Insulation Crucial for Maintaining Heat in Your Home

Energy effectiveness is the crucial to reducing your energy expense nowadays, particularly in the winter season when you have to run your heater. With the insulation choices nowadays, you should have no issue keeping the heat in your house to decrease your dependency on energy options. Insulation's main function is to decrease the heat flowing into and out of your house. In summertime, insulation keeps the outdoor heat from creeping inside while in the winter season, it traps heat inside the home to prevent it from leaving. Choosing the ideal type of insulation and knowing just how much to use is essential. You likewise need to know how it should be set up in the attic, walls and ceilings as well as the foundation and floors of your home. When you can guarantee there are no air leaks in your home and add proper insulation, you can significantly minimize your energy bill and reliance on nonrenewable fuel sources. Four Basic Kinds of Insulation 4 standard kinds of insulation exist: liquid foam, loose fill, stiff foam and rolls or bats (blankets). The blanketed and loose fill is most often used in homes, especially in attics, in between flooring joists, in the walls and in between rafters in the roof. Liquid foam is mainly utilized in walls as it is a best product to seal any potential air leakages and create an airtight home. Rigid foam resembles sheets of foam and is normally utilized in the out walls of a home and other outside applications. When you choose insulation for your house, there are several elements you must consider. First, will the insulation position any type of danger to your household? Is it made up of products that are hazardous to the environment, particularly your house? Think about the long term efficiency your insulation will offer. You want its insulating residential or commercial properties to last for several years. If you already have insulation however you are replacing it or including more, you must learn just how much is already there. Step the density of the insulation already present so that you can get an R-value from the house improvement store and choose whether you need to include more insulation and how much. The R-value varies depending upon where you live as well as exactly what heat source you use-- gas or electrical. Your goal is to strive for a greater R-value than what is needed by your location to guarantee optimum insulating properties. You will notice in your insulation shopping that there are a range of products to choose from. Fiberglass is without a doubt the most popular in the rolls of insulation that you lay out but it is tough to deal with since the glass-like fibers can enter your skin. Special protective equipment is used when working with fiberglass. Cellulose, cotton, mineral wool, lamb's wool and recycled paper and material are also utilized as insulation. Each type of insulation material has a different R-value so you must keep that in perspective when looking for not just the type of insulation but the product it is made from. Obviously, where you are utilizing the insulation is another mitigating factor in your choice. In addition to checking our insulation, now is a good time of year to have your heat pump serviced for maximum efficiency. Call Grand Strand Heating And Cooling today to schedule a time for one of our technicians to come out to your home and check out your heating system. Grand Strand Heating And Cooling Acme Contractors Myrtle Beach, SC 843-491-6400 http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

http://hvacmyrtlebeach.com/insulation-crucial-for-heat/

Heat Pumps versus Central Heating Systems – Which One is Right for You?

If you are building a new home or simply updating the heating and air conditioning system in the one you have, there are many options on the table for you. Central heating and air conditions are one choice, then there are individual air conditioning units, portable heaters, and of course, heat pumps. Most people want a unit that offers temperature control in all of their rooms, which leaves central systems and heat pumps as the most likely options. But which one is the best choice? The real answer to that question is that there is no answer. The decision between central heating systems and heat pumps comes down to several factors, and there is no one right choice for everyone. Here are some pros and cons of each kind of system to weigh up before you make your decision about which kind of system to get. First up, heat pumps: the most attractive thing about heat pumps for many people is the cost. Heat pumps offer heating and cooling in one single unit, which means that not only do you only have to shell out for one single unit when it comes time to purchase the system but you only have to maintain one single unit over the life of its use, so the overall operating costs are lower. Likewise, heat pumps cost less to operate on a daily basis. Heat pumps work with the existing heat in the air, so there is no artificial heating or cooling of the air was with central heating systems. Your electric bills will be lower, and the impact on the environment is less as well. There are some downsides to heat pumps, however. They are not for people who live in places with temperature extremes. Most experts recommend that people who live in environments with temperatures that frequently go below 40 degrees in the winter or over 85 degrees in the summer. Because the heat pump can only work by drawing heat out of the air in the winter and pulling it out of your home in the summer, it can’t work hard enough to keep up with those temperature extremes. If you live someplace with temperature extremes, then a central heating and cooling system is the right choice for you. It can keep up effectively with the temperature extremes and will keep you more comfortable. The downside to central systems is that they are more expensive. You need a separate heating and cooling unit, which means a bigger cost upfront and higher maintenance cost over the life of the system. Because central systems artificially heat and cool the air, they are more expensive to run on a daily basis.

