HOW TO KEEP YOUR HVAC SYSTEM IN TIP-TOP SHAPE

HVAC maintenance is essential to the longevity and efficiency of your system. A well-maintained HVAC unit can save you money in the long run due to its increased energy efficiency. This blog post will discuss five key ways to keep your HVAC system running at its best.

1. Cleanliness and Ventilation

Keeping an HVAC unit clean and well-ventilated is essential for optimal performance. Dust, dirt, and other debris can cause a decrease in airflow, leading to higher energy costs as the system struggles to cool or heat a space. Be sure that all vents are open and free from obstructions for maximum airflow.

2. Replace Air Filters Regularly

Replacing air filters regularly is key for better air quality within a home or business and improved energy efficiency. Dirty filters lead to blockages which can cause an increase in energy usage and reduce the effectiveness of your unit’s cooling or heating capabilities. Call an HVAC contractor if you don’t know what to do next.

3. Utilizing Smart Thermostats

Utilizing smart thermostats allows you to better regulate temperature settings with time, helping reduce energy expenses in the long run by allowing you to set temperature preferences based on times of day, days of week, or seasons of year.

4. Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers are beneficial additions to any HVAC system as they help remove excess moisture from a space’s air, allowing an AC system to operate more efficiently since it does not have to work as hard when humidity levels are lower.

5. Increasing Insulation Around Windows and Doors

Increasing insulation around windows and doors during summer months helps prevent cold air from escaping too quickly from interiors, conserving energy in the process. Additionally, this can also make your home feel cooler without having to lower temperatures inside as much as possible via an AC unit alone.

HVAC Maintenance

Caring for your HVAC unit is essential for its longevity and performance, as it helps to keep your home or business comfortable year-round. To ensure optimal condition of your air conditioning and heating system, it is important to keep the unit clean and well-ventilated. Regularly vacuuming the intake vents, cleaning out any dust or debris from within the system itself, and checking that all venting paths into the attic or crawlspace are clear should be considered routine maintenance duties.

Installing intakes that can pull filtered outside air in when humidity levels are low will help prevent indoor air pollutants from building up inside. Finally, scheduling tune-ups by a qualified technician at least once a year can help identify other underlying problems before they develop into more serious issues down the road. With these steps taken, you can rest assured your HVAC system will be running smoothly throughout the year.

Replace Air Filters

Maintaining the air quality in your home is important for keeping your family healthy and comfortable. To ensure proper airflow, a check of all air filters in the house should be part of your regular home care routine. Subject to wear and tear, air filters generally need to be replaced every one to three months; if you live in an area with lots of dust or allergens, you may need to replace them more often.

Additionally, it’s important not to close off more than half of the vents at any given time. Blocking too many vents will prevent the system from cycling properly, which can reduce energy efficiency while driving costs up. Taking simple steps such as these allows homeowners to enjoy a well-ventilated and cozy living space without breaking the bank.

Taking good care of your HVAC system in North Myrtle Beach is important if you want it to last longer and perform better over time while reducing energy costs significantly along the way. The tips mentioned above are simple ways homeowners can maintain their systems so that they remain efficient for years down the line!

Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air now if you need help in maintaining or repairing your heating and cooling 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

INSULATION CRUCIAL FOR MAINTAINING HEAT IN YOUR HOME

Energy effectiveness is crucial to reducing your energy expense nowadays, particularly in the winter season when you have to run your heating system. With the insulation choices nowadays, you should have no issue keeping the heat in your house to decrease your dependency on energy options. Insulation’s main function is to decrease the heat flowing into and out of your house. In the summertime, insulation keeps the outdoor heat from creeping inside while in the winter season, it traps heat inside the home to prevent it from leaving.

Choosing the ideal type of insulation and knowing just how much to use is essential. You need to know how it should be installed in the attic, walls, and ceilings as well as the foundation and floors of your home. When you can guarantee there are no air leaks in your home and add proper insulation, you can significantly minimize your energy bill and reliance on nonrenewable fuel sources.

