Atlantic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

Why You Should Schedule Regular Commercial AC System Tune-Ups

Friday, March 6th, 2015

When the heat of the summer season hits in the Dover area, it can hit pretty hard. We are not quite at the cusp of the heat’s real arrival just yet, but this is certainly the time at which you start thinking about the way in which you will cool your commercial property in the hottest months to come. The changing of the seasons may sneak up on you, but it is vital that you do not allow the heat of summer to sneak up on your commercial cooling system. That is why Atlantic Refrigeration recommends wholeheartedly that you schedule your commercial AC system tune-up in Dover today. That way, you can count on your system being ready for whatever type of heat the summer months can throw your way.

Routine commercial air conditioning tune-ups benefit the commercial property owner in a few different ways. First of all, this is the best way in which to ensure that your commercial cooling system functions as efficiently as possible. You are going to be running your commercial air conditioner a lot throughout the summer season. If you hope to do so without suffering exorbitant commercial cooling costs, then you are wise to schedule a professional commercial AC system tune-up with a member of our staff. This gives our technicians the opportunity to thoroughly inspect your system, making any necessary adjustments to ensure that your system functions at peak performance levels. Of course, this is not the only way in which routine commercial cooling maintenance can benefit your system, nor is it the only way in which it can protect your budget.

A poorly maintained commercial air conditioning system is far more likely to suffer operational problems than one that is routine tuned up is. As your system works throughout the summer season to cool your property, it is going to incur no small amount of general wear and tear. When you fire up your system early in the following cooling season, you may find that this wear and tear has left your system vulnerable to problems and even a potential break down. Having it tuned up before putting it back into heavy use can really help you to avoid such unpleasant situations.

To do so, just dial our number. The pros at Atlantic Refrigeration are here to keep your system in excellent working order.

If you want to cool your commercial property effectively and efficiently, then you must schedule professional commercial AC system tune-ups in Dover with Atlantic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning, Commercial HVAC | Comments Off on Why You Should Schedule Regular Commercial AC System Tune-Ups

The Benefits of Heat Pumps

Wednesday, August 27th, 2014

These days, homeowners have a lot of choices when it comes to choosing an air conditioning system for their home. In fact, there are so many choices, it can be difficult deciding which system will work best for you. Working with a trained professional, like the ones at Atlantic Refrigeration, can help with the decision-making. One of these choices is a heat pump, and we’ll explain below some of the unique benefits of installing one.

Benefits of a Heat Pump

There are several benefits to installing a heat pump:

  • Both heats and cools – heat pumps provide both heating and cooling because of the reversing valve. This valve allows the heat pump to switch between modes.
  • Excellent energy efficiency – heat pumps do not use fossil fuels because they don’t create heat. Instead, they transfer heat, so they only need a small amount of electricity to run.
  • Very “green” – because heat pumps do not need fossil fuels, they do not emit greenhouse gases.
  • Long lifespan – the average lifespan of a heat pump is 15-20 year with good maintenance.

Types of Heat Pumps

There are 5 main types of heat pumps: (NOTE: ask Atlantic Refrigeration about which ones we carry)

  • Central heat pump – this kind of heat pump works in conjunction with an air handler that delivers air through ductwork.
  • Ductless heat pump – this kind of heat pump delivers cooling (and heating) via ductless blowers.
  • Ground source/geothermal heat pump – this kind of heat pump is part of a geothermal system in which heat is extracted from the Earth’s natural, steady temperature below the frost line. When cooling, it pulls heat from your indoors and deposits it into the ground.
  • Air source heat pump – the most common kind of heat pump, these kinds of heat pumps transfer heat from one place to another.
  • Hybrid heat pump – this kind of system allows you to use a heat pump as the main source of heating, but will trigger the use of a furnace for the very coldest days, as heat pumps can struggle to provide adequate heat on their own below 32 degrees.

Heat pumps in Middletown can be a great choice for your home.

If you think a heat pump may be right for you, Call Atlantic Refrigeration today and schedule an appointment with one of our experts.

 

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on The Benefits of Heat Pumps

Indications That You Need Air Conditioning Replacement

Tuesday, August 5th, 2014

The average lifespan for an air conditioning system is 10-12 years, so it is likely that you will need to replace yours at some point. Replacing your air conditioner offers you the opportunity to install a system that is more energy efficient, better for the environment and can better meet your cooling needs. Atlantic Refrigeration has helped many customers in Dover with air conditioning replacement, and, as such, we know the signs of a failing system. Here are some more common ones of which to be aware:

