November 28, 2017

What is R-22?

  R-22, also known as Freon, is a type of refrigerant used in older residential air conditioning (AC) units. Due to environmental concerns, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had taken action to phase out R-22. The refrigerant contains chlorine, which is an ozone-depleting compound. In order to protect the Earth’s ozone layer, the EPA mandated that R-22 no longer be manufactured or imported into the United States. A safer alternative, R-410A, is now the new standard for residential ACs. What is R-410A? R-410A, also known as Puron is a hydro-fluorocarbon (HFC) and does not pose a risk to the...

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All Temp Bear
September 14, 2017

3 Reasons You Need Fall HVAC Maintenance

Fall will be here before we know it in Charlotte, which means colder weather is on its way. Have you scheduled your heating system tune-up yet? Here all All Temp’s top 3 reasons why you need fall HVAC maintenance. Fall HVAC maintenance lowers energy bills Regular maintenance is the difference between affordable heating and skyrocketing energy bills during fall and winter. HVAC inspections and tune-ups ensure that all your equipment’s components are working efficiently, minimizing energy usage. This keeps your energy bills from going through the roof when cold temperatures put your heating system to the test. Prevent heating system...

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All Temp Bear
September 1, 2016

Noise Coming From My AC System, Now What?

Noises coming from appliances are typically the main reason we call a repair person. But of course, when the repair person arrives, the system is no longer making the noise. There are several things you can do to help the HVAC contractor diagnose the problem quickly and effectively. Write down when you hear the noise. What time of day is it? What was the temperature like? What temperature was the thermostat set to? Are major appliances running at the same time? How often do you hear the noise? Describe the sound. Classify the sound as chirping, clicking, squealing, hissing, gurgling,...

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All Temp Bear
August 1, 2016

3 Tips to Determine Which Cooling System is Right for You

  Shopping for a new cooling system can be overwhelming. It’s not an inexpensive purchase and many people go 12-20 years without needing to purchase a new system. There are many manufacturers, units, styles, and options.   Here are 3 tips to determine which cooling system is right for you: Have a load calculation done by a licensed HVAC professional. A load calculation helps you pick the perfect unit for energy efficiency and to maximize the cooling comfort in your home. A load calculation measures how big your home is, how many floors you have, the current cooling system, the...

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All Temp Bear
July 1, 2016

Warning Signs for HVAC Repair

Warning Signs for HVAC Repair Knowing your HVAC system might need to be repaired or replaced soon is better than being caught off guard. Inevitably, when HVAC systems break, it’s the hottest or the coldest day of the year – because that’s when they’re working the hardest. Watch out for these warning signs you may need to repair or replace your HVAC system: The system is more than 15 years old. The average life expectancy for a gas furnace is 18 years. Energystar.gov recommends replacing furnaces over 15 years old to enjoy 15% more energy efficiency. The heating or cooling...

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All Temp Bear
June 1, 2016

Shopping For a New Air Conditioner or Heater? Keep These Tips in Mind!

Chances are, if you’re shopping for a new air condition or heating system, it’s been a while since you’ve done this before – if at all. Systems can last from 12-20 years, so you’ll likely only have to shop for a few in your lifetime. Each year, HVAC systems advance, so it’s important to keep these tips in mind while shopping for a new system: Look for efficiency. Models with high efficiency will cost more initially, but will save you much more in the long run. High-efficiency models have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 90 or above. Look...

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All Temp Bear
April 20, 2016

What to Look for In An Air Conditioning Company

For most of us, a house represents the largest financial investment we’ll ever make. That means finding a company to handle your AC needs is of utmost importance, as well. The company you pick will be your partner in choosing and maintaining your home’s HVAC unit, which has consequences you might not have thought about. Since cooling and heating can account for almost half of a typical homeowner’s energy costs, making the right decision can have an impact on your financial well-being, in addition to the comfort of you and your family. For years, people in have trusted for their...

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All Temp Bear
April 20, 2016

Should I Continue Repairing My AC Unit?

We have a lot of customers ask us if they should continue repairing their air conditioners, or if they should just go ahead and replace them. We tell them to consider the following factors: How old is your unit? After a unit has been in use for 10-15 years, it’s time to replace. By this age, parts start to break down and air quality is compromised. How often are you repairing your AC unit? If you’re repairing your air conditioner often, it could mean the unit needs to be replaced. Think about how much money you’ve spent on repairs and...

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All Temp Bear
April 4, 2016

The Best Way to Protect Your HVAC Investment

As with any expensive investment, you want to protect your HVAC system. But because it’s not as fun or glamorous as a new car or boat, it often slips to the back of the mind when thinking about maintenance. Air conditioning and heating units malfunction, often at the most inopportune time.  Unfortunately, when your HVAC unit breaks down, it’s usually not a cheap or easy fix. But by performing maintenance on your HVAC unit annually, you can save thousands down the road and ensure your HVAC system lasts a long time. Performing maintenance before the start of cooling season ensures...

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All Temp Bear
March 1, 2016

5 Simple Ways to Improve Air Quality At Home

Many people don’t think about indoor air quality, but it has a significant effect on your comfort and health. Improving air quality reduces contaminants, allows you to breathe easier, reduces allergy and asthma symptoms, and keeps your home cleaner. Improving indoor air quality is simple and homeowners can do many of these services themselves or for relatively cheap: Air purifiers and filters – Air purifiers and filters capture contaminants as air passes through the purifier/filter. There are different types of air purifiers and filters, designed to trap different contaminants. In addition to cleaning the air inside your home, duct mounted...

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All Temp Bear