crcoolingandheating

Should I Be Proactive About Replacing My Heating & Air System in Rock Hill, SC?

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 08:20:49 GMT

When it comes to being comfortable, nothing can be worse than arriving home to find you air-conditioner is not working, and the weather forecast is calling for temperatures to exceed 90º! This happens all too often because homeowners are not proactive about replacing their HVAC system.

The equipment which keeps a home warm in the winter and cool in the summer is one of the most important investments you can make in your home. Much like an automobile, maintenance is key to the life of the vehicle, but when should you “bite the bullet” and invest in a new HVAC system?

Here are a few things to consider whether or not you should be proactive about replacing your equipment.

Recent Repairs to Your HVAC Unit

If your system is more than 10 years old and requires a repair beyond wearable parts such as contactors or capacitors, you should consider new equipment.

A compressor replacement can cost about half the cost of a new outdoor condenser; and the expectant life of a well-maintained system is only 10-15 years. The compressor moves the refrigerant between the evaporator and condenser coils, changing from a gas to a liquid, as needed. The evaporator and condenser coils are also a very expensive to repair.

If your system is nearing the end of its life, do not pay for a costly parts replacement, be proactive and purchase a new system. Also keep in mind that as your system gets older, its mechanical parts can become unavailable or obsolete.

If you would like to discuss options, the local experts at Carolina Refrigeration Heating & Cooling are here to help!

Decreased Efficiency From Your Current HVAC System

Does it take longer for your home to cool down in the summer and heat up in the winter? Much like a car, air-conditioners show signs of failure before they actually fail. Pay attention to the performance of your older system.

Are there hot and cold spots throughout your home? It could be a sign of your older equipment taking longer to keep your home comfortable.

Higher Utility Bills in Your Rock Hill Home

If you are noticing an increase in your energy bills, unrelated to the changing seasons, it probably means your system is almost done.

In some cases, your electrical costs increase slowly over several months, indicating a gradual reduction in your HVAC system’s efficiency.

Be proactive by calling a professional contractor to evaluate your system and provide you with a replacement quote if necessary to avoid a sudden shut down.

Carolina Refrigeration Heating & Cooling can help, Contact Us Now.

Noisy Air Conditioner?

Almost all home appliances make some sort of noise, however, pay attention to any noise unfamiliar or unusual, especially with the HVAC equipment. Excessive vibration and noise, in either heating or cooling can indicate a problem or a performance issue, which should be investigated by a technician.

Vibrations tend to increase as equipment ages, such as blower bearings or rotating fan blades. If a piece of equipment is very old and producing a lot of vibration, consider a replacement to also improve efficiency.

Loud scraping or metal hitting metal sounds are very serious and you should turn off the equipment immediately. Such noise could be a problem with the blower assembly and would require a diagnostic visit by a licensed contractor.

If any of the above criteria applies to your system, call the local Rock Hill HVAC professionals at Carolina Refrigeration Heating & Cooling to help you find the right system for your comfort needs.

Does A/C Maintenance Really Make a Difference for Rock Hill Area Homeowners?

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 08:32:41 GMT

The best way to ensure your air-conditioning equipment can survive hot, humid summer days is to schedule a preventative maintenance with your trusted HVAC contractor. A maintenance visit can lessen the chances of an emergency breakdown at a most inconvenient time. There are several reasons as to why an air-conditioning tune-up is a valuable service and can really make a difference.

Peace of mind for your Rock Hill home

A preventative maintenance can catch potential problems before they happen. Much like scheduling your car for a tune-up before a long vacation, your HVAC equipment needs to be inspected before excessive use. The equipment used to keep your home cool has not been used in months, can you really expect it to run at peak efficiency without being checked?

Much like if your car was sitting in the garage for months, you would schedule an oil change, tire rotation, or even a tune-up before heading out on a cross-country road trip. You want peace of mind that your car is running in top condition. Your home’s heating and air conditioning system is the same way.

The experts at Carolina Refrigeration Heating & Cooling are here to ensure your family’s comfort this summer in Rock Hill.

Maintenance vs. Emergency

Of course, maintenance cannot guarantee your air-conditioner will not break down, however, if the system quits working, maintenance is more affordable than an emergency visit. In many cases, an emergency repair cost is significantly more than a maintenance visit.

The same holds true for your car. A tune-up cannot prevent all mechanical failures, but many issues can be found and repaired while performing a tune-up. The more preventable problems are corrected immediately, the less likely you are to break down on the side of the highway, waiting on a tow truck.

Learn more about what is included in Carolina Refrigeration Heating & Cooling’s Comfort Plus Membership.

Warranty validation

All vehicles and HVAC systems include a manufacturer’s warranty that requires regular maintenance to validate the warranty. An automobile manufacturer requires components such as the oil filter, air filter, and other mechanical parts to be replaced periodically to protect the engine. Failure to change the oil in a car will result in the manufacturer rejecting work under warranty.

All HVAC manufacturers require at least annual maintenance on the equipment to validate a warranty. Warranty certificates from all the manufacturers make this clear. These companies will not provide replacement parts unless the equipment was regularly maintained by a licensed HVAC contractor.

