Air conditioners are complex pieces of machinery, and the refrigerant that makes them run can be dangerous if not handled by trained professionals. With summer on its way, Dover, DE, residents need to jump on any repair issues quickly, lest they be left without cooling power just when they need it the most. “But how can I tell if my air conditioner needs repair?” you ask. That can be tricky for a layman to answer, and if you go poking around in your system without the proper training, you might make the problem worse. Luckily, most serious air conditioning problems exhibit one of several easy-to-spot symptoms which can alert you to the issue.
Atlantic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category
How Can I Tell If My Air Conditioner Needs Repair?
Monday, May 4th, 2015What Is Zone Control and Why Should You Install It?
Monday, April 20th, 2015Choosing a professional to install a new zone control system for your home or business is the perfect way to both keep everybody in the building more comfortable AND to save some money! Zone control allows you and the people in your family or your employees complete control over individual areas of the building. So, one person can lower the temperature in the living room without making it colder in the bedrooms. Or if one office tends to get hotter than the others due to the number of windows, for example, the employee can cool it off without affecting the rest of the building.
When Is It Time to Replace Your Commercial Air Conditioning System?
Monday, April 6th, 2015It is difficult to run a business without a proper AC system in place to keep the people on your commercial property as comfortable as possible in the summer months. But when the weather outside is still chilly, it’s difficult to think about the state of your commercial air conditioning system. Replace your system as early on as possible, particularly if you experience any of the following problems on your property.
- Frequent Repairs – Do you find that your unit needs repairs far too frequently? Are you sick of replacing a new component every time a technician visits your business? It may be time for an upgrade. The components of an air conditioner work best when every part inside is designed to work together. So when you put a newer part on an older unit, it still cannot operate efficiently and that newer part may simply wear out faster than it should. After a number of years, replacing the entire system is simply a better choice.
- Short Cycling – Does your unit turn on frequently only to turn off very shortly afterwards? This is known as short cycling, and it affects systems with faulty compressors or units that are too large for the space they cool. With packaged rooftop air conditioning units, you may only need to have a technician remove a module to correct a sizing issue. In other cases, however, replacement is necessary, which is a much higher risk if the compressor suffers damage.
- High Energy Bills – Of course, the energy bills are high enough as it is on a commercial property. But many business owners these days strive towards a more energy efficient workspace. If you are concerned about the environmental impact of your AC, or if you just want to pay less from month to month, consider replacing your unit with an energy efficient model.
Don’t wait until the cooling season is in full swing before calling your local technicians for new commercial specialists. Call an expert today, and keep in mind that it takes a commercial specialist to service a complex commercial unit.
Call the experts at Atlantic Refrigeration for commercial air conditioning installation or service in Dover, DE.
Why Consider Different Options for an Air Conditioning Replacement?
Friday, March 20th, 2015Have you come to realize that your air conditioner is no longer satisfying your cooling needs? Has your system finally broken down entirely, or is just requiring repairs to frequently to justify continuing on with them? If so, then contact the Berlin, MD air conditioning replacement pros at Atlantic Refrigeration. Not only do our technicians have the skill and expertise that they need to replace your air conditioner properly, but they can replace it with a variety of different options. That is why you should seriously consider your various options when in the market for an air conditioning replacement.
The number of different air conditioning systems on the market today can be a bit overwhelming. However, it can really pay off in the long run to weigh your options carefully before rushing into your AC replacement. There are a few different reasons as to why you should take your time when choosing your new system. The first is, of course, to find the system which best suits your personal preferences and usage habits.
Many homeowners inherit their HVAC systems with their homes, meaning that the system they use is not necessarily the one best suited to their needs. By switching things up when replacing your air conditioner with a different type of system, you may be able to live more comfortably and conveniently. Take, for instance, a homeowner sensitive to airborne pollutants. Because pollutants can circulate throughout one’s home via air ducts, if they infiltrate the system, opting for a ductless AC may be a good option to consider.
