Air Conditioning Inspection & Repair: When to Call in a Professional

As with any important appliance, vehicle, or other important item in your life, maintenance is the key to the life and efficiency of your air conditioning system. Regular inspections, proper maintenance, and thorough repairs when they are needed can help your air conditioning system work to its maximum efficiency and purpose.

There are many maintenance and repair jobs that can be done yourself, with the help of some thorough instructions and a few tools. Other jobs should be left to a professional, but how do you know when to call someone and when to do it yourself?

Routine and thorough inspections are one of the most important parts of maintaining your air conditioning system. Inspections should be performed twice a year. The changing of the seasons is usually the best reminder to inspect and service your air conditioning system.

Specific areas to inspect and what requires a call to a professional are:

Filters: Most everyone knows that you should change your filters every month or so, depending on the type of filters you use and your preferences. About twice yearly or more often, depending on whether or not they become visibly dirty or compacted, the ducts and vents need to be vacuumed and cleaned out. You can use household cleaning products, or a mix of vinegar and water does the trick perfectly. Make sure that all of the components are thoroughly dried before replacing the filters and vent doors.

Vents: Check all air vents around the house for signs of damage, and clean these as well.

Ducts: Your air conditioning system has a lot of exposed duct work. All of this should be inspected for signs of wear and tear, dents, and loose fittings. Keep a look out also for signs that air is escaping the ducts, such as dirt streaks. If you notice a lot of problems in the duct work, it is a good idea to call a professional to help identify and repair all of the issues.

Heat Pump: A well-maintained condensing unit coil is vital to proper heat pump operation. Other outdoor unit maintenance includes: Inspect the condensing unit's base-pan drain holes and remove any debris. Check the unit's wiring connections and the wiring insulation.

Thermostat: Open the thermostat and check for dust, which can cause it to lose function over time. Clean out any dust, hair, or other particles with a cotton swab.

Compressors: While you should always keep an eye on your outdoor air compressor to keep it free from falling leaves, branches, sticks, and other debris, you should closely inspect it at least twice a year. Look for dents, and take the cover off to check the blades for damage. If the blades are damaged, absolutely call a professional. It isn't safe to replace the blades yourself.

Generally, these inspections can be made yourself, without the help of a professional. Most of what needs to be inspected is visible to the eye and you can make safe calculations about whether things look okay or not. If you have any doubts, or you notice any of the specified issues mentioned, call a professional to help you.

Air Professionals of Sc Inc

Myrtle Beach, SC‎

(843) 293-8534

http://hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

Four Home Air Conditioning Systems To Help You Cool Down This Summer

There are many types of air conditioning systems that you can consider purchasing for this summer. The different terms used to describe these various types and define how they work can be very confusing. Despite their differences, however, all systems have the same five core elements – a refrigerant, compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator coil.

To help you easily determine the most suitable system for your home, listed below are the four most common types of air conditioning units.

1. Window air conditioner

This particular system consists of a self-contained unit placed in a window or through a hole in an exterior wall. This unitary system has all the five core elements in one compact box. It ejects hot air on end and blows cold air on the other end. This unit is perfect to easily cool down a small sized room.

2. Portable air conditioner

This is similar to the window air conditioner. The only difference is that this unit is portable and all the five core elements are contained in a mobile unit that could be placed on the floor. The hot air is ejected through an exterior wall via a hose vent.

Although this unit can be noisier than other systems, this is the perfect unit to use as complimentary cooling system to central air conditioning. This is often used in rooms that remain hot even with central air conditioning system.

3. Split or ductless air conditioner

This unit is also referred to as packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC). These are often used in hotels, motels, and apartments. This is called a split air conditioner because the system is divided into two packages or terminal units.

One terminal unit is called the condensing unit which consists of the condenser, condenser fan, and compressor and is often placed outside the building or home. The other terminal unit is called the evaporative unit that is placed inside the house and is responsible for air cooling and distribution. This terminal unit consists of the fan, expansion valve and evaporator coil. The two units are connected by refrigerant tubing that passes through the wall.

