostat is secondary to choosing the HVAC components it will control. Your first step is to decide whether to heat your home with a gas or oil furnace or a heat pump that provides air conditioning too. If a furnace is your choice, then you’ll need a central air conditioner to complete the split system, at least where desired. Trane package units are available, but since their efficiency and performance levels are not as good as split-system components, they should only be considered when a split system is not an option.

Once you have settled on the components for your HVAC system, then it is important to select a Trane thermostat with the capability to handle the system’s performance including staged or variable-capacity heating and cooling

If you have a very regular schedule, then a Trane programmable thermostat that is not Wi-Fi enabled will be sufficient and cost less than Wi-Fi models. When your schedule varies from day to day or is unpredictable, a Wi-Fi connected thermostat allows you to turn down heating or cooling while you are away and then increase it as you return home. This is the best way to reduce utility costs while ensuring that your home is comfortable when you arrive.

Trane makes some of the highest-rated thermostats, and a spectrum of options are available. They are an outstanding choice whether your HVAC system is made by Trane or another top manufacturer.

Which thermostat is right for your home? Leave us a comment below with your thoughts or any questions you have about Trane thermostats, and we’ll respond. And, if you think this information will benefit your Facebook friends and other social media followers, please pass it along!

Trane AC Review: Pros, Cons, Performance, Top Picks

December 14, 2016 by Sindy Aubrey

This Trane AC guide provides information you can use to compare Trane to other brands you’re considering and select the right unit for your home. We provide an overview of the Trane AC lineup including some of the top models and the pros and cons of Trane air conditioners.

Trane AC Reviews

Trane is one of the largest HVAC manufacturers and produces one of the most complete lines of central air conditioners. Trane base models are quite affordable, while its top of the line units are high-performance ACs with excellent efficiency.

Trane Brand Overview

James Trane began his company in Lacrosse, Wisconsin in 1885, and Trane has grown to be a household name with global reach in residential and commercial HVAC. The brand is currently owned by mega-corporation Ingersoll Rand. Trane AC units are considered among the most dependable available, and with that reliability comes a higher-than-average price tag. Ingersoll Rand also makes American Standard HVAC components, and they are identical to Trane models in all but the name.

Trane makes central air conditioners with three levels of performance, single-stage, two-stage and variable-capacity cooling. The efficiency goes up, and so does the price, as the performance increases. See the specifications below for details.

Trane AC Technical Specifications

The Trane air conditioner lineup gives you options for price, efficiency and performance to fit your cooling requirements. By the way, SEER, or seasonal energy efficiency rating, is a measurement like gas mileage that shows cooling capacity per energy used.

Single-stage ACs run at 100% capacity when on, so they are loud and sometimes cool past the thermostat set point to produce temperature fluctuations in the home of one to two degrees.
The top single-stage Trane AC models include the XB300 (13 SEER), XB13 (14.5 SEER) and the XR16 (17 SEER), which is one of the most efficient single-stage ACs on the market.
Two-stage air conditioners run on low capacity, which is quieter, to maintain cooling and switch to high only when necessary to keep up with air conditioning demand.
Top two-stage Trane ACs include the XR17 (18 SEER), XL18i (18 SEER) and the XL20i (20 SEER).
Variable-speed ACs, called variable-capacity and modulating by other brands, are equipped with compressors that speed up or slow down, like cruise control in a car, to maintain very precise indoor temperature.
Top variable-speed Trane AC models include the XV18 (18 SEER) and the XV20i (21 SEER).

Pros and Cons of Trane Air Conditioners

Here are the top reasons from our Trane AC reviews that Trane is a leading AC brand and a few cautions to keep in mind as you consider and compare Trane central air conditioners.

Trane AC Pros

Trane has an excellent track record of quality and reliability, and its units will last 20+ years with proper maintenance.
You’ll find a Trane model with the efficiency level to suit the cooling demands of your climate.
Most Trane AC models are available in a range from 1.5 tons (18,000 BTU) to 5 tons (60,000), so the unit can be sized properly for the space it will cool.
Many energy companies offer rebates for the installation of efficient Trane air conditioners.
The Trane Climatuff ® compressor used on XB/XR/Xli Series ACs is highly rated for durability.
Trane has a large network of factory-trained installers and technicians, so installation and service is available in most areas.
All Trane central air conditioners use R-410A refrigerant that is more eco-friendly than older types.
Trane makes gas furnaces, CleanEffects advanced air filtration systems and HRV/ERV ventilation systems that complement its ACs to deliver complete heating, cooling and ventilation to any home.

