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Temperatures have dropped noticeably in Myrtle Beach as we move from October to November. Average lows are in the 40s this time of year, and colder weather is on the way. That means it's time to prepare your HVAC system and home or business for winter and increased heating use. Here's how to prepare so you won't be caught in a cold house this season:
Of course we're going to mention this as number one, but it's because it can save you some of the frustration and expense of an HVAC problem later, when heat is really needed. A clean and service visit will cover a full inspection of your heating equipment, a chemical cleaning, and a full system test.
Most importantly, we'll make sure your heat pump is in operable condition and, if they exist, identify possible issues affecting performance early. This can extend the life of your heating unit and save you a considerable amount of money in the long-term.
Do you have a carbon monoxide (CO) detector in your home? If you don't have a CO detector, or if yours is more than seven years old, consider upgrading to a new carbon monoxide alarm today. Adding a detector to each floor and every bedroom is an easy way to protect you and your family from this odorless killer.
As an authorized Myrtle Beach Carrier dealer, Cooper Mechanical Services can help you save lives with Carrier's latest electronic carbon monoxide alarms.
While smoke detectors entered the residential market in the mid-20th century, CO detectors and alarms didn't become commonplace until the mid-1990s. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is the product of incompletely burned fossil fuels. Common causes of carbon monoxide in the home are natural gas leaks related to heating and cooking appliances. However, carbon monoxide can also enter the house from a car or portable generator running in a poorly ventilated garage.
When there is too much CO in the air, the red blood cells carrying oxygen in your body will be replaced with carbon monoxide. Symptoms include loss of breath, dizziness, weakness, and loss of consciousness. CO poisoning can be fatal, especially if people in the home have lost consciousness or are asleep.
CO alarms like those from Carrier use electronic sensors to monitor carbon monoxide levels. Like smoke detectors, CO detectors sound an alarm when dangerous levels are detected. Carrier CO alarms use lithium ion batteries for detection during power outages, and units are equipped with a diagnostic testing button so you are confident your alarm is working properly.
If you suspect you've been exposed to CO or feel symptoms of CO poisoning, go outside or seek fresh air and contact a medical professional immediately.
Will carbon monoxide detectors, you can feel confident that you and your family have taken a necessary step to protect you from carbon monoxide.
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Variable refrigerant flow, or VRF, is a type of heating and cooling system for residential or commercial applications. In order to understand how VRF is unique, it’s helpful to understand the basics of common HVAC systems. Most heating and cooling systems fall within two broad categories: ducted split systems or ductless, mini-split systems (like the packaged terminal air conditioning found in many hotel rooms).
If you live in a residential home in the Myrtle Beach area, chances are you have a split system with a compressor unit outside and an evaporator in the garage or attic. These systems use refrigerant (older units used R-22, newer ones R-410A) and a water-based system to cool air. The coolant is used to change the temperature of the coils, which cycling air passes over.
Ductless systems like PTACs are similar, except they don’t use ducts. Instead they blow cold or warm air directly to the space they are housed in. For this reason, they are more popular in commercial applications like hotels or apartments where heating and cooling is focused on a smaller part of a larger structure. PTAC and ductless systems are also convenient for homeowners wishing to bring HVAC to a garage or add-on space without ducts and vents.
So what makes a VRF system unique?
Variable refrigerant flow systems operate a little differently than a split system.
The VRF system relies on refrigerant alone instead of a water-based cooling system. Without chillers or coils, a VRF system is quick, responsive, and adaptive to outdoor conditions.
VRF systems use inverter compressors. This allows the compressor motor to run at variable speeds to save energy. Like your car in “eco mode,” your HVAC system adjusts energy usage based on heating and cooling needs.
A VRF system allows for multiple air handlers within the same system. Since the VRF system doesn’t use ducts, different rooms or spaces are equipped with a wall or ceiling mounted indoor unit to distribute air. This lets users make more specific heating and cooling decisions based on the room or space.
Variable refrigerant flow systems are high-efficiency heating and cooling solutions for residential or commercial buildings. VRF is ideal for customers looking to trade a higher up-front cost for increased energy savings (up to 55%) and room-to-room HVAC customization.
If you’d like to learn more about heating and cooling options, call Cooper for reliable, expert advice.
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There are always a handful of days between seasons that are wonderful in South Carolina. Neither too hot nor too cold, they are days we open the windows and relish the fresh air. These between season days are also a good time to inspect your HVAC system to identify issues that may need attention. Now that Fall and Winter are in sight, take a few minutes to inspect your thermostat, vents, and HVAC unit to see if you are prepared for days when home heating is required.
If you haven't run your HVAC in a while, take a moment to check and replace HVAC air filters around your house. As long as no one suffers from severe allergies, most homes are fine with a standard 1" pleated or non-pleated air filter. As long as they are changed when they are dirty, the standard air filter does a good job of separating impurities and particulates from the air you breeze.
It is important to stress that filters should be changed regularly. The frequency really depends on your home, its occupants, and your lifestyle (whether you have pets, kids, etc).
Now that your air filters are checked, take a look at your thermostat. Test your heat by turning the setting from Auto to Heat. See if your outdoor unit turns on and then if you notice warm air from the vents. If nothing happens within 30 minutes or an hour, you may need to call a professional to take a look at your system.
Around this time of year we get calls of a faint "burning smell." This can be a common experience when your heat is turned on after being unused for most of the year. Typically, this smell is just dust heating up after it has accumulated during the warmer months. The burning smell should go away. If it persists, or more importantly, if it smells like gas or oil, call a professional.
In Myrtle Beach, most residential HVAC condensers are located outside your home. Remove debris and dirt from around your HVAC unit. It's perfectly fine to use a hose to spray out anything lodged around the fan or housing.
As your HVAC runs, inspect it with all of your senses. Listen for unusual sounds and rattlings, observe the fan and visible parts, and take note of any sensory details that just don't seem right. These can provide clues to an HVAC professional and help them troubleshoot before they even arrive at your home.
Cooper Mechanical Services encourages homeowners to invest in their HVAC system with regular service and cleaning. Our Clean and Service agreements help homeowners avoid some of the large repair costs that can surprise homeowners in the middle of winter or summer. Regular maintenance also extends the life of your unit.
To learn more about our Clean and Service agreements, or to schedule a residential visit, Call Cooper.
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843-626-3689
843-626-3689