Fantastic Team.Great Customer Service.Peter was fabulous. Explained all our options . Was thoughtful and creative in his solution to our needs. The installation team was respectful and very neat. They were experienced and knowledgeable. Alex was great. He went out of his way to explain how to properly operate our new system. I will recommend Richair enthusiastically and will give A ratings on Angie's list
Control Cooling and Heating Regardless Of Where You Are
Control cooling and heating regardless of where you are
Cooling and heating the home isn’t what it used to be—and that’s a good thing! For decades, forced-air central systems dominated the marketplace. In recent years, however, we’ve seen tremendous advancement across a broad swath of product categories, like home climate control. Today, homeowners enjoy a rich variety of exciting new options for cooling and heating. Of them all, there’s perhaps none more exciting than the zoned systems pioneered by Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating.
To control the temperature level in your home in the past meant running (and paying) for the system to operate in every room (even for unoccupied rooms) – not very energy efficient of course. Mitsubishi’s Cooling and Heating systems changed all of that. You can have a multi-zoned system which will allow you to control the temperature for occupied areas only – say goodbye to paying for cooling and heating in rooms which are not occupied and say hello to energy efficiency! Having multiple zones means every family member can enjoy their preferred temperature setting.
Central forced air cooling and heating systems push air through ducts to distribute air throughout the space. This seems to be normal, but what happens when one person is looking to be cooled and another needs a little more heat? Ductless cooling and heating systems are zoned, meaning each person can have cooling and heating as needed without compromising the other person’s comfort level. These systems can also improve the quality of indoor air – the filtration system can reduce dust, allergens, bacteria and more. Many homeowners are realizing the benefits of ductless cooling and heating systems. These are increased control over temperature in each individual room and increased energy efficiency, which in turn leads to improved comfort in their homes. Homeowners now can heat or cool those hard to reach areas of the home and provide a near silent comfort.
Energy efficiency offers an opportunity to reduce energy costs, while enhancing comfort. It also gives homeowners the ability to use energy wisely and lower their household power expenses. Utility bills can make up a large percentage of monthly household expense. Some households even experience difficulty paying to cool and/or heat their homes to a comfortable level. House occupants may become more susceptible to a range of health problems due to inadequate heat. Being energy efficient means homeowners have an opportunity to reduce energy costs, without compromising their comfort level. Ductless zoning gives homeowners the control over the climate in their homes. Have you ever worried about the air conditioner still working at full blast after you’ve left the house? With the remote system monitoring that the Kumo CloudTM makes possible, you c an easily use your smartphone to check and adjust the AC temperature down or off. In return, if you are on your way home at the end of a long day, you can easily turn up the heat in advance of your arrival, ensuring that your home will be toasty and warm (or visa versa during those sticky summer months) when you get there. You can also program a Mitsubishi zoned system to operate on a specified set schedule, but as we all know schedules can suddenly change at a moment’s notice. Only over-the-Internet control accommodates for those inevitable changes of plan. Kumo CloudTM puts full control at your fingertips, helps you save money and ensure comfort.
The Kumo CloudTM app and web service works with the Mitsubishi Electric Wi-Fi Interface to enable wireless control of Mitsubishi Electric HVAC systems from a smartphone or tablet (the app can be downloaded on iTunes or Google Play – there is also a web browser version). Kumo CloudTM works with all new Mitsubishi Electric indoor units and most others. A Wi-Fi interface is needed for each indoor unit, call us for more details.
7 reasons that make home temperatures uneven (continued)
In the first part of this analysis we discussed how home temperatures fluctuate, and what is the nature and mechanics. Read through, ask additional questions (in the comment section below), and you could fix this comfort issue without getting a contractor involved. Here are 7 reasons that make home temperatures uneven:
4. Ductwork acts as a stack pipe.
As mentioned above, when the fan shuts off, the supply branches and grilles in different levels act as a stack pipe. It is similar to a chimney effect. The vertical stack, called trunk, allows warmer air to raise to the top, creating negative pressure on the bottom of the duct, which in turn “sucks” air from everywhere it can, including crawl spaces, laundry and waste rooms, garage and such. All pollutants being sucked as well. When the fan starts, the air pushed the contaminants into rooms. But this is besides the story, this topic is about uneven home temperatures, not air contamination. Some offer to use a magnetic cover to block grilles and vents (assuming they are metal) or anything suitable to prevent air leakage. Not a good solution for a home with multiple floors. Instead a homeowner might get an estimate for a ductless mini split system. Ductless means no ducts, and no related problems.
