"Safety Check", "Tune-Ups", "Check-Ups"...what's the difference?

We blogged about the difference in promotions a few months ago for air conditioning.  So, with the heating season now upon us, we thought we would educate everyone on the differences of these services for heating. We HIGHLY recommend having your furnace checked BEFORE long run times start!

As we said before lots of companies are running specials. There are "Tune Ups", "Safety Checks", "Check-Ups", the list goes on and on. So what's the difference, is it just terminology? Not always. You should always read (even the fine print) or call and find out what is included. By doing this you will be able to weed out what is a marketing ploy and what is truely beneficial.

When having your heating checked, what really needs to be done? Different people will tell you different things. Carolina Heating & Air Design believes these are the basics:

1. First, your system should be checked once a season! This is for optimal operation. Also, in the heating season, this will guarantee your safety. A check will make sure you do not have any carbon monoxide leaking, which as we all know is DEADLY! So, we always recommend having your heating checked pre-season.
2. Check your heat exchanger and flue piping if applicable.
3. Check and test all the parts. This will let you know if a part is bad, or just as important, if a part is getting weak or showing signs it is going bad.
4. Check of gas leaks.
5. Check electrical connections.
6. Check airflow.  Improper airflow is one of the largest contributor to premature failure or breakdown.
7. Check your ductwork.
8. Check your thermostat.

As we mentioned in the first item, the most important thing is to have ALL components of the heating and air conditioning system checked yearly. The most efficient way to have your system performing properly and efficiently is to sign up for a yearly maintenance agreement. Carolina Heating & Air Design offers a Preferred Customer Agreement (PCA) which gives you two visits per year, 15% discount, and priority scheduling. With the PCA, any adjusmtents that need to be made to obtain optimal efficiency is included.  We will even clean the indoor coil during both the heating and cooling inspections. The agreement gives you in-depth cleaning, diagnostics, and effiency testing of your equipment.

Whatever your situation or budget, Carolina Heating & Air Design has a service for you!

Check out our service options on our website and call us today to schedule!

980-235-0055

 

90 Day Filters, Do They Really Last That Long?

As we all know, the air in your home is extremely important to your health!  More and more people are now purchasing the higher quality 90 day filters that are now available.  But are they worth it?  Do they really work that well?  Do they actually last 90 days?

Having good quality air filtration is one key factor to having healthy indoor air quality, and yes we believe the higher quality filters on the market are worth the money.  BUT, there are several factors that you need to consider:

1 - Just because the package says 90 day filter, does NOT mean it will last 90 days in your home.

Here is a picture of a 90 day filter that we took out of a home this week.  The customer was a little upset because it had only been in for 60 days! 

Per Filtrete's website:  The life of a filter can depend on the individual conditions in your home. You may need to change your filter more often if your home has:

• Unusually dirty duct work
• Construction work in progress
• Furniture or drywall sanding in progress
• Pets
• Smokers
• A fan running continuously

In these cases, you may want to change the filter more frequently.

We also see that more frequent filter changes are needed in homes with large families and small children due to the amount of times the doors are opened a day.

2 - Will the new filter restrict my air flow?

Today's heating and cooling systems operate differently. It is extremely important to have proper air flow through your home. A lot of times we see customers who have had their equipment changed out, but the ductwork was not. It is not always bad, but sometimes the old ductwork doesn't carry the amount of air that the newer more efficient systems require. So, what does that have to do with filters? Simple, the 90 day filters are denser and catch more particles which also means the air can not move through the filter as easily. This could cause the equipment to work much harded and cut down on the life span of your equipment. We recommend that you have the entire system checked to be sure the high quality filters are right for your situation. Check out Filtrete's FAQ section on the high efficiency filters.

Again, we believe it is extremely important to have a good quality filter in place if your system allows it.  BUT even more important, whether you have a $50 filter or a $1 filter, change them as it is needed for your situation.  Don't get stuck breathing the air coming through a dirty filter like above!  Check your filters regularly!

To schedule an evaluation of your system, 
call us today at 980-235-0055!

 

 

 

Hurricane Season Is Here

With Hurricane Isaac off the Gulf Coast, we start to think about what we here in the Carolina's need to do to be prepared in case a hurricane or other extreme weather were to threaten us.

First, you should know the difference between a weather "Watch" and "Warning".  A Watch means conditions are threatening and probability is higher that bad weather could happen. When Watch is issued, review your safety plans, keep informed and be ready to act if a warning is issued.  A Warning means conditions are expected and will happen. When a Warning is issued, complete your storm preparations, do as the authorities instruct you, and leave the area if directed to do so.


Here are a some things to know and do to be prepared:

Know your evacuation routes and locate your local emergency shelters.

Don't get caught by surprise. There is not enough time to think of everything you need to do when a hurricane or bad weather approaches.

Put fuel in all vehicles and withdraw some cash from the bank. Gas stations and banks may be closed after a hurricane or bad weather.

