Category: Service & Maintenance

How to Choose a Reliable, Skilled and Experienced Air Conditioning Contractor

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

The level of comfort that you and your family enjoy indoors is obviously related to the efficiency of your air conditioning system. Ventilation and insulation are also important factors in keeping your family safe and comfortable. To ensure these needs are met, you should hire a reliable and professional heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractor.

Here are some important things to consider when choosing an HVAC contractor:

  • Ensure that the contractor is licensed to operate by the local and state municipality. Even though this is mandatory in North Carolina, not all companies are licensed.
  • If they have a website, it should be informative and provide evidence of their professionalism, reliability and knowledge. They should be members of associations that have recognized their value and commitment to the HVAC industry and the community.
  • The installers and technicians should be professionally trained and NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certified. NATE is a professional body that examines, qualifies and certifies HVAC technicians in every aspect of heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
  • The prospective contractor and technicians should be familiar with the climate in North Carolina and how weather conditions affect air conditioning systems at different times of the year.
  • Whether you need standard service, emergency service or scheduled air conditioning maintenance, they should be able to provide names of satisfied customers in your area.
  • They should be willing to give you a written guarantee that their products and services will be to your satisfaction – 100%.
  • Customer service, including online and telephone communication, should be professional, polite and friendly at all times.

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.

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.

Like the Temperature, the Cost of Your A/C Refrigerant Is Rising

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

During your air conditioner’s annual maintenance, you may find the system needs a charge of refrigerant to boost its cooling capacity. If so, you’ll also notice that prices of the A/C refrigerant R22 have increased dramatically (tripled since 2011). These increases are being felt all throughout the HVAC industry and are expected to continue for at least the next eight years.

R22 refrigerant prices are rising in response to recent government regulations in the Clean Air Act. These regulations require the gradual phasing out of R22 as an air conditioning system refrigerant. By the year 2020, R22 will no longer be made for use in servicing existing air conditioning units. After 2020, only reclaimed or recycled R22 refrigerant will be available to service existing systems.

In new air conditioners, R22 refrigerant has been replaced by more environmentally-friendly refrigerants, such as R410A. This is because R22 refrigerant has been determined to be a danger to the environment due to its ozone-depleting effects. An added complication for owners of units built before 2010 is that the newer refrigerants will not work in systems that where designed for R22.

About 80 percent of the existing air conditioning systems in the United States were built before 2010 and use R22 refrigerant, which means that most air conditioner owners in the country will be affected by the new regulations. Either homeowners will need to endure the steeply rising costs of and difficulty finding R22 refrigerant or they will have to completely replace their air conditioning system with one that can use the approved refrigerants. The situation may be somewhat relieved by using it as a reason to invest in a money-saving, high-efficiency cooling system.

For 40 years, Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical has been a reliable source of heating and air conditioning services for Charlotte and nearby areas. Contact us today for expert assistance in making the transition from R22 refrigerant or for help finding a new air conditioner that meets required environmental standards.

You’ve Hired a Nate-Certified Technician – Job Done!

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Hiring a NATE-certified technician is a big deal. After all, your home comfort and savings depend on it. That’s why you can trust that the job will be well done, whether it’s a repair, maintenance or replacement job.

You can rest assured that a NATE-certified technician is the best possible designation to utilize when comparing technicians, because:

  • NATE is an independent, non-profit organization – Nationwide, contractors and customers alike value the NATE badge, with manufacturers, utility companies and heating and cooling contractors participating in, developing and approving its testing.
  • NATE covers all the bases – With NATE testing, technicians can attain certification in all areas of HVAC, including service and installation of all types of heating and cooling equipment, including energy-efficiency certification.
  • NATE thoroughly tests the technician prior to certification – The tests cover all factions of the heating, cooling and ventilation industry. That means that NATE tests don’t simply cover one piece of equipment, like other product-specific training organizations.
  • NATE testing covers relevant knowledge – Technicians are grilled on field knowledge, covering day-to-day problems and situations encountered by technicians.
  • NATE certification requires continued education credits – If technicians do not have acquire enough credits technicians must retest every five years to maintain NATE certification.
  • NATE testing is thorough – While the testing is rigorous, the tests are also comprehensive. Technicians must pass a core test and a specialty test. The core test ensures that technicians have a thorough knowledge of general HVAC scenarios and equipment, while the specialty test, selected by the candidate, covers unique and highly specific knowledge in several fields, like gas furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, air flow, including installation, service and maintenance.

