Blogs from May, 2022

3. Air Conditioner Condenser Coils

This is the principal component of the outside unit that interacts with the external surroundings and generates heat. Dirt and debris can build up on these coils so they require regular cleaning. Make it a point to schedule a maintenance appointment for your air conditioner before the hot weather begins. A certified HVAC technician will carry out the maintenance procedure effectively.

4. Compressor

This is the pump that keeps refrigerant flowing between the evaporator and condenser coils. Consider this the system’s beating heart.

The Air Conditioner’s Normal Cooling Process

Stage 1: Thermostat Indicates Cooling Is Required

Let us start from scratch. You’ve just arrived home from an exhausting day at work. While you were gone, the air conditioner was set to a higher temperature to save energy. Because the interior is a touch warm, you adjust the thermostat to your preferred temperature. Doing so switches on the cooling unit. Sensors will determine the existing ambient temperature. When the temperature rises above the specified point, the thermostat sends a signal to initiate the cooling cycle. The compressor starts and begins circulating the refrigerant throughout the unit. Also, the fans will be switched on.

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Stage 2: The Absorption Of Heat From The Inside Air By The Refrigerant

The refrigerant makes its initial stop at the evaporator coils of the interior unit. At this stage, the chemical will be very cold. It absorbs heat whenever it comes into contact with hot interior air, like a sponge. As the refrigerant warms up, the air gets cooler. If the interior air is humid, the vapor can even change into liquid as a result of the reduced temperature. As a result, the air conditioner also contributes to interior humidity reduction. A tray is waiting to collect and transport this moisture outside, keeping it from leaking into the home and causing damage to the flooring.

Stage 3: Fans Return Cooler Air To The Home

Through the evaporator coils, a fan will circulate the cold air back inside the building. A central air conditioning unit distributes cold air evenly throughout each room via ducts. A split system’s fans will send the cool air into the room where it is located. The latter enables every person to modify their own zone’s temperature to fulfill a range of demands. They can also save electricity by turning off their room’s air conditioner when they leave.

Stage 4: The Internal Heat Of The Air Conditioner’s Refrigerant Is Released Outside

Because the refrigerant has a finite capacity, it cannot absorb heat endlessly. To disperse the heat accumulated in the condenser coils, the hot refrigerant must now flow to the outside unit. So long as the chemical is hotter than the external environment, it should be able to dissipate the heat until equilibrium is attained.

Step 5: Fans Distribute The Hot Air Outside

Powerful fans pump air across the condenser coils to aid in the cooling of the refrigerant. This component of the unit allows for faster heat release. As demonstrated by placing your palm at the top of the exterior unit, the environment will become hotter. Due to its exposed location, the heated air will simply be blown away by the wind. The house’s internal heat may continue to be released onto the surrounding environment via the air conditioner.

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Stage 5: The Cool Refrigerant Moves Back To The Inside Air Conditioning Unit

As soon as the refrigerant has cooled sufficiently, it is returned to the interior unit by the compressor, thereby restarting the cycle. Until the thermostat determines that the existing interior temperature is equal to the setting’s target temperature, this process will continue. After that, it will come to a complete stop and rest for a short while. If the temperature inside the building begins to increase again, the cooling process will be promptly restarted.

Conclusion

As has been seen, an air conditioning system does not alone generate cold air. It just removes heat from the house gradually until the inhabitants reach a comfortable temperature. It’s a deft design that has been proven time and time again to work. Modern, more energy-efficient air conditioning models are being introduced, resulting in decreased energy use and more comfort.

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Townsend Energy guarantees the lowest heating and cooling service rates in the area. Our maintenance and repair services can assist you to increase the comfort and energy efficiency of your house while minimizing your heating and cooling bill. If your HVAC system requires repair or replacement, we can recommend the most cost-effective solution for your house. All of our work is backed by a guarantee to ensure that you are completely satisfied. Contact Townsend Energy immediately to arrange for a service appointment. We offer free in-home estimations.

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May 23, 2022 How Does An Air Conditioner Work?

3. Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leaks

Frozen air conditioners may point to a low refrigerant level. This can happen if there are leaks along their path. Homeowners might hear a hissing sound or feel a surge of hot air coming from the AC. This problem will not go away on its own. The leaks must be sealed immediately to prevent further loss. After this, technicians must add additional refrigerant to go back to normal levels. This is not something that homeowners should tinker with because the substance is toxic. Experts are trained to handle the matter safely. They also have the right tools for the job.

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4. Dirty Air Conditioner Evaporator Coils

The fourth reason for frozen air conditioners is problematic evaporator coils. In old systems, owners may not notice the build-up of dirt over time. This layer of dust and grime will serve as a barrier between the coils and the surrounding air. It will reduce heat transfer, causing the coils to become colder than they should be. Dirt may also block the condensate lines and make the trapped water vulnerable to freezing. All of these will make the system work harder and consume more energy.

How to Deal with a Frozen Air Conditioner

1. Thaw the Air Conditioner

Upon seeing the frozen parts of the air conditioner, you should immediately turn the unit off to prevent the problem the situation from deteriorating any further. Cutting off the power to the cooling system will stop the flow of cold refrigerant into the frozen area. The ice will melt by itself thanks to the heat of the surrounding air. However, the process may require hours to finish. If the house is getting too hot for you, then open the doors and windows to let the fresh air blow inside. You can also turn on electric fans to increase air movement. Some people use sharp objects to break the ice down but this could lead to more problems. Exercise patience for better results.

2. Dry the Air Conditioning Coils

Remember that melting the ice is just the first part of the process towards normality. The second is dealing with the inevitable wetness across the AC. This can get messy. Dry things up before using the air conditioner. Use an external fan to hasten drying or run the blowers to achieve the same goal. This may take an additional hour or so. Leave it for a while and come back for inspection. If the inside has dried up, then you can resume normal operation.

Prevention Strategies for Freezing Air Conditioners

Frozen coils can be a big headache. You want to avoid this at all cost. Regular maintenance should take care of this so make sure that you do the following:

1. Periodic HVAC Filter Replacement

HVAC air filters are necessary for improving indoor air quality and minimizing dirt inside the system. By catching airborne particles, they prolong the life of the air conditioner and take care of the family’s health. However, their effectiveness drops over time. As they catch dirt, they get clogged up such that it becomes harder for air to pass through. Owners must intervene by replacing them with new filters. This should happen every few months as needed by the system. Conduct a quick inspection every month to monitor dirt build-up.

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2. Check Air Conditioner Refrigerant Level

The amount of refrigerant flowing across the system should remain within the ideal range. If it falls below the threshold, then performance and efficiency will be affected. This is a technical matter so let HVAC professionals handle it for you. It is part of most annual maintenance checklists so schedule yours as soon as possible. If they detect an unusual refrigerant level, then they can fix the leaks and recharge the system.

3. Remove Airflow Obstructions

Maintenance technicians will conduct a thorough inspection to uncover airflow obstructions. They will go through all the vents. They will also check the air ducts. If they identify problem areas, then they will tell you about each one. They will explain what they need to do and how these solutions can improve the situation. Sometimes simple fixes are all that’s needed, but there could also be times when complex solutions such as ductwork modifications are necessary.

4. Clean the Air Conditioner Evaporator Coils

Air conditioner technicians can clean up the system, including the evaporator coils. Since dirty coils can be problematic, they will see to it that dirt, dust, and debris will be gone. They will also check for clogs along the condensate line and remove those for better flow. This segment will finally work as designed.

Conclusion

Summer may bring scorching temperatures but air conditioners can make the season bearable. If homeowners take care of their AC, then it should serve them well for many years. Professional preventive maintenance can make it last much longer while avoiding problems such as frozen coils.

Call Townsend Energy for Air Conditioning Needs

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Cost is not an issue thanks to competitive pricing guarantees. Get our annual maintenance services to increase your system’s energy efficiency and lower your monthly cooling costs. Hire us for repairs and replacements to make sure that you get a suitable solution for your budget. Call Townsend Energy today and schedule an appointment. Avail of our free in-home estimates.

