HVAC & Plumbing Blog | Carolina Climate Control - Charleston

Replacing Your HVAC In Charleston? Here’s What To Look For To Get The Best Option

December 20th, 2017

When it comes time for you to either replace or install a new HVAC system it can be a bit overwhelming to fully know & understand which heating and air conditioning system will work best for your home in Charleston.

Homes in Charleston come in all shapes and sizes, dating as far back as the 1700’s, to new homes only just completed here in 2017. With the range of different home architecture types and ages, an HVAC system must too, come in all shapes and sizes to accommodate the unique spaces here in the Lowcountry.

Despite the complexity of the home or system, however, there are certain characteristics (listed below) that can be applied to any situation that will allow you to know for sure that the HVAC system you’re choosing will be the best fit for you and your family’s comfort needs.

The Best HVAC System Will Save You Money With Its Efficiency

With homeowners reporting nearly 30-50% monthly energy savings with high-efficiency air conditioning installations, it’s clear that the best HVAC system for your Charleston home can – and will – save you money in the long run.

Knowing a system’s efficiency is as easy as knowing its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER rating. Without getting into to too many technical details, essentially the SEER rating allows you to understand how much energy will be needed for the system to produce an expected output (cool air, for example) over a certain time period.

High efficiency systems have high SEER ratings (18 and above), meaning you get more output (your cool, conditioned air) while using less or the same amount energy. This also means your system won’t have to run as often to keep you comfortable, which leads to lower energy use and lower energy bills.

The Best HVAC System Is Sized Correctly

When we say “sized correctly” we mean that the output of a system correctly matches the size or makeup of your home. To understand the importance of proper sizing consider these two scenarios:

If your system is over-sized, it will do what is known as “short-cycling”. Remember air conditioners remove both heat and humidity from your home’s air. If your system is too large it will cool your home too quickly, leaving uncomfortable, humid air behind.

If your system is undersized, it will constantly run. This will drive up your energy bills and there’s a chance you’ll never be able to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout your home.

The Best HVAC System Type Will Fit Your Home’s Unique Design/Structural Needs

As mentioned above, HVAC system types come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you have a traditional central air conditioner system with a furnace, a heat pump system that can both cool and heat your home year-round or a ductless mini-split system — or some combination of these — the system type will fit perfectly with your home’s specific architecture and resource availability.

The Best HVAC Brand/Manufacturer Is Quality Engineered & Covered Under Warranty

With dozens of manufacturers and brands out there producing high quality products, like Trane & Mitsubishi, the best HVAC system for your home will carry a brand name that has a reputation for reliability, longevity and performance.

No matter which brand you’re thinking about going with, be sure to hire an HVAC contractor that is factory trained and certified by that company to install the system, which — in most cases — allows you to get a longer warranty for your system.

The Best HVAC System Is Supported By A Professional, Local HVAC Company

All things considered, you could get the right sized system with the best efficiency, system type and brand, however if you don’t get the right HVAC team to install it, you most likely won’t be happy with the results.

From system design & estimating to installation, maintenance and repair, hiring the right HVAC company in Charleston, is a sure-fire way to know that you’ll be getting the absolute best system for your Lowcountry home.

Make Your Guests Feel At Home This Thanksgiving With These 4 Quick HVAC Tips

November 15th, 2017

We’re a little over a week away from Thanksgiving 2017, and with holiday plans already coming into place for many families here in the Lowcountry, one item that often gets overlooked before holiday get-togethers is making sure your HVAC system is in tip-top shape.

The nightmare scenario would be for you to have a house full of guests, ready to start carving that turkey and then the heat and/or air conditioning suddenly goes out — leaving everyone uncomfortable as they enjoy the hardwork of your well-prepared meal.

Another thing that may go unnoticed to you but your guests may notice is the air quality in your home. Since you’re there everyday, you may not be aware if there’s something awry with the air in your home, but guests coming over with their fresh senses may pick up on it as soon as they enter your home.

So how can you avoid such scenarios?

