Category: Preventative Maintenance

Why You Should Call Us for Air Conditioning Repair and All Other HVAC Needs

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

We have been the leading cooling and heating company in the Carolinas for over 40 years. Our installers and technicians are factory-trained and certified to carry out all HVAC procedures.

But, that’s not all. We also ensure that your equipment operates safely, so that you have peace of mind. We’ll also tell you how you can save money on your energy costs. And, more importantly, we can improve the quality of the air that you breathe to prevent you and your family being exposed to airborne allergens.

We guarantee:

  • Outstanding Customer Service: Whether you’re reviewing payment options, scheduling an appointment or following up on a service already provided.
  • Highly Trained Technicians: We provide continuing training and certification for our technicians. They are all NATE-certified and qualified to work on all brands of HVAC equipment. And, before we hire anyone, we check that they have a drug-free background.
  • Professionalism and Punctuality: From air conditioning repair to routine service and maintenance calls, we arrive on time and get the job done in an efficient and timely manner.
  • Cleanliness, Security and Safety: Our highest priority is the security and safety of your family and your possessions. Our installers and technicians carry vacuums and shoe covers to ensure your home stays clean.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: All services and installations come with a written 100% satisfaction guarantee.

A Little Care Goes a Long Way to Ensure Your Solar Power Panels Are Working Efficiently

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

If you have recently had solar power panels installed in your home, you’ll need to invest some time in maintaining them. Solar panel maintenance is a twofold process that involves a technician and a homeowner working together to achieve maximum performance.

There are some preventative measures that you, as the homeowner, can take to reduce the amount of maintenance your solar power panels need. Beyond that, a qualified technician should handle any repair or replacement tasks.

Here are the things that you can do to ensure your solar power panels stay in good working order:

  • Check the collectors once a year to ensure they are not blocked by plants or new construction. Even if your solar power panels are in partial shade, their performance can deteriorate.
  • If you notice that the collectors are dirty, clean them. Like shade, an accumulation of dirt can affect performance.[/list_item]
  • Make sure the sealant around the penetrations in the roof is in good condition.
  • If your solar power panels are not roof-mounted, regularly check the bolts and nuts on the support structure.

These simple checks will enable your new solar power panels to efficiently convert sunlight into electricity and reduce your energy costs.

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.

OK, Your Air Conditioner Does the Job – Now, Do You Know How It Works?

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

You may be perfectly content with your existing air conditioner, but learning how it works can benefit you. Understanding the refrigeration-cooling process will not only help you select the right unit when it comes time to upgrade, but it will also help you learn to value regular maintenance. Ultimately, in either case, you’ll be able to maximize your investment in your air conditioner just by taking the time to learn how it works.

The refrigerant looping through your air conditioner’s components is able to change forms throughout the cooling process, from a gas to a liquid and then back to a gas. But this chemical refrigerant is special because as it travels through the various cooling stages, it can absorb or expel heat, which is key to cooling a space.

Here’s how it works:

  • Beginning at the outdoor unit, the refrigerant starts at the compressor in a gas form, where it is cool and under low pressure. As the name suggests, the compressor begins to “compress” the gas, pushing all of its molecules together, increasing the energy and raising the temperature of the gas.
  • Then, the compressor sends the refrigerant, which is now very hot and at a much higher pressure, into the condenser. Here, the refrigerant is cooled by the condenser fan and changes back to a liquid form.
  • Once the liquid refrigerant arrives at the evaporator, the refrigerant’s pressure is released, and it is at this point that it changes back to a gas. During the change in form, the refrigerant is able to absorb heat from the surrounding air, thereby cooling the air.
  • The process begins again.

At any point during this process, if dirt exists on the condenser and or evaporator coils, for instance, the system’s efficiency will be compromised, making regular maintenance paramount. Additionally, it’s easy to see why advanced features, like enhanced coil design or a valve that meters refrigerant, are worth considering when upgrading.If you have questions about your air conditioner, or would like to talk to a home-comfort expert in greater Charlotte about upgrading, contact Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical today!

Are Ductwork Leaks Costing You Money and Comfort? Five Signs to Look For

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Ductwork is the network of large pipes, that distribute heated or cooled air throughout your house. Ductwork leaks can cause even the best furnace, heat pump or air conditioner to function poorly and inefficiently.