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May 9, 2022 What To Do When Your AC Unit Freezes Up

What Is Biodiesel Made Of?

Biodiesel is produced via a wide variety of materials. The transesterification process is utilized by scientists to create biodiesel fuel. It might come as a surprise that creating this fuel is easier than you think. Its primary ingredients are biofuel crops like vegetable oil, waste vegetable oil, cooking oil, and soybean oil. The production process can also include the use of other crops and animal fats.

Waste oils are effective as a form of renewable diesel as it doesn’t become leftover waste. These restaurant food greases are repurposed because they aren’t utilized for any other purpose. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that they are used to create biomass to deliver biodiesel fuel as it is beneficial to the environment.

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Petroleum Diesel Fuel Vs. Biodiesel Fuel

It is not surprising that biodiesel fuel and petroleum diesel are very different. Biodiesel is the superior choice to fossil fuels, such as petroleum, when it comes to carbon emission reduction.
To start with, biodiesel has a 10 to 12% higher oxygen level content than petroleum diesel. This is crucial as it helps lower pollution emissions. Unfortunately, it also reduces the diesel engine power by around 4%. However, it is still a fair trade-off if you want to keep the environment healthy while reducing the need for carbon-based fuels like heating oil and crude oil.

Biodiesel contains very little sulfur. This is why it is needed as a fuel source, as it helps limit how much pollution is produced from diesel-powered engines. Biodiesel is also more slippery compared to petroleum diesel. This is a feature trucking companies appreciate because it helps in reducing wear and tear on the engines.

Biodiesel also has potentially negative features as a renewable fuel. These aspects are created during its production process. This fuel is prone to gelling up when there are low temperatures much more than petroleum diesel. Some biofuels are more likely the culprit than others.

Even so, biodiesel tends to oxidize and become a semisolid gel-like mass. This is a concerning issue for those who use engines. Hence, they only use them on specific occasions. A primary example is a power generator. Biodiesel fuels should be kept in a semi-sealed light-tight container that’s placed in a cool and dry place to ensure the best results.

What Are Biodiesel Blends?

Biodiesel can be blended in several different concentrations. Some of the common blends are B5 (5% biodiesel) and B20 (6% to 20% biodiesel).

Low sulfur heating oil or LSHO is a popular option for home heating. There is also a purer biodiesel known as ultra-low sulfur heating oil or ULSHO. These fuel sources are energy-efficient and clean, so they can significantly reduce carbon emissions. Moreover, these are so clean that homeowners do not need to clean their heating systems as often after they use this fuel on a regular basis.

B100 and other high-level biodiesel blends are not used as often at this point. However, they are ultimately consumed as liquid renewable diesel fuel for vehicles. You usually need to modify the equipment when using these higher blends to prevent problems with operating diesel engines.

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How Do Biofuels Help Reduce Carbon Emissions?

Biofuels can lower harmful emissions in many various ways. According to the Energy Information Administration, the primary reason these fuels are carbon neutral is because the plants used to create biofuels absorb carbon dioxide. Therefore, the CO2 emissions produced by less pure biofuels and petroleum-based diesel fuels are offset.

Converting biomass feedstocks to biofuels is highly environmentally friendly. These fuels are utilized in furnaces to heat our homes and diesel engines for transportation, among many others. To reduce atmospheric CO2, substances like bioethanol can be used instead of gasoline.

Biofuels are also compatible with the natural carbon cycle. Growing new biomass fuels also removes unwanted CO2 from the environment. This is a huge advantage, even if it was initially an unintended consequence.

Bioheat® Fuel – The Oil Industry’s Solution To Help Reduce Emissions Today

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty with 196 countries agreeing to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This will tremendously improve the standard for renewable fuel.
Homeowners and business owners can get these benefits as soon as possible when they switch to Bioheat® oil. This premium heating oil utilizes liquid renewable fuel such as the B20 blend to reduce carbon emissions. Converting to this fuel will help the US reduce its carbon emissions. This way, it can achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

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BioPure™ & Bioheat® Heating Oil – Standards Towards Reducing Emissions Today

196 countries decided to work together to reduce rising temperatures in a show of unprecedented unity called the Paris Agreement. Right now, they are attempting to prevent the average temperature from rising 2°C, with the overall goal to keep it from rising below 1.5°C.

