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.

NMB HVAC Pros North Myrtle Beach, SC , 29582 843-353-4089 http://nmbelectricianpros.com

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What Causes A Leaky HVAC Unit?

If you do not want to pay for costly repairs, you need to have your HVAC unit maintained properly. Any pooling or leaking water around your unit should be dealt with immediately. Turn off your system right away once you discover a leak as this can prevent water from causing further damage to your system’s electrical components and reduce the amount of water damage to your house. A leaky HVAC unit may indicate that your system has a bigger and more complicated problem. Provided below are six things that need to be addressed when determining what is causing your HVAC system to leak. Dirty Coil When it comes to cooling your home, your North Myrtle Beach HVAC unit pulls humidity from the air. The cold evaporator coil of the system is made to gather this condensation and then drain it away. Once all things are working the way it should, the water will run down the coil and into a pan that leads to another drain. The main destination of all this pooled water is either into the plumbing drain or outside the house. Dirt can cause the evaporator coil to malfunction. When the coil becomes filled with mold, dust, as well as other debris, the water will no longer be bonded too tightly to the surface, and it starts to drip into the ground. The water will also get mixed with grime and dirt, combining it with the puddles of condensation on your floor. A dirty coil will cause issues even for the water that was diverted correctly into the proper drain. The dirt that the water carries can cause clogs to the drains. When the drains become totally obstructed, the water will have nowhere to go but back to your house. Clogged Drain Lines When a clog has been determined, a dry/wet vacuum could be utilized to clear out the obstructions. Ever 4 to 6 months, once you have made sure that the pipes are totally clear, you should pour a solution that is made of bleach and warm water. This can assist in keeping the drain free of mold and other unwanted growths. It can also help in dislodging other obstructions as part of its preventive care and maintenance. Damaged Drain Pan Drain pans that are made of plastic or metal can corrode after some time, which can lead to more leaks. Check for cracks and holes and replace them when needed. Icy Indoor Coil Another probable cause of water pooling around your system could be iced over the indoor coil. If you fail to notice this problem, it can result in rapid melting that could result in overwhelming the drain pan and then eventually pool onto your floor. You can reduce some of the damage caused by an iced indoor coil by operating the HVAC unit in fan mode only for a couple of hours to let the ice melt. Be sure to monitor it so it won’t flood the drain pain.

Call NMB HVAC Pros if you are having problems with a leaky HVAC system.

NMB HVAC Pros North Myrtle Beach, SC , 29582 843-353-4089 http://nmbelectricianpros.com

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Money Saving Tips On A New HVAC System

If you need to purchase a new HVAC system or have your existing one replaced, you are facing a huge financial investment. When getting a quote, the next question you need to ask is where you can find a good deal. It means taking out a significant amount of cash on your savings or you might even need to get financing. However, you know for a fact that you cannot go without heating, cooling, and ventilation, so you have no choice but to bite the bullet. So, what can you do to make this additional expense less painful? Follow these simple steps if you want to save thousands on the costs associated with a new system or a replacement unit. Finding Good Deals and Rebates on HVAC Units Check to find out if your local utility company or state provides any incentives or rebates for replacing an old HVAC unit. You could stack offers so when your local utility company and state have promotions then you have struck gold, for sure. Opt for both so you can save a huge amount of cost on your brand new HVAC unit. You should also check current rebate offers from the leading HVAC manufacturers before you start calling for estimates. Keep in mind that in most cases, such offers apply to their most expensive models, so you might be able to obtain a better deal by buying a mid-level unit that is not eligible for a rebate from a manufacturer. Prices differ greatly from one North Myrtle Beach HVAC firm to another, so obtain several quotes before you make a decision. Generally, three quotes are sufficient, but you will find that it is better to get a couple extra. The disadvantage to this is that several times you need to wait for days or weeks to be scheduled to obtain a quote from every company. In case your system has not failed and you are not in great need for a replacement, begin obtaining quotes two months before you need the new system. If you are a member of warehouse clubs like Costco, it is best to check their stores. They might be offering a better deal or perhaps a store rebate card in case you buy a new system through their partner. Another tip is to check Angie’s List. They may have great deals on various HVAC systems for their members. In case you are not, this site is still a good place to find local HVAC contractors and checking out reviews from customers. Who knows, you might even want to sign up. It is also recommended to wait in the fall or spring to have your new system installed by a professional HVAC contractor because they are not as busy. Then, you can also ask for an offseason discount. Don’t forget to check the Better Business Bureau before you hire an HVAC contractor. Also, don’t go with the cheapest quote that you come across with because it does not guarantee quality products or services.

Call NMB HVAC Pros if you need help replacing your HVAC unit.

