Category: Air Conditioning

It’s Important to Have a Professional Oversee Your Evaporator Coil Installation

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Evaporator Coil Installation in Charlotte, NC

The evaporator coil in your air conditioning system is where the air is conditioned before being circulated and distributed throughout your house. As this is one of the most import parts of your system, it would be wise to call in professionals to be sure your evaporator coil installation is properly done. Our highly trained product specialists here at Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical in Charlotte, NC are eager to offer a free consultation to determine your needs. Then we will discuss with you your options and offer our professional opinion on what would be best for your home.

If together we determine that you need a new evaporator coil, this would be a good time to have your entire HVAC system inspected to be sure it is in good shape. If you are unsure of the state of your system, we advise you to have it inspected during the spring or fall months when your system is not in high use. As the evaporator coil installation and the inspection of a system can take a couple of hours, plan accordingly to not have your HVAC system running during that time.

If there are any issues with your system, we will catch them during inspection and help you correct the problem as soon as possible. It’s better to stay ahead of issues than to deal with problems that may arise when you most need your evaporator coil to be functioning. So call us today and let us inspect your system and discuss your needs.

What Type of AC Services Are Offered at Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical?

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Some AC services companies only install air conditioners, while others only maintain or repair AC units. But at Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical in Charlotte, NC, we do it all! Our highly trained, professional AC service staff knows where and how to look for possible damage or wear and tear that might be taking a toll on your unit.

AC Services Offered in Charlotte, NC

We can replace your air conditioning unit, ducts, and air handler if they are damaged beyond repair, as well as replace or upgrade your thermostats in order to make your unit more energy efficient. We also offer a maintenance program that will maximize the lifespan of your system and catch small repairs before they become expensive disasters.

We offer AC services to both residential and commercial locations in the Charlotte area and have a 24/7 emergency service to help you day or night, should your unit go out unexpectedly.

While we focus mostly on AC services as summer approaches, we also offer the same services for furnaces and more. With all your service and maintenance needs in one place, call us today and see what we can do to save you time and money by keeping your HVAC units in good, working order!

Does Your Air Conditioning Unit Have the Right Seer for Your Home?

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Before you can know if your air conditioning unit has the right SEER for your home, you need to understand what SEER is.  SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, and it is a method used to determine the efficiency of your air conditioning unit. If the SEER rating on your unit is higher, it means that it is using less energy, thus lessening its effect on the environment and lowering your utility bills.

In older systems (10-15 years old), SEER ratings typically range from 6.0 to 10.0. The rating of newer systems today is usually between 13.0 and 18.0, with some reaching as high as 25.0, due to more energy-efficient technology.

While you might assume that automatically means you should try to get an air conditioning unit with a SEER of 18.0 or higher, that is not always necessary. The minimum SEER level manufactured today is 13.0; however, as of 2015, the government has issued a change that requires a minimum 14.0 SEER rating on new air conditioning units installed in the Southeastern U.S.

AC Unit Installation in Charlotte, NC

So how do you figure out what SEER level you need for your home? That is where Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical comes in. Our locally owned and operated company has been helping Charlotte, NC homeowners like you with air conditioning unit sales, installation, and repairs since 1972. With our help, you can be sure you are getting the right air conditioning unit for your needs, including a SEER rating that doesn’t make you pay a penny more than you need to cool your home. And although there will be other factors to consider in keeping your air conditioning unit working at an efficient level, such as remembering to change the air filters and performing regular maintenance, getting the air conditioning unit with the optimal SEER rating level for your home is the best place to start.

3 Questions to Ask Your Air Conditioning Repair Company

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

A common problem for many people when the temperature goes up is the breakdown of their air condoning unit, creating a need for air conditioning repair. But even though having your air conditioning repaired is important, it’s also important to ask the repair company the following questions to be certain that you are choosing the right one.