Since the ductwork carries all of the air that keeps your home comfortable in each season, loose connections, unsealed gaps or other ductwork leaks can cause substantial air and energy loss. Up to 20 percent of the air in the ductwork can be wasted because of these leaks, which quickly adds up to a lot of money spent conditioning air that never gets used. In some cases, leaky ductwork can cause a danger to you and your family if harmful gases such as carbon monoxide are not properly vented to the outdoors.

Watch carefully for any of the following five signs of leaky, damaged or inefficient ductwork:

1. Abnormally high heating or cooling expenses or spikes in your bills that do not correspond to increased usage or outdoor temperatures

2. Problems heating or cooling particular rooms or areas appropriately

3. Noticeable air escaping around the side or edges of the fan section and or ductwork in attics or crawlspaces

4. Noticeable damage to sections of ductwork

5. Ducts installed in unconditioned or poorly conditioned locations, such as garages, unfinished or uninsulated basements or attics, or crawl spaces

By finding and sealing any leaks in your ductwork, you’ll see immediate savings on your monthly heating and cooling expenses. Contact your local trusted HVAC contractor for a professional duct sealing. HVAC experts can mechanically attach ductwork sections to each other for a better seal. They can also test for proper airflow and the presence of any harmful gases or fumes.

Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical has been a trusted provider of professional heating and air conditioning services to customers in Charlotte and surrounding areas for 40 years. Contact us today for more information on reducing ductwork leaks and improving indoor comfort through proper sealing.

6 Ways to Minimize Your Risk of Water Damage When You’re Running Your Air Conditioner

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

One of the benefits provided by your air conditioner is dehumidification of your indoor air. As air circulates through the system, it flows across the evaporator coil. Water is drawn out of the air as condensation forms on this coil. The water is then drained away and the drier air circulates back into your home.

The presence of this water creates a constant possibility of leaks and overflows. Here are six ways you can minimize the risk of water damage from an active air conditioner.

1. Preventive maintenance:

Contact your local trusted HVAC service professional to schedule regular preventive maintenance. This is the best thing you can do to keep your air conditioner running well and without leaks. Your technician should check and clear main and emergency drains. Coils should also be cleaned and contactors inspected for possible damage.

2. Algaecide:

Regular applications of algaecide will keep algae from growing inside the pipes and causing clogs.

3. Adequate airflow:

Your air conditioner must have an unobstructed flow of air to work properly. Change filters regularly to prevent them from getting dirty and clogged. Ensure adequate airflow around the outside unit by trimming back tree limbs and other vegetation.

4. Emergency drainage:

Check the emergency drain outlet frequently. If water is coming out of this pipe, it means your primary drain is clogged and a leak is likely to happen soon. Shut off your air conditioner and call for service.

5. Mechanical media filter:

If your air conditioner uses this type of filter, contact an HVAC technician to replace it at least once a year.

6. Safety float switch:

Have a safety float switch installed in the drain pan. If the water level in the pan rises too much, the switch will shut off the air conditioner. When you notice the air conditioner isn’t running, you’ll know to call for service.

For 40 years, Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical has been providing professional heating and air conditioning services to customers in Charlotte and surrounding areas. Contact us today for more information on preventing water damage from your air conditioner or to schedule a preventive maintenance call to ensure clear drains and effective operation.

The Home Energy Audit That You Can Do Yourself

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

If you could access a map that would show you the most inefficient locations throughout your home, would you want it? Well, you can create your own home map with a home energy audit. And once you know where your home is losing energy, you can make low-cost improvements that will significantly boost your energy-savings potential all year long.

You’ll need to perform a two-step process to locate air leaks, because some leaks will be clearly visible, while others are hidden and will require more effort to locate.

First, visually inspect your home for leaks, looking primarily along the home’s exterior shell, or the outer walls. Other common areas where leaks tend to occur are around window frames, doors, electrical outlets, plumbing pipes or wiring. Don’t forget to check the attic hatch, too, and any ducts that penetrate through walls or ceilings.

Next, you’ll need to conduct a test to locate hidden leaks. To find them, your home will need to be depressurized, because a lower pressure will draw outside air in, creating air movement that you need to find leaks.

To depressurize your home, close all windows and doors in your home; if you have a fireplace, close the flue. Then, you should turn on exhaust fans in the bathrooms, kitchen exhaust fan and clothes dryer. This process will exhaust the air within your home, drawing fresh outdoor air into the home through any air leaks that may be present.

