HVAC system Myrtle Beach

Friday, 16 July 2021 14:12

Top 6 Ways to Troubleshoot Hot Spots in Your Home

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Does your home have hot spots or rooms that are hotter than others? If so, you might benefit from one of these top 6 ways to troubleshoot hot spots in your home. Let's take a look at what you can do to combat the dreaded hot spot.

1. Add air returns - Including extra air returns helps increase air flow going back into the system. It also cycles warm air out of rooms while cool air is pumped in, causing air to mix and avoid hot spots from forming. For example, many builders are now including extra air returns in larger rooms such as master bedrooms to help keep temperatures more consistent throughout the home.

2. Cover the windows - When you let the sun shine in, you're also letting the sun's warming rays pass through the glass where they get trapped in the room. This causes the room to warm up. Keep window coverings closed during the parts of the day when sunlight is streaming directly in windows to reflect those rays back out. This helps avoid the formation of hot spots.

3. Run the ceiling fan - The ceiling fan creates air flow and mixes the air in the room. By mixing the warmer and cooler air together, the ceiling fan dissipates any hot spots that might otherwise form in that room.

4. Check the ductwork - If your ductwork is sagging, crinkled up or leaking, it can't deliver the full volume of air it was designed for. Have the ductwork fixed and sealed properly to nix those hot spots.

5. Check insulation - Having the proper amount of insulation in your walls and ceilings is key to keeping rooms consistently comfortable. If there is not enough insulation in certain areas or certain rooms, it can let heat conduct through and lead to hot spots or hot rooms.

6. Check air filters - Some systems have one air filter and some have more than one. Make sure to change these at least every other month, if not monthly. Dirty air filters restrict air flow. When air flow is restricted going into the system, less air flow can come out of the system. This means that the proper amount of cooled air will not make it to each room, leading to hot spots.

How many of the top 6 ways to troubleshoot hot spots in your home have you tried? Some of these fixes are simple like running the ceiling fan or checking the air filters. Other fixes will require assistance from your technician at Carolina Comfort Systems. If you've got hot spots and the simple fixes don't seem to work, give us a call and we can help you get every room back to being comfortable again.

Published in Blog

Wednesday, 28 July 2021 13:58

Why Won't My A/C Keep Up with the Heat and Humidity?

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High temperatures and high humidity can really take a toll on your HVAC system. If you find your A/C is struggling to keep up and can't reach desired temperatures, there could be multiple reasons why. Why won't my A/C keep up with the heat and humidity? Let's take a look!

Duct Leaks

Duct leaks release cool air before it reaches the intended room while also letting hot and humid air in. On average, you could be losing as much as 30% of the air your system has cooled due to duct leaks. What a waste of energy and money! Solve this problem by having your ducts inspected, tested and sealed.

Condensation Line Gunk

When the condensation drain line gets gunked up, moisture backs up and can't drain properly. This triggers your A/C to shut down to protect the unit. The A/C cannot run properly with a blocked condensation drain line. Your fix? Have a pro come out to clear out that drain line blockage and help condensation drain away from the unit properly.

Clogged Air Filter

The air filter(s) is the first thing to check when your A/C isn't working properly. Dirty air filters restrict air flow. When there isn't enough air flow into the unit, it can't produce enough air flow out to properly cool your home.

Leaking Refrigerant

If the refrigerant starts to leak, it prevents the evaporator coil from being able to pull as much heat and moisture out of the air as is needed. This can cause the compressor to overheat and burn out, resulting in major A/C repairs.

A/C is Dying

If your A/C is more than 15 or even 10 years old, it could be that it's at the end of its lifespan. As they age, HVAC systems lose efficiency and eventually lose the ability to maintain temperature. If your A/C is on the older side, it could mean it's time to replace it.

Extreme heat and humidity, common in the late summer, are some of the toughest conditions your A/C has to work through. If your home feels stuffy and muggy no matter what you try or if your A/C just can't keep up with your desired temperature, it's time to call Carolina Comfort Systems to evaluate your system. Your comfort is our business!

