Affordable residential & commercial HVAC services

Specializing in ductless mini split systems

Servicing all name brands & models of heating, cooling & refrigeration equipment

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New York Heating System Services

Hitech Central Air Inc. (PTAC Experts) provides a full range of services for your heating system. There are several components to heating systems. Your home or business may consist of a combination of these.

We service all heating equipment: Furnaces, Water Boilers, Heat Pumps, Radiators & Air Handlers. Older buildings may have radiator heating systems where water heated by a water boiler is sent to radiators which release heat into the building. More common are forced air systems. A water boiler is still used for heating water for faucets and showers. The air is heated by either a furnace or by an electric heat pump. The furnace may be either an oil furnace, natural gas furnace, or electric furnace.

Forced air heating systems are the most common in homes.  Central air conditioning is usually installed along with a furnace and the hot or cold air is forced out by a fan called an air handler.  In the case of an electric heat pump, the pump both heats and cools and the air is forced through ducts as well. In forced air systems these components are typically combined into one unit.

Ductless Mini Split Systems

Ductless mini split systems are also controlled by electric heat pumps which both heat and cool. In this type of system refrigerant lines run from the main unit outdoors to indoor individual units. These units blow the air out into each room. One of the advantages is that you can control the climate separately in each room or zone.

These systems are in many cases more efficient and save space by not requiring ductwork. However aesthetics is a consideration with refrigerant lines and blower units being placed on the walls. Ductless systems are ideal in new home construction or for additions. In buildings with existing duct work it may be more immediately affordable to replace an old furnace or AC.

Radiant Heating Systems

There is also what is called a radiant heat system. With radiant heating it is the water boiler that provides the heat. Water lines are placed beneath the flooring and heat is generated from the floor. This type of system does not require duct work or vents, as does forced air, and it is highly efficient. It is ideal in new home construction where flooring is yet to be installed, or in any home where new flooring is being considered. Click here to read more about radiant heating systems installed by Hitech Central Air Inc. (PTAC Experts).

Complete Services for all Heat Systems

Hitech Central Air Inc. (PTAC Experts) provides services for all of the above systems. From our central location at 119 Schenectady Ave, Brooklyn, NY we offer service to New York’s 5 boroughs & surrounding areas. We cover installations, repairs and maintenance for all heating components including furnaces, boilers, radiators, heat pumps and blowers. Consider us for regular maintenance to your system. Efficient and dependable running of your system is a matter of cost, comfort, health and safety.

More about Heating Components…

NYC Air Conditioning Service 

Hitech Central Air Inc. (PTAC Experts) is a licensed  air conditioning service contractor. We offer installation, maintenance & repair for all commerical & residential customers in the New York Metro area. Our technicians are licensed, trained & experienced with nearly all types & brands of equipment. When you need service we’ll be ready at your door with the know how and tools to have you up and running promptly.

Offering You the Best Options at the Right Price

For new installations we will work with you to find the right equipment at the right price. Your air conditioner needs to work clean & efficiently to keep your place in the comfort zone with clean air & cost effectiveness. We strive to meet these needs whether it be an installation, maintenance or repair job. When your ac is not functioning properly, we come to you with advanced diagnostic tools to get right to the problem. If worthwhile for our customer we always try to bring their existing system up to proper levels of efficiency & dependability. When it’s more cost efficient to replace a unit, we offer you the best options. We have experience working with all major name brands. We can offer you cooling options in the ranges of normal, medium and high efficiency whether it be a heat pump or standalone air conditioner.

We Service All Components / Brands & Offer Regular Maintenance Plans

Our air conditioning service includes maintenance & repairs on all AC components like condensors, compressors, coils, heat pumps, refrigerant lines & ductwork. We detect & prevent leaks, repair thermostats, replace refrigerant lines, clean or replace coils & other components, charge the refrigerant and more. Sometimes your system can still offer years of dependable service by changing out a part or two . We offer regular maintenance plans for new installations as well as existing air conditioners. Regular maintenance can save you money by eliminating expensive repairs, replacements & high energy bills.

