Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Alexandria’

How UV Germicidal Lights Help Indoor Air Quality

Friday, June 13th, 2014

UV Germicidal lights are an upgrade to your heating and air conditioning system that helps keep your air clean. With one installed in your system, you can expect a significant upgrade in your indoor air quality, with all of the advantages that provides. In matters of indoor air quality, Alexandria has experts who can help install UV germicidal lights in your system. Here’s a quick breakdown of how UV germicidal lights help indoor air quality.

UV Germicidal Lights & Indoor Air Quality

As the title implies, the lights eliminate germs in the air rather than dirt. UV light lies beyond the range of human eyesight, but the particular wavelength proves lethal to bacteria and other kinds of germs. The wavelength damages the nucleic acid of those tiny organisms. As a result, bonds form in the organism’s DNA, which prevents the DNA from being “unzipped.” As a result, the bacteria can’t replicate and spread. In fact, when it tries to reproduce, it dies.

We don’t need to tell you how that can help your indoor air quality. No more bacteria means a severe reduction in the risk of colds, flus or other diseases. With it, you’ll find yourself becoming sick less often. Your air will be cleaner and your family will be healthier and safer as a result. This is especially true for people who are vulnerable to colds: those in delicate health and/or the elderly. If a baby is on the way or you have a newborn in your house, a UV germicidal light is a perfect way to keep him or her safe and free of colds or other sicknesses. Best of all, UV germicidal lights do all this without any toxic chemicals or compounds, making it an extremely safe way to eliminated germs.

UV germicidal lights help indoor air quality best when connected to a central air system: the perfect point to process the air that goes through your home.

If you want to use such a system to improve your indoor air quality, Alexandria has help with the experts at Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. We have the skills to install a UV light in your system with a minimum of fuss so give us a call today!

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3 Factors of Your Home to Consider With Air Conditioning Installation in Alexandria

Friday, May 16th, 2014

Whether you are purchasing an air conditioning system for the first time, or are upgrading your existing system to a new model, there are several important factors to consider when determining what air conditioner will best fit with your home. With almost 15 years’ experience with air conditioning installation in Alexandria, Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc., can help you to determine what type and size air conditioner would fit best with your home. Call us today to schedule an appointment or request an estimate.

Factors to Consider When Installing Your New Air Conditioner

You may hear that the only thing you really need to consider when installing a new air conditioner is the square footage of your home. While square footage is part of the considerations, , it is not the only factor that determines how much cooling you need for your property.

Factor 1: Insulation

Insulation plays a key role in determining how much cooling you need. Why? Less insulation means your home will retain less of the cool air, and more insulation means your home will retain more cool air. If you have less insulation, you may need a bigger system to adequately cool your home. Conversely, if you have plenty of insulation, you may not need as much cooling to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Factor 2: Orientation

The direction your home faces is important to calculating something known as heat gain. Heat gain refers to the amount of heat your property gains throughout the daytime from the sun and rising temperatures. Orientation – or the direction in which your home faces – plays a strong role in this. For instance, if your home faces west, your home can get a great deal of exposure to the sun from midday to sunset; this can increase your daytime heat gain versus a property that faces east. Knowing things like this are important to understand exactly how much cooling you’ll need.

Factor 3: Existing Ductwork

If you have an older home, it is important to have your technician review the ductwork for efficiency. Things like cracks, broken seals and disconnections can contribute to something known as air loss. It is estimated that air loss from faulty ductwork can result in cooling losses as high as 30%. Tackling existing ductwork problems before installing your new air conditioner can help you save money down the road.

Review Before Installation

Understanding how your home cools is an important step with your air conditioning installation in Alexandria.

With help from your Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. specialist, the system you install will give you the comfort and efficiency that fits best with your property.

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3 Benefits to Air Conditioning Maintenance

Wednesday, April 30th, 2014

When it comes to air conditioning, Alexandria VA residents can’t afford to take chances. Our summers get hot and muggy, and without a reliable A/C unit, your home could resemble a sauna when the temperatures start to climb. In addition to taking practical steps like keeping outside doors closed and wearing lightweight clothes to stay cool, you should schedule an air conditioning maintenance session before the summer starts in order to keep your system running as smoothly as possible. Air conditioning maintenance is a sort of tune-up session: cleaning up dirt and dust on interior components, recharging refrigerant, and checking for any little issues that may turn into big ones if they’re not addressed. What are the benefits? Here are 3 that you should consider before calling a service professional.