  • Your home isn’t comfortable – do you have a hard time keeping your home cool, or are there hot and cold spots throughout? This could be the sign of an aging or incorrectly-sized system. In either case, your comfort is compromised, which negates having an air conditioner at all.
  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old – according to EnergyStar.gov, today’s air conditioners can be as much as 60% more efficient than ones from just 10 years ago. Part of the reason for this is that in 2006, federal guidelines mandated that the minimum SEER number be raised from 10 to 13. Considering you can save up to 5% per SEER point in energy costs, upgrading your system can lead to substantial savings.
  • You’re facing expensive repairs – if you are facing a repair that financially would cover a large part of the cost of a new system, it may be time to consider full replacement. 
  • Constant repairs – is your air conditioner constantly breaking down? Are you calling for air conditioning repair frequently because another problem has developed with your system? Repair costs can add up, and it may not make sense to keep paying for them on an aging unit.
  • You air conditioner uses R-22 (Freon) – R-22 is being phased out by the federal government; for now, if your AC uses with Freon, you can recharge it if needed, but prices on it are rising rapidly. Additionally, if your air conditioner uses Freon, you’ll have to replace the system by 2020 because Freon will no longer be available. As such, if you’re having continued problems with your R-22 refrigerant, you are probably paying more money for the repairs simply because it’s R-22. Both problems may make it worthwhile to replace now.

When It’s Time to Replace, Call an Expert

Choosing, sizing and installing a new air conditioner take into account many important factors, which is why it’s important to work with a trained professional from start to finish.

If it’s time for air conditioning replacement in your Dover home, call the people you can trust: Atlantic Refrigeration.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Indications That You Need Air Conditioning Replacement

Ways to Bring Down Your Business’ Air Conditioning Costs

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2014

When you are a business owner, air conditioning is not a luxury: it is a necessity. It is also a business cost, and one that can be a sizable part of your overall monthly budget. It may seem difficult to bring down the cost of your commercial air conditioning in Georgetown, but, just as you can take steps in your home to reduce energy usage, you can also do the same for your business. Here are some suggestions from Atlantic Refrigeration on ways you can bring down your business’ air conditioning costs:

  • Schedule regular maintenance – if you have your own air conditioning unit for your business space, keep your AC in optimal shape by scheduling bi-annual maintenance during the spring and fall each year. Maintenance keeps your air conditioner efficient, which saves you money.
  • Don’t ignore problems – hearing something strange, smelling something off, or feeling a decrease in air flow? Whether your business has its own air conditioner or   is part of a larger building system, don’t ignore signs of potential problems.
  • Use programmable thermostats – thermostats are the instruments that cue your system to cycle. Using a programmable thermostat can save you upwards of 15% per year on energy costs because you can tailor temperature settings to specific times of day. This can be especially helpful during non-business hours.
  • Check on the state of ductwork – most business space is rented or leased. If yours is, check with the building management about the ductwork. Examples of questions to ask are the age of the ductwork, when does it get cleaned, it is insulated, and how often is it inspected for problems. Faulty ductwork can account for up to 30% of air loss in a system, a loss you’ll pay for in monthly energy bills.

Questions About Commercial Services? Call Us!

Atlantic Refrigeration has helped many businesses with commercial air conditioning needs.

Whether you need repair, replacement, installation or advice on a new system, call Atlantic Refrigeration for all your commercial air conditioning needs.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Ways to Bring Down Your Business’ Air Conditioning Costs

Why Use a Zone Control System When Cooling Your Home?

Monday, June 23rd, 2014

Keeping your home cool during the long, hot summer season can be a real challenge. If you really want to ensure that your home is cool and comfortable all summer long, it is really in your best interest to schedule your air conditioning services with a skilled, trained professional. However, there are also multiple upgrades you may want to consider which will allow you to custom tailor your home cooling system to your individual needs. One of the most effective in doing so is the zone control system.

If you want to cool your home in a more efficient and effective manner, the Dover, DE air conditioning pros at Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc. are the experts to call.

A zone control system involves the installation of a set of dampers into your ductwork. When cooling your home – or heating it, for that matter – these dampers allow you to break up your home into different temperatures. What this means is that you no longer have to maintain consistent temperatures in every area of your house. When you think about it, it really doesn’t make sense to cool empty bedrooms upstairs to the same degree that you would occupy space in the lower levels of your home. With a zone control system, you no longer have to. This benefits you in a few ways.

Not only can you keep everyone happy, but you can actually use less energy in doing so. By cooling or heating only those areas you wish to, and only to the point that you want to, you can cut down on energy consumption considerably. Not only that, but anyone living with multiple people in the same house knows how different people are comfortable at different temperatures. This can be problematic, as someone inevitably winds up compromising their own comfort. A zone control system can help ensure that everyone in your home is getting the most from your air conditioning system.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can improve the performance of your air conditioning system, give Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc. a call today. We are more than willing to install and service your zone control system with the skill and expertise you deserve. Let us help you enjoy the great comfort you deserve in your home.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Why Use a Zone Control System When Cooling Your Home?

Why Choose Ductless Mini Splits?