Hitech Central Air Inc. (PTAC Experts) Floor Services

Ductwork Installation & Repair

Hitech Central Air Inc. (PTAC Experts)n Thermo HVAC offers professional ductwork installation, maintenance & repair. We service all residential & commercial customers in the New York Metro area. With the proper tools and ventilation techniques, we will install or upgrade your ventilation system for maximum energy efficiency. We will design & fabricate a system customized to your property’s layout.

Ductwork – An Important Part of Air Quality  & Energy Efficiency

Properly installed and maintained ductwork is an important part of your hvac system. Central forced air heating & cooling systems deliver hot or cold air through the ductwork & out the vents. Ducts must be properly routed, leak free and clean in order to efficiently deliver clean air. Proper ventilation will save on energy costs & eliminate air contamination which can cause health issues. It will also control moisture levels. Excess moisture can cause mold or mildew. Excessive dry air on the other hand can cause other health & comfort issues & interior damages.

A properly designed installation with quality materials will last many years. It will save thousands in energy costs and increase the value of your property. An old system which is dirty, leaking, corroded or improperly routed could be costing thousands in energy costs. Leaks in ductwork can account for up to 30% of energy loss. This may also contribute to premature aging of roofs & interiors. Air quality could be very poor as well. In such cases we can  upgrade your ductwork or seal leaks.

Air Quality & Duct Cleaning

We offer duct cleaning  for your home or business’ existing ductwork. This is one very important part of achieving the highest indoor air quality.  Over the years, depending on how often the filter has been changed, dust & mold can accumulate inside the ducts. Pathogens can be carried out through the vents into the environment. This can contribute to allergies & other health problems. Cleaning or replacing your filter regularly helps to reduce this. Ultraviolet lights (UV) installed in the air handler along with quality HEPA filters purify the air. We install these components as well as whole house humidifiers. These components along with cleaned air ducts combine to deliver the highest quality indoor air.

Hitech Central Air Inc. (PTAC Experts)floors.com

HVAC System Components

Hitech Central Air Inc. (PTAC Experts) offers a full line of new heating, air conditioning & ventilation products from all major manufacturers such as Trane, Goodman, Mitsubishi, Carrier, Honeywell and Lennox.  Here you will find the most widely used HVAC system components which are available from us with manufacturer’s warranties and our service warranty. Have a free consultation with one of our HVAC technicians to determine which equipment will best suit your needs & budget. We will work with you to help you find which HVAC system will work best for your home or business.  We offer complete services including installation, maintenance & repair of all equipment.

Water Boilers

Shown here are the most common type of water heaters – storage tanks heated by natural gas or electric. Standard gas heaters cost less to run then standard electric heaters, though the units themselves cost more to purchase than electric units. There are even more efficient gas & electric water heaters. The electric heat pump water heater is said to use 60% less energy than standard electric heaters.  Natural gas condensing water heaters are more efficient for larger volumes over 55 gallons such as for commerical properties.

Forced Air Furnaces / Heaters

Forced air heaters also can be powered by natural gas (propane) or electric, as well as oil.  These units are generally installed along with central air conditioning. The system delivers the air through ductwork & out vents.  A large fan called an air handler forces the heated or cooled air through the HVAC system. Operation costs for gas, electric or oil depends more on your location as energy costs for each vary from place to place. In New York city natural gas furnaces are the most common with propane being somewhat inexpensive.

Steam Radiator Heaters

According to the New York Times an estimated 70% of large buildings in New York City are heated by these type of heaters. Water is heated by the water boiler. The pressurized water is delivered through pipes to the radiators. The heated metal emits heat into the room.  This is the type of system which became common with the development of large buildings in New York City. And it is what has remained in place since. Though the systems are relatively simple to maintain it is less efficient, can be more difficult to control and can also be noisy. Most buildings have kept the systems in place due to the high cost of conversion to newer more efficient systems like forced air gas furnaces.

Heat Pumps

The electric heat pump works like an air conditioner to provide both heat and cooling. It extracts either heat or cold from the outside air or ground and transfers it to rooms. Heat pumps also work as central heating and air conditioning systems delivering forced air from a compressor through air handlers, ducts & vents. The main unit is installed outside and supplies hot or cold air to the air handler through tubing. They generally run more efficiently than standalone electric furnaces & air conditioners. The initial costs of the units & installation, as well as maintenance can be more however.  Energy costs can vary from time to time. Whether a heat pump will save money in the long run when comparing to a gas, oil or electric furnace will depend on the running cost of each type of energy.