Here are 4 simple tips you can do with your heating and air conditioning system that will make sure your holiday guests stay comfortable this Thanksgiving.

1. Tackle The Dust

While cleaning is always a must before entertaining guests, be sure to do a thorough cleaning of the dusty areas around your home, even the ones that are out-of-sight to your guests.

The idea is that the more you clean up the dust manually, the less it can get into the air and work its way into your HVAC system. You won’t be able to get 100% of the dust, but really paying attention to those hard-to-reach areas can make a big difference to your home’s overall air quality.

2. Cleanup Your Air Vents

Now that you’ve done a thorough dusting around your home’s main living areas, turn your attention to your air vents. These areas can be some of the least clean spots in your home and the accumulation of dust and other particles can really degrade your home’s air quality.

Be sure to remove the vents completely and wash/wipe both sides thoroughly as dust almost always accumulates on the front and back of them.

3. Swap Out Your Air Filters

With the bulk of your dusting/cleaning out of the way, now you can go ahead and change out your air filter. During the process of cleaning you probably kicked up a lot of dust and particles that most likely made their way into your air filter.

Changing out your air filters can not only help with your home’s air quality, but it also helps your HVAC system work more efficiently. Not having to push your conditioned air through a jammed up filter keeps the strain down on your system that ultimately helps extend the lifetime of your unit.

4. Get A Quick HVAC Tune-Up

Last, but certainly not least, getting a quick HVAC tune-up from a local heating and air company can go a long way in keeping your mind at ease from thinking about HVAC disasters this Thanksgiving.

A simple, thorough tune-up of your system includes: a thermostat check, airflow checks, duct inspection, capacitor testing, safety control tests, compressor operation check and many more checks that allow your HVAC company to identify any potential issues and avoid any major breakdowns over the holidays.

Overall, ensuring your guests stay comfortable this Thanksgiving is quite easy; follow the steps laid out above and the only thing you’ll have to worry about is what to do with the leftovers!

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving Lowcountry!

The Pros And Cons Of Ductless Air Conditioning For Lowcountry Homes

November 8th, 2017

If you’re a homeowner in Charleston (especially downtown Charleston), you’ve might of heard from friends, colleagues or other Lowcountry residents about them having their HVAC company install a ductless mini-split hvac unit in their home rather than a traditional central air conditioner.

If you’re not familiar with how a “ductless” air conditioner might work and if it could be right for your home, here’s a quick rundown of mini-split systems for you to review.

What Is A Mini-Split HVAC Unit?

Similar to central air conditioners, the heart of the mini-split system has components on the inside and outside of your home that work together to cool or heat your home.

The largest difference is that the inside unit is much smaller and isn’t connected to any integrated duct work in your home.

Instead the mini-split system provides cooling to one room (or zone) that the indoor unit is installed in. Multiple indoor units in each room/zone in your house then connect to the outdoor unit — via a small conduit line — to form a multi-zone ductless mini-split HVAC system. Each room/zone then can be independently controlled operated according to each one’s comfort needs.

Advantages of Mini-Split Systems

One of the main advantages of a mini-split system is its efficiency. Temperature conditioned air is pushed directly into each room in your home, which means no energy is lost by having to push it around in ductwork. This ultimately can lead to large energy savings in the right circumstances.

The other obvious advantage to these systems is no ducts required. This means if you have an older home that doesn’t have ductwork already installed or if you’re building an addition onto your home that will be difficult to connect to your existing ductwork, then a mini-split system can give you the comfort you need without having the pain of retrofitting new ductwork.

Also, if you’re having your ductwork constantly flood out, a mini-split is a great way to avoid having to clean/replace that ductwork as you’ll no longer require those to transport air around your home.

Disadvantages of Mini-Split Systems

While there aren’t many disadvantages to systems like these, when there are several rooms/zones — it can be difficult to run the needed conduit from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit. That said, an experienced HVAC company (we’ve done several large homes) will have no problem scouting and running the conduit in larger houses with multiple units.

The other disadvantage is the aesthetic of the indoor unit. Whereas a traditional central ac has most of its components hidden in attics or closets, the mini-split’s indoor unit will have to be mounted and visible in each room.

