Residential & Commercial HVAC and Refrigeration Tips Blog | Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc.

Did You Know? Ductless Systems Can Help With Your Indoor Air Quality!

August 3rd, 2020

We install and service ductless air conditioning in Delaware and Maryland as part of our effort to improve comfort for our customers. Ductless systems—which, as heat pumps, also work as heating systems—are beneficial in numerous ways. For older homes lacking ductwork, they’re a way to enjoy central heating and cooling without putting in ducts. They allow for the easy conversion of attics and garages into cooled/heated living spaces. They make it simple to provide comfort to add-on rooms. They can lower energy consumption while giving a home zone control.

But you may not have known that ductless systems can also improve the air quality in a house!

Signs Your AC Has Trouble With Its Compressor

July 20th, 2020

The compressor is about as an important a component as there is in an air conditioner. All parts of an AC are important, but the compressor is what allows an air conditioner to cool. If your air conditioner’s compressor fails, the central cooling system will just turn into a big fan that circulates room-temperature air around the house.

Something else that makes the compressor vital is that it’s an expensive part to replace if it fails. In many cases, it’s more cost-effective to have the full air conditioning system replaced in case of a compressor failure rather than replace the compressor.

The best way to keep your AC’s compressor in good shape is to have the system regularly maintained. If you’re keeping up with regular maintenance, it’s still a smart idea to watch for any warning signs the compressor is having problems. That way you can schedule AC repair in Delaware in time to stop the compressor from burning out.

There’s No “End Date” for Commercial AC Maintenance

July 6th, 2020

There’s a persistent myth that floats around in the world of both residential and commercial air conditioning. It’s about routine maintenance. People can all agree that maintenance is important—in fact, it’s critical when it comes to commercial properties. Without maintenance, an air conditioning system runs down faster as it accumulates dirt and stress, loses lubrication on its motors, and builds up potential repair problems with no chance for an expert to notice them.

Handling Thermostat Settings the Smart Way in the Heat

June 22nd, 2020

Although there are many advanced types of thermostats available today, many equipped with special Wi-Fi technology and multiple settings, they still operate on a basic principle: raise the temperature setting for a warmer house, lower it for a cooler one.

But if you handle your thermostat during the summer as if it were something you keep changing as gets too cold and then too warm, you’ll end up consuming more energy than necessary and see larger electric bills. You’ll also put more stress on the components of your air conditioner, potentially shortening its service life and making it more likely you’ll have to call for air conditioning service in Dover, Delaware to fix it during the summer.

We’re going to give you a quick course on the smart way to set your thermostat during the summer heat so you’ll save money and give your AC a life-extending break.

How Air Purifiers Help Protect Your Indoor Air Quality

June 8th, 2020

You probably have plenty on your mind when it comes to home chores at the start of summer. Worrying about your indoor air quality may not be at the top of the list of your current concerns. But when the summer heat turns intense and you start spending more days with your household sealed off from the outside air, indoor air quality will take a big hit. Numerous pollutants from inside sources–cooking and cleaning products, paint and building material, bacteria and mold spores–will circulate through the living space without fresh air to clear them out.

You have multiple options for improved IAQ for your homes, and air purifiers in Delaware and Maryland are among the best. But you’ll have to work with indoor air quality professionals to ensure that you have the right type of unit and the best installation available. That’s where Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning can help out.

Things That May Go Wrong With a Neglected Air Conditioner

May 25th, 2020

We emphasize the importance of scheduling regular AC maintenance in Dover, DE each spring and early summer—it’s that important. And since the summer is rapidly closing in, we want to impress upon all our customers who haven’t yet arranged for their regular air conditioning service visit from our technicians to have it done as soon as possible. It’s simple when you join our Maintenance Agreement Club.

Understanding When You Have an AC Emergency

May 11th, 2020

As the weather is getting warmer as we get nearer to summer, air conditioners are going to get to work—and some of them will start to not work. We offer 24/7 repair service for our customers when they have an emergency situation with their air conditioning systems. We know how vital a cooling system is for the comfort and safety of your family.

But people sometimes have questions about what constitutes a need for an emergency call. An air conditioner that won’t turn on at all certainly seems like an emergency. But maybe there is a simple explanation? Sometimes there is, and we want to help you understand better when you have an actual AC emergency on your hands and how to tell when there’s a simple troubleshooting step that will take care of the problem.

Don’t Forget the “V” in Your HVAC System: Ventilation

April 27th, 2020

When homeowners think about their indoor comfort, they usually think of their heating and air conditioning: the “H” and “AC” in the acronym “HVAC.” They often forget about the “V” sandwiched in the middle, standing for “ventilation.” But that letter is in the acronym for a good reason—ventilation is essential for comfort in a home and for better indoor air quality. Problems with ductwork in the ventilation system can lead to poor heating/cooling distribution, humidity swings, dusty and polluted air, and a plunge in HVAC energy efficiency.

When Is an HVAC System Repair TOO Expensive?

April 13th, 2020

If you’re asking yourself about whether a repair for your faulty HVAC system is too costly, it’s either because a) your heater is starting to fail at the end of the season after a long winter, or b) you’re concerned about your old air conditioning system and if it will manage the coming summer weather. In some cases, it may be time to replace your HVAC system with a more efficient heat pump setup.

In either case, you’re already asking the right question. Repairs for an HVAC system early on in its service life are usually worth the price, and many will fall under the warranty. With older systems that are out of warranty, price becomes a bigger concern. The cost to fix an older AC, furnace, boiler, or heat pump is often steeper, and you may be on the edge of purchasing a new system. Is the cost of a repair worthwhile, or is the repair too expensive and it’s finally time for a replacement system?

How Worried Should Those Furnace Noises Make You?

March 30th, 2020

technician-giving-furnace-maintenance-tune-up

When your furnace is running during cold weather, you have a good idea of what kind of noises it makes. A modern furnace won’t make a racket, but it does create a blanket white noise of air moving through the vents. When you’re near to the HVAC cabinet, you’ll be able to hear the burners running and the noise of the blower fan and its motor.

But if your furnace is making unusual sounds, ones you aren’t accustomed to hearing, you may feel worried something is wrong. Is it an emergency that needs 24/7 services from a Smyrna, DE, HVAC contractor? Or is it maybe nothing and you’re overreacting?