5. Thermostat located in one of the rooms, or hallway
Keep adjusting the thermostat to even out home temperatures
When the main thermostat located in one of the rooms, or hallway, it does not sense temperature in other rooms, will over- or under-work the heating and cooling system, and will never achieve desired temperature in all rooms. It will be too cold or too hot. Only a zoning damper system can resolve this problem. If installed, each room becomes a “zone” controlled by an individual thermostat. This way the temperature can be controlled more accurate. Ductless mini split systems does exactly this – it has a thermostat (or a remote control) in every room, and commands a dedicated unit in that room, which in turn allows for precise temperature control. If a home is heated and cooled by one main central system, with one main thermostat, it will never be comfortable, as temperature fluctuations can be severe.
6. Varying heat load in a room
Appliances like large flat-screen TV and computers can affect heat load. Special purpose rooms (gym, pool, kitchen) vary heat load as well. With central blower and common distribution duct, the heated or cooled air distributes between rooms with no regard to load fluctuations, while these are important conditions. Rooms with more appliances, like kitchen, or living/family room will be overheating, while other will not. And this is only when those appliances are on! So it is impossible to adjust amount of air entering the room with regard to TV being on or off. After all this should be a comfort system, not something a homeowner be constantly adjusting. The same applies when you have a party. When more people gather in one room, the room becomes stuffy and hot, but you will not get additional air in that room as the ductwork is not designed for it. Keep adjusting the thermostat, or get a computer-controlled ductless mini split system, which automatically adopts to varying load.
7. Central system thermostat is “on-off” type.
Even if the display looks digital, like new touch-screen thermostats, it is still analog “on-off” type. What this means is: it tells the central heating and cooling system to start blowing if needed, or stop blowing if the temperature is satisfied. Sorry for being so technical here. Modern central HVAC systems are equipped with ECM motors, multi-speed compressors and programmable thermostats. These devices meant to control the system output, sort of varying capacity. Nevertheless these innovative devises still do not do the job. Here is a little example: if a central air-handler fan slowed down, the conditioned air does not reach rooms as it should, as the whole air distribution system gets misbalanced. The ductwork is designed with certain parameters: CFM (cubic feet per minute), SP (static pressure) and AV (air velocity), changing which undermines the whole engineering. You cannot help it, but an “on-off” system creates temperature fluctuations. Run the fan on all the time, but this is waste of energy!
Central HVAC system cannot achieve constant and even home temperatures in the house, unless the fan runs constantly, and wastes energy. A ductless mini split system eliminates these problems, and the need to run the fan constantly, therefore saves energy.
Majority of homeowners think that a central HVAC system can maintain constant and even home temperatures throughout your home. This is one of the most common misconceptions. There plenty of articles that advise homeowners what to do in order to make the entire home feel more comfortable. All of these articles say the same: “If you having temperature fluctuations from one room to the other, or between two or more levels of your house – call a reputable heating and cooling company, they will give suggestions on how to best deal with such situation”. Meanwhile none of them give much explanation, and basically just lure a homeowner into calling a contractor.
We want to explain how these temperature fluctuations happen in first place, what is the nature and mechanics. Read through, add comments in section below. We can help you fix your comfort issues without getting a contractor involved. Here are 7 reasons that make home temperatures uneven:
1. Warm air rises to higher levels using ductwork
Stack effect is one of reasons for uneven home temperatures
In technical and scientific world this is called convection. We are not going to explain the third-grade physics topic, you should study convection on your own. Instead let’s talk how the convection (“warm air rises” effect) affects your home comfort. The central heating and cooling system uses ductwork to distribute air into living space. When the central blower pushes air into the duct, it created certain pressure which keeps pushing the conditioned air into rooms. When the central fan turned off, the air in ductwork stops flowing that direction as there is no pressure. Now the air is on its own, and the stack effect takes control. In winter, warmer air accumulates in top portion of the room, near the ceiling. This warm air reverses its direction, and enters the ductwork through the discharge grille, and travels to the rooms on higher levels. In other words, lower rooms will “pass” their warm air to rooms, thus creating temperature difference between floors. Ever noticed that the family room on lower level freezing, while bedrooms on third floor baking hot? This explains. To stop the stack effect, you need to cover all grilles in the house when the central blower stops, and uncover them when it starts. It is impossible task! Another way – keep the fan on at all times, it will keep blowing air in all rooms, and in turn will help evening out home temperatures. This is not the best solution as it wastes energy, and adds unnecessary strain on central HVAC system. Another option is to get a multi-zone ductless mini split system.