Efficiency levels, as well as environmental concerns, are another strong reason for carefully considering your AC replacement options. Both heat pumps and geothermal HVAC systems cool homes by removing heat from the air in the house, and then redistributing that conditioned air back throughout the livinng space with ductwork. However, such systems are also able to reverse their refrigerant flow, allowing them to transfer heat back into your home during the colder time of the year. This is incredibly efficient, as far as heating a home goes, and allows for year round comfort with just one convenient system.
As you can see, there are numerous good reasons for not simply replacing your AC with the exact same type of system when the time comes for a full replacement. Some homeowners may choose to do so, of course, and there is nothing wrong with that.
We here at Atlantic Refrigeration just advise you to take the time to consider your options, and to schedule your air conditioning replacement in Berlin, MD with a member of our staff.
Why You Should Schedule Regular Commercial AC System Tune-Ups
Friday, March 6th, 2015When the heat of the summer season hits in the Dover area, it can hit pretty hard. We are not quite at the cusp of the heat’s real arrival just yet, but this is certainly the time at which you start thinking about the way in which you will cool your commercial property in the hottest months to come. The changing of the seasons may sneak up on you, but it is vital that you do not allow the heat of summer to sneak up on your commercial cooling system. That is why Atlantic Refrigeration recommends wholeheartedly that you schedule your commercial AC system tune-up in Dover today. That way, you can count on your system being ready for whatever type of heat the summer months can throw your way.
Routine commercial air conditioning tune-ups benefit the commercial property owner in a few different ways. First of all, this is the best way in which to ensure that your commercial cooling system functions as efficiently as possible. You are going to be running your commercial air conditioner a lot throughout the summer season. If you hope to do so without suffering exorbitant commercial cooling costs, then you are wise to schedule a professional commercial AC system tune-up with a member of our staff. This gives our technicians the opportunity to thoroughly inspect your system, making any necessary adjustments to ensure that your system functions at peak performance levels. Of course, this is not the only way in which routine commercial cooling maintenance can benefit your system, nor is it the only way in which it can protect your budget.
A poorly maintained commercial air conditioning system is far more likely to suffer operational problems than one that is routine tuned up is. As your system works throughout the summer season to cool your property, it is going to incur no small amount of general wear and tear. When you fire up your system early in the following cooling season, you may find that this wear and tear has left your system vulnerable to problems and even a potential break down. Having it tuned up before putting it back into heavy use can really help you to avoid such unpleasant situations.
To do so, just dial our number. The pros at Atlantic Refrigeration are here to keep your system in excellent working order.
If you want to cool your commercial property effectively and efficiently, then you must schedule professional commercial AC system tune-ups in Dover with Atlantic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.
The Benefits of Heat Pumps
Wednesday, August 27th, 2014These days, homeowners have a lot of choices when it comes to choosing an air conditioning system for their home. In fact, there are so many choices, it can be difficult deciding which system will work best for you. Working with a trained professional, like the ones at Atlantic Refrigeration, can help with the decision-making. One of these choices is a heat pump, and we’ll explain below some of the unique benefits of installing one.
Benefits of a Heat Pump
There are several benefits to installing a heat pump:
- Both heats and cools – heat pumps provide both heating and cooling because of the reversing valve. This valve allows the heat pump to switch between modes.
- Excellent energy efficiency – heat pumps do not use fossil fuels because they don’t create heat. Instead, they transfer heat, so they only need a small amount of electricity to run.
- Very “green” – because heat pumps do not need fossil fuels, they do not emit greenhouse gases.
- Long lifespan – the average lifespan of a heat pump is 15-20 year with good maintenance.
- Good for indoor air quality – heat pumps are odorless and do not create fumes.
Types of Heat Pumps
There are 5 main types of heat pumps: (NOTE: ask Atlantic Refrigeration about which ones we carry)
- Central heat pump – this kind of heat pump works in conjunction with an air handler that delivers air through ductwork.