You have to evaluate your individual needs before deciding which system is right for you. Then give Grand Strand Heating And Cooling a call for a quote on installing your heating system or heat pump.

Grand Strand Heating And Cooling Acme Contractors Myrtle Beach, SC 843-491-6400 http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

http://hvacmyrtlebeach.com/heat-pumps-central-heating-systems/

Checklist for Working with a Cooling and Heating Professional

When your cooling and heating system is on the fritz, or when you are planning to make upgrades or replace your system, you may consider calling a heating and cooling expert. A heating and cooling professional can make repairs to your existing unit, assist with upgrades, or set up a brand-new unit. When selecting someone to come aid you with these kinds of tasks, you want to guarantee that you hire an expert who will get the job done correctly and within a timely way.

1. Ask Around

Talk about suggestions with your pals and next-door neighbors to discover somebody with a great working reputation. 9 times out of 10, a specialist or expert you discover through word of mouth and experience will be much better than someone you just find in a phonebook. If you have no idea anyone with an excellent recommendation, try service related referral websites such as Myrtle Beach Home Services. These are trustworthy sites where actual consumers have the ability to rate their experiences, leave remarks about their service, and make recommendations.

1. Do Your Research

When you discover an excellent suggestion, do your research and look them up. A fairly easy web search can bring up any complaints or poor feedback. It is also a smart idea ask for references and then follow up with a phone call to ask about the service provider.

1. Request for Qualifications

An excellent professional in any field must have their credentials on hand. For a cooling and heating professional, this suggests that they are certified and insured. A great deal of expert specialists in the cooling and heating service will also come from specialized trade companies such as the A/c Specialists of America (ACCA).

1. Preparation Work

Before any work is physically done, the heating and cooling professional you pick should come out to examine and examine the work that needs to be achieved. After examining the situation, she or he must have the ability to give you a detailed list of the work that has to be done, the length of time it will take, and what it will cost you. You should get a written price quote from the professional prior to they ever start work on any project. A real professional expert will have you sign a contract after the estimate is decided upon.

1. Save A Little

When you are trying to find a cooling and heating specialist and discover a few that you might like, look for special offers or discount coupons. Working with a professional specialist to do anything, even just making repairs, can be costly. Be clever and look for deals, however don't cut corners at the same time. If you look for good suggestions and do your homework, you can discover an expert for all your cooling and heating requirements. Follow this list and you can find somebody that is professional and reputable.

Grand Strand Heating And Cooling is your local heating and cooling specialist. We can assist with repairs to your existing HVAC unit or installing a new unit. Call today to schedule a consultation.

Grand Strand Heating And Cooling Acme Contractors Myrtle Beach, SC 843-491-6400 http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

http://hvacmyrtlebeach.com/working-with-cooling-and-heating/

Secret HVAC Upkeep Tips for Fall and Winter

The weather will turn cooler - eventually - and your heating, cooling, and ventilation  (HVAC) system become the most important appliance in your home. However, if it's running badly, that means less comfort and higher energy bills for Myrtle Beach homeowners. The biggest energy expenditure for homeowners is usually heating your house and producing warm water, so you can ensure your house heating bill remains as sensible as possible by supporting your heating and cooling system and keeping it running properly. Make it a point to do these preventative steps in the fall to help your HVAC system run efficiently throughout the winter. This way, you can conserve money to be enjoyed in other ways throughout the holiday. Clean the Vents and Change the Air Filter Replacing the air filter on a monthly basis is among the most important things you can do to support your HVAC system. It's also among the simplest. The filter should be examined every month and changed if it is dirty. Filters ought to be replaced at least every three months - no matter what. Stay up to date with this basic job by picking a routine day to examine the filter, such as the first or last day of the month. The very same day the filter is changed is also a good time to travel around the house and vacuum off the air vents. This keeps them tidy and allows warm air to stream freely, relieving temperature levels throughout the home. Have It Inspected The annual service of your HVAC system ensures it runs appropriately. Homeowners must have the system checked in the fall to best prepare it for the demands of winter. Air Professionals of SC has service packages just for this purpose. If Your A/C System is Ancient, Replace It Changing the house's HVAC system is an expensive proposition, however, if your system is old and ineffective, the added convenience and monetary benefits of a new system can be very real. Is your heat pump more than 10 years old? Then you need to ask your local HVAC professional to check your system. Replacing it with an Energy Star design might minimize your house's yearly energy costs by as much as 30 percent, per EnergyStar.gov. Sufficiently Insulate the Attic Adding more insulation to your attic is one of the best ways to help your system to operate at its peak performance and to decrease energy bills. Consider hiring a home improvement company to add insulation that will keep warm air in during the winter months. This will help your HVAC unit to run less frequently and still maintain the desired temperature in your home. According to EnergyStar.gov, a basic visual test can be conducted to determine if more insulation is needed. The insulation should hide the floor joists from view. Install a Programmable Thermostat The right temperature level inside a home depends mostly on who is there at the time, when no one is in the home, the ideal temperature level can be considerably lower than a standard "living area" temperature level. Many Myrtle Beach homeowners nevertheless fail to change their thermostats when they leave their house because they don't want to return to a cold home or they simply forget. Installing a programmable thermostat in your home gets rid of these issues completely. This technology enables you to set the temperature in your house for each hour of the day, and it will keep to that schedule 24/7. Plus, depending upon the unit (like Nest, for instance!) you can even adjust the temperature from your smartphone, suggesting you can modify the settings of your house thermostat wherever and whenever you might be.