  • Increased efficiency. Low refrigerant levels result in reduced cooling capacity. Dirt and dust increased friction on moving parts. These and countless other issues all conspire to rob your air conditioner of efficiency, costing you additional money in higher monthly cooling bills. Regular maintenance sessions can take care of all of that, helping your A/C perform at its best.
  • Longer life. Regular maintenance sessions help reduce wear and tear on your air conditioner, which in turn will extend its lifetime well past its warranty. This works best when you schedule at least one or two sessions a year, instead of just one every now and again.
  • Reduced repair bills. A big part of a maintenance session is catching potential issues before they get too large. It may involve an additional repair session, but replacing one faulty component is infinitely preferable (and less expensive) than waiting for it to fail and damage several additional components in the process.

The benefits to air conditioner maintenance work best if you hire a high quality technician to perform it. And when it comes to air conditioner, Alexandria VA has a top-notch service in Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc.

We handle air conditioning maintenance services with quality and care, and we think you’ll be very happy with the results. Pick up the phone and give us a call today!

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What Happens During AC Maintenance?

Friday, April 4th, 2014

Here in Alexandria VA, air conditioning maintenance should take place at least once a year, after the snows of winter have left but before air conditioning season begins in earnest. This is an important step in keeping your air conditioner functioning and reducing the risk of a serious repair issue in the bargain. A tune-up lets the technician clean dirty components, recharge refrigerant levels and look for any potential issues that require a more in-depth repair session. On a more specific level, what happens during AC maintenance? We’ve outlined the basic steps below.

  • The technician arrives and shuts off power to the air conditioner, then opens it and examines the components.
  • The technician cleans the condenser coils and the evaporator coils, which are key to the air conditioner working as it should. (The condenser coils are on the outdoor part of the unit, so they tend to get a little dirtier.)
  • The technician checks the refrigerant levels, which needs to be at set amount determined by the precise nature of your air conditioner.
  • The technician checks the drain pans and lines to make sure they aren’t clogged or misaligned.
  • The technician checks all of the components, including the fan, fan motor, tubing, compressor and electronic components to see if any of them are damaged.
  • The technician adds oil to lubricate any moving parts that require it.
  • The technician turns on the air conditioner and lets it run, then looks for any unusual stains, odors, noises and leaks. He or she will also check the system pressure and the coolness of the air being generated, as well as examining the ducts for any leaks.
  • The technician shuts off the air conditioner and closes up the system. If any serious repairs are needed, he or she can then schedule it with you.

If you know what happens during AC maintenance, the next step is to contact a representative who can perform the operation with courtesy and care. In Alexandria VA, air conditioning maintenance can be performed by Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. Give us a call today and let us show you what we can do!

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Is a Rumbling Sound a Sign for Boiler Repair in Alexandria, VA?

Monday, January 6th, 2014

Boilers operate with little noise, which is one of the reasons homeowners still find them attractive options for winter heating. Using the mostly silent action of circulating heated water through a house to cast iron radiators or baseboard radiators, boilers go about their business of keeping people warm through the cold months without distracting sounds.

When a boiler does start to make loud noises, it’s usually a warning sign that the system requires repairs. Among these cautionary sounds is the noise of rumbling from the tank. There are a number of different reasons for this to occur, which we’ll go over here. All of these problems require trained technicians to fix, so make sure you call up a company with experience, like Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc., to handle your boiler repair in Alexandria, VA.

Why your boiler might be rumbling

  • Mixing of hot and cold water: The water tank of a boiler should stay at an even temperature, with cold water gradually enterinh from the bottom of the tank at a steady rate. If the mixing valve on the tank breaks, however, too much cold water will start to enter and begin to mix with the hot water, which will create that rumbling noise and force the boiler to work harder, leading to repairs.
  • Excess sediment in the tank: Depending on your water supply, it is possible for sediment to enter the water tank. It will sink to the bottom and begin to build up until it starts to reduce the available water volume. When this happens, the water will begin to overheat, leading to a dangerous spike in water pressure and subsequent leaks throughout the system. A technician can flush the tank to eliminate this problem. (You should have the system flushed once a year, no matter what, during regular maintenance.)
  • Scale from hard water: Hard water—water with high levels of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals—can have a damaging effect on your boiler. The high temperature in the boiler will cause limescale to form from the minerals in hard water, and this will begin to build up on the inside of the tank. Scale is an insulator, so too much of it will trap extra heat inside the tank, leading to overheating and the numerous problems it brings. Repairs can de-scale the tank to make it safe again.