Mini-split system designs are very sleek, however and most homeowners and business owners barely notice them after time.

Is A Mini-Split Right For Your Lowcountry Home or Business?

If you believe your home or business can take advantage of the flexibility and efficiency of a ductless mini-split system mentioned above, then it can definitely be a great choice for year-round comfort anywhere you need it.

Ultimately, if you have any questions about mini-split systems and whether they would be right for your home or other building, having a professional HVAC company come out and take a look is always the best way to be sure.

Swimming Pool Too Hot To Swim In? Here’s How To Cool It Down

July 20th, 2017

With summer at full peak and your pool at maximum sun exposure, many pool owners in the Lowcountry experience uncomfortable pool water temperatures; some even to the point where their pool becomes nearly unusable.

While most people who have pools think about keeping their pool warm & usable in the cooler months in Charleston, the reverse scenario of keeping their pool cool in the summertime is somewhat overlooked and causes just as much frustration for swimming fanatics.

That said, pool owners have employed a variety of ways of keeping their pool cool in the summer months. Some of these ways include adding shade over their pools, adding water and/or aeration/fountains, running the pool pump at night, misting bars and even large fans.

However the most reliable way pool owners in Charleston, Kiawah Island, Isle of Palms, Mt Pleasant, Sullivans Island, Seabrook Island and other areas of the Lowcountry have had with consistently keeping their pool cool has been by using and maintaining/repairing “pool chillers” or swimming pool heat pumps.

About Swimming Pool Heat Pumps

Though most people think “pool heating” when it comes to swimming pool heat pumps, don’t let the word “heat” confuse you into thinking these only can heat your pool’s water. Many swimming pool heat pumps have a reverse cyle for cooling pool water when it reaches a certain temperature, allowing you to maintain specific water temperatures year-round.

There are many different makes, models and operating configurations of swimming pool heat pumps, with some of the more popular manufacturers including: Oasis Platinum, AquaCal, RayPak, Rheem, Hayward, PentAir and more.

How Do Swimming Pool Heat Pumps Work?

Similar to HVAC heat pumps that keep your air cool & conditioned in your home, swimming pool heat pumps circulate water through its system, draw the heat out of the water and return it to your pool at a cooler temperature.

As mentioned above, there are many different manufacturers of pool heat pumps and chillers, each with their own proprietary features that cool pool water for you so with a little research you can understand which make/model is best for your particular pool.

Do I Have A Swimming Pool Heat Pump?

What many people here in Charleston may not realize (especially new homeowners), is that the swimming pool heater that they have may, in fact, have reverse operation to cool their pool. If you’re unsure about your pool heater, feel free to reach out to us and we’ll help you determine the operational features of your particular model.

As with any other mechanical device, like your home’s air conditioning system, proper maintenance and regular checkups of your swimming pool heater will help extend its lifespan, reduce emergency repair work and keep it running at peak efficiency, so be sure you have a trusted, local swimming pool heat pump company that can keep your pool comfortable all year-round.

How To Know When It’s Time To Replace Your Air Conditioner Unit In Charleston

May 1st, 2017

As with most types of mechanical systems you use on a daily basis, knowing when to replace your air conditioner unit can be obvious, but sometimes it’s not.

While your A/C may still be functioning, outdated or older systems break down frequently and use significantly more energy to maintain your home’s preferred comfort levels.

So when is the right time to replace your A/C unit in your home in Charleston? Here are a few things to examine about your HVAC system before making the decision.

Age of Your Air Conditioner

The typical standard in the HVAC industry for an A/C unit lifespan is about 12 years, and even if your unit is still operational after 12 years, odds are that breakdowns will occur more frequently and energy consumption will be greater — leading to higher energy bills.

Frequent HVAC Issues

As mentioned above, if your A/C unit issues rise in frequency, this is probably a good sign for you to move forward with a new unit, rather than absorbing the costs of A/C repairs.

Also, if the issues are frequent, your hand may be forced to get a new A/C system anyway as there’s a good chance your system will give up completely — leaving you without A/C until a new unit gets into place.