Call Grand Strand Heating And Cooling to schedule a time to review your HVAC system and make a recommendation for maintenance before the winter winds blow.

Grand Strand Heating And Cooling Acme Contractors Myrtle Beach, SC 843-491-6400 http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

http://hvacmyrtlebeach.com/secret-hvac-upkeep-tips/

How To Easily Get Your HVAC Ducts In A Row

Your HVAC obviously exerts more effort in the summer months than any other time of the year. So you’ll need to devise a plan to efficiently use your cooling units to avoid overuse, extend the life of the unit and maintain manageable utility bills. Basically, when it’s hot outside, it will be warmer in your home causing your air conditioner unit operating for longer periods. To prevent a hike on your electricity bill,  using an average moderate temperatures inside the house is recommended. To go through summer without using your air conditioning unit would be difficult and impractical. But there are ways to efficiently use it without spending a lot of money – particularly on your electricity bill and repairs to your cooling units. One of the best ways to limit your costs is to check your AC’s ductwork.

How is your HVAC ductwork?

It is not a common fact for many homeowners that the air conditioning ductwork actually affects the efficient use of your home air conditioning unit; faulty or inefficient ductwork will exert more power and use more electricity. According to HVAC professionals, a huge aspect of a unit’s cooling efficiency can be traced back to its pipework. When this ductwork is a winding and confusing maze, your the AC unit takes longer than necessary to cool a room.

Here are a few things you might want to check in your ductwork:

• Any obstructions within the pipes
• Proper alignment of each duct
• Air gaps where cold air could possibly leak

These factors will cause the cooling unit to use more energy in cooling the summer’s hot air. The more energy your unit uses, the higher your utility bill. To prevent this from happening, here are some helpful tips:

• Regularly check your air conditioning ductwork
• Look closely for any gaps or holes within each pipe
• Completely seal every gap and hole that you find

If the problem seems more than you can handle, call in a professional

Grand Strand Heating And Cooling is a team of highly reputed HVAC professionals to help you with any problem regarding your ductwork. Call them now to inquire about their services!

Grand Strand Heating And Cooling Acme Contractors Myrtle Beach, SC 843-491-6400 http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

http://hvacmyrtlebeach.com/get-hvac-ducts-in-row/

Top Reasons To Consider Radiant Heating

With today’s high energy prices, it’s crucial for homeowners to think about other ways to save energy. Since your home’s heating and cooling system use most of your energy, this is the best place to start. Conventionally, heating and cooling systems are found in a single central location. The air will be brought to the required temperature at the appliance source. Then, the cooled and heated air is pumped to the areas of your house through the duct system. This unit is extremely functional; but due to the design, it’s extremely susceptible to losing energy. The conventional forced air heating units will push air throughout your house. Although this air is moving through the duct system, heat will be lost. This issue could be exacerbated by obstructions or leaks in your home’s ductwork. The Department of Energy said a faulty ductwork could be responsible for as much as 10% of the energy consumption of the house. Is Radiant Heating A Good Alternative for Heating and Cooling? Based on the study conducted by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers and Kansas State University, radiant heating is at 25% percent more efficient than conventional heating systems. This energy savings could lead to significant monetary savings during the winter season. Once again, the majority of this energy savings is a consequence of the fact that radiant heating units don’t depend on ductwork and therefore don’t lose energy transferring heating air to the needed location. More Accommodating to House Designs Another great advantage of the fact that radiant heating units don’t rely on ductwork Myrtle Beach is the additional space that you will have in your house. You don’t have to spare a large space for unsightly baseboard units, vents, radiators, as well as other conventional fixture. In case you are building a new house, radiant heating systems provide you the best design flexibility. Improved Indoor Air Quality A household with four members can accumulate around 50 pounds of duct every year. The dust will be circulated throughout the ductwork of the house at about seven times a day. If not maintained correctly, the dust and dirt as well as other allergens could build up to levels that are unhealthy. This could lead to pulmonary problems especially when they have allergy problems already. Radiant heating, by not depending on ductwork, gets rid of this dust accumulation. As such, it’s an ideal Myrtle Beach heating system for people who have pulmonary issues or who are at risk to allergies. Uniform Comfort Levels Everybody has had some experience with inconsistent nature of a forced air heating system. Since the cold or hot air should come into the room through vents, the area closest to the vent is at a temperature that’s substantially different from the place that’s farthest away from the vent. Radiant heating units provide a comfort level that is uniform throughout the living spaces. This happens because the unit is installed throughout the whole surface area of the room instead of a single point such as a vent. This entire surface coverage heats the whole room at once. Apart from that, for houses that have cool surface areas like tile or stone, the radiant heating unit could make these flooring options much more comfortable.