- Ductless heat pump – this kind of heat pump delivers cooling (and heating) via ductless blowers.
- Ground source/geothermal heat pump – this kind of heat pump is part of a geothermal system in which heat is extracted from the Earth’s natural, steady temperature below the frost line. When cooling, it pulls heat from your indoors and deposits it into the ground.
- Air source heat pump – the most common kind of heat pump, these kinds of heat pumps transfer heat from one place to another.
- Hybrid heat pump – this kind of system allows you to use a heat pump as the main source of heating, but will trigger the use of a furnace for the very coldest days, as heat pumps can struggle to provide adequate heat on their own below 32 degrees.
Heat pumps in Middletown can be a great choice for your home.
If you think a heat pump may be right for you, Call Atlantic Refrigeration today and schedule an appointment with one of our experts.
Indications That You Need Air Conditioning Replacement
Tuesday, August 5th, 2014The average lifespan for an air conditioning system is 10-12 years, so it is likely that you will need to replace yours at some point. Replacing your air conditioner offers you the opportunity to install a system that is more energy efficient, better for the environment and can better meet your cooling needs. Atlantic Refrigeration has helped many customers in Dover with air conditioning replacement, and, as such, we know the signs of a failing system. Here are some more common ones of which to be aware:
- Your home isn’t comfortable – do you have a hard time keeping your home cool, or are there hot and cold spots throughout? This could be the sign of an aging or incorrectly-sized system. In either case, your comfort is compromised, which negates having an air conditioner at all.
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old – according to EnergyStar.gov, today’s air conditioners can be as much as 60% more efficient than ones from just 10 years ago. Part of the reason for this is that in 2006, federal guidelines mandated that the minimum SEER number be raised from 10 to 13. Considering you can save up to 5% per SEER point in energy costs, upgrading your system can lead to substantial savings.
- You’re facing expensive repairs – if you are facing a repair that financially would cover a large part of the cost of a new system, it may be time to consider full replacement.
- Constant repairs – is your air conditioner constantly breaking down? Are you calling for air conditioning repair frequently because another problem has developed with your system? Repair costs can add up, and it may not make sense to keep paying for them on an aging unit.
- You air conditioner uses R-22 (Freon) – R-22 is being phased out by the federal government; for now, if your AC uses with Freon, you can recharge it if needed, but prices on it are rising rapidly. Additionally, if your air conditioner uses Freon, you’ll have to replace the system by 2020 because Freon will no longer be available. As such, if you’re having continued problems with your R-22 refrigerant, you are probably paying more money for the repairs simply because it’s R-22. Both problems may make it worthwhile to replace now.
When It’s Time to Replace, Call an Expert
Choosing, sizing and installing a new air conditioner take into account many important factors, which is why it’s important to work with a trained professional from start to finish.
If it’s time for air conditioning replacement in your Dover home, call the people you can trust: Atlantic Refrigeration.
Ways to Bring Down Your Business’ Air Conditioning Costs
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2014When you are a business owner, air conditioning is not a luxury: it is a necessity. It is also a business cost, and one that can be a sizable part of your overall monthly budget. It may seem difficult to bring down the cost of your commercial air conditioning in Georgetown, but, just as you can take steps in your home to reduce energy usage, you can also do the same for your business. Here are some suggestions from Atlantic Refrigeration on ways you can bring down your business’ air conditioning costs:
- Schedule regular maintenance – if you have your own air conditioning unit for your business space, keep your AC in optimal shape by scheduling bi-annual maintenance during the spring and fall each year. Maintenance keeps your air conditioner efficient, which saves you money.
- Don’t ignore problems – hearing something strange, smelling something off, or feeling a decrease in air flow? Whether your business has its own air conditioner or is part of a larger building system, don’t ignore signs of potential problems.
- Use programmable thermostats – thermostats are the instruments that cue your system to cycle. Using a programmable thermostat can save you upwards of 15% per year on energy costs because you can tailor temperature settings to specific times of day. This can be especially helpful during non-business hours.
