Category: Heating

Air Conditioners: Choosing the Right Size for Your Home

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Choosing an Air Conditioner Size in Charlotte, NC

When it comes to air conditioners, a bigger system won’t necessarily cool your home any better than a smaller one. Generally speaking, the size you need all comes down to the cooling power your home requires and how big your home is. One of the best ways, however, to pick the right system as you go through your options for air conditioners is to choose a system with the right BTUs, or British Thermal Unit.

The BTU rating is a figure that lets you know how quickly and effectively an air conditioner can cool a particular room. For most air conditioners, BTU ratings range from 5,000 to more than 20,000. Keep in mind that a unit that’s oversized for a small space will cycle on and off and waste energy, while a unit with too few BTUs will struggle to cool the space effectively.

There are several factors you should consider as you think about what BTU rating your new system needs, such as location, the climate where you live, sun exposure, and ceiling height. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  • If the room you want to cool receives significant sunlight during the day, go with a unit with 10% more BTUs than the size the room requires.
  • If you’re picking a new unit for your kitchen, go with a system that has an additional 4,000 BTUs than is needed for the room size.
  • For rooms that usually have more than two people in them, go for a unit with an additional 600 BTUs per person.

If you want more tips on picking the right air conditioner size, give us a call! We’re always more than happy to help.

You Can’t Go Wrong With These Central Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips for Your Charlotte, NC Home

Your central air conditioning system keeps your home cool all summer long — or at least that’s what you want it to do. If you want to avoid a situation where your central air conditioning system stops working like it should or stops working altogether, we highly recommend following these maintenance guidelines:

  • The most important thing you can do for your central air conditioning system is to replace its filters on a regular basis. Clogged, dirty filters prevent clean, cool air from flowing through your home effectively, and they compromise your system’s efficiency. Your air conditioning filters are likely located somewhere in a wall or ceiling, so locate them and commit to changing them out on a frequent basis.
  • Over months and years of service, your AC system’s evaporator coils and condenser coil are going to collect dirt and debris, which can cut back on your system’s effectiveness. Prevent these essential coils from becoming too dusty or dirty by cleaning the area around these coils, removing debris from this area and trimming back any foliage that may have gotten in the way.

Instead of worrying about whether something’s going to go wrong with your central air conditioning system, be proactive about repairs by investing in preventative maintenance. Here at Acosta Heating and Cooling, we provide preventative maintenance programs, and a technician from our team can come to your home and inspect your system. They will also let you know if there are repairs you should watch out for or if you should have them done right away, so your system maintains its functionality and efficiency.

HVAC Repair vs. Coca-Cola 600

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

You, and probably many of your friends, are anxiously looking forward to the 58th running of the Coca-Cola 600 at the end of May. The pre-race show is set to honor Memorial Day and our military heroes so it should be an incredible event. The last thing you want to do is miss it because of a costly HVAC repair. About now you are also probably getting close to turning on the air conditioning, if you haven’t already, and one thing that you should be thinking about is having maintenance done on it to be sure it is operating properly.

Not only can a costly HVAC repair often be avoided with regular maintenance, but having your system tuned will save on your utility bill, as well. After all, you want the cars at Charlotte Motor Speedway to be doing the racing– not your electric meter. The utility saving may not be enough to cover the cost of the tickets to the race, but it could cover a beverage or two.

HVAC Repair in Concord, NC

At Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we’re excited about the big race, too, and we want to do our part so that you can avoid HVAC repair. If you do end up needing HVAC repair, however, you can count on us to keep it reasonable for you. We’ve served the area since 1972 in part because we take care of your home like it was our very own. We also offer service plans, so you can stay on top of keeping your HVAC equipment in peak performance all year long. After all, there are plenty more races later in the year, too!

Things to Consider Regarding a Heater Installation

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Whether you are building a new home or have reached the decision that it is time to replace your current furnace, you may be wondering what is involved in the heater installation process. There are a number of things that you will need to consider, including type and details. At Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical in Charlotte, NC, we are experts at heater installation, including advising you on the best option for your home.

Heater Installation in Charlotte, NC

Regardless of what type of furnace you currently have, we can perform heater installation of any type in most cases. This means you can switch from an inefficient electric heat system to a more efficient gas heating system, for example. We have had a number of residents make this switch to save money on heating costs, and we can go over how much you might save if this is an option for you.

Once you have decided on a type of heater installation, the next step is choosing the actual model. Each model will have a heat output rating, measured in BTUs, which stands for British Thermal Unit. By inspecting your home, we will be able to tell you what BTU rating will be sufficient for your home, offering the right balance between comfort and efficiency. Heaters are also rated for efficiency, which is shown as a percentage number. The more efficient the system is, the lower your utility bills will be.

We will likely give you a number of options that will fit the space and supply the right balance of comfort and efficiency. We will always provide you with a comprehensive quote that outlines the full scope of your heater installation, so there are never any surprises.

How Wireless Thermostats Work

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

In recent years, there has been a growing trend in electronics to go from wired versions to wireless versions, so it should come as no surprise to you that there are now wireless thermostats available. Wireless thermostats are an ideal choice when a more flexible installation is needed, but they are also perfect if you want to have the ability to fine-tune the room temperature easily.

Wireless thermostats are believed to be beneficial for energy savings because you can better control the temperature. This may also provide your family with more comfort than is possible with a conventional wired thermostat.

Wireless thermostats are not without issues, however. Just as other wireless devices, wireless thermostats are dependent on the lack of reception interference. How well it will work for you will depend on various things about your home, such as its construction and presence of other electronics.