Trane AC Cons

Trane AC warranties are shorter than the average of other brands like Maytag, Tappan, Westinghouse, Goodman, Amana, Heil and Tempstar, and the unit-replacement coverage is not as good as most of those brands provide.
Prices for Trane ACs are higher than average, and while some of the cost is related to higher quality, Trane also spends more money on advertising than most.
Trane models in the 13-15 SEER range are a cost-effective choice when the AC won’t be heavily used, but will produce very high energy bills in hot climates.
Conversely, very efficient Trane AC models keep energy costs low, but the much higher price of the units won’t be recouped in cooler climates over the life of the AC.
Many HVAC technicians use universal parts rather than OEM parts when repairing Trane ACs, so you’ll have to request Trane parts if that is a concern for you.
Trane, unlike Goodman for example, only sells its central air conditioners through its network of dealers, so the only way to get pricing is to request written estimates from dealers in your area.
The most efficient Trane AC, the 21 SEER XL20i, is significantly less efficient than the 26 SEER Lennox XC25, the 25.5 SEER Maytag PSA4BI and the 24.5 SEER Amana AVXC20.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Trane AC

It is vital that the unit is sized properly for your home, and being too large is no better than not being large enough. Therefore, asking your HVAC contractor to perform testing to determine the right size will ensure an air conditioner that runs as efficiently and durably as it should.

Fit the efficiency level of the Trane AC you choose to your climate for the most cost-effective operation. If your summers are long and hot, then paying more for a high-efficiency unit will produce long-term cost savings. On the other hand, in cool climates or where the AC won’t be used heavily, a less efficient/less costly unit makes sense. Of course, if you want the climate and comfort control a two-stage or modulating air conditioner provides, you’ll have to consider “better” and “best” Trane AC models regardless of your climate.

Has this Trane AC guide been helpful to you as you consider your central air conditioner purchase? If it has, consider posting it to Facebook or other social media where your friends and followers will appreciate the help in selecting the right Trane AC for their homes too.

Trane Furnace Review: Pros, Cons, Performance, Top Picks

December 13, 2016 by Sindy Aubrey

In this Trane furnace guide, you’ll find an overview of the brand’s furnaces and their features. Pros and cons are included to assist you in comparing within the Trane brand and with other leading brands you’re considering.

Trane furnaces have a reputation for quality, and they are among the best-selling furnaces made today. Furnaces from Trane are available in a range from affordable 80% AFUE (annualized fuel usage efficiency) models to high-performance gas furnaces with efficiencies of more than 97% AFUE.

Trane Air Filters

Preview	Product
	Trane TRANE-FLR06069 American Standard Perfect Fit Air Filter...	Check Price
	Trane TRANE-FLR06070 American Standard Perfect Fit Filter (BAYFTFR21M)	Check Price

Trane Brand Overview

Trane is owned by Ingersoll Rand, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of residential and commercial HVAC equipment along with stationary and transport refrigeration systems, tools, compressors and more. Sister-brand American Standard shares a furnace lineup with Trane that is virtually identical.

As you browse the Trane furnace collection, you’ll find three levels of heating performance. They are single-stage furnaces, two-stage furnaces and variable-capacity furnaces that deliver good, better and best heating efficiency and indoor comfort control.

Trane Furnace Technical Specifications

Trane furnaces are produced in a range of performance options, so you have choices to match your HVAC needs:

Single-stage heating runs at 100% capacity all the time, so heating is louder, and you might notice temperature swings;
Two-stage heating runs at 65% capacity most of the time, which is quieter and offers better temperature balance, and at 100% capacity when a boost in heat is required;
Variable-speed heating, also called variable-capacity and modulating heating, provides heat in precise increments between 40% and 100% capacity to deliver the quietest heating with the smallest temperature fluctuations of any type;
Single-stage furnaces have single-speed and multi-speed blowers that contribute to noise and temperature fluctuations;
Better two-stage Trane furnace models have variable-speed blowers that run more quietly and help reduce temperature swings in your home;
Trane furnaces with a variable-capacity gas valve have variable-speed blowers, a combination that provides the quietest heating and best climate control in all seasons;
Trane Comfort-R technology on better and best furnaces provides constant fan-on operation that improves humidity reduction when the system is in air conditioning mode;
Most models are equipped with silicon nitride hot surface igniters (HSI) that deliver reliable ignition.