Published in Blog

Monday, 12 July 2021 11:45

Lower Your Indoor Humidity

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Higher humidity in your home decreases your energy efficiency by forcing your HVAC system to work harder to remove moisture from the air. Indoor humidity can also cause mold growth that can be hazardous to your family's health. Higher humidity also makes it feel hotter than it is, making you warmer and less comfortable. Here's how you can lower your indoor humidity.

1. Make sure your dryer vents properly to the outside and is clear of debris. When your dryer doesn't vent properly to the outside, it allows moist, hot air to build up in your home and add to your indoor humidity.

2. Have your crawlspace encapsulated. Prevent soggy soil underneath your house from increasing your indoor humidity. An encapsulated and properly ventilated crawlspace eliminates excess moisture coming from under your home.

3. Run exhaust fans. When cooking or showering, always run the exhaust fans in the kitchen or bathroom to take that excess heat and moisture and pull it out of your home.

4. Avoid boiling water on very humid days. Boiling water adds hot moisture to the air in your home. Avoid boiling water on excessively humid days to prevent adding more humidity to your home.

5. Change your HVAC filters. Dirty air filters obstruct air flow and make your HVAC less efficient at removing moisture from the air. During the summer, it's best to change your air filter monthly.

6. Take shorter, colder showers. Long, hot showers only add to the humidity in your home. Stick with short, cool showers to keep humidity down and your home more comfortable.

7. Dry your clothes. Hanging wet or damp clothes causes excess moisture to evaporate into the air as the clothes dry. Dry clothes in the dryer until they are completely dry to avoid adding humidity to your home.

8. Replace your carpet. If you have carpet, it can hold excess moisture and cause humidity levels in your home to be higher. Replace carpeting with tile, hardwood or vinyl plank floors and eliminate this source of humidity in your home.

Humidity can cause all kinds of issues in your home from mold to discomfort to higher energy bills. These methods to lower your indoor humidity will help you protect your family's health, feel more comfortable and save money on your utility bills.

Published in Blog

Tuesday, 22 June 2021 11:40

Tips to Keep Your Home Cooler This Summer

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Following these tips to keep your home cooler this summer will help you save energy and wear and tear on your HVAC system. Keeping your home cooler means your HVAC system doesn't have to work as hard to keep your home at the set temperature, which also reduces your energy consumption and saves you money. Let's take a look at the tips to help you stay cooler and save money too.

1. Close blinds, curtains and shades - Close your blinds, curtains or shades during the day to reflect sunlight and prevent it from warming up your home through the windows.

2. Close the doors to unused rooms - Close the doors to unused rooms to trap the cool air in there. It decreases the amount of space your HVAC has to work to cool down by keeping it cooler in those unused rooms. Your HVAC won't have to work as hard to keep you cool and it will save you money.

3. Change HVAC filter every 30 days for optimum air flow - Gunked up, grimy air filters obstruct air flow and make your HVAC work harder to cool your home.

4. Use ceiling fans - Simply using the ceiling fans can make a room feel as much as four degrees cooler. This helps keep you more comfortable and you can even raise your thermostat a few degrees and save money without sacrificing comfort.

5. Add insulation to your home - Many homes are not properly insulated, particularly in attic spaces. Make sure your walls and attic are properly insulated to help keep heat out and cool in during the summer.

6. Cook outdoors - Use your grill or outdoor kitchen to cook as many days per week as you can. You'll avoid heating up your home with the stove or oven, which makes your HVAC work harder to keep things cool.

7. Plant trees - Plant trees so that they will provide shade to the sides of your house that get the most sunlight. This will help keep your home cooler naturally.

8. Upgrade your HVAC - If your HVAC is more than 10 years old (the average lifespan), then you might benefit greatly from a new, high-efficiency HVAC system. Newer systems are more efficient at keeping things cool and are also more energy efficient so it will also save you money on your power bill.

Beat the heat by using these tips to keep your home cooler this summer. You'll not only enjoy increased comfort but you'll also increase your energy efficiency. Better energy efficiency means your utility bills will be lower. If you are ready to upgrade your HVAC or need assistance keeping your home cooler this summer, call Carolina Comfort Systems.

