Archive for: #ac

The Importance of Air Conditioning Maintenance for Summerville Homes

Look at what we found during routine air conditioning maintenance! Yuck!

What’s inside YOUR AC unit?

You need regular air conditioning maintenance for a comfortable home environment in Summerville, SC. Without it, you’re looking at expensive problems and a hot house in the summer!

Arctic Air Inc., the most trusted local heating, ventilation, and cooling expert, recently helped a Summerville homeowner restore their cooling system through crucial maintenance work. Their story highlights the importance of consistent AC care.

How Arctic Air Saved A Summerville Home’s Comfort with Air Conditioning Maintenance

The Summerville homeowner reached out to us with a frustrating issue: Their cooling system had suddenly stopped working in the heat of the summer, leaving them with a sweltering home. Upon inspection, our skilled technician identified the problem: a severely clogged drain line in the system. Over time, dirt, dust, and other debris had accumulated in the drain, causing a blockage that shut down the entire unit. The homeowner faced potential damage to their system and a costly replacement.

Our skilled technicians jumped into action, first inspecting the unit for any additional issues. They then cleared the clogged drain line, removing the buildup that had caused the shutdown. “We found buildup that could have been avoided with routine AC maintenance. Clearing it out allowed the unit to run smoothly again,” one technician noted.

Afterward, they conducted routine checks to ensure optimal performance, testing cooling capacity and refrigerant levels and inspecting for wear. With their swift intervention, the system returned to delivering cool comfort throughout the home.

 “Arctic Air Inc. saved us from the summer heat. Their team was professional and efficient, and now we know how important it is to keep up with our AC maintenance.” – Summerville Homeowner

Why Regular Air Conditioning Maintenance Should Matter to Summerville Homeowners

Regular air conditioning maintenance is crucial for homes in Summerville, SC. Here are some of calling the pros for AC maintenance throughout the year:

  • Extends the lifespan of your air conditioning unit
  • Improves the indoor environment and reduces allergens
  • Enhances energy efficiency, lowering utility bills
  • Prevents unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs
  • Ensures consistent cooling throughout the hottest months
  • Detects minor issues before they become major problems

Routine cleaning of drain lines, filters, and other parts ensures that gunk, like we removed from this unit, doesn’t build up inside the system. Neglecting professional checkups, on the other hand, can lead to expensive repairs—or even the need for a new unit altogether!

Contact us today for professional AC cleaning and inspection!

Our experienced technicians proudly serve homeowners and businesses in Summerville, Charleston, and surrounding areas like Daniel Island and Goose Creek with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services. If you want to avoid unexpected cooling problems, trust their experienced team for your AC maintenance needs.

Contact Arctic Air Inc. today to schedule your next AC maintenance check and keep your home cool and comfortable all year round!

Successful Rooftop AC Unit Installation for Business in North Charleston, SC

At Arctic Air Inc., we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) services to commercial and residential clients throughout North Charleston, South Carolina, and the surrounding areas. Our latest project involved the installation of a new, efficient rooftop AC unit for a well-known commercial establishment—Little Caesars Pizza restaurant, located in North Charleston, SC 29418.

Successful Rooftop AC Unit Installation for Little Caesars in North Charleston, SC

The Little Caesars location was experiencing issues with its old, inefficient air conditioning system, which struggled to maintain a comfortable environment for both customers and staff. Recognizing the need for an upgrade, the restaurant management reached out to Arctic Air for a reliable and energy-efficient solution.

Installation Process

Our team of experienced HVAC technicians assessed the situation and recommended the installation of a new, high-efficiency rooftop AC unit. Given the commercial nature of the establishment, it was crucial to ensure minimal disruption to the restaurant’s operations. To achieve this, we meticulously planned the installation process and coordinated the use of a crane to safely lift and set the new unit on the rooftop.

Crane Operation

One of the most critical aspects of this project was the safe and precise placement of the new AC unit. We employed a large crane to hoist the unit onto the roof, ensuring that all safety protocols were followed. Our skilled operators and technicians worked seamlessly to secure the unit in place, as depicted in the photos below.

New AC Unit

The newly installed rooftop unit is a state-of-the-art system designed to deliver superior cooling performance while maximizing energy efficiency. This upgrade not only enhances the comfort of the restaurant’s environment but also contributes to lower energy costs and a reduced carbon footprint.

