What to Consider to Make Sure Your Home’s Heating System Is Safe

An important step for people to follow when heating livable space is making sure they stay safe. Colder temperatures always bring increased chances of home fires. Follow a few safety precautions when heating your home.

Smoke Detectors

You should have working smoke and carbon monoxide detection devices inside the house. A smoke detector should be installed in the hallway and preferably in each bedroom. Some homeowners install them in the kitchen or dining area as extra precaution against a fire. Batteries should be changed at least twice a year. Installing a carbon monoxide detector can alert family members in the event of a gas leak in the heating system.

Four Clear Indicators that It's Time to Get Your Heating Unit Cleaned

Your furnace is probably something you don't think about too often, unless there happens to be a noticeable problem with it. Not every potential performance issue is as obvious as a furnace that's not working. Ensure you'll enjoy efficient heating whenever there's a chill in the air by paying attention to signs indicating that it's time to get your furnace inspected or cleaned.

Unexplained Cold Spots

Should you suddenly notice cold spots, it's likely that your ducts need cleaning. Uneven heating could also indicate that it's time to change your filter or clean the blower.

Check on Your Heating: 5 Reasons Your House Heater Is Blowing Cold Air

A heater is an important part of your home. It is responsible for moderating the temperature in your home. There may come a time, however, when you may notice your heater blowing cold air. Here are five causes of this issue.

1. Thermostat Settings

Sometimes your heater blows cold air because your thermostat settings are incorrect. A lot of people forget they have switched their thermostat settings from auto to on. When you do this, the fan constantly runs and heating will not occur until the settings are returned to auto or the temp in your home drops below the setting on your thermostat.

Why Upgrading to a Smart Heating System Is a Good Decision to Make

If your home doesn't have a smart thermostat, then you might be missing out on some amazing benefits your family deserves to enjoy. These devices are more popular than ever, and they give families unprecedented control over their homes. Here is a look at some of the benefits of upgrading your heating and cooling systems with a WiFi thermostat.

How to Improve the Energy Efficiency of Your Residential Gas Furnace

During wintertime, your heating system may seem like it is constantly cycling in order to keep your Grand Strand area home warm enough. If your utility bills are higher than usual or your furnace is turning on right after it just shut off, the system could have an efficiency problem. Consider these three ways a professional HVAC technician can help to improve the energy efficiency of your residential gas furnace.

How to Inspect Your Heating System Before Cold Weather Sets In

There is no convenient time to have a heating system malfunction. However, you can prevent being left out in the cold by performing routine pre-season inspections and maintenance. A home inspection takes very little time, and keeping on top of issues before they're a problem will help keep you and your family warm and cozy throughout those long, cold winter nights.

Avoid Future Problems: Don't Ignore These Heating System Warning Signs

Your HVAC system is integral to your family's comfort and the value of your home. Issues with your furnace or heater can actually impact your energy bills and air quality throughout the year. Here are a few warning signs that it might be time to contact a technician to take a look at your heating system.

Heating Experts List Down Safety Features That Your Furnace Must Have

Heating systems that use natural gas or propane as their fuel are highly efficient at converting the gas into heat. One downside of these systems is that the combustion of gas creates byproducts such as carbon monoxide. 

Common Air Conditioning Myths That May Damage Your System Over Time

Innocent activities that you believe are good for your air conditioning system may actually hurt it. Traditional, split systems have many components that are either housed inside or exposed to the weathering elements. If you're concerned about maintaining a quality AC system, consider these myths and what you can do as an alternative.

Clever Air Conditioning Care Tips and Tricks for Any Time of Year

Your air conditioner gives the home a comfortable feeling on the hottest days of the year. In many regions, it might be used almost every month because of changing temperatures. This hardworking appliance needs to have some maintenance throughout the year, which includes both owner and professional maintenance chores.

Consider some of the simplest things that can be done to your air conditioner to prolong its lifespan.

Summer Air Conditioning Tips to Reduce Your Home’s Electric Bills

Summer is now in full swing, and you are likely pushing your air conditioning system to its limits, just so you can stay comfortable under the sweltering heat. Most likely, you are pushing your utility bills to its limits as well. If you want to lower your summer electric bills right now, then here are three tips that you need to implement fast:

Keep your drapes closed

It’s nice to have plenty of natural light in your home. Unfortunately, the heat the sun generates is costing you, because it makes your AC unit work harder to keep your home’s temperature to the desired levels. Unless it’s completely necessary to let some sunshine in, keep your drapes closed when you’re using your AC.

