6 Steps For A Summer-Ready Air Conditioner

A bit of air conditioning maintenance can save you from the blistering heat of summer. After months of not being used in the winter, your air conditioner will need some TLC especially since it won’t be long until summer comes round the corner. What you should do is hire a professional heating and air conditioning, contractor. A professional HVAC technician will know more than you do at maintaining A/C units. However, this does not mean that you can’t do anything on your own. There are still some tasks that you can perform on your own. Here are some tasks that must be done:

Air condition maintenance that won’t require an expert

Always put safety first Just like any other electrical appliance, your air conditioning unit uses high-voltage electricity. Enough to give you a nasty shock, send you to the hospital, or even kill you if you’re unlucky. That’s why you should put a lot of emphasis on safety when working with air conditioners or any electrical appliance for that matter. Turn off the circuit breaker to where the A/C unit is connected. The condenser unit also has its own box that houses electrical components such as a circuit breaker, a lever, or a fuse. Turn the system off completely before doing anything to the unit. Clean or replace air filters It is important for the system to have a clean, fully-functional air filter. If whether you have a reusable air filter or not, they must be cleaned. This is to ensure that the system circulates air as efficiently as possible. The air filters must be replaced at least twice a year or depending on how often the system is used. Clean the condenser coils The condenser coils are where the heat is expelled. This process is aided by condenser fins and a fan to help dissipate the heat. Over time, debris will accumulate on the fins and stick to the fan blades. The dirt must be cleaned immediately to avoid the system from running inefficiently. The outside unit can be opened and cleaned manually. However, be careful about disassembling the cover for the outdoor unit. Make sure that the power has been turned off before cleaning. If you are not comfortable with doing the technical stuff, hire an HVAC contractor. Clean the surrounding area of the outdoor unit It is important that the outdoor unit remains clean. Any plants or grass must be kept away from the outside unit at all times. There must be space of at least 1-2 feet of clear gravel or ground surrounding the unit. This is to make sure that the unit won’t suck in debris when it is turned on. Also, clear leaves when necessary. Check the refrigerant lines You can easily check the system for any refrigerant issues by checking the copper pipes that run through the evaporator. These lines are often lined with foam or other insulating material. Check if there is any missing insulation. You may contact your local Florence HVAC contractor to fix the issue. Test the unit You can test the unit by powering on the unit and running it through different settings, turning the system off, and turning it back on. Although this test is not 100% accurate, it can give you a sense of the system’s condition. For more accurate results, hire Florence HVAC Experts to perform maintenance tests.

Are you in need of professional and reliable HVAC services? Florence HVAC Experts is here for you! You may reach us at (843) 636-3260.

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4 Ways To Prepare Your Heating And Cooling System For Spring

Spring is almost in full swing and it’s this time of the year that’s best to perform household maintenance. Of course, heating and air conditioning maintenance is included. While your heating system got a workout during winter, your air conditioning system will soon be put to the test yet again. This is why you should hire a professional HVAC contractor to maintain your system. This includes general maintenance, repairs, or possible upgrades.

Tips to make sure your HVAC is ready for spring

Upgrade to a programmable thermostat Have you noticed that temperatures in your home have been inconsistent? This isn’t just because of your HVAC system failing to meet your needs. It could be due to a faulty thermostat. It is important to know when the thermostat is still working fine or not. Bear in mind that the thermostat is just like the brains of your HVAC system and when it starts to fail, it could mean that your system will work abnormally. Call a Florence HVAC expert to inspect your thermostat and make sure that it works accordingly. One other way of doing so is upgrading to a programmable thermostat. Clean the coils of the outdoor unit The outdoor unit of your HVAC system will get pretty dirty at some point. It is important to clean the outside unit especially the coils to make sure that the system works accordingly and efficiently throughout the following months. Bear in mind that the frequency of cleaning the outside coils will vary on the environment it’s in. You could clean the coils yourself. However, to avoid damaging them, hire an HVAC contractor for professional cleaning. Change the air filter Changing the air filters is necessary. This is because the air conditioning system relies on moving air to reach the desired temperatures inside the household. With a dirty air filter, the system will have a harder time providing the cooling that is needed. This is because air can no longer pass through the filter as efficiently as before. If you aren’t going to replace the filters, the system will run inefficiently and cause pre-mature aging. Have a professional do a full system checkup You can find a number of ways on the internet on how to maintain your own HVAC system. However, it’s not always fun and games when you try it out for yourself. There are instances that you could get the maintenance wrong. Even the simplest tasks of replacing the air filters could go wrong. On the other hand, hiring a professional like Florence HVAC Experts will be your best option. A professional HVAC technician who has the proper tools, experience, and methods will perform better at any maintenance task. Other than that, having an HVAC technician perform an inspection and do the maintenance will be more effective. The technician can spot issues before they could happen and advise you on when you should upgrade.

