HVAC & Plumbing Blog | Carolina Climate Control - Charleston

4 Quick Holiday HVAC Tips To Keep Your Family Comfortable This Holiday Season

December 18th, 2015

It’s been quite a year here at Carolina Climate Control and before we knew it the holiday season was upon us!

If the holiday season snuck up on you as is it did us, don’t worry — we have you covered. Here is a quick list of items to take note of to keep your guests comfortable during your holiday get-togethers.

1. Turn Your Thermostat Down A Few Degrees

During your holiday gatherings turn your thermostat down a few degrees. Most likely you’ll have your oven on and the extra body heat from your guests will naturally elevate the temperature in your home.

2. Check For Drafts

In each room of your home, check the caulking around the windows and doors to see if you’re leaking (or letting in) any cool air. If you notice any air leakage, seal them up with new caulking or weather stripping.

3. Check Your Blanket Supply

If you plan on having overnight guests, be sure to have clean, warm blankets in stock to make sure everyone has is comfortable during the night.

4. Have Your HVAC System Checked

While we always stress getting your HVAC system checked throughout the year, but this is especially important during the holiday season. Having your heating or air conditioning go out would definitely put a damper on your holiday festivities.

If you need a quick check of your HVAC system before your family comes to town, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we’ll make sure everyone stays comfortable in your home this holiday season.

Winter Swim: Your Guide To The Ultimate Heated Home Swimming Pool Experience In Charleston

October 1st, 2015

Love to swim? Like swimming in cold water?

If you’re like many of the swimming-pool-equipped residents we work with in Charleston and the Lowcountry you probably don’t. That’s why they chose to install a swimming pool heater to keep their swimming experience comfortable in the colder winter months.

Unfortunately from our experience working with swimming pool heaters and heat pumps around Charleston is that many of them were poorly installed (in some cases backwards), poorly sized and are insufficiently maintained.

All this adds up to increased costs to get everything fixed/re-installed and ultimately (and even worse) a cold swim (or no swim at all).

So here at Carolina Climate Control we want to educate home owners that have swimming pools on what to look for when choosing pool heating options and our best recommendation for the ultimate swimming experience no matter the season.

Gas Pool Heaters

Probably the most popular type of heating for pools today, gas pool heating uses natural gas or propane to heat circulated water from your pool back into your pool at your desired temperature. This temperature can be achieved quickly and maintained no matter the weather conditions outside. Also the upfront costs of the unit are less expensive than other heating options.

The major drawback with heating your swimming pool with gas is that it’s not the most efficient option. This means that it’s more expensive to operate continuously on a monthly basis versus other options out there. Also the lifespan of a gas pool heater unit is a lot less than other options meaning more long term costs.

Swimming Pool Heat Pumps

Highly efficient and environmentally friendly, pool heat pumps warm your pool by taking your pool water and pumping it into the heat pump unit where it is warmed using the outside air. Heating your pool this way costs significantly less on a month to month basis and the lifespan of heat pumps is 10 to 20 years, meaning less replacement costs long term.

The disadvantage of a pool heat pump is that it can only heat a pool with outside temperatures no lower than 45 degrees Fahrenheit. This is where natural gas or propane heating can come in as a handy secondary “emergency heat” option.

The Ultimate Pool Heating Solution

Although each form of pool heating listed above works great independently, to get the best heated home swimming pool experience with reliability and longevity, we highly suggest using a combination of both gas and pool heat pump heating solutions.

Use your pool heat pump heater for general swimming (keeps your month to month costs down) and when you want a warmer swim, simply turn on your gas pool heater. Because you have your heat pump heater keeping the pool at an elevated temperature, your gas heater won’t have to work as hard to get your pool to the higher temperatures. This keeps your gas consumption down while maintaining your desired pool temperature.

The end result? You get the best of both heating worlds and the ultimate heated swimming pool experience.

We’ve helped several residents in the Lowcountry plan and install their pool heating solutions so if you need help keeping your pool warm in the winter, give us a call at (843) 870-2076.

You worked hard to have a swimming pool at your convenience so get the most out of it by having a proper, efficient pool heating solution installed by Carolina Climate Control. Happy swimming Charleston!

