Category: Heat Pumps

Air Conditioning Repair, Replacement or Installation: Insist on a NATE Certified Technician

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Consumers deserve excellence – and that’s exactly what North American Technician Excellence (NATE) technicians deliver! Professionalism, pride and proficiency count. NATE certified technicians understand every aspect of heating and cooling systems, and can do any type of air conditioning repair, replacement or installation.

The North American Technician Excellence test is tough, and taking it is voluntary. The test involves:

  • All aspects of air conditioning
  • Heat pumps
  • Oil heating
  • Air distribution
  • Gas heating

Contractors, technicians, utilities, manufacturers, wholesalers, leading industry trade associations and educators endorse the test. The tests take place at 400 venues across the country and technicians can sign up for them through local organizations such as the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association, or Air Conditioning Contractors of America.How else would homeowners measure success and competency? Well, basically, they couldn’t. NATE is the only nationally accredited certification program which is endorsed by all sectors of the heating and cooling industry.

In essence, a NATE certified technician has proven his or her excellence by volunteering to be tested by professionals who are the best in the HVAC/R (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration) industry. Therefore, if you’re looking for a contractor to do an air conditioning repair, ask if his/her technicians are NATE-certified. If they are, go ahead. If not, make another call. When the technician does arrive, check that he or she is wearing the NATE certified patch.

You can also save yourself the research time and call Acosta Heating and Cooling. All of our technicians are NATE certified.

How To Boost the Efficiency of Heat Pumps

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

ENERGY STAR® has found that heat pumps are one of the most energy-efficient HVAC systems on the market. The efficiency and capacity of your heat pump depend on sufficient airflow. For every ton of a heat pump’s air conditioning capacity, there should be between 400 and 500 cfm (cubic feet per minute) of airflow. However, performance and efficacy will deteriorate if the airflow is less. Factors such as debris, snow, and a sluggish fan can all interfere with your system’s capacity.

Additionally, studies conducted by ENERGY STAR show that 50% of all heat pumps have significant problems with leaky air ducts and refrigerant pressure. Issues like these can amplify your system’s power use or even negate its effects entirely. These factors influence the performance of the whole heat pump system, forcing it to use more energy and work harder. If your energy bills are soaring, a few minor tweaks can yield excellent savings.

How To Amplify Your Heat Pump’s Efficacy and Reduce Energy Usage

With the help of your friendly HVAC technician, you can adjust your heat pump and achieve its full potential. This will include:

  • Making sure your refrigerant levels are correct and replenish them where necessary
  • Performing repairs to fix refrigerant leaks
  • Making sure your fan and airflow speeds are where they need to be. In some cases, this will be as simple as raising your airspeed and cleaning your evaporator coil. However, if your energy bills are skyrocketing because your heat pump is not performing as it should, we may suggest having your ductwork enlarged. This investment might seem drastic, but it will pay for itself through many years of energy efficiency.

Things You Can Do To Improve Your Heat Pump’s Efficiency

An efficient heat pump uses up to 25% less power than an inefficient one, so some maintenance will go a long way. If you take good care of your heat pump, you can prevent it from overextending itself, which, in turn, would raise your utility bills and shorten your system’s life span. Routine maintenance will maintain airflow and keep your indoor air clear.

  • Keep debris, furniture, and snow away from your system. Never cover your heat pump or place objects near the vents.
  • Clean your air intake zones often. This will work best if you unscrew your vents, then use a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dander.
  • Change your filters every month.

How Acosta Can Help

Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical has worked with heat pumps for over four decades. Our certified technicians can perform regular maintenance that keeps your heat pump in perfect condition. Our Peace of Mind Guarantee assures you of absolute satisfaction. With Acosta by your side, your heat pump will experience fewer disruptions and a better economy throughout summer and winter. We’ll keep your SEER rating where it belongs.

Call us to arrange a service at 704.665.5998.

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Your Heat Pump: Tend to It Before You Really Need It This Summer

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Outdoor temperatures at the height of summer can be extremely hot. Heat pumps need regular maintenance, so tend to yours now and you’ll be able to rely on it to work at its best when summer temperatures are highest.