Are you looking for professional and reliable heating and air conditioning services in Florence? Call Florence HVAC Experts today! You may reach us at (843) 636-3260.

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Benefits Of Regular Duct Cleaning

Although you can’t see the ductwork in your home, it doesn’t mean that you should just forget about them. Bear in mind that the ductwork is an essential part of your HVAC system. Ducts serve as vessels of air that allow for the heating Florence SC and cooling of the entire household. That’s why the ductwork must be maintained on a regular basis. Other than that, only a qualified HVAC contractor must perform the maintenance to ensure that everything will turn out right. Other than that, there are benefits to keeping your ducts maintained. Here are some:

Cleaner ducts come with benefits for your health and home

Regular duct cleaning provides a cleaner environment Your home is a sanctuary. However, it wouldn’t be much of a place to stay if it isn’t clean. Although you can clean most of your home by yourself, your ducts need professional attention. Duct cleaning is necessary and it allows for a cleaner and safer environment at home. Your heating and air conditioning system works by moving air inside the house. If the ducts are clean, the air moved from one place to another is also free of any contaminants. Any dust collected in the ducts could re-circulate and that’s why ducts must be cleaned regularly. Reduce or eliminate allergens and irritants Other than dust, there might be a number of microorganisms that could live in your ducts. Mold, pollen, bacteria, and more could be housed inside the ducts. Such microscopic allergens could easily propagate in the ducts and cause allergies and irritate the skin, eyes, and more. Regular duct cleaning, however, removes all the dirt and keeps the air inside your home free from any pollutants. You’ll breathe easier Not a lot of people know but indoor air is a silent killer. Poor indoor air quality is a major contributor to lung problems and diseases. A clean HVAC system easily moves air around the house, keeping it fresh and safe. Cleaning the ducts helps keep the air clean and maintain a safe environment for everyone in the household. Foul odors are removed Mold can grow on the walls of the ducts and create a nasty smell. If there’s too much humidity, mold could propagate. The foul odors will continue to be produced. However, having your HVAC contractor clean your ducts is a sure way of eliminating all foul odors and smells. Calling the experts HVAC maintenance is an integral part of ensuring that the system works as intended. Not only can an expert like Florence HVAC Experts clean the system, but they can also make sure that it does not break down. If you haven’t had your system maintained in a while, you should schedule an appointment. HVAC systems will continue to lose efficiency over time if not properly cared for. To keep your system in its optimal condition, hire a contractor to keep it in its top shape.

Looking for reliable HVAC services in Florence? Call Florence HVAC Experts today! You may reach us at (843) 636-3260.

Florence HVAC Experts Florence, SC 29501 843-636-3260 http://florencehvacexperts.com/

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Heating Mistakes That Increase Your Utility Bill

Regardless of where you are, winter weather will bring colder temperatures than normal. It’s the time of year when heating systems are used non-stop. Although cranking up the heating is one quick way of being cozy, it might not be the best option for your energy bill. In fact, heating and air conditioning account for most of the energy usage in households. That’s why you should think about energy efficiency and how you can keep warm without the added costs.

Here are common mistakes that make heating cost more:

