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Thermoelectric systems are based on the scientific phenomena called the Peltier Effect. According to this phenomenon a temperature gradient is set up when an electric current is passed through the junctions of two conductors. Due to this effect heat is deposited in one junction and cooling occurs in the other junction. Thermoelectric systems are mainly used in cooling devices but it also finds application in heating devices. In both cases DC voltage is necessary. Use Of Thermoelectric Systems In Heating Thermoelectric systems are used for heating under the circumstances listed below: If the target temperature of the heating device is lower than the melting point of the soldering material which is typically around 138°C. If special solders are used then the temperature will be around 260°C. If a single component of the device is responsible for heating and cooling If the system is equipped with a thermoelectric cooling device If the system requires 100% heating efficiency within a tight power budget Use Of Thermoelectric Systems In Cooling Thermoelectric systems are used for cooling under the circumstances listed below: If the amount of heat that has to be displaced is lower than the capability of a normal compressor based system If the system requires an environment that is not affected by position or orientation If the object that has to be cooled is placed in isolation If the exact required temperature is not achievable using thermostatic temperature control Benefits of thermoelectric systems Thermoelectric systems offer a number of advantages as mentioned below: Moving parts are absent A thermoelectric unit does not have any moving parts. This makes the unit maintenance free. Compact The thermoelectric module is small and light weight. The size of a thermoelectric cooling system is much smaller than a traditional mechanical system. It is also possible to design the unit to meet the specific requirements of different design systems. Heating and cooling modules are present within the same system The thermoelectric cooler is capable of either cooling or heating the system based upon the polarity of the DC power applied. Due to this feature, it is not required to have 2 separate modules for heating and cooling purposes. Exact temperature control It is possible to set precise temperature using a closed loop circuit. It even allows changing temperature in the range of +/- 0.1°C. High reliability Due to the solid state construction, thermoelectric systems are very reliable. Under ideal conditions, the life of such a system is generally more than 200,000 hours. Eco friendly Traditional cooling systems use chloro-fluro carbons that are harmful to the environment. But thermoelectric systems do not use or emit any harmful gases. Applications of thermoelectric systems Thermoelectric systems have a wide variety of applications. It is used in many defense technologies as it can withstand extreme conditions. As thermoelectric systems are not affected by orientation, it is used in many space equipments that operate under zero gravity. It is used to maintain viscosity in many ink jet printers. It is used in laser diode arrays.

While having a Pittsburgh HVAC technician a phone call away is always wise, there are still some do-it-yourself options available to make sure your home’s furnace and air conditioning unit are performing up to par. Follow along as our team of professional technicians walks you through the steps to identify and repair sources of energy-wasting issues in your home’s HVAC unit. DIY HVAC Inspection Tips from Tudi Mechanical Systems Inspecting the Furnace Even if you stay up on top of DIY inspections, it’s important that you have your furnace professionally inspected and repaired at least every other year if not more. A professional Pittsburgh HVAC technician can assist you in extending the life of your furnace by removing dust from air tubes, cleaning the burners and ensuring that your unit is operating safely and at maximum efficiency. In between inspections, take some time every few months to check your furnace filter about once a month. Changing out a dirty filter can pay off huge in the life of your unit and your home’s utility costs. Whenever you are installing a fresh filter, make sure the air-direction indicator is pointing in the proper direction to make the most of your unit’s efficiency. Cleaning the Ductwork While often ignored in favor of maintaining the HVAC system itself, your home’s ductwork should be routinely checked in order to keep your home running efficiently. Duct cleaning can be completed either on your own or with a professional’s help. Clean, well-sealed ductwork can ensure that no air flowing through your home is being lost along the way. Auditing Your HVAC System’s Efficiency Heating and cooling combine for almost half of your home’s total energy consumption, so performing a routine HVAC audit may just be the key to helping you save money. Start off by making a list of where you feel the drafts are in your home. After closing off different areas of the home and shutting down combustion appliances, light some incense sticks and turn on your home’s exhaust fan or a large window fan to circulate air throughout the home. Any drafts will cause the plume of the smoke to waver or flow in the direction of an air leakage, helping you determine where energy is being lost in every room of the home. Additionally, be sure to check for air movement around outlets, wall switches, storm windows and doors to help cut back on your home’s utility costs. If you’re looking for ways to save throughout your home, get in touch with the full-service technicians from Tudi Mechanical Systems. Under our Home Comfort Plan, your home is sure to be comfortable all year round, as our Pittsburgh HVAC technicians, plumbers, electricians and more work all year round to help you keep your home in tip-top shape. Call a Tudi technician today for your free home energy estimate, and discover the ways that we can help you save this season!