Change or clean filters

Dirty filters are a major source of system breakdowns. They restrict the airflow your heat pump needs to function properly. They also let airborne contaminants and particulates back into your indoor air. Check all air filters monthly and change or clean them if dirty.

  • Fiberglass: Remove and discard these filters when they get dirty — at least every three months. Install a new filter; don’t try to clean and reuse old filters.
  • Plastic fiber or foam: Vacuum these filters clean and put them back in.
  • Aluminum mesh: These are the least effective be sure to clean with mild detergent and water. Add a new coat of the adhesive coating that captures dust and particulates, then reinstall the filter.

Clean the unit inside and out

Remove bushes, shrubs, trees, grass or other vegetation and obstructions from around the outdoor unit of your heat pump. Make sure there is plenty of clearance on all sides so that the unit receives plenty of airflow. Clean inside the cabinet and remove grass, twigs, leaves, nests or other debris. Clean the outside of the cabinet with a mild liquid cleaner and soft cloth. Wash the fan blades and coil to remove contaminants that can cause rust or corrosion.

Protect the unit

Do not let lawn additives to directly contact the cabinet; lawn chemicals such as chlorine or sulfur can cause corrosion and other damage. Contact your trusted HVAC contractor to perform regular preventive maintenance on your heat pump.

Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical has been a source of professional heating and air conditioning services to customers in Charlotte and surrounding areas for 40 years. Contact us today for more information on maintaining heat pumps and how you can keep your heat pump operating at its best throughout the summer season.

Your New Air Conditioner: Pay Attention to the Seer Ratings, But Consider These Features, Too

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

No matter what brand of air conditioner you choose to buy, the unit should be as efficient as possible so that it provides good cooling at a reasonable price. An Energy Star certification will ensure you’re getting a model that has passed government tests for efficiency. The unit should have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 15 or higher, with higher SEER numbers indicating better efficiency.

Beyond SEER, however, there are several other features that will improve the performance of your new air conditioner while providing high levels of efficiency and ongoing savings on your monthly cooling bills.

  • Variable-speed air handler: Variable-speed blower motors in your air handling system are designed to operate at lower energy consumption while delivering the right amount of air circulation for your indoor comfort. They produce all the air you need without using excess energy.
  • Automatic delay fan switch: This feature shuts off the fan a few minutes after the unit’s compressor turns off. This ensures that all cooling left on your indoor coil is circulated before the fan is shut off.
  • Fan-only switch: This feature lets you run the fan in your system for ventilation only. It also circulates the air in your home cleaning it as it passes the filter and the air movement makes it feel cooler, keeping air circulating through your house without spending money on unnecessary cooling.
  • Filter reminder: Filter changes keep your air conditioner running efficiently and reliably. A filter reminder will let you know that it’s time to put a new filter in the system to keep it running at its best and without breakdowns.
  • Sound Rating: A noisy air conditioner can be a source of aggravation. Make sure the model air conditioner you choose has a low sound rating to reduce stress-causing background noise in your home.

For 40 years, Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical has been a trusted source of professional heating and air conditioning services for customers in Charlotte and surrounding areas. Contact us today for more information and expert advice on air conditioners and the features that will work best for you.

The Ductless Mini Split: An Innovative Solution for a Unique Situation

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

A ductless mini split could be the solution to your home’s unique heating and cooling situation. One of its main advantages is that a mini split doesn’t require ductwork to operate, extending installation options beyond where ductwork is located and often minimizing costs, too.

There are several other distinct advantages to using a ductless mini split, including:

  • Flexible installation – You can install as many as four indoor air handlers, which gives you the ability to select four spaces to receive heating and cooling. A separate unit is installed outdoors, and a central conduit connects the indoor and outdoor units. The outdoor unit will need to accommodate drainage, but it can be located up to 50 feet away from the indoor units. To install the air handlers, your technician will need only to drill a small hole to run the conduit, requiring minimal adjustments and construction to your home.
  • Zoned heating and cooling – Each indoor air handler is controlled by its own thermostat, so you can effectively provide zoned heating and cooling to the spaces. With the ability to increase cooling, for instance, to a ductless mini split located in an enclosed porch, you can provide as much cooling as necessary to that space, without also increasing cooling to other spaces in your home—spaces that don’t need more cooling.
  • An efficient system – Heating and cooling systems that rely on forced air through ductwork are susceptible to high energy losses. Because ductless mini splits don’t rely on ductwork, you’ll get a more efficient heating and cooling process.
  • Lower installation costs – Extending and retrofitting ductwork is a costly endeavor, and mini splits bypass that cost. However, to ensure optimal results, you’ll want to hire an expert who’s familiar with mini splits, as their location and size will dictate efficiency and performance.