Benefits of the New System

– Enhanced Efficiency: The new unit operates more efficiently than the old system, providing better cooling with less energy consumption.

– Cost Savings: By reducing energy usage, Little Caesars can expect to see a significant reduction in their utility bills.

– Improved Comfort: Customers and staff will enjoy a more comfortable indoor environment, especially during the hot summer months.

– Reliability: The modern system is more reliable, with fewer breakdowns and maintenance issues.

Client Satisfaction

The management at Little Caesars expressed their satisfaction with the quick and professional service provided by Arctic Air. They appreciated our commitment to minimizing disruption to their business operations and our dedication to ensuring a smooth installation process.

Conclusion

At Arctic Air, we are dedicated to providing exceptional Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning services that meet the unique needs of each client. Our recent project at Little Caesars in North Charleston is a testament to our expertise and commitment to excellence. If your business requires HVAC installation, maintenance, or repair services, do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to helping you achieve a comfortable and energy-efficient environment.

For more information about our services, visit our website or call us at (843) 507-4329.

Stay cool with Arctic Air!

5 star rating posted on Yelp.com for Arctic Air Inc

If you didn’t get a chance to see this 5 Star rating on YELP.com, check out what Jose F. wrote about us!

5stars-A+“I was worried about the cost of replacing the entire air conditioning unit, but this company did get me a  good payment plan that will not harm my monthly budget. They are very professional and very honest starting with the customer service to installers. I am very satisfied with the work they did in my house, which I will recommend to everyone. Thanks guys, you are awesome!” 

Jose F., Goose Creek SC

Is the air filter in my ac/heater that important?

Is the air filter in my ac/heater that important? Of course, you know the answer is YES! That is if you want to keep your ac/heater running at its peak efficiency, and you don’t want to prematurely have to replace your unit.

Sometimes people need more information about “why” the air filter is important. I didn’t realize how important the air filter is until I started working for Arctic Air. I mean, yeah, I knew that it was there for a reason.  But, do I really have to replace it every month? And, truthfully, you don’t need to replace your filter every month.  That is correct, however you do need to check it every month.

filtercomparisonWhen you check your air filter, if it only has a little bit of dust or dirt trapped in it, you don’t need to change it.  But, if it is dirty then you do. Especially if it looks like the ac/heater was trying to suck it through the duct work! If the latter is the case, you are causing your ac/heater to work harder, use more electricity, and you are potentially going to trap dirty and grime in the evaporator coil (this is an expensive repair).

So how does that ac/heater filter get so dang dirty? Your home, like mine, contains lots of contaminants. Dust, VOCs, pollen, pet hair and dander, and more are floating in the air. When your air conditioner begins to draw the air into the system, it brings these contaminants with it.

Your ac/heater’s air filter(s) is/are the first line of defense. Filters are used to help stop the contaminants from entering the systems.  What is interesting is, the longer you have your air filter installed, the more dirt and grime it will trap. Once these contaminants start building up, that filter will get clogged.

So what! What will happen if my ac/heater is dirty? 

  1. Dirt builds up! – This, as you can guess, is not a good thing.  When dirt gets past the ac/heater’s filter, it will begin to build up on the systems various components. This filth is not good for any of the components, but it especially effects the evaporator coil. This is the component that removes the heat from the air, therefore, providing cool air for your home. When this coil gets dirty, air cannot pass as easily through it. So you don’t get the cooling effect that you desire.  Now your unit has to run longer and harder to reach the set point on your thermostat. This costs you money!  Don’t overpay the electric company.
  2. Higher electric bills! – A dirty evaporator coil is not the only thing that increases the cost of running your ac/heater.  The air handler will also cause your electric bill to increase, and will cause your efficiency to decrease. When the filter is dirty, your air handler will have to work harder and longer to pull the air through the filter. Once again, increasing energy consumption.  This costs you money! Don’t overpay the electric company.
  3. Dirty air distributed! – YUCK. The air filter is supposed to remove contaminants from the air. Remember, this is the air that we breathe. This could potentially cost you money! How? Healthcare costs and time out of work.

If you have any questions about indoor air quality, please feel free to contact us.  There are many different solutions that are available.

