How To Cut Down Energy Costs With Proper HVAC Maintenance

HVACKeeping your HVAC in top condition not only lightens the load on the system but also eases energy consumption. With regular HVAC maintenance, you can easily save yourself a lot of money on energy costs as well as keep the efficiency of your system as high as possible.

Aside from increased efficiency, following the required scheduled maintenance keeps your system from failing which costs a lot of money to service and replace certain parts.

Regular HVAC maintenance lowers energy consumption

Your HVAC system will most likely be the biggest consumer of electricity in your home. It’s no surprise since HVAC systems are designed to heat up or cool down an entire house.

With this in mind, energy consumption will be significant. During the winter and summer months, energy costs will increase as well. However, keeping your HVAC system in top condition will ease up energy consumption.

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How To Minimize The Cost of Running Your Air Conditioning Unit

air conditioningHotter days are here and as much as you enjoy fresh air coming in through your home windows, it is also time to get your yearly service. Have you ever thought about what is required to run your air conditioning unit?

When you compare running your central air conditioning to an electric fan, the distinction is remarkable. In today’s financial situation, we are all searching for means to conserve a couple of bucks.

What makes your air conditioning unit run?

There are several factors that affect the cost of running your air conditioning unit, such as the location of your residence, the amount of shade around your residence and the amount of cooling your air conditioner needs to cool the entire home.

In North Myrtle Beach, summers are expected to be hotter every year, thus the need for your air conditioning unit to work extra hard to maintain a certain level of convenience.

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Air Conditioner Maintenance Every Homeowner Should Know

air conditioning maintenanceRegular air conditioning maintenance is extremely important and necessary during summer when you will be using your cooling unit for longer hours. Aside from properly cleaning your indoor and outdoor units as well as changing or cleaning your filters, there are other important aspects of maintaining your air conditioner. Read below to find what these are.

Basic Air Conditioner Maintenance Guide

There are some things you will need to do before starting your air conditioner for the first time. It is highly recommended that you do these days before summer heat sets in to ensure your air conditioner is ready to serve you in the coming warm days. Plus, should you find your unit has problems, it will be easier for you to seek professional assistance.

  1. Make sure the outdoor unit – the condensing unit – is not covered with dust and debris like leaves and branches. The unit needs to be able to draw in the air freely without any hindrances to effectively function and operate.
  2. Ensure you have clean filters. If your unit uses disposable filters, purchase additional filters as you will most likely be replacing them more often during summer as you continue to use your air cooling unit for longer hours. If it uses washable filters, make sure you wash them at least once a week. Keep in mind that air that is blown throughout your houses passes thru these filters. They need to be clean and free of clog to ensure smooth airflow.
  3. Check your thermostat Most homeowners panic when their air conditioner does not function properly when the only problem is they have not properly adjusted the thermostat settings. Make sure that your thermostat is in the right setting so as not to cause damage to your air conditioning unit.
  4. Inspect all access panels of your air conditioner. Screws may become lose even if you are not using your unit. Either way, you still need to check them to ensure they are secure and tight.
  5. Regularly remove debris that has accumulated around or near your condensing unit. Keep in mind that leaves, dust, papers and other debris are blown by the wind on a daily basis. So even if you cleaned and removed debris from your condensing unit before you use it for the summer, this debris can come back in a week or a couple of days. To ensure, your condensing unit is free of debris, clean it at least once a week.
  6. Hire a air conditioner maintenance professional to clean your unit before the summer season begins. This will ensure that your unit is properly and efficiently cleaned before and after you use it during summer.
  7. Avoid cleaning your air conditioner by using your garden hose to spray water over it. There is a proper way of cleaning your heat pump. Cleaning it with water is dangerous considering it is an electrically powered machine. You might be doing more harm to your unit than cleaning it if you used water. Keep in mind that water and electricity when combined may result in electrical shock or a short. Thus, it is highly recommended that you hire professionals to clean your air conditioning unit.