Ductless Mini Split AC / Heat Pump

The ductless mini split AC is also a heat pump system providing both heating & cooling.  With the ductless system, the main unit outside provides heating & cooling to individual air handlers through refrigerant lines. Each individual room or office has it’s own air handler. With this hvac system rooms or zones can be controlled individually. This is very efficient and requires no ductwork.  Mini split systems have become a very affordable and sensible solution for many homes and businesses in New York City.

Radiant Floor Heating 

An attractive heating alternative system is the radiant floor heating. It is particularly suitable for new installs or when flooring is being replaced. This type of system runs heated water from a water boiler through tubing beneath the floor. Heat rises from the floor up. It is among the most cost efficient system to operate.  More about radiant floor heating & installation by Hitech Central Air Inc. (PTAC Experts).

Central Air Conditioning

A standalone central air conditioning system provides cool air through ducts. Unlike a heat pump, which also runs a compressor,  it does cooling only. This type of unit generally costs less than a heat pump. Today there are many highly efficient units available and sometimes it is worthwhile to replace an older inefficient unit. Central air conditioning provides cold air to all rooms & hallways at once. Unlike the ductless mini split systems which require an air handler & tubing on the wall,  it is completely out of sight except for the outside unit. When compared to window air conditioners which can be noisy, central air is very quiet.

Air Handlers

Any hvac system with forced air uses an air handler. These are large electric fans which push air through the ductwork and out vents. Furnaces, central air conditioners & heat pumps all work in combination with air handlers. These are available in all various sizes and capacities & configurations, for indoor or outdoor, stacked, roof or floor mounted. They may be equipped with air filters, UV air purifiers & humidifiers for indoor air quality.

Ductless Air Conditioner Full Service

Hitech Central Air Inc. (PTAC Experts) specializes in ductless air conditioner mini split heating and air conditioning installation, maintenance and repair. Recent innovations have made these systems very popular as whole house cooling & heating systems. This is because of their very high energy efficiency & the other advantages of a ductless system.

Sometimes referred to as a ductless air conditioner, the split mini is a heat pump or an air conditioner which both cools and heats. A main unit compressor/condensor is installed outside and connects to multiple indoor units through conduit tubing containing both electrical & refrigerant lines. This setup enables systems to be installed where there’s no ducts. Rooms or zones can be controlled individually. There is no need to heat or cool unoccupied rooms as with central ducted systems.

Save With Highly Efficient Ductless Cooling & Heating 

These electric powered systems are designed in a way which generates hot and cold air more efficiently than standalone electric furnaces or air conditioners. This combined with the ability to have individual thermostats in each room or zone makes a highly efficient system which can save thousands on annual energy costs. Cooling costs can be up to 40% less. The ductless air conditioner is also efficient because of the fact that it is ductless. Ductwork can account for large energy losses when there are leaky ducts. With the ductless system, the air is not carried from far to each room, but rather it is generated directly from the unit in the room.

Ductless Air Conditioner Easy Installation

Ductless also means that the systems are more ready & easy to install. The outdoor units are lightweight & compact, requiring less space than standard central air conditioners. They can be installed anywhere without the need of ductwork. This makes the ductless air conditioner a great option for practically any space. It is especially practical for renovations and new additions, new buildings and homes where ductwork cannot fit. Installations are much easier than renovating & installing ductwork for central systems.

High Air Quality With The Ductless System

Air quality is also an advantage. These systems are designed with multi part filtration systems to eliminate contaminants from the air. The filters are long lasting and easy to maintain. Ductwork tends to accumulate & circulate dust carrying allergens, odors and bacteria. The ductwork needs to be cleaned periodically. This problem is eliminated with the ductless system.

more about ductless mini splits on energy.gov

VRF Mini (Variable Refrigerant Flow) HVAC systems are growing in popularity here in Brooklyn & New York City. More businesses & residents are implementing the benefits of VRF HVAC systems. Currently it is the most advanced HVAC technology available. VRF offers the greatest efficiency & targeted temperature control. Hitech Central Air Inc. (PTAC Experts) offers residential & commercial VRF installations.

