Money Saving Tips On Heating and Cooling Energy Cost

Did you know that an average household in the U.S. spends at least $2,000 on energy bills per year? This figure was released by the Energy Star, the energy conservation program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Your heating and cooling costs contribute to as much as half of that amount. With the simple steps provided below, you can remain comfortable while saving cash on your HVAC bills and safeguarding the environment. Keep The Heat Out During the hot summer season, keep your curtains and blinds closed and don’t forget to use window treatments over bigger windows. By blocking sunlight, you will help make your home easier to cool while keeping your North Myrtle Beach heating and cooling system from running frequently. Use Nature’s Free Energy During the cold winter season, you may want to pull back the curtains and open the blinds to let the sun naturally warm your home. Close the curtains on the part of your home that is shady. Leave Your Thermostat Alone Constantly changing the settings of the thermostat will only waste a lot of energy. You should think about getting a programmable thermostat that will adjust the temperature automatically at preset times. If you use this properly, it can help you cut costs on your energy bills. You have to change the temperature in such a way that it will run less every time there is no one at home or everyone is soundly sleeping. Keep Heating and Cooling Energy Where It Should Be Don’t forget that you are not working hard to earn money just to keep your attic and the crawlspace comfortable. You pay as much as you are willing to for your energy bills to keep you and your family feeling comfortable when you are at home. That means getting the heat and cool air in areas where it is needed. So be sure to check your ductwork for possible leaks as well as damages. Make Your House Air Tight Be sure that your home is air tight. That means sealing air leaks at drafty doors as well as caulk or weatherstrip windows. Add the right amount of new insulation. Although you will be spending some cash upfront, it will eventually pay for itself when you notice a reduction in your heating and cooling cost. Don’t Let Energy Escape Running your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans constantly will cause your heating and cooling unit to work harder. Keep HVAC System Clean A filthy HVAC system can lead to a lot of issues. Be sure to change your air filters every month and keep the outdoor unit clean and free of obstructions and debris. Change Old HVAC System In case your house is running on a heating and cooling system that is already past its useful life, you have to consider having it replaced with a new HVAC system.

Call NMB HVAC Pros if you are having problems with your heating and cooling system.

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Things Your HVAC Contractor Wishes You Knew

HVAC systems are available to make sure that your home is comfortable to live in. Given that, lying around in the heat caused by your defective unit is not fun at all. In case you have to endure nights sweltering or your home feels like an icebox during the day for no apparent reason, then your system might be poorly installed or even not suitable for your home. An HVAC contractor can help you with all of these things. These professionals can do a lot of things and not just install a box that keeps your home at the right temperature day and night. Whether he or she is repairing a system flaw or perhaps upgrading your unit to ensure optimum comfort, here are some things your HVAC contractor wishes you knew. Choosing An HVAC System Needs Serious Deliberation Choosing an optimum HVAC system for your home is not as simple as you think. An HVAC system is more than just a box that will make your home feel comfortable whenever you plug it in. You have to think about several things before you buy a unit. These include the zoning capabilities, if you wish to include an air purifier, an efficient furnace, or a smart thermostat. Before you ask an HVAC contractor to give you quote, you should think about what your existing HVAC unit offers. What is and what is not working for you? Are there any rooms that are too cold even during summer’s hottest days? Don’t forget to take a hard and honest look at your electric bills. In case you want to cut down costs, then you need to concentrate on efficiency. Don’t Concentrate On The Brand If you are shopping for a new HVAC system, you most probably have some brand names in mind. But you should not consider the brand name alone. What is important is proper installation. You can take the least popular brand and give it a proper installation. You will realize that it will work correctly and efficiently just like the popular brands you initially considered. You Get What You Pay For If You Hire HVAC Contractors HVAC systems cost a significant amount of money and a brand new system can easily cost you more than $13,000. However, you need to resist the temptation to go with the cheapest North Myrtle Beach HVAC contractor. HVAC installation is a craft and not just plugging a box that cools and heats your home. As with all kinds of contractors, be sure to get several quotes before choosing a company. Never skip on online research and be sure to talk extensively with potential contractors. A good HVAC contractor will be more than happy to thoroughly explain to you the reasons why they charge more for HVAC installation compared to their competitors and comparing these answers can help you decide between companies that offer similar prices.