Keep a photo I.D. that shows your home address. This may become important when asking a police officer or National Guard member for permission to re-enter your neighborhood.

There is never enough time to get ready for nature's fiercest weather. Give yourself and your family a head start.

Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day

Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food

Flashlight

Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAAWeather Radio, if possible)

Extra batteries

First aid kit

Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)

Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of  address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)

Cell phone with chargers

Family and emergency contact information

Emergency blanket

Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)

Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)

Tools/supplies for securing your home

Extra set of car keys and house keys

What to do when a hurricane threatens...

• Listen to a NOAAWeather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS) regularly.
  
• Check your disaster supplies and replace or restock as needed.
  
• Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture).
  
• Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you do not have hurricane shutters, close and board up all windows and doors with plywood.
  
• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
  
• Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
  
• Fill your car’s gas tank.
  
• Talk with members of your household and create an evacuation plan.  Planning and practicing your evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event.
  
• Learn about your community’s hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for your pets to be
  cared for.
  
• Evacuate if advised by authorities. Be careful to avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.
  
• Because standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding, it’s important to have protection from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other
  conditions that impact the U.S. For more information on flood insurance, please visit the National Flood Insurance Program Web site at www.FloodSmart.gov.

What to do after a hurricane...

• Continue listening to a NOAAWeather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.
  
• Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
  
• If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
  
• Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
  
• Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
  
• Stay out of any building that has water around it.
  
• Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
  
• Use flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles, fire risk as extremely high!
  
• Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.
  
• Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
  
• Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
  
• Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
  
• Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

Let Your Family Know You’re Safe
If your community has experienced a hurricane, or any disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well Web site: RedCross.org/SafeandWell. If you don’t have Internet access, call 1-866-GET-INFO to register yourself and your family.

 

 This information is provided by the American Red Cross.

 

KEEP SAFE!

 

from your friends at

980-235-0055

 

AC Tune Ups, Check-Ups, Maintenance...What's the Difference?

We are only about half way through the hot weather, and your AC has already had A LOT of run time.  If you haven't had your AC checked so far, you should!  There are still a lot of running hours and hot weather to go.

Lots of companies are running specials.  There are "Tune Ups", "Safety Checks", "Check-Ups", the list goes on and on.  So what's the difference, is it just terminology?  Not always.  You should always read (even the fine print) or call and find out what is included.  By doing this you will be able to weed out what is a marketing ploy and what is truely beneficial.

When having your AC checked, what really needs to be done?  Different people will tell you different things.  Carolina Heating & Air desing believes these are the basics:

1. First, your system should be checked once a season!  This is for optimal operation.  Also, in the heating season, this will guarantee your safety.  A check will make sure you do not have any carbon monoxide leaking, which as we all know is DEADLY!  So, we always recommend having your heating checked pre-season.
2. Second, but just as important as the first, technicians should be checking both components of your AC system.  Your AC system uses more than just the part outside.  The evaporator coil is attached to your furnace, and is a major component to the operation of the AC.  The evaporator coil, furnace, or air handler is generally located in a crawl space, attic, or closet of your home.  If the technician didn't go in that area, you didn't have a proper service performed!  *A package unit is the only system where everything is contained outside the house.
3. Check your refrigerant levels.
4. Check and test all the parts.  This will let you know if a part is bad, or just as important, if a part is getting weak or showing signs it is going bad.
5. Check your ductwork.
6. Check your thermostat.
7. Wash the condenser coil (outdoor unit).  There are different levels to washing the condenser coil.  Water washing the coil is the minimum that needs to be performed yearly.  The more thorough cleaning uses chemicals and takes longer to perform.  Generally, this is not included in specials.
8. Clean your drain lines.

As we mentioned in the first two items, the most important thing is to have ALL components of the heating and air conditioning system checked yearly.  The most efficient way to have your system performing properly is to sign up for a yearly maintenance agreement.  Carolina Heating & Air Design offers a Preferred Customer Agreement (PCA) which gives you two visits per year, 15% discount, and priority scheduling.  The agreement gives you in-depth cleaning and diagnostics of your equipment. 

Whatever your situation or budget, Carolina Heating & Air Design has a service for you!

Check out our service options on our website and call us today to schedule!

980-235-0055 

Repair vs. Replace

If you have had a problem with your ac recently, you may have been told by the service technician that it is time to replace your system.  We are asked all the time, "how do I know when it is time to replace my system".  So, we thought we would take a minute to give you some tips on Repair vs. Replacement.

Top Reason TO Replace  -  FREON LEAKS!

The Clean Air Act does not allow any refrigerant to be vented into the atmosphere during installation, service, or retirement of equipment. Therefore, R-22 must be recovered and recycled, reclaimed, or destroyed. After 2020, the servicing of R-22-based systems will rely solely on recycled or reclaimed refrigerants. Chemical manufacturers will no longer be able to produce, and companies will no longer be able to import, R-22 for use in new A/C equipment after 2010, but they can continue production and import of R-22 until 2020 for use in servicing existing equipment.

