Keeping East TN Warm When It Matters Most
HEATING
Tradewinds Mechanical Installs, Repairs, Replaces & Retrofits all makes and models of heating systems and can also provide regular interval maintenance programs. Following are the most common types of heating systems:
Furnace/Gas Heat
A Gas Furnace functions by opening a gas valve, allowing natural gas or propane to flow into the combustion chamber. Simultaneously, an electronic igniter sparks, initiating the combustion process. In older models, a pilot light may be used. The ignited gas forms a flame, heating the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger transfers heat to the air without mixing it with combustion byproducts. As the heat exchanger warms up, the blower fan starts, pulling cold air through the home’s return ducts and into the furnace. Air passes over the heat exchanger and is warmed, then cycled back into the living spaces through supply ducts. Combustion byproducts, including carbon monoxide, are safely vented outside through the flue or exhaust pipe.
Heat Pumps/Electric Heat Pump
A heat pump is part of a home heating and cooling system installed outside your home. Like a central air conditioner it can cool your home, but it’s also capable of providing heat. In cooler months, a heat pump pulls IN heat from the cold outdoor air and transfers it indoors, and in warmer months, it pulls heat OUT of indoor air to cool your home. Heat Pumps are powered by electricity and transfer heat using refrigerant to provide comfort all year round to both heat and cool your home. In colder climates, an electric heat strip can be added to the indoor fan coil for additional heating capacity.
Dehumidifiers
A fan collects air from the surrounding area, pulls it into the dehumidifier, the air passes through and comes into contact with the dehumidifier’s cooled coils. These coils create condensation to pull moisture from the air and the collected moisture remains on the coils, dripping into the dehumidifier’s reservoir. The system then reheats the air and exhausts it back into the room. Dehumidifiers are usually separate from your HVAC system and are typically used in the summer months.
Dehumidifiers balance your home’s humidity by reducing mold- and mildew-causing moisture, helping to protect against the harmful effects of allergy and asthma symptoms. They preserve your home and any contents susceptible to warping and rot and help prevent pests. For homes with crawl spaces, Dehumidifiers help ensure the integrity of encapsulated spaces by controlling humidity from within.