Archive for: #acrepair

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

“Preventive Maintenance” … What’s in it for me? Part 4, the finale!

We are getting to that point in the season where we have to wear a sweater or jacket in the morning, and shorts in the afternoon.  Have you had to turn on your heat yet? We have not, but we have had a few customers that have turned on their heat. Some have already called already about problems with their heat.  This is the perfect time to get your “Preventive Maintenance (aka Tune-up) done on your ac and heating system.  “But, why?”, you may ask.  Well, here are a few reasons to consider doing your winter preventive maintenance now.

Save money with Arctic Air Inc. in Charleston, SCThe first reason is probably one that most of us can relate to … and it is (insert drum roll here)….  SAVINGS! Preventive maintenance pays for itself  by giving you better efficiency, by paying less in utility bills, and you have discounts on parts that are included with our plans. When you combine all of the savings, preventive maintenance is a “no brainer”.  It just makes good financial sense.

Secondly, you will have “Peace of Mind“.  Let’s face it… nothing is worse that having a house full of people and having your ac and heating system go down. When preventive maintenance is done regularly, you will see fewer system failures and you will increase the life expectancy of your ac and heating equipment. In addition, if your system does fail on the weekend, you can call on the weekend without any overtime charges.

The third reason… “Priority Service“. Who doesn’t like being treated a little special. When you sign a preventive maintenance agreement with Arctic Air, you get priority service.  Yes, we will put you ahead of calls that do not have an agreement with us…. and again, no overtime charges.

Finally, you will see “Continuity”. Our technicians become more familiar with your equipment.  This allows them to work on your equipment in a highly efficient manner.  Instead of trying to find where the air handler and condenser units are located, they can immediately go to the equipment and get started on the work.  Let’s be real, time is money. We want to be able to get your equipment running properly, as quickly as possible.

air filter air conditioning heating charleston scNow is definitely the time to get your winter preventive maintenance scheduled. Please feel free to give us a call at 843-821-0937. We are here to serve you.

“Preventive Maintenance” … What’s in it for me? Part 3

Happy Friday EVERYONE! …. It is definitely 5 o’clock somewhere!

Severely clogged coils!

Severely clogged coils!

As we continue through this series, I hope that you will begin to see how important it is to properly maintain your air conditioning and heating system.  When I am out helping customers with replacing their old, broken ac equipment, I am often asked, “How often should I have my system serviced?”.  Each situation is different depending on levels of dust, pet dander, and other factors.  But, generally speaking, we recommend having your system tuned up every 6 months. A good rule of thumb is before summer and before winter.

Another great question about preventive maintenance is, “What is done?” I am not going to lay out in detail each item, but I will give you a general overview.  This way, you will know what to expect.

 

 

• Inspect the condenser coil

• Test and adjust operating pressures

• Test starting capabilities

• Inspect the blower assembly

• Test and check safety controls

• Clean the condensate drain

• Test the voltage of the motors

• Test the amp draws on the motors

• Lubricate necessary moving parts

• Check thermostat for proper operation

• Check for proper air flow

• Measure the temperature difference at the return vs. the supply

• Check the expansion valve

• Inspect and spray evaporator with cleaner (when accessible)

• Test in a/c and/or heat mode

• Check all electrical connections

• Check all capacitors

• Clean the air handler coil

• Check mechanical components for vibration or rubbing

• Winter – check heat exchangers or electric heat strips and amps – (depending on equipment)

In addition to these items, our service technicians may recommend additional services to keep your unit running at its maximum efficiency. This can include cleaning the blower wheel, cleaning the condenser coil with a chemical, and adding condensate treatments to reduce algae growth.

hvac burnt wires

Loose connections were the cause of this electrical fire.

All of these items are important to the overall care of your air conditioning and heating system.  Two of these items really stands out to me.  The reason is because it is a matter of life and death.  The first one is “Check all electrical connections.” If the electrical connections are not tight, it is possible for an electrical fire to occur.  The second one is if you have a furnace, “Check heat exchangers (for those with furnances).  If you have any holes or cracks in the heat exchanger, your family could be in serious danger from carbon monoxide poisoning.

On a side note, carbon monoxide detectors are relatively inexpensive.  In doing a Google search, I found that these can be purchased from $15.49 – $49.99.  If you have one already, be sure that your batteries have not died.

So, what does a “PM” (aka, preventive maintenance, tune-up, winter start-up, summer start-up) cost? Right now, if you want to have us to a winter start-up, it costs $89.00 per unit (residential customers only). If you would like to join our “Discount Club”, you get a winter start-up, and a summer start-up for $159 for the first unit and $129 for each additional unit.  (SPOILER ALERT …. lock in your price now, because there is a rumor going around that this is going to have to be increased next year.)

It looks like we are going to have some great weather this weekend. If you get a chance, go out and enjoy Charleston SC.  We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful area that has so much to do.

TGIF!!

 

Why is Indoor Air Quality Important? 5 Steps to Improve it! Part 2

Why is Indoor Air Quality Important? 5 Steps to Improve it! Part 2

This is the next installment in our Air Quality Series.  This article will focus on two additional steps to help improve your overall air quality.

