CAN A HEAT PUMP SAVE YOU MONEY?

The cost of heating a home can be extreme. In many cases, the cost can be downright prohibitive and many families end up having to go cold in the winter because the bills are just too expensive. Whether your heating is electrically-based or you have a gas furnace system, energy costs in general have gone through the roof. Is there a way to cut costs when using the heat pump this season?

Heat pump tips: how to cut costs?

Some people believe that the solution to soaring energy costs is a heat pump system. Heat pumps generally cost less to operate than other types of HVAC systems, so many people believe they are the way to go. But is it true? Can a heat pump in Myrtle Beach really help you keep more money in your pocket?

First, let’s consider how heat pumps work and why they are less expensive. In the beginning, a heat pump cost less to install than a central heating and cooling service. Heat pumps heat and cools with a single unit, while central heating and central cooling are each separate unit. Clearly, purchasing and installing one unit rather than two saves money. During the operating life of the system, heat pumps also cost less because there is less equipment to maintain.

The real savings come into play when you consider how a heat pump works. When you have a central heating system, that system takes air, then uses gas or electricity to warm that air, then expels it into your home. The same holds true for a central air system. The air is cooled through some method that requires the expenditure of energy, and then it is pumped into your home, cooling the temperate by adding cool air to the air already in your home.

Heat pumps, on the other hand, work with the heat that is naturally present in the air. Although you may not be able to feel it, there is hot air constantly present in the environment, even on the coldest of days. Heat pumps take that warm air from the outside and pump it into your home. There is no artificial heating process, so there is less energy expenditure. In the summer, the heat pump takes the hot air that is inside your home and funnels it outside, cooling the air inside by removing the heat from it rather than cooling the air artificially.

In these ways, a heat pump can reduce your energy expenditure – on average, a few hundred dollars per year. However, this only holds true if you live in a moderate temperature zone like North Myrtle Beach. In this area, a heat pump will not provide adequate heating and cooling.

The best way to determine if a heat pump is right for you is to call an HVAC contractor like North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air.

Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air now if you need help with your heat pumps.

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North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/

Serving: North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing, Little River, Longs, Cherry Grove

YOUR HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM’S GUIDE TO SEVERE WEATHER

During times of extreme weather conditions, do you have any idea how to care for your heating and cooling system? Homeowners should understand that many factors can cause damage to their heating and cooling system (in general), especially if it is not effectively looked after.

Heating and cooling systems are manufactured to withstand strong winds, rain, cold, and heat. However, special preventive steps should be done to protect the durability of your outdoor systems. You should also contact an expert like North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air for much-needed professional HVAC services.

Why heating and cooling maintenance is important?

Initially, there is no requirement to cover your air conditioner or heat pump when it is merely drizzling or snowing. Doing so can actually do more damage to your indoor system such as:

• Rodents building nests inside your air conditioning unit or heat the cover offers a safe, dry, and warm area for them to gnaw their way into. Rodents might also chew through the wires of your outdoor system, causing short circuits which can be a fire hazard. Rodents can also damage your Freon during nest-building, causing uninsulated lines and susceptible to weather.
• The absence of airflow promotes the development of mildew and molds. These can grow inside your heating and cooling North Myrtle Beach will not adversely impact your health significantly, but it can reduce your system’s effectiveness by reducing airflow. In time, this might trigger damage to the system as it attempts to make up for the performance loss.
• No matter how much you try to prevent moisture from getting into your heating and cooling system, moisture can still get in. Evaporation from the ground can bring water up into the cover, or melting snow or rain might pool around the base and splash up into it.

Heating and Cooling Preventative Maintenance Guide

• In times of extreme weather conditions, appropriate care of your heating and cooling system is a must. Extreme weather condition occurs regularly in South Carolina, so knowing how to take care of your heating and cooling system will help keep it running longer.
During a blizzard or thunderstorm, a couple of preventive actions should be done to avoid or minimize damage to your air conditioning system.
• According to any HVAC contractor you ask, you should shut off the running air conditioner or heat pump systems to prevent any power surge that can trigger damage to your system. Unless you are in dire need of heat, shutting off your heating or cooling systems can help avoid great deals of home damage.
• If strong winds occur, your outdoor heating and cooling systems must be covered. Powerful winds can blow dust into your system or cause heavy objects to fall onto it. Covering your air conditioning unit or heat pump can avoid or lower damage to the outside system. Make sure to eliminate the cover after the storm has actually cleared.
• Get rid of that old furniture such as those in your outdoor patio, toys, and tools that can damage your home, especially your heating and cooling systems.