Regular checkups by professionals

heating and cooling

heating and cooling

These checkups are an important aspect of maintaining an air conditioning North Myrtle Beach as these help you discover if there are problems with your air conditioner before we are in the hot summer temperatures. They are especially helpful in identifying small potential problems so you can resolve them earlier before they lead to large, more damaging and costly problems.

According to experts, you should have your air conditioner checked by trained and skilled professionals like North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air at least once a year, particularly every spring. This is the best time for a checkup as it will give you sufficient time to repair and resolve any problems before the summer season when you will need your air conditioner the most.

A basic air conditioner checkup includes:

  • Inspecting thermostat to ensure proper operation
  • Checking of all electrical components, wirings, and connections
  • Oiling motors and other components as necessary
  • Checking for smooth and unhindered airflow
  • Checking for the proper level of Freon and looking for signs of Freon leakage
  • Properly cleaning of coils to ensure smooth and filtered airflow

Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air now to inquire about their air conditioner maintenance services.

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North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/

Serving: North Myrtle BeachBarefoot LandingLittle RiverLongsCherry Grove

Impacts Of High Humidity On Your AC System

AC systemHumidity makes the heat even more unbearable for almost anyone, especially lately in North Myrtle Beach . That’s just one of the ways humidity affects people. In a nutshell, high humidity is the least bit comfortable for use outdoors and indoors. The same goes for your AC system.

Have you ever thought about how humidity impacts your air conditioning unit? Your North Myrtle Beach AC system is  bound to have problems if humidity remains at a consistent high.

In extreme cases, air conditioner repair may be needed for units that have been damaged by humidity. Read on to understand more about how high humidity impacts your air conditioning unit and how you can prevent damage.

Indoor Humidity And What It Does To Your AC System

For homes, the ideal humidity level is around 30-60%. Any more than this could signal problems later on. You can check the humidity level in your home by doing a few steps. The first thing you could try out is to use a hygrometer.

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Keep Your Air Conditioning Cool Even With The Summer Heat

air conditioningThe humid summer season in North Myrtle Beach and other parts of South Carolina is back; which means having to keep your house cool, and devoid of excessive moisture as it could have a harmful impact on your house. It is also important not to run your air conditioning system to the ground to attain its maximum cooling power.

Below are a few tips to help you and your air conditioning unit survive the heat this summer and save up on energy costs.

Tips to Lessen Stress on Your Air Conditioning Unit

Everyone knows how hot it can get in South Carolina. But not everyone knows how to keep cool and use your air conditioning less. Here are a few steps you can adapt.

Keep your home as dark as you can throughout the day, when the sun is high up.

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Optimize Thermostat For Cool Energy Savings

air conditioning settingsTo improve energy efficiency this summer and save money, you can take a small but important step by ensuring that your thermostat settings are set for maximum comfort and efficiency. By assessing the efficiency of your air conditioning system and cleaning or replacing air filters, you can improve system performance.

Summer is here, and you may  already be enjoying the balmy nights and warm days we have been experiencing. The warmer weather brings with it a lot of fun at the beach, but also a greater need to keep cool. This is especially true during the hottest hours of the day. This month we researched how to maximize your thermostat settings so that you can stay cool in summer without burning through your wallet.

What are the optimal thermostat  settings?

The climate in your state will determine the optimal AC setting. For example, the recommended AC settings for South Carolina may be different than the AC settings in northern states where many of you are from. It is generally recommended to keep the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors small. The lower your cooling costs will be, the smaller the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors.

A general tip to reduce your energy bills is to keep the house warm when you’re not at home. Set your thermostat to a lower temperature when you arrive home to cool down. When you’re home, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat to 78 degrees. However, they do mention that it depends on where you live as well as how comfortable you feel in this temperature. Each house and individual is different!

The Department of Energy recommends that you do not set your thermostat to a lower temperature than usual when you turn on the AC. The AC will not cool down your home any faster if you set the temperature lower. This can be an unnecessary expense. Instead, turn on the fan!

