AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE EVERY HOMEOWNER SHOULD KNOW

Regular air conditioning maintenance is extremely important and necessary during summer when you will be using your cooling unit for longer hours. Aside from properly cleaning your indoor and outdoor units as well as changing or cleaning your filters, there are other important aspects of maintaining your air conditioner. Read below to find what these are.

Basic Air Conditioner Maintenance Guide

There are some things you will need to do before starting your air conditioner for the first time. It is highly recommended that you do these days before summer heat sets in to ensure your air conditioner is ready to serve you in the coming warm days. Plus, should you find your unit has problems, it will be easier for you to seek professional assistance.

1. Make sure the outdoor unit – the condensing unit – is not covered with dust and debris like leaves and branches. The unit needs to be able to draw in the air freely without any hindrances to effectively function and operate.
2. Ensure you have clean filters. If your unit uses disposable filters, purchase additional filters as you will most likely be replacing them more often during summer as you continue to use your air cooling unit for longer hours. If it uses washable filters, make sure you wash them at least once a week. Keep in mind that air that is blown throughout your houses passes thru these filters. They need to be clean and free of clog to ensure smooth airflow.
3. Check your thermostat Most homeowners panic when their air conditioner does not function properly when the only problem is they have not properly adjusted the thermostat settings. Make sure that your thermostat is in the right setting so as not to cause damage to your air conditioning unit.
4. Inspect all access panels of your air conditioner. Screws may become lose even if you are not using your unit. Either way, you still need to check them to ensure they are secure and tight.
5. Regularly remove debris that has accumulated around or near your condensing unit. Keep in mind that leaves, dust, papers and other debris are blown by the wind on a daily basis. So even if you cleaned and removed debris from your condensing unit before you use it for the summer, this debris can come back in a week or a couple of days. To ensure, your condensing unit is free of debris, clean it at least once a week.
6. Hire a air conditioner maintenance professional to clean your unit before the summer season begins. This will ensure that your unit is properly and efficiently cleaned before and after you use it during summer.
7. Avoid cleaning your air conditioner by using your garden hose to spray water over it. There is a proper way of cleaning your heat pump. Cleaning it with water is dangerous considering it is an electrically powered machine. You might be doing more harm to your unit than cleaning it if you used water. Keep in mind that water and electricity when combined may result in electrical shock or a short. Thus, it is highly recommended that you hire professionals to clean your air conditioning unit.

Regular checkups by professionals

heating and cooling

These checkups are an important aspect of maintaining an air conditioning North Myrtle Beach as these help you discover if there are problems with your air conditioner before we are in the hot summer temperatures. They are especially helpful in identifying small potential problems so you can resolve them earlier before they lead to large, more damaging and costly problems.

According to experts, you should have your air conditioner checked by trained and skilled professionals like North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air at least once a year, particularly every spring. This is the best time for a checkup as it will give you sufficient time to repair and resolve any problems before the summer season when you will need your air conditioner the most.

A basic air conditioner checkup includes:

• Inspecting thermostat to ensure proper operation
• Checking of all electrical components, wirings, and connections
• Oiling motors and other components as necessary
• Checking for smooth and unhindered airflow
• Checking for the proper level of Freon and looking for signs of Freon leakage
• Properly cleaning of coils to ensure smooth and filtered airflow

Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air now to inquire about their air conditioner maintenance services.

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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 CONTRACTORS ON REPAIRING STORM RELATED DAMAGE TO YOUR AIR CONDITIONER

It is not unusual for South Carolina to experience thunderstorms all summer, even on hot and humid days. Often they can be serious, with strong winds that can severely damage power lines. When that occurs, you can unexpectedly discover yourself in total darkness, even worse, without an air conditioner!

So when the power has been restored, you simply want to switch your air conditioner back on, particularly on a hot summer day. But, you might be puzzled to discover that your air conditioning system is not working.

Can electrical damage cause it?

Before jumping to conclusions, HVAC contractors suggest you try to reboot your air conditioning system after a power failure.

HVAC Contractor’s Guide on Air Conditioner Reboot

Even a simple thunderstorm can cause lighting to strike, triggering a power surge that can trip the breaker. If it was simply a random blackout and not brought on by a storm, there could still be a surge when the power comes back. That’s simply the breaker doing its task of securing your devices. All you need to do is understand how to reset the breaker and turn the system back on.