The distinct advantage of VRF HVAC is indicated by it’s name. These systems are designed for maximum efficiency by varying refrigerant flow. The simultaneous regulation of compressor speed & thus power consumption is what puts VRF on the cutting edge of HVAC technology. There are various types of ductless heat pump systems which generally are all more efficient than traditional HVAC systems. Amongst these VRF systems are the most efficient. In addition to being ductless & zoned, it has the additional advantage of power efficiency through varying refrigerant flow. Some VRF systems called Heat Recovery Systems are also capable of heating & cooling different zones simultaneously, thus achieving even greater efficiency.

The technology was originally introduced in the 80’s in Japan by the Daikin company who marketed their system as Daikin VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume). The same technology became available from numerous manufacturers as VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow). VRF became widely popularized throughout Europe & Asia since it’s introduction. It became available in the US in the early 2000’s and really started catching on around 2010.

VRF Mini & Other Ductless HVAC Systems

There are several types of ductless heat pump HVAC systems of which VRF mini is one. In summary there’s the mini split, multi split and VRF systems, which include mini VRF & larger commercial VRF systems. The terms mini split & multi split alone generally refer to ductless heat pump systems without the additional VRF technology. Mini split, multi split & mini vrf all operate on single phase power. The large commercial VRF systems require three phase power.

All of these ductless systems are designed with an outdoor unit (referred to as a heat pump, condenser or condensing unit) which contains one or more compressors. The compressor pumps refrigerant through lines to one or several air handlers (referred to as fan coils, blower coils or heads). The air handlers can be individually controlled at each air handler. Some can also be controlled from a central location. Air is heated or cooled on the spot by the air handler & delivered into the room.

Central air conditioning systems also use refrigerant, outdoor condensing units with a compressor & indoor fan coil air handlers. But with central air systems, chilled water flows through the system, air is conditioned by a central air handler & then forced through ducts to different rooms . The main difference with ductless systems is that refrigerant flows through the whole system & is delivered directly to the targeted location. This eliminates 30-40% energy losses common with ducted systems.

These ductless systems all share the benefit of higher energy efficiency due to being ductless & zone targeted. Though these systems do not require ducts, they can also be integrated into existing duct systems with the same efficiency. In general ductless systems are easier to install, maintain & they save space. Ductless system indoor air handlers are more easily accessible then central air systems which have air handlers in crawl spaces & attics. Another advantage is that if one air handler stops working it will not effect other air handlers.

Ductless Mini Split Systems

The simplest type of ductless hvac system is the mini split system. This was the first type of ductless system. It became known as the mini split because the function is split between an indoor & outdoor unit both of which are considerably more compact & streamlined than most standard equipment. Mini split most specifically refers to single zone units with a single air handler. Several choices of air handlers are available which can be mounted on the wall, ceiling or floor. Single zone mini splits are the simplest type of system to install. Often they are used for spot cooling or supplementing central AC by giving greater control over an individual space. Mini splits can also have multiple zones but to be more precise such systems are referred to as multi splits.

Ductless Multi Split Systems

Multi split systems are the same as mini splits but they can have 2 to 8 air handlers connected to a single outdoor unit. As with mini split systems they can either cool or heat, but not both simultaneously as some vrf systems can. Multi splits are basically the same as mini vrf systems. They both operate on single phase power. But mini vrf has additional power efficiency technology.

Mini VRF & Large Commercial VRF HVAC

Mini VRF is essentially an enhanced version of the ductless multi split system and achieves even greater power efficiency. VRF is the most energy efficient HVAC system because it is designed to use the minimum amount of power for cooling & heating.

VRF threefold power saving features:

• VRF is ductless. Ducted systems can lose 30-40% of energy through duct leaks as well as duct heat gain. This is heat absorbed by the ducts which are typically located in unconditioned spaces like attics & ceilings. Ductless systems eliminate this loss.
• VRF has targeted zoning. This enables conditioning of only occupied spaces. Central air systems condition the entire building even if half the rooms are unoccupied. This amounts to using twice the amount of energy which is actually needed.
• VRF varies refrigerant flow. This additional benefit achieves even lower power usage by varying compressor speeds & refrigerant flow. This is accomplished by several mechanisms which regulate energy cosumption. A liquid expansion valve in the air handler limits the flow of refrigerant. A DC inverter (or several compressors) regulates compressor speed. The compressor pumps only the exact amount of refrigerant required to each air handler. This design minimizes power consumption using only a fraction of the system capacity according to the demand.