Leave your air vents open

The common belief is that closing some of the air vents in your home keeps it cooler elsewhere. On the contrary, closing more than 10 percent of your home’s air vents leads to an imbalance in pressure that reduces your AC’s cooling power, so it’s best to leave them open.

Keep your AC system clean

Inspect your AC system for any debris and obstruction, and remove these as you find them. Be sure to check your AC’s filters as well. If your AC has a permanent filter, clean it. If it’s disposable, replace it. A dirty filter makes your AC less efficient, leading to higher energy bills.

If you still feel uncomfortable with your AC’s cooling level despite these tips, it may be time to have your system looked at by a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning professional. Do this immediately so you can get your AC working at the optimal level at the soonest time possible.

Sources:

AC energy-saving tips, savewithsrp.com
8 Steps to Take Now to Save on Your Summer Air-Conditioning Bill, money.usnews.com

How to Determine When Your Air Conditioning Unit Needs to Be Serviced

Having a properly working air conditioning unit is essential to maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout your home. Like any major appliance, though, your air conditioner must be maintained and sometimes requires a bit of servicing. Although you should have your air conditioner checked by HVAC professionals at least once a year to ensure that it's still operating at maximum efficiency, there are a few tell-tale signs to look out for that let you know your unit needs to be serviced right away.

Sparks

If your air conditioner is emitting sparks in or around the unit, then it certainly needs to be serviced right away. Air conditioners that emit sparks are definitely not safe to be using since they could end up completely catching fire, and electrical fires can pose immediate threats to anyone in the vicinity when they ignite.

Leaking

If your air conditioner is leaking, then it is probably in need of servicing as well. It should be noted that a leaking air conditioner is much different than one that simply has a bit of moisture on the outside of the unit. It's normal for air conditioners to have a bit of condensation on them, but if you see a large puddle of water around your air conditioner, then something's wrong. Your air conditioner should not be leaking water or any other fluids.

Constant Running

Perhaps one of the most significant signs your air conditioner is in need of servicing is if it constantly runs, but the temperature in your home doesn't seem to be getting any lower. When this happens, oftentimes your thermostat or other essential element has a problem. Although you can run an air conditioner without a properly working thermostat, running the unit constantly will significantly decrease its lifespan.

Sources:

9 Things You Need to Know About Air Conditioning, thisoldhouse.com

MAINTAINING YOUR AIR CONDITIONER, energy.gov

Too Hot? Common Air Conditioning Problems and How to Address Them

When summer produces its hottest days, your air conditioning system should be keeping your living and work spaces cool and comfortable. There are times, however, that an AC unit may not work properly. Here are some common problems that can occur and simple fixes to address them:

Your Air Conditioning Doesn't Turn On

If your system doesn't turn on, your thermostat may be set incorrectly. Check that your thermostat is set to "Cool" or "AC", making sure the temperature is set correctly and that your thermostat's battery is good. You should also check your circuit breaker to be sure the switch isn't tripped.

Your Air Conditioner Cycles On and Off a Lot

If your air conditioner cycles on and off several times an hour, there may be dirt or debris in the condenser or evaporator. If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning the unit yourself, you can bring in an HVAC professional to do the job.

The Air from Your AC Doesn't Feel as Cool as it Used to

If you notice that your air conditioner isn't cooling as well as it did in the past, there may be a restriction in the airflow. Usually, you can correct this by changing or cleaning the filter. Another culprit may be plants or debris blocking the airflow from the condenser. If you remove objects from around the condenser, you may get better airflow from your unit.

Water Puddling or Leaking from Your Main AC Unit

If you see water puddling or leaking around your main AC unit, this could mean there's a clog in the line leading out of your AC unit or a line connection is loose. Inspect any outgoing lines you can easily see and call your AC professional if you can't clear the problem on your own.

Source:
How to Fix Your AC to Last Through the Summer, houselogic.com

Tips For Improving Air Conditioning Efficiency in Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach, SC is one of the most beautiful places to live. With the ocean right outside your door, nothing else in the world seems to matter. However, your tranquil environment can turn into an uncomfortable one when your air conditioning is not working properly. The heat and humidity of the area can be overwhelming. The need for AC repair services is often required when you least expect it.

Having a comfortable home is of the utmost importance when the temperature is soaring. Here are five tips to keep your home cool and comfortable.

1. Never Turn Your Unit Below 70 Degrees

Your unit is designed to keep it 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature. Turning the unit below 70 degrees will cause it to run constantly and increase your utility bills. Additionally, the unit can freeze over causing damage.