Repair History

Has your system had any major repairs in the last 7-10 years? Major repairs include compressor, condenser coil, or blower motor replacements. If you’ve had 2 or more of these major repairs in that timeframe you may want to start the process of contacting us to scout out a new system for your home.

While replacing your A/C unit may seem challenging, if you take a look at the three items listed above you can be sure that moving forward with a new system is the best solution to keep you cool during the upcoming warm months in Charleston.

HVAC Reviews: The Trane XV20i Variable Speed Air Conditioner

April 15th, 2017

Before we get into the review for this particular model of A/C unit, I’ll be straightforward with you: we love installing Trane HVAC systems so this review may seem a bit bias if you look at it on the surface.

To be honest though, our team has had experience installing every kind of make and model of HVAC system — past & present — and without a doubt, clients who have opted for Trane models have not only experienced longer lifetimes for their units, but also get the most out of their system on a month to month basis with its unparalleled efficiency.

So, why do a review on a product that we’re so obviously partial to?

To verify what we already know: Trane produces — hands down — the best systems on the market.

Here’s why.

Quick Overview of the XV20i

As Trane’s top-of-the-line residential A/C unit, what sets the XV20i apart from the rest is its precision temperature control using variable speed operation. (more on variable speed below).

This precision means less fluctuation of comfort levels throughout your home. Most of our clients with traditional systems will experience comfortable temperatures, with gradually increasing heat & humidity — which then triggers the A/C to turn on to correct the heat & humidity levels.

With the XV20i, the correction is continuous which avoid large temperature swings in your home.

Variable Speed

To continue the point made above, the variable speed feature of the XV20i essentially means your A/C unit will run continuously, correcting the temperature in your home almost instantaneously throughout the day.

Traditional A/C units operate only when the temperature rises above a preset level you choose (whatever you set the thermostat to).

Looking at the raw operation of the two models, it would seem that the traditional A/C unit would use less energy because it’s not running continuously.

However, since the continuous operation of the variable speed XV20i runs at a much lower capacity (because of the smaller temperature swings), it draws significantly less energy versus a traditional unit that will draw large amounts of energy to lower the large temperature swings in your home.

Efficiency

The industry standard of the HVAC industry for efficiency rating is what’s known as the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.

To put it simply, the SEER is the amount of cooling output in a cooling season (summer), divided by the amount of electrical input during the same season. Essentially Output divided by Input.

So, given two systems, the one that gives more Output using the same Input will be more efficient and will have a higher SEER rating.

SEER ratings are represented by a numerical value, which ranges from 13 to 22, typically.

Trane’s XV20i, as you might have guessed, has a SEER rating of 22; one of the highest in the HVAC industry today.

This SEER rating essentially means you’re getting more “bang for your buck”; more cooling output per electrical input.

The Bottom Line

Continuing the efficiency idea above, getting more output out of the energy you consume means you’ll end up using LESS energy with an XV20i to maintain comfort levels during the stifling summer season of the Lowcountry.

Less efficient models require more energy (raising energy bills) to maintain the same level of comfort.

What Customers Say About the XV20i

We are one of the most committed HVAC companies in Charleston when it comes to feedback, as evident by the number of reviews we receive, so we can say, with a fair amount of certainty, that the XV20i dramatically reduces energy bills across the board.

Whether it’s large homes or small homes, the XV20i will help keep more money in your pocket each month by lowering your energy bills.

Here at Carolina Climate Control, we strive to give our customers the most value out of their HVAC system possible. Value can mean many things, but in the HVAC world value means high quality service and products for lower cost. We stand by the products we recommend and install for this reason.

That’s why we know that you’ll be more than happy when you choose the XV20i for your home this summer.

3 Extreme Examples of Why You Should Consider A Trane For Your Next Air Conditioning Unit In Charleston

March 10th, 2017

“It’s Hard To Stop A Trane”.