Some VRF systems called heat recovery (HR) systems can save even more in buildings which require simultaneous heating & cooling of different spaces. The system exchanges hot & cold air between spaces that need cooling & those that need heat. Combined, these VRF power saving features can reduce power consumption by 30-65% compared to conventional systems.

Like Multi Splits, Mini VRF systems support up to 8 or 9 indoor air handlers on a single outdoor unit. Of course, more outdoor units can be added for additional indoor units. For example 2 outdoor units can be combined to support 16 indoor units, all on single phase power. Large commercial VRF rooftop systems for high rise buildings require three phase power & can support up to 48 indoor units on a single outdoor unit. Mini VRF is ideal for residences & light commercial buildings without three phase power:

• new construction, old construction
• buildings with limited space
• single family residences
• luxury apartments
• large custom homes
• townhouses
• brownstones
• multi family homes
• assisted living & nursing homes
• small office buildings
• bank branches
• restaurants
• retail stores
• light commercial spaces

Advantages of Mini VRF HVAC

Ductless System
The main culprit in most building energy audits is energy loss through air duct leaks & duct heat gain. Ductless systems deliver refrigerant to each targeted area for on the spot conditioned air.

Precise Zoning
With ducted systems ducts can be closed, but opening & closing ducts in several rooms every day is impractical. Neither does it give very precise temperature control. In offices sometimes one room down the hall with a large window is too hot while another room is too cold. VRF solves the issue of hot & cold spots & creates a more productive environment for work spaces. Each room can be set to the exact desired temperature. Schedules can also be set to raise or reduce temperatures automatically. Energy saving levels can be set for times when rooms aren’t occupied.

Maximum Energy Savings
Variant refrigerant flow maximizes energy savings. For some projects only a VRF system meets all energy specifications for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio), SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), and HSPF (Heating Season Performance Factor). VRF has largely contributed to many new constructions achieving LEED certification from the US Green Building Council.

Simultaneous Heating & Cooling
Some Systems called (HR) Heat Recovery Systems can simultaneously heat one space while cooling another. Heat extracted from areas needing cooling is transfered to areas needing heat.

Runs on single phase electricity
Mini vrf requires only single phase electricity compared to large commercial vrf rooftop units which require 3 phase. Many buildings have only single phase electricity.

Fewer breakdowns & less downtime
Because the system runs only when needed & at minimum power, the components undergo less wear & tear; And if one air handler malfunctions the other air handlers are unaffected. Also, with central systems the air handlers & ducts are placed in tight areas like crawl spaces & attics. With VRF HVAC both the indoor & outdoor units are installed in very easily accesible locations. Less wear & tear plus easier accessibility amounts to less downtime & lower repair costs.

Advanced Controls
Each air handler can be controlled separately, usually with a remote control. Some systems are wifi enabled allowing remote control from mobile devices. Some systems allow additional control from a central location. Schedules can be set for each zone to automatically raise & lower temperatures. Systems ideal for apartment & condo buildings also allow for invidual metering of each residence. Operation & maintenance alerts are available on some systems as well.

Space Savings & Design Flexibility
VRF equipment is compact & requires less space. This leaves more room for ceiling heights & living space in new construction. Construction costs can be reduced with VRF. It makes installations possible in old buildings that have no ducts & limited space. Indoor air handlers are sleek & come in a variety of designs which often can be concealed in ceilings, walls & floors. Refrigerant lines are capable of long runs to enable placement of outdoor equipment in ideal locations. There’s no requirement for flues, intakes, pipes & grilles needed on other HVAC systems. VRF offers specifications & design flexibility not available with any other system. When a project requires individual room temperature control & LEED energy specifications of 30% savings, VRF is likely the only option.

Healthier Indoor Air Quality
Another problem with central air systems is that air is filtered at one central location. Leaks in ductwork can still allow dust & contaminants to enter the system & be blown throughout the building. With ductless systems air is filtered separately in each zone by each air handler rather than at one central location.