Call Grand Strand Heating if you wish to know how to cut back on your energy bill or if you have any issues related to your HVAC system.

Grand Strand Heating And Cooling Myrtle Beach, SC 843-491-6400 http://hvacmyrtlebeach.com/  

http://hvacmyrtlebeach.com/consider-radiant-heating/

HVAC Inspection & Repair by the Season

It's important to maintain your HVAC system by remembering to do preventative repair for each season. If you have a HVAC system that keeps your home the right temperature year around it's important to keep in mind the different seasons when inspecting your HVAC to make sure it will work for the season. There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to your HVAC unit, including: The age of the system, whether it currently works to capacity, the last time you changed your air filter and much more. If your system is not keeping your home at a comfortable temperature it's time to call in a professional who will know what to look for. * Spring -- When the first days of spring are upon you it's time to check that your air conditioning system is ready for the season. This involves an AC tune up. The professional will ensure that the AC is in good working order before the hottest days of the summer are upon you. * Summer -- It's important to change the filter monthly, especially if someone in your home suffers from allergies, but even more important to change it after Spring, moving into summer. Check that air flow is correct, tighten any electrical connections, and monitor refrigerant pressure. Don't forget to clean your condensate drain. * Fall -- When fall is upon you it's time to get another tune up but this time with heating your home in mind. Check thermostat calibration, clean the heat pump assembly, and check again for proper air flow and change the filter. Both Spring and Fall are high allergy times and you want to remove allergens that can make your family uncomfortable. Also, be sure to measure the temperature difference between supply air and return air. * Winter -- Now that winter is upon you, again, ensure that you've changed all filters, tightened all electrical components and lubricated all moving parts. Double check HVAC equipment condition area and clearance from debris to avoid furnace fires. A lot of HVAC units are in closets that also end up as storage repositories, ensure that there is plenty of clearance to avoid fire hazards. Every season pay attention to whether or not your system is making noises that it shouldn't, whether there are smells that you don't want there, and other issues that can affect performance. Grand Strand Heating and Cooling, your HVAC professional offers packages for Winter and Summer tune ups to help make the most out of your HVAC system, keeping you and your family cool or warm as the case may be. It's important to have regular maintenance before problems begin and definitely alert your professional to any differences that you've noticed in your HVAC's performance. The days are starting to get cooler – finally! Now is a great time to have the heating and cooling specialist at Grand Strand Heating And Cooling go over your HVAC system and make sure it is ready for cooler weather. Call us today to schedule a convenient time. Grand Strand Heating And Cooling Acme Contractors Myrtle Beach, SC 843-491-6400 http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/  