Published in Blog

Saturday, 01 May 2021 03:46

Benefits of a Smart Thermostat

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With smart appliances and home devices being so popular, you might have wondered if a smart thermostat is really worth the investment for your home. There are many benefits of a smart thermostat for your home. Let's take a look at a few of those benefits.

1. Adjust the temperature of your home from anywhere - Smart thermostats have corresponding apps for your smart phone that allow you to check in on your home thermostat and adjust the temperature from anywhere. Heading home earlier than expected? No problem! Just adjust your temperature to your "home" setting and enjoy your usual comfortable temperature when you get there.

2. Save energy - The primary reason most people invest in a smart thermostat is to save energy and thus, save money on their utility bill. Use your thermostat's energy saving settings and allow it to automatically adjust your temperature to maximize your savings.

3. Easy to program - With modern interfaces and the handy smart phone app, smart thermostats are easier than ever to program. A few clicks and you'll have your thermostat all set up.

4. Vacation mode - Smart thermostats have a vacation mode you can use when you're out of town so you don't have to mess with your regular daily settings. You keep your regular settings where they are and vacation mode takes care of adjusting your temperature while you're away.

5. Analyze your energy use - Your smart thermostat can track your energy use over time. The insights you gain from this analysis can help you find additional opportunities to save energy and money.

6. Avoid human error - Forget to change your thermostat settings before you leave? That's not an issue if you have a smart thermostat. It can detect that you've left and adjust your temperature accordingly. You can also adjust it on the fly from your cell phone.

7. Get alerts - In the event of a power outage or your home's temperature drifts out of your pre-set range, you'll receive alerts. Alerts keep you updated on exactly what is happening with your home temperature. Some systems can also send you an alert when there is a problem with your HVAC system.

Is a smart thermostat worth the investment for your home? Do you want to be able to control your temperature from anywhere, save energy, save money and analyze your energy use? Then the benefits of a smart thermostat are definitely worth the investment. You'll gain more control over your energy use and get valuable insights that help you save money on your utility bills.

Published in Blog

Wednesday, 31 March 2021 15:16

Is a Zoned System Right for Your Home?

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The goal of a zoned system is to accurately control the temperature for each room or zone while also reducing total energy use and reducing cost. Zoned systems are a good idea when you have unoccupied rooms or when you experience a temperature imbalance in your home such as hot spots or cold spots. A zoned system is an investment, especially for existing homes that need to be retrofitted with the proper equipment so you'll want to carefully consider whether the investment in a zoned system will bring you the comfort and energy savings you want. So, is a zoned system right for your home?

What is a Zoned System?

A zoned system is when one HVAC unit is used to provide different temperatures to two or more rooms or zones in the home, rather than having two separate HVAC systems. Dampers are installed in the ductwork to help direct the flow of heated or cooled air into different rooms to meet the temperature needs of each zone. The dampers are managed through a damper control panel that uses data from the thermostat system to direct the right amount of air into each zone. The thermostat system can be individual thermostats that communicate with a central control panel or a single thermostat that controls the temperature in the various zones in the home. A good analogy to understand how a zoned system works is to compare it to your lighting. If one switch turned on all the lighting in the house and you couldn't control the lighting room by room, this would be a standard HVAC system. If you have a switch in each room that controls the lighting for each individual room, that is like a zoned system.

How Much Do Zoned Systems Cost?

The cost of a zoned system is usually around $2,000 to $2,500 for two zones and goes up by about $500 per zone in existing homes where a zoning system is being retrofit into the home. When installed in a new construction home, the cost of two zones runs about $750 cheaper and increases by about $250 per zone. Installing a zoned system in a new home under construction requires less work and labor and is thus cheaper overall. If you're considering installing a zoned system in a new build home, that is the optimal time to do it, rather than having to retrofit an existing home for a zoning system. That doesn't mean that putting a zoned system into an existing home is a bad idea. It can be very beneficial if you experience hot and cold spots or rooms or if you have unoccupied rooms you don't use much.

Is a zoned system right for your home? Give us a call! We'll come out and take a look at your existing system and let you know what it would take to convert to a zoned system so you can make a clear and informed decision.

