Displaying items by tag: hvac maintenance myrtle beach
Monday, 12 July 2021 11:45
Lower Your Indoor Humidity
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.
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Tuesday, 01 June 2021 16:36
Signs Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning
Despite cleaning or replacing your air filter regularly, some dust and debris does make it through to your air ducts. This allows dust, dirt and allergens to linger in your duct system. This negatively impacts your indoor air quality but also causes your HVAC system to work harder--increasing wear and tear, increasing energy bills and decreasing the lifespan of your system. So, how do you know if it's time for an air duct cleaning? Here are the signs your air ducts need cleaning.
1. Dusty home - Is your home dusty no matter how often you clean? If you notice dust seems to build up fast, even when you've just cleaned, it could be coming from your air ducts.
2. Major renovation - If you've had a major renovation in your home, no matter how tidy the construction crew is, some dirt and debris will end up in your ducts. Once construction and clean-up is complete, schedule a duct cleaning as a final step.
3. Mold - Your HVAC system can collect condensation. Condensation can allow mold to grow and thrive in your ductwork. Mold in your indoor air can make you and your family very sick. While you might not be able to see mold in your duct system, you can smell it. Mold has a musty odor that can alert you to its presence.
4. Rodent infestation - Rodent infestations can happen in your walls and eventually make their way to your duct system. The first step is having the infestation dealt with. Then it is necessary to have your ductwork completely cleaned down to remove rodent droppings. Rodent droppings can release fecal spores and those spores can make you and your family very ill.
5. Increasing energy bills - If your energy bills seem to be going up and up, particularly when compared to the last year or two, a dirty duct system could be to blame. Dirty ducts make your HVAC work harder, which makes it less energy efficient. It needs more energy to cool or heat your home and this causes your consumption and your bill to rise.
These signs your ducts need cleaning can help you determine if a duct cleaning appointment is necessary. Duct cleaning also has the added benefit of finding and uncovering any leaks or tears in your ductwork that could be taxing your HVAC system also. Carolina Comfort Systems is your resource for all things HVAC-related. If you suspect you need a good duct cleaning, give us a call today.
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Friday, 04 December 2020 15:12
Top 7 Common Cold Weather Heating Problems
When the temperature drops, your HVAC system goes to work keeping your home warm and comfortable. But how can you tell if there is a problem brewing? Whether you have a furnace or a heat pump, there are a common set of issues that can crop up when the temperature drops. Here are the top 7 most common cold weather heating problems and possible causes.
1. Dirty filters - Dirty filters restrict airflow, add to wear and tear, make your HVAC work harder and lose energy efficiency and can cause damage to various components over time. Ideally, it's best to change your filter every other month or monthly if you have pets. This is one of the most common causes of cold weather heating problems.
2. Cracked heat exchanger - The most common cause of a cracked heat exchanger is a lack of regular maintenance of the system. A cracked heat exchanger can also result in a carbon monoxide (CO) leak that can cause serious illness or death. While this is a costly repair, it's important to have it taken care of immediately because of the CO danger.
3. Cycling too frequently - Cycling too often can be a result of a dirty or clogged air filter, most commonly. If the air filter is new, the problem is more likely to be an issue with airflow or a faulty thermostat setting.
4. Loud bangs or sounds during the heating cycle - Loud noises most often indicate airflow problems. If airflow isn't the issue, it could also be a clogged burner. In either case, a visit from a professional is required.
5. Air continuously blowing - The most common cause of an HVAC system that is constantly blowing, whether or not the heating element is producing heat, is a faulty limit switch. This is a repair you'll need an HVAC professional to perform for you.
6. Faulty pilot light - There are a few ways the pilot light can be faulty. It should be a small, bright and blue flame. If the flame is another color such as yellow or orange, or doesn't burn brightly or not at all, the most likely cause is a dirty or damaged flame sensor. Sometimes this issue can be remedied by cleaning the flame sensor while other times, it requires a new flame sensor.
7. Frozen pipes - Just like regular plumbing pipes in your home, some HVAC systems can experience frozen pipes and coils during especially cold weather. Also like your plumbing, frozen pipes and coils can burst or crack. The most common way people notice this problem is if their HVAC isn't keeping up to the set temperature. Calling in a professional ASAP can help prevent cracks or breaks in the coils or pipes inside your HVAC system.
Your HVAC system works hard in both the hot months and the cold months to keep your home comfortable. Knowing about these top 7 common cold weather heating problems helps you quickly recognize when there is an issue and call in a professional to help fix the problem before it becomes a major breakdown.
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Friday, 04 December 2020 15:02
Schedule Your Fall/Winter HVAC Tune-Up!
Right now, as fall and winter weather approaches is the optimal time to have your HVAC professionally tuned-up and serviced. Regularly scheduled tune-ups keep your HVAC system working as effectively as possible and also helps prevent a breakdown by finding small problems before they become major issues. Check out some of the core services your HVAC tune-up includes.
HVAC Tune-Up
Your HVAC tune-up will include an inspection of several areas and servicing of many moving parts. Here are just a few of the things that take place during an HVAC tune-up.