http://hvacmyrtlebeach.com/hvac-inspection-repair-by-season/

Why Have Your HVAC System Serviced Annually

Practically every manufacturer of heating as well as HVAC systems suggest that you have your unit checked and likewise serviced at annual intervals. However, many people forget this requirement and forego service for longer periods, either due to cost issues or they just forgot about it. Missing yearly checkups on your HVAC system can lead you to spend even more money on energy expenses, and also place the health and safety of you and your family in danger. A licensed HVAC service specialist will certainly guarantee your HVAC system is running correctly and make sure that it is at its optimum performance - which will conserve you cash and help you avoid problems in the long run. If you have a natural gas or oil furnace, your HVAC system is burning fossil fuel. These fossil fuels, when burned can produce a deadly by product referred to as - Carbon Monoxide. An HVAC Myrtle Beach service professional will certainly make certain that there is no threat of carbon monoxide poisoning, which may have originated from your furnace. Even small leaks could be hazardous, so a yearly examination to check for the lethal poisonous gas is highly recommended. Additionally, heating systems that make use of natural gas or oil are likewise at a greater risk of fire due to the fact that these fuels are extremely flammable. An HVAC specialist will certainly guarantee your unit is operating appropriately and free dirt, dust, debris and other materials that could quickly catch fire. Among the most helpful advantages of having your HVAC system checked and serviced annually is maximizing its efficiency. Residential heating gas is really pricey, so making sure your HVAC system is using it efficiently will also make a great impact on your energy bills. A professional HVAC contractor can readjust your furnace to ensure it is running at its highest possible performance. Inspections and also "maintenance" will certainly cause much less fuel consumption as well as reduced costs. Having your HVAC system serviced on a yearly basis is an excellent means to have preventative maintenance carried out. It is advised that annual service be carried out prior to the winter months to ensure the furnace will certainly work correctly throughout the winter. Many times, an HVAC contractor will notice potential problems well before they begin and they will provide solutions for repair or replacement of parts. This could be incredibly helpful to a house owner since they will not need to experience the struggle of having a busted furnace in the dead of wintertime, leaving their family members with no heat for days or weeks till it can be fixed. The advantages of having your HVAC evaluated and serviced by a specialist HVAC contractor are numerous. You'll conserve money on your fuel expenses and power expenses, and have peace of mind that your unit will run appropriately especially during the winter season. You can rest easy knowing your HVAC system is operating safely and at the highest possible efficiency by working with a professional HVAC technician to examine and service your HVAC on a yearly basis.

Call Grand Strand Heating And Cooling if you require professional services for your HVAC system.

Grand Strand Heating And Cooling Acme Contractors Myrtle Beach, SC 843-491-6400 http://hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

http://hvacmyrtlebeach.com/hvac-system-serviced-annually/

Finding The Most Suitable Heating Contractor Myrtle Beach

As a new homeowner, one of the first tasks you need to accomplish is to look for suitable contractors, including a heating contractor Myrtle Beach. Note that these contractors will be helping you to maintain and take care of your house. Thus, you need to find one whom you are comfortable working with. Also, keep in mind that you are most likely going to work with the contractors you hire for the rest of your lives as homeowners, unless you and the contractor have come to a dispute or disagreement, at which point you will need another contractor to work with. However, that is what you want to avoid – having disputes with your heating contractor. Nobody wants to work with a different service provider every other year or so. Aside from investing a lot of time in building rapport with a new contractor, it is not advisable to have different sets of hands working on your HVAC unit. Each contractor has a different point of view and process of maintaining heat pumps and resolving issues. So you can see that frequently changing contractors might cause more problems that could result to replacing your heat pump. This is why it is important that you find a suitable heating contractor Myrtle Beach to work with.

Tips to help you with finding a heating contractor in Myrtle Beach

1. Get recommendations from friends and family The easiest way to find a suitable contractor to work with is by getting recommendations from friends and family. This way, you will get a list of HVAC contractors who provide superb services – based on the experiences of people you know and trust. However, keep in mind that the positive feedback of your friend should not be a guarantee that you will have the same experience with the contractor. There are factors that may affect the difference in your experiences such as your location, your brand and type of heating and air conditioning, and your preferences.

Consider using the list of contractors you get from your friends and relatives as your first step in finding the best and most suitable heating contractor to work with. This way, you get a short list of names for potential contractors to hire instead of blindly choosing contractors out of your phone book or from an Internet search.

2. Research before calling What you need to find out about a contractor before calling are their license information and insurance requirements. This will also help you determine and verify whether or not the contractor you are considering hiring is legit and keeps up to date with their licenses and insurance requirements.

Aside from this, it is also recommended that you conduct an inventory of your home and heat pump for potential issues that you suspect including noises that you hear so you may relay the information to the contractor when you make a call. It helps if the contractor already knows what specific tasks he or she will be working on at your first inquiry so you can both determine whether or not he or she is suitable for the job.

3. Ask for references A professional and legit contractor will willingly provide you with references to prove their worth. Of course, they will fist get approval from their previous clients before providing you with their contact information. Once you get a list of references, call them to inquire about their experience working with the heating contractor. This will help you gauge whether or not the contractor is a good match for your needs. You will basically want to know about the particular services they provide and whether or not they could finish a job in a timely manner.

4. Inquire about the availability of energy-efficient systems More and more homeowners are looking to become more energy efficient. If you are already living energy-efficiently, you will want to continue with your heat pumps. Ask your heating contractor in Myrtle Beach for any energy-efficient systems he or she could recommend for your home and heat pump. You want your HVAC systems to use less energy and cause minimal impact to the environment. Although this might cause you extra dollars, you will surely get the money you spent back in the form of savings from your utility bills.

