HVAC service North Myrtle Beach

Sunday, 31 January 2021 17:21

Signs Your Heat Pump Needs a Tune Up

There are several signs you might notice that let you know it's time for a heat pump tune up, repair or replacement. Let's take a look.

1. Strange smells - Strange smells are a sign of a problem. Different smells can indicate different problems. For example, a burning oil smell often indicates a worn out belt in your heat pump. A damp or musty odor can indicate that mold growth is happening inside the unit. You definitely don't want to breathe that in! If you notice unusual smells when your heat pump is running, it's time for a tune-up.

2. Strange sounds - When working correctly, your heat pump should have a consistent but very soft humming sound when it runs. If you're hearing rattling, groaning or banging noises, that is not normal. Strange sounds are often a warning sign that a serious breakdown is imminent. If you hear strange sounds when your heat pump is operating, it's time for a tune up.

3. It's old - If your heat pump is old, in the 10-15 years old range, you definitely need to keep up with regular tune-ups. Older systems are not as energy efficient as newer systems. A tune up gets your heat pump into the most optimal running conditions possible so it works as efficiently as possible. Heat pumps in that age range should also be considered for possible replacement. You'll definitely save on your utility bills with a new system and not have to worry about a breakdown.

4. Increasing electric bill - If you notice your electric bill going up and up, pay attention to how frequently or quickly your system is cycling on. Systems that need a tune up tend to cycle on and off more quickly, meaning the system runs more frequently and thus uses more energy than a tuned up heat pump. This increased use of energy shows up as rising costs on your electric bill.

5. Running but not heating/cooling - If your heat pump is running and you feel the air flow but it is not able to heat or cool your home to the temperature setting, it's time for a tune up. Not being able to keep up to temperature is a sure sign that something is either not working properly or has become gunked up.

Does your heat pump need a tune up? If it is showing any of these common warning signs, it's time for a tune up. Ideally, it's best to have a tune-up at least once per year before the winter chill comes. Manufacturers often recommend having a tune up or regular maintenance twice yearly, in the spring and the fall. Despite this recommendation, many people go several years without having any kind of regular maintenance or tune up on their heat pump or HVAC system. We get it! Life gets busy and time flies. However, if you haven't had a tune up in a few years (or ever), it's time to give Carolina Comfort Systems a call. We'll tune up your heat pump and look for any small problems before they become a major breakdown.

Published in Blog

Friday, 02 October 2020 09:51

Should I Repair or Replace My HVAC System?

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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.

1. Age of system - If your HVAC system is within the normal lifespan or just even 10 years old or more, you might benefit from a newer, more efficient system.

2. Cost of repairs - If the repair cost is 30% or more of the cost of a new system, it's worth considering if a new system is right for you.

3. Inefficient heating and cooling - If your system is struggling to heat and cool your home efficiently and maintain the set temperature, you might be better off investing in a new HVAC system. HVAC systems lose efficiency with age and wear and tear.

4. Dust is accumulating in your home - If you've noticed more dust accumulating than usual, the ventilation and humidity control of your HVAC system could be breaking down.

5. Energy bills increasing - Aside from a rate hike, your utility bills should follow a consistent pattern throughout the year. If you notice your bill is steadily increasing, especially when it normally goes down, it could be a sign that you need to replace your HVAC system. As mentioned, HVAC systems lose efficiency over time. A system with declining efficiency uses more energy and costs you more on your utility bill.

6. Frequency of repairs - If your HVAC system is breaking down and needing repairs frequently, you might be better off replacing the system rather than spending more money on more repairs.

7. Carbon monoxide leak - If your HVAC system is leaking carbon monoxide, you and your family are not safe using the unit. If the leak can't be found and repaired, it's time to put safety first and get a new system.

There are a number of factors to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace your HVAC system. If your system is young and you've kept up with regular maintenance, you would do well to repair. If your system is older and breaking down frequently, you would do well to invest in a new system instead of more repairs. Still not sure? Call Carolina Comfort Systems! We can help you evaluate your current system's health and make recommendations that give you the best bang for your buck.

Published in Blog

Monday, 31 August 2020 10:41

Prep Your HVAC for Fall

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1. Change air filter - Air filters should be changed bi-monthly or monthly if you have someone with allergies or asthma in your home. Use this opportunity to make sure you have a fresh air filter in your HVAC unit. Dirty filters hinder airflow and make your HVAC work harder, which uses more energy and costs you more money, plus adds wear and tear to your system.

2. Change thermostat settings - As the weather turns colder, you'll want to adjust your thermostat settings to be cooler when you are not home and to warm up when you normally arrive home. This way you save money and energy without sacrificing comfort.

3. Clean the coils - Clean the condenser and evaporator coil on the outdoor unit. Brush away dirt, grime, leaves, lawn clippings and other debris from the coils.

4. Clean away debris from the exterior unit - Clean the exterior and around coils to remove gunk and debris that can hinder airflow. Also make sure trees and shrubs are trimmed back away from the unit to avoid impeding airflow from growing foliage.