2. Have Preventative Maintenance Performed At Least Once Per Year

Avoiding service interruptions is why preventative maintenance is so important. Technicians can see problems like low refrigerant levels and faulty belts before the AC goes out.

3. Change Your Filters Regularly

Filter changes are essential. A filter should be changed often. Depending on your unit, some could need to be changed every month.

4. Replace a Unit more Than 15 Years Old

If your unit is more than 15 years old, it is living on borrowed time. A unit loses efficiency as it ages. Replacing the unit will nearly pay for itself in savings.

5. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is an inexpensive way to increase your savings. These thermostats can turn the AC unit up when no one is home and they can turn the temperature back down to a comfortable level when you are. There is no reason to cool an empty house.

Preventable maintenance is the best way to ensure your HVAC unit will last. A unit that is properly maintained will last longer than one that is left to time and chance.


Sources:

5 Ways to Save Money on Air Conditioning. Good Housekeeping.
Tips: Air Conditioners. Energy.gov.

How the Pros Spot and Fix Problems With Your Air Conditioning Unit

When temperatures rise, the first appliance you rely on is the air conditioner. However, it may not have been used for several months. You turn on the system, and it doesn't operate as well as before. Take a close look at a few common problems associated with the air conditioning.

When you notice the system is turning on and off at a rapid pace, you may have a faulty component in play. Unless an external factor is involved, such as leaving a window open, every air conditioner should have long time periods where they're either on or off. Your thermostat may be malfunctioning and causing the erratic system behavior.

Turning On the Air Conditioning System: Your Way to Better Health

You already know that air conditioning helps you feel great on a hot summer day, but did you know it also offers health and other benefits? Your air conditioner may be doing more for you than just keeping you cool. Here's how:

Reduced Chances of Asthma and Allergy Attacks

The filters used in air conditioners trap much of the pollen and dust that come in from outside. Trapping the dust allows those with asthma to breathe easier, while trapping allergens reduces the risk of a runny nose and itchy eyes for allergy sufferers. To receive this kind of benefit, however, you must keep your air conditioner's filters clean. If you don't, you could make asthma and allergy problems worse rather than better.

Reasons Why Your Air Conditioning Unit Develops Ice During Hot Weather

During hot weather conditions or warmer seasons, you might look out your window and see that there is ice forming on your air conditioning system, sometimes even inside the unit. Ice can develop for many reasons. If you notice any ice on or in your air conditioner, it is best to call a professional to do an inspection and see if the system has any problems, such as the following:

How Mini Split Ductless Air Conditioning Units Work

Older homes often lack central air conditioning. In order for homeowners to enjoy the benefits of cooler rooms and less humid summertime air, heating and air conditioning technicians used to have to tear into a home's walls and install ductwork, which costs a lot of money and eats up a lot of time. With a mini split ductless air conditioner system, however, you can enjoy a more comfortable home right away.

No Duct Work
Mini split ductless systems do not require air ducts. There is an outside unit that acts as the compressor. This unit is connected to refrigerant lines in each room where the homeowner wants an air conditioner. A small wall-mounted unit acts as the condenser and the fan. This allows for cooler air without making huge holes in the walls.

Environmentally Friendly
A mini split air conditioner system uses R 410A as its chemical coolant. This coolant is an environmentally friendly coolant. The coolant cycles between the wall-mounted unit and the outdoor compressor. Each of the wall-mounted units has its own power source so the coolant can be propelled back and forth to the outdoor unit.

Separate Filters
The wall-mounted units have air filters the cooled air comes through before being blown into the living space by the fan. The air filter can be a high efficiency particulate (HEPA) filter or a standard filter. The filter captures allergens and germs.

Individual Thermostats
A mini split ductless air conditioner uses an individual thermostat in each room or zone of the home. The separate thermostats control the wall-mounted unit. Each thermostat can be set to a different temperature. The air conditioner can be on in just one room or on in all of them but cooling to different temperatures.

Clean Air Conditioning Systems May Help Keep Your Family Healthy

Are you or a family member experiencing respiratory issues? While allergens are a common cause of respiratory problems, your air conditioning system could be to blame. Here is a closer look at the connection between your ducts, your A/C, and your family's respiratory health.

Simple Money-Saving Air Conditioning Tips Homeowners Should Remember

You don't need to accept your skyrocketing energy bills without a fight. Homeowners have a number of simple maintenance tasks they can carry out to improve the efficiency of their home and the comfort of their family. Here is a look at some steps you can take to start slashing your energy bills today.