How A Professional Heating & Air Conditioning Installation Should Look Like [With Pictures]

June 16th, 2015

Have A Recent HVAC Installation? Here’s What It Should Look Like.

It’s HOT Charleston, and with that heat comes the need to have a great air conditioning and hvac system and company here in the Lowcountry.

Although it’s a busy time of year for many HVAC companies here in Charleston, that doesn’t mean you should be satisfied with quick fixes or poor AC installations. Poor AC and HVAC installations can really cost you in the long run — for the installation and necessary fixes/repairs later on.

To help you determine if your AC installation is up to par, below is a gallery of Carolina Climate Control’s recent installations. Some pictures show the “before” installation (previous AC units), but most show you the high standard, high quality work you should expect from an HVAC company.

If you feel like you received a poor installation or would like one of our high quality, affordable solutions, feel free to give us a call: (843) 870-2076 ; we’ll be glad to help you stay cool!

: A burst pipe – what you want to avoid this winter

Drain Pain: Avoid Clogged Air Conditioning Drains By Following These Simple Steps

April 13th, 2015

Avoid Potential Ceiling Collapses & Health Problems By Following These Simple Steps

Quite frequently here at Carolina Climate Control, we are called out to service “clogged drains” and “water in the drain pan.” It is not unusual to find that water has made its way through a crack in an upstairs air conditioning unit pan and into the ceiling below. This can cause ceilings to collapse and cost hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars to repair.

Change Air Filters Regularly

Most people do not realize that clogged drain lines can be prevented. It is very important to change air filters on a regularly scheduled basis. This will prevent pet hair, dust and other debris from ultimately clogging the drain system. Pet owners have to more vigilant when it comes to changing filters. Pet fur/hair can build up in the filter and ultimately get past the filter into the drain line. This presents a higher chance to cause a backup.

Using Bleach & More About Drains

Another measure that prevents build up from occurring is by pouring a quarter of a cup of bleach into the drain. The bleach helps break up condensed material in your drain and opens up the pathway for the drained ac water.

In some cases it is impossible to keep debris, such as rust in an old system, from entering the drain. This is another reason to stay on top of heating and air condition equipment with regularly scheduled maintenance.

Surprisingly, even drains that have the perfect pitch – with no clogs – can still create water damage. Why is this? Lowcountry attics can reach up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. This causes condensation to occur, which means the drain sweats and ultimately drips onto the ceiling. The best way to prevent this from occurring is to have the drain line insulated.

Health Risks of Clogged Drains

Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by bacteria which has only been found in aquatic systems. In some cases we have found homes or businesses where the condensate drain has been exhausted into the sewer line. This is VERY DANGEROUS and against all building codes! Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease are high fever, chills, and cough. Some people experience muscle aches, headaches, tiredness, loss of appetite, loss of coordination, and occasionally diarrhea and vomiting.

To ensure that your drains or drain pans have the proper integrity, PLEASE try these steps or feel free to give us a call. A home or business ruined by a collapsed ceiling is completely preventable. Finally, don’t compromise your health because of poor drain line installation techniques.

Thanks and stay cool Lowcountry!

3 Common Lowcountry Air Conditioning and Cooling Myths Explained

March 11th, 2015

Fact: You’ve Probably Of Heard At Least One Of These Myths.

If you’ve lived or grew up in Charleston or the Lowcountry you probably know of or have heard of a lot of air conditioning hacks and myths. Some of which seem logical and others that are completely off.

Here are three common air conditioning myths Carolina Climate Control has experienced over the years in the Lowcountry:

Myth #1: Setting A Lower Temperature On Your AC Will Cool Your House/Office/Building Faster.

Explanation. This is one myth that is hard for several home and business to get over. The fact is that your AC won’t work any faster to get your home or business to any particular temperature. So setting your thermostat at 55 degrees when you get home won’t cool your home any faster than if you set it at 65 degrees. In fact, doing this may cause your air conditioning to “ice” or freeze up.

Myth #2: Turning Off Your AC While You Are Away Saves Energy.

Explanation. This is a bit of a controversial topic as many arguments are made for both keeping your AC on and turning it off. Turning your system completely off definitely will save energy because it’s not being used, but you’ll have to get used to really, really warm temperatures starting it back up.

