Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Join Us for a Ruud Inverter Systems Training Course  

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Who:               You, our contractors!

What:              The Inverter Systems course is designed to educate the technician on air conditioning and heat pump systems that use inverters and inverter driven compressors. Taking a systems approach, the training covers electronic expansion valves, pressure transducers, inverter theory and inverter operation. During the training, we will cover the sequence of operations, system installation and diagnostics.

This course is NATE-recognized for 4 CEU credits. Attendees will receive a workbook. The student fee is $40.

When:              Tuesday, August 23, 2016
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Lunch will be provided.

Where:            Lane Motor Museum
702 Murfreesboro Pike
Nashville, TN 37210


For more information and to register, contact Rocky Cothron at 615-244-0920 or rcothron@comforttn.com.

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Tips for a Successful HVAC Installation  

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Tennessee summers are known for county fairs, outdoor concerts and hot, humid weather. Even for those of us who grew up in the South, those sweltering days can still be tough to handle. With nearly two months left until fall, we want to give you some tips to help your installations go smoothly during these dog days of summer.

1. Evaluate the job
This may sound like a no-brainer, but it is essential that you adequately assess a job before installing a new unit. It is better to know what factors you’ll be dealing with in advance rather than having to go back and repeat or correct some of your work. 


Before beginning the installation, double check that you have all of the necessary supplies needed to perform the job. This can include the right hood, electrical equipment, ductwork and more.

2. Calculate the load
In order to determine the appropriately sized unit for a house, it’s necessary to calculate the load. This simple step can drastically improve efficiency. It’s also a good idea to ask the homeowner if he or she was satisfied with the previous unit’s cooling abilities; if not, that may be a strong indication that the unit did not fit the size of the house.

3. Inspect the ductwork
Another important thing to check before beginning an installation is the homeowner’s ductwork. An experienced installer can quickly detect ductwork that is damaged or needs replacing. In fact, a leaking duct can reduce efficiency by 40%. Pairing a new unit with thoroughly inspected ductwork will ensure the system can perform at its greatest capacity.

4. Upgrade the thermostat
Because today’s HVAC technologies continue to improve year after year, it’s important that the homeowner’s thermostat is up to date. Replacing old manual thermostats with new, programmable versions will allow the homeowner to maximize his or her comfort by the exact degree. Following the installation, be sure to program the thermostat so that it functions properly with the new unit.

It’s also important to advise homeowners not to adjust their thermostats more than two or three degrees while they’re away from home. Some people believe that turning up the temperature seven or eight degrees will save energy, but it actually requires more energy to cool the house back down than if the thermostat was set only a few degrees warmer.

5. Test the airflow
In order for a new installation to work efficiently, the airflow must be correct. Use a balancing hood or anemometer to test the airflow after installing. Many contractors fail to check and adjust it, resulting in nearly half of all warranty claims and user complaints.

6. Measure the BTU
After completing the installation, acclimate the new unit to around 70 degrees, and measure the BTU output of the new system to ensure it is performing at its best. The goal is for the unit to operate within 10% of the manufacturer’s expectations, which will provide the homeowner with the greatest performance possible.


Some of you could probably perform an installation with your eyes closed, but it’s always good to refresh your memory with helpful tips to ensure the successful completion of a job. Following these steps along with the unit’s step-by-step instructions is sure to result in a comfortable house and a satisfied homeowner.

Friday, July 29, 2016

Introducing a New Geothermal Product Line for Your Customers  

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We’re excited to introduce to you our new geothermal line – GeoStar, a division of WaterFurnace. Clean energy isn’t just good for the environment – it’s efficient and affordable. 

GeoStar products use renewable sources of power to help your customers with their budget and their comfort. The geothermal systems tap into the free energy stored beneath the earth’s surface, so the operating costs are almost always lower than those of conventional HVAC systems.

