Is your car hot too?

You are not the only one feeling the heat of summer. Although you may be sitting in your car enjoying the a/c, your car is working overtime to keep you cool. What happens if your car overheats? What causes this to happen?

Here are some simple checks you can preform:

First: Is there enough coolant/antifreeze in the radiator? Don't just look inside the plastic overflow bottle, but remove the radiator cap (when the engine is cold) and look inside the radiator. You should be able to physically see the fluid level if it is at its proper level. Most cars and trucks will hold 1 1/2-2 gallons of coolant and water mixture. If you have to add more than a pint of fluid you should have the cooling system pressure tested for a leak. If you see any obvious fluid loss on the ground or in the engine compartment, you should also have the system tested for leaks.

Second: If no coolant leak or low fluid level is present, then determine when the overheating complaint occurs.

If the engine overheats while at a stop or idle only:

Most front wheel drive cars use an electric cooling fan motor located in front or behind the radiator. The function of the cooling fan is to improve airflow across the radiator at stops and low speeds. The fan is controlled by sensors that regulate the engine temperature and additional load that might be placed on the engine.

The air conditioning compressor will require the cooling fan to operate at idle as long as the compressor is on. A quick way to check the cooling fan operation is to turn on the air conditioner. The cooling fan should come on with the air conditioner compressor. Some cars will have two electric fans, one is for the radiator and the other is the air conditioner condenser fan. Usually the radiator fan is closer to the middle of the radiator. The radiator fan is responsible for engine cooling, and the condenser fan is responsible for increasing air conditioning efficiency at idle and low speed.

 If your vehicle does not have an electric cooling fan on the radiator it will have a belt driven fan blade and fan clutch. This fan should be pulling a large amount of warm to hot air across the radiator onto the engine. What you want to determine with either fan situation is that there is ample airflow across the radiator at idle. The radiator is the primary heat exchange for the engine, and airflow is crucial.

What if the engine overheats while at high speeds on the freeway?

Again, airflow and coolant circulation are crucial. At 55 MPH we can assume you have ample airflow across the radiator, so proper antifreeze circulation is the thing to inspect. I compare overheating at 55MPH to jogging with a sock in your mouth. The faster and longer you jog, the more air you are going to require, and with a sock in your mouth you are going to have to breath extra hard to maintain the proper amount of air to keep you going. At 55MPH the water pump is pumping a large amount of hot antifreeze throughout the cooling system.

If there is a restriction in the system like a kinked radiator hose, a restricted radiator, or a stuck thermostat, it will produce the same affect as the sock in the mouth scenario. Rust and water calcification can accumulate in the radiator and drastically reduce the flow of coolant at high speeds. Removing the radiator from the vehicle for disassembly and cleaning or radiator replacement are the only two real cures for a clogged radiator.

Hope you and your car stay cool this summer!

Beat the HEAT

As the sweltering summer heat sweeps across the Triangle, we want to remind everyone to take precautions against heat related incidents. So many simple measures can be taken to significantly reduce the chance of getting heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The Red Cross encourages drinking plenty of water and taking frequent breaks while working outside. Staying inside and avoiding strenuous activity is also recommended.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 400 Americans die each year due to summer’s sweltering heat. Furthermore, the National Weather Service asserts that excessive heat was the number one weather-related killer, causing more fatalities per year than floods, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms and extreme cold from 1994 to 2003.

Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees but the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses can cause serious injury and even death if unattended. Signs of heat-related illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches. Victims of heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.

Red Cross Heat Safety Tips:

Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.

Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.

Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m.

Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.

Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.

Know What These Heat-Related Terms Mean:

Heat cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are an early signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.

Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke. Signals of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale flushed or red skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.

Heat stroke: Also known as sunstroke, heat stroke is life-threatening. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. Signals include hot, red and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high—sometimes as high as 105 degrees.


General Care for Heat Emergencies:

Heat cramps or heat exhaustion: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. If the person is fully awake and alert, give half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not let him or her drink too quickly. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.

Heat stroke: Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation! Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.

Happy Memorial Weekend!

We hope everyone has a fun and safe Memorial Weekend. Here are some reminders as we enjoy the beginning of Summer.

BBQ:

1) Cooking to the proper temperature is key:
Beef - 145°F
Fish - 145°F
Pork - 160°F
Chicken & Ground Beef - 165°F

2) Keep Everything Clean
3) Keep Hot Food Hot
4) Use propane and charcoal grills in outdoor areas only.

Hitting the Road:

1) Buckle up for safety -- and to avoid that ticket.
2) Get a good night's sleep.
3) Don't drink and drive.
4) Do a pre-road trip checkup.

Summer Safety for Kids:

1) Lifeguards are a must at pools and beach.
2) Use life jackets when boating.
3) Never leave your child alone in the car.
4) Rip Currents: No. 1 Beach Danger

Don't forget that we are here for you this weekend too. Our technicians are on call and ready to get you cool this weekend in case of an emergency. 919-878-0008.

Mr. Slim Mini Split Case Study

Keeping a Florida Room Comfortable

In spring 2002, Herb Craddock, Charlottesville, Va., enclosed the 300-square-foot screen porch on the back of his house. One unbearable summer later, in spring 2003, Herb and wife June started searching for a cooling/heating solution for this enclosed porch (the Florida Room). Even with a ceiling fan, it was uncomfortable in the hot, muggy Charlottesville summers, and much too cold in the winters.