1. Turn off your air conditioning system at the thermostat.
2. Then proceed to your electrical panel and look for the air conditioner’s circuit breaker to switch it OFF. Wait about half an hour to turn it back ON to reset the internal breaker of the air conditioning unit.
3. When the time is up, turn the thermostat back to COOL. At this point, your air conditioner will most probably turn back ON. If not, then there is probably electrical damage.

Signs of Electrical Damage on the Air Conditioner

The breaker will not reset

If you notice that most of your external circuits do not turn back on, you will likely have electrical damage exceeding your air conditioning system. It may be caused by a power surge brought about by lightning. When this happens, you need to call an electrician immediately.

Air conditioning breaker keeps tripping

An essential piece of advice: DO NOT turn your breaker back on if it keeps tripping since it might cause more damage to your air conditioning unit and your whole electrical system.

The breaker’s task is to safeguard your structure, circuitry, and devices by turning off the circulation of electrical power when the present circulation is increased. If it keeps tripping, you might risk a fire if you turn it back on.

Electrical Damage Due to Disregarding Maintenance

If you overlooked your air conditioning repair and maintenance in the spring, then your system might have reduced air circulation due to impurities in your unit. When the air filter and the coils get blocked with dust, gunk, and particles, your ac system must work harder and run longer to cool your area. First, you might discover that the system appears to run continuously. Ultimately, the evaporator coil will freeze, which utilizes excessive power and trigger the circuit to trip.

Electrical damage within the air conditioning system

When you’re experiencing signs of electrical damage, the issue might likewise be an easy electrical problem within the air conditioning system itself. It might be caused by:

• Bad capacitor
• Short in the unit’s wiring
• Loose electrical connection

Note: Never try to do this alone, even if it seems too easy for you. Call an HVAC contractor in North Myrtle Beach to do it.

Have your air conditioner maintained in the spring by HVAC professionals to avoid this type of situation. Call 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

HOW TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF YOUR AIR CONDITIONER IN YOUR HOME

It’s cool that your air conditioner does the minimum to keep you cool, but it isn’t cool when it increases your energy bill to get the job done. There are many ways to improve energy efficiency. Here are a few ways to optimize the performance of your HVAC.

1. Clean the Area Around your Outdoor Condenser to Improve HVAC Efficiency

Obstructions and clogs around the outside condenser can significantly reduce your AC’s efficiency. Look for obstructions and debris around and on the unit. Clean your AC unit as well. You can hide your North Myrtle Beach air conditioning unit, but it won’t look good. Don’t use a structure that is enclosed or place anything above it.

2. Keep vents unblocked and clean

The vents can be blocked by dust bunnies or buildup, which prevents cool air from escaping. Do a walk-through to check your vents and see if they need cleaning. Avoid placing furniture or other obstructions around vents to ensure that cold air is circulated properly.

3. Consider a Whole House Fan

A whole-house air fan will bring in fresh air and remove stale, hot air inside your home. These fans use less energy and are more powerful than a typical ceiling fan. The smaller versions will quietly keep your home cool all day and night.

4. Increase Attic Ventilation to Improve Cooling Power

It’s easy to overlook attic ventilation, but it can be a very effective way to reduce the amount of hot air in your home and keep it from impacting the temperature. The most cost-effective option is to invest in ridge roof ventilation and soffits. Roof ventilation must be sized and placed correctly to reduce heat in the attic.

5. Cover Your Windows

The hot sun from outside can easily enter your home through windows and bake the interior. Opening one sunny window for your cat is okay, but you should cover as many windows as possible. To improve the efficiency of your air conditioner. The best way to block the sun’s heat is with curtains, but if you need more light you can add UV-blocking shades.

6. Replace your air filters

It’s vital to check your HVAC air filters regularly and to replace them when they begin to smell. Energy Star suggests changing your air filters at least once every three months. This will improve your AC’s efficiency and the air in your home.

7. Ceiling fans can increase air conditioning efficiency

Ceiling fans circulate cool air, making the room seem cooler. These ceiling fans are also very energy efficient, using less power than a 100-watt light bulb. This simple change can greatly impact the demand placed on your air conditioner.

8. You Should Address All Sneaky Leaks

It’s not enough to leave the windows and doors open for the whole neighbourhood. The worn-out seals of your doors and windows can allow cold air to escape, making your HVAC unit work harder. Insulation in your attic is also a common source of leaks. A local HVAC contractor can inspect your system for leaks, and fix any problems that may arise.

9. Avoid Extra Heat Sources

Try to keep your oven as cool as possible in the summer unless you are baking your famous brownies. It’s best to avoid using the dryer on extremely hot days.