We strive to carry the highest caliber of products to meet and exceed your expectations  and your customers’. GeoStar meets these standards with its highly efficient technology. Check out some key features of this energy-efficient line we’re proud to offer:

  • Provides $5 of heating for every $1 used – that’s four times better than conventional furnaces and AC
  • Results in a savings of up to 70% on utility bills
  • Produces greater comfort with slow, steady temperature regulation
  • Reduces noise and clutter – no visible outdoor equipment required
  • Powered by clean energy – so it doesn’t burn fossil fuels or produce carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide
  • Provides precise distribution of comfortable air year-round – so your customers won’t have the hot or cold spots that are common with other systems

Be sure to check out the entire GeoStar line to find the best cooling or heating system for your customers and to learn more about its advanced, efficient system. Visit www.comforttn.com or www.geostar-geo.com today.

Monday, July 18, 2016

Now Offering Ruud UP20 Ultra Series Variable Speed Heat Pump  

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Summer is here and we’re here to keep your customers happy and comfortable so they can make the most out of the warm weather. It’s our goal to provide you with the best and most efficient HVAC products so we’re excited to introduce you to the latest in our lineup: meet the Ruud UP20 Ultra Series Variable Speed Heat Pump. 

This EcoNet-enabled UP20 is part of the Ruud Heat Pump product line that extends from 14 to 20 SEER. The EcoNet Smart Home System integrates a home’s heating, cooling and water heating equipment, giving homeowners the ability to manage the products that consume up to 65% of their home’s energy. And by adding the EcoNet WiFi kit, they can access everything remotely via WiFi or a mobile app.
 
Built with Ruud’s 360°+1 design philosophy, the new heat pump is optimized for install-ability, performance, integration and serviceability.

If that’s not enough to convince you, here are some additional reasons we think you – and your customers – are going to like this heat pump: 
  • The UP20 offers efficiency ratings of 20 SEER, 14.5 EER and 13 HSPF and can reduce energy costs by up to 30%. 
  • The Copeland Scroll Variable Speed Compressor decreases humidity and also allows for greater temperature control.
  • With precise temperature control, precise humidity control and extra capacity during extreme summer and winter weather conditions, the UP20 offers homeowners a high level of comfort.
  • Temperature precision and efficiency are maintained by an electronic expansion valve that controls the flow of the refrigerant.
  • The unit’s modern design not only looks good, but it will last for years to come. It has a powder coat paint finish as well as rust-resistant screws. The design also helps reduce noise. The tubing vibrates less, which not only keeps the unit quieter but also minimizes the chance for a leak
  • With 35% fewer cabinet fasters and a large service access point on the corner, maintenance visits are quick and easy.
  • It is lighter and easier to clean due to a single-row condenser coil. 
  • The UP20 has a 10-year parts and 10-year conditional unit replacement warranty. Customers must register their unit online at the Ruud website to get this service.

The Ruud UP20 is waiting and ready to keep your customers comfortable this summer and every season to come.


Want to learn more? Call or swing by your local Comfort Supply. You can also shop this product – any many more – via our online store.

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Meet the Newest Comfort Supply Employee: Bo Gerhardt  

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-->Get to know our latest addition to the Comfort Supply team: Bo Gerhardt.


Q: Why did you come to Comfort Supply? What appealed to you?  
A: The team attitude. Every one of Comfort Supply’s employees cares about the customer. Our President Clay has created an organization that is geared around the success of its dealers. I appreciate the “family owned” feel that Comfort Supply creates.

Q: How long have you been with Comfort Supply?  
A: Two months

Q: What are you hoping to learn or accomplish at Comfort Supply?  
A: Educate residential and commercial dealers of the benefits of Comfort Supply and Ruud equipment.

Q: What other positions have you held?
A: I was the owner of Rainsoft of Knoxville and before that I was a chemistry teacher at Grace Academy.

Q: What is your title at Comfort Supply?  
A: Sales Consultant

Q: What are your new roles/responsibilities as a salesman?  
A: Educate dealers in East Tennessee.
 
Q: What is your favorite thing about your job?  
A: Calling on customers and helping them grow their business.

Q: What do you think makes Comfort Supply so great?  
A: All employees care about taking care of the customer. We all work together as a team to get the job accomplished.

Q: What do you like to do outside of work?  
A: Spending time with family, going to the gym, boating and hiking.

Q: Where are you from?  
A: Originally Hattiesburg, MS but I have been in Knoxville so long it’s home to me.

Welcome to the team, Bo. We're happy to have you!