A ductless mini split is an efficient, flexible solution to your home heating and cooling needs. For more information, contact Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical, serving the Greater Charlotte area as a local, family-owned company since 1972.

Invest That Tax Refund in a Heat Pump System, and You’ll See the Long-Term Payoff

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

It’s that time of year again when excited homeowners make plans for their tax refunds. Even more exciting is deciding to put that investment toward a more efficient heating and cooling system, which will often pay you back for the initial costs through energy savings. An air-source heat pump system is a wise choice for Charlotte-area homeowners, as our climate is conducive for its heat-moving technology.

Heat pump systems are well known for their highly efficient heating capabilities.

In cooling mode, they work just as efficiently as a central A/C system, but in heat mode, they are able to generate as much as four times the heat for every unit of energy they utilize. Generally set at a balance point of 35 degrees, they can effectively source heat in the outdoor air throughout the majority of winter.

No matter the season, heat pumps create a more comfortable home by delivering even amounts of conditioned air throughout the day. When selecting a system, consider efficiency ratings and advanced features to maximize performance:

  • Efficiency ratings – Heat pumps have two ratings, one for cooling and one for heating. For cooling, select a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating above 14, and for heating, select a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) rating above 8. Both of these ratings are for high-efficiency systems, which will net you higher energy savings over the life of the system.
  • Thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) – A TXV will meter exact amounts of refrigerant according to the daily weather, releasing more refrigerant during extreme temperatures.
  • Variable-speed blower – With the ability to adjust the air handler to multiple speeds, these systems consume less energy by operating at a lower speed for a majority of the day, and like a TXV, ramping up to high speeds only when the weather demands it.
  • Two-stage compressor – A two-stage compressor starts out at 70% of its capacity and if this satisfies your thermostat it stays there using less energy. However on extreme temperature days when 70% doesn’t satisfy your thermostat quick enough then the compressor will bump up to 100% capacity. This feature will manage energy consumption, and decrease wear and tear on the system.

Use your tax refund wisely and invest that money back into your home with a highly efficient heat pump system. For expert advice during the upgrade process, contact Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical, serving the greater Charlotte area as a local, family-owned company since 1972.

Boost Your Heat Pump System’s Performance With 3 Insider Tips

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

According to research from Energy Star, 50 percent of all heat pumps have significant problems with leaky air ducts, inadequate airflow and incorrect refrigerant pressure. These factors affect the performance of your heat pump system, making it work harder and use more energy.

Your HVAC technician can improve the performance of your heat pump system by performing these tasks and checks:

  • Check the refrigerant charge and correct it, if necessary.
  • Make sure the duct system is properly sealed, clean and insulated.
  • Check the airflow and fan speed.

If you have an annual maintenance plan, your technician can check the ducts, airflow and refrigerant on his next visit. If you hear noises in your ducts or coming from the blower, you should call for service right away.In addition to the maintenance performed by your HVAC technician, there are a few things you can do to improve airflow and performance of your heat pump system:

  • Make sure there is no furniture blocking vents and air returns.
  • Vacuum dirty vent and air return covers.
  • Change air filters regularly.

Homeowners in the Charlotte, North Carolina area can call Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical for guaranteed service and maintenance by trained technicians. For your peace of mind, we offer maintenance and service plans to ensure that your system is always operating at peak performance.

Heat Pump Anatomy: How All Those Parts Work Together to Deliver Efficient Cooling and Heating

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

If you’re looking to upgrade your existing home comfort systems, a heat pump makes good economic sense. Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling and do so very efficiently. They do not burn combustible fuel to produce heat, but use electrical power during both heating and cooling operations. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat pumps can produce three to four times as much heat energy as the electrical energy they consume, making them very efficient choices.