2. Clogged, squished and leaking ductwork
Clogged and dirty ducts is another reason for uneven home temperatures
Clogged, squished and leaking ductwork will reduce necessary amount of air reaching rooms as it should. Ducts could be damaged during construction or remodeling, it could be clogged with rugs, paper towels, dirty filters, and just plain dust accumulation (and it is disgusting! Just imagine a dirty duct inside, this is what in the air you breathe). A homeowner needs to get the ductwork inspected and cleaned. It is a dirty and expensive job, but it has to be done. If the duct leaks air, it can be sealed with tape or special mastic. Well, this is only if the duct exposed, like in the basement or attic. What would you do if the leak concealed in walls? In such situation the best course of action is to open walls and seal the duct… or abandon the ductwork completely, and get a ductless mini split system.
3. Sunshine adds uneven heat load
This is a big one. When the sun is blasting on one side of the house (adding huge heat load), while a cold wind is chilling the opposite side of the house, you get exactly as it sounds – blasting hot rooms on one side of the house, while you better add an electric heater to those room on the opposite side. In time, the sun revolves around the house, and the wind changes direction. The only way to help this situation is to keep closing and opening curtains and blinds, and seal windows and doors on the “windy” side. No-one has time for this. What is a solution? A multi-zone ductless mini split system. It adjusts the output “power” as needed adopting to fluctuating conditions.
Ductless mini-split heat pumps are ideally suited for highly energy-efficient homes. They are designed to provide zoned comfort and enhanced energy-efficiency over traditional heat pumps and other fossil fuel forced-air systems. Many homeowners install these systems to cool and heat their homes, as ductless mini-split heat pumps are very efficient.
Each Indoor Unit (zone) has its own thermostat, so only the space being occupied is conditioned. Living space can be heated or cooled to the occupant’s preference without affecting other occupants and areas in your home. Since these mini-splits are ductless, they don’t experience the same type of energy loss that’s common among duct-based heating systems. This leads to higher efficiency, which in turn not just lowers utility costs, but also to dramatically reduces your home’s carbon pollution.
Ductless mini-split heat pumps run on electricity. Traditional electricity is sourced from fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. When fossil fuels are burned to create energy, they emit toxic gases that are the primary cause of pollution and global warming. Not only are fossil fuels bad for the environment, they’re a finite resource.
Solar panel systems are ideal partner and can go hand in hand with ductless mini-split heat pumps. A solar panel system can generate electricity whenever the solar resource is available, and may produce more electricity than an average home consumes in the summer, this will “earn” you a “credit”. In the winter when ductless mini-split heat pumps being used to heat your home, they will run from power off the grid. You will benefit from the “credits” you earned while overproducing in the summer, bringing your electric bills lower as a result. Ductless mini-split heat pumps are perfect match to solar power systems; installing both helps combat greenhouse gas emissions and reduces our collective dependence on fossil fuel.
Solar panels are active solar devices that convert sunlight into electricity. They come in a variety of rectangular shapes and are usually installed in combination to produce electricity, and consist of photovoltaic (PV) panels and an inverter. The PV panels absorb the energy of the sun and convert it into direct current (DC) electric energy. The DC energy is sent to the inverter to transform the power into alternating current (AC) electricity which is used to power ductless mini-split heat pumps.