Recap on the main benefits of mini VRF:

• ductless
• precise zoning
• maximum energy savings
• requires only single phase electricity
• some systems can heat & cool simultaneously
• fewer breakdowns/less downtime
• advanced controls
• quieter outdoor & indoor units, even quieter than standard split systems
• offers configurations & features not possible with any other type of hvac systems
• requires less space & offers greater fexibility
• healthier indoor air

Types of Ductless Heat Pump Systems:

• mini split
• multi split
• VRF

Types of VRF Systems

• cooling only
• heat pump (HP): cools & heats one at a time
• heat recovery (HR): cools & heats simultaneously
• single phase powered mini VRF: up to 8 air handlers on a single outdoor unit
• three phase powered large commercial VRF: up to 48 air handlers on a single outdoor unit

Other Points to consider about Mini VRF

• Higher upfront costs for equipment & installation: VRF HVAC systems are top of the line systems with cutting edge technology designed for improved comfort & maximum energy savings. Upfront costs can run 2 to 2.5 times as much as traditional systems. Often these costs are quickly regained since energy savings average 20-65% (Most systems achieve 20-30% savings). VRF can be very cost effective for new construction or where old systems are being replaced. Systems can average an upfront cost of $12-$18 per square foot depending on variables like control options & code requirements. Additional costs could include supplemental heating or a DOAS.
• Some VRF setups require a (DOAS) dedicated outdoor air system to meet ventilation codes. This brings in outside air into the zones. Buildings with operable windows usually are not subject to such code requirements. A DOAS & or ceiling fans can also further improve savings by increasing air distribution.
• Supplemental heating units are generally required for VRF systems: This is especially so in places like New York city where cold temperatures can reach extremes. On the very coldest days a VRF system is going to need supplemental heating to quickly heat a space. Home and businesses typically integrate electric heaters or radiant floor heating as a supplement.
• Installation requires VRF manufacturer trained & certified technicians. Manufacturer warranties require this. Proper installation & routine maintenance according to manufacturer’s exact specifications will ensure full operating efficiency & minimal repairs. Refrigerant leaks in joints can be difficult to detect so making sure the system is properly installed & commissioned from the beginning is very important.

Common VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) Manufacturers

• Mitsubishi
• Trane
• Lennox
• Carrier
• LG
• Panasonic
• Daikin
• Fujitsu

Mini VRF systems offer energy savings & design flexibility which can make it the ideal choice for many buildings in New York City. Contact Hitech Central Air Inc. (PTAC Experts) today for a free estimate. (212) 542-0016

Residential HVAC Services

Properly Servicing Your Home in New York City or Manhattan

Finding a reliable and experienced heating and air conditioning repair service that fits in your budget can be difficult. Luckily, we are here to help you. Our adaptable and reliable service technicians offer Manhattan and New York City HVAC services for residential properties.

Our certified technicians can assist you with any of the following issues:

• Heating – We offer services to homeowners and owners of multi-family structures. Our team can custom design an appropriate heating repair or installation that will fit in your budget.
• Air conditioning – To avoid being stuck in the sweltering heat of summer, talk to one of our friendly technicians today. We can repair your air conditioner or help you pick a new one.
• High-efficiency boilers – Saving money on your heating costs is a point of pride with our company. We can offer you boilers that provide thermal efficiency up to 99%!
• Leaking or cracked boiler – Don’t let your cracked or leaking boiler cause a bigger and more expensive problem. Speak with one of our helpful and experienced technicians now for help.
• HVAC maintenance plans – Keep your heating or cooling systems in top working order. Have one of our qualified service technicians examine your systems to help prevent problems.
• Worry free service contracts – Have a service technician review and maintain your heating and cooling systems at a convenient time for you. This is a great way to prevent future issues.
• HVAC seasonal inspection – It’s important that your air conditioner is performing in peak condition. It could be driving up your energy bills if it is operating in an unpredictable manner.

At Hitech Central Air Inc., our staff is well-versed in addressing any and all of your residential heating and cooling needs. We can provide you with maintenance, repairs, sales, or installation. Call us today at (212) 542-0016 to learn more about how can help you with your home.