Cranking up the temperature A lot of people don’t realize that cranking up the heating won’t really do any good especially if they are doing it to get warm fast. Regardless of the temperature setting, the heater can heat a room at a set amount of time. Generally, heaters work by slowly increasing the temperature of the air. You can then adjust the settings to high or low once the heater has reached its optimum operating temperature. Cranking up the temperature at the beginning will only cost you more. Heat escaping through openings Most of the heat is lost through windows and doors. Be sure that your windows and doors are closed all the time to keep the warm air in. Crevices and other openings also let warm air out, making it harder for your heating and air conditioning system to reach optimal temperatures. Be sure that any gaps in between your doors and windows are caulked. Relying on just one heat source A fireplace or space heater is handy to have around especially when the temperature is bitterly cold. However, it’s not a good idea to rely on just one heat source during the winter. Professionals like Florence HVAC Experts recommend using such appliances in conjunction with the main heating system to get the best results. Also, you will notice that this method is cheaper since your main heating system won’t struggle to reach your desired temperature level. Having a single temperature setting There are times when you will be away for a few hours at a time. There are also instances when you’ll be away for days. The point here is that you should have a programmable thermostat to make sure the temperature settings are appropriately managed. For instance, if you are going to be away for longer than three hours, it would make sense to lower the temperature setting since nobody will be home. Turning off the heating while you will be away for days will be most cost-effective. Not scheduling HVAC maintenance Your heating and cooling system won’t last very long without proper maintenance. Be sure that your system is well-maintained. Hire a company that can do the maintenance for you. A professional HVAC Florence technician can provide a thorough inspection of your system and ensure that nothing will break down in the middle of winter.

Are you looking for a reliable heating and cooling contractor in Florence? Look no further! Florence HVAC Experts is just one call away. You may reach us at (843) 636-3260.

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How To Know If Your HVAC System Needs Repair

A malfunctioning HVAC or heating Florence SC, ventilation, and air conditioning system can be very frustrating. What is even worse is that these types of problems usually take place when there’s a great need for heat or cool air. In case you notice your HVAC system is acting weird lately and you are not sure if you have to hire a repairman to check it, you better read on. Provided below are three of the biggest signs that you have to call an HVAC contractor right away.

Unusual Smells and Sounds

Odd smells and sounds are both red flags that there could be something wrong with your unit. When it comes to the smell, you have to consider a heating and air conditioning repair once you notice a musty or electrical odor. A musty scent can mean you have a mold issue while an electrical smell could imply that your unit has a bad part or defective electrical wiring. Some of the specific noises you need to take note of include high pitched whistling (indicating clogged filters or obstructed ducts), rattling (broken hardware), humming or buzzing (failing capacitor or fan), metal clanging (damaged fan blades), and loud pops during the engagement (incorrectly sized ducts or clogged air filters). Poor Airflow You might have a mild problem with your nit if you are not feeling sufficient air from the vents in your house. It can be due to a blocked vent or a clogged filter. However, this could also be a sign of a more serious issue. Be sure to check your vents and filters first. Change the filter in case it has been quite some time since you’ve done this and get rid of any blockages from the vents. In case insufficient airflow still exists, your unit may have an issue with its ductwork or compressor. These problems have to be tackled right away so be sure to call a professional HVAC contractor Florence immediately if you believe at least one of them is the cause of the problem. Other reasons that could cause poor airflow include filthy coils, sluggish fan, thermostat problems, oversized unit, or an old system. Always remember that poor airflow is not always noticeable. Apart from a lack of air that comes from the vents, you may notice that random cold and hot spots throughout your house. Pressure imbalances are also common signs of poor airflow. Allergy Flare-Ups Several homeowners link allergy flare-ups to lack of humidity or abundance of contaminants. These can trigger allergic reactions however before you begin an air purifier vs humidifier debate with someone else, you should look into hiring a contractor that provides HVAC repair to determine if that can help fix the issues with allergies. Pet dander, pollen, dust mites, and other contaminants can accumulate in the air in case your HVAC unit is not working correctly. A clean air filter is important if you want to keep your home allergen-free. Routinely changing your filters as well as cleaning up your air ducts will significantly decrease your allergy symptoms. In case you are thinking of upgrading your HVAC unit soon, you should consider a unit that changes indoor air with filtered outdoor air. These kinds of units can assist in ventilation, which decreases mold growth and lessens other air pollutants. Consider hiring Florence HVAC Experts for maintenance, upgrades, and repairs. Now that you can tell if your HVAC unit needs a repair, it is time to get it fixed as soon as possible if you do not want to get stuck without heat during winter.

Call Florence HVAC Experts if your HVAC system needs repair, maintenance, or replacement. You may reach us at (803) 973-7324.

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Best Thermostat Settings For Your HVAC

Do you know the ideal temperature setting for heating and air conditioning in your home? A lot of people who have an HVAC system installed aren’t aware of the best temperature for their home. Manually adjusting the thermostat can provide you with a desirable temperature. However, is it cost-effective? Do you need to sacrifice comfort for cost-efficiency? This article will be focusing on HVAC temperature settings that will keep you comfortable and your energy bill down.

What temperature range is best for summer and winter?