Benefits of connecting ductless mini-split heat pumps to a solar power system:
Reduces the need to burn fossil fuel to generate heat, in turn reduces air pollution, effect on climate or landscape
Solar is renewable energy (electricity) from the sun (natural source), which reduces the need in additional power plants, in turn helps to slow/stop global warming
Saves YOU money
Ductless mini-split heat pumps reduce energy consumption and follow Energy Star guidelines. They also use R410A refrigerant which is environment friendly and does not contain any ozone damaging chemicals
Richair Comfort Solutions installed three ductless mini-split heat pumps (outdoor units) with nine air-handlers in a Flushing, NY home. The homeowner connected the new heating and cooling system to their new solar power system. Would you like more information, or free estimate, please call 800 590-1557 to schedule your free in-home consultation.
Professional ductless mini split maintenance offers plenty of benefits, only if you give your system regular attention. This isn’t an overwhelming job. It just needs should be consistent. A homeowner can do some light maintenance herself, but it is probably a better idea to get a professional to do the job. A ductless mini split is a sizable investment, you want to protect it.
Professional ductless mini split maintenance
Why should you call us for maintenance?
CONSIDER AT LEAST THESE 4 REASONS:
Professional Quality, We Do a Better Job
Yes, that’s right! The Mitsubishi Electric products are known for their high quality, our professional ductless mini split maintenance techniques are just the same. This is why our company continues to be highly recommended. Our view is that a maintenance is not only cleaning a system, but also making sure the we do our best to prolong its life and maximize efficiency. We have lost count of how many times we open a malfunctioning unit and find how poorly it was maintained. Simple logic: a sloppy maintenance leads to unnecessary, avoidable malfunctions and extra expenses.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
It is true. We have nothing to hide, and lots to show you! We offer professional ductless mini split maintenance, but if you find our technicians doing sloppy job, not paying attention to your ductless system, or even worth – to your personal belongings – we will make things right or refund your money.
Paying attention to details
More than 20 years of experience in ductless mini split service and repair has taught us that the best way to keep the system break-free is to properly maintain it. In other words: the right service starts with right maintenance, and only if we pay attention to details. During professional ductless mini split maintenance our technicians pinpoint possible future system failures, offer a repair solution so your ductless mini split will not “surprise” you in the middle of 100 degree summer day
Save Money
A well known fact – a new system is more efficient that an older one. The difference is cleanness! A new ductless mini split comes crisp from the box, but an older one collected duct, web, grease, and even mold. Besides the fact that these contaminants must be professionally cleaned, or they might become airborne, your system might be “choking” and of’ course working without result. In other words your system will keep spinning your electric meter. Maintaining your equipment in clean order is the most cost effective solution
Efficiency: A ductless cooling and heating system costs more up front than a window unit, but over the long term, however, a ductless cooling and heating system pays back with the system’s outstanding energy efficiency. If compared with the average window unit, a ductless cooling and heating system consumes 40 percent fewer energy, so a homeowner can enjoy lower monthly utility bills during thecooling season. Savings wouldn’t mean much if your home felt uncomfortable. Even though the operation costs are relatively low, the ductless cooling and heating system still provides unmatched comfort. Thanks to a variable-speed compressor and accurate monitoring of conditions in the room, the ductless cooling and heating system continuously adjusts its output to match the demand. That way, the technology steadily maintains your set temperature. Contrary, an average window AC keeps running until the room gets too cold and then cycles on and off, creating unpleasant, sometimes extreme temperature fluctuation. With ductless cooling and heating system the temperature you set is the temperature you get.
Noticeabilty: While there’s only one way to install a window air conditioner, a ductless cooling and heating system can be installed in a number of ways. For starters, the outdoor unit can be placed where it’s least likely to be noticeable. It also can be conceal with strategic landscaping or even a curtaining structure, such as a trellis. Meanwhile, sleek, low-profile indoor units can mount either high on the wall, near the floor or within the ceiling (cassette or concealed indoor units), wherever you think it would look the best. No matter what you decide, the windows in the room would remain completely unobstructed, you no longer will have to sacrifice daylight and view to the outdoors, as you would with a window air conditioner. Another factor to consider is noise. Even the quietest window air conditioners tend to make a noise. Compare to that, a ductless cooling and heating system is ultra-quiet – indoor unit runs as quiet as 19 decibels—quieter than a whisper!
