2016 - MightyServ

The Major Differences Between Commercial and Residential HVAC Systems

While residential and commercial HVAC systems have similar methods of heating and cooling, there are significant differences between the two types of systems. Therefore, when you need to get your HVAC system repaired, you’ll want to choose a technician who specializes in the type of service you need. Location Residential HVAC systems are located on the ground near the home. Commercial systems, on the other hand, generally reside on the roof of the commercial building. Commercial HVAC systems are usually quite larger than residential ones, and the rooftop provides ample space for each part of the unit. The rooftop location also allows technicians to work on these systems without disrupting those inside the building, and it keeps the system safe from interference and vandalism. Packaged vs. Splits Residential HVAC systems are generally in splits. The unit inside the home houses the blower, evaporator and condensate drainage, while the unit outside the home houses the compressor, condenser and condenser fan. Commercial systems, by comparison, are in one complete package inside of a single cabinet. Only the ducts and zone dampers are inside the building, while the rest of the system remains outside. Modular vs. Standalone Units installed in a residential space are standalone

January 7, 2016 No Comments

Warnings on Portable Air Conditioners

As summer heats up in California, many people seek air conditioning solutions for their homes. Portable air conditioner units may seem appealing at first, but several factors make them less attractive than window units. At MightyServ, were committed to connecting clients with the best possible units for their spaces. Before investing in a portable AC, review the FAQs below and feel free to reach out with any questions. How Portable Are These AC Units? We’ve found that portable AC units aren’t as mobile as advertised. Frequently displayed without hoses and marketed as no-installation systems, these units seem like quick, easy cooling solutions. However, all AC units work by dispersing warm air outside the building, which presents some difficulties when it comes to portable devices. Window AC units employ coolants to move heat from inside the home into coils outside the house, where it’s expelled. A portable device works similarly, except the coils are indoors. A hose resembling a clothing dryer vent hose must connect to the coils. Warm air travels through these tubes and is released outside. In combination with its 50- to 80-pound weight, this large hose attachment makes portable AC units less mobile. Because the tube must connect

August 16, 2016 No Comments

The Dangers of Counterfeit R-22

Incidents of counterfeit R-22 are on the rise—with dangerous and costly results. MightyServ cares about our clients, and we want to ensure they have the best information available. Consider the following before buying or recharging an AC unit. Learning About R-22 R-22 is the refrigerant inside many air conditioning units; the refrigerant is composed of liquids and gases with cooling properties. The refrigerant has a negative impact on the ozone layer when emitted from cooling units. As a result, the government mandated that production must slow down and come to a halt by 2020. Recycled R-22 will remain legal after the cutoff. However, timeframe of the completed phase-out will depend on contractors turning in the refrigerant for recycling, making it difficult to determine how much will be available. Decreased availability of R-22 caused its price to soar. In 1998, a pound of R-22 cost about $10, but by 2013, the same amount cost approximately $50—and prices have continued to climb. Lower availability and higher costs led to a growing counterfeit industry, which presents serious risks. Understanding The Dangers Of Counterfeit R-22 Counterfeit R-22 usually contains combinations of hydrocarbons that make it flammable. Fake versions of the approved alternative R410 (M099

August 24, 2016 No Comments

What is two-stage heating?

As you start to explore heating options for your home or office, you may need to think about the types of furnaces on the market. A two-stage heating furnace may work best in settings requiring improved efficiency and a subtler heating experience. This is what you need to know to decide if a two-stage furnace is right for your space. What Two-Stage Heating Actually Means Furnace stages refer to the amount of heat allowed to pass through the system. A valve controls the burner, and different settings change the position of the valve to influence the heat output. Most furnaces (single-stage furnaces) have one setting: you can turn them on or off. When using a single stage system on milder days, an owner may notice the system cutting on and off frequently to maintain the desired indoor temperature. Two-stage heating systems, on the other hand, have a setting in addition to the on/off position. In a two-stage system, thermostat settings can completely or partially open the valve to allow heat to pass through. At the fully open stage, the furnace operates on high. At the partially open stage, the furnace releases a reduced level of heat (at about 65% of

August 30, 2016 No Comments

Do I Really Have to Think About Asbestos in 2016? Here’s What You Need to Consider

Researchers in the United States started recognizing the dangers of asbestos in the early 20thcentury. Still many major industries continued to use asbestos to create structures and goods throughout the 20th century, hitting its peak in the U.S. from 1940 to 1975. Though the Environmental Protection Agency banned products containing asbestos in 1989, most of this ban was lifted in 1991. The United States stopped producing asbestos in 2002, but it still imports approximately 3,000 tons per year. This may cause you to wonder, is asbestos still something to worry about in 2016? What You Need to Know About Asbestos Many people are not aware that asbestos is still being used in the United States as most commercial uses of asbestos are still allowed. Here’s what you need to know about asbestos and whether or not it still poses a threat to you and your family. What is Asbestos? Asbestos is a group of minerals that are made up of long, thin fibers, which cannot be seen by the naked eye. These minerals occur naturally in six different forms, mostly in underground rock. Asbestos is a highly durable material that is resistant to heat, fire, and chemical damage. The material works