Published in Blog

Wednesday, 31 March 2021 15:06

Preparing Your HVAC for Spring and Summer

Spring is here and summer is right around the corner, along with the heat and humidity. You'll want to take steps now to prepare your HVAC for spring and summer to make sure you are cool and comfortable all season long.

1. Check your outside unit - Check your outside unit for leaves, grasses, twigs, branches and any other debris that could potentially block the proper operation of the unit. Also make sure you have one foot minimum clearance from shrubs, bushes, flowers, branches, fences and trees around the unit to allow for proper air flow.

2. Check your air filter - Professionals recommend checking your air filter monthly and changing it out when it gets dirty. For most homes this would be about every other month or possibly every month in homes with pets. If you haven't checked your air filter in a while, it probably needs to be changed out.

3. Do a test run - Turn your air conditioner on before you need it (if possible) for a test run. Listen for any unusual noises, check for any strange smells that don't dissipate, make sure the system is blowing and the fan is running. Also give the system time to start cooling to make sure the cooling function is working. If it doesn't or won't hold temperature, the coils might be freezing up. Either way, if you notice any signs of issues with proper operation of the system, it's time to call in your HVAC technician to take a look.

4. Have a professional HVAC tune-up - Set up your seasonal tune-up. Most professionals recommend having your HVAC system cleaned, tuned-up and inspected twice per year - in the fall and in the spring. This gets your system ready to take on the humid heat of summer (or the winter cold). Your regular maintenance appointment also helps catch small problems before they can lead to a major breakdown.

The last thing you want is a major breakdown of your HVAC system when the heat is beating down. With that summer heat just around the corner, now is the time for preparing your HVAC for spring and summer. The proper preparation helps your system run efficiently all season long to keep your home comfortable no matter what the weather is outside.

Published in Blog

Saturday, 27 February 2021 11:33

How to Make the Most of Your Energy Star HVAC System

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Energy Star products are certified to meet strict guidelines and standards for energy efficiency set by the EPA. There are additional things you can do to make the most of the energy efficiency and get the best bang for your buck out of your investment in your HVAC. Here's how to make the most of your Energy Star HVAC System.

1. Install a programmable thermostat - A programmable thermostat allows you to set your temperature to a cooler or warmer setting (depending on season) while you are away and come up to your preferred temperature by the time you arrive home each day. This helps you save additional money on your utility bills by reducing the work your system has to do to maintain temperature when you aren't home.

2. Properly size your new HVAC system - To ensure you get the proper size HVAC system for your home, your contractor will need to do an HVAC load calculation or Manual J calculation. This is an evaluation of a variety of data about your home that helps determine what size system is best for your home. It includes your square footage but also other factors such as the number of windows, amount of shade, roof color and roof type and more. Get the wrong size system and it could cycle too quickly to properly dehumidify your home or could use excess energy by cycling on and off too frequently. Having the right size system is vital to making the most of your Energy Star HVAC system.

3. Seal and insulate ductwork - By sealing and insulating ductwork, you reduce the likelihood of air leaks and also help prevent temperature loss as air circulates from your HVAC system throughout your home. Preventing temperature loss helps your home reach the desired temperature more efficiently and prevents your HVAC system from running longer than necessary to reach temperature.

4. Maintain your system - You should have a professional servicing at least once per year, preferably twice - once in the fall and once in the spring before the harsh seasons of winter and summer. In between professional maintenance appointments, check your filter monthly and change as soon as it appears dirty, especially during the summer and winter seasons when your system is working hardest. It's recommended to change your filter at least once every three months at the very minimum.

5. Use your ceiling fans - Ceiling fans help circulate air and can push cooler air downward in the summer while creating an updraft during the winter that forces warmer air downward. Your fan should be set to rotate clockwise in the winter and counterclockwise in the summer.

Using these five tips together can help you make the most of your Energy Star HVAC system. By making the most of your system, you maximize energy efficiency and save the most money possible on your utility bills. For more information on new Energy Star systems from Bryant, call Carolina Comfort Systems.

Published in Blog

Sunday, 31 January 2021 16:54