NMB HVAC Pros North Myrtle Beach, SC , 29582 843-353-4089 http://nmbelectricianpros.com

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Basic Heat Pump Repair Tips

As the weather becomes colder, an increasing number of homeowners are searching for heat pump repair and maintenance tips to help them efficiently make it through the winter season. Provided below are some of the things you need to know. Problems with the heat pump are usually caused by a malfunctioning thermostat. To test if it is indeed defective, you need to know the basics on how to fix a thermostat. If it does not heat or cool correctly, cycles on and off, or freezes up, then read on. In case these do not work, then hire an HVAC contractor to help you with your problem. Heat Pump Does Not Run If your heat pump does not run at all, the problem could involve the power going into the unit or the thermostat. There are a few things you can do about it. First of all, be sure to set the thermostat to the correct setting. If it was replaced lately, maybe it is the wrong type or wired incorrectly. You also need to make sure that the heat pump is getting power as it should. Check the main electrical panel as well as the subpanels, if there are any. If you see a tripped circuit breaker, be sure to reset it. If it trips again, then there might be a short in the electrical system. If so then you need to call a professional electrician. You should also make sure that the power switch that is connected to the heat pump is turned on. In case it has electrical elements that offer supplemental heat, the fuses or circuit breakers that safeguard the eating elements might have blown or tripped. Does not Cool or Heat Correctly The first step when it comes to dealing with a heat pump that does not cool or heat correctly is to set the thermostat properly. You also need to make sure that the room registers are open. After that, inspect the heat pump filter. In case it is filthy, you need to replace it immediately. The auxiliary heating elements should also be working correctly. The coils of the condensing unit outdoors should be clean. In case these do not work, call an HVAC contractor to check your unit. Perhaps the blower is not working correctly or the unit is out of balance in some way. Heat Pump Blower Does Not Work This problem could involve the thermostat that is mounted on the wall or maybe the limit switch that is located on the heat pump. The first thing you need to do when it comes to this kind of North Myrtle Beach heat pump repair, switch off the power to the unit first. Take out the door that is on the front of the air handler cabinet so you can access the blower. In case you need to replace it, take note of the number that is on the belt and make sure to get that very same component in the nearest home improvement center. Then, place the belt on the smaller pulley on the motor and then begin it on the blower pulley. Spin the blower pulley manually, hold the belt and let it slip into the right place. In case the belt is too difficult or tight then you might have to adjust the motor mount to offer more slack.

Call NMB HVAC Pros if you need to have your heat pump repaired or anything related to your HVAC system.

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How To Fix The Most Common HVAC Problems

HVAC systems are known for their reliability but they also have their own limitations. When your HVAC system encounters a problem, it’s usually a stressful encounter that needs to be addressed immediately. Having a basic knowledge of the common problems and their solutions to make sure that your system is fully functional at all times is highly recommended. A few of the problems can be easy to handle on your own while others require hiring a professional HVAC contractor. Condenser Fan Motor The condenser fan motor contains the contactor which works whenever there’s a need for cooling in order to develop an electric connection. This will trigger the motor. Contactors can be located in the compressor as well as the blower motor. The most common problem with contactors is deterioration in the condenser fan motor. Pitting may also develop on the contactor, which will make it hard for electrical current to pass. This will prevent the condenser fan motor from starting properly. Another part of this motor that might burn out or prevent the HVAC system from functioning properly is the capacitor. It provides the compressor with a minor boost in starting torque. Get in touch with an HVAC contractor who can inspect the condenser fan motor just in case your system does not cool the room so he can take a look at the contactor and have it replaced if needed. The North Myrtle Beach HVAC contractor will also change the capacitor in case it is burnt out. Evaporator Blower Motor The HVAC unit’s evaporator blower motor, which features capacitors and a contactor, should also be checked. One common problem with it is a blown fuse. The primary function of the fuse is to protect the motor from overheating whenever the system is heating your home. In case your HVAC system is not functioning properly, the breaker may have flipped off and has to be changed. It is highly recommended that you hire an HVAC contractor to do the replacement if you don’t know how to do it yourself. Condenser Coil The condenser coil is located outside along with the compressor and that means they usually get dirty and have to be changed at least once a year. If the grime and the dirt become worse, the HVAC system needs to be cleaned by an HVAC contractor. Apart from having the unit cleaned, you should also trim back or totally get rid of tall plants that are located close to the condenser because they may block the airflow. Thermostatic Expansion Valve The function of the thermostatic expansion valve is to tell the HVAC unit what it needs to do and when it should be done. In a few cases, the thermostat is turned off accidentally or perhaps set incorrectly, so before you contact any help, be perfectly sure that the thermostat is turned on. In case the thermostat isn’t lit up, the problem might be with the thermostatic expansion valve. Perhaps it is not functioning properly or the batteries have to be changed. You need to be sure that the thermostat is turned on and the settings are set correctly before you conclude that the thermostatic expansion valve has an issue and hire an HVAC contractor. If the problem looks complicated, don’t hesitate to hire a professional. Compressor The main part of the heart of the HVAC system is the compressor. If the unit is undercharged with a refrigerant liquid, the compressor will run hot and stop working. If it is overcharged, the liquid refrigerant will return to the compressor and cause liquid slugging. If you don’t know anything about the correct refrigerant, you have to consult an HVAC contractor who can recommend the correct amount. It is important for the system to have the right liquid refrigerant amount to ensure that the compressor functions at its best.

Call NMB HVAC Pro if you are having problems with your HVAC system.

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