If you missed the first step, be sure to click below and see the first part of this series.

Why is Indoor Air Quality Important? 5 Steps to Improve it! Part 1

As you read in part 1 of this series, air pollution is not something that is just outside.  The air inside our homes, offices and other buildings can be more polluted (or polluteder  <====LOL, just kidding) than the air outside. This series is designed to give you the power to make your living area less polluted.

The first step was to keep your floors mopped and vacuumed (with a HEPA filter vacuum). In addition, be sure to have a large floor mat put at your entrance ways to your home or business.

Now, on to step 2…

DehumidifierControl Humidity – The next step is something that most of us don’t think about.  What is that you ask?  The humidity level in your home.  Many people don’t realize that the humidity in our homes is partially controlled by the air conditioning (ac) unit.  The ac unit is responsible for lowering the temperature in our homes.

The other part of equation is that when the ac lowers the temperature of your home, it is also pulling moisture out of the air that is being conditioned. That is the reason that we have pipes (condensate lines) routed outside. This is where the water removed from the air goes.

Keeping the humidity in the 30 – 50% range is ideal. It helps keep the allergens, like mold and dust mites, under control.

In addition to helping keep the humidity in check, the ac is able to filter out some of the indoor pollen. This is a major plus for those of us with allergies.

Sometimes, the addition of a dehumidifier is necessary to help with humidity control. If you are finding that you are having issues with mold or you are feeling “sticky or clammy” in your home, it may be time to consider adding a dehumidifier.

mobile thermostat

New thermostats can also help control humidity by allowing the ac unit to run longer, thereby, removing more moisture from the air.

Here are a few more ways to dehumidify your home…

1. When you are cooking, bathing or even running the dishwasher, use an exhaust fan or crack open a window,

2. Be sure that you are not over watering any plants in your home,

3. Fix any dripping pipes or leaking plumbing,

4. Empty condensate pans (drip pans) from any window ac units or dehumidifiers,

5. Be sure that your clothes dryer is properly vented to the outside.

 

Here is step 3. This may not be popular, however, it is a factor to improving your indoor air quality

Smoke Outside – Back in the day, it wasn’t uncommon to go into a smoke filled home. With all of the recent findings, we now know how unhealthy it is to smoke. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals.  These chemicals pollute the indoor air. Research has shown that this second hand smoke increases a child’s risk of getting ear and respiratory infections, cancer, asthma and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Kicking the smoking habit is easier said than done.  However, just because it is hard, doesn’t mean that it cannot be done. There are many options out there to help kick the habit.

Bottom line is, if you cannot quit smoking, please do it outside. This will help with the air quality inside of your home.

 

Please watch for the next 2 steps in Why is Air Quality Important?

If you find that your home is too humid, please give us a call (843-821-0937).  There are several solutions that we can offer.

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!

Ding, Ding, Ding… It’s time to check your filters!

Time to check your filters!

raisinI just wanted to post a quick reminder… “Ding, Ding, Ding….It is time to check your filters in your a/c unit”.

Air flow is very important to your a/c system as a whole.  Without the air flow moving properly in your system, you can damage your unit, cause it to draw more electricity, and make it necessary to replace your unit before its time. Your filters can be causing a lack of air flow if they are clogged and dirty.

Air flow can be improved in your home by not shutting off rooms. For example, I have a room that is currently not being used in my home.  It is very tempting to close the door and keep that room shut off from the rest of the house.  The problem is that it messes up the air flow in the home.  Resist the temptation to close all the doors. If you want some privacy, keep the door slightly ajar.

air filter air conditioning heating charleston scSo, just to keep things simple… It is time to inspect your a/c air filter.  If it is dirty, replace it.

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.

A/C Tips … Spring is right around the corner!

A/C Tips … Spring is right around the corner!

Hello Everyone,

charleston springOur weather in South Carolina is always hit or miss when it comes to the winter months.  Last week, we had a terrible winter storm. Some South Carolinians still do not have electricity.  And a week later, we are hitting record high temperatures. Go figure!

This week has definitely given us “Spring Fever!”  The beautiful mild days with warm sunshine beaming down… I know that I love spring time in Charleston SC.

With that in mind, before you know it, the 80°- 90°F temperatures will be here.  One thing that most people don’t think about is when the temperatures heat up, the A/C (air conditioner) is coming on.  It is real easy to flip that switch on the thermostat, and to get that air conditioner cranking out the cool air.  But, is your A/C ready to get to work?

All cars need preventive maintenance, and your a/c is no different.  Your heating and air conditioning system needs some TLC (tender loving care) also. It has worked hard to keep you warm and cozy this winter.  Now it is time to change gears for the warm to hot days to come.

Your A/C is in need of preventive maintenance.  “Why?”, you might ask.  To keep it in tip top shape and running most efficiently. One thing that Staci and I cannot stand is a high electric bill.  What is worse… a high electric bill AND not being comfortable in our home! When your unit is not running efficiently, you being to pay for it … in your electric bill (ouch!)