If you see that your heating and cooling system is damaged, you can call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air to have it repaired. You may reach us at 843-399-3237.

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North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/

Serving: North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing, Little River, Longs, Cherry Grove

THANKSGIVING AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Thanksgiving is a time to share your home and meals with family and friends, and it’s also a time when you make memories. Thanksgiving preparations often involve many hours of baking and cooking, with many people sharing one space. The hidden causes of indoor air pollution in your house are often overlooked. These are some ways to ensure indoor air quality for the holiday season.

Tips To Maintain Good Indoor Quality

Ventilate Your Kitchen

Even though we love the scent of holiday cooking, it is important to maintain healthy indoor air quality. Poor ventilation can cause headaches, nausea, and fatigue, among other things. You can eliminate the lingering smell with proper ventilation. Start by turning on your kitchen exhaust fan. If the weather allows, you can also open your doors and windows. Fresh air and clean air can do wonders for your space and home!

November can bring cold winds, making windows, not a good option. But doing so can reduce the chance of cooking fumes and pollutants when you’re cooking a delicious meal.

A whole-home system can be installed to move fresh air throughout your home. This is the best way to improve your air quality. A whole-home system is cost-effective and requires little maintenance.

Replace your filters

For better indoor air quality, it is important to clean and maintain your filters. Regular cleaning and changing of filters are essential to ensure that your filters work properly and efficiently. Poor indoor air quality can be caused by dirty or clogged filters in your HVAC system.

You can reduce the number of particles and debris that circulate in your home by changing your filters. This will also help prolong your HVAC system’s lifespan. Install new filters before you host this year’s Thanksgiving dinner.

Control humidity

The heating system is essential to keep us warm in the cold November weather. The condensation from boiling or cooking can cause indoor air to lose moisture and intensify dry air’s effects.

Humidity levels that are too low or too high can lead to allergens, pollen, and bacteria affecting your home’s indoor air quality. Installing a whole-home humidifier/dehumidifier will help you control the humidity in your home.

Get in touch with the experts. Contact an HVAC contractor in North Myrtle Beach to discuss your indoor air quality concerns.

Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air now and let us help you keep quality indoor air in your home.

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North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/

Serving: North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing, Little River, Longs, Cherry Grove

HVAC TIPS: HOW TO STOP BEING SICK DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Are you one of those who seem like they are on a schedule in terms of getting sick? Do you get colds, flu, or other health problems from October until Christmas, and even up to February? Does it seem like you just can’t figure out why this is happening to you? And the cycle continues one year after the other. Maybe, it’s time to check your HVAC.

So, let’s consider some things, for instance, when it is cold and damp outdoors, we spend most of our time indoors, right? A few individuals even try to make extra cash by staying inside the office and working more. Once the holidays arrive, many of us stay inside our houses, too. It seems like there is a pattern here – many of us are spending more time indoors during the last quarter of the year because of work, the weather, and the holidays. Could there be a link between staying indoors more and getting sick?

HVAC Tips To Reduce Risks Of Getting Sick During The Holidays

Well, there is definitely a correlation. Several studies have shown that the indoor air in some homes is polluted with different kinds of bacteria, viruses, and mold spores that could result in asthma, allergies, flu, colds, as well as other major illnesses. So, it only makes sense that staying indoors more along with all the indoor air pollution can be the cause of your health problems during this time of the year. Fortunately, there are ways for you to combat this and finally get the chance to enjoy the holidays.

According to the HVAC contractors, a good percentage of the bacteria, viruses, and mold spores come from your heating ducts. They are circulated into your HVAC system and most of it is filtered by the unit. However, many of those tiny dust particles can still pass through the filter and out through the ducts. While the air blows through the ducts, the dust containing viruses and bacteria is released into the air, which is then circulated inside your house. This is one of the major causes of health problems during this time of the year.

There are things you can do to improve the quality of your indoor air. Many homeowners do not know that regularly maintaining their HVAC system can greatly improve their indoor air quality. You can upgrade your filters.

Generally, HVAC filters have a MERV rating which shows the size of the particles they can trap. You can upgrade to a filter that has a higher MERV rating to improve the quality of your air indoors. If you have a family member who has an allergy, consider getting HEPA filters.