Four Basic Kinds of Insulation

4 standard kinds of insulation exist: liquid foam, loose fill, stiff foam, and rolls or bats (blankets). The blanketed and loose fill is most often used in homes, especially in attics, in between flooring joists, in the walls, and in between rafters in the roof. Liquid foam is mainly utilized in walls as it is the best product to seal any potential air leakages and create an airtight home. Rigid foam resembles sheets of foam and is typically utilized in the out walls of a home and other outside applications.

When you choose the insulation for your house, there are several elements you must consider. First, will the insulation position any danger to your household? Is it made up of products that are hazardous to the environment, particularly your house? Think about the long-term efficiency your insulation will offer. You want its insulating residential or commercial properties to last for several years.

If you already have insulation however you are replacing it or including more, you must learn just how much is already there. Step the density of the insulation already present so that you can get an R-value from the house improvement store and choose whether you need to include more insulation and how much. The R-value varies depending upon where you live as well as exactly what heat pump you use: gas or electrical. Your goal is to strive for a greater R-value than what is needed by your location to guarantee optimum insulating properties.

You will notice in your insulation shopping that there is a range of products to choose from. Fiberglass is without a doubt the most popular in the rolls of insulation that you lay out but it is tough to deal with since the glass-like fibers can enter your skin. Special protective equipment is used when working with fiberglass. Cellulose, cotton, mineral wool, lamb’s wool, and recycled paper and material are also utilized as insulation.

Each type of insulation material has a different R-value so you must keep that in perspective when looking for not just the type of insulation but the product it is made from. Obviously, where you are utilizing the insulation is another mitigating factor in your choice. Call a heating contractor for more information on the most suitable insulation for your home.

In addition to checking your insulation, now is a good time of year to have your heat pump serviced for maximum efficiency. Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air today to schedule a time for one of our technicians to come out to your home and check out your heating 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/

THE BEST HVAC SYSTEM FOR YOUR HOME

Each region in the United States has its own HVAC requirements, depending on where they are located and its climate. The Southeast region is known for being “hot and humid” with mild winters. HVAC systems must be able to handle this type of weather. Because of the warm climate, homes in the Southeast require efficient cooling and dehumidifying systems. There is also an option for light winter heating. Heat pumps are a popular choice for mild winters in the Southeast, even though most homes still use central cooling and heating systems. Heat pumps have become a popular cooling and heating technology in recent years.

Central Systems

Regardless of where they are located, most households in the U.S. rely on central heating and cooling to maintain their interior temperatures. Although central furnaces have seen a slight decline in usage due to increased heat pump installations (65%-61% between 2001-2015), they still dominate the HVAC market in North America.

Split systems are used for central air conditioning. They include both an indoor and outdoor unit that pumps refrigerant through it. Warm air is transferred to the indoor evaporator coil by heat. This cools the air. The heat is absorbed outside and stored, while the cool air is distributed within the house.

Central heating uses a furnace to heat the house. This furnace then circulates warm air through ducts and vents. Your home’s air passes through a heat exchanger, where it is warmed up. The warm air then flows through ducts to your home. Because of the region’s hot and humid climate, the Southeast is more likely to rely heavily on electricity for its fuel preference. Electric furnaces are more durable than gas furnaces and require less maintenance.

Heat pumps

Heat pumps are a single unified system that provides both heating and cooling in North Myrtle Beach. They are becoming increasingly popular in the southern regions. A heat pump transfers heat, not generates heat. This makes it more energy-efficient than an air conditioner or furnace and also provides more significant cost savings.

Heat pumps are most effective in mild winter climates where temperatures do not drop below freezing. A heat pump is a great choice because it provides cooling during the summer months. The system’s refrigerant can change direction, allowing it to act as both an air conditioner and a furnace.

A heat pump is a two-way AC unit that can cool a whole house. It uses refrigerant to absorb heat through an indoor set and then release it through a second set of coils outdoors. This effectively cools your home in the summer months, even at high temperatures.