You can find this information inside the literature provided by the manufacturer of your equipment. It should be labeled “Eligibility Requirements,” “Exclusions,” or something similar. A well-maintained piece of equipment is much less likely to break down.

Longevity for your Rock Hill Heating and Air System

Regular maintenance will prolong the life of the equipment; however, neglecting proper care can reduce its lifespan. What if you never schedule an oil change for your car, or replace the tires? The car will not last as long as someone who maintains their car properly. By keeping your air-conditioner maintained, it will last longer and keep its efficiency longer, to keep your home comfortable.

Does an A/C tune-up really make a difference?

Yes! For equipment and comfort that will last, warranty validation, avoiding expensive emergency costs, and your peace of mind – maintenance can make a difference.

Contact the Local Rock Hill experts at Carolina Refrigeration Heating & Cooling to learn more!

Is My Air-Conditioner Ready For Summer in Rock Hill, NC?

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 08:37:21 GMT

It is never too early to make sure your air-conditioner is up to the task of handling those hot and humid summer days. You can start by scheduling a spring preventative maintenance with your trusted HVAC contractor before the temperature soars. Once the hot weather hits, most service companies fill their schedule quickly and customers without any AC become the priority.

Having your equipment serviced in the spring will give you peace of mind when you turn the thermostat to cool. As a homeowner, there are a few things you can do now, while waiting for your maintenance appointment. Click here to learn more about Carolina Refrigeration Heating & Cooling’s Comfort Plus Membership

Change Your Air Filter in Charlotte and Rock Hill

If you have a central heating and air-conditioning system, the same filter or filters work for the heating and the cooling. The filter(s) clean out all the debris, dust, and allergens from the air circulating throughout your house. Depending upon which type of filter you are using, depends on how often your filters should be replaced.

As a general rule, pleated air filters should be replaced every 90 days. Low-cost, throw-away fiberglass filters should be changed out every 30 days. Clogged filters can lead to expensive breakdowns. Changing the air filters is an easy way to increase the efficiency of your equipment.

Keep the area around the condenser clean

The outside unit, whether it is a heat pump, condensing unit, or a package unit engages when in cooling mode for the summer. It is important to keep the surrounding area free from debris, lawn clippings, or trash.

Such items can restrict air from circulating into your system, which can damage your equipment. Also, lawn clippings, weeds, and leaves contain organic matter which hold bacteria. If left around your unit, the bacteria can infiltrate the air circulating throughout your home. Keep at least one foot clearance surrounding your outdoor unit to avoid any issues. If you see branches, sticks, or debris inside the unit call a professional service contractor to remove it.

How to Assess Your Air Conditioning System in Rock Hill, SC

It is important to prepare your equipment for summer use, much like you would service your automobile before an extended vacation. The following steps will help you determine if your AC is really ready for summer.

Turn on the system in AC mode and allow it to run for 15 minutes.
Put a thermometer in the supply register vent, which is pushing cool air into the room. Choose a vent close to the unit.
Hold the thermometer there for 4-5 minutes, note the temperature.
Find the nearest return vent, which is drawing air from the room, leave the thermometer there for another 4-5 minutes, note the temperature.

The temperature from the supply vent should be 14 to 20 degrees cooler than the return vent. If it is not, you should schedule a service appointment with your local HVAC contractor. Carolina Refrigeration Heating & Cooling is here to help and answer any questions you may have about your air conditioning system.

Service technicians cover an entire checklist of items to prepare your system for summer including, checking all connections, the condenser coil, compressor, condenser fan motor, and refrigerant levels. By scheduling a tune-up ahead of the soaring temperatures, you are more likely to avoid an emergency service call during the hottest days of summer. Contact Us Now , The Trusted Team at Carolina Refrigeration Heating & Cooling will ensure your A/C will keep your family cool all summer long!

5 Benefits of a Maintenance Agreement in Rock Hill SC

Sat, 01 May 2021 08:44:28 GMT

Your home heating and air-conditioning system is very similar to your automobile. You would never consider driving your car for thousands and thousands of miles without some sort of tune-up or maintenance on the engine

Well, the equipment for your heating and air-conditioning system, regardless of what type of system you have, needs periodic maintenance too. Most equipment manufactures require proof of regular maintenance to validate warranty for any parts.

All reputable HVAC contractors offer some sort of maintenance plan, here are the benefits and what you should look for when shopping for a maintenance agreement.

Prevents breakdowns in your Rock Hill home

Research indicates regular HVAC maintenance can reduce the risk of costly breakdowns by as much as 95%. Many contractors refer to their maintenance plans as “preventative or planned maintenance agreements.”

A maintenance visit is designed to “prevent” emergency breakdowns by catching a problem before it presents itself. A few of the ways a technician checks for potential issues include, meter voltage, amperage, check wiring, and measure sub-cooling temperatures.

Most contractors have a “checklist” you can peruse and familiarize yourself with exactly what a technician does during a maintenance visit.