 

 

Frequently Asked AC and Heating Questions…

Frequently Asked AC and Heating Questions…
464570729I am sure that if you are reading this, and you are sitting in the comfort of your home (or office), you probably don’t have any questions that come to mind about your air conditioner or heater. I mean let’s face it… if it is nice and cool in your home, you really don’t have anything to ask about the ac. It is working, so no worries. As a matter of fact, let’s not even think about it (now is when you look for some wood to knock on…LOL). Sidenote: My adopted “Grandfather”(Sam Counts) would begin to knock on his head.

So, here are some of those questions and the answers…

How much will my ac or heater repair cost? This always the first question that pops up. And, I wish that I could just give a flat amount, however, every system is different. Sometimes, it can be as easy flipping a breaker, other times it could be a bad compressor or leak in an evaporator. BOTTOM LINE – What I do promise is this.. Arctic Air offers competitively priced, QUALITY work. Our goal is to get your equipment running as quick and affordable as possible.

How long will it take? I know that we are in Charleston, SC. It is hot and it is humid. Without an air conditioner running, I know that you are beginning to get cranky and miserable. We don’t want that… neither do the people who are there with you. BOTTOM LINE – Our goal is to get to your home or business on the same day that you call. During peak season, we will work to get to you as soon as possible (usually within 48 hours).

york-LX-Series-YCJD-air-conditioner-LCan you come charge up my unit? I cannot tell you how many times that I have been asked this question. The answer is YES, but …. Why the “but”? Because, in most cases, there is some other problem. Refrigerant (Freon) does not evaporate. When we get requests like this, this is what we will do… We will come out and do a diagnosis on your system. Once we have found the problem, we will inform you of the exact problem, and we will give you the cost of making the repairs. In addition, if there are options, we will give you those too. Some of our competitors have quotas that each service tech is required to make on each service call they go. We do NOT give our technicians any quotas to reach. They are only to make legitimate recommendations and repairs. We have been blessed with a great customer base and work. We never have to “make” work for ourselves.

Could this have been prevented? Yes, it is possible that this could have been prevented. Your air conditioner and heater should be given some TLC throughout the year. It is recommended that you have preventive maintenance done on your air conditioner and heater at least twice a year (once in the spring, once in the fall). Many emergency calls could have been prevented by simple maintenance.

I hope this helps answer some of your questions. If not, please feel free to contact us at 843-821-0937.

A Cheap A/C!

A cheap a/c!

Ok, this is not an original idea by any means or stretch of the imagination.  I saw this idea on either Facebook or Youtube.  It was such an interesting (and easy) project, that I decided to try it.

This is what happened.  I was planning to do a simple 5 gallon bucket with a fan and pvc pipe.  Well I went to Lowe’s to get my supplies.  I picked up the first item on my list… a 5 gallon bucket.  Easy pee-zee.  Then I move on to my next item… a styro-foam bucket to go inside.  This was supposed to provide insulation.  Ugh!  No luck!

(By the way, if you want to do the 5 gallon bucket cheap a/c, go to HomeDepot.com.  You can order most everything there…including the styrofoam bucket.)

Then, I decided that I would try to improvise. I looked at all kinds of foam insulation to fit inside my 5 gallon buck.  Nothing seemed to be flexible enough.  Plus, I had to remember that I needed to cut holes in the side of the bucket and whatever insulation that I chose. As I pondered and wandered the aisles, nothing was going to work.

I thought to myself… Wally-world will have it!  They have everything!  So, I put back my bucket and headed to Wal-mart.  When I got to Wal-mart, I started walking the aisles.  And, to no avail, they didn’t have what I needed. What am I going to do.  I thought to myself, I am going to make this thing tonight.

I then picked up my phone and started watching Youtube.  After I watched the video on how to make my home made a/c unit, other variations started popping up.  OK, change in plans.  I am going to just by a cheap plastic cooler, a fan and a 3″ 90° pvc elbow.

Staci text (or texted, I guess) me, and asked what I was doing.  I let her know that I was on my way home.  I was out of the house and looking for parts for about 2 hours. But, now, I have everything I need.

Troy, my co-worker, let me borrow a really cool tool for cutting holes.  In addition to that, I had my Dremel.