10. Schedule regular maintenance for greater energy efficiency and performance

You can do many things to make your home more energy efficient, but nothing compares to regular air conditioning maintenance performed by an HVAC technician. A professional can inspect your system and clean it. They can help identify problems before they grow into bigger ones, maximising your AC’s life.

Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air now if you’re looking for a reliable A/C contractor.

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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

TIPS FOR MAINTAINING YOUR AIR CONDITIONER

You probably don’t think much about your air conditioner. But, it is important to perform maintenance on a regular basis. This will ensure that it is in top condition for the following season. Continue reading to find out five easy ways you can improve the efficiency of your system by maintaining.

You should run your air conditioner periodically

The air in the winter is still very humid. You’ll want your home’s relative humidity to be between 30 and 50%, as biological growth thrives when the climate is humid.

During the air conditioning process, your air conditioner removes moisture from the air. You should therefore run your North Myrtle Beach air conditioner regularly to prevent biological growth in your home or AC system.

A second benefit to running your air conditioner periodically is that you will be able to pinpoint any problems with the unit. These issues can then be addressed quickly. It is much easier to repair your air conditioner during the off-season than when it’s needed most. Keep an eye on the AC system as you use it. This will help to identify any potential problems early.

Check Refrigerant Levels

Checking the refrigerant levels can help you detect a problem with your AC. Your system may be low on refrigerant if you see ice on the refrigerant lines. You may also hear hissing, bubbling, or gurgling noises. Your refrigerant is leaking.

You can test to see if your air conditioner has a refrigerant problem, but you should not try to fix it yourself. To determine the exact problem, a professional air conditioning contractor must inspect your system. They will then add or remove the refrigerant, or fix any leaks as needed.

Keep Outdoor Units Free of Debris

Keep the outdoor unit clean to ensure that your air conditioner is in good working order. Trim any trees or bushes that are near the outdoor unit to keep them at least 18″ away from its sides and several feet from the top. By clearing away any debris and keeping the branches away from the unit, you can prevent the system from being damaged. You’ll also encourage good airflow.

Replace the air filter

Checking and replacing the air filter is a task that you should perform consistently throughout the HVAC year. Check your air filter each month and replace it when it becomes dirty. Maintaining healthy indoor air quality is also possible by maintaining a clean filter.

Schedule Professional AC Maintenance

Preventive AC maintenance is best performed at the time of the year when AC systems are least used. To ensure that all parts are functioning, our technicians inspect all components of every air conditioning system. Your system will function more efficiently. We perform maintenance on your system.

• Cleaning and inspecting the condenser coil.
• Checking the refrigerant.
• Test the controls and safety measures.
• Lubricating motors and bearings

Nobody wants to have their air conditioner break down during the middle of summer. You should plan preventive maintenance during the slower season to ensure that your air conditioner works smoothly all year round.

Contact North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air to speak with one of our technicians to learn how to maintain your air conditioner.

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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

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE

You can always have your air conditioner checked out at any given time. However, the most effective season to have your AC inspected and maintained is in spring. There are a number of reasons why you should have your air condition contractor check your AC unit before summer.

First of all, there’s the price. During peak season, prices for air conditioner maintenance and repairs could double. Other than that, you’d have to compete with other customers who also want to have their air conditioning unit serviced.

3 reasons to have your air conditioner maintained

As you continue using your air conditioner, you put it under some stress and wear. Eventually, there will be the need to repair your air conditioner. However, you can reduce the wear and keep your AC unit from breaking down. Preventive maintenance plays a huge role in making sure your system is fully functional. Aside from system uptime, there are other reasons why you should schedule air conditioner maintenance.

1. To save money – if you consider the costs of repairing your air conditioner with what you’ll pay for maintenance, it’s a no-brainer. Maintaining your air conditioner is cheaper, thus saving you money. Of course, it will only be worth it if you hire a professional air conditioning contractor in North Myrtle Beach for the job.

2. You’ll extend the life of your system – air conditioning systems can last a very long time. However, there’s a caveat. They need to be often maintained. There are several moving parts in the system that cause vibration. Other parts produce condensation, accumulate dirt, and more. All of these are the reasons why you should have your system maintained. Proper maintenance will extend the lifespan of your system.

3. You’ll avoid the hassle of breakdowns – imagine yourself in the middle of summer and your AC starts to break down and stops cooling. That’s just something that you can definitely feel right away. Scheduling periodic AC maintenance can help avoid breakdowns when you really need the system.