- Check on the state of ductwork – most business space is rented or leased. If yours is, check with the building management about the ductwork. Examples of questions to ask are the age of the ductwork, when does it get cleaned, it is insulated, and how often is it inspected for problems. Faulty ductwork can account for up to 30% of air loss in a system, a loss you’ll pay for in monthly energy bills.
Questions About Commercial Services? Call Us!
Atlantic Refrigeration has helped many businesses with commercial air conditioning needs.
Whether you need repair, replacement, installation or advice on a new system, call Atlantic Refrigeration for all your commercial air conditioning needs.
Why Use a Zone Control System When Cooling Your Home?
Monday, June 23rd, 2014Keeping your home cool during the long, hot summer season can be a real challenge. If you really want to ensure that your home is cool and comfortable all summer long, it is really in your best interest to schedule your air conditioning services with a skilled, trained professional. However, there are also multiple upgrades you may want to consider which will allow you to custom tailor your home cooling system to your individual needs. One of the most effective in doing so is the zone control system.
If you want to cool your home in a more efficient and effective manner, the Dover, DE air conditioning pros at Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc. are the experts to call.
A zone control system involves the installation of a set of dampers into your ductwork. When cooling your home – or heating it, for that matter – these dampers allow you to break up your home into different temperatures. What this means is that you no longer have to maintain consistent temperatures in every area of your house. When you think about it, it really doesn’t make sense to cool empty bedrooms upstairs to the same degree that you would occupy space in the lower levels of your home. With a zone control system, you no longer have to. This benefits you in a few ways.
Not only can you keep everyone happy, but you can actually use less energy in doing so. By cooling or heating only those areas you wish to, and only to the point that you want to, you can cut down on energy consumption considerably. Not only that, but anyone living with multiple people in the same house knows how different people are comfortable at different temperatures. This can be problematic, as someone inevitably winds up compromising their own comfort. A zone control system can help ensure that everyone in your home is getting the most from your air conditioning system.
If you are interested in learning more about how you can improve the performance of your air conditioning system, give Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc. a call today. We are more than willing to install and service your zone control system with the skill and expertise you deserve. Let us help you enjoy the great comfort you deserve in your home.
Why Choose Ductless Mini Splits?
Monday, June 16th, 2014With all of the heating and air conditioning options on the market today, you may find yourself at a loss when it comes to choosing the right one for your home. While there is no single “best” HVAC system, there is definitely one best suited to your needs and usage habits. Working with the trained professionals at Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc. is a great way to ensure that you choose your new system wisely. One great heating and cooling option to consider is a ductless mini split. Ductless mini splits are able to both heat and cool your home with outstanding efficiency and reliability. Here is some information to consider which may help you decide if going ductless in Dover, DE is the right choice for you.
Why Consider Ductless Heating & Cooling?
One of the greatest benefits of a ductless heating and cooling system is the fact that no air ducts are used in their operation. There are a few reasons why this is such an enticing prospect. For starters, air ducts are notorious for wasting energy. While they are quite effective when kept in great working condition, many homeowners fail to realize that there are problems with their ductwork. This means that they wind up paying more money for a lesser performance from their HVAC system. By eliminating the need for air ducts all together, ductless mini splits allow you to avoid such issues. Plus, it is far less obtrusive to install a ductless system into an existing home than it is to install a ducted system.
The use of individual, wall mounted blowers which both heat and cool different areas of your home also make for simple zone controlled heating and cooling. After all, there really is no reason why you should have to heat your kitchen to the same temperature as your bedrooms in the middle of the night. Cut back on energy consumption and boost comfort levels by breaking your home up into temperature zones.
To learn more about ductless mini splits in Dover, DE, just give Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc. a call.
We are happy to answer any questions that you may have. We believe that it is very important for you to find the right HVAC system for your home. Call us today, you’ll be glad you did!