Wireless Thermostats in Charlotte, NC

The best way to know if your home would be conducive to a wireless thermostat is to give us a call at Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical to arrange a consultation. We will come to your Charlotte, NC home and check to see how well it would work for you and discuss the advantages and potential disadvantages of this type of thermostat. It is not difficult to change your heating system over to a wireless thermostat, so we can take care of it in just one short visit if we determine that it is a viable option. This is a very affordable way to upgrade your system and add value to your home. Give us a call today to discuss this modern technological breakthrough!

Radiant Heating Systems Can Benefit Allergy Sufferers

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

A radiant heating system supplies heat directly to the floor or to panels in a ceiling or wall. The system depends largely on the transfer of radiant heat – the delivery of heat directly from a hot surface to a space through infrared radiation. You can liken it to the effect of feeling the warmth of a stovetop from the other side of the room.

Radiant heating is usually more efficient than forced-air heating and more effective than baseboard heating because there are no duct losses. It is often the preferred choice for people with allergies because, unlike a forced-air system, it doesn’t distribute allergens.

Liquid-based (hydronic) heating systems need very little electricity – a major benefit in areas where the price of electricity is high and for homes off the power grid. Liquid-based systems can use a wide range of energy sources to heat the liquid, including solar water heaters, wood-fired burners, oil-fired boilers, standard gas, or a combination of these.

Radiant floor heating relies heavily on the natural circulation of heat as air warmed by the floor rises (convection). These systems are very different to the panels used in ceilings and walls. There are 3 types of radiant floor heat:

  1. Radiant air floors, where air acts as the heat-carrying medium
  2. Hydronic radiant floors
  3. Electric radiant floors

These types can be further categorized by the installation. Wet installations refer to those that use lightweight concrete over a wooden subfloor or the large thermal mass of a concrete slab floor. Dry installations are those where the heating installer attaches the tubing under a finished floor or sandwiches it between 2 layers of plywood.

Heating Services in Charlotte, NC

From furnace repair to heating system replacement, Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical is here to help.
For heating in Charlotte NC, contact us at Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical. Since 1972, we’ve provided quality products & services at affordable rates. Give us a call today!

Saving Money On Heating With Programmable Thermostats

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Heating your home is a constant game. It is hard to save money, remain comfortable and be responsible to the environment at the same time. With rising energy costs and a green movement that is bringing everyone more in touch with their footprint on the Earth, homeowners are looking for reasonable solutions in heating and air conditioning their home.

Most heating options that are environmentally friendly are very costly to homeowners and can take weeks to install. One improvement you can make that is fairly cheap and very quick to install is programmable thermostats.

Programmable thermostats only range from $50 to $200, which is hardly anything considering the costs of replacing furnaces, installing new windows, or buying more efficient appliances. This small cost yields big savings, savings of about 15% a year.

Other than significantly lowering your energy bills, programmable thermostats are much more convenient to have in your home, and can save energy without you even remembering to turn the thermostat down. Most programmable thermostats can save more than six temperature settings for every single day, and you can override them without messing up the daily or weekly program that the thermostat is set to.

This can do wonders to save you money on heating during cold winter months. For example, your house can be a nippy 60 degrees while you are at work, and then–while you are in traffic on your commute back home–it can automatically move up to a toasty 68 degrees or 70 degrees. When you step in the door, the temperature is right where you want it.

Heating Your Home for Winter: Safety Is Important

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire… During the time when Jack Frost is nipping at your nose, it feels great to be warm. But before you light an open fire in your house or turn up the thermostat you should take a few safety precautions to avoid hazards.

A good start is to make sure that you have fresh batteries in your fire alarms. Fire alarms, as simple as they might be, can mean life or death when you are heating your home. Here are some other places you should look before heating up the house in the winter:

Furnace

  • Make sure it is inspected annually before heating your home.
  • Make sure all gauges are working properly.
  • Check and replace filters.
  • Move any items away from the furnace.
  • Place a carbon monoxide detector on each level and/or living area of your home.

Fireplace

  • Make sure that your chimney is clean. This should be done annually.
  • Remember to open the flue; otherwise smoke will fill your house quickly.
  • Make sure to clear all items from your roof.

Radiator

  • Make sure there is no furniture around the radiator.
  • Make sure that children are kept away from the radiator to prevent burns.
  • Check the insulation around the pipe that connects to your radiator. If it is becoming worn, it needs to be replaced.

Using these safety tips, your whole family can have a warm winter season without concern for dangers or accidentally starting a fire while heating your home.

How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning From Home Heating Systems

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

According to the USFA (United States Fire Administration), around 400 Americans die of carbon monoxide poisoning every year, and an additional 22,000 are treated in emergency rooms. Most fatalities are associated with central heating systems, fireplaces and portable heaters.

Carbon monoxide is a potentially lethal, odorless, colorless, poisonous gas. Sources of it include the incomplete burning of fuels (kerosene, wood, charcoal, coal, etc.) and equipment or vehicles that use combustion engines such as lawn mowers, portable generators and cars. Prevention is of paramount importance to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. It can kill you before you even know it’s in your home.

You rely on heating sources to keep you warm in winter, but remember they are also possible sources of carbon monoxide, so please observe the following precautions this winter:

  • Ensure that chimneys and vents are free of debris or blockage. Schedule an appointment at least once a year for a professional inspection of any fuel-burning appliances in your home, including your chimney, venting and heating systems.
  • Do not use flameless, portable, chemical heaters inside your home. While they don’t produce flames, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) says they burn gas and can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide inside homes.
  • Never use your oven or a gas range burner to warm up your home. They are not designed for home heating purposes.
  • Install a carbon monoxide alarm or detector and ensure that it has fresh batteries and is working properly. These devices are designed to measure carbon monoxide levels. The USFA recommends using a detector that has passed the UL2034 safety standard. Also make sure to check the expiration date on your carbon monoxide detector; most are only effective for 5-7 years.