It is also important to clean the filters and get rid of the dust and grime that may be clogging the North Myrtle Beach HVAC system. If the filters are not replaced according to the unit specification, it will end up with a blockage and grime will accumulate in the unit and eventually be circulated with the indoor air. Duct cleaning is also important to avoid the buildup of dust and mold. You also need to replace the AC coils to make sure that your indoor air quality remains favorable.

Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air for all your HVAC needs. Our team wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving and a great holiday season.

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North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/

Serving: North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing, Little River, Longs, Cherry Grove

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HEAT PUMP FOR WINTER

Winter is inevitable. Do not wait for the snow to fall before you prepare your heat pump. Your HVAC system will be able to withstand the winter without any problems if you take the time to look at it and take on preventative and maintenance measures.

Top tips to prepare your heat pump for winter

Clear the area around your Heat Pump

An expert heating contractor in North Myrtle Beach said that airflow problems can be caused by debris, branches, leaves, and snow, as well as yard tools within two feet of the heat pump. To ensure maximum heat flow and efficiency, remove these items.

Replace your filter

Dirty filters can block the airflow through your HVAC system. This can cause your HVAC system to work harder, consume more energy, and result in higher utility bills. The filter type and amount of dirt buildup should determine how often your air filters need to be changed. Your system will work harder if you don’t change your filter in time. Hire a heating contractor if you need help with your heat pump.

Thermostat settings

There are three settings for your heat pump thermostat: heat, cool, and emergency heat. If you are going to be using your heat in the fall, switch to heat mode. Your furnace is used as your heat source in emergency heat mode. It should be used only when your heat pump has stopped working or is iced up. Please note that emergency heat is more expensive than regular heat mode.

Make an appointment for maintenance

Your heat pump system should be inspected annually. We recommend that you schedule your annual maintenance before the cold weather arrives. It can be difficult to schedule an appointment with an HVAC contractor in North Myrtle Beach if you wait until the coldest season of the year. This is one of the busiest seasons in the HVAC industry. A maintenance plan can prevent 90% of equipment breakdowns due to dirt. It will also improve efficiency and prolong the life of your equipment.

Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air now if you need help maintaining your HVAC system.

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North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/

Serving: North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing, Little River, Longs, Cherry Grove

GET YOUR HVAC SYSTEM READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS

You’re likely planning to shop for your holiday gifts and meals. Did you make the effort to prepare your HVAC system in time for the holidays? You don’t want to have to worry about your HVAC system malfunctioning when the fun starts, right?

Get your HVAC system ready for the holidays!

Get A Seasonal Tune Up

Your heating system must be working properly over the holidays. You should contact expert HVAC contractors. They can inspect your system and make any necessary repairs. They can help you identify and fix minor problems and prevent them from becoming bigger problems.

You Can Check The Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors

House fires and carbon monoxide leaks increase significantly in winter. Make sure you take the time to check that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work properly. If necessary, replace the batteries.

Clean your air filters and replace them

Do you recall when you last changed or cleaned your HVAC air filter? If you can’t remember, it is time to change your filter. This simple task will not only improve indoor air quality but also prolong the life of your system. To maintain optimal airflow, make sure you choose the correct size filter.

Make the Most of Your Programmable Thermostat

We recommend that you spend a few minutes learning how to program your thermostat. When you are away on a holiday you can adjust the temperature. Set it to turn on one hour before you get out of bed or go home from work.

Clear Space Around Your Heater and Vents

Let’s face facts. Heating and cooling are not something we think about. However, heating our homes will still be necessary, especially during holidays. You should make sure that all flammable items, such as decorations, books, rugs, and blankets, are out of reach from heating equipment and vents.

Do you need an HVAC contractor to help you get your HVAC ready for the holidays? Contact North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air today.

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North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/

Serving: North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing, Little River, Longs, Cherry Grove

COMMON HEATING PROBLEMS AND THE BEST WAYS TO FIX THEM

Winter will soon arrive, and the only thing worse than being trapped out in the weather is being without heat. It’s an awful feeling to be stuck in a cold home due to the fact that your HVAC system fell victim to a common heating problem.

Thankfully, there are things you can do to avoid that; with appropriate maintenance, your heating system will last longer, run more effectively as well as save money. It will also help you prevent the following common heating problems, and keep you warm all winter.

Dealing With Common Heating Problems

• Dirty filters

In addition to restricting airflow, unclean filters allow for things such as dust, dander, and pollen to develop and lower air quality, while also making the cooling and heating North Myrtle Beach system work harder. It’s highly recommended that air filters are changed out monthly to keep the system working at its best over a long period of time.