As soon as I got home, I started my project.  I put the pvc pipe on the top of the cooler and traced around it.  Then, I did the same thing with my fan. I grabbed the tool that Troy let me borrow, and I attached it to my drill and started cutting.  I cut as much as I could with this handy hole cutter, and then I broke out my Dremel tool for the final cuts.

I put the pvc pipe in the smaller hole… perfect fit! I put the fan in the second hole… perfect (or, at least, close enough).  I went to the freezer and broke out some ice packs and threw them into the cooler. I plugged in the fan, and turned it on.

homemade acHoly cow!  It worked! So, for about $50, I now have a portable, a/c unit.

I am going to freeze gallon jugs of water to put inside my cooler.  Instant a/c, and a fun little project.

UPDATE

A couple of days ago, I brought this in and showed everyone what I made.  Troy, decided to take it with him and make some improvements.  (That being said, this will work fine in a home environment with a regular fan.  We are planning to use it in an attic with temperatures around 120°-140°F.)

So, Troy added this mac-daddy fan to it that he had at his house.  He also reinforced the top with a little sheet metal.  This cooler (1/3 full of ice) is putting out 55°F air!  It is sooooo cool! Here is what the Island Breeze looks like now.

super homemade ac

 

If you have any a/c problems, feel free to give us a call at 843-821-0937.

 

Energy Savings Tips …. Part 4

heat warningAnother week has almost past, and it looks like 90° weather is in our forecast. As the spring fades into summer, everyone is going to be looking for a cool place to relax.

I should mention… As the temperatures begin to increase, do not leave children or pets unattended in your car.  Temperatures can skyrocket quickly!

A test conducted by the University of San Francisco showed that in 10 minutes a closed-up car reached 99 degrees when the outside temperature was 80 degrees. In 20 minutes, the inside of the car had reached 109 degrees.  dog-car-01These temperatures can cause heat stroke, and in some cases, death.

Energy Savings Tips …. Part 4

moneyTo get the best performance and efficiency out of your air conditioning equipment, it is important to follow these guidelines.

  • Schedule a tune-up (aka, preventive maintenance, summer start-up, planned maintenance)- Your air conditioning and heating system runs most of the year.  Just like your car, your ac needs to have a tune-up.  We recommend at least twice a year.  One time before the summer season, and once before the winter season.
  • Keep lamps, lights, tvs or other heat producing items away from your thermostat. Your thermostat senses heat from these items, which can cause your air conditioning to run longer than necessary.
  • Keep any dust from building up on your registers by vacuuming them. This will help keep the flow of air moving freely and without restriction.
  • Be sure that your furniture and other objects are not impeding the flow of air from the registers.
  • Keep doors open throughout the house. This will keep the airflow at the proper levels.

If you find that your ac unit is not working, please feel free to contact us.

Also, I am still running a “Preseason Sale” on complete air conditioning units. Up to $1500 off York and Goodman units!  This sale will end soon, so don’t wait until the Dog Days of Summer.

Since the weekend is almost here, I hope that you have a great weekend!

Time to Check those AC Filters!

Well, another month is about to pass and April is staring us in the face. In South Carolina, we can definitely say that we have had a winter season!

With all of that yellow stuff floating around, we can also say that Spring is in the air.  I can honestly say that I am looking forward to warmer weather!

[stextbox id=”warning”]Time to check your AC filters.  This simple task is vitally important to the well-being of your unit.  Don’t put it off another day.  If it is dirty, replace it![/stextbox]air filter air conditioning heating charleston sc

One of the tell tale signs of Spring is the Summerville YMCA’s Azalea Festival. It is so nice to get out and enjoy the day.  Tons of people, artisans all over, that carnival style food, and the many activities, make for a great day with family and friends. If you haven’t been to the Azalea Festival, you should come out this year.

 

Here is the schedule:azalea park

Friday, April 4 – 9 am-6 pm
Saturday, April 5 – 9 am-6 pm
Sunday, April 6 – 9 am-4 pm
Hope everyone has a great week!

Tips to Help Save Money on AC / Electric Bill

I wanted to give everyone some tips on how to save money on ac / electric bills for this summer.

This is the new Goodman we installed yesterday at a Summerville Customers home.

This is the new Goodman we installed yesterday at a Summerville Customer’s home.

