Quick And Easy HVAC Troubleshooting Tips

During these cold months is when you need your HVAC in tip-top shape. Having your heat pump break down or give up on you, when you needed it the most, is not only devastating and stressful but also costly and a cause of the delay. It would be extremely difficult to find a legit and highly skilled local service contractor at this time of year to assist you with your problems. And if you’ve already got one, they often have a busy schedule that they wouldn’t be able to get to you in weeks, which really wouldn’t work for you.

So before you try and call an HVAC service contractor, consider these quick and easy troubleshooting tips first.

• Check your thermostat

As simple as this may sound, you’ll be surprised how many homeowners call service contractors for emergency repair when their only problem is that they failed to adjust their thermostat at the right temperature setting. Check whether yours is at the right setting and adjust as you see fit. Do this regularly especially after cleaning as the thermostat could easily get moved when dusting.

• Clean or replace your filter

According to HVAC experts, sometimes the problems you are having with your heat pump could easily be fixed by cleaning or replacing your filters. If you have non-disposable filters, make sure you’ve cleaned them completely before putting them back. If you have disposable filters, have extras at home that will last you for several months so you won’t have to brave the cold and rush to the nearest home depot to purchase a filter.

• Replace your thermostat’s batteries

If your thermostat is run by batteries instead of being wired to your home’s electrical system, you should remember to replace the batteries when the sign is flashing on your thermostat. But if you missed the warning sign and your thermostat suddenly shut down, check the batteries first before calling for a professional HVAC contractor.

• Find out if your heat pump is receiving electricity

Another common reason for your HVAC Myrtle Beach problems is that it’s not receiving sufficient electricity to function. To find out and confirm, turn ON your fan. Often, it is set to Auto, which means it will switch on when the equipment is turned on. Switch it ON and see if it will function. If it does then you can tell your heat pump receives sufficient electricity. Otherwise, you’ll need to call in your local electrician for assistance in ensuring your heat pump receives electricity.

• Reset your circuit breaker

Sometimes, your heat pump just needs a reset. To do this, go to your breaker panel and find the circuit for your heat pump. Switch it off and then back on to reset the electrical connection and, thus, your heat pump as well.

Be sure you work only with licensed and highly skilled HVAC professionals for all your heat pump problems. Call Grand Strand Heating And Cooling if you have any issues with your HVAC unit.

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

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Do’s And Don’ts In Cleaning Your Myrtle Beach HVAC Air Ducts

Cleaning your Myrtle Beach HVAC air ducts is a critically important part of your maintenance routine. This is why it is necessary that you do this regularly and properly. Keep in mind that dust could accumulate anywhere including your air ducts. Failure to clean them regularly will result in the accumulation of these dust and other debris into a huge clog that will block and prevent clean and smooth airflow. However, you should keep in mind that cleaning air ducts can sometimes be destructive and damaging to your heating and ventilation system, especially if you overdo it or do it improperly.

To ensure that you are cleaning your Myrtle Beach HVAC air ducts correctly, here are some do’s and don’ts that you can follow.

1. Do start with cleaning or replacing your air filters. Create a schedule of when to clean or replace your air filters. If you have reusable ones, include in your cleaning or maintenance routine a specific day of the month when you should clean them. If you own disposable filters, you will want to include a schedule for buying new filters and replacing them. Note that the frequency of cleaning or replacing your filters will depend on how frequently you use your furnace and whether or not you are located in an area that is prone to dust (i.e. beside or near the road or construction of some sort).

2. Do not clean your air ducts on your own. You will most likely not have the right and necessary tools to accomplish the job. Basically, you need special rotary brushes and a high-powered vacuum. So unless you are a professional in the industry, or you have the money to buy these tools and the skills an efficiency to use them, you will have to hire professionals. Chances are you will save more when you hire HVAC contractors.

3. If you are going to clean the nonmetal parts of your ducts, do make sure that connections will not be dislodged or that walls won’t be torn. Both will quickly cause damage to your entire heating and cooling system. You will need to be very careful not to dislodge connections or cause gaps or holes in the wall.

4. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strongly suggests that you do clean your air ducts if there is presence of mold growth or signs of infestation by insects or rodents. In these instances, it is best to call in a professional to ensure proper work is done.