Heat pumps move heat from one place to another, bringing in heat from the outside during the winter and dispersing excess heat to the outdoors in the summer. Air-source heat pumps use a refrigeration system consisting of a compressor and two sets of copper coils, one inside the house and the other outside. The coils have a set of aluminum fins around them to improve heat transfer.

When the system provides heating, liquid refrigerant in the outdoor coils extracts heat from the external air. This causes the refrigerant to turn into a gas. The compressor moves the gaseous refrigerant through the coils and into your house. The gas condenses back into liquid, releasing its heat.

In the summer, this process works in the opposite direction for cooling. A reversing valve in the refrigerant line changes the direction of refrigerant flow. Indoor heat is captured by the gaseous refrigerant and is released into the air outside as the refrigerant becomes liquid again.

Heat pumps lose efficiency when temperatures fall much below 40 degrees. They contain an additional component, a set of electric resistance coils or a gas furnace that provide heat when temperatures get too cold for the heat pump to function efficiently.

For 40 years, Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical has been providing professional services to customers in Charlotte and surrounding areas. Contact us today for expert help with choosing a heat pump, to get a quote, or to schedule an installation.

Heat Pumps: Consider Efficiency Ratings and Advanced Features; But Also Keep These 4 Factors in Mind

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

When selecting a new heating system, It’s important to consider the efficiency of heat pumps and their features, along with a few lesser-known factors, that will determine your home comfort and savings. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know when evaluating heat pumps:

Because a heat pump is a multi-purpose home HVAC system, you’ll need to check out two efficiency ratings: Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) for heating, and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) for cooling. You can maximize your investment by selecting a high-efficiency system with ratings above HSPF 8 and SEER 14. Keep in mind that systems with higher ratings will provide better monthly energy savings, but they will cost more to purchase initially.

The features included in a heat pump determine its overall efficiency. Advanced features that enhance comfort and savings include:

  • Improved refrigerant delivery with a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV), which will meter precise amounts of refrigerant according to the climate’s demands.
  • Variable-speed components, like a motor or air handler, which allows the heat pump to use energy wisely and increase home comfort.
  • Upgraded design for coils, which generally allow for an overall increase in the surface space of the coil so that it can take on more refrigerant.

While it’s important to consider the efficiency of a heat pump, you should keep the following points in mind:

  • Demand defrost capabilities are critical in the winter, which should ideally decrease the process of defrosting to minimize electricity consumption.
  • Noise levels are also a factor. Make sure the system meets minimum guidelines, generally below 7.6 bels.
  • The position of the unit will also affect noise and efficiency. Make sure it’s located away from windows, and protected from winds.
  • The installer should evaluate the position of the indoor coil, as it should generally be positioned upstream of the furnace to maximize efficiency.

Get the most out of your investment, by evaluating heat pumps with effective efficiency ratings and advanced features that will match your home’s needs. In the Greater Charlotte area, contact Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical for all your home cooling and heating needs.

Five Features to Consider When You’re Deciding On a New Heat Pump

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Heat pumps are among the most energy-efficient types of heating and cooling equipment available. The units extract heat rather than using fuels to heat and cool homes and are ideal ways to condition homes in Charlotte since temperatures remain fairly mild throughout the year. If you need or want to install energy-efficient heating and cooling, consider heat pumps.

The new models have optional features that help you save even more energy throughout the year. For example:

  • Dual-speed compressors sense the indoor or outdoor temperatures and operate at moderate or high speeds to control your home’s temperature. If it’s not hot outside or overly cold, the moderate compression speed saves electricity.
  • Air handlers, located inside, can run at medium to high speeds, which also saves you money. The variable-speed motors are also quieter than an air handler that only runs on high. Some manufacturers use variable-speed fans on the outdoor compressors as well.
  • Scroll compressors are an engineering change in the units that use two scrolls. One is stationary and the other rotates around it, compressing the gas more efficiently. This design feature provides about 10-15 degrees warmer air in the winter than the standard piston compressor.
  • Dual-fuel systems combine the heat pump’s ability to extract warmth from the winter air along with additional fuel sources like natural gas, oil or firewood. These systems work well to supply auxiliary heat when the temperatures dip below 40 degrees.

If you’re in the Charlotte area and want more information about heating and cooling options, please contact the experts at Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical. We’ll be happy to answer all of your questions.