- Visual inspection of all moving/working parts
- Inspection for wear and tear of motors, belts and bearings
- Lubrication of all moving parts
- Replacement of filter (Note: You should replace your filter at least every other month, or monthly if you have pets)
- Inspection and adjustment of pilot light and gas pressure
- Test and tighten electrical connections and switches
- Inspect drain lines for clogs of dirt or debris
- Inspect vents for blockages
- Test and check for any carbon monoxide leaks
- Written professional maintenance suggestions that list any parts that should be replaced, extra services suggested and suggestions to improve efficiency or safeguard the lifespan of your HVAC system.
A professional tune-up improves the function of your HVAC system and increases energy efficiency which can reduce your utility bills and the cost of heating or cooling your home. Proper maintenance also helps reduce wear and tear by keeping moving parts lubricated, your system clean and all switches and connections tight and secure. A regular maintenance schedule for your HVAC tune-ups also helps increase the lifespan of your system. If you haven't scheduled your HVAC tune-up yet, give Carolina Comfort Systems a call and we will take care of all of your HVAC tune-up needs and give you the peace of mind that your system is in good working condition for the winter temperatures.
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Friday, 02 October 2020 09:51
Should I Repair or Replace My HVAC System?
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.
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Monday, 31 August 2020 10:41
Prep Your HVAC for Fall
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.
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Tuesday, 30 June 2020 12:10
Keeping Your Home Cooler This Summer
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.
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Tuesday, 30 June 2020 11:50
Prepping Your Bryant System for Summertime
Summertime is here and so is the heat and humidity. If you haven't already done so, now is a good time to prep your Bryant system for the sweltering summer.
1. Clean or replace air filters - Dirty air filters restrict airflow and cause your system to work harder. Also, dirty indoor air circulating through your home can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms.
2. Have your system cleaned and inspected twice per year - Once per year is the minimum but twice per year is the recommendation. You should have your system cleaned and inspected in the fall for your furnace and again in the spring for your air conditioner. This will keep your system running as optimally as possible and help you reap all the benefits of a well-maintained system.
3. Remove debris from around the outdoor unit - Regularly inspect and clean away debris from your outdoor unit such as leaves, twigs and grass clippings. It's also important that your outdoor unit have a good amount of space for airflow around it. Make sure any shrubs or bushes are trimmed away from the unit to allow a two-foot clearance between the plant and the unit for proper airflow.
4. Install a smart thermostat - Bryant's Homewise smart thermostat helps your system run more efficiently. It can sense when no one is home and automatically adjust itself to an away temperature or you can use your smartphone to adjust your home's temperature while you are on the go. When all of the great features are used, this smart thermostat can save as much as 20% on your utility bills.
5. Keep vents open - Check and make sure at least 80% of the vents in your home are fully open. When more than 20% of the vents are closed, it creates strain on your Bryant system that can cause a breakdown or lead to additional wear and tear on your system. This can shorten the lifespan of your Bryant system.
6. Set ceiling fans in the right direction - While not directly related to your system but a tip that will help your system keep your home cooler, make sure your ceiling fans are going in the right direction. During the summer, you want the downdraft to help circulate cool air so fans should run counterclockwise. During the winter, you want an updraft to pull cooler air up and force warmer air down so fans should run clockwise.
Summer has begun here in South Carolina with much warmer and more humid days yet to come. If you haven't already prepped your Bryant system for summer, now is the time to do so. Keeping your Bryant system prepped and maintained will keep it working hard all summer long to keep you cool and comfortable.
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Friday, 24 April 2020 13:06
Prep Your A/C for Summer
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.
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Friday, 27 December 2019 15:04
Saving Money on Winter Heating Costs
The coldest part of the year is close at hand in Myrtle Beach. Did you know there are simple things you can do to help save money on your winter heating costs? Here are our tips to help you save on your utility bills this winter.1. Lower the thermostat. You save about 3% on your bill for every degree lowered for at least 24 hours. That adds up to a big savings by dropping just a couple of degrees in your home. Better yet, invest in a programmable thermostat to help you save automatically.
2. Seal the chimney flue. When you aren't using your fireplace, make sure your chimney flue is closed and seals properly to keep cold air out. An open chimney flue causes as much heat loss as a window left open a few inches.
3. Don't heat rooms you don't use. Have rooms you rarely or never use during the winter? Close the vents, close the door and save money by not heating rooms you aren't using.
4. Keep blinds and curtains closed when the sun isn't out. Anywhere from 10-25% of the heat loss in an average home is lost through the windows. Closing your blinds and drapes helps insulate the space around your window and helps prevent heat loss.
5. Check the weatherstripping on your doors. Weatherstripping can get damaged or become loose over time, allowing drafts and cold air into your home. If needed, remove and replace the weatherstripping on your door to ensure your door isn't sucking heat right out of your home.
6. Install plastic window treatments. Insulate windows (especially single-pane windows) with plastic window treatments to reduce heat loss around windows.
7. Use space heaters (safely). Space heaters help you save money by only heating the space you're in, instead of the whole house. Use space heaters to help you rely less on your main HVAC so you can keep the thermostat lower.
8. Keep up with preventative maintenance. You should have preventative maintenance performed on your system at least once per year to ensure everything is working properly and efficiently. Preventative maintenance can also help spot small problems before they lead to a major breakdown.
While our winters might be short here in the Grand Strand, they can get mighty cold. These 8 tips can help you save money on your heating costs this winter.
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