Versatility: Many homeowners rely on ductless cooling and heating system for cooling and heating one or a couple of rooms, while others employ the technology for whole-home climate control. In such case, multiple indoor units work together to maintain a comfortable temperature across the whole home. Being that some outdoor units are capable of accommodating multiple indoor units, only indoor units can be added into any room or rooms you wanted to make more comfortable. Also, a ductless cooling and heating system provides all-season comfort. In cooling mode, the indoor and outdoor unit work to draw heat from inside the home and discharge it outside. With a push of a button, a homeowner can reverse the action, causing the system to extract heat from outside and deposit it indoors. In effect, the same ductless cooling and heating system you count on for effective and efficient summer-time cooling can also provide comfort-giving heat in the winter.
Get a new Ductless Comfort System – installed, fully tested and commissioned by Mitsubishi trained technicians. Standard installation includes labor and industry adopted material for up to 50’ lineset, PVC drain line, basic electric work per one indoor unit installed on outside wall (not inside partition), outdoor unit at or about ground level on wall bracket or ground pad, PVC lineset covers ivory color, minimal electric power work by licensed electrician
12-Year Complete Warranty:
12-Year Complete Warranty is a manufacturer’s parts warranty matched by an Extended Service Agreement. The 12-Year Complete Warranty includes all parts and necessary labor to diagnose and repair any malfunction within the units during the 12-year period starting from installation date. There are some exclusions, like remote controls and thermostats, as well as tubing, insulation and electric wiring that beyond the actual units, ask for details
12-Year Maintenance Plan
12-Year Maintenance Plan is a complementary maintenance coverage that will keep your new ductless comfort system clean and “well-oiled” to assure long lasting and efficient operation. Regular maintenance ensures your equipment is running smoothly, and also provides safety for you and your family. The 12-Year Maintenance Plan includes one annual visit by a trained technician, as required by the manufacturer and insurance underwriter.
Central forced air cooling and heating systems push air through ducts to distribute air throughout the space. This seems to be normal, but what happens when one person is looking to be cooled and another needs a little more heat? Ductless cooling and heating systems are zoned, meaning each person can have cooling and heating as needed without compromising the other person’s comfort level. These systems can also improve the quality of indoor air – the filtration system can reduce dust, allergens, bacteria and more. Many homeowners are realizing the benefits of ductless cooling and heating systems. These are increased control over temperature in each individual room and increased energy efficiency, which in turn leads to improved comfort in their homes. Homeowners now can heat or cool those hard to reach areas of the home and provide a near silent comfort.
Ductless zoning gives homeowners the control over the climate in their homes. Have you ever worried about the air conditioner still working at full blast after you’ve left the house? With the remote system monitoring that the Kumo CloudTM makes possible, you c an easily use your smartphone to check and adjust the AC temperature down or off. In return, if you are on your way home at the end of a long day, you can easily turn up the heat in advance of your arrival, ensuring that your home will be toasty and warm (or visa versa during those sticky summer months) when you get there. You can also program a Mitsubishi zoned system to operate on a specified set schedule, but as we all know schedules can suddenly change at a moment’s notice. Only over-the-Internet control accommodates for those inevitable changes of plan. Kumo CloudTM puts full control at your fingertips, helps you save money and ensure comfort.
Ductless mini-split heat pumps run on electricity. Traditional electricity is sourced from fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. When fossil fuels are burned to create energy, they emit toxic gases that are the primary cause of pollution and global warming. Not only are fossil fuels bad for the environment, they’re a finite resource.
Ductless mini-split heat pumps run on electricity. Traditional electricity is sourced from fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. When fossil fuels are burned to create energy, they emit toxic gases that are the primary cause of pollution and global warming. Not only are fossil fuels bad for the environment, they’re a finite resource.
and heating system pays back with the system’s outstanding energy efficiency. If compared with the average window unit, a ductless cooling and heating system consumes 40 percent fewer energy, so a homeowner can enjoy lower monthly utility bills during thecooling season. Savings wouldn’t mean much if your home felt uncomfortable. Even though the operation costs are relatively low, the ductless cooling and heating system still provides unmatched comfort. Thanks to a variable-speed compressor and accurate monitoring of conditions in the room, the ductless cooling and heating system continuously adjusts its output to match the demand. That way, the technology steadily maintains your set temperature. Contrary, an average window AC keeps running until the room gets too cold and then cycles on and off, creating unpleasant, sometimes extreme temperature fluctuation. With ductless cooling and heating system the temperature you set is the temperature you get.