To make this happen, our goal is to reduce and eventually eliminate greenhouse gases through the use of our BioPure™ heating oil solution. Currently, our customers reduce their heating-related carbon emissions by 20% year over year and that will only get better over time as our BioPure™ oil becomes more environmentally friendly.

Please contact Townsend Energy to order BioPure™ and learn more about how we can help you reduce your carbon footprint.

How Oil-Heat Users Can Do Their Part In Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions By Using Biodiesel Blends

Oil-heat users can do their part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions immediately. They only need to convert their fuel delivery from regular home heating oil to biodiesel blends, and this will reduce carbon emissions. It will also help in climate change prevention.

Currently, it is recommended to use B5, B20, and other lower biodiesel blends. These blends have a lower viscosity, unlike B100 which has a higher viscosity, making it less effective to use with the components of your fuel system. These biofuel blends work more effectively with your home heating system. They also allow you to reduce harmful emissions by up to 20%.

This is a win for homeowners as they can do what is needed to protect the Earth. Lesser greenhouse gasses are a great opportunity for the environment because it means the Earth will flourish for a very long time.

Conclusion

The world is finally taking more proactive steps to combat harmful greenhouse emissions. We have the means and technology to develop clean, environmentally friendly, and affordable biofuels, such as biodiesel. These fuels were created to fuel vehicles, generate electricity, and heat homes in a more long-term and renewable method.

When the transesterification process is perfected, biofuels can entirely eliminate greenhouse gasses in due course. The environment’s future looks very bright, with plant-based biofuels leading the way toward a better and brighter carbon-free world. Switch to biofuels today for your import and home heating needs and help us make the world a better place today.

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Call Townsend Energy To Schedule A BioPure™ Heating Oil Delivery

Townsend Energy is offering consumers throughout Northeastern Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Maine a cleaner, greener solution with BioPure™ heating oil. This ULSHO is blended with pure biodiesel.

You don’t need to make any costly modifications to your current furnace when switching to BioPure™ heating oil and can experience all of the benefits of using a cleaner-burning fuel. Give Townsend Energy a call today and let’s discuss how BioPure™ heating oil can get you started in living greener and healthier.

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May 5, 2022 Explore Bio Diesel & BioPure™ Heating Oil

Appliances Fueled by Propane

Propane appliances are substantially more efficient than their equivalents in the electric industry. This efficacy results in a lower carbon footprint. For instance, a propane water heater can provide the same amount of hot water in half the time that an electric water heater can. Propane clothes dryers operate at a quarter of the speed of electric dryers. Furthermore, propane space heaters are far more efficient when compared to electric space heaters. All of this added efficiency adds up. It’s more beneficial for the environment and it’s cheaper.

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Propane Is Not Toxic

Additionally, when you utilize propane, you will have more peace of mind. It is a non-toxic substance. Propane will not affect the environment in the unlikely case of a spill. There is no hazard to the air, soil, water, plants, or creatures that live in water.

More Propane Facts

Here are some further facts regarding propane and why it is considered environmentally friendly:

• Propane seems to be the only alternative fuel that is explicitly mentioned in the 1990 Clean Air Act and also the 1992 National Energy Policy Act.
• It is the lightest and most basic hydrocarbon on the planet.
• Propane is one of the cleanest burning fossil fuels available. It emits almost no greenhouse gases.
• Because most (about 90%) of America’s propane supply is generated locally or in Canada, the carbon footprint linked with its transportation is lower than that of imported fuels. Additionally, its costs and availability are not affected by foreign factors.

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Electricity’s Disadvantages and The Electrification Movement

While electricity is frequently lauded as a “green” choice, it does have certain downsides. The majority of electricity generated in the United States is generated by coal-fired power plants. This contributes to electricity being the second greatest generator of greenhouse emissions in our country. Only transportation generates more than that.