  • Are you insured and licensed in my state?  This is one of the most important questions you should ask your air conditioning repair contractor.  You need to find someone who is licensed and insured to work in whatever state you live in.
  • How much will it cost? You shouldn’t just ask this question – make sure they give you the answer in writing. Otherwise, you may discover they are presenting you with an air conditioning repair bill that is much higher than you expected it to be.
  • Do you offer a guarantee?  Most of the contractors are going to offer some kind of guarantee of their work that says you will get your money back if you aren’t satisfied.  When they offer this guarantee, make sure you read the fine print and understand everything.
  • Can you give me references? References from satisfied customers are a must when you are looking for an air conditioning repair contractor. The only time you may not need to ask this question is when you were referred to the contractor by a trusted friend or a family member.

These are some of the questions you want to ask when you are choosing an air conditioning repair specialist to work in your home. The answers will help you determine whether they are a good fit.

SkyShow 2013 At Knights Stadium

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Baseball, fireworks and fun came together for SkyShow 2013 July 3rd at Knights Stadium in Charlotte.

Acosta Heating and Cooling sponsored the SkyShow giveaway of thermostats as well as family four packs of tickets to the event.

The Coolest Seat in the House Promotion Grand Prize was a solar ready Lennox Air Conditioner.

Forty contestants were selected to enjoy the celebration with free tickets and each received a wireless Honeywell thermostat.

The grand prize winner was Dean Rogers of Charlotte. He was presented a certificate at the SkyShow at Knights Stadium during the event.

Acosta Heating and Cooling is a family owned and operated, full service HVAC company serving the Charlotte area for over forty years.

Steps to Keep Your Air Conditioning Working Efficiently

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

So often we don’t think about our air conditioning equipment until it stops working, but by then, the service call and repairs can really be costly. The wiser plan is to take the necessary steps to assure your air conditioning system is working efficiently, thereby extending its life and avoiding costly repairs. Cooling costs make up the largest part of most household’s utility costs, so attention to reducing air conditioning costs is imperative.

Your air conditioner working at its best efficiency not only saves you repair woes, but will also save you money each and every month. Just a few steps during the year are all that is needed.

First, take steps to allow your air conditioning system to work more easily. These steps include:

  • Change the filter regularly – at least once a month during the summer, but more often if you have pets or other dusty conditions.
  • Make sure your home is as insulated as possible. Replace any seals that are worn out and are letting cool air escape.
  • Reduce heat sources as much as possible during summer months. Opt to cook out on the grill instead of run the oven. Use light bulbs that do not put off heat. Shut off lights that are not needed as they produce heat.
  • Plant trees and shrubbery around your home, keeping in mind that the more you can curtail that hot sun, the less your air conditioning has to work to keep your home cool in the summer.
  • Use ceiling fans – there is debate on whether these just make you feel cooler or actually do cool a room, but if using them means you feel cool enough to set the thermostat a degree or two higher, that will save your air conditioner from working as hard.

Second, maintain your air conditioning equipment to keep it running efficiently:

  • An annual service visit from an air conditioning expert will refresh your system and alert you to any issues it may be experiencing. They will check the unit, the thermostat, and your duct work to be sure everything works optimally. They may also be helpful in advising you when to consider a newer system that is rated higher for efficiency.
  • Have an air conditioning company install a programmable thermostat so you can set it to higher temperatures when you don’t need it as cool, like when you are at work.

The ideal time to have your air conditioner serviced is before the summer season begins. This way, any issues can be addressed before you find yourself sweltering in the heat and hoping they can squeeze you in as soon as possible. Air conditioning companies are really kept hopping during the summer, so it can take longer to get to you and also to get parts. A service call is generally higher during peak times as well. Repairs are always more costly than preventative maintenance, so having your unit serviced at least annually will save you money down the road.

To schedule routine maintenance of your system call Acosta at [phone] or click here to schedule online.

The Advantages of Ductless Air Conditioning

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Split ductless air conditioning is a good way to add air conditioning to multiple rooms without having to install ductwork and open up drywall. Ductless air conditioning systems have an exterior condenser and an indoor evaporator unit that holds the coil and a fan.