5. Get estimates at your first call If possible, try to get estimates for the contractor’s fees when you first call and inquire about the services that you need help with. This will help you determine whether or not you can afford the contractor’s services. Also, after speaking with several heating contractors, you will have a general sense of the average service rates and would be able to tell who is overpricing.

6. Set a schedule for the initial inspection A professional heating contractor will initiate on planning an initial inspection of your HVAC system to have a better understanding of the type of work that needs to be done. This is free of charge since it will both benefit the contractor and the homeowner in that they will both know whether or not working together is possible. On the other hand, if the contractor you are considering hiring does not mention anything about an initial inspection, ask him or her if this is possible. Note that you might get different assessment results from different contractors. Use the results of the assessments and the rates they provide you with when determining which contractor to hire.

7. The cheapest is not always the best contractor This actually applies not only in hiring heat pump contractors but also when making other types of purchases as well. Before choosing the most affordable offer, make sure that the offer is legit and that it includes everything that you need to be done on your heat pumps. Often times, cheap offers result in incomplete or shortchanged services. As a result, you will end up spending more than what you intended.

8. Ask about doing regular maintenance Some contractors only provide repairs and other emergency HVAC services. Others, on the other hand, also offer continued regular maintenance. Make sure that the contractor you are hiring offers regular maintenance for the type and brand of heat pump you are using. Ask about his or her rates for this type of specific job so you will have a general idea on how much you need to spend.

Looking for a heating contractor in Myrtle Beach to hire? Contact Grand Strand Heating And Cooling now.

Grand Strand Heating And Cooling Acme Contractors Myrtle Beach, SC 843-491-6400 http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/ Where you only work with a licensed and trained heating contractor Myrtle Beach every time.

http://hvacmyrtlebeach.com/suitable-heating-contractor-myrtle-beach/

Can Heat Pumps Lower Your Energy Bills?

Are you searching for a way to make sure that your home is energy efficient? If the answer is yes then you might want to consider the installation of a heat pump. Are you living or working at a place that has separate heating and cooling units? Are you in the market for ways to cut costs by lowering your monthly energy bills? Are you finishing the development of a new building and are you in the process of installing an HVAC system? Whether or not you are updating a current system or setting up a new one, you should think about installing a heat pump for optimal energy efficiency. So how does heat pumps work? They move warm air around instead of using energy to produce heat. During the winter, a heat pump can draw in warmth from the air or the ground outside the building. In the summer season, a heat pump Myrtle Beach can get rid of warm air from the building’s interior spaces. You should fit in a heat pump to work together with your furnace and air conditioning unit, or perhaps, when you reside in a relatively temperate climate, as your only heating and cooling system. Whatever it is, you will notice a decrease in your electricity bills. You might be asking now how a heat pump installation could save you a lot of cash. Basically, heat pumps need lesser electricity compared to boilers, furnaces, and air conditioners and they work by redistributing warm air instead of creating it. In case you have got a heat pump apart from a regular HVAC system, those units do not have to work really hard to keep the interior space of your home comfortable all throughout the year. Apart from that, a heat pump on its own utilizes much less energy compared to a different heating and cooling unit. Because of this, using less energy means much lower electricity bills and huge savings for you. If you think that heat pump installation is right for you, be sure to call a HVAC contractor. Provided below are some important things that you need to ask. Type of heat pump – You should ask what type of heat pump should be installed. A few varieties on the market are air source pumps which moves heat in the air between the interior and exterior of your building, and ground source pumps, which is also referred to geothermal pumps. The former works well in moderate weather conditions while geothermal heat pumps are better in areas that have cold winters. Size and model of a heat pump – Discuss the size and model of the heat pump that the HVAC contractor plans to install in your space. You need to make sure that the model and size can handle the job but it should not also be too powerful in a sense that it should not consume too much energy. Proper Unit Placement – You also have to discuss where the unit will be placed. It should be installed in a spot where the heat pump can work effectively without driving your family or employees crazy with the noise that it might generate.

If you wish to know more about heat pumps, do not hesitate to call Grand Strand Heating And Cooling.