AC maintenance you can do at home

It is advised to call an expert like North Myrtle Beach Heating And Cooling to maintain your system. However, there are also some tasks that you can do on your own. While you can have the HVAC contractor perform these tasks, you’ll save time and money by doing them yourself. Here’s what you can do:
• Clean or replace the air filters.
• Check the refrigerant levels.
• Clean the condenser and evaporator coils.
• Clean the outside unit of your system.

The perfect time to schedule HVAC maintenance

Your HVAC system will require maintenance somewhere in the near future. But when is the right time to do so? The perfect time to have your heating and cooling system maintained is during spring. As soon as spring comes, call your local HVAC contractor and book an appointment.

If you need professional heating and cooling services, call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air now.

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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 GET YOUR AIR CONDITIONER READY FOR SUMMER HEAT

The first hot day of summer is just around the corner! The last thing you need is to switch your unit over to central air and find that your air conditioner doesn’t work.

Over the cooler months of winter your air conditioner sits idle and collects debris, such as leaves, and some general maintenance is needed to keep it running smoothly. If this maintenance isn’t done before the dog days of summer arrive, you may find yourself sitting in the hot air waiting for an HVAC specialist to arrive. Now is the time to take a good look at your AC system and make sure that it is in good working order.

Two Main Components Of An Air Conditioner

Your central air system contains a condenser (the pump that is located outside of your home) and an evaporator unit which can be found on the air handler. These two components work together to extract the heat from your home using refrigeration technology. The air handler will move the chilled air through the ductwork of your home and into the various rooms.

If you have a problem with your refrigeration system, you will want to call an air conditioning contractor in North Myrtle Beach and not attempt to repair your air conditioner yourself. However, there are certain maintenance tasks you can perform to make sure the unit is operating efficiently.

You will want to turn off the power at the service panel before starting any maintenance project. Typically you will find a disconnect box near the unit that contains a lever, a circuit breaker, or fuses that will shut off the condenser. You will want to wait about 30 minutes for the charge in the capacitor to be released.

Steps For Maintenance

1. Replace or clean the filters. This should be done twice each year as the seasons change. Dirty or clogged filters will cause the airflow to be restricted, which reduces the efficiency of the unit. Dirty filters will also cause dust to be filtered back into your home, aggravating allergies.

2. Clean the condenser. The condenser unit is usually located outside and is a large fan inside of a metal box with grill-like sides. The condenser is protected with a cover to prevent debris from getting inside. Make sure that the fan is free of leaves and debris.

The fan moves the air over the condenser coils. If debris gets inside the unit, the coils will clog, which will obstruct the flow of air and reduce efficiency.

To clean these coils, you will want to remove the top and side panels from the unit. Always make sure the power is off before you remove the panels. Be careful not to pull on any wires connected to the fan.

Use the soft brush on your vacuum cleaner and gently clean the coils. Use caution around the delicate fins. If you should bend the fins, you can use a “fin comb,” which is specifically made to straighten out the fins around the coils. Once you have cleaned the outside of the coils, you can then vacuum them from the inside.

If you find debris that seems to be lodged in the unit, you can use a coil cleaner spray to remove it. Be careful not to spray any electrical components. You can use a hose to remove dirt; however, use caution. You don’t want to flood the unit, spray water on electrical components or bend the fins.
Scoop up any leaves at the base of the unit, and if there is a drain, you will want to make sure the drain is open.

Look for any loose bolts and make sure they are tight. Spray a few drops of WD-40 on any ports. Then mop up any excess water and reassemble the condenser. If you find any frayed lines, you will want to have them replaced.

Look around the unit and cut any weeds or vegetation that could interfere with the airflow of the unit.
Make sure the unit has had time to dry before you turn on the power to the condenser. Make sure the thermostat is set to Off, turn on the power at the main panel, and then turn your thermostat to Cool.

3. Inspect the coolant lines of your air conditioning unit. These are the tubes that run from the evaporator, which is located on the air handler, to the outside condenser. They will typically be covered with insulation to prevent loss of energy. Look for areas where the insulation may be frayed or had been removed by weather and replace it.

You can save time and money by having an air conditioner professional do the work for you. Now is the time to get your air conditioner in North Myrtle Beach ready for summer!

What Do You do When Your Air Conditioning Unit Stops Working

There are moments when your air conditioning unit will fail to do its job or not function at all. No matter how you maintain and look after your unit, there will come a time when it ceases to function, and there are factors why this happens.