Looking for professional and highly trusted HVAC contractors to help you clean your air ducts? Call Grand Strand Heating And Cooling now.

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

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HVAC Contractor Myrtle Beach On Heating System Failure

In this article, a professional HVAC contractor in Myrtle Beach provides details and tips on heating system failures. No matter how efficient and regular you maintain your heating system, it often experiences failures especially when you need it the most, particularly during the winter season. One of the primary reasons according to experts is the freezing of water pipes, which causes all sorts of problems to your heat pump. And in extreme freezing cases, pipes could, unfortunately, burst. That means you have bigger and more costly problems to face. But don’t worry because there are some things you can do to prevent this.

What can you do to prevent costly repairs and replacements to your heating system?

Professional heat pump contractors suggest learning how to identify potential problems and failures as soon as possible before they cause damage to other parts of your heating system. This is aside from doing regular and proper maintenance, of course. You could also consider hiring a professional heating contractor to keep your heat pump in good working condition. A licensed and skilled professional would be able to identify and resolve your heating system’s issues and problems with speed and accuracy. However, a contractor may not always be able to heed your call and immediately go to your house to help you with your heating problems. During these situations, there are quick and easy fixes you can do until the contractor arrives. But keep in mind that these fixes are meant to resolve minor issues only. Major problems should always be left to the professionals.

Find out what caused the sudden failure of your heating system.

For this, you will need to conduct an overall observation of your heat pump. It is extremely important to identify whether you have partial loss of heat or total loss of heat. You should do this while waiting for your HVAC contractor Myrtle Beach so that when he arrives, you have information for him that will help him implement the necessary repairs much quicker.

• Partial loss of heat – You will know you have partial loss of heat if your heat pump is still running all throughout the day and night but is not giving out the same warm temperature of the air. According to experts, this problem is usually related to airflow problems.

For this, you or your contractor will have to look at your ductwork in the attic and in your crawl space as well as check your filters and fan motors. Look for anything that could obstruct smooth air flow such as accumulation of dust and debris in the air pipes or a very dirty filter. These obstructions not only prevent smooth air flow but they can also cause your heating system to eventually overheat, which is likely the reason you had partial loss of heat.

• Total loss of heat – To confirm if you have a total loss of heat, you will need to put your hand over your supply registers. If either cold air or no air comes out, you can be sure that you have a total loss of heat.

If this is the case, heat pump contractors will need to look at your main electrical panel and your HVAC’s supply power. This is to make sure a sufficient amount of electricity is being supplied to your HVAC so that it could monitor pressure and temperature. Keep in mind that your HVAC needs sufficient electricity to operate. Should the problem be caused by a lack of sufficient electrical supply, you may also have to call in your electrician.

Other things you may need to check

Aside from checking for total or partial heat loss, there are other things you may need to check to ensure proper and efficient operation of your heating system.

1. Thermostat – Sometimes, homeowners tend to forget to switch on or change the batteries of their thermostat. If your heat pump has suddenly stopped operating or giving out the right temperature you have it originally set up, check your thermostat. It might have been accidentally switched off when you or a member of the household was cleaning or it might need a battery replacement.

Heating contractor Myrtle Beach professionals highly recommend switching off your heating system from your main electrical panel before changing the batteries of your thermostat. Sometimes, the sudden on and off of your heating system may result in short cycling, which may cause more severe damage to the entire system.

2. Rebooting your electrical system – There are cases when sometimes an electrical system reboot is required to restart your heating system. Sometimes, changing the air filters or cleaning the air ducts without rebooting messes up your heating system’s codes, causing errors. Rebooting your electrical system will remove the errors and allow your heating system to function normally. Make sure you wait for at least 15 seconds after switching your electrical system off before turning it back on again.

After switching your electrical system and heat pump back on, heating contractor Myrtle Beach professionals highly recommend waiting for your heating system to complete its power sequences before observing its operations. If it’s still not operating efficiently, report to your heating contractor at once.

3. Fuel ignition – You will need to check your heating system’s ignition if it is receiving a sufficient amount of gas and whether or not is igniting the fuel to produce heat. For this, you will need to switch off the thermostat and go to your heat pump. Have another member of the household switch the thermostat back on while you are still near your heat pump. While the thermostat is running check whether or not it is operating to ignite the fuel. Take note of your observations and report to your heating contractor.

