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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All Temp Bear
July 8, 2013

A/C Features Your New System Should Have

Most people feel some degree of stress when they’re about to make a big-ticket purchase. But if you’re shopping for a new central air conditioning system, here’s a fact that should lift much of the worry from your shoulders: Thanks to some truly revolutionary A/C features, today’s systems need between 30 and 50 percent less energy to run than their clunky counterparts from the 1970s. In fact, even if your air conditioner is less than 15 years old, you stand to save as much as 20 to 40 percent on your energy bill by replacing it with a new, energy...

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June 7, 2013

When Replacing Units of Your Split-System A/C, Parts Should Match

Are you thinking about replacing part of your split-system A/C? Before going forward with any plans, it’s important to understand why finding the perfect match is necessary. Here’s a closer look at the value of performance matching and how to go about replacing your equipment. Why are matched parts such a big deal in split-system A/Cs? The manufacturer of your air conditioner took the time to precision-match its indoor and outdoor units for three reasons: efficiency, effectiveness and system longevity. If one unit begins to fail before the other, it may seem more economical to simply replace the problematic component,...

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All Temp Bear
June 5, 2013

Thinking About an A/C Replacement? Some Reasons You Should Go Ahead

Are you having a hard time deciding whether to go through with that A/C replacement? Here’s a look at what you stand to gain by upgrading your system now. An A/C Replacement Will Pay You Back When your equipment reaches retirement—typically after about 12 years of service—or repair costs add up, a replacement is in order. But even if your system still has a few years of life left, you may want to consider upgrading to enjoy these perks: Lower utility bills — New air conditioners must be manufactured with higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings than those on...

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All Temp Bear
June 4, 2013

If Your A/C Isn’t Reaching Its SEER, This Could Be Why

Are you hoping to save money by maximizing your A/C SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio)? Although reading the energy labels and selecting a high-efficiency cooling system is smart, it’s important to understand that the installation and maintenance of your equipment can affect performance levels. Here’s a quick guide to ensuring that you get the most value from your air conditioner. Installation factors A/C SEER ratings are determined under controlled lab settings. When actually installed in the field, however, certain conditions may affect the overall performance rating. Such variables as weather cannot be controlled, but there are four factors that your...

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All Temp Bear
June 3, 2013

A/C Problems That May Crop Up and How to Address Them

When you’re having A/C problems, detecting the problem in a timely fashion can save you money and avoid discomfort in your home. Understanding the most common problems that can arise with your air conditioner, as well as how they occur and their solutions, can provide early detection and prompt resolution. What are the most common A/C problems and their causes? The four common problems include: Leaky ducts or low airflow: There are a couple of reasons for these problems. Inadequate maintenance of your A/C system, such as not changing air filters regularly, can diminish its airflow. Also, leaky ducts or...

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All Temp Bear
May 10, 2013

Replacing Your Air Conditioner: Why Only a Perfect Match Will Do

With cooling season here, now’s the time to make sure your A/C is ready to do its job. If you’re considering replacing your air conditioner with a newer, more efficient model, don’t stop halfway. A split A/C system consisting of an indoor and outdoor unit is meant to work as a team; replacing only one of these units may be easier on your budget, but wind up costing you more in the long run. Read on to see why a perfect match is your best bet. Increased Efficiency The efficiency level of your A/C is determined by the Seasonal Energy...

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All Temp Bear
May 3, 2013

Air-Conditioner Maintenance Begins With a Professional Tune-up, But It Doesn’t Stop There

If you believe that hiring an HVAC contractor is the only step involved in taking care of your annual air-conditioner maintenance, guess again. Although working with a professional is necessary, you need to do your part to keep your cooling equipment running efficiently. Here’s how you and your HVAC technician can work together to give your air conditioner the TLC it deserves. Professional air-conditioner maintenance During air-conditioning maintenance, you should expect your technician to perform a number of tasks including: Verifying the correct refrigerant charge and checking for refrigerant leaks. Inspecting the electrical connections. Lubricating the moving parts. Tightening loose...

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April 26, 2013

Have You Switched from R-22 to R-410A AC Unit?

R-22, more commonly known as Freon, runs most of the AC units in American homes today. However, its days are numbered due to government action to remove it from the marketplace. More recently, the increasing shortage of Freon has caused prices to rise, and consumers are seeing the effects in the cost of high air conditioning repair bills. In response, many homeowners have chosen to upgrade to new systems running on R-410A, trade named Puron. Puron is an environmentally friendly AC refrigerant that doesn’t harm the ozone layer like Freon. When you factor in the absence of high repair costs,...

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April 12, 2013

What is Ductless Air Conditioning?

Your air ducts are integral in the operation of your central heating and cooling system, delivering conditioned air throughout your home. However, ducts can account for as much as 40 percent of the heating and cooling costs associated with a central HVAC system. Poor insulation or presence of leaks can add to these costs while stressing your AC compressor. Ductless air conditioning can be an excellent choice for improving both home comfort and energy usage in your residence. The Basics of Ductless Air Conditioning A ductless system eliminates the use of ducts for heating and cooling your home. An outdoor...

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