The thermometer reads 88 but it feels like the inner ring of Dante's infernal circles out there. There's no doubt the Myrtle Beach's summer get hot, but it's our high humidity that really exacerbates the situation. The "heat index" is the perceived temperature we feel, and the number is a calculation that takes both temperature and humidity into consideration.

It's been an incredibly hot and humid summer so far. Our HVAC team has been all over the Grand Strand, troubleshooting air conditioning problems and bringing our customers cool relief.

Humidity and HVAC Systems

High humidity will make things feel hotter. That leads people to rely more on cold air conditioning for comfort. Modern HVAC systems in homes and workplaces cycle air over cold coils while also removing moisture from the air. This moisture exits your HVAC system by a small drain pipe, usually on the side of your home near the condenser unit.

If your system is ineffective and not sufficiently reducing indoor humidity, you probably won't feel that cool, dry relief. There are clear signs that your HVAC system isn't handling humidity well: condensation on windows, warm indoor temps despite thermostat (remember, humidity makes it feel warmer than it indicates), and damp or musty smells.

These are all clear signs that you'll want an HVAC professional to take a look at your unit.

Fixing Indoor Humidity

There are some things you can do to address an indoor humidity problem before calling a Cooper Mechanical Services tech.

If you're a DIY homeowner and want to do some troubleshooting, look for leaks where excess moisture may be escaping, change your filters to increase airflow, or add fans to add air circulation (especially in big homes or ones not properly zoned). Also, check to see if your thermostat has a "dry" setting.

Of course if your problem is more serious than a clogged filter, you'll want to trust Cooper Mechanical Services to diagnose and fix your problem. 

You may also want to explore a dehumidifier system that integrates with your existing HVAC ductwork.

Don't Sweat; Call Cooper

Cooper Mechanical Services has been providing the Myrtle Beach area with stellar HVAC, electrical, and mechanical services since 1989. Our reputation as a quality, family-owned business is built around honest, dependable work and affordable rates. 

Don't sweat it out for the rest of the summer. Call Cooper for a timely response and an accurate estimate.

It's HVAC Repair Season

Summer 2018 has been sweltering so far, and we're not even halfway through it. At Cooper, our HVAC team has been very busy with emergency HVAC repair. Our team has been working everyday to get folks' AC back up and running so they can live in comfort.

In fact, having air conditioning in this extreme heat is much more than a luxury or comfort--it's a necessity for safety and health. According to the CDC, more than 600 people in the United States die from extreme heat each year. We understand that seriousness of a hot house in the middle of an extremely hot South Carolina summer. The Cooper Mechanical Services team prides itself on fast, reliable service, and our team members keep customers updated with accurate arrival times so homeowners aren't waiting around all day on a service technician.

Keep the AC Running

If you haven't called for repair service, well, be thankful for that. To keep your units working efficiently, here are some simple things you can do:

Change Filters: dirty filters reduce air flow, which makes your AC less effective and can make your HVAC system work harder than it needs to, which may cause components to overheat or burn out. Find out which filters are best for your HVAC and change them regularly.

Close Shades and Blinds: hot sunlight on glass is working against your AC. Pull the curtains to keep your room as cool as possible. 

Close Leaks: insulating leaks around windows or doors will improve AC effectiveness during the hot summer. Replace weather-stripping or add caulking to seal gaps that let cold air out.

Consider Investing in a Clean & Service Agreement

A Clean & Service Agreement is scheduled cleaning and inspection of all HVAC components on a bi-annual basis. One advantage of scheduled service is that you can get a heads up on the health of your unit before summer when it will likely be working overtime. The Clean & Service Agreement can increase the life expectancy of your HVAC and save you money in costly repairs. Learn more about our Clean & Service Agreement here.

Don't sweat it this summer. The Cooper team is hard at work to keep you comfortable. Just Call Cooper!

Hurricane season in Myrtle Beach is June 1st through November 30th with most notable storms coming in late summer and early Fall. Around this time of year folks will start to see lots of information about hurricane preparedness. For us at Cooper, we get a lot of calls before and after big hurricanes about residential HVAC and electrical systems. It's a topic we've covered on our blog in the past, so check out some of the links below for detailed information about what you can do so your home electrical and HVAC systems weather this year's hurricane season.

Pre-Storm Cleanup and Preparation

In addition to cleaning outdoor HVAC of debris, you may want to also check that your unit is properly secured to its base. Hurricane winds can get above 150mph which can easily move something heavy like an outdoor condenser unit. Make sure the unit is anchored, and if not, consider hurricane tie-downs. You might also want to cover your unit with a tarp and bungee cord. 

Prepare for Going Out

Many readers are likely aware of the list of things to have on hand should you experience a power outage: flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable food, first aid, etc. But fewer are prepared for how to handle potential power surges. Protect yourself and your home appliances from power surges after full utility power is restores but making sure they are in their off positions while the power is out. The link above also covers some simple strategies for keeping your home cool while you wait to restore power.

Post-Storm Cleanup and Repair

Hurricanes at the beach bring lots of flash flooding which is dangerous and damaging in its own right. If your home has standing water, you may have a flood-damaged electrical system, and it's important that you don't enter your home until a licensed electrician or safety official says it's safe to do so. 

In addition to electrical damage, you might also need to contend with water damage and mold. Mold and mildew after a hurricane pose serious health risks, so always contact a licensed mold removal and remediation professional such as MasterTech of Myrtle Beach to handle it. It's not something you can let "air out" or spray a little bleach on.

A flooded electrical system will likely need some replacing, but it's important to request a full electrical inspection beforehand. Structural damage to your home from flooding or high winds can be overwhelming, but Myrtle Beach custom builders like Odom Design can work with existing salvaged structures and materials to renovate, repair and remodel.

Call Cooper for HVAC, Electrical, Mechanical, and Now Generator Services

We've been doing business in the Myrtle Beach area since 1989. We've weathered all the major hurricanes here and proud to help families and business at the beach keep their homes and workplaces safe, secure, and comfortable. 

If you are looking for extra preparation, call our sister company Cooper Electrical Services. CES specializes in commercial and residential generators that provide automatic, whole-house power in the event of an outage. Keep your HVAC, lights, appliances and everything else in your home on immediately and without the noise and extension cords that come with portable generators.