Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc Blog : Archive for August, 2016

My AC Is Running in Short Bursts—Should I Be Concerned?

Monday, August 29th, 2016

Yes, you absolutely should be. Your air conditioner runs in cycles, not continuously. That means that once the desired temperature is met the system will shut down, and will resume operation when the temperature dips below the target once more. However, the AC should not be cycling on an off very rapidly, especially if it is shutting down before the desired temperature is achieved.

This is called short-cycling, and it is a very real problem. As is so often the case with air conditioning system problems, there are a few different potential causes of the issue. Hiring a trained professional is the only way in which to determine with certainty why your air conditioner is shutting down prematurely.

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Cooling Your Home Efficiently (Without Replacing Your AC!)

Monday, August 22nd, 2016

We all want to live in great comfort, even when the temperature outside does soar. The problem is, though, that cooling your home simply does not come for free. If you are serious about living comfortably, you are going to have to pay to do so. That doesn’t mean that you have to resign yourself to exorbitant energy bills, though.

Read on for some helpful tips about simple ways in which you can boost energy efficiency. Be sure to contact us with any questions that you may have. Should you require any air conditioning services in Washington, D.C., we are the professionals to call.

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What Are the Benefits of Using a Whole-House Humidifier?

Monday, August 15th, 2016

You’ve probably heard the claims that humidity is responsible for discomfort in the summer, and not the heat itself. While certainly an over-simplification of the scenario, there is some truth to this. If your home is too humid, it is going to be tough to live in it comfortably.

Don’t let this give humidity a bad reputation in your opinion, though, because the fact of the matter is that a very dry home is no better than a very humid one. If you home is lacking in the humidity department, you are wise to consider the use of a whole-house humidifier.

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Is This Your Air Conditioner’s Final Season? A Heat Pump May Be the Next Step

Tuesday, August 9th, 2016

Is your air conditioner limping along on its way out of the summer season this year? Has it proven unreliable of ineffective? Are you sick of sinking money into a system that just can’t hack it anymore? If so, it sounds like you may be ready for an AC replacement at the close of this cooling season.

If this is the case, think twice before replacing your air conditioner with an identical or very similar system. You may find that, upon review, the heat pump is the right system for your needs and personal preferences. If so, you can count on us to install and service your heat pump in Washington, D.C. properly.

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Are You Concerned About Hot Air Blowing from Your AC?

Monday, August 8th, 2016

Well, good, because you should be. This is one AC problem that obviously cannot be ignored, as the sole function of your air conditioner is to cool your home. There are a few different reasons as to why your air conditioner may be distributing hot air throughout your home. They are not equally serious, and some you can resolve on your own. Read on to learn more, and remember to call our number if you suspect the need for air conditioning repairs in Arlington, VA.

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How Do I Add Refrigerant to My Air Conditioner?

Monday, August 1st, 2016

Trick question—you don’t! When functioning properly, your air conditioner is not ever going to have a low refrigerant level. Why? Because refrigerant is not a fuel, and at no point in the cooling process is it consumed. It exists in a closed loop system, and is intended to be recycled over and over again.

If you have low refrigerant in your air conditioner, something is wrong. Perhaps your technician—though certainly not one of ours—improperly charged the system to begin with. Otherwise, you have a refrigerant leak. Either way, running your air conditioner with insufficient refrigerant is a recipe for trouble.

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