If you’ve watched enough T.V. or have been researching air conditioner companies in Charleston, odds are good you’ve read or seen Trane’s slogan, “It’s Hard To Stop A Trane” in a commercial or other kinds of hvac promotions.

The reason they chose that phrase for their slogan, is because they put their hvac products through some of the industry’s most rigourous product testing, ensuring your system will stand the test of time, no matter what the weather may bring here in the Lowcountry.

It’s easy to talk the talk, but after watching the videos below, you can definitely see why “It’s Hard To Stop A Trane”:

1. Underwater Operation

A Trane Unit Operating During A Flood

2. Backhoe’d

Hit By A Backhoe, Still Running

3. Crushed

Wall Falls On Trane. Trane Keeps Going

As one of the leading air conditioning installation companies here in Charleston, you can see why we recommend Trane air conditioners in the Lowcountry: It’s REALLY Hard To Stop A Trane.

HVAC Explained: Air Conditioning vs Heat Pump HVAC Systems

February 13th, 2017

If you find your HVAC system in need of replacement in Charleston, you may be doing a bit of research online to see what air conditioning & heating options are available for your home.

Most likely, you’ll come across people who have reviewed and posted about who have had air conditioning units or heat pumps in their homes. We often get questions about what the differences are between these two units and which is best for homes in Charleston.

To help you out with your research, below is a quick review of heat pumps and air conditioning units, the differences between the two types of HVAC systems, and what you should think about before moving forward with each.

A/C Units & Heat Pumps Are Similar…

When it comes to keeping your house cool during the warmer seasons, air conditioners and heat pumps function exactly the same. They both pull heat from inside of the home and push it outside, giving you the cool, comfortable air you need during those summer months.

Both systems use a compressor to compress refrigerant contained in the system. When gas is compressed in the compressor, its temperature rises significantly and the gas flows through a condensing coil where most of the heat is removed by the condenser fan.

The gas (which is now liquid) travels to the evaporator coil, which is located in the house, it expands and rapidly drops in temperature and cools the evaporator coil.

Again with both systems, an air handler is used to bring the warm air in your home through the cooled evaporator coil and provide the newly “conditioned” air all throughout your home.

…But Different.

While both air conditioners and heat pumps pull the warm air from your home to cool it, a heat pump can reverse the process to help keep you warm during the colder temperature months by moving warm air outside into your home. Essentially with a heat pump you have one unit that can do twice the work.

With a conventional air conditioning unit, you’ll have to have a separate heating system, like an electric or gas furnace.

What’s Best For Your Home In Charleston

Heat pumps are especially great for places that have more mild climates, where temperatures don’t dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit very often. They’re able to simply transfer the heat, rather than generating it, keeping your energy bills down in the process. If temperatures do dip below 40, heat pumps are equipped with an emergency heating source that makes sure that you stay warm.

Many Lowcountry homeowners still prefer having a traditional a/c & furnace setup, but since much of the year here in Charleston stays relatively mild, heat pumps are a great way to keep your annual energy savings down and are becoming more popular here in Charleston, Summerville, Mt Pleasant and other areas in the Lowcountry.

Whichever option you choose to go with, be sure to fully review the system with an HVAC professional as they’ll help you find the best, most affordable option to keep you comfortable all year round.

6 More Tips To Stay Cool In The Low Country During The Summer

June 14th, 2016

For many residents in Charleston and the Low Country, summers mean beach time, vacations and more fun in the sun. While enjoying your time off and time in the sun is great, excessive exposure to heat can make us sick. Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, sore eyes and feet are some of the drawbacks of summers.

Last summer we identified a few ways you could beat the heat during the summer and to usher in a new summer, here are 6 more tips to help you keep cool.

Wear Loose Clothing

It’s recommended to wear loose clothing so that air can reach your body. It also makes easier to breathe. Wear light colors because darker shades absorb heat. Prefer to wear cotton as other synthetics can cause skin irritation in the summer heat.