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

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

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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 a 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 HVAC 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 heating and cooling Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach HVAC contractor 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://hvacmyrtlebeach.com/

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How To Decide On Whether To Repair Or Replace Your Heat Pump

If you have had your heat pump for well over a decade, it may be the right time to replace it than to have it repaired. While most heat pumps are rated to last for up to 20 years, different environmental factors might shorten its life expectancy. While most of us would want to keep our units as long as possible, an upgrade would be necessary in some cases. Here’s how to know if your heat pump is beyond repairing and if you need to get a new one:

How frequently did you maintain your unit?

If you’ve been properly maintaining your heat pump unit, it would be 25% more efficient than an improperly maintained one. It’s a thing to note that religiously maintaining your heat pump could have a huge impact on energy bills, the longevity of the unit, and overall efficiency. This would also be a significant factor on whether you should just have it repaired or get a new one and start from there.

Is it still functioning well?

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That’s one message that a lot of people are keeping in mind. But how can you tell whether it’s time for an upgrade? If it’s working just fine and is efficient enough for your needs, you could just have it repaired and spare that pretty penny. If not, then it’s time for a new one.

How is the age to performance ratio?

As appliances age, their performance deteriorates. This goes for any piece of hardware that’s lasted for nearly a decade of service. Even with proper maintenance, heating and cooling efficiency rates decline over time. That’s why you would want to consider going for better-performing and newer units in the market.

What you should expect when repairing a heat pump

If you proceed with repairing your heat pump, you should be aware that most would agree to the task if the unit is still under warranty, is less than 10 years old, hasn’t been repaired yet, and repair needed is only minor. The reason for this is that repairs could range from cheap to expensive. Even pricey enough that you could almost get yourself a new one. For heat pumps that require major repairs, it may not be much of a good investment since they could break down at any time again and their efficiency rating isn’t as great as newer models would.

How to proceed with replacing a heat pump

First off, you’ll need to find yourself a new unit. Be sure to ask around for the best units available. Of course, units that are within your budget. Go for the ones that are most efficient. They will save you more money in the long run. The next thing you need to do is hire a professional that can handle the installation and removal of the old heat pumps Myrtle Beach. Don’t go with cheap and shady services. Always go for ones that have stellar ratings. This way, you can ensure that your new unit is installed properly.

Need a new heat pump for your home? Call Grand Strand Heating And Cooling today!

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

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Common Heating Problems and The Best Ways to Fix Them

Winter has arrived, and the only thing worse than being trapped out in the weather is being without heat. It's an awful feeling to be stuck in a cold home due to the fact that your HVAC system fell victim to a common heating problem. Thankfully, there are things you can do to avoid that; with appropriate maintenance, your heating system will last longer, run more effectively as well as conserve cash. It will also help you prevent the following common heating problems, and keep you warm all winter. Broken Thermocouple: Usually when a pilot burner will not remain lit, it is because of a failing thermocouple. For most homeowners, changing this part looks like a very challenging task, but as long as safety measures are followed-- such as switching off the gas and power to the heating system-- it's a piece of cake.

With these detailed directions, a crescent wrench and a screwdriver, you'll have the heater roaring in no time.

• Dirty filters

In addition to restricting air flow, unclean filters allow for things such as dust, dander, and pollen to develop and lower air quality, while also making the cooling and heating Myrtle Beach system work harder. It's highly recommended that air filters are changed out monthly to keep the system working at its best over a long period of time.

• System Constantly Turning On and Off

If your heating system is continually turning off and on, you probably have a short cycling problem. This means there is a problem internally in the system with the flow. Fortunately, there are two basic methods to detect cause: dirty air filters and defective thermostats. If filters are limiting air flow it could trigger the device to falsely spot that the appropriate temperature level was reached, even if it was not. The other problem might be with the thermostat and not the heater at all. See to it the system is working properly and isn't really in direct sunlight or near another heat source. If the filters are clean and the thermostat is working appropriately, then you might be facing an improperly sized heating system, a rusty flame sensor or a block in the chimney or air vent.

• Routine Wear and Tear

Bearings burn out and belts break eventually. It's just how it goes. However, you can extend the life of heating systems with yearly routine upkeep and assessments.

