September 22, 2014

Why is My Evaporator Coil Freezing?

We rely on our air conditioners to keep us cool during the hot summer months, but a frozen evaporator coil can actually cause your home to heat up! Operating the air conditioner with a frozen coil can do extensive damage to the unit, leaving you without cooling. Watch for these signs of a frozen evaporator coil, and learn how to avoid this issue. Spotting a frozen evaporator coil The signs of a frozen evaporator coil can be easily overlooked, but it’s important to be diligent about spotting them because of the severe damage which can be caused by this issue....

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All Temp Bear
July 1, 2014

When Is It Time to Install a New AC Unit?

The dreaded AC break. It usually happens the hottest day of the year, so it goes. So you’ve checked the unit and maybe even had a professional come out and tell you you’re going to need a new one. Here are some tips about when it’s time to install a new AC unit. A well maintained AC unit lasts about 15-20 years on average. Although that sounds like a long time, if you’ve moved into a previously occupied house, chances are you’re going to have to replace the AC unit at some point. If you’re nearing the end of an...

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May 6, 2014

Spring Cleaning: A Checklist for Air Conditioner Efficiency

Before you call for AC maintenance, or even better, before the weather gets warm enough for AC, you should double check to make sure your unit is operating properly. Test to see what the problem is (if there is one!) Is it not working at all, not blowing cold air, or not cooling the house to the desired temperature? Then check controls like the plug, fuses, and cool setting on the thermostat. Then, check the actual unit for damage or excessive dirt and grime. Sometimes cleaning the unit can make a difference. If all else fails, it may be time...

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September 11, 2013

Want to Air Condition a Garage? Consider the Ductless Option

When you want to air condition a garage, consider the ductless mini split. They’re heat pumps that don’t require any ductwork to deliver conditioned air. Ductless mini splits provide significant benefits for spaces where it would be impractical to run ducts. Benefits of Ductless Mini Splits to Air Condition a Garage Easy installation – The two main parts of the ductless mini split include the outdoor condenser and the indoor air handler, which can hang from the wall or ceiling. A flexible conduit containing the refrigerant, drainpipe and power connects the condenser and air handler. The refrigerant for these systems...

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September 4, 2013

Enjoy the Benefits of Clean A/C Coils – A How-To Guide

Central air conditioners and heat pumps have two coils that perform better when they’re dust-free. In fact, clean A/C coils prevent high energy bills and reduce the work load on the compressor. Dust insulates the coils, slowing the heat transfer process. Outdoor Condenser The condensing coil needs periodic cleaning throughout the summer. Removing leaves and other debris from the unit enhances the airflow through it, which helps speed the cooling of the hot refrigerant from your home. The coil may also need to be washed off if you notice dust covering the fins and the coil. Use a gentle spray...

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All Temp Bear
August 26, 2013

A Federal Energy Tax Credit Can Ease the Pain of an Ailing A/C That Won’t Last Till Fall

Is your A/C unit showing the inevitable signs of age? Are you putting off buying a new one because of financial concerns? If you’re afraid your A/C may not survive to see fall, take advantage of a federal energy tax credit. It can help keep your family cool and comfortable all summer, and it will save you money next year at tax time. This tax credit expires in December 2013, so now is the time to act. The tax credit is a part of the federal Energy Star program and offers consumers the incentive to choose more energy efficient HVAC...

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August 12, 2013

Keeping a High Efficiency Air Conditioner Running at its Best: 3 Key Tips

Running the air conditioner all summer can lead to increased energy bills, even for homeowners with high-efficiency air conditioners. Purchasing an A/C system with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (or SEER) isn’t the last step in ensuring a high efficiency air conditioner. Efficiency ratings refer to operation of A/C units in strictly controlled testing conditions, but reality does not match those test conditions and factors like climate and installation can greatly affect the actual operating performance of your unit. Boost the operating performance of your A/C unit by following these 3 tips: 1. Improve airflow: Air is cooled as...

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All Temp Bear
July 29, 2013

How to Make Your Air Conditioner Colder

If you’re like most Harrisburg area residents, figuring out how to make your air conditioner colder during the heat of the summer is at the top of your priority list. With a little attention, there are quite a few ways you can help your air conditioner feel a little cooler this season. How to make your air conditioner colder Keep it clean. Flip the breaker switch to turn off electricity, and spray down the outside compressor unit of your A/C. Doing this when you’re outside working on your yard takes less than two minutes, and removing debris that clogs up...

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July 22, 2013

What Causes an Air Conditioner to Leak Water

There are many reasons your A/C may be leaking water. To avoid damage to your property and help keep your system running efficiently, it’s important to determine what causes an air conditioner to leak water. Broken pump You can test for a broken condenser pump by pouring water into the condenser pan to see if it properly pumps out the excess. If it does not, check the power to the pump. If the power is good, have a professional come out and determine if it’s the motor or condenser itself. Improper installation If your system is not properly installed, water can...

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July 15, 2013

A Heat Pump for Cooling? Here’s How It Works, and Quietly Too

Mecklenburg County is a great locale for home heat pumps. Wintertime temperatures rarely go below freezing, while access to cool, conditioned air may be desired anytime between May and September under normal Charlotte area conditions. This is the ideal temperature scenario for heat pump use. Heat pumps have the unique capability of working as a furnace during cold weather and as an air conditioner during warm weather. They don’t generate heat/cold, but rather transfer it from one place to another. This makes them incredibly efficient and economical. They’re also quiet. For cooling functions, a heat pump works in much the...

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