Trane TRANE-FLR06069 American Standard Perfect Fit Air Filter...

perfect fit air filter (BAYFTFR17M)
Captures particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Higher efficiency and lower pressure drop than oem filter.

Pros and Cons of Trane Furnaces

Let’s look at the reasons to purchase a Trane gas furnace and a few cautions to consider before you do.

Trane Furnace Pros

Trane furnaces have a reputation for quality and durability to last 20 years or more.
Trane makes gas furnaces for all climates – standard 80% Trane furnaces ideal for warmer climates and a range furnaces with 90% and higher efficiency for colder regions and homeowners that want environmentally friendly heating regardless of climate.
Furnaces are available from Trane with heating capacity from about 45,000 BTUs to more than 100,000 BTU to fit small, mid-size and large homes.
Trane makes furnaces in price ranges starting with affordable units to fit your budget and progressing to more expensive furnaces with premium performance features.
Energy Star-rated furnaces from Trane qualify for energy rebates from many energy companies around the United States.
Trane’s product lineup includes furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, air handlers, home ventilation systems and other components designed to work together for better efficiency and climate control.
Oil furnaces are manufactured by Trane for regions where home heating oil is a cost-effective option.
Trane has a broad network of service technicians, so if your furnace needs maintenance or repair, you’ll find help nearby.
Warranties on Trane’s best furnaces include lifetime coverage on the heat exchanger and 10-year coverage on functional parts.

Trane Furnace Cons

Trane furnaces are higher priced, on average, than many brands, and some of the increased cost is due to more money spent on marketing and not on quality or performance differences.
While an 80% AFUE Trane furnace costs less than a 90% or more efficient model, it will lead to very high heating bills in cold regions of the country.
On the other hand, while Trane furnace models like the Trane S9V2 with 96% efficiency reduce energy use and heating cost significantly, the 10-25 years it takes to recoup the higher equipment cost in warm and moderate regions means they might not be cost-effective there.
While Trane gas furnaces are backed by warranties average for the industry, brands like Goodman, Amana, Maytag, Westinghouse, Tappan and Heil offer better warranties including furnace replacement coverage on the heat exchanger and longer functional parts warranties.
When Trane furnaces require repair, the replacement parts used in them are often universal parts that might be used in any brand rather than OEM Trane parts.
Most Trane furnaces are available only through the Trane network of dealers, so the only way to get accurate pricing is to request a written estimate from a Trane dealer.

Trane TRANE-FLR06070 American Standard Perfect Fit Filter (BAYFTFR21M)

Higher efficiency and lower pressure drop than OEM filter.
Captures particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Pleated filter for greater media capacity.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Trane Gas Furnace

Your first decision is about efficiency. If your winters are extreme, then a 90% AFUE or higher furnace will keep energy costs lower. You’ll be paid back for the higher cost of the furnace in less than 10 years. If your top priority is green heating, then the most efficient furnace you can afford is a good choice.

Next, are you willing to pay for enhanced indoor comfort? In 80% furnaces, a unit like the Trane XR80 offers basic single-stage heating and a lower cost while the XV80 includes two-stage heating and a variable-speed blower for better climate control. In more efficient gas furnaces, the XT95 (single-stage), XL95 (two-stage) and XC95m (modulating) provide a range of climate control performance at increasingly expensive prices.

Trane furnaces are top sellers because of their quality and the selection you have for matching a furnace to your budget, climate and indoor comfort preferences.

Has this Trane furnaces guide provided information new to you, or did you find it insightful? If so, perhaps your friends and followers will benefit from it as well. Pass it along to assist them in choosing a Trane gas furnace that makes their home and their energy bills as comfortable as possible.

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