• Blower Motor Runs Continuously

If you hear the heating system running nonstop for a prolonged period of time, there could be a couple of problems at hand. Very first start at the thermostat. Turn it down to make sure the heating system isn't just aiming to provide the demanded heat. This is generally the case on incredibly cold days. If the concern continues, check to make sure the heat pump is still working. The heat pump is located outside of your home. Make sure it is clear of debris and the fan is running properly. Lastly, to repeat, inspect your filters. It is really that essential to the maintenance and smooth operation of HVAC equipment. If none of these appears to fix the problem, it might be time to call in a professional HVAC contractor. The concern could be in any number of switches or other electronic components.

There is nothing more miserable than being cold when you live in the south. Call us today if you are experiencing heating problems and we will come out and inspect your HVAC system.

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

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Tips to Save Money on Your HVAC System

Let’s face it – owning and operating your heating and air conditioning system takes a bit out of your budget.  It’s the primary thing that makes for a high electric bill.  In the south, we all breathe a little easier when the cold winter months are over and we can watch our power bills go down at least for a little while.  So saving money on your HVAC system is something most people are very interested in.

Here are some tips to save money on your HVAC system:

Set your thermostat at a median level.  Avoid wild extremes.  If you set your thermostat really high because it’s really cold outside, you’re just ensuring that your heat pump will never shut off and your electric bill will be off the charts!  Choose a temperature you and your family can tolerate and not be miserable and then leave it alone! Pay attention to your insulation.  Bad or no insulation is a recipe for budget disaster.  If you don’t have adequate insulation in your roof or ceiling, you really ought to not even have your heating unit turned on.  More cooling or heating is lost through the ceiling than anywhere else.  It’s simply essential, and really not that expensive.  It can even be a do-it-yourself job with proper guidance, or you can hire a general contractor to see what needs to be done.   If your house has a crawl space, you also need a layer of insulation underneath your flooring.  Don’t skimp on this, or you’ll pay the price with high electric bills. Keep your filters clean!  This is the least expensive and one of the most effective things you can possibly do.  Changing out your filters will not only cut costs, but it will also give your heating and cooling unit a longer life.  It’s also a health issue.  You can prevent circulating pollutants around in your air flow by keeping clean filters. Check for gaps and leaks.  Hold your hand down at the bottom of your doors.  In the winter, do you feel a cold draft?  In the summer, do you feel heat seeping in?  How about your windows? It’s not that big of a job to seal your windows and doors.  It will cost a few dollars, but you’ll literally save thousands of dollars over the life of your home. Don’t buy your HVAC system in the middle of the summer.  Try to plan replacements and upgrades in between seasons (spring or fall).  Your HVAC Myrtle Beach service company won’t be rushed and typically, your prices will be lower.  Of course, you must take care of emergencies, but if you can possibly plan ahead, remember this tip.

Follow these easy guidelines to make sure you save money on your HVAC System. For more tips, call Grand Strand Heating and Cooling.

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

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How Heat Pumps Help You Stay Warm