Regular maintenance can help

Always call for repairs as soon as you hear any unusual sound from your boiler; don’t wait for the problem to grow worse. However, you can avoid issues in the future by scheduling regular maintenance for your boiler with a trusted contractor. Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. offers a maintenance program that will take care of your heating system so you won’t have to worry as much about boiler repair in Alexandria, VA in the future.

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Signs Your Boiler Needs Repairs

Wednesday, December 18th, 2013

Boilers are an old and reliable form of heating technology that continues to be popular today.  They tend to be more efficient than gas heaters and don’t suffer from problems like drafts or cold spots. But like any piece of equipment, they still need repairs from time to time. The sooner you can spot signs your boiler needs repairs, the sooner you can call in a qualified Alexandria VA boiler technician to help, and the more quickly your heating system can get back up to strength.

Odd noises are the most obvious sign of a boiler in need of assistance. Kettling – a build-up of sediment in the heat exchange – can lead to rumbling noises, while low water pressure and similar problems can create bubbling or whistling noises in the system. Keep in mind that sound may travel through the system far from its source, and sounds in one part may actually indicate a problem in another part.

Leaks sometimes spring up in boiler systems, and can sometimes be spotted by puddles or moisture nearby. Keep in mind that not every leak creates puddles, however. Hot water and small leaks may combine to evaporate the leaking water, making it tougher to spot.

Problems with the thermocouple may prevent the heater from turning on, while faulty valves and build up may create low water pressure that prevents certain parts of the house from being heated properly. Any situation where a radiator doesn’t appear to work, where the heating isn’t being applied at all. And of course, any situation where the heater fails to turn on entirely is a sign that you need to call in a repair service.

Luckily, in Alexandria VA, boiler systems can be repaired by the experts at Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc.  Our trained experts know how to spot signs your boiler needs repairs and correct it with speed and efficiency. Pick up the phone and give us a call today!

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What Size Boiler Do I Need?

Tuesday, November 12th, 2013

Heating installation in Alexandria VA can be a tricky process. You need to size your boiler properly in order to heat your home with proper efficiency. If the boiler is too small, it won’t do the job. If it’s too large, it will operate inefficiently: cycling on and off too often and using up tons of unnecessary energy in the process. Considering how cold our Virginia winters get, neither option is acceptable.  “What size boiler do I need?” You ask. A trained technician can answer that (after examining your home), but a few of the basics can be found below.

Boiler “size” is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), which gauge how much heat the boiler generates. How many BTUs you need to heat your home depends on the size of your home, not only the square feet but the cubic feet, as tall ceilings will make a big difference in how much heat you need.

That isn’t the only factor involved in the equation, however. Your walls, roof and windows enter into it as well. In simple terms, it’s important to gauge how insulated your home is, both in terms of the insulation in your home and attic, and such factors as double glazed windows and the lack of cracks around the door. A technician will also take sunlight exposure into account: A room that gets a great deal of sunlight may be quite a bit warmer than one without. All of that can “move the bar” up or down, resulting in a smaller or larger boiler as appropriate.

Whenever the final decision, it’s important to consult with an expert to help answer the question “what size boiler do I need?” Not only can a trained technician perform exact measurements, but he or she can sit down with you to discuss you options and plan for an installation that meets your schedule. For these and other matters related to heating installation in Alexandria, VA, contact the experts at Polar Bear to help. We’ll help you determine the right size boiler for your home, then conduct the installation with professionalism and pride. Give us a call today!

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Alexandria, VA Air Conditioning Repair Question: Why is My AC Blowing Warm Air?

Thursday, August 1st, 2013

It doesn’t take an expert to figure out that something’s wrong when your AC blows warm air. An air conditioning unit is supposed to cool your house, not warm it. In Alexandria, VA, air conditioning repair is no laughing matter; no one wants hot air blowing into their homes in the middle of a Virginia summer heat wave. But why would an AC blow hot air in the first place? Why is it that the fan seems to work fine, but the cooling process is ineffective?