5. Insulate pipes - Use foam pipe covers to cover pipes and electrical wiring from the unit to your home. Secure it in place with duct tape. This will help prevent freezing and cracking pipes during the colder months.

6. Test the heat - Test the heat to ensure it's working before you actually need it. It might have a slight burning smell for the first hour or two as the unit burns off any dust that has collected inside. If the heat doesn't work, you can call a pro to look at it before you actually need it on a cold day or night.

7. Have your system professionally cleaned and inspected - Having a professional out to service your system includes lubricating motors, checking belts for tightness and wear and tear, inspecting and tightening electrical connections, testing for and sealing duct leaks, verifying proper operation of the system, testing airflow, calibrating the thermostat and checking the refrigerant levels. It's ideal to have this professional service in the fall before you turn on the heat and in the spring before you fire up the A/C.

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.

Published in Blog

Tuesday, 04 August 2020 11:16

How to Prep Your HVAC for a Hurricane or Major Storm.

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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

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.

Published in Blog

Tuesday, 30 June 2020 12:10

Keeping Your Home Cooler This Summer

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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.

1. Heat reducing window film - Install heat reducing window film on windows to help block between 70-90% of the infrared heat and UV rays from the sun. This helps prevent your house from getting warmed up by the sun while still allowing you to enjoy plenty of natural light.

2. Close the blinds - Closing the blinds reflects the sun's rays back out of the window and prevents those rays from warming up your home. If you can't afford window films (tip #1), this is a good alternative, though it does restrict natural light.

3. Use your ceiling fans - First, it's important to remember that fans cool people, not rooms. It's the airflow moving across your skin that cools you down when sitting under or in front of a fan. Using your ceiling fan can help you feel as if the room is four degrees cooler.

4. Use a programmable thermostat - If you are gone most of the day, use a programmable thermostat to conserve energy and operate at a higher temperature when you are not home, then gradually cool down to your desired temperature by the time you normally arrive home. This keeps you comfortable and cool when you are home while saving you money during the day.

5. Install a ductless unit - If you have a particularly warm room or rooms that the ductwork doesn't reach, a ductless system is a great option. It mounts on the wall and cools the room down with a low carbon footprint. It can save you money while keeping the desired room cool and comfortable.

6. Plant trees - Trees and shrubs create shade and shade helps block some of the sunlight reaching your home. Less sunlight reaching your home is less sunlight to warm up your home by the sun's rays. A shaded home is a cooler home.

7. Cook outside more - Use your grill or outdoor kitchen to cook more of your meals. This keeps the residual heat from cooking outside. You won't be artificially heating up your home with the stove or oven with indoor cooking.

8. Keep inside doors open - To allow for the best airflow through your home and an overall cooler home, keep your interior doors open.

Summers in South Carolina can get really hot. We hope these 8 tips to keep your home cooler this summer help you ride out the heat in comfort.

Published in Blog

Monday, 01 June 2020 10:31

The Benefits of Bryant's Variable Speed Technology

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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.

1. Your system doesn't work as hard or as long - Because variable speed allows for speeds below the "full speed" of most other systems, your system doesn't have to work as hard to get to a lower speed. Lower speeds don't require as long to cycle fully on and then fully off so your system also doesn't run for as long when you have variable speed options.

2. Maximizes comfort - Creates more interior temperature sensitivity and also better humidity control when your system can react more precisely to fluctuations in temperature. This means your temperature stays more steady and constant and you stay more comfortable.

3. Energy efficient - By only ramping up to the speed necessary to maintain comfort, Bryant's variable speed technology is energy efficient. A slower speed, faster cycle with a Bryant system uses less energy than a full speed, complete cycle with a standard system. Any time you are saving energy, you're also saving money on your utility bill.

4. Quieter operation - Because the system can use slower speeds, it operates at a quieter level than a standard system at full speed. Slower speeds aren't as loud and noisy as traditional systems with only one speed. You can enjoy maximum comfort with the quietest operation necessary to keep your home at the right temperature.

Bryant's variable speed technology can be found on many of the Evolution line of comfort systems and the Preferred Geothermal Heat Pump as well. To explore the different variable speed technology can make for your home and comfort, call Carolina Comfort Systems to learn more.

Published in Blog

Friday, 24 April 2020 13:06

Prep Your A/C for Summer

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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.

1. Remove condenser cover - If you have a cover on your outdoor condenser unit, remove it before you fire up the A/C. Also remove any coil blankets or lids that you installed to protect your unit during the winter. Running your A/C with these items in place can cause serious damage.

2. Check outdoor unit panels - Check the panels on your outdoor unit to make sure they are properly in place and not missing or misaligned. Windy winter weather can cause panels to shift out of place. If you find a missing or misaligned panel, call in a pro to reinstall it properly.