Instead of turning your AC completely off, simply adjust your thermostat 10-15 degrees higher than normal. This will allow your AC to turn on and deal with higher humidity levels during the day and allow it to cool your home down to normal levels much more quickly. Getting a programmable or wifi thermostat can help you manage this on a daily basis.

Myth #3: Closing Vents In Unused Rooms Will Boost Efficiency.

Explanation. Again, it seems logical that closing a vent will allow other areas to cool much more quickly. However, your air conditioning and duct system (if sized properly by a professional) is designed to cool your entire home or building so closing vents in unused rooms builds pressure up in your HVAC duct system. This can lead to a myriad of system issues.

If you need different air temperature in different places in your home or business, consider a HVAC zone system. Zone systems allow you to define specific areas of your home and control the temperatures with those zones. Call your HVAC contractor for more information.

There are many, many more air conditioning and HVAC myths out there, but these are the most common one we hear from Charleston and the Lowcountry. Did we miss any you’d like to know about? Let us know about it on Facebook.

5 Common HVAC Questions Answered

February 3rd, 2015

Your HVAC Questions, Answered.

Through our several years of HVAC service in the Lowcountry, we’ve encountered our fair share of air conditioning and furnace issues and installations. We’ve worked on historic homes, new homes, remodeled homes; offices, small and large businesses in Charleston.

With that experience we’ve put together 5 of the most common questions (and answers) about HVAC systems below.

1. How can I increase the efficiency and lifetime of my HVAC system?

While there are several ways to achieve efficiency and longevity of your HVAC system, one of the best ways to is to properly clean/replace your air filters frequently. Most HVAC companies offer this service as part of their HVAC maintenance plan so you won’t have to worry about it if you choose to sign up for one. Another simple thing you can do is have shades or curtains installed in rooms that are exposed to extreme sunlight.

2. How often should I clean or replace my air filters?

To get the best efficiency & filtration, replace or clean your filters at least once a month.

3. How much does a new HVAC replacement system cost?

Because every home, every business and every building is unique (especially in Charleston) it’s nearly impossible to put an exact price on a new system. The good news: you can get a free estimate from us, no obligation.

4. How often should I have my HVAC system serviced?

Regardless of what kind of system you have or how big your HVAC system is, to maintain optimum efficiency and to catch early warning signs of potential HVAC breakdowns your system should be inspected and serviced at least once a year. We recommend twice as some seasons may be harder on your system from year to year.

5. What size air conditioning and HVAC system do I need?

Perhaps the most frequently asked question we receive, it’s also the hardest to answer. Having an AC system that is too large may cool your home too quickly, leaving behind moisture that could lead to mold problems for your home or business. Also, too-large AC systems tend to short-cycle (starting and stopping quickly, repeatedly) which decreases the lifetime of your AC and increases your electricity bills.

At the other end of the spectrum, having a system that is too small won’t ever keep your home or business cool and will run constantly.

Because there is no “rule of thumb” for sizing an AC system only an experienced HVAC company can properly spec out your location and install the system that will yield the best (and most affordable) results.

Have any more questions you’d like answered? Let us know on Facebook.

Can Heating & AC Zone Systems Help You Save Money?

January 20th, 2015

Many homes and businesses in Charleston today heat and cool multiple areas (or zones) from a single Furnace/Air Handler. Consider a home that has a large second story space with a smaller third story area, or a business with 3 offices and 1 large retail space. Rather than installing individual systems for each location (which is expensive), a single properly configured furnace/air Handler unit can do the job, when combined with a zone system.

With a multi zone system, multiple sections of a business or home structure can maintain set temperatures through the use of coordinated thermostats and dampers. Zone systems can be deployed with Electric, Natural Gas/ Propane (LP), or Geothermal HVAC systems. Managing the flow of air requires more mechanical parts, including electric dampers, zone panel boards, bypass dampers, and a thermostat for each zone. Some systems can address up to 8 zones within one Furnace/Air Handler configuration.

Zone systems can Condition one specific part of a structure without wasting energy trying to condition the remainder of the structure. The sophistication of the installed zone management componentry (which can include: a zone panel, a variable speed blower, bypass duct(s) and more) determines a system’s ability to address a variety of fluctuating conditions. The goal is to maximize performance with a minimum number of systems. Why add another system when you could just upsize the equipment (to correct tonnage) and zone each space correctly?