September 10, 2016 No Comments

5 Reasons Canoga Park is the Best During Fall

There is no place we would rather be during the fall season than Canoga Park. The weather is beautiful and perfect for enjoying all of your favorite fall outdoor activities. Not to mention, the area has some of the best seasonal celebrations around! Whether you are just visiting, just moved here, or you are a Canoga Park veteran, check out our list of why Canoga park is the BEST during the fall season. Things to Do in Canoga Park in FallThough the fall season in Canoga Park may not be your typical fall with cool weather and falling leaves, there is no shortage of fun activities to enjoy in the area. Here are 5 reasons why Canoga Park is the best place to be during fall: 1.There are a variety of fun fall festivities for all ages. One of the best parts about fall in Canoga Park is the opportunity to take part in fun seasonal activities. If you’re looking for a spooky evening, there are no shortage of haunted houses in Canoga Park and the surrounding communities. You can also spend a day of family fun at the pumpkin patch. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the

September 25, 2016 No Comments

How to Tell if Your Air-Conditioning System Has Mold

Discovering mold in the home sends many homeowners into a panic. Uncontrolled mold can lead to serious respiratory illness, eye irritation, and skin reactions. Some individuals may develop asthma after prolonged exposure to mold. If your air-conditioning system contains mold, act as soon as possible to reduce the risk of negative health outcomes. What Causes Mold Buildup in Air Conditioners? Any space containing high moisture levels is at risk for mold. Most common molds require a wet environment to thrive, and air conditioners only run intermittently, allowing moisture and debris to accumulate in the air handler and ductwork. Whether you notice black mold, yourself, or a service technician discovers it, mold is an unwelcome health risk. Identifying Mold in Your HVAC System You may not notice mold in your AC system until it builds to recognizable levels. Any maintenance technician should alert you to possible signs of mold and give advice for removing it. In the absence of a technician’s discovery, look for these signs to identify the presence of mold: Something Smells Funky Mold has a distinctive musty smell. Most common molds will make the home smell old and unpleasant. You may notice the pungent nature of the smell

October 12, 2016 No Comments

When do i need to have my air ducts cleaned?

Whether you rely on your air ducts every day or turn your heating and air system off intermittently, ductwork will need occasional cleaning. Air filters do not always reduce the risk of mold. If you notice any signs of allergens or your service technician recommends a cleaning, consider professional services. Signs Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning Here are some of the most common signs you need to invest in air duct cleaning services: You’ve Just Moved In During your new home inspection, ask an HVAC professional to inspect the air ducts for allergens, debris, and mold. If the previous homeowner had not cleaned the ducts in the last few years, invest in professional cleaning before you move. Consider professional cleaning after new construction and major renovation work, too. You Notice Mold in the Vents or Ducts Smelling or seeing mold inside your AC system is a red flag. Always ask a service technician to show you where he or she claims to see mold. Then, invest in professional services to ensure the removal/treatment of all mold. Homeowners may also want to consider prevention measures. You’ve Had Problems with Insects or Rodents Mice, cockroaches, and other vermin offer a new set of health

October 19, 2016 No Comments

Which Type of Air Filter Do You Need?

Every air conditioning system uses some type of filter in the air handler. Air filtration keeps dust and allergens from recirculating in the air you breathe, helping you keep your family happy and healthy. The right air filter can reduce allergy symptoms while improving your home comfort. Below, we’ll discuss what types of air filters are available and what benefits each provides. Types of HVAC Filters and Air Filter Benefits Before you add a $3 air filter to your cart, consider these filters, which may improve your health and HVAC experience: Standalone Filters and Air Purifiers HEPA Filters High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters have been around since World War II. These filters collect 99.97% of the airborne particulates that pass through them. HEPA technology does an exceptional job removing pollen, bacteria, pet dander, dust mite residue, and mold from airflow, but may not capture smoke or chemical-related fumes. HEPA filters are most commonly available as standalone units or in commercial HVAC systems. Ionic Filters An ionic filter won’t slide into your air handler the way other filters do, but they do improve air quality. Homeowners often use standalone ionic filters to reduce the number of allergens and irritants in the

October 26, 2016 No Comments

The top hvac resources for new homeowners

It’s hard enough being a new homeowner and adapting to your new neighborhood (or state!) plus figuring out which light switch controls what. The plumbing, electrical, and structural issues are now YOUR problem, not your landlord’s or your dad’s… On top of all of that, you’re probably exhausted from moving all your junk, cleaning the place, painting, and dealing with 150,000 address change forms, right? We get it. It’s not in our wheelhouse to tell you how to organize your spoons and forks (third drawer from the left) or how to landscape that awkward patch of your backyard (pea gravel!) but we DO know HVAC. In addition to perusing our blog – oh, and welcome by the way! – we thought we’d grab a few other resources to help you out! We’re not affiliated with any of these resource providers, but we did find the following articles, PDFs and other resources SUPER helpful and we hope you will, too! Let us know in the comments or on Twitter what you thought of this list & add yours! General HVAC Resources Air Quality Resources Energy Efficiency Resources Were any of these resources helpful for you as a new (or seasoned!) homeowner? Let us

November 9, 2016 No Comments

Year: 2016

The Major Differences Between Commercial and Residential HVAC Systems

Warnings on Portable Air Conditioners

The Dangers of Counterfeit R-22

What is two-stage heating?

Do I Really Have to Think About Asbestos in 2016? Here’s What You Need to Consider

5 Reasons Canoga Park is the Best During Fall

How to Tell if Your Air-Conditioning System Has Mold

When do i need to have my air ducts cleaned?

Which Type of Air Filter Do You Need?

The top hvac resources for new homeowners

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