• System Constantly Turning On and Off

If your heating and cooling system is continually turning off and on, you probably have a short cycling problem. This means there is a problem internally in the system with the flow. Fortunately, there are two basic methods to detect the cause: dirty air filters and defective thermostats.

If filters are limiting airflow it could trigger the device to falsely spot that the appropriate temperature level was reached, even if it was not. The other problem might be with the thermostat and not the heater at all. See to it the system is working properly and isn’t really in direct sunlight or near another heat source.

If the filters are clean and the thermostat is working appropriately, then you might be facing an improperly sized heating system, a rusty flame sensor, or a block in the chimney or air vent.

• Routine Wear and Tear

Bearings burn out and belts break eventually. It’s just how it goes. However, you can extend the life of heating systems with yearly routine upkeep and assessments.

• Blower Motor Runs Continuously

If you hear the heating system running nonstop for a prolonged period of time, there could be a couple of problems at hand.

Begin with the thermostat. Turn it down to make sure the heating system isn’t just aiming to provide the demanded heat. This is generally the case on incredibly cold days. If the concern continues, check to make sure the heat pump is still working. The heat pump is located outside of your home. Make sure it is clear of debris and the fan is running properly.

Lastly, to repeat, inspect your filters. It is really essential to the maintenance and smooth operation of HVAC equipment.

If none of these appears to fix the problem, it might be time to call in a professional HVAC contractor. The concern could be in any number of switches or other electronic components.

There is nothing more miserable than being cold when you live in the south. Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air today if you are experiencing heating problems and we will come out and inspect your HVAC system.

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North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/

Serving: North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing, Little River, Longs, Cherry Grove

FALL MAINTENANCE FOR YOUR HEAT PUMP

HVAC systems need maintenance to maintain their efficiency and extend their lifespan. The same goes for your heat pump. If you use your heat pump as both a heating and cooling source, it will need both fall and spring maintenance. It should be maintained once a year if it is used for only one purpose.

Now is the best time to make an appointment for heat pump fall maintenance, before the temperatures drop. Our team of professional HVAC contractors will be at your home to set up your heat pump so you are warm in the cooler months.

Benefits of Maintaining Your Heat Pump

It’s common to hear that your heat pump should have fall maintenance. But does this really make a difference? Absolutely! You can reap many benefits by keeping up with your heat pump care and maintenance schedules. You will enjoy lower energy costs. Your heat pump will run more efficiently if it is maintained and maintained properly. It will use more energy if it works harder. This can lead to higher utility bills.

You will also save money on unexpected heat pump repairs. Any parts that need to be replaced or worn out will be noted by one of our technicians at your appointment. These parts can be replaced quickly and regularly to avoid your heat pump from breaking down or causing you additional costs.

The long-term benefit of regularly maintaining equipment is a longer life expectancy. Your heat pump will last longer if it is taken care of like any other equipment. This will save you money by replacing your heat pump later than expected.

What you can do on your own

Although we recommend that you have a professional HVAC contractor in North Myrtle Beach do the fall maintenance for your heat pump, there is still some work you can do all year. These are fairly simple jobs. If you need help or just want us to handle them, please contact us.

• We recommend cleaning your filters at least once a month.
• Regularly dust and clean your return and supply registers
• Take out all leaves, debris, and other obstructions around the outdoor unit. Keep everything at least 18 inches from it
• Wipe outdoor coils clean whenever possible

What We Do

Our technicians will inspect and clean all components of your heat pump. This will alert you to any wear or problems, and help prevent costly weekend or holiday breakdowns.

Energy Saver

Here are some things you can expect from your maintenance/tune up appointment and what you can expect from our technicians.

* Inspecting ducts, filters, and blowers for dirt and obstructions

* Measurement to verify adequate airflow

* Measurement to verify the correct refrigerant charge

* Refrigerant leak detection

* Inspecting the electric terminals and, if required, cleaning and tightening connections.

* Inspection of belts for wear and tightness, as well as lubrication of motors

* Checking that heating is turned off when thermostat requires cooling, and vice versa.

* Validation of proper thermostat operation

Regular maintenance of your heat pump is a smart decision. The benefits will outweigh the expense of an appointment.

Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air now for all concerns regarding your HVAC or heat pump.

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North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/

Serving: North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing, Little River, Longs, Cherry Grove