4. Central air conditioning

This system is the quietest, best performing, and most comfortable. This is why most home owners prefer central air systems than other types. However, this is only suitable for large sized homes. It may not perform well and may not sufficiently dehumidify a small room.

Like the split type system, this system is made up of two packaged units: the condensing unit and the evaporative unit. It is also connected by refrigerant tubing. The condensing unit consists of the compressor, condensing coils, and condensing fan. It is also placed outside the house.

The evaporative unit is placed in the plenum of the furnace and uses the same ductwork as the heating system. The evaporative unit consists of the evaporator coil and expansion valve.

Whatever unit you choose to buy, be sure that the unit matches the size and temperature of the room where it will be placed. This will ensure the best performance for your system and cooler days this summer.

Find out more about air conditioning systems by contacting Air Professionals of Sc Inc. now!

Air Professionals of Sc Inc

Myrtle Beach, SC‎

(843) 293-8534 (843) 293-1837

http://hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

Tips For Working with Air Conditioning Contractors

Working with air conditioning contractors in Myrtle Beach can be very stressful, especially when you're trying to ensure that you have proper heating and cooling to keep your family comfortable. But, honestly, it doesn't have to be difficult. If you are prepared and do your due diligence it honestly will be a cinch.

Work With Known Air Conditioning Companies

Before you even start working with a contractor ensure that you are working with a known entity. In other words, get some references from your friends and family to start your search for the right heating and cooling contractor. Working with people who have been referred by people that you know will be a step in the right direction to getting along with your air conditioning contractor.

Check References, Certification & Licensure

Even if your friends and family recommended someone highly it is still important to check all references, and ensure that their insurance, certification, and licensing are all up to date. Be sure to ask the references whether the contractor finished the work on budget and within the time constraints set up by the contract. This is a key question that can help determine how on or off the bid is.

Get a Written, Detailed Estimate & Contract

Your heating and cooling contractor will be happy to provide detailed, itemized estimates as well as detailed contracts. This is going to protect you and the contractor. It will give you both something to look at when there is a disagreement or another issue. Don't skip this part. Also, make sure everyone signs the contract.

Try Not to Focus Your Choice on Only Price

When you are gathering bids for your job, remember to focus on overall quality of work and not just on price. Some companies compete only on price, and their work may not be the kind of quality you desire. Also, sometimes the lowest price can end up costing more in the long run due to poor workmanship.

Put One Person in Charge

When working with the contractor be sure that only one person in your family is responsible for interactions with the contractor. It can be very confusing for you and the contractor if everyone in the family is telling the contractor something different. Best that the business has one point of contact and your family also have one point of contact. Be sure to pass on information to your family though, so they also know what to expect.

Communicate in Writing

Try to do most communication in writing so that you have a record of every discussion. Most people use email today so that should not be difficult. Even if you talk to the contractor in person, back it up by sending an email to confirm what you talked about and ask for confirmation.

Working with a contractor doesn't have to be difficult or confusing. There are a lot of stories of contractors not getting work done on time, and not coming in on budget, but if you talk to contractors you'll meet people who say they could not get the work done on time due to the customer changing the scope of the project, or interfering somehow. Guard yourself and your contractor against these types of problems by being diligent in checking out the heating and cooling contractors in advance, and by also being a good customer.

Air Professionals of SC is your local air conditioning contractor. Ask us for references and a written quote.

Air Professionals of SC Inc

Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

(843) 293-8534

http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

 

Conventional Systems – Air Conditioning Installation Tips

Installing a conventional forced air type of air conditioning system is typically done by professional installers that have been trained and are certified as HVAC technicians. There is always the option to do your own air conditioning installation, or at least do some of the advanced preparation to help keep costs down and make the installation smooth. Also if you know a bit about air conditioning installation it will better help you understand any questions or comments your contractor may make, as well as any changes to the plans or blueprint they may be requesting.

There are several different “do it yourself” air conditioning installation programs offered through the internet, some which are very valuable and others that offer just the very basic steps for installation. It is important to keep in mind than incorrectly doing your air conditioning installation can end up costing you more money in the long run, so be sure to clarify any questions and completely understand the process before you start.