In the Myrtle Beach area, a heat pump is one of the crucial parts of your home’s HVAC system.  The heat pump is responsible for the transference of heat and is an integral part of your air conditioning system as well.  Think of it this way, without a heat pump your air conditioning unit would simply be a very expensive fan and the systems that keep your home at a comfortable temperature in the winter would fail. You would have to rely on sweaters, blankets and comforters. Over the past few decades, Myrtle Beach heat pump technology has come a long way.  If you have a home that is more than fifteen years old, it may be time to start researching which heat pump is right for you. Is there one type of heat pump that is the best? Surprisingly, the answer is no.  Think of your heat pump as you would any other major appliance in your home.  As a consumer there are several factors you need to take into consideration and which type of heat pump technology will work best for you.  Be careful to evaluate efficiency and cost preferences and to take into consideration the size of your home and your location as it relates to the local climate.  In most cases, you will want to seek the advice of an HVAC specialist before making your final decision. Here is a brief overview today’s of heat pump technology. The major heat pump technologies can be broken into three groups: air source pumps, ground source pumps, and absorption pumps. One of the primary advantages of the air source pump is a long-standing record for a steady performance.  This technology has been around for years and works on a simple process which harnesses heat from the outdoors in the winter months and from the inside heat in the summer months.  When this heat pump is properly configured, it is a high efficiency system and can be very economical in a warmer climate like Myrtle Beach.  This solution is not suitable for those living in cooler areas. A ground source heat pump retains its heat from the earth and thus the significance of the name.  This technology is also referred to as geothermal.  The ground source for the pump uses manually drilled holes that go deep into the ground for natural warmth.  Although this is not the least expensive alternative, it is the most cost effective over the long haul. Absorption heat pumps are actually a subset of air source heat pumps.  This technology is dependent on an alternative fuel source, other than electricity, to operate.  Like the air source, absorption heat pumps draw the head from outdoor and indoor air sources. Luckily, heat pumps as a general rule last a long time.  If they are properly serviced, the average heat pump should last between fifteen and twenty years.  When the time comes to replace your heat pump, be sure and call on your local heating and cooling specialists. Proper maintenance is the key to saving the expense of replacing your heat pump.  The fall of the year is a great time to have your heat pump checked and services.  Give a reliable HVAC contractor a call to schedule your service before the winter months are in full swing.

Grand Strand Heating And Cooling are your HVAC and heat pump experts. Call us anytime you need help with your unit.

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

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The Very Best Ways To Minimize Irritants In The Home

It is well known that irritants cause a number of health problems consisting of blockage, runny noses, and sneezing. Although it is simple to manage these problems with specific OTC or prescribed medications, the key is to remove or reduce these allergens before the health concerns develop and prevent their reoccurrence in the future. If you or your other family members are sensitive to the many irritants that are drifting around in the air throughout the year, it makes sense to do everything possible to minimize or eliminate them entirely especially if you have an HVAC system at home. In a current American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAI) publication, it was approximated that 1 out of every 4, or 25 %, of all Americans experience a number of breathing conditions including allergies and asthma. If you dislike animal dander, dust mites, mold, or a combination of the three, there are numerous precautionary actions that you can take to avoid suffering during the different allergy seasons throughout the year. The following suggestions will assist you reduce the number of signs you usually suffer with throughout the year or the severity of the ones you are presently suffering with. Determine exactly what you are allergic to - the initial step to getting rid of or reducing your allergy signs is to identify what is causing your allergies. You will need to talk to a doctor in order to recognize your different allergies. The doctor might be one of the following experts:

• Dermatologist - treats a wide range of skin allergies
• Ophthalmologist - provides the treatment of burning and itching eyes that result from seasonal allergies
• Otolaryngologist - concentrates on treating allergies and sinus problems

Armed with the knowledge that the above doctor can provide you, you can significantly lower the variety of irritants entering your house and hopefully eliminate some as well. In addition, the two tips that follow will enable you to minimize the variety of allergens that go into the house and adversely impact those individuals living in it. You will likewise be able to minimize your suffering and theirs while doing so. Keep doors and windows shut as commonly as possible - although you might need to open up your home in order to air it out every now and then, the downside is that you will be letting in a great deal of irritants when you do. Mold and pollen spores can quickly take a trip through screened windows and doors so you need to try to keep them closed as often as you can. Control humidity levels within the home - this assists to keep mold growth to a minimum. In more damp environments such as Myrtle Beach, mold development runs widespread and it is incredibly hard to control. Attempt to preserve a humidity level 50 % or lower within the home. If you have a basement, think about purchasing a dehumidifier to control the humidity level because area. Remember to clean crawl spaces, bathrooms, and kitchen areas frequently as these are the main locations of the house where humidity levels normally increase. If you have plants in the house, you might wish to consider relocating the hardier varieties outdoors as these plants have the tendency to harbor mold. If you can, install a home air filtering system. If you do not have the spending plan for that sort of investment, be sure to replace the air filters of your HVAC Myrtle Beach system on a monthly basis. Not just will this help to trap irritants and keep them from affecting those people that are sensitive to them, your heating and A/C will operate much more cost-effectively and effectively. Finally, as dust mites are a huge problem in some locations of the US, consider acquiring allergen-impermeable covers and encasing your mattress and pillows.

Call Grand Strand Heating And Cooling if you need professional and reliable HVAC sevices.

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