When it does happen, you do not need to worry because there are relatively simple air conditioning repairs and maintenance you can do. All you need are the right tools and enough information to do the job.

However, while there are simple and easy-to-do air conditioning maintenance tasks, you still need the services of air conditioning professionals like North Myrtle Beach Heating And Air when your unit stops working.

Simple Air Conditioning Maintenance Tasks

Thermostat setups

Usually, the main cause of a non-functioning air conditioning unit is the wrong thermostat setup. Some homeowners are unaware of correctly setting up the thermostat where you have to adjust the setting after turning on your HVAC system.

Before calling any heating and cooling service provider, might as well check if you have the right thermostat setting first. Otherwise, readjust it to the right setting and then turn your air conditioning unit on again. If it still does not function properly, then you can call the professionals. There are some thermostats, especially the ones manufactured these days, that use more advanced technology that you are not aware of.

Inside the thermostat

If you have applied the tips mentioned above, like changing your thermostat settings, but your air conditioning unit is still not functioning, maybe it is time to check what’s inside your unit. But before doing this, be sure that your device is not turned on and ensure that it is not switched on at any electrical outlet

If you have previous experience with wiring and electric circuits, you can check if there is any loose wiring. Otherwise, it is advisable to call in the air conditioning contractor because they have the right tools and training to perform such tasks.

North Myrtle Beach Heating And Air concentrates on air conditioning units, HVAC systems, and heat pump. Call now for more information about their services.

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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

PREPARE AIR CONDITIONER FOR SUMMER

Many homeowners worry about setting up a pool and planning a summer vacation for their families. These are wonderful things to look forward too, but you need to first consider the basics. Your home’s comfort during a Myrtle Beach summer is heavily dependent on its air conditioning system. You must prepare it for the summer.

Install a new air filter

Each home’s air conditioner system has at least one filter that must be replaced regularly. This filter traps unwanted pollutants and makes sure they don’t get in your home. This filter will eventually become clogged with so many pollutants over time.

Now, take a few moments to remove the air filter. Hold it up to a light. It still has some life if you can see through it. If you cannot see through the filter it is time to replace it. There are four types of air filters available: HEPA, pleated, fiberglass and washable.

Clean Your Inside Air Conditioning Unit

Properly cleaning your air conditioner is essential to ensure it runs at peak performance. Start with the inside of your air conditioner unit. To prevent any electrical problems or injuries, you will need to switch off the circuit breaker connected to your AC system.

The access panel from the indoor air conditioner unit should be removed. Begin by cleaning the evaporator coils. Debris can build up over time and cause damage to the evaporator coil. A foaming cleanser that is specifically made for coils is recommended. The foaming cleanser will work and the debris will be able to fall into the drain pan.

Next, clean the drain pan as well as the drain pipe. These components can get clogged up with debris and hard water. To thoroughly clean these components, use a bleach-water solution. This will ensure you don’t have a water backup due to a blocked drain or pipe.

Clean the Outside HVAC Unit

After you have cleaned the indoor unit, you can reinstall the access panels. Now it’s time for you to go outside. First, remove the AC grille. Use a hose to clean any debris on your compressor unit’s fins and other parts.

You will need to clean the condenser coil with a special cleaner that you can buy online or in your local hardware store. The cleaner will be extremely harsh as it must work hard to get rid of all the debris and dirt that has been left by the elements.

Straighten the Fins

A lot of metal fins will be found on your outdoor compressor unit. These small pieces can be bent easily. The fins will not disperse heat properly if they are bent. You can fix this problem by using a fin comb.

Hardware stores sell fin combs. You will need a tape measure to determine the right size comb. You need to count the number of fins in one square inch. The number of fins per square inch is the basis for selling combs.

Make sure to clean up around the outdoor unit

Once you have cleaned up the outside unit, and reinstalled the AC grille cover cover, it is time to evaluate the area around the unit. You should remove any leaves or sticks that may be left behind. Tree branches or bushes within two feet of the unit will need to be cut back. A minimum of 2 feet should be left around the outdoor unit. This will allow air to flow freely through the unit.

Programming Your Thermostat

This is the perfect time to program your thermostat according to your schedule. When you are sure you will be home, set your thermostat at a level where you are comfortable. If you aren’t home, such as when you leave for work, you can program your thermostat to a temperature higher temperature. This will make sure that your air conditioner is operating in an efficient manner.

Does all of this sound complicated? North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air provides AC services for all North Myrtle Beach residents. We can also provide reliable assistance with all your heating and air purification requirements. Give us a shout today!

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