Be a fan of fans!

ceiling fanYou can save a lot of cash by using your ceiling fan in conjunction with an air conditioner. Fans do not cool a room, but only the people inside. Your fan will disrupt the layer of stagnant air surrounding your body. This layer of stagnant air prevents heat from escaping. It is similar to being covered by a blanket. Fans disrupt the layer of stagnant air and create airflow in the room, which allows your body to release heat faster. You will feel cooler even without lowering the AC temperatures. Save energy by using the fan.

Remember that the fan will not save you energy. Instead, it is better to increase your thermostat. The fan compensates for higher AC temperatures.

Increase your thermostat while keeping the fan running. You’ll use more energy if you turn on the fan while keeping your thermostat set at the same temperature. According to the US Department of Energy a ceiling fan allows you to increase your AC by 2-4 degrees and still feel cool.

Quick Home Adjustments

Close your blinds throughout the day. Close your blinds during the day to reflect heat that is radiated through the windows. It is especially important to do this during the day when the sun’s rays are directly shining on your home.

  • Close all windows and doors when using AC.

If possible, change your AC filter every month during the summer months! Dirt and debris on your AC filter will make your AC system work more to cool your home. You can save money by changing your AC filters regularly. Your system will be more efficient and last longer.

  • When you leave the room, turn off all lights. Leaving lights on can warm up the room.
  • It’s best to leave interior doors open if you have central air conditioning.

Preventative Maintenance

Air conditioning preventative maintenance refers to the regular and proactive servicing and inspection of an air conditioning system to ensure its optimal performance, efficiency, and longevity. It involves a series of tasks performed by qualified technicians to prevent potential issues, identify and address minor problems before they escalate, and maintain the overall health of the system. The primary goal of preventative maintenance is to maximize the system’s reliability, energy efficiency, and lifespan while minimizing the risk of unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.

North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air includes in air conditioning preventative maintenance:

  1. Cleaning: Regular cleaning of air conditioning components, such as the condenser coils, evaporator coils, filters, and drains, is crucial to prevent the accumulation of dirt, dust, and debris. This buildup can hinder airflow, reduce cooling capacity, and strain the system, leading to decreased efficiency and potential malfunctions.
  2. Inspection and lubrication:  Our technicians inspect the various parts of the system, including fans, motors, belts, and bearings, to check for wear and tear, loose connections, and signs of damage. They also lubricate moving parts as needed to ensure smooth operation and minimize friction, which can contribute to excessive energy consumption and premature component failure.
  3. Refrigerant levels: Maintaining the correct refrigerant charge is essential for optimal cooling performance. Technicians measure and adjust refrigerant levels if necessary, as improper amounts can lead to reduced efficiency, increased energy consumption, and potential compressor damage.
  4. Electrical system check: The electrical components of an air conditioning system, such as wiring, capacitors, and relays, need to be inspected for signs of wear, loose connections, and potential electrical issues. Identifying and addressing these problems early can help prevent system failures and electrical hazards.
  5. Thermostat calibration: Technicians ensure that the thermostat is accurately calibrated, enabling it to maintain the desired temperature and ensure optimal comfort while minimizing unnecessary cooling cycles.
  6. Airflow assessment: The airflow within the system and throughout the conditioned space is assessed to identify any restrictions or imbalances. Technicians may clean or adjust ductwork, dampers, and vents to optimize airflow and ensure proper cooling and distribution.
  7. System performance evaluation: Our technicians test the system’s performance, measuring temperature differentials, monitoring operating pressures, and assessing overall efficiency. This evaluation helps identify any performance issues or deviations from normal operation, allowing for timely adjustments or repairs.

By performing these routine maintenance tasks, air conditioning preventative maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, improves energy efficiency, prolongs the system’s lifespan, enhances indoor air quality, and saves on long-term repair and replacement costs.

North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air recommends an air conditioning checkup every 6 months or just after movibg into your home. Call us today to schedule a convenient time.