There are mainly two seasons where cooling and heating Florence SC is used quite often. During the summer, it’s normal to crank up the AC to get away from the blistering heat outside. But what’s the best temperature setting that won’t break the bank? It is recommended to set cooling to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you are at home. If you will be gone for a number of hours, you should set the temperature higher so it won’t trigger the compressor very often. As for temperature settings in winter, it is best to dial your thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the optimal range during the day. Of course, you may play around with the temperature a bit to find your comfort zone. However, this will significantly increase the energy consumption of the entire system. Is a programmable thermostat any good? In general, a programmable thermostat is recommended by any HVAC contractor you ask. The reason for this is because, with a programmable thermostat, you don’t need to constantly change the temperature. You can dial in different temperature settings based on your usage patterns such as when you are at home, away, or when you are going to bed, and so on. Here’s how to get the most out of your programmable thermostat:

• Make sure that the thermostat is installed away from the registers, doorways, near fireplaces, skylights, windows, and other areas that often experience temperature changes.
• Set the thermostat to energy-saving temperatures during extended usage as this will help reduce energy costs.
• Always install fresh batteries (if needed) to keep your thermostat from malfunctioning.

My HVAC won’t provide comfortable heating and cooling despite changing the thermostat settings. What should I do? There are instances where changing the thermostat settings won’t do much to provide comfortable temperatures. In such instances, it is best to call an HVAC contractor. The only real way to figure out what’s wrong with your system is through an inspection. Only a licensed and experienced HVAC technician is supposed to check your system. This is so the inspection is done quickly and you get the results you need fast. Should you experience technical difficulties with your HVAC system, don’t hesitate to call a professional. A reliable HVAC contractor like Florence HVAC Experts is just a call away.

Don’t let heating and cooling issues ruin your day. Call Florence HVAC Experts right away when you see signs of HVAC issues. You may reach us at (843) 636-3260.

Florence HVAC Experts Florence, SC 29501 843-636-3260 http://florencehvacexperts.com/

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How To Overcome Humidity Issues During The Winter

Energy costs typically rise during the winter. This is due to a number of factors. Humidity inside the home as well as the use of fireplaces can affect how much energy it takes for heating and air conditioning. This article will shed light on just how big of an impact humidity has on your energy bills and how you can efficiently use a fireplace.

What does humidity do to your heating and cooling costs?

First off, let’s understand what humidity is. Basically, humidity is the water vapor in the air. Relative humidity or RH is the amount of water vapor present in the air. It can often be confusing to decode just how humidity impacts heating and cooling costs. In general, the lower the humidity levels, the higher your energy costs will be. As the humidity levels drop, air will take in moisture wherever it can find it. The air can even suck out the moisture from your skin through evaporation. This means that as humidity levels drop, you lose moisture in your body to compensate for the low amounts of water vapor in the air. This will then lead to you feeling cold. When you feel cold, it’s only natural to crank up the heat pump. However, this can all be resolved by the use of humidifiers. A humidifier can effectively balance out the humidity in the air, making you feel warm and cozy without the need to make your heat pump work harder. How fireplaces affect overall heating costs Gas or wood-powered fireplaces might seem like a very good source of heat. However, that’s not always the case. According to studies, an open damper on an unused fireplace can increase heating costs by up to 30%. This happens even in a well-insulated house. Tests also concluded that between 80 and 90% of the heat produced by a fireplace simply goes up the chimney unused. That means for every $100 you spend on firewood or gas, you are only just getting $10-20 worth of usable heat. This is because an open fireplace draws air from inside the house and out the chimney. The air inside the house will be replenished by the cold air outside. This will then cause your heating and air conditioner to work harder than normal to normalize the temperature inside the home. However, you can have your Florence HVAC contractor install an insulated fireplace insert. The insulated insert will limit the amount of air that gets drawn in. It also helps to use the right type of firewood allows for heat to stay longer and more efficiently. Also, you should have any drafts in your home sealed properly. For that, you can contact Florence HVAC Experts. It is important to pull out all the stops to ensure energy consumption does not spike during winter. A quick check by your local HVAC contractor will make a huge difference.

Make sure your HVAC system is running efficiently all year-round. Call Florence HVAC Experts for all your heating and cooling needs. You may reach us at (843) 636-3260.

Florence HVAC Experts Florence, SC 29501 843-636-3260 http://florencehvacexperts.com/

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