With the value that NATE-certified technicians offer through NATE’s rigorous, comprehensive testing process, it just doesn’t make sense to use any other certification as a qualifier for selecting a technician.Get the best possible performance by choosing a NATE-certified technician. At Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we value our NATE-certified technicians, because they allows us to give our Charlotte-area customers top-notch service. If you need help with your HVAC systems, contact us today!

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.

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.

Choose an HVAC Contractor That Will Work to Your Ultimate Satisfaction

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

The comfort of your family in your home is undeniably related to efficient heating and cooling. Insulation and ventilation are important factors in keeping your family effectively comfortable and safe. To ensure that your home’s heating and cooling needs are sufficiently met, you need a professional, reliable and cost-effective HVAC contractor.

Here are a few things you should consider when selecting your HVAC contractor:

  • They should be able to answer your questions and service your home with the highest professionalism and expertise.
  • Be sure they are licensed by the State & local municipality to perform the work. (not all companies are licensed even thought it is a NC State requirement)
  • If they have an online presence, it should look professional and provide you with proof of their knowledge, reliability and professionalism. They should be members of organizations that recognize the company’s value and proven commitment to their profession and the community.
  • Their technicians and installers should be professionally trained and certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE), a professional organization that tests, qualifies and certifies technicians in all phases of heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
  • They should be familiar with the specifics of the local climate, and how weather conditions can affect your HVAC performance at different times of the year.
  • Whether it’s for scheduled maintenance, emergency service or a standard service call, your chosen HVAC service provider should have a proven history of successfully servicing residential clients in your area.
  • Your chosen HVAC contractor should provide you with a written guarantee that their services and products will be to your 100-percent satisfaction.
  • Customer service, including telephone and online communication, should be friendly, considerate and professional at all times.
  • For your safety and theirs, technicians should be clean and proceed with strict adherence to safety regulations. They should be able to be trusted on your property, in your home and with your family and possessions.

Acosta has delivered more than 40 years of professional service to Charlotte-area residents, and we are ready, willing and able to answer any and all questions relating to your HVAC systems. For information or service, please contact us today.

What Clicks, Pops and Goes Boom? An Ailing Heating System

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Many furnaces may run quietly, but you can never expect a heating system to operate silently. There will always be some level of noise coming from your furnace as it runs, such as noise from the blower motor, from the burners switching on and off, or from components humming or rattling. However, if your furnace is starting to produce louder noises, more frequent noises, or noises you’ve never heard before, there’s a good chance that the system is in trouble and heading for a breakdown.

Booms and pops

If you have a gas furnace, be particularly cautious if you hear substantial booms, sharp pops, or loud explosions when the furnace burner ignites. The problem is even worse if these booms shake the furnace or your house. This could mean that volatile gas is accumulating and is burning off or exploding because of the burner flames. This problem is likely caused by clogged or dirty burners. This issue should be fixed immediately; if left unresolved, it could eventually lead to a catastrophic gas explosion.

Clicking

Clicking sounds could indicate the flame sensor, the device that detects whether the fuel has been ignited, is not working correctly. It should be cleaned by a certified technician as sandpaper or abrasive cloth can ruin some sensors.

Rattling

Rattling sounds often mean that something has come loose or isn’t secured properly. If the access door hasn’t been closed tightly, it could tap against the frame of the unit. Bolts or screws may need tightening. Rattling noises could also be caused by loose ductwork that needs to be refitted.

Squealing and grinding

A squealing sound may indicate the blower motor belt is slipping and needs to be tightened. A grinding sound could mean the blower motor bearings are wearing out and the entire motor may need to be replaced.

For 40 years, Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical has been providing professional HVAC services to customers in Charlotte and surrounding areas. Contact us today for expert assistance with determining the cause of loud or unusual noises in your furnace. We can help fix the problem or find a new heating system that meets your home comfort needs and fits your budget.