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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.
Like everything else in your home, appliances and systems will experience wear and tear and will eventually need to be replaced. Your electrical panel, sometimes called a circuit or breaker box, is no different. Your electrical panel is the primary hub for receiving and distributing utility power throughout your home, so its health is vital. Moreover, an old or faulty electrical panel is dangerous. It can cause an electrical fire and electrocution. It's important to pay attention to the signs of wear and tear and call a licensed electrician for an inspection.
Unless you are an electrician or have real experience working with your electrical system, this is not something you want to do DIY. If you do decide to inspect on your own, please turn off your main breaker to shut off all power before you start inspecting.
Below are some signs that there may be trouble with your electrical panel. If you experience any of the sign below, call a reputable electrical company like Cooper Mechanical Services in Myrtle Beach.
Burn Marks or Burn Smells: This is a clear warning that your electrical panel needs to be replaced or repaired. An electrician will examine your panel for frayed wiring or faulty connections. This sign shows that a home electrical fire is a real possibility, so don't delay.
Frequently Tripped Breakers: If one or more breakers is repeatedly tripping, it's a sign that your electricity needs are more than your box was designed to handle. An electrician will replace your electrical panel with one fit for your consumption needs.
Home Additions and Renovations: Any project that changes the size of functions of your home has the possibility of changing your home's electrical needs. An addition will most likely require a larger electrical panel capable of distributing more power to more space. Whether you need an entire new panel or a sub-panel, you'll want to call a licensed electrician for the job.
Flickering Lights: This sign means your lighting is either not receiving enough power or your panel is not equipped to handle the lights on top of large appliances in the room.
Many along the Grand Strand are familiar with our HVAC services, but Cooper Mechanical is a fully licensed electrical contractor providing complete commercial and residential electrical services. If you are concerned about the state of your electrical panel, Call Cooper.
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Humidity can definitely make a hot day feel more miserable. And Myrtle Beach is no stranger to heat and humidity. Even the humidity charts label half of the year in coastal South Carolina as "oppressive" and "miserable." Those "muggy" conditions happen when excess moisture remains in the air. Thankfully we live in an age where adequate cooling is the norm. It's not uncommon in Myrtle Beach to hang inside on the hottest, most humid days, and venture outside for some beach fun or exercise in the late afternoon and evening.
Modern HVAC systems regulate indoor humidity, removing excess water from the air. This water leaves the house via a drain pipe. If your system is doing a good job removing moisture, cool air with feel drier inside, and you'll have that sweet relief from Myrtle Beach's muggy summer weather. If your AC isn't removing moisture well, it will first seem as though your HVAC system isn't cooling as well. You might also notice that it feels "stickier" and more humid in parts of your home.
There are a few reasons why your HVAC system may not be handling humidity control well. We'll break it down so you'll see the cause of the issue as well as the solution that your professional HVAC company will recommend.
Dirty, Clogged Coils: Your evaporator coil is responsible for for removing heat and humidity from the air. If your HVAC system isn't filtering particulates, dust, and debris, you'll end up with coils that are covered in grime. Dirty coils are less efficient in cooling and dehumidifying the air. The solution is a professional coil cleaning as well as regular change of all air filters. Keeping coils clean doesn't take a lot of work. A scheduled clean and service twice a year is more than enough to keep your system in shape for the heavy workout a South Carolina summer calls for.
Low Refrigerant Charge: Your AC system needs coolant, or refrigerant, to cool your air. The amount of refrigerant, or charge, is dependent upon HVAC system type, size, and ambient temperature. Too low a charge and your evaporator coil will be starved for coolant on those hot and humid days. Too much charge and you could find yourself with a flooded condenser should there be a sudden cold snap heading into fall. Chances are that an HVAC professional will check your refrigerant charge if there are complaints of indoor humidity. Adjusting the charge is a quick solution.
Incorrect Fan Speed: Higher fan speed is better, right? Not necessarily. If you move cool air into your home too quickly, you may not being getting your evaporator coil to remove enough moisture. Airflow at 400cfm (cubic feet per minute) may lower temperature indoors but not sufficiently tackle the humidity. Lowering the fan speed means airflow is slightly slower, giving the condenser adequate time to remove moisture.
Indoor humidity is no fun. Myrtle Beach is hot and sticky enough outside. You should be comfortable in your home. In addition to the causes of indoor humidity listed above, you might also experience poor humidity control if your system is improperly sized. While dehumidifying systems and other solutions exist, it's best to investigate first to see if the problem has a simpler solution.
If you think your HVAC isn't working as it should, give us a call. Cooper Mechanical Services has been helping Grand Strand homeowners and businesses since 1989. Let our family help keep your family comfortable. Call Cooper!
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Myrtle Beach vacation companies love to market Myrtle Beach as a summer beach destination, but one thing that doesn't always translate in those photos of happy families outdoors: the oppressive heat and humidity. For us lucky to call the Grand Strand home, summer sometimes feels like we just shuffle from one air-conditioned space to another until the sun has set and temperatures drop. Even if you do venture outdoors for a bit, there's solace that you'll soon be back indoors, a little reprieve from the sun until the next adventure.
Sometimes the AC isn't as refreshing as it should be though. You adjust the thermostat and stand close to a vent, but all you feel is warm air blowing on you.
If your HVAC system is on and blowing warm air, it's a signal that something needs attention. A little troubleshooting can help homeowners better communicate their problem to HVAC professionals so you can get your AC back up and running.
1. Check Your Expectations: Okay, this one isn't a troubleshooting task, per se, but sometimes we have unrealistic expectations for how quickly an HVAC system should cool a room. Have you given your system enough time to warm up and lower temperatures? Do you have a lot of uncovered windows? Keeping shades and blinds shut can help expedite the cooling time, so just be mindful of elements that may make cooling your space more difficult for your system.
2. Check Your Filters: Clogged filters limit airflow and cause your AC system to work twice as hard to cool your home. If airflow is weak out of vents, change your filters and test it again.
3. Check Your Thermostat: One simple solution to the warm air problem is checking the thermostat to make sure it is set to "Cool" or "Auto." If your thermostat is in "Fan" mode, it is just circulating air without cooling it. Additionally, it's possible that your thermostat could have slipped into a programmable pre-set that doesn't reach your comfort level or the times when you want AC.
4. Check Your Outdoor Condenser Unit: Do a visual and auditory inspection of your HVAC unit beside your home. Is it free of grass, leaves and debris? Clogged or dirty coils can impact performance. Does running unit sound normal? Note strange sounds and noises that are out of the ordinary.
If you've performed the tasks above and your HVAC system still isn't cooling, give us a call. You'll have done some basic troubleshooting, and your answers will help us with diagnosing the issue before we even get to your door.
Summer in Myrtle Beach without air-conditioning can be miserable. Cooper Mechanical Services provides 24/7 emergency HVAC service so you won't have to wait. Need help? Call Cooper!
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843-626-3689
843-626-3689