Furthermore, when the energy necessary for extraction, processing, and transportation is calculated, propane is 87% efficient, but electricity is just 32% efficient.

What Happens When Everything is Electrified?

Consider the following issues associated with full electrification:

The legislation, and others like to it, seek to phase out oil and propane-fired boilers as well as furnaces in favor of electric heat pumps. But, more than half of the electricity produced in New England is generated by burning natural gas, the majority of which is methane — a gas that traps heat more than 80 times more effectively than carbon dioxide. This will have almost no effect on New England’s carbon footprint – actually, it will likely increase it, especially when one considers that between 8% and 15% of the power generated by plants is wasted on the way to your house.

Already, the electricity system is fragile and susceptible to brownouts on hot days. How is it anticipated to meet the needs of a severely cold winter in New England?

Electric heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular as backup sources of heat. Their efficiency, however, decreases drastically in cold weather — an issue that propane and oil-fired systems do not face. Prepare for chilly evenings while using electric heat pumps.

According to area data, the average price of installing a heat pump may exceed $20,000 — roughly double the price of replacing modern oil- and propane-fired boilers as well as furnaces.

9 Arguments for Using Propane in Your Home

As said previously, while electricity garners a lot of attention, there are several advantages to picking propane over electricity for your house. The following are nine advantages of choosing propane over electricity for your house.

Propane Is a Cost-Effective Fuel

Propane-powered appliances are incredibly efficient and so cost less to operate. As stated by the US Department of Energy, using a gas water heater instead of an electric one can save you $174 per year. Propane water heaters may run at a cost savings of 30%-50% over electric versions.

Propane Is A Multi-Purpose Fuel

Along with heating your home, it can power a wide range of appliances, including ovens, laundry dryers, and water heaters. It’s ideal for outdoor appliances including barbecues, pool heaters, and patio heaters. Use a propane fire pit or lights to provide ambiance and warmth to your outdoor environment.

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Propane Is a Reliable Fuel Source

When the power grid fails due to harsh weather (or any other disaster), your access to propane will remain unaffected.

Propane Is Conveniently Stored

There is no degradation of propane over time, and home propane tanks require minimal maintenance and have a long lifespan. You can store one for up to forty years!

Propane Is Available Almost Anywhere

Electrical grid access might be costly, based on where you reside. However, the experts at Townsend Energy provide dependable propane delivery in New England. No matter what the market or weather circumstances may be, you can be confident that we will always have enough propane to meet your needs.

Propane Completes the Task Effortlessly

When it comes to heating your water, propane water heaters are far more efficient than electric models. In the same amount of time, a propane water heater can heat up to two times as much water as an electric heater. Using a propane clothes dryer instead of an electric dryer will dry your laundry 25% quicker and produce less static. It is also more efficient to use propane space heaters than electric heaters.

Propane Is More Eco-Friendly Than You Think

With a storage tank, electric water heaters emit nearly twice as much carbon emissions as propane water heaters do. Because the majority of our electricity originates from coal-fired power plants, electricity is the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States of America (second only to transportation).

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Propane Has a Long Life

A propane gas furnace has a typical lifespan of 20 years. It’s only 14 years with an electric heat pump.

Propane Is a Highly Efficient Fuel

27 kilowatt-hours of electricity is required to generate the same amount of energy as one gallon of propane.

Propane is an excellent choice for heating your house, and Townsend Energy is here to help you with all of your propane requirements.

Get Superior Propane Delivery Service From Townsend Energy

When you want first-rate propane delivery services in New England, get in touch with Townsend Energy. We provide high-quality propane delivery that’s affordable, friendly, and fast.

You can trust us to provide unbeatable service every time. Contact us now to learn more about our capabilities, our delivery plans, and our options in financing.

We also provide a comprehensive range of HVAC services for improved home comfort, better indoor air quality, and increased energy efficiency. Among some of our HVAC services are heating and cooling system installations, tune-ups, and repairs. Call Townsend Energy today!

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May 2, 2022 Propane vs Electricity: What You Need To Know