Discovering a Perfect Solution
As it happened, June’s cousin, Bob Barclay, a 35-year HVAC veteran, stopped by the house. The Craddocks took Barclay out to the back porch and described their dilemma, to which Barclay had a perfect answer. Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating Solutions, Suwanee, Ga. had recently brought to market a superior, year-round cooling and heating solution.

The Mitsubishi Electric MSZ12UN model features INVERTER compressor technology, consisting of a variable frequency drive, which allows it to use less energy while still maintaining the precise temperature set-point. Barclay explained that split-ductless cooling and heating products are ideal solutions for hot and cold spots (perfect for the back porch), or for situations that don’t allow ductwork. What’s more, the MSZ12UN heat pump system met the new U.S. Department of Energy’s 13 SEER requirements which took effect in January, 2006.

The Craddock’s were thrilled with Barclay’s solution, purchased the equipment from a distributor in Springfield, Va., and had it installed by a local company, R.E. Boggs, Inc.

Tickled to Death
“Tickled to death,” is the way Herb Craddock explains the new system which they have enjoyed for over two summers and two winters. “Except for a few days in the spring when we throw open the windows, we keep the system running 24/7,” he said. “With glass on three sides, our back porch is now our favorite room.

“We entertain in it constantly. I have my breakfast, coffee and paper there each morning. June treats it almost like a greenhouse; her plants love the constant temperature, too! It runs so quietly, you don’t even know it is on.

“The system’s 13 SEER efficiency rating has helped us keep our electric bills low. The only maintenance I have had to do is an annual cleaning of the air filter. The outdoor compressor unit sits under our porch floor so you can’t even see it from the outside. And with Mitsubishi’s line-set cladding, the pipes and wires coming into the house are totally out of sight; they look like part of the rain gutter system. I guess you would say we are very happy and comfortable with our new addition,” Craddock said.

For more information on mini split system please call us at 919-878-0008.

Crawl Spaces

Many homes built on crawl space foundations in the Southeastern United States suffer from poor moisture management. Some of the common symptoms of a crawl space moisture problem are:

Mold or moisture damage in the crawl space or living area
Musty odors in the living area
Condensation ("sweating") on air conditioning ductwork or equipment
Condensation on insulation, water pipes or truss plates in the crawl space
Buckled hardwood floors
High humidity in the living area
Insect infestations
Rot in wooden framing members


These symptoms are most often noticed in the humid spring and summer seasons but can occur at any time of the year. Often, the heating and air conditioning contractor is the first person the residents call to deal with the problem. Typically though, the problem is not due to a failure of the air conditioning system; it results from poor moisture control in the crawl space.

For many decades, building codes and conventional wisdom have prescribed ventilation with outside air as the primary method of moisture control in crawl spaces. In the humid Southeast, however, ventilation with outside air only makes moisture problems worse. Recent research by Advanced Energy and others indicates that a new type of crawl space system, with NO vents to the outside, can provide greatly improved moisture control and significant energy savings when properly installed.

Both scientific research projects and real-world installations demonstrate that properly closed crawl spaces can provide much better moisture control than conventional, wall-vented crawl spaces in temperatehumid climates. Homes with closed crawl spaces (often also called “sealed,” “unvented” or “conditioned” crawl spaces) also can save significantly on energy when compared to homes with wall-vented crawl spaces.

Zoning

You have dual, no quad climate control in your car now why not in your home? We have come a long way in automotive comfort. Rides are smoother and everyone in the vehicle can have their own climate. If we can do that in a car can we do that in our homes? Yes we can! And it not only makes sense for comfort but also makes cents on energy savings.

Most homeowners think that having areas in their home that are too hot or too cold is just something they have to live with. But we believe the only thing you need to live with is comfort.

With solutions such as forced air zoning, hydronic heating, thermostats with precise temperature control and more, you'll say goodbye to hot and cold spots and hello to comfort.

Forced air zoning systems work by having dampers installed in your ductwork that open and close as needed based on each zone’s thermostat settings. When a zone doesn’t need to be heated or cooled, the dampers close to save energy and maximize comfort elsewhere.

Hydronic zoning systems or radiant heating, use hot water and steam instead of air. Heating with water can increase your comfort level because it is less dry than a standard forced-air heating system. A modern hydronic heating system can use traditional cast iron radiators, low profile baseboard radiators, or the increasingly popular, and invisible, radiant in-floor heating. Hydronic systems are easily divided into zones for perfect comfort and the most efficient use of energy.

By  only heating and cooling the rooms you are in you cut down on the run time of your system and the result will be ultimate comfort and great energy savings!

Does Replacing Your HVAC System Increase The Value of Your Home?

YES! There are many benefits to upgrading your heating and air conditioning system even if you are selling your home. First, the market is still down so if your home doesn't sell as fast as you would like you can enjoy those lower utilities right away. And speaking of utilities, after speaking to several real estate agents most buyer are interested in how much it will be to live in the home. It used to be remodeled kitchens and bathrooms that peaked the interest of potential buyers but now it's "show me your utility bills.". So yes your 15 year old HVAC system is working but it's costing you more than you think. Also, there are still Federal Tax credits you can take advantage of, up to $500. Or if you are thinking super green then look into geothermal. Those credits are 35% State and 30% Federal on the total investment. And think about what will set your house apart from the other 10 house for sale on your street. Every advantage counts and a new heating and cooling system is one of the biggest advantages you can have. For more information  call us at 919-878-0008.