The first step in completing your air conditioning installation process is to completely read through the manufacturer's manual. You will need to be trained and certified in handling the refrigerant or coolant or you will need to contract with someone to do this step. In addition if you are not an electrician it is always best to have a professional complete this step so you don't end up wasting time and money later when the building is inspected. If you need to acquire any permits be sure to do so prior to starting the air conditioning installation.

Make sure that you have all the necessary supplies before starting the project. This includes tools, the air conditioning unit itself, ducts and hangers and other equipment or supplies needed as per the manufacturer's instructions and your own particular building.  The next step is to locate the outdoor part of the unit (the heat pump) on level ground, ideally in a shady spot, close to the home and at least three feet from an electric or gas meter as per building codes in your area. Have a concrete pad to position the unit on and fasten as required. A small hole is then drilled through the wall to allow electrical wires pipes from the internal to external units.

Place the internal unit above the furnace as per the manufacturer's instructions. Attached the suction line that will carry the moisture between the inside unit and the condenser on the outside. At this point the high voltage connects need to be made by a professional electrician. There are also low voltage wires that will need to be connected, these can be done by the electrician or by the homeowner as per the air conditioning installation instructions provided.

Installing a new heating and air conditioning unit is not for the light of heart or inexperienced. You are better off hiring a professional like Air Professionals of SC for all you air conditioning needs.

Air Professionals of SC Inc

Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

(843) 293-8534

http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

Asking The Right Questions Of Myrtle Beach Air Conditioning Contractors

If you are building a home or office or have an existing home or building that you want to air condition, working with air conditioning contractors is the best way to go to ensure that you have a professionally installed and trouble free system. Air conditioning contractors are typically well experienced in residential, commercial or both types of air conditioning systems and generally work with any type of system that you choose to purchase. Some air conditioning contractors will recommend or prefer a specific type or model of air conditioner or system based on the space and requirements of the job, however most are flexible with regards to what specific brand of unit is purchased and installed.

Before selecting or choosing air conditioning contractors to work on your residence or commercial building, the first step is to familiarize yourself with some basic terminology. You will be installing or upgrading either conventional forced air systems or high velocity air conditioning systems. In addition you should also have an idea of the floor space, special aspects of the project such as attached buildings, multiple floor levels or even special areas such as sunrooms or covered decks that are to be included as air conditioned spaces. In addition it is important to know your budget and what options you can do without in order to bring the project in within your budget about.

Try to talk to at least 3 air conditioning contractors with regards to your project and keep written records of the answers to your questions. They should also provide a written estimate of the cost of the project.

Ask Questions Of The Myrtle Beach Air Conditioner Contractor

• What experience do you have with this type of a project?

Not only is experience important in providing an accurate estimate but it also can help with regards to potential problems or costly changes that might need to occur with the design. If the project is still in the blueprint stage the air conditioning contractor may make recommendations to the plan that could end up making the air conditioning and heating system more efficient and cost saving.

• What is the energy rating they typically obtain through their systems?

As the price of home heating and cooling continues to increase dramatically every year, working with air conditioning contractors that are familiar with energy saving features or “green features” that can be implemented to cut down the overall cost of long term use is essential.

• Ask what air conditioning unit the contractor recommends, its cost and what the maintenance requirements are for the unit.

Some units are initially lower cost but are higher maintenance over the long run, while others are more expensive initially but have very minimal maintenance costs throughout the life of the unit.

Finally, don't hesitate to ask the air conditioning contractors for references that you can speak to regarding their workmanship and quality of the service provided.

Call your local air conditioning contractor Air Professionals of Sc before you make a decision on installing or upgrading your air conditioning unit.

Air Professionals of SC Inc

Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

(843) 293-8534

http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

Air Conditioning Repair - What You Had to Know To Be Safe

There are a great number of a/c repair alternatives that are relatively easy and easy to do for the average handyman or handywoman, however there are also some harmful elements to cooling repair that ought to be well understood prior to beginning any repair work project. The very first and most evident security issues when it comes to cooling repair is that this is an electrical home appliance, and as such have to be entirely detached from the electric outlet before starting on the repair work. Merely turning the device control into the off position is not all that is required, rather the unit needs to be entirely unplugged or the electrical wiring disconnected to the source of power. This is especially essential when working within the system or around the fan location of the air conditioning unit.