This reverses in winter. The heat pump extracts heat outside and distributes it throughout the house via forced warm-air delivery systems. The heat pump heats the home by using electrical energy and refrigerant cooling. A heat pump is sufficient to keep your home comfortable if the climate is not extreme.

Put money back in your pocket

Did you know? There are a number of tax credits available from the federal government to help reduce capital costs for home and renewable energy projects. North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air can help you save on energy costs by maintaining your existing HVAC unit or replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.

Not sure what type of HVAC system best suits your home? Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air today. We’ll help you find the heating and cooling system that fits your needs.

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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/

2023 HVAC EFFICIENCY STANDARDS

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued the 2023 requirements. It reviews efficiency standards for HVAC products every six years. EER, SEER, and HSPF are no longer used. The new terms are EER2, SEER2, and HSPF2. New DOE testing procedures required the use of higher external airflow pressures to simulate real-world conditions. The new metrics are EER2, SEER2, and HSPF2. Equipment that has been tested using the new procedures is distinguished from equipment that was tested using the old ones by the new names.

The new minimum energy efficiency requirements vary depending on the product type and the country where the equipment is being installed. However, the bottom line when it comes to obtaining new equipment, is that single-phase a/c units or heat pumps manufactured after January 1 must be tested using the new procedures and have EnergyGuide labels that use the new terms. They must also meet or exceed the 2023 minimums.

SEER regulations

SEER stands for seasonal efficiency ratio. It is a measure of an air conditioner’s cooling output in relation to its electrical energy consumption. The AC’s efficiency is determined by its SEER rating. Two SEER-related changes will take effect from January 1, 2023. The minimum SEER rating for HVAC equipment will be increased. New air conditioners must currently have a minimum SEER rating of 13 in the northern states and 14 for the southern states. This will change in 2023 to 14 and 15 respectively.

The industry will also adopt the SEER 2 standard. SEER 2 is similar in that it measures heat extracted from space and not the energy used. To better reflect real-life conditions, the testing conditions will be modified. HVAC equipment, including heat pumps and AC condensers, will be required to display their SEER2 rating on their packaging by 2023. This change will not have an impact on consumers, but it will give you a better idea of your potential energy use when you shop for an HVAC system.

What are the benefits of these new HVAC regulations?

Most HVAC equipment, including gas furnaces and central air conditioners, requires a lot of electricity in order to work. This causes carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming. Our HVAC systems are increasingly important as the world experiences extreme temperatures because of climate change. Global warming will only increase if we don’t create new eco-friendly standards for technology and standards. Many industry changes, including the 2023 HVAC regulations will shift towards greener products and more efficient energy. These will not only have a positive impact on the environment but also reduce your utility bills.

Do I need to replace my HVAC system?

If your HVAC equipment is in good shape and meets your needs for heating and cooling in North Myrtle Beach, you don’t need to replace it. To keep your system running at its best, schedule spring and fall HVAC maintenance appointments. It may become more difficult to find compatible parts as your system ages. Dealers stock parts that meet the new regulations. It’s time for new equipment that meets current standards when your system has reached its end of useful life or the cost to repair it exceeds the cost of replacing it.

The new HVAC standards can be confusing but we’re here to help. Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air today to know if you need to get a system upgrade. 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/

HEAT PUMP REPAIR GUIDE FROM THE PROS

There are numerous issues you could run into with your heat pumps. Understanding the best ways to repair these issues, particularly if they occur frequently and if they need fundamental repair, would help you save money and time. In this post, you will cover the three top most common problems and a quick heat pump repair guide:

Heat pump power issues

A heat pump that fails to start correctly is a sure sign that it has power issues. Specialists concur that this is could be because of an issue with your thermostat or the system’s failure to conduct power appropriately. Below are some points you could do to settle this trouble:

• Examine all the breaker and electric panels that provide electrical energy to your heat pump. If it does not work properly, it could be caused by a tripped circuit breaker. In case this happens, just reset the breaker by turning it off then wait a few minutes before turning it back on. If this happens frequently, call North Myrtle Beach Heating And Cooling professionals in your area.
• Ensure you have the best type of thermostat set up with your heat pump. Remember that there are specific thermostats produced to work efficiently with a heat pump. If none of this makes your heat pump start properly, have a specialist check the electrical wiring of your thermostat. Your thermostat may not be wired correctly, harming your heat pump’s digital components and preventing the system from correctly conducting power and successfully operating.

