Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc Blog : Archive for May, 2013

Happy Memorial Day!

Monday, May 27th, 2013

Every year on the final Monday of May, citizens of America come together to honor those who have served our country. Formerly known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day came to prominence after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen soldiers on either side. Although its origins are somewhat ambiguous, it has always been about bringing people together to recognize our country’s military personnel and history. We want to take this opportunity to thank all the men and women who have served our country.

Memorial Day also marks the beginning of summer. We hope that you have a wonderful day off, and that it is a great start to your summer!

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Arlington, VA Air Conditioning Installation Tips: Choosing the Right System

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013

Are you tired of paying to repair your old AC on a regular basis? Do you need a new cooling solution for your new home? Whatever your reasons for needing an air conditioning installation, you need to ensure that you get the right system for your home. This depends on numerous factors, some of which we’d like to explore in today’s post. But the most important factor is the quality of the installation itself, which should always be performed by a qualified technician. If you’re in need of air conditioning installation in Arlington, VA, call Polar Bear today!

  • Size. Bigger is not better when it comes to air conditioning. Installing the largest system you can get your hands irrespective of the size of your home will not give you even more or better performance. In fact, a system that is too large can lead to inefficient cooling, uncontrollable temperatures, and even system damage because of all the short cycling. On the other hand, a system that is too small leads to inadequate cooling performance and a system that is constantly overworking itself to get by, which can also lead to system damage. Make sure your AC fits your home.
  • Type. You’ll need to decide what type of system you want to have in your home. The central air split system is the most popular throughout the country. It involves the installation of an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air handler/evaporator. These units are connects to each by a lineset, and the cooling circuit uses the temperature changes of a circulating refrigerant to remove thermal energy from your home and send cool air into your home. There is also the option of a packaged system, which house all of the components in one outdoor unit. This allows for easy access during maintenance and repairs.
  • Other considerations. Installing a digital, programmable thermostat and enrolling in a preventive maintenance program at the time of installation are both great ways to ensure that your system does not go neglected.

If you need a professional, quality air conditioning installation in Arlington, VA, look no further than the experts at Polar Bear. Call us today! 

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Alexandria, VA Air Conditioning Tip: How Your Air Conditioning Installation Affects its Performance

Thursday, May 16th, 2013

Are you in the market for a new air conditioner? If so, then you have an unprecedented amount of choices to make. Considering all of the different brands and types of systems that are available these days, the selection of equipment can seem like a daunting prospect. Yet, you shouldn’t overlook the importance of professional installation. No matter what type of equipment you get, if it’s not properly installed, then it simply won’t perform well. Since this is such a major investment, you would do well to ensure that your installation is carried out by an AC technician. In this post, we’d like to look at how the quality of your Alexandria, VA air conditioning installation affects performance.

  • Size: Simply put, your air conditioner needs to be appropriately sized if it is to perform well. During professional installation, your technician will perform a load calculation, which measures the potential volume of air in your home that needs to be cooled, as well as other factors. This is then compared with the BTU and tonnage ratings of the air conditioners in your budget and the process of selection begins. Even before the installation gets started, there are important decisions to be made.
  • Quality: A professional AC technician has the equipment, tools, and technical expertise to ensure that all aspects of your installation run smoothly. In order to perform satisfactorily, your AC needs to have the correct “charge,” which is the level of refrigerant that circulates throughout the coils and compressor. Moreover, all of the piping connections need to be correctly joined together so that no refrigerant leaks occur.
  • Reliability: A professionally installed air conditioner followed up with routine maintenance will churn out years of solid cooling, no matter what the outside temperature is. There’s simply no other way to rely on consistent performance from your AC than by hiring a professional.

If you have any further questions about the importance of professional air conditioning installation, then do not hesitate to get in touch with us. For comprehensive Alexandria, VA air conditioning services, call Polar Bear today!

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McLean, VA Air Conditioning FAQ: Is Routine Maintenance Necessary

Monday, May 6th, 2013

Homeowners throughout the McLean, VA area are gearing up their air conditioning systems for the heat and humidity of the summer months. One question that we often get asked is whether routine maintenance is necessary. Well, that probably depends upon your point of view. Necessary to what? To energy efficiency, performance, indoor air quality, and possibly even your manufacturer’s warranty? Yes, it most certainly is. If you have received professional installation for your AC, then you’re well on your way to lasting home comfort, but don’t stop there. Professional routine maintenance is a cost-effective way to ensure that your home stays crisp and cool all summer long. Call the McLean, VA air conditioning pros at Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating today!

Professional maintenance visits involves comprehensive inspection, cleaning and tune-ups of all aspects of your system. Inspecting equipment for unsafe conditions, refrigerant leaks, electrical problems, clogged condensate drains, among others, allows your tech a close-up view of the details of your system. Cleaning of coils and filters, and lubrication of motor parts allow your AC to work as it should.

  • Performance: You can’t expect a neglected air conditioning system to perform as it should. Even high-end models that are designed to be powerful will gradually become less effective if they are not routinely maintained. Performance depends upon clean coils, efficient airflow, and the integrity of the electrical systems.
  • Energy efficiency: With good performance comes high energy efficiency. You need your AC not only to bring you cool air, but also to do it efficiently. While we cannot control the cost of energy in our area, we can control how we use it. By keeping your system clean and tuned-up on a routine basis, you can keep your energy bills to a minimum.
  • Manufacturer’s warranty: Depending on how old your AC is and who installed it, professional routine maintenance may actually be necessary in order to make sure your AC is protected. Speak to your installer or refer to your information packet for further details.

If you’re still unconvinced as to the merits of professional McLean, VA air conditioning maintenance, call Polar Bear Air Conditioning & heating today to learn more about our services! 

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