Bringing a ductless air conditioner in your home is an affordable alternative to central heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, which need a network of ducts to move. Ductless air conditioning is also more efficient and much easier to maintain.

If you do not have a central air conditioning system yet, the ductless air conditioning system may be the best solution for you. Here are a few of the benefits of ductless air conditioners:

  • Quiet and discreet – Most air conditioners are noisy; these offer a much quieter alternative that won’t disrupt the mood of a room.
  • Ease of operation – Most ductless air conditioners come with remote controls to allow you to easily control the temperature of every room inside your home.
  • Small size – They are small and won’t take up much space in your home.
  • Easy to install – Without the necessary ductwork and central air unit, these air conditioners can be installed in one day rather than taking over a week with many regular air conditioners.
  • Cost-effectiveness – Air conditioners without ducts use a lot less energy than regular air conditioners, saving you money on your utilities. If you use multiple ductless air conditioning units, you get the added cost savings of being able to adjust the temperature of each room according to your needs. If you only want your bedroom cooled during the night, you don’t have to pay for cooling the whole house.

Reducing the Energy Consumption of Your Air Conditioning Unit

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Air conditioning is now a must in any setting, whether it be your household, office, store, or other building. To make your family, guests, and customers comfortable and provide good air quality, you have to spend money to ensure maintenance and good temperatures indoors. It is no secret that it is becoming more and more of a financial burden for you, but you have a responsibility to keep the air conditioning going in those hot summer months.

Here is a list of important energy saving tips to help you get the most of your air conditioning while limiting the amount of energy you use:

  • Shade your residence from the outside – using blinds, awnings, or shutters reduces the amount of sunlight that is allowed inside, lowering the temperature indoors, so that the air conditioning unit is used less.
  • Keep doors and windows closed.
  • Know the temperature outside – increase and decrease the thermostat with the temperature. The two temperatures should be no more than 25 degrees apart. A large variance in the two temperatures is also bad for your body.
  • Make sure electronics/sources of heat are off – When you can, keep computers, game systems, printers, ovens and lights off as these all give off heat, making your air conditioning run harder. Limiting shower times can also help.
  • Avoid an elevated room humidity – try to stay away from activities that will increase the humidity in your home. This can include working out, doing laundry, or taking long showers. The air conditioning tries to lower the humidity, so when the air inside your home is humid, the unit must work harder and use more energy.

Advantages of Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

If you wait until the last minute to have your air conditioning repaired or wait until something goes terribly wrong, you could be making a very expensive mistake. Like any mechanical equipment, the most cost-effective way to get the most out of your air conditioner is with regular maintenance and proper care.

Checking on the air conditioning unit yourself and having a professional stop by frequently can help save you lots of money in the long run. Small maintenance and air conditioning repair measures can have benefits like:

  • Preventing costly breakdowns
  • Reducing energy costs
  • Extending the life of the equipment
  • Improving system performance
  • Making the system safer

Little steps can go a long way in saving you money and avoiding a heat stroke in the middle of the summer when your air conditioning goes out. For example, replacing and cleaning the air filters can have a positive impact on air conditioning system performance.   Clean air filters maximize your system’s airflow, making it cleaner and improving efficiency and operation.  Changing the filters also reduces energy consumption your house uses and helps the environment.  According to energysavers.gov, keeping your filter clean can lower the energy consumption of your unit by 5%-15%, a significant savings.  (See all about maintaining your air conditioner at their website.)

Overall maintenance is also important as your air conditioner loses 5% of its overall efficiency every year it goes without proper professional maintenance. Proper maintenance of your air conditioner has been proven to double the life span of the system.

The most important reason to keep your air conditioning unit maintained: peace of mind. Many health risks that are associated with poor air quality can be greatly reduced or eliminated with proper air conditioning system maintenance and repair. It is important for your safety and the safety of your family, as well as your wallet to maintain your air conditioner and get professional air conditioning repair services regularly.