In addition, these inspections detect potential problems before they become expensive problems.  When repairs are caught early, you can avoid costly repairs, and possibly, keep your unit from having to be replaced.

A few weeks ago, Arctic Air had a customer that cal us because their heating unit was not working.  When we got there, we did our usual diagnostic. This is what our service technician found.  There was an electrical fire inside their unit.  All of the wiring had to be fixed. If this unit had preventive maintenance done by Arctic Air, we would have found a loose electrical connection.  This loose electrical connection caused the fire!  This is one of the items that is on our check list to be inspected.

burnt up wires

I am not sure if you can see it in this picture, but you may notice all of the burnt wires on the lower right side of the unit.  Because of the vibration from the fans and other parts, connections are bound to come loose.  This is NOT what you want to see, especially at your home.

Here is what our inspections consist of:

  • Inspect condenser coil
  • Test and adjust operating pressures
  • Test starting capabilities
  • Inspect blower assembly
  • Test amp draws on motors
  • Test voltage on motors
  • Test and check safety controls
  • Clean condensate drain
  • Lubricate necessary moving parts
  • Calibrate thermostat
  • Check for proper air flow
  • Measure temperature difference
  • Check expansion valve
  • Inspect and spray evaporator coil with cleaner (accessible only)
  • Test in a/c cycle
  • Check all electrical connections and capacitors

If you join our Discount Club, you receive a Summer Tune-up and a Winter Tune-up, no overtime charges ever, priority customer service, preferred pricing on repairs.  This is an affordable way to keep your unit properly maintain.  We even offer a monthly payment plan… as low as $13.25/mo!

Call today to get your Air Conditioner running in tip-top shape! 843-821-0937 or submit a service request online.

Time to Change your Air Filters!

Time to Change your Air Filters – Charleston SC!air filter air conditioning heating charleston sc

Hello Everyone,

Well, February is now here.  Time definitely flies! I just wanted to send out a friendly reminder….

Time to Change Your Air Filters.

I am hoping that you read this before you head out today.  If you don’t have filters on hand, be sure to pick some up at your local home improvements store.

While you are there, take a look at the different options that you have, and the different price ranges.  I tend to be cheap when it comes to disposable items, but I have now learned that “cheaper isn’t always better!” The same is true with air filters.

The air filter on your a/c-heater is a very important part of the system.  These filters help limit dust and debris from entering your duct work, and eventually, coming in contact with the internal parts of your unit.  These particles can potentially rob your unit of efficiency and cause an expensive breakdown.  This breakdown could result in a repair so expensive that it is cheaper to replace your system, resulting in an expense of thousands of dollars.

Let’s get back to the filters.  There are a few different types of filters on the market.  Here are basically 2 types of filters that I am going to talk about ( there are more but let’s keep this simple).

These filters are rated in the industry by MERV levels.  The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter is at trapping dirt, dust, allergens and debris.  I will do a post on MERV ratings in the future.

inexpensive air filterThe first is your basic “Inexpensive” Filter.  They usually are in a cardboard frame, blue or white in color.  These filters are make of something that looks like a heavy concentration of spider webs… and, you can see through them.  This is not one of my favorite filters because it let’s too many of the particles through… and hence, a very low MERV rating. Change these EVERY month without fail!

The second is a pleated filter. These filters are usually made out of a thicker white material.  These filters usually have a higher MERV rating that the basic “Inexpensive” filter. Staci and I have been using these in our home for as long as I can remember.  These filters are a little more expensive, but provide better trapping of those contaminants. Pleated filters can usually last a little longer than the “Inexpensive” filter, so I would recommend checking these at 45 days.  If they don’t look terrible, keep them in for a little longer.

In the pleated category, I have found what I call a “MacDaddy” filter.  There are two filters that I found at the local home improvement store that I shop at that I really like.  The first is made by 3M, the second is made by Purolator.

filtrete air filter3M makes the Filtrete line of air filters.  Basically, the higher the number the more allergens are trapped. The Filtrete 1900 is a 3 month filter. They also have two higher levels which are the Filtrete 2200 and 2400.

purolatorPurolator makes the Purofied line of air filters. The Purofied filter is a 6 month filter.

Please note with both of these filters, I recommend checking them each month just to be sure they are not clogged.  If they are getting dirty and clogged, change them more frequently.  If the air flow is not good, it can make your energy efficiency go way down, and potentially harm your system (ie, the compressor).

The reason I like this type of filter is because I suffer from allergies.  So, any extra contaminants that I can check at the filter, helps me.  How?  I don’t have to breath in as much of the irritants that cause me issues.  These filters are NOT cheap.  However, these filters do last longer, and the reduction of dust is amazing.

The second reason that I like these filters is because, I don’t like to dust! I am all for less frequent dusting.  How about you? Our glass tables used to get a good coat of dust on them in days.  Now, it takes a couple of weeks to get the same accumulation.  (Note: this was a scientific test, just a personal test and observation.)

So, whatever filter you choose to use, check them today.  If they are dirty, change them. This little bit of maintenance is far less expensive than potentially having to replace your entire system.

Have a GREAT weekend!