Drink Plenty Of Water (And Avoid Caffeine & Alcohol)

Sweating is a natural and healthy body process. However, during the heat of the summer, we can become dehydrated quickly if water intake is not sufficient. Drink water frequently and use other cool drinks like pure fruit juices. Keep water bottles frozen in the refrigerators so that you can have a supply of cool water when you go outside. Remember, drinks containing caffeine and alcohol can also cause dehydration so avoid them as much as possible.

Bath/Shower Frequently

It is important that you take showers more frequently in summers. Some people prefer to take quick showers more than twice in a day if they can. Also, keep the temperature of the water cool or tepid. Showers also help get rid of bacteria caused by excessive sweating and keep you generally cooler.

Switch on the Fans

Don’t underestimate the power of a fan even if your home is air conditioned. Fans make air circulate quicker. They also help evaporate sweat faster. Install a fan near a basement opening if you have one. Basements are cooler so the fan will pull that air to the first floor. Invest in increasing the number of fans in your house to prevent summer heat. Small battery powered handheld fans are also preferred by many.

Windows

Windows let in a lot of hot air into the house. Many people use energy efficient windows that keep the heat outside. If your windows face the east or west, they are more likely to warm the house. For the short term, you can cover your windows with curtains or blinds. Choose curtains in light colours which reflect sunlight. Keeping the indoors shaded can make your house considerably cooler.

Air Conditioning Check

We said it last year, but we’ll say it again this year – make sure and have your air conditioning checked and if you need any ac repair it can be fixed before further damage occurs.

If you happen to need an air conditioning replacement, review our variable speed models ; you won’t be disappointed. 🙂

Get Unparalleled Indoor Humidity Control For Your Lowcountry Home With Trane’s Variable Speed Air Handler

May 26th, 2016

Here at Carolina Climate Control, we get a chance to review a lot of the newest HVAC and refrigeration products available on the market. Everything from variable speed air conditioners and heaters to commercial walk in coolers.

With summer quickly approaching and temperature & humidity levels rising, we’d like for you to read about one of best new product combinations we’ve been installing in the Lowcountry this year: Trane variable speed air handlers & smart thermostats.

The variable speed air handlers, together with Trane’s thermostats have been allowing our customers extra control over their indoor humidity levels in their Lowcountry homes.

What Are Air Handlers?

Air handlers are special indoor HVAC equipment used to regulate & circulate air throughout your home. They work in coordination with your outdoor unit of your cooling system, using a “blower” to ensure that the conditioned air from the outside unit reaches every part of your home.

Many air handlers also have air filtration components that remove dust, pollen and other irritants from the air conditioned air of the outside unit.

What Is A “Variable Speed” Air Handler?

Most air handlers operate at one speed or multi-speed (5 speeds, for example) in order to regulate the air in your home. So when you’re adjusting the temperature in your home, your air handler will be blowing air at either one fixed speed or at one of the multi-speed rates depending on the difference between current temperatures and your desired temperature.

The main disadvantage of these types of air handlers are they are wildly inefficient (especially the single speed versions) and make it hard for precise temperatures and humidity levels to be reached. Also, the sound levels while operating can be quite noisy.

Variable speed air handlers offer a continuous range of operating speeds to maximize efficiency and drastically reduce noise while operating.

What Makes Trane’s Air Handlers The Best?

Trane is an industry leader for many innovative products, but for variable speed air handers, the Trane difference is that it uses 14 exclusive patents like its refrigerator-styled insulation between a double wall construction. This construction essentially eliminates sweating and condensation and allows less moisture and dust particles in, improving indoor air quality.

Trane also uses more efficient blowers which reduce carbon emissions and noise while allowing more granular control over humidity.

Trane Thermostats & Diagnostic Monitoring

Bringing all of that together, the Trane XL824 thermostat allows you to precisely control the temperature and humidity in your home remotely, using the Nexia smart home system. Nexia also allows you to send your local HVAC company real-time diagnostics of your system so they’ll be able to catch any maintenance needs and system malfunctions in advance.

The combination of these Trane products really has put many Lowcountry homeowners in total control of their home’s comfort levels; if you’re looking to do the same, feel free to let us know — we’ll be happy to get you the ultimate humidity control for your home.

Carolina Climate Control Blog