To add to the EPA mandated phase out, the industry has seen a major price increase of R-22.  The Charlotte Observer recently did a story discussing the increase that you can link to here.  This obviously means an major increase of pricing on R-22 to the customer. 

Bottom line - if your system has a leak, you should replace the AC and evaporator coil.  This will give you a much more efficient system with a warranty and the new refrigerant.

Repair or Replace...your system if it is over 13 years old and has a major problem - REPLACE!

The life expectancy of an air condition system is between 13-15 years.  That is if it is maintained regularly!  And we have seen units that have lasted upwards of 20 years when maintained every year.  However, once your unit is over 13 years old, the efficiency ratings have dramatically decreased.  It could be costing you 30% more to run your older system now than it did when it was new.  So, if you have a major repair arise on a system that is more than 13 years old, you should really consider replacement.

Repair or Replace...my 9 year old system could use several hundred dollars in repairs - DISCUSS WITH YOUR SERVICE TECH!

This one can truly go either way.  Your air conditioner is a machine, and as we all know, machines break.  You will more than likely have to have parts repaired on your air conditioner throughout its lifespan.  In this situation, you need to weigh out your pros and cons with your service technician.  Yes, your system may be getting older, but it could have another 5-7 years left in it.  The technician should be able to show you test readings from other major components of the system.  If those items test good, why not fix it?!  A top quality technician will give you all the information you will need to help you MAKE a decision, NOT force or scare you into a decision.

Repair or Replace...my system has the new refrigerant (R-410A) and is fairly new, but has a couple repairs that should be done - REPAIR.

If your system contains R-410A, then odds are repairs are worth it.  The age of a system normally isn't much of a deciding factor until after 10 years of operation.  Again, a good technician will give you all the information you will need to easily make the decision.


In today's economy, we all have to be smart with our money.  Our technicians will educate you, and give you all your options.  They will also provide you with consequences and scenerios that could result from the different options.  Carolina Heating & Air Design wants YOU to be able to make the decision of Repair vs. Replace confidently for yourself!

Call Us Today!  980-235-0055

FREE Second Opinion on Repairs and

FREE Estimates for Replacement

Happy 4th of July!

From Everyone at

Carolina Heating & Air Design

IT'S HOT!!!!! Are you cool?

Well, the extreme heat finally made it!  And boy are we HOT! 

We have had a lot of questions in the past couple days about the operation of AC systems.  I thought we could share with everyone some of these questions and our tips on how to deal with this heat.  Also, check out our blogs from last week to get tips on "Ways to Keep Your Home Cool Without Breaking the Bank"!

The Number One Concern:
My AC isn't getting down to the temperature I have my thermostat set on.  Is it working?

Answer:
Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this.  The State of North Carolina requires contractors to design HVAC systems to maintain at least an 18 degree temperature difference between the outside temperature and the indoor temperature.  So with that criteria, on a 105 degree day if your AC is maintaining 85 - 87 degrees, then it is performing up to design standard.

Now, that isn't to say that something isn't wrong.  Most units that we install or have maintained and are running properly maintain 78 - 82 degrees.  If the system is low on refrigerant or certain parts are going bad, you may be receiving some cooling but not enough to keep your home within those guidelines.

Bottomline:  When in doubt, give us a call.  We will be glad to take a look at the system and give you options that will keep you as cool as possible.

Question:
Is it normal for the AC to overheat and shutoff?

Answer:
No.  AC units are designed to run in extreme temperatures.  Give us a call ASAP!


Question:
Adding more refrigerant should make it colder, right?

Answer:
Refrigerant should only be added IF the system is low on refrigerant.  AC systems are designed for a specific amount of refrigerant.  Adding additional amounts will not make it colder, but it WILL make the AC run less efficient meaning, a higher power bill. 

Now, if your AC is low on refrigerant then the system has a leak.  AC systems are sealed and should not leak refrigerant.  As the refrigerant leaks out you receive less cooling, and again the AC runs less efficient meaning, a higher power bill.  Give us a call, and we will give you options!


Questions:
Will my unit running all the time make my power bill high?

Answer:
As long as your system has been maintained and is performing as efficient as that unit can, NO it will not make your power bill increase dramatically. AC units are designed to run for extended lengths of time. The AC unit uses the most "power" or amperage on startup. Therefore, a system that runs for long periods will cost less to operate than units that are not maintained and are shuting off and coming back on (short cycling) lots of times a day. Of course you are going to see some increase in your power bill this time of year, and if you do see a dramatic increase, give us a call and we will be glad to make sure your system is running at it's maximum efficiency!


Question:
Is there anything I can check?

Answer:
There are a couple things you can do.  Make sure your filters are clean and NOT stopped up.  Dirty filters cause the AC to not work properly or sometimes stop working completely.  Also, you can make sure you don't have a tripped breaker.  If you have a battery operated thermostat, be sure the batteries are good.  Otherwise, give us a call!

 

To make an appointment or get more information, give us a call!980-235-0055