The next step is to light an incense stick. Its smoke will show you where air leaks exist, as you move the stick slowly alongside common trouble spots listed above.

Most air leaks are easily fixed using caulk or weatherstripping, both of which you can purchase at a home improvement store.

Conducting a home energy audit can lead to real savings, as Energy Savers estimate that homeowners can often save as much as 30 percent a year as a result of making improvements. If you’d like some help, give the experts at Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical a call today. We’ve been serving the greater Charlotte area as a local, family-owned company since 1972.

Seven Moisture-Fighting Strategies That Will Keep Mold From Multiplying

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

If you’ve ever had a problem with mold in your home, you know just how problematic removing it can be. Mold can quickly multiply once it gets a stronghold in your home, but with moisture-fighting strategies, you can keep mold at bay in your Charlotte-area home.

Here are seven tips you can use immediately:

1. Don’t let plumbing leaks go unchecked

– Not only can these leaks lead to higher water bills, but they give mold a chance to grow. Quickly fix leaks yourself, if you have the skills, or a call in a plumber.

2. Keep your home dry

– Any time that an area in your home becomes wet, or even damp, you’re giving mold spores the opportunity to gather—and rest assured that they will reproduce quickly once they gain a foothold. When you shower, for example, use the exhaust fan to dry out the space, and wipe down shower and tub walls.

3. Watch indoor humidity levels

– You can purchase a hygrometer, which will allow you to monitor your home’s relative humidity. Ideally, humidity should remain below 60 percent, with 30-50 percent being an optimal range. If you find your home is overly humid, consider purchasing a whole-house dehumidifier.

4. Schedule regular maintenance

– Proper cleaning and inspections will help to keep your air conditioner working properly, and ensure that it can dehumidify the air.

5. Watch A/C drainage

– Because lots of moisture is produced during the cooling process, your A/C system must drain this moisture properly. Homeowners should keep an eye on the A/C’s drip pan and condensate drain, cleaning and unclogging as necessary.

6. Check equipment ventilation

– Equipment that emits moisture, like a clothes dryer, should be vented outside.

7. Keep the foundation dry

– This is one of the best moisture-fighting strategies. Be sure that the area around your home slopes away from your home, and keep drainage systems clear.

Don’t let mold get the upper hand in your home. Use moisture-fighting strategies to prevent it from ever getting a foot in the door. For expert advice contact Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical, serving the Greater Charlotte area as a local, family-owned company since 1972.

Is an A/C Tune-Up on Your Spring To-Do List?

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

An A/C Tune-Up should be at the top of your spring to-do list. The largest consumer of energy in your home is your heating and cooling system. Keeping your HVAC equipment running efficiently will help control energy costs.

Having a spring A/C Tune-Up will get your A/C unit ready to operate safely and efficiently throughout the summer cooling season. You’ll also avoid the panic of having to repair a malfunctioning unit in the middle of the hot summer months to come.

When you schedule an A/C Tune-Up, your technician will:

  • Conduct a thorough inspection of the entire system and its related components
  • Test the A/C’s refrigerant. An incorrectly-charged system will waste energy and not cool properly.
  • Test the system for refrigerant leaks
  • Safely capture refrigerant that must be removed, according to industry standards
  • Check the ductwork portion of your HVAC equipment, ensuring that it doesn’t leak and allows for proper airflow
  • Assess the A/C’s airflow over the evaporator coil, and clean it. Improper airflow over the coil will lead to decreased cooling capacity
  • Test the thermostat, ensuring that its controls will deactivate the heating system when you set the thermostat to cooling mode, and making sure that it will meet temperature settings
  • Inspect all electrical elements, lubricating and tightening connections as necessary
    Test the motor, checking that belts are tight, warding off wear and tear, and lubricating the motor, too

As a homeowner, you can participate in maintaining the air conditioner by:

  • Changing the air filter before you start up the A/C
  • Checking the air filter monthly once you begin to use the air conditioner regularly, ensuring that the filter is not dirty, which will restrict airflow and lead to dirt buildup
  • Assessing the conditions around the outdoor unit, cleaning up debris that has accumulated throughout the winter, as well as vegetation that can block the unit and potentially restrict airflow and reduce efficiency
  • Inspecting the registers and grilles throughout your home to ensure that airflow is optimized

Contact the home-comfort experts at Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical to schedule an A/C tune-up appointment, or ask about our annual maintenance plans. We’ve served the Greater Charlotte area as a local, family-owned company since 1972.