Increase life expectancy of your heating and air conditioning system

Equipment manufacturers expect homeowners to keep the system in good working condition because it will save them money in the long run. No one wants to pay for an untimely replacement installation. By scheduling a routine maintenance at least annually, if not twice a year, helps keep components lubricated; wearable items such as capacitors and contactors replaced; and the filters changed.

As a result, you will increase the life of the equipment. Similar to regular oil changes increase the life of your car, maintenance can increase the life of your HVAC system.

Priority service

Even regular maintenance cannot prevent every single scenario and unexpected breakdowns can happen, but as a “planned maintenance agreement” customer, you should receive priority service from Carolina Refrigeration Heating & Cooling in Rock Hill, SC. Priority service means, you get serviced before someone who “Googled” and called the contractor.

As a “preferred customer,” you should never have to wait beyond 24 hours for emergency service. Consistent inspections by Carolina Refrigeration will build a relationship with their technician, so he or she can be more familiar with your particular HVAC expectations.

Discounts on repairs

Despite a technician’s best efforts, some repairs may need to be done from time to time. Mechanical systems are prone to failure and wearable components must be replaced, however, if you are a planned maintenance agreement customer, you should receive a discount on such repairs.

Carolina Refrigeration Heating & Cooling offers a 10% discount on repairs. During a maintenance visit, a technician should not only inspect your equipment, but also examine your duct work.

The duct work which carries the air throughout your home is just as important as the equipment pumping the air. Checking for damage, loose tape, and proper connections should also be something a homeowner can check periodically as well.

Schedule your Planned Maintenance Visit Now.

Lower utility bills

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a routine preventative maintenance plan can save you up to 30% on your annual energy bill. Keeping the equipment in good working condition ensures you system is running in peak efficiency.

A thorough heating maintenance helps safeguard your family against the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The most common cause of carbon monoxide leaks come from a cracked or failed heat exchanger.

When conducting a heat preventative maintenance, a technician will check for these cracks or any leaks which could be a potential hazard.

Investing in a Comfort Plus Membership with Carolina Refrigeration Heating & Cooling will give you the peace of mind that your system is operating at optimum performance.

And if something does go wrong, you can trust Carolina Refrigeration Heating & Cooling, with whom you have built a relationship with, to take care of your needs urgently.

My Air-Conditioner is Running, But Not Cooling, What Should I Do in Rock Hill?

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 08:10:18 GMT

As a homeowner, one of the most frustrating issues is a problem with your air-conditioner during the summer heat. There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot your HVAC system if you discover your A/C unit is operating but not cooling properly. Of course, it is always wise to contact an HVAC professional for service and repairs. Identifying the possible root of the problem and telling the technician may help to resolve your issue quicker. Communication with your local heating and air conditioning service technician can really help.

Have You Checked Your Thermostat?

If you notice a problem with your heating or air-conditioner, check your thermostat. Verify it is set to the proper temperature mode, cooling or heating. Make sure the thermostat is not working in just “fan mode.” This keeps the air-handler fan on at all times, regardless of any preset temperature. This will only run your indoor fan and not the outdoor unit. Your thermostat may use batteries, so double check they are still working.

Have You Checked Your Air Filter?

Just as with your car, the air filter in your home HVAC system is crucial to the efficiency and performance of the equipment. A clogged filter will lead to increased operating costs and a possibility of a premature failure of the system. According to Energystar.gov , you should replace the filter every one to three months depending on the type you have. Always replace it with a good quality filter. The cheapest is not always the best.

If you have questions about what type of air filters are best for your family and home, Carolina Refrigeration Heating & Cooling is here to help!

Have You Checked Your Condensate Drain?

Air conditioners remove moisture from the air and the water is typically drained through a hose or pipe which can become clogged with algae or debris. If the drain becomes clogged, the unit should shut down…sometimes causing the thermostat to go blank. This is a very important safety feature that prevents water from backing up into the drain pan, which could overflow and cause damage to the home. The condensate pipe can be replaced; if necessary, but typically it can be cleaned with a mild bleach solution.

Is There Ice on Your Outdoor Unit?

If your equipment is operating, but not blowing out cool air, check the outdoor section and verify no ice is visible. If you see ice, turn the system off immediately and contact a local HVAC service contractor. Most contractors will ask if the unit has ice. The unit must be thawed in order for the technician to diagnose a problem and will ask you to turn the system off. A frozen coil can be the result of any number of issues, filters clogged, restricted air flow, defective mechanical parts, or refrigerant issues. Your licensed contractor will need to investigate and determine the issue.

Call A Local Heating & Air Contractor in Rock Hill

If you have checked the previously mentioned issues and continue to have problems with your air conditioner, call a licensed contractor. A professional technician will ensure that your system will operate at peak performance. They will inspect your system, so it remains compliant with any local and national building codes. When in doubt, call a local, licensed contractor rather than risk damaging your system further by attempting a repair yourself.

Rock Hill’s trusted contractor, Carolina Refrigeration Heating & Cooling is here to help, Contact Us Now!