Grand Strand Heating And Cooling Acme Contractors Myrtle Beach, SC 843-491-6400 http://hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

http://hvacmyrtlebeach.com/heat-pumps-lower-energy-bills/

Top Myrtle Beach Heating Problems A Homeowner Faces

This time of year Myrtle Beach heating systems (often referred to as HVAC systems) play an important role in ensuring every homeowner’s comfort and ease at home. However, regardless of how much you take care of your heating unit, problems and issues seem to still find their way to mess up its operations. This is why it has become important for every homeowner to not only implement regular maintenance routine and check up for their heat pumps but also to learn about common heating unit problems and how to handle and resolve them. Although common problems related to your heating system can be resolved on your own without professional assistance, it is still highly recommended to leave the more complex problems to experienced and certified HVAC professionals. There are several reasons to this. One is it would save you more time and money by hiring a professional do the necessary repairs. With their expertise, you will know that the work will be completed right the first time. Thus, you won't have to worry about problems which usually arise when you do the repairs on your own. Plus, these Myrtle Beach heating and air conditioning professionals have the necessary tools, knowledge and skills to expertly resolve any problems or issues. Despite this, however, it is still important that you as a homeowner should learn about the common problems and issues associated with your HVAC system. This is particularly helpful when your contractor is  unable to arrive at your place immediately.

Some of the common problems you might experience with your air conditioning and heating system include:

• Blown fuses – This is characterized by motors going bad. Fuses play an important role specifically in preventing overheating of your unit’s motor or compressor. It may seem odd, but even in the frigid temperatures a heating unit can overheat. There are lots of different reasons why your HVAC’s fuse could blow up. Regardless of the reasons, however, it is important that your contractor take a look at your breaker box as soon as possible. 

• Contacts are worn out – Ac contactor is an electrically controlled switch used for switching a power circuit, similar to a relay except with higher current ratings. Contacts play an important role in the operations of your heating and air conditioning. There are three contacts, one for compressor, one in the condenser fan motor, and another one in the blower motor all work to create electrical connection and allow your heat pump to cool or warm your indoor air. Over time, your contacts may have worn out due to continued and repetitive use. Thus, arcing and pitting can result, which will block the smooth flow of electrical current in the contacts. If there is no electrical current, motors and compressors will not start and your HVAC unit will not operate. 

• Burned out capacitors – Basically, HVAC units have two capacitors. The run capacitor which works to ensure motors run at consistent speed particularly in microfarads. The other one are the start capacitors which give your compressor an increase in starting torque. 

Like your contacts, these capacitors can burn out through time as a result of continued and repetitive use. Should this happen, all you have to do is replace them with new ones. If you don’t know how, have your repairman or local contractor do the job for you.

• Corroded gas valve – The gas valve is what helps control the flow of gas from your gas line to your home heating unit. Gas is most often used during winter when you need to warm your indoor air. Over time, the gas valve can become corroded at which point, it won’t be able to do an efficient job of controlling the gas for your HVAC’s heating purposes. Thus, you may get varying temperatures of indoor air throughout the day. Should this be the case, all you have to do is replace the gas valve with a new one. Do not try to clean it as this will only cause more problems and damage to your furnace. 

• Clogged filters – Although this is already included in your regular maintenance routine and you probably already follow a schedule of when to change your clogged filters, it is still important to check them at least once a week to ensure they are not clogged. Keep in mind that continuing to use a clogged filter prevents smooth airflow from your furnace to your air vents. As a result, your unit and vents may freeze because not all the cold air is coming out because of the clogged filters. 

One way to tell your filters are clogged is to hold them up against a source of lighting. If you see light pass thru, it is still okay to use. Otherwise, you will need to replace them if they are disposable or clean them if you have the reusable types of filters.

• Thermostat settings – Sometimes when your heating unit will not turn on and start to operate, you instantly panic and call your HVAC company for assistance. Before you do this, however, make sure that your thermostat is actually turned on, has working batteries, and is in the right settings. Most of the time, according to professionals, the cause of heating units not working or starting up properly is due to a nonworking thermostat. 

• Clogged drain lines – You will have to regularly check your drain lines and make sure they are not clogged. Dirt accumulation or algae development can cause to clog your drain lines. And when that happens, your drain pan will fill up and overflow causing leaks and water damage throughout your home. To prevent this from happening, make sure your regularly check your drain lines for signs of clogging. 

• Leaking refrigerant – According to professionals, refrigerant may leak from your unit due to the continuous vibrations while it is operating. This is a dangerous and costly especially if the leaks are found in the condenser or evaporator. This cannot be repaired. Your other option would be to replace your heat pump. If the leak is found at other areas or parts of your HVAC unit, it will be easy and safe for your technician to remove the leak and charge the unit in the right levels. 

Remember to work only with Myrtle Beach heating professionals when it comes to necessary repairs to your furnace. Call Grand Strand Heating And Cooling now to inquire about their services.

