Going green can have many meanings. Some people are simply trying to save a little energy. Others want to lessen their overall carbon footprint on the earth. Whatever your green goals are, your HVAC system is a great place to start. Heating and cooling make up about half of the total energy used by the average American household. What if you could reduce that number by half? Imagine what a difference that would make to the earth and to your budget. Here’s what may surprise you: one of the easiest things you can do to reduce the amount of energy your HVAC system uses is to schedule yearly maintenance on your HVAC system. Not only will this help conserve energy, but it will also help keep your system running smoothly and alleviate the need for full-blown AC repair in Eden. Consider the following energy-saving measures.

• Upgrade to a high-efficiency HVAC system. Not all air conditioners are created equal. Each one is assigned a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the machine. If your system is more than 8 years old, upgrading could save you significant energy and money.
• Schedule yearly AC maintenance. Keeping your system tuned up allows it to run as efficiently as possible. Scheduling bi-annual maintenance is an excellent way to save energy. And if your system breaks and you need AC repair in Eden, Carolina Fuels will inspect, clean, and lubricate your unit in addition to repairing it, so that it is in top energy efficient shape.
• Inspect/increase your insulation. Your home’s insulation can make a huge difference in the efficiency of your HVAC system. You may have leaks or areas where the insulation is thin in your home and not even know it. Carolina Fuels offers free energy audits that pinpoint the areas where air may be leaking in or out of your home. Patch up these areas and your home will be much more eco-friendly.
• Have your ductwork inspected for leaks. Another possible leaky area is your ducts. The professionals at Carolina Fuels can inspect your ductwork for leaks, clean them out thoroughly, and repair any places where air is seeping in or out.
• Use landscaping to your advantage. Trees and other greenery offers valuable shade for your home in the summertime that can help to lower the indoor temperature. Natural shade means your home stays cooler and your AC will run less often, not to mention the beauty of the natural landscape in your yard.
• Upgrading also means earth-friendly refrigerant. Older air conditioners used a certain type of Freon called R-22. This type is being phased out because of the ozone damage it caused. By upgrading to a new AC unit, you are reducing the strain on the ozone layer.

Go Green and Save with Carolina Fuels, Top Choice for HVAC Maintenance and AC Repair in Eden

Going green not only benefits the Earth, but it saves you money as well. Your monthly energy bills will be lower, especially during the height of summer when temperatures peak. Upgrading to a high-efficiency AC will pay for itself in just a few years of operation, especially when you keep it well maintained with regular maintenance. To schedule maintenance or get a free quote on a new high-efficiency HVAC system, call Carolina Fuels: (336) 623-9741.

Is your air conditioner failing to keep your home cool? Usually, you will first notice that your AC is running constantly but not getting down to the temperature you’ve set on your thermostat. When you go outside and check the outdoor unit, you find ice, which seems odd on a hot summer day. It is odd, and it means that your air conditioner is not working properly. It’s time to call for AC repair in Greensboro.

What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze?

There are a few possible causes of ice on your outdoor AC unit. These possibilities include:

• Dirty filters. If your filters are clogged with dust, then the proper amount of air isn’t getting through. Without proper airflow over the evaporator coil, your system may actually get too cold and freeze up. Check your filters first and replace them if they are dirty. Then see if airflow increases. If so, that was likely the problem and your system may thaw out on its own. But keep a vigilant watch for the next few days for any other signs of damage.
• Low refrigerant. When the refrigerant level in the coil is low, it can cause ice to form because it isn’t able to absorb enough heat. Low refrigerant is typically due to a leak which will need to be repaired by your local HVAC technician.
• • Blocked drainage tube. Air conditioners generate moisture that needs to be drained through a tube. When that tube becomes blocked, the extra moisture in the system can cause ice to form. Call your HVAC service to check your drainage tube and remove the blockage.
• Broken thermostat. It’s possible that your thermostat is not working properly. If the thermostat is not able to accurately measure the indoor temperature, it could cause your system to run double time and possibly freeze over. Berico can test your thermostat and either repair it or replace it.
• Faulty fan. If the fan is broken or not blowing with enough force, it causes the same airflow problem that dirty filters do. When airflow is low, the system can freeze up.

Call for AC Repair in Greensboro if you Notice Ice on your AC Unit

Ice on your AC unit is never normal on a hot summer day. It’s always best to have a professional HVAC technician take a look at your system when something isn’t right. Even if you change your filters or unblock your own drainage tube, both are an indication that it has been too long since you’ve had professional maintenance. Regular tune-ups will keep your system running efficiently and help you avoid unexpected AC problems. Filter replacement, drainage system maintenance, and a long list of other checks and balances should be performed yearly as part of routine AC repair in Greensboro. Not only will you save money on energy bills, but you’ll avoid expensive repairs and emergency or after hours fees. If your air conditioner is frozen over or if it’s been a while since your HVAC system has been tuned up, call Berico at (336) 313-0466.

Because most newer homes have pretty standard HVAC systems installed, the average homeowner may think they know all there is to know about using one. However, there are a lot of myths floating around about heating and cooling systems that need to be busted once and for all. Alamance Oil wants you to know the truth so you can avoid expensive AC repair for your Burlington home. 

Myth 1: You Only Need to Change your Filters Once a Year. 

How often do you change your HVAC filters? Every year as part of your spring cleaning regimen? If that’s the only time you replace your old dusty filters, you could be causing unnecessary harm to your central air system. Clogged filters don’t allow the intake vents to pull in the air your HVAC system needs in order to operate properly. Dirty filters will also let extra dirt and dust get into your system which lowers its efficiency. Changing your filters twice a year is good, changing them quarterly is better, and changing them monthly is best.  

Myth 2: An Energy Efficient HVAC System Automatically Saves you Money.  

False. An energy efficient system will maximize energy usage, meaning your energy bills should be lower, right? Not necessarily. Other factors affect your energy bills such as insulation and other sources of energy usage in the home. It is also important to select the right size HVAC system for your home. Always consult a reliable company that offers services such as AC repair, maintenance, and replacement, to recommend the best system for your home.  

Myth 3: Closing the Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy. 

This is one of the most harmful myths about HVAC systems. Closing vents in certain rooms will not save energy. In fact it will cause problems with your system by causing the air pressure to become unbalanced. Your AC will struggle to keep proper airflow throughout your home and the system itself and could even cause leaks in the ductwork.  

Myth 4: HVAC Maintenance is a Scam.  

Wrong. The truth is, HVAC companies make more money off of customers who call for emergency repairs or those who need their systems replaced more often because of lack of maintenance. By paying a minimal yearly fee for a maintenance agreement with your HVAC company you avoid emergency repairs, save on your monthly energy bill, and get many more good years out of your heating and cooling system.  

Save Money by Avoiding Extensive AC Repair in Burlington 

Now that you know the truth about some of the most common HVAC myths, you can avoid pitfalls, save money, and stay comfortable in your home. Alamance Oil offers a Comfort and Protection Service Plan for twice-yearly AC repair in Burlington to keep your system running efficiently. Call (336) 226-9371.