3. Remove debris from the outdoor coil - Make sure to remove any debris, leaves, twigs and so on from around and in your outdoor coil. If there is debris you can see but cannot get to, have a pro out to remove it to prevent damage to your unit.

4. Look for damaged pipe insulation - Damaged pipe insulation can cause your system to lose energy and cooling capacity. If you find damaged pipe insulation, your best bet is to call in a professional to replace and repair the damaged insulation properly.

5. Change the air filter(s) - Changing your air filters should be done on a regular basis - every other month at minimum or every month if you have pets.

6. Clean air supply registers - Check and clean all of the vents, intakes and registers that feed air into your system from inside the home. You don't want dust and dirt to get into your unit, which will make it work harder and that gunk could end up cycling back out into the home.

7. Check the drainage - Check your drainage to make sure the drainage line is clear with no blockages and is firmly set to drain out the condensate properly. The drainage line is also often called the condensate line or pipe.

8. Test it - Test the unit to make sure it is working properly. If you notice anything abnormal such as loud noises or weak airflow, have a professional out to inspect it.

Ideally, you should have a regular maintenance appointment for your A/C before the first time you use it. With the unpredictable weather in South Carolina, we realize that isn't always possible. In the event you have to use your A/C before your yearly servicing, this checklist will help you prep your A/C for summer. When you are ready to make your A/C service appointment, call Carolina Comfort Systems.

Published in Blog

Saturday, 15 July 2017 15:42

Bryant's Pre-Service Checklist

Bryant Service Checklist | HVAC service Myrtle Beach When you have a scheduled maintenance service visit with Carolina Comfort Systems or need one of our expert Bryant technicians to come out for emergency service, it's helpful to be prepared. Here are a few things you can do to prep before our service technician arrives.

Write down the model numbers of your heating and cooling system as well as any components that have model numbers visible.
Make a list of all problems you have noticed and when the problems began.
Make sure you know where to access all components inside and outside the home, and make sure the area is clear so the technician can get to the unit(s).
Have your previous service records handy.
If your heat pump is frozen, turn it off before you call for service to give it time to thaw before the technician arrives.
Make sure you have done your "common sense" checks to rule out simple fixes that may not need a technician:
Check that your air filter. A dirty air filter can cause a surprising number of problems.
Check the batteries in your thermostat. Thermostats that run solely on battery power stop signaling to the HVAC system when batteries burn out.
Check your circuit breaker to ensure the circuit for your HVAC system hasn't flipped.
Check to make sure none of the vents or intake registers are closed or blocked by furniture. Improper air flow can trigger emergency shut-off on some systems.
Check outdoor unit to ensure there isn't debris obstructing any moving parts. Also check the disconnect switch to make sure the outdoor unit isn't switched off.
Check shut off switches on the interior unit, such as the SSU switch - which should be in the "on" position.
Adjust thermostat to a higher (or lower, depending on season) temperature and listen for the blower to turn on. If it doesn't turn on after a few adjustments of temperature, make a note of it and turn off system to avoid damage.
Secure pets in another room before the technician arrives for their safety and the technician's,
Answer your phone. Our technician may call to let you know he's on his way, or to get additional directions to your home.

Using the above checklist to prepare for your service with Carolina Comfort Systems will help you have everything you need at your fingertips. Making sure pets are secure and units are accessable helps our Carolina Comfort Systems technician perform your service as efficiently as possible.

Published in Blog

Wednesday, 05 April 2017 12:34

Top 10 Reasons to Tune Up Your HVAC System in Spring

HVAC Service Myrtle Beach Ah, springtime! Bright sunshine, warmer temperatures, flowers blooming and trees pollinating... Definitely springtime in South Carolina! While you're making your spring cleaning checklist, don't forget to add HVAC tune-up to your list. Why is spring the best time to schedule your HVAC regular maintenance service? We can think of a couple of reasons...

1. If your HVAC tune-up is always a part of your yearly spring cleaning, it makes it easy to remember when your next service is due.
2. Ensure your system is working as efficiently as possible to keep you cool when the summer heat hits town.
3. A freshly tuned-up system saves you money. Greater efficiency means less energy use and lower utility bills.
4. Lubrication of the moving parts during a tune-up helps them run smoother and quieter, reducing noise from your unit.
5. Regular maintenance increases the lifespan of your HVAC system.
6. Catch small problems early before they become bigger and more costly problems later on.
7. Maintain indoor air quality - especially after the big yellow tree pollen explosion wraps up. A good tune-up cleans all that gunk out and preserves your air quality.
8. Winter temperatures and conditions can cause hidden damage or leaks while the cooling part of the unit wasn't in use. Yes, this even happens in South Carolina.
9. Your thermostat will be checked and calibrated to keep you cool and comfortable all summer long.
10. Take advantage of your HVAC maintenance professional's more open schedule before summertime breakdowns start to make sure your family isn't left sweating!

Summer temperatures will be here before we know it. Give us a call to schedule your tune-up today and beat the heat!

Published in Blog