Grand Strand Heating And Cooling Acme Contractors Myrtle Beach, SC 843-491-6400 http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/   Your only source of high quality and legit information and services on Myrtle Beach air conditioning and heating.

http://hvacmyrtlebeach.com/myrtle-beach-heating-problems/

Why Tune-Up Your Myrtle Beach Air Conditioning Before Winter

Winter is just around the corner and now is the time to have your Myrtle Beach air conditioning and heating system undergo a tune-up. If you have not done so already, make sure you call your local A.C. contractor and schedule your system for a tune-up. It is extremely important to keep your heating furnace in tip top shape all throughout the year. But to ensure that there will not be any danger or emergency situations – especially when the weather has become cold – you may want to have your furnace undergo a tune-up before the winter season. Here are the important and major components of your Myrtle Beach air conditioning and heating system that needs to be checked and tuned-up in preparation for the cold months.

1. Filters Even if you regularly change or clean your filters, it helps if you include them in your tune-up checklist. Aside from checking whether or not they are clean and free from any trapped debris, dirt or dust, also check their overall condition. Find out whether or not they are still in good condition to efficiently function. If they aren’t, replace them immediately.

This is also a good time to consider investing in a higher quality filter. Because your Myrtle Beach air conditioning and heating system will be working harder this season, you might want to equip it with high quality parts and components to ensure it will work as efficiently as possible. Plus, keep in mind that a furnace that has difficulties heating or cooling your indoor air, works harder and uses more energy.

2. Combustion chamber To clean your furnace’s combustion chamber, all you have to do is vacuum the interior. Make sure there is no dirt and dust left inside, as well as inspect for any holes or gaps. If you notice any, use foil tape to cover and secure them. Don’t forget to switch the unit off and cut the fuel supply before you vacuum the chamber.

3. Bearings As part of your winter tune-up, spend time to put some oil in your furnace’s bearings. Start with the motor bearings and blower-shaft bearings. Use lightweight machine oil to lubricate your bearings. Clean their caps by wiping with cloth before removing them. Add a couple of drops of oil and then replace the caps. Make sure you do not put too much oil as this will damage the entire furnace system.

4. Blower compartment Similarly, with the combustion chamber, you need to vacuum the blower compartment as well. You also need to look for holes in the compartment and cover them with foil tape. Include in your cleaning and inspection the rest of the ductwork of your furnace system.

Need an expert to help you in tuning up your Myrtle Beach air conditioning and heating system in time for the winter season? Call Grand Strand Heating And Cooling now.

Grand Strand Heating And Cooling Acme Contractors Myrtle Beach, SC 843-491-6400 http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/ Providing you with unparalleled Myrtle Beach air conditioning and heating services.

http://hvacmyrtlebeach.com/tuneup-myrtle-beach-air-conditioning/

How to Choose a Heat Pump for Your Myrtle Beach Home

Heat pumps were once considered inefficient and undesirable, but times have changed. Thanks in large part to new efficiency standards put on heat pumps by the government; they have become significantly more desirable. They are more energy-efficient than central heating and air conditioning systems. In fact, by some estimates, the best heat pumps are as much as 100% more efficient than central heating and cooling systems. More and more people are turning to them to save money on their power and gas bills and even more, people are embracing heat pumps out of concern for the environment. If you have decided to make the leap, there are things you should know before selecting your heat pump system.

This guide will help you select your best heat pump.

Before getting into the specifics about heat pumps themselves, it is important to understand the installation process. Do not pick out your heat pump and then go shopping for a contractor to do the installation work. Your Myrtle Beach heating and cooling contractor should be working with you every step of the way through the process. Their input will be extremely valuable when it comes to choosing the right heat pump to meet your needs. The number one thing you need to consider when you are choosing a heat pump is the size of the pump. You need one that is large enough to provide heat and cooling to all of the rooms in your home without overworking or burning out. Your contractor should be able to give you advice about the proper sizing. Many people are tempted to downsize in hopes of saving a little money upfront. Don’t do it. It will increase your energy costs over the long haul and cause you to need more frequent repair and maintenance on your system. Additionally, you just won’t be comfortable in your home. It is not worth saving the few hundred dollars. Next, consider the SEER and HSPF ratings. These ratings tell you how efficient the heating and cooling systems are in a heat pump. The higher the SEER number is, the more effectively the heat pump cools the house. The higher the HSPF rating, the more effective the heat pump is at heating the home. You should pick a heat pump that matches the climate where you live. If you have a lot of hot weather, a high SEER rating is important, and if you have a lot of cold weather, the HSPF rating should matter the most to you. Taking the time to do your homework upfront is worthwhile to get the most out of your heat pump investment – it will save you money in the long run.

Call Grand Strand Heating and Cooling before you make the investment in a new heat pump. We can answer all your questions.

Grand Strand Heating And Cooling Acme Contractors Myrtle Beach, SC 843-491-6400 http://www.hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

http://hvacmyrtlebeach.com/choose-heat-pump-myrtle-beach/