North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/

Serving: North Myrtle BeachBarefoot LandingLittle RiverLongsCherry Grove

Air Conditioning Systems And Their Unique Repair Needs

air conditioningEach type of air conditioning system has its own repair requirements. There are many things to consider when choosing an air conditioner for your home. It is important that you understand the unique needs of each system, regardless of what type you select. This information can save you time and money by detecting problems early and maintaining your system.

Types Of Air Conditioning Systems

The most common systems are central air conditioners, portable units, ductless mini splits, split unit ACs, portable units and window-mounted units.

Central Air Conditioners

North Myrtle Beach residents prefer central air conditioners (also known as ducted units) to cool their homes. To cool your home, these systems use an outdoor unit and an interior evaporator coil. The compressor, located in the condenser, works by cycling the refrigerant throughout the system. This cools the air before it enters the home.

Air conditioners with ducts are very efficient and can be used to regulate the temperature in a whole house or office. Installing and operating them can be cheaper than multiple mini-split units and window units.

Split Unit ACs

Split-unit ACs work similarly to central air conditioners, but they have an extra component called a multi-split inverter. Multiple indoor units can be connected to a single outdoor condenser/compressor using this component. These systems are great if you need to cool multiple rooms or do not want to deal with ductwork.

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HVAC Contractors On Repairing Storm Related Damage To Your Air Conditioner

HVAC contractorsIt is not unusual for South Carolina to experience thunderstorms all summer, even on hot and humid days. Often they can be serious, with strong winds that can severely damage power lines. When that occurs, you can unexpectedly discover yourself in total darkness, even worse, without an air conditioner!

So when the power has been restored, you simply want to switch your air conditioner back on, particularly on a hot summer day. But, you might be puzzled to discover that your air conditioning system is not working.

Can electrical damage cause it?

Before jumping to conclusions, HVAC contractors suggest you try to reboot your air conditioning system after a power failure.

HVAC Contractor’s Guide on Air Conditioner Reboot

Even a simple thunderstorm can cause lighting to strike, triggering a power surge that can trip the breaker. If it was simply a random blackout and not brought on by a storm, there could still be a surge when the power comes back. That’s simply the breaker doing its task of securing your devices. All you need to do is understand how to reset the breaker and turn the system back on.

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Hiring The Best Air Conditioning Contractor

air conditioning contractorIf your air conditioner is not working properly, you must hire a technician you can trust to fix it. You could end up paying for substandard work or overpaying for a simple task if you don’t do any research about your technician. These 12 things you should consider when choosing an air conditioning contractor.

Hiring An Air Conditioning Contractor

1. Find out more

Do some research first. You should familiarize yourself with the air conditioner you have so that it is known to you what type, brand, and model it is. Also, be sure to know its maintenance history. You can get a good idea of how bad the problem is by determining which rooms are the most uncomfortable. It will guide you in your search.

Other benefits come from becoming familiar with your air conditioner. You will be more confident in diagnosing potential problems if you spend more time learning about your unit. You could save money in the future if you can fix your unit yourself and no longer need a technician.

It is best to leave the more difficult tasks to a professional air conditioner contractor in North Myrtle Beach. You may spend more upfront, but in the long run, you’ll save money because the job will be done right the first time.

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How To Improve The Efficiency Of Your Air Conditioner In Your Home

Air conditioner North Myrtle BeachIt’s cool that your air conditioner does the minimum to keep you cool, but it isn’t cool when it increases your energy bill to get the job done. There are many ways to improve energy efficiency. Here are a few ways to optimize the performance of your HVAC.

1. Clean the Area Around your Outdoor Condenser to Improve HVAC Efficiency

Obstructions and clogs around the outside condenser can significantly reduce your AC’s efficiency. Look for obstructions and debris around and on the unit. Clean your AC unit as well. You can hide your North Myrtle Beach air conditioning unit, but it won’t look good. Don’t use a structure that is enclosed or place anything above it.

2. Keep vents unblocked and clean

The vents can be blocked by dust bunnies or buildup, which prevents cool air from escaping. Do a walk-through to check your vents and see if they need cleaning. Avoid placing furniture or other obstructions around vents to ensure that cold air is circulated properly.

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