Heat pump air changes

If you discover that your heat pump is generating cooler air compared to what it generally does, you must consider these factors:

• The appropriate thermostat setup – Among the usual causes of the adjustments in air temperature level from your heat pump is the wrong setup in your thermostat. The initial setups might have been inadvertently changed the last time you cleaned your house. Try to see if it remains in the ideal temperature level setup.
• Unclean or clogged up heat pump filter – When was the last time you changed or cleaned your heat pump filter? If you are utilizing your heat pump more often than before, it may be that its filters can become dirty easily. Try to see if the filters require cleaning or changing.
• Unclean coils in the exterior condensing system – Similar to filters, the coils of your heat pump’s exterior condensing device could become dirty easily especially if used frequently. Follow the manufacturer’s guide to cleaning and replacing it. Calling an HVAC contractor for a maintenance check before the heat of summer sets in is the best way to prevent problems this summer.
• Overheating heat pump – You’ll know that your heat pump are overheating if it switches on and off frequently. According to heating and cooling professionals, this could result from a blocked filter or damage and malfunctioning blower. If you observe your heat pump cycles regularly, you may need to look at the filters as well as change or cleanse them if they are dirty and also loaded with dust.

For more questions about your North Myrtle Beach heat pump, call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air. 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/

HOW TO AVOID COMMON HVAC ISSUES

Your HVAC system is an important part of your home during the summer heat and winter chill. However, your HVAC system can fail, causing extreme discomfort for your family members. It is crucial that homeowners are able to recognize HVAC problems in their homes, and how to fix them. Learn how to prevent these common HVAC problems:

1. Dirty air filters

HVAC problems can be caused by dirty air filters. Dirty filters can make your heating and cooling system run slower by decreasing airflow. Your system will have to work harder to heat and cool your space, leading to higher electricity costs. Filters that are dirty can also affect the air quality of your home. They can cause bacteria and mold growth which can trigger allergies. They can also cause asthma and infections.

How to Avoid Dirty Filters

You must change your air filters regularly to avoid any problems. Experts recommend that you change your air filters at least once every three months. However, it is better to do more frequent changes in the summer. You will need to replace your filters more frequently if you live in warmer climates and your air conditioner runs often.

2. Refrigerant Leaks

Your AC coils contain refrigerant. This fluid is essential to your AC system as it helps absorb indoor heat. Low refrigerant levels can cause hot air to blow from your vents due to leaky HVAC systems. This is a common problem in the summer and can cause problems with efficiency.

How to Avoid Refrigerant Leaks

Calling a professional for HVAC maintenance annually is the best way to prevent refrigerant leaks. They will inspect your system for low refrigerant levels and if they find it, they will seal it. Call a professional immediately if you suspect that there is a refrigerant problem in your system.

3. Clogged drainage lines

The drainage line allows water to drain from the unit. These lines keep humidity levels in your home at a balanced level. Standing water can cause damage to your cooling system and cause blockages in drainage lines. Standing water can lead to bacteria, mold, and fungi growth in your cooling system. The growth of bacteria or mold in your cooling system can cause unpleasant odors in your home. Additionally, water may flow back into your unit. Backflow can cause damage to other components.

How to Avoid Clogged Drainage Lines

Water leaks from your compressor unit can indicate clogged drainage lines. Call a professional HVAC contractor to fix the problem if you suspect it is.

4. Odd Noises

It is possible that your heat pump or air conditioner is making unusual noises. If something is wrong with your heat pump, it will make strange noises like knocking, screeching, or rattling sounds. These noises could indicate a problem with the motor. If there are problems with your air conditioner, it will make a clicking or buzzing sound. This could indicate that something is wrong. Your HVAC professional will be able to pinpoint the cause of any unusual noises you hear from your unit.

How to Avoid Strange Noises

Any unusual noises coming from your HVAC unit can indicate a larger problem. It is important to identify the problem quickly and get professional service immediately.

5. Failing Capacitors

Failing capacitors are another common problem in summer. The capacitor stores energy and then transfers it to the compressor. This is a common problem during summer heat and can cause air conditioners to stop working. The capacitor cannot hold a charge anymore. You will hear clicking sounds when this happens.

How to Avoid Failing Capacitors

Regular maintenance is the best way for capacitor problems to be avoided. Professionals will find any capacitors that aren’t functioning as they should, and either repair them or replace them.

Routine maintenance is key

Routine maintenance is the best way for your HVAC unit to be in good condition. You can do regular maintenance on your own. This includes checking your filters and cleaning your condenser. To ensure that everything runs smoothly, call in an HVAC contractor in North Myrtle Beach once a year. This helps prevent unexpected problems from arising and can help you catch them before they become serious.

Avoid system breakdowns by doing regular maintenance. Contact an HVAC contractor today! Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air.

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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/

IMPORTANT TROUBLESHOOTING SKILLS FOR YOUR HVAC SYSTEM

Despite regular maintenance and upkeep and regardless of how much you take care of your HVAC system, it can still experience issues over time that may easily lead to bigger and more costly problems if not resolved immediately. Remember that its parts wear out in time and that dust and debris can accumulate in the vents, even if you clean them regularly.

To help you prevent bigger problems with your heating and air conditioning systems, experts suggest learning some troubleshooting skills. This will allow you to immediately resolve issues before they develop into more severe problems. This is especially helpful for those instances when your heating and cooling contractor can’t get to your aid immediately.

HVAC System Failed To Turn On

There are several reasons why your heating and cooling system could fail to turn on. The primary reason would be a tripped circuit breaker. Check if circuit breaker is tripped. This might be because your air cooling and heating system may be trying to use more electricity than your home can handle. Another reason could be the outlet where your system is plugged is not receiving sufficient electricity. Your outlet might be old and might have lost contact with your system’s plug. If so, all you have to do is replace your outlet with a new one.

You might want to check your system’s power cord as well. Find out if there are frays or damage on the cord, as this could prevent the cord from effectively transferring power from the plug to your system. Replace your power cord if necessary. If none of these things are the reason why your system failed to switch on properly, it might be due to a damaged or worn-out capacitor inside your system. Should this be the case, you will need to contact your contractor at once.

Corroded gas valves

One of the common problems with gas heat pumps is corroded gas valves. These valves supply the gas to your burner that produces the warm air for your house. They can corrode over time; thereby, preventing the smooth flow of gas and efficient production of warm air by your entire system. Should this be the case, all you have to do is replace the corroded valves with new ones. If you smell gas while checking your heat pump and burner, switch off the entire system and call your HVAC contractor at once.

Clogged evaporator coil

Your system’s evaporator coils contribute greatly in the cooling ability of your entire HVAC North Myrtle Beach system. If it is clogged – which is primarily due to clogged or dirty filters – your heating and cooling system may not be able to produce cold air as efficiently as before. What you should do is to clean your filters if they are washable or replace them if they are disposable. Run the fan on your air conditioner for a several minutes to allow it time to blow out the clog and built up debris in the evaporator coils.

If the problem still persists, there might be a leak in the system, in which case, you will have to call in your contractor at once. Keep in mind that there are heating and cooling problems that cannot be solved by simple and basic troubleshooting. Thus, it is important that you call your contractor every time you experience issues and problems with your system. They can either guide or assist you over the phone to help resolve the problem, especially if they cannot arrive on your house on time.

Looking for a professional HVAC contractor to work with? Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air today and inquire 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/