Another relatively obvious component to air conditioning repair that is a safety concerns is certain to the window and wall mounted systems. These devices can be extremely heavy for their small size and generally are tough and awkward to physically handle for one person. If throughout the repair work you have to remove the air conditioning unit from its location be sure to have at least another individual to help with the job. This can be much more tough with heavy window mount systems that will need somebody on the inside as well as somebody on the exterior of your home to successfully move the system without harming the window frame or leading to some kind of physical injury.

If the forced air or conventional cooling systems are utilized the person doing the installation might not have the proper training and might have been done a poor job with  the vent lines from the a/c unit might have been improperly hooked to the sewage lines or the plumbing vents. In these circumstances the system can build up dangerous levels of bacteria in the wet, damp conditions developed in the lines plus sewage system gases can also back up through the air conditioning system developing major health concerns. If any foul odor or smell is seen in the air conditioning system or in the air when it is on, do not try the cooling repair work yourself, rather contact an expert that can securely remedy the issue.

Newer units use other coolants that are safer than Freon which is not dangerous itself  in small amounts unless there is an open flame present. If you think that the air conditioning system is leaking coolant or if you smell any unusual smells in the room or air after completing some kind of air conditioning repair the best alternative is to turn the unit off and instantly contact a skilled and licensed service technician. Because Freon is odorless it is most likely not the problem, nevertheless there might be some other problem that is triggering the visible odor. Make sure all heating systems, stoves or other type of flame is totally out in your house or area up until the unit can be examined and fixed.

Most homes in the Myrtle Beach area utilize central air conditioning systems. Whether your unit is in need of repair or general maintenance, call Air Professionals and we will be right out to assist.

Air Professionals of SC Inc

Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

(843) 293-8534

http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

Maintaining A Central Air Conditioning System

Having a central air conditioning system is almost a necessity in Myrtle Beach but it is also a good option in more central and even northern areas where summer temperatures get above 80 degrees. Maintaining a consistent temperature in your house adds both to the comfort level as well as to the resale value and even the life of your home. Houses that are kept between temperatures of 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit consistently throughout the year have less cracking, moving and buckling of wood within the house.

Keeping your central air conditioning system functioning is important in maintaining the temperature in the house. There are some general tips for upkeep on a central air conditioning system that are simple and easy to do, however if you have purchased a maintenance contract as part of the installation package of a new system this may be done for you for the period listed in the contract. By correctly maintaining your system you can be assured that it will work longer as well as more efficiently, costing you less in both repair and power bills even as the unit ages.

All central air conditioning units have two separate and different components that are equally important in the functioning and efficiency of the system. The part that is outside is the condenser unit and while it is a sealed unit, it does tend to collect debris, dirt and organic material. Keeping the condenser clean and free from these items will help with air movement across the condenser coils, making the unit work more efficiently. Some of the basic maintenance that should be done before using the unit for the first time in the spring or summer include cutting down all weeds, grass or bushes that may be drawn into the unit by the fan or may stop the flow of air to the fan. In addition commercial condenser coil should be used to clean the coil prior to the first use. The fins, the small aluminum pieces around the unit, need to be carefully cleaned with a soft brush or a special fin cleaner. Don't use water as this can cause the debris to turn into mud and may damage or bend the soft metal the fins are made of.

The evaporator unit in the central air conditioning system is in the house, typically in the main furnace duct just above the furnace in what is known as the plenum. If the plenum is solid, the system will have to be serviced by an A/C technician, but if it is removable the homeowner can do some basic maintenance themselves. Clean the unit with a cleaning brush, don't use a cloth that can catch on parts and possibly cause damage. In addition clean the drain pan located below the evaporator. In humid climates where a lot of water will sit in the tray, check to make sure the drain in the tray is clear and add one tablespoon of bleach to prevent the growth of mold and fungus.]

For best results, call Air Professionals for a complete check of you central air conditioning unit before the summer really heats up.

Air Professionals of SC Inc

Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

(843) 293-8534

http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/