Washington, DC Air Conditioning & Heating Blog | Polar Bear Air Conditioning

Keeping Polar Bears in Mind This Earth Day

April 10th, 2017

What holiday do you think of when February rolls around? President’s Day? Valentine’s Day? Sure, these are two of the better known holidays. There is one that is a bit closer to our hearts, though. It occurs on February 27th each and every year. Do you know what it is? International Polar Bear Day!

That’s right, our very own namesake has its very own holiday, though it may not be one that many people are familiar with. We think that’s a bit of a shame, which is why we are drawing attention to it and the polar bears it celebrates. With Earth Day 2017 right around the corner, we figured the timing is right to divert our attention to our furry white friends.

Are You Thinking About an Air Conditioning Replacement?

March 27th, 2017

If you are thinking about replacing your air conditioner, now is a good time to have the job done. An air conditioner replacement is not something to put off until the last minute. If you do, you run the risk of being caught off-guard by the early arrival of summer heat. When that happens, you may find yourself without air conditioning at all, or perhaps convincing yourself that you can get one more season out of a faltering system.

Naturally, you also don’t want to replace an air conditioner prematurely. After all, a whole-house cooling system is an investment, and you no doubt hope to get the best return possible on that investment. Here are a few tips to help you determine when to schedule an air conditioning replacement in Alexandria, VA.

Are You Struggling with Dry Air in Your Home?

March 21st, 2017

Just when you think you’re out, winter pulls you back in. March is a tricky time of the year, with some of the most unpredictable weather of any season hurtling our way. We’re definitely approaching Spring, though, so now is a good time to think about what issues you may have experienced in your home during this past winter, so you’re not in for repeat issues when the winter cold descends upon us again. One problem that many homeowners struggle with in the winter is extremely dry air in their homes.

What Is the Difference Between a Furnace and a Boiler?

March 13th, 2017

We are going to be using our heating systems for a while longer still. Now is a great time to start thinking about the future of your heater, though. More specifically, it is a good to decide if your heater actually has a future left in front of it. If you had a bad experience with an old heating system this past winter, then you should start to think seriously about a heater replacement in Capitol Hill.

Even if you do decide that the time is right for a heater replacement, there is another big question to ponder. What type of heating system are you planning on using? Two of the most common options are the furnace and the boiler. While those homeowners with existing heating systems often tend to stick with what they know, there is usually an opportunity for trying something different. If you’re ready to replace a heater or need one installed in a new property, both furnaces and boilers warrant consideration.

Is Your Heater Short-Cycling?

February 27th, 2017

We’re moving into March in just a few short days. Leaving February behind often gets homeowners thinking about the coming spring season, and the heat of summer that follows. We know that winter has been a challenge for everyone in our area, but we must warn you not to get too far ahead of yourself. While warmer weather is definitely on its way, your heater still has plenty of work to do in the weeks that lie ahead.

That is why you really cannot afford to overlook any warning signs that something is wrong with your heating system, even if it is somewhat late in the season. You may be tempted to force it through the remainder of the heating season, and just to deal with repairs once it is out of regular use. Doing so can have a number of negative consequences for your budget, your comfort, and your heater itself, though. One sign of trouble with your heater in Washington, D.C. is short-cycling.

Should I Replace My Heater This Year?

February 20th, 2017

We’re past the mid-point of February. While there is still plenty of chilly weather ahead of us, this is the time of the year when people generally start to anticipate the warmer weather around the corner. We understand that you are probably eager to shut down your heater for the last time of the season. Just because the heating season may be winding down, however, does not mean that you should put your heater out of mind.

How has your heater held up this season so far? If the answer is “not very well,” then you may want to consider replacing that system once its job is done for the year. Doing so at the close of the season can help you to avoid overlooking the need and heading into another season with an ill-prepared system. So why would you consider a heating replacement in Arlington, VA?

Heat Pump FAQ: Why Is There Ice on My System?

February 13th, 2017

The heat pump is an excellent HVAC option for those homeowners interested in great versatility and efficiency. Like any other heating and/or air conditioning system, though, the heat pump is not perfect. Eventually, you are going to run into trouble with your heat pump in Alexandria. When you do, remember that you depend on our team to diagnose that problem accurately and to resolve it entirely.

Now, you should also keep in mind that certain problems with your heat pump may not be exactly what they appear to be. In fact, certain issues may not actually be “problems” at all. This is the case with the icing over a heat pump in the winter. It is not an unforeseen issue, and is one that heat pumps are actually equipped to deal with. Even so, in certain cases, this ice could prove more problematic than usual.

What You Need to Know About Carbon Monoxide

January 30th, 2017

Modern heating systems are safer than they’ve ever been. Scheduling routine heating maintenance in Georgetown will help to keep your heater working not only at peak performance levels, but as safely as possible, too. While heating systems may be very safe these days, and as beneficial as routine maintenance is in terms of safety, there is no such thing as a 100% reliable heater. That is why you should be aware of the dangers that carbon monoxide poses.

There are certain regulations that must be followed when it comes to the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in residential properties. If you want to guarantee that your home is following these regulations, in addition to ensuring your own personal safety, working with trained professionals is a must. Here is a bit of background information that will help you to better understand the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

What Are the Benefits of Ductless Heating?

January 23rd, 2017

You are certainly not lacking for options when it comes to the way in which you heat your home. There are more heating systems than you may even realize on the market today. If you’re planning on replacing your heater once the coldest time of the year has passed, then now is a great time to start thinking about what you’ll replace that heater with.

There is no reason why you must continue to use the exact same type of heating system that you always have. Newer technologies may offer benefits that you are not aware of. Take, for instance, the ductless mini split. Following are just a few examples of how you could benefit from ductless heating in Capitol Hill.

Choosing a New Furnace: Gas or Electric

January 16th, 2017

Chances are that you won’t be planning a new heating installation until the weather warms up once more. Of course, you may be thinking about replacing your heater because your existing system doesn’t seem like it will make it through this winter. Whatever your situation, it is important to remember to review your options carefully.

Should you decide, for instance, that a furnace is the right heating system for your home, you are still going to have to decide if you’ll use a gas or electric furnace. Feel free to contact us with any questions that you may have regarding such decisions. We’ll make sure that you wind up with the right furnace in Washington, D.C.