  1.  Have your air conditioning system tuned up for the summer months ahead. This will  allow your ac system to run at its peak efficiency. When your system is running at its peak efficiency, it doesn’t have to work as hard to do its job.
  2. Replace your filters on a regular basis. Did you know that the #1 cause of air conditioner failures are from lack of filter changes and maintenance.
  3. Try to keep your thermostat settings constant.  Changing the thermostat setting continuously will make your system very inefficient.  If you are not home during the day, it is wise to set it 2-3 degrees warmer than when you are at home. It is reported that you can save between 3-5% for every degree that you raise the setting.
  4. Put your fan in “fan on” mode on the thermostat when your are trying to cool your home.  This will allow the air to circulate and even out the temperature.  This is especially effective when you have hot or cold spots in your home.
  5. Reduce the radiant heat of the sun by closing your shades and keeping your curtain drawn. This will keep the hottest rays of the sun from directly entering your home.
  6. Go Green by planting trees (or installing awnings) that will shade windows facing the south.
  7. Replace old windows with low-E glass.
  8. Check your insulation in the attic.  If it has lost most of its “fluff”, it may be time to consider replacing it.
  9. Be sure your air conditioner has 12-18 inches of clearance from all sides. Cut back trees or shrubs that are within this range.
  10. Severely clogged coils!

    Severely clogged coils!

    Keep the coils clean (those are aluminum fins that surround the outside unit). Do this by keeping grass clippings, leaves, dirt or other debris away from the outdoor unit.

  11. To assure proper air flow in your home, don’t block vents or ducts. In addition, keep doors open, even those rooms that are not being used.
  12. Be sure to caulk and install weather stripping around doors (especially attic doors) and windows.
  13. Consider purchasing a programmable thermostat. By adding this at my home, I was able to save $50 on my last electric bill.

I have two other tips that don’t deal with the air conditioner.

The first is to try not to use the oven during the day.  Additionally, run your dishwasher, dryer and washing machine at night when the ac doesn’t have to work as hard.

The second tip is to turn off tv’s, video games, lamps and other appliances when they are not in use.

I hope this helps tame your electric bill over the next few months.  One thing is for sure, I am ready for some warmer weather!

Mike

Arctic Air, a York CCE Dealer… But what does that mean?

Arctic Air, a York CCE Dealer … But what does that mean?

Arctic Air has always had a reputation in the Charleston / Summerville SC market as being a premier air conditioning, heating, and commercial refrigeration contractor. We all strive for 100% customer satisfaction.  This satisfaction goal has been in place since the inception of Arctic Air. John and Valarie would not have it any other way!

York air conditionerWhen we partnered with York (a Johnson Controls Company), we found that the values of our small, family owned and operated company were also shared with York.  York and the Arctic Air family believe in 100% Customer Satisfaction.  Because of our partnership with York as a CCE (Comfort Control Expert), we can now offer the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee! 

In a nut shell, a Certified Comfort Expert: York® Certified Comfort Expert™ (CCE) Dealers offer customers a 100% Satisfaction Money Back Guarantee. That means if you’re not happy for any reason, we’ll make things right. 

HVAC Financing AvailableThat means that you get hometown value combined with a large, industry leading corporation that believe in the same things…. basically, we take care of our customers.

Here is our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

When you work with a York® CCE Dealer (Arctic Air – hint, hint), your installation is backed with a 100% Satisfaction Money Back Guarantee. That means:

  • If you are not totally satisfied with the performed service work, York will make things right—or we will refund your service call fee. (Of course, this applies to York equipment that is under warranty.)
  • On installation work, York will satisfy any material or workmanship issues, or we will remove the installed equipment and refund your money.
With this partnership with York, our service technicians receive local service training, specialized technical training and support, and we are able to offer 10 year labor warranties for new air conditioning, furnaces, and heat pumps.
With most York Residential units, there is a 10 year parts and 10 year compressor warranty that is included at no additional charge.  By adding a 10 year labor warranty, you will have peace of mind in knowing that your unit is covered!  This labor warranty is very affordable and adds the protection that you need!
HVAC FinancingIf you are in need of a new air conditioning and heating system, please give Mike a call at 843-821-0937.
There are several payment options available on all new units, including 12 months at 0%, when paid in full by the 12th month.