In some cases, the explanation may be very simple. Your thermostat may have been set to a “fan” or “heat” setting, which blows plenty of air around, but doesn’t cool it (check on this before you contact a service professional). Another common – and more serious – cause of warm air flow is a low level of refrigerant in your air conditioning system. Without enough refrigerant, the air won’t be cooled properly, and a leak in refrigerant lines means that a service technician will need to hunt down the source of the leak and recharge the system.

Similarly, if the air conditioning system isn’t properly maintained, then dust may build up on key components like the condenser coils or evaporator coils. That can impact the system’s ability to cool the air. You may also be facing a dirty air filter or damaged ducts, which impede the overall flow of air and may affect the flow of cool air into your home.

Unless the thermostat has been set incorrectly, all of these issues mean opening up the air conditioning system and checking for problems, a task best performed by a professional.When your AC starts blowing warm air, call the experts at Polar Bear Air Conditioning. Contact us today and set up a service call; we’ll be there to do the job right, and are committed to your 100% satisfaction.

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Signs You Need to Schedule Air Conditioning Repair: An Alexandria, VA AC Tip

Tuesday, July 23rd, 2013

Homeowners expect their air conditioning system to function effectively, and in Alexandria, VA, they need a reliable system to help combat those humid summers. When something goes wrong, a prudent homeowner needs to schedule air conditioning repair as soon as possible to get it back on track. But when should you schedule a repair, and what signs should you look for to indicate that a repair is necessary?

In general, it’s a good idea to avoid do-it-yourself repairs to air conditioning systems. Most AC units contain complex components, and refrigerants need to be handled by qualified professionals with training. Beyond changing the air filter and keeping the outside of the unit free of dirt and debris, it’s wise to refrain from tinkering with the air conditioning yourself. That means you should call in an expert whenever signs of trouble appear. Such signs can include, but aren’t limited to, the following:

  • The air conditioning system refuses to turn on, or doesn’t blow cool air when it does turn on.
  • The air conditioner exhibits strange noises, or sounds unusually loud when it runs.
  • The air conditioner “short cycles” or turns on and off very quickly with less than ten minutes passing between the two states.
  • Ice forms on the evaporator coils or elsewhere on the system.
  • Electric bills are unusually high, even when you don’t use a lot of extra energy in your home.
  • The air conditioning heats the house unevenly, with some areas feeling cooler or more comfortable than others.

Whatever the reason, you want to schedule air conditioning repair that fixes the problem effectively and ensures that you don’t waste money on higher costs and future repair bills. If you suspect that your AC unit is in need of repair, and want it fixed promptly, then call on Polar Bear. We specialize in air conditioning repair in Alexandria, VA, and pride ourselves on diagnosing potential problems quickly and accurately. If you suspect your air conditioning system may not be functioning at peak capacity, trust our trained experts to find the best possible solution.

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Alexandria, VA Air Conditioning Tip: Cutting Cooling Costs

Tuesday, July 9th, 2013

Energy prices seem to always be on the rise, which is why more and more homeowners are looking for ways to cut cooling costs. At Polar Bear, we understand that our customers want to stay cool in their homes but they don’t want to pay an arm and a leg to do it. That’s why we decided to put together a quick list of some of the things that you can do in order to reduce the amount of energy that you use to cool your home. Give us a call today if you need air conditioning repair, maintenance or installation in Alexandria, VA,  and we’ll be able to help.

  • Run the fan – Whenever it’s possible, run the fans in your home in addition to your air conditioning system. By plugging in an area fan or turning on your ceiling fans, you can make your rooms feel cooler without needing to turn down the thermostat. Fans can also help circulate the air conditioned air throughout your rooms.
  • Use curtains – During the day, keep the curtains on south face windows closed. This can help prevent solar heat gain. Installing ENERGY STAR rated windows can also make a big difference in how much the sun heats up your home during the day.
  • Use water – Our bodies produce sweat when we’re hot because as the sweat evaporates, it actually cools our body. You can use the same principle in other ways around your house. Consider soaking some towels or rags in cool water and placing them on your neck or wrists. As the water evaporates it will cool your body.
  • Install a programmable thermostat – Programmable thermostats allow you to automatically adjust the temperature in your home based on time of day. If there is a time during the day that your home is usually empty, such as when everyone is at work or school, you can program your AC to turn off. It can turn back on before you come home, which keeps you comfortable and helps you save energy.

Saving energy is good for the environment and for your wallet. Follow these simple tips to cut down on your cooling costs this summer. If you have any questions about our Alexandria, VA air conditioