The average lifespan of an HVAC system is about 15 to 20 years. The key to having a long lifespan for your HVAC is regular professional maintenance. You'll also need a few tune-ups and repairs along the way. But how can you tell when your HVAC's time is done? Here are the factors to consider when you're deciding whether to repair or replace your HVAC system.
Fall is just a few short weeks away. Take some time now to prep your HVAC system for the cooler fall weather so you don't end up with no heat on a cold day or night. A little preparation now can save you money from an emergency service call later.
When a big storm is coming, a little bit of prep work can save your HVAC system from significant damage. Let's take a look at how you can prep your HVAC system for the next big storm.
1. Turn it off - Turn off the breakers to your HVAC system, heat pump, air handler and gas furnace. (Note: If you have a gas furnace, be sure to turn off the gas supply line also.) Turning the system off will protect it from the damaging surges that happen when the power fluctuates on and off or when it is powering back on. Power surges can cause serious damage to your HVAC system and is one of the biggest causes of major repairs following a tropical storm or hurricane.
2. Secure your outdoor unit - Make sure all the bolts are tight. Use hurricane straps, if possible, to prevent heavy winds from moving your outdoor unit.
3. Protect it from flood water - Even a tiny bit of flooding can cause major damage to your HVAC system. If flooding could be an issue, raise the unit up on concrete blocks to help avoid flood water from reaching your unit.
4. Protect it from flying debris - If your HVAC unit has a cover, use it. You might also be able to purchase one that fits securely on your specific unit. This will prevent your HVAC unit from being damaged by flying debris and heavy winds.
After the storm, do a thorough inspection of your HVAC unit. Check for any damage, flooding or issues that could lead to damage of your system. If you are uncertain if your unit has been damaged or if you find damage or the unit has been flooded, be sure to have a professional out to inspect and check the unit before turning it back on. If you inspect your unit and don't find any potential damage, make sure you wait until the power is securely restored and not fluctuating before you turn the breakers back on and restore power to the unit. You don't want to weather a storm and then have damage occur afterward due to fluctuating power outages.
We're entering into the peak of hurricane season here in South Carolina. If you need more advice on protecting your HVAC system, we are here for you. When the storm has passed, we'll be there to inspect your system and fix any damage your system might have sustained because of the storm. Carolina Comfort Systems is here when you need us both before and after a major storm or hurricane.
If you have areas of your home that just don't get cool or rooms that your ductwork doesn't reach, ductless air conditioning might be a great solution for you. Let's explore the many benefits of ductless air conditioning for your home.
1. Customized comfort - Allows for zoned temperature control that can be customized room by room. So, everyone enjoys their personal best level of comfort.
2. Improves indoor air quality - Because there is no ductwork, there is no place for dust, dirt, pollen and other allergens to collect and blow through your home. Ductless systems also have a multi-layer filtration system that helps clean the air as it cools it.
3. Better dehumidification - Ductless systems are great dehumidifiers, pulling excess moisture from the air as it cools it.
4. Energy efficient - Variable speed compressors provide only as much power as is needed to cool your home. Most HVAC units have only one or two speed compressors and often use way more electricity than is needed to bring your space down to the correct temperature. By having variable speeds, ductless saves electricity and money.
5. Use only what you need - You can switch off the units in unused rooms to save electricity and money, instead of cooling the whole house.
6. Avoid ductwork leaks - Ductwork can have leaks that allow cool air to escape and reduce the efficiency of your HVAC cooling system. With no ductwork, there are no leaks so your ductless system works at optimal efficiency.
7. Saves space - A ductless unit mounts on the wall inside with a compressor unit outside. This takes up far less space in your home than a full HVAC system with it's ductwork and full-sized units.
8. Easy maintenance - Maintaining a ductless system is easy. Keep filters clean, clean unit vents and keep the area around the outdoor unit clean and tidy. With a professional annual inspection and cleaning, your ductless system could last as long as 20 years or more.
There are lots of benefits to installing a ductless system, whether you need to cool down one room or every room, ductless systems are convenient and energy efficient. When you are considering whether a ductless system is right for your home, call Carolina Comfort Systems. We can give you all the details you need to make an informed decision.
When the temperatures rise, you need every tip and trick in the book to help keep your home cool and comfortable. Here are 8 tips to keep your home cooler this summer.
In a standard system, there is generally only one speed so your system is either cycled off or cycled on full speed. When the temperature drops or rises and triggers the HVAC system to turn on, the system must ramp up to the one full speed and run until the temperature reaches the desired level before cycling off. Bryant has variable speed technology. What this means is that the speed your HVAC needs to ramp up to for a cycle can vary. Your system's speed only ramps up as far as is necessary to keep the comfort level steady to heat or cool your home. Let's take a look at some other benefits.
The summer heat is right around the corner so now is the time to prep your A/C unit for summer. Here is your checklist to get your system ready to keep you cool when the hot and humid gets going.
It may sound like science fiction but including a UV lamp in your HVAC system's indoor air quality set-up can have many real world benefits. UV lamps for home HVAC systems are a residential version of the same technology used by hospitals to kill airborne pathogens in ventilation systems and prevent the spread of illnesses throughout the facility. Here are just a few reasons you might want to consider a UV lamp for your HVAC system.
- UV light kills bacteria and viruses.
- UV light kills airborne mold spores that contribute to allergies.
- UV light sterilizes HVAC components such as cooling coils, preventing mold formation and keeping components working as efficiently as possible. The more efficiently your HVAC system operates, the less energy it uses and the less expensive it is to keep your home comfortable.
- UV light reduces clogging of drains and intakes by preventing growth of algae, mold, and scum - particularly in humid states like South Carolina.
- UV light reduces odors by killing microbes that contribute to musty odors.
Including a UV lamp in your HVAC system is a great idea for allergy sufferers, people with asthma or other breathing issues and homes in humid climates where mold growth is common. However, a UV lamp is only one part of the solution. To reap the full benefits UV lamps have to offer, they should be part of your overall indoor air quality strategy that also includes filtration and/ or air purification. Including a UV lamp in your HVAC system not only increases the efficiency of your unit to save you money but also helps you breathe easier. For an indoor air quality analysis, call Carolina Comfort Systems today!
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