Monday, June 16th, 2014

With all of the heating and air conditioning options on the market today, you may find yourself at a loss when it comes to choosing the right one for your home. While there is no single “best” HVAC system, there is definitely one best suited to your needs and usage habits. Working with the trained professionals at Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc. is a great way to ensure that you choose your new system wisely. One great heating and cooling option to consider is a ductless mini split. Ductless mini splits are able to both heat and cool your home with outstanding efficiency and reliability. Here is some information to consider which may help you decide if going ductless in Dover, DE is the right choice for you.

Why Consider Ductless Heating & Cooling?

One of the greatest benefits of a ductless heating and cooling system is the fact that no air ducts are used in their operation. There are a few reasons why this is such an enticing prospect. For starters, air ducts are notorious for wasting energy. While they are quite effective when kept in great working condition, many homeowners fail to realize that there are problems with their ductwork. This means that they wind up paying more money for a lesser performance from their HVAC system. By eliminating the need for air ducts all together, ductless mini splits allow you to avoid such issues. Plus, it is far less obtrusive to install a ductless system into an existing home than it is to install a ducted system.

The use of individual, wall mounted blowers which both heat and cool different areas of your home also make for simple zone controlled heating and cooling. After all, there really is no reason why you should have to heat your kitchen to the same temperature as your bedrooms in the middle of the night. Cut back on energy consumption and boost comfort levels by breaking your home up into temperature zones.

To learn more about ductless mini splits in Dover, DE, just give Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc. a call.

We are happy to answer any questions that you may have. We believe that it is very important for you to find the right HVAC system for your home. Call us today, you’ll be glad you did!

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Why Choose Ductless Mini Splits?

Signs That You Need Air Conditioning Repair

Monday, May 19th, 2014

We wish that we could tell you the secret to getting a 100% reliable performance from your air conditioning system in Dover, DE but, if there is indeed such a secret, it’d be news to us as well. Over time, your air conditioner is going to degrade in different ways. The best way for you to prevent this from causing serious problems with your system is to schedule your air conditioning maintenance services with a member of our team. Eventually, though, you are going to encounter some sort of operational problem with your system. When you do, you can count on the experts at Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc. to complete your air conditioning repairs properly.

Indicators of  Air Conditioning Repair

One of the most obvious signs that you require air conditioning repair is, of course, a broken down system. Many others are far more subtle, however. Remember that the longer you wait to schedule service, the more likely it becomes that your air conditioner is going to suffer serious damages. If you notice that your air conditioning system is leaving hot spots throughout your home, you need to call us immediately. There may be a problem with your ductwork, or the fans may be working while another vital component has failed. Only a trained professional can determine with certainty precisely what is wrong.

You may also find that your cooling costs are spiking. Of course, increased air conditioning usage is going to result in higher cooling costs. However, you should not see a sudden rise in your air conditioning costs if you do not make any real changes to the way in which you use your system. Let us know if you are paying too much for too little from your air conditioner.

If your air conditioner is shutting off randomly, it is possible that there is a problem with your thermostat. It may not be registering the temperature in your home properly. Obviously, different problems with different components of your AC will have varying levels of impact on your day to day life. Just remember that it is incredibly important for you to have any issues resolved promptly.

If you put off your air conditioning repair in Dover, DE, you may find more serious problems just down the line. Let Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc. handle your AC repair services.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Signs That You Need Air Conditioning Repair

Why Schedule a Professional Air Conditioning Installation?

Monday, May 12th, 2014

Everyone wants to get the best, most efficient performance possible from their air conditioning system. This can be more challenging than it sounds, though, largely due to the fact that your air conditioning service quality is every bit as important to the overall quality of its performance as the quality of the system itself. If you really want your air conditioner in Dover, DE to impress, you must ensure that it is installed by a skilled, trained professional. There is jut no other way in which to guarantee the successful operation of your system.

When you are ready to schedule your air conditioning installation, give Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc. a call. You’ll be glad you did!

Why Get Your Air Conditioner Installed Professionally?

First things first, there is the sizing of your air conditioning system to consider. You see, an AC system is not going to cool your home effectively or efficiently if it is not properly sized to do so. Obviously, an undersized air conditioning system is going to struggle as it attempts to bring temperatures throughout your home down to target levels. The strain that this puts on your system means that it will not only use too much energy, but that it will suffer unnecessary wear and tear over time. This can lead to operational issues. What you may not realize is that an oversized air conditioner is actually no better. Sure, it will cool your home down. However, it will do so too quickly, which can negatively impact air quality and leave the air in your home humid and muggy. Plus, you are paying for too much power from the outset, and your system will short-cycle frequently, which can result in damages.

Plus, the installation of the various components of an air conditioning system requires the deft touch a trained technician. Laying out your ductwork, and even installing your thermostat, can have a major impact on the way in which your air conditioner operates. There are simply far too many variables to consider when it comes to an air conditioning installation in Dover, DE. Don’t risk a subpar cooling performance, personal injury, or voided warranties by attempting to do the job on your own. Call Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc. instead.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Why Schedule a Professional Air Conditioning Installation?