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Signs You Need To Replace Your Heat Pump

When temperatures start to drop, a heat pump can make your life much more comfortable. However, how would you know if this unit is no longer working properly? Perhaps you have noticed it does not heat or operate as efficiently as before. Just like all appliances, the heat pump is not built to last forever, even though maintaining it regularly can offer you lots of benefits. While it all depends on your system, the climate in the area where you reside in, as well as how often you use the system, a regularly maintained heat pump will last longer compared to one that is not. But even a well maintained heat pump can run into several problems. Given that, listed below is a list of the top signs that indicate you have to replace your heat pump. In case you notice any of these signs, call in an HVAC contractor right away to see if the system can still be repaired or you have to start shopping for a brand new one. Hot Or Cold Air Comes Out Of Unit, Inconsistent To Temperature Setttings A heat pump that does not heat or cool is a common problem that many homeowners face. It might still give off regular air levels but the air that is coming out is no longer as hot or as cold as what has been set on its settings. Perhaps the unit is giving off cool air even if it is set on a warm temperature or perhaps the system is no longer producing warm air. This can also happen the other way around. These issues could mean that the refrigerant levels are low or the compressor has been damaged. Contact a North Myrtle Beach HVAC contractor to help you determine the cause of the issue and its possible solutions. Diminished Air Flow Another problem is the lack or total absence of warm air coming out of the vents. A major decrease in air flow could be an indication that the compressor of your unit is already on its final leg. In case your thermostat has been set to a certain temperature level, and your home remains cold, then your heat pump system might no longer be working properly. It could be a problem with the air filters or it could be a sign that you need a new unit. Emits Unusual Smells and Sounds A fully functional heat pump should operate silently. If you pay close attention to your unit, you will notice that it produces a certain sound when it cycles, which is normal. But when the noises you hear is different from what you used to hear, then it is time to check the unit. These noises could indicate that your system requires heat pump repair or perhaps it is time for you to get a new one. This also applies to any unusual scent. Foul smell could mean the insulation of the heat pump has been damaged or if the mold has grown in the ductwork. Leaks or Produces Excess Moisture Noticing a small amount of water dripping is normal. Your heat pump should remain dry if it is not being used. If you notice signs of moisture inside your home, or a sudden rise in condensation, it might be the best time to have your heat pump replaced.

Call NMB HVAC Pros if you want to know if your heat pump can still be repaired or if you need to replace it.

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Why You Shouldn't Do DIY HVAC Repairs

Although DIY is a great concept for attempting to build a coffee table or converting an ordinary jar into a creative and colorful centerpiece, there are certain repairs or projects that need the technical know-how of a trained expert. Once something goes terribly wrong in your home, it can be very tempting to try to fix it yourself. Unfortunately, this commonly results in costly damages and potentially hazardous situations especially when it involves your HVAC units. Understand why it is better to hire an HVAC pro. It Can Be Dangerous What you don’t know can hurt you. HVAC units are highly technical and utilize a significant amount of voltage electricity. It is best to avoid these levels of electricity especially if you have no idea what you are doing. Apart from that, heating and cooling appliances also utilize refrigerants and chemicals, which you are most likely not familiar with. Working with these chemicals can be dangerous if the right precautions are not followed. With proper training and the use of the right safety gear, you can avoid getting injured or getting exposed to hazardous chemicals that are used in these systems. In some instances, handling these chemicals likewise needs certification. It Requires Specialized Tools You can’t try to build a table without a saw and a hammer, right? This holds true for HVAC repairs. You need professional and specialized tools to correctly identify and repair issues. Without such tools, you are at risk of creating bigger problems in the unit. Small Issues Can Become Bigger Problems What might look like a simple problem to you could be a sign of a much bigger issue. Even more difficult is diagnosing the real issue with the symptoms concealed. If there is a problem with your unit, have a North Myrtle Beach HVAC technician inspect it to make sure that you are not simply patching an issue that will eventually become an inconvenient, dangerous, and costly problem later on. Small issues can easily become bigger problems. The most detrimental decision you can make is to try your hand at fixing something that you have no knowledge of. One wrong move can cause even more damage to the unit than there was, to begin with. The more you try to fix, the higher the risk of causing problems to the unit that could be beyond repair. Replacement Can Be Tricky Without the extensive knowledge of an HVAC contractor, it is hard to determine what your home needs when it comes to the capacity and size of an HVAC unit. Making these decisions on your own can result in overspending on an HVAC unit that is not suitable for your home. When thinking about a new HVAC unit, you have to do your research. But it is also important to talk to a certified HVAC technician to make sure that you make the right choice for your home. By consulting a professional HVAC technician to make sure that you are making the best choice for your needs in terms of comfort and efficiency.