A Zone System Does NOT Automatically Equal Low Utility Bills

As with any system required to manage many variables, zone systems must be designed and installed correctly before maximum efficiency can be achieved. Each zone in a home or business requires a set amount of airflow, expressed as CFM (or Cubic Feet per Minute) to condition the zone to desired temperature ranges. The components of each zone must be configured to deliver the proper number of CFM to achieve success.

It is not unusual (but it is unfortunate) for home and business owners to experience VERY high utility bills due to a variety of problems including: improperly sized ducts, non-calculated CFM, poor airflow, and single speed blower drives. For example, if a two-zone structure is installed utilizing a single speed blower drive the motor will only operate at one speed. In other words, it does not fluctuate airflow when one zone opens or closes. This causes inappropriate (excess and poor) airflow to the supply ducts.

To realize the full potential of a zone system, IT IS A MUST that a Variable Speed Motor be included in the blower drive configuration. These motors operate using static pressure levels. As one zone closes, the pressure in the ducts rises, and the blower slows down. This helps the zone(s) that is open to satisfy much quicker saving the consumer money on energy costs.

Failure to achieve maximum efficiency with a zoning system is rarely an equipment issue. It is typically related to poor design or installation of the HVAC ducts, blower motor(s), and caused by a lack of knowledge on behalf of the contractors installing these systems.

One of the best Zone Panels in the industry is made by Honeywell. It has the capability to operate with any system, thermostat, and damper type. Many home/ business owners do not know what type of equipment they are relying on to keep them comfortable. With a digital/ LED display of zones the Honeywell zone panel portrays which zones are operating and under what mode they are operating.

This panel also comes with a 5 year manufacturer warranty. Another issue with improperly sized ducts in a zoned system is the inability to remove humidity (moisture) from the home. This results in failed blower motors in many cases due to excessive moisture exposure, and these motors can cost several hundred dollars.

It is imperative that each zone be tested for airflow performance throughout the structure if the consumer wants to keep energy costs to a minimum. In some cases a bypass duct will have to be installed to keep the static pressure in the ducts low when only small zones are operating. The best option when installing a bypass duct is to implement an external static pressure bypass damper.

This damper works off of static pressure (just like the variable speed blower) and modulates open/ closed according to the different pressures. This helps keep a system from short cycling and ultimately satisfying quicker.

As always, if you have any further questions about your HVAC system for your home or business in Charleston or the Lowcountry, feel free to give us a call: (843) 870-2076.

A Wifi Thermostat Review: Nest Learning Thermostat vs. Honeywell

January 12th, 2015

Different Temperatures In Different Rooms? Here’s What To Do.

December 31st, 2014

Over the several years of HVAC service in Charleston and the Lowcountry, one of the most common complaints/frustrations Carolina Climate Control receives from homeowners and business owners is temperature variance in different rooms of their homes or businesses.

Here’s how we’ve helped them balance the temperatures in their homes or place of business:

Step 1. Add Manual Dampers

If they aren’t already installed in your home or business, we’ll install manual dampers (pictured to the left) to your air ducts. These dampers control the amount of air that comes out of your vents, allowing us to precisely control how much cold or hot air that enters the room through your HVAC system.

Step 2. Test CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)

After we intall the manual dampers, we’ll test the amount of air coming out of each vent in your home. The amount of air coming out of your vents is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), which essentially is the volume of air per minute that is blown out of each vent.

Step 3. Balance Dampers

Once the air volume coming out of each vent is measured and noted, we’ll then assess the proper air flow that should be coming out of each vent, according to your measurements and balance the air flow using the manual dampers we installed earlier.

Step 4. Re-test CFM

Now that we’ve balanced your HVAC system using the manual dampers, we’ll do one more test on each of the vents of your home or business to ensure the CFM is correct and everything is balanced.

Step 5. Enjoy!

Your home or business HVAC system is now balanced and you can stay cool (or warm) wherever you go!

As always, if you need help with air balancing in your home or business in Charleston or the Lowcountry, don’t hesitate to give us a call: (843) 870-2076 or schedule a service here.

Carolina Climate Control Blog