By hiring a professional to handle HVAC repairs and maintenance, you can make sure that you’ll have a safe and efficient HVAC unit. What are you waiting for? Call NMB HVAC Pros now.

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Tips For Efficiently Heating Your Home In The Fall

At this time of the year, your kids are back to school, you wake up to cold mornings, and your thoughts gradually turn to fallen leaves, pumpkins, and keeping warm. However, you should not take for granted keeping warm while ensuring that your energy bills remain reasonable. If your heating and cooling system could only talk, it will surely say a lot of things to you. First, it’ll tell you that you are wasting money and it can go kaput anytime if you don’t take care of it. Don’t Ignore The Air Filter Among the most crucial and simplest things you can do is replace your air filter once a month. Whenever the air filter becomes too dirty, the system is pressured to work a lot harder because of the congestion. Because of this, your energy bills will skyrocket and it can also shorten the lifespan of your unit. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average household energy bill is $2,200 annually. Replacing your air filter each month or so can help you save up to 15%. Check Your Thermostat Invest in a programmable thermostat. It will allow you to set the temperature. You should also call an HVAC contractor for a routine tune up on your thermostat. It will ensure that it is operating efficiently and is set properly. If not, you might end up paying more than you need on your energy bills and your house may not heat as efficiently as it is expected. During the installation of a thermostat, it must be set away from heat and cold sources. Carbon Monoxide As an essential part of a regular tune up, a professional North Myrtle Beach HVAC contractor will ensure that you unit does not show any indication of carbon monoxide. It is an odorless, colorless, and scentless, making it difficult to notice until it is too late. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 400 people die from accidental carbon dioxide poisoning every year. Keep It Sealed Cold air can get inside if windows and doors are not sealed properly. You must check the edges and base of windows and doors for drafts. In case you feel any, you have to buy rubber weatherstripping and seal them up to prevent draftiness. It will prevent cold air from entering your home and prevent your unit from having to work a lot harder than it should. HVAC Tune Up Is A Must New heating and cooling units requires a significant investment and energy bills are high enough that you can’t afford to have an inefficient unit that can increase your expenses even more. An HVAC contractor can provide you with services like cleaning and inspecting your unit in the fall season to make sure that your heater is working correctly. This will not only extend the life of your system but also save you a lot of cash on your energy bill.

Call North Myrtle Beach HVAC Pros if you need help with your healing and cooling system.

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Common Air Conditioner Repair Tips

It is almost always during the hottest days when you notice that your air conditioner is struggling. But don’t blame the unit right away. A system that’s not been well maintained can perform poorly and unable to keep you cool while increasing your energy bills. Listed below are the most common reasons why your air conditioning unit is not working well and a few basic air conditioner repair tips. Dirty Filter A filthy and clogged filter can limit the flow of air through your unit, decrease the system’s efficiency, and reduce its ability to cool the air effectively. If you have not cleaned the filter of your air conditioner unit in your room recently, you have to get it done now. You have to change the filters at least once a month especially if you have pets at home or if the unit is running constantly. Warm Air Is Leaking In You have to inspect the seal surrounding your window system to ensure that hot air is not getting in or that cold air is not seeping out. If that is the case, get a weatherstripping and reseal around the system. TV Is Too Close To The Air Conditioner Don’t place TV sets or lamps near the thermostat that is regulating your central air or close to a window unit. Thermostats can sense heat from these appliances, and they can cause the air conditioning unit to run longer than they need to. Blocked or Dirty Registers In case you have a forced air heating and cooling system, you have to vacuum the registers regularly to get rid of dust that many have accumulated. Be sure that the furniture as well as other objects are not blocking the flow of air through the registers. This is another basic air conditioner repair tip that you need to remember. Thermostat Is Set Incorrectly In case you have a programmable thermostat, you need to program it so that your home will have a comfortable temperature if you are there and a tad bit higher if you are not. Always remember that for every degree that you increase the temperature, you will be able to save three percent on your air conditioning costs. Window units do not provide the whole house control of a central unit. In case you are depending on one window unit to cool off a big space, you need to experiment with the thermostat setting since the temperature will depend on where you are located in the room. It Is Too Sunny Inside In case your room AC unit is in a sunny window, it will have to work really hard to cool your room. And when the thermostat for the central system is located in a sunny area, it will register the incorrect temperature. Your best bet is to keep your curtains and shapes drawn all day especially during summer. Plants Are Crowding The Compressor The central air’s outdoor compressor requires enough airflow to k correctly so be sure that there is at least two to three feet of space between the system and any structures or plants. There must likewise be five feet of clearance between the trees above and the top of the unit.

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Common Heat Pump Problems During Cold Weather

A heat pump is a unit that works both as a heater and air conditioner, thus helping you save energy and space. In case you own a furnace and it is at the end of his lifespan, you should think of installing an energy efficient heat pump. Because heat pumps are just like central air systems, they can work well with your current ductwork. Always remember that there are ductless mini split heat pumps that do not use air ducts. Now that you know what a heat pump is, you should be aware of the common heat pump problems especially those that happen during colder seasons. You can fix these problems yourself or you can hire a contractor that offers heat pump repair services. Not Enough Heat If you recently installed a North Myrtle Beach heat pump, you might be shocked that the heat produced by the unit is not as strong as those generated by a furnace. There is nothing wrong with your unit. It is just how it works. Although the heat is not as intense, heat pumps circulate heat more evenly throughout your house. They will operate longer and at a level that is more sustainable, which means you do not have to turn it on and off all the time. Plus, there will no longer be those annoyingly strong gusts of air and hot/cold spots. Because of the difficult in taking heat from the cold outdoor setting, there are heat pump owners that prefer to have a supplemental heating unit to make them feel more comfortable. Several people install heat pumps along with space heaters or some kind of adapted boiler, furnace, or even an oil burner system. Iced Outdoor Unit In case your outdoor condensing system is all iced up, its airflow will become restricted and it will lead to a struggling system that might end up causing costly damages. In case there is light ice, it must go away very soon. However, if the ice stays for a long time, then you have to deal with it right away. The most common way to fix a frozen heat pump is operating it in defrost cycle. It generally switches on automatically at scheduled intervals or whenever the system detects frost, but some units feature a defrost option. The defrost cycle will reverse the heat pump into an air conditioning mode so it could pump heat towards the outdoor system unit it freezes. No Air Or Cold Air You have to make perfectly sure that all vents are open so that proper air movement is encouraged. Don’t close the vents and registers in your house so you can keep the heat in a single spot in your house. This solution could seem smart at times however, it can create undesired pressure in the system and could lead to problems like duct leaks as well as system failure. In case you feel cold air is blowing from the vents, then it is possible that the heat pump is in defrost mode. It is normal if you do not have additional heating system. A defrost cycle can last about 15 minutes and then heat will be circulated once again.

Call NMB HVAC Pros if your heat pump needs to be repaired or maintained.

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When To Repair Or Replace Your Air Conditioner

A lot of homeowners are wondering when it is time to have an air conditioner repair and when they should replace the unit entirely. Listed below are some factors that you need to consider to help you make an informed decision. Age Of Your Air Conditioner One of the most important factors that you have to consider is the age of your air conditioning unit. This will play a vital role in determining whether it is time for an air conditioning repair or the replacement of your system. Experts from NMB HVAC Pros said they use the 5,000 rule. It involves taking the age of the air conditioning unit and multiplying that by the repair cost. If the total number goes beyond $5,000 then you have to consider replacing your system. For instance, a unit that is 10 years old with a repair cost of $350 equals $3,500. This means it is ok to get an air conditioner repair service. Energy Efficiency Recent innovations in the technology used in AC units have significantly improved their energy efficiency. Energy Star recommends that homeowners upgrade to a system that is energy efficient if their current central air conditioner is at least ten years old. Most North Myrtle Beach HVAC contractors recommend replacing systems that are already 15 years old and above since the average lifespan of an air conditioning unit is 14 years. Consider The R-22 In case your air conditioning unit requires more refrigerant, it means there is a leak in the coolant. Loading a system with R-22 refrigerant called Freon costs as much as $40 to over $175 per pound, which might also include the service call cost. Repairing the leak and adding several pounds of refrigerant can cost between $550 and $1,000. Fixing a leak, putting in refrigerant, and changing the compressor will cost you about the same as purchasing a new low end system. R-22 prices, on the other hand, have increased over the past few years because of the eventual phaseout by the EPA. HVAC manufacturers have stopped developing units with R-22 in 2010 and its production will cease by 2020. Other Important Factors Apart from the age of the unit, a few other signs can indicate that it is time to change your air conditioner, according to Energy Star. Think about how often you make air conditioner repairs, if your energy bills are increasing, and if your house is too hot in the summer. Ask yourself how long you plan to live in the house and what your utilities are like. In case you have an older unit and the air conditioner repair costs you few hundred dollars, then it might not be worth fixing anymore. In case you decide to buy a brand new energy efficient air conditioning unit, you will be able to save about 20% on your heating and cooling costs. On the other hand, a few HVAC contractors say if it is not defective or broken, do not fix it. In case your unit shows no signs of leaks and your bills are low then there is no reason for you to replace your unit. To evaluate the condition of your existing air conditioning unit, it is recommended to schedule an inspection with an HVAC contractor.

Call NMB HVAC Pros if you need air conditioner repair services.

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How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace A Heat Pump?

The average cost a homeowner has to pay to install a heat pump is $5,495. However the actual price range between $4,021 and $6,969 based on the type of heat pump you choose and the size of your home. Installing a heat pump can affect your electricity bill significantly by lower the cost of heating and cooling your home. A heat pump will be used instead of the furnace and central air unit. The installation of an air source type of heat pump is much cheaper than a geothermal heat pump because the latter needs underground installation. Even though you need to make a significant investment, installing a heat pump can significantly lower your energy consumption.

Factors Affecting The Heat Pump Installation Cost

The cost of installing your heat pump is greatly affected by the difficulty linked to the ground’s excavation. Be sure to talk to a few heat pump installation experts including NMB HVAC Pros and obtain a number of bids, since this installation can differ significantly in terms of the price. For instance, drilling through a driveway or concrete slab for the installation of a heat pump is costlier compared to no excavation at all. A few of the cost factors to consider the installation of a geothermal heat pump or air source heat pump. Heat Pump – the price of the heat pump unit vary greatly depending on the type of pump, brand, as well as capacity. Installation – this includes the required equipment, preparation of the area where the pump will be installed, the planning phase, as well as the labor costs. The installation costs may also include the cleanup once the system has been installed. Materials and Supplies – The materials and supplies costs include the fittings, hardware, as well as the pipes. These are relatively higher if you plan to install a ground source heat pump because it requires pipe installation. Specialty Equipment Fees – In some instances, there is a need for additional equipment like brazing kits and pipe cutters. Size Of Your Home The size of your home is the biggest single factor that affecting the cost of your heat pump installation. Bigger houses will need pumps with higher capacity and that also means they are more expensive. Don’t try to save cash by installing a pump that’s too small for your home because you will just end up spending more on your utility bills. When choosing a heat pump for your home, here are some tips you need to know. Size of the unit in advance – the heat pump must be sized based on the maximum demand. For instance, when you need a higher cooling demand, the size of the heat pump must meet the basic requirements. Consider the square footage of the external wall, ceiling, internal wall, as well as the floor areas when determining the best heat pump size for your home. Pay Attention To The Sound Rating – Heat pumps have a specific sound rating, which is measured in decibels. If you are searching for a heat pump for your house, be sure to look for units that have a lower rating. To decrease the noise output, install the heat pump away from any windows or doors. Apart from that, be sure that the heat pump is placed a few inches away from the exterior walls because there are some models that tend to vibrate while in operation. Consider The Climate – North Myrtle Beach heat pumps are extremely effective in areas with temperate climates that don’t go through extreme temperatures. When the climate is too hot or too cold, the heat pump unit should use more energy to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Choose Between A Split Or Packaged System – heat pumps fall under two categories, the split systems and the package systems. A split system have interior and exterior elements while a package system come with an all in one design. Package systems are best for homeowners who might not have the space inside their home to house a heat pump. How many rooms you have to heat or cool – heat pumps that cool or heat one part of the house are referred to as single zone systems because they only have a single exterior condenser and interior component. Multizone systems have at least two interior components that link to one exterior condenser. The interior heads are available in different designs and shapes, which makes it simple to make a comfortable climate in any space.

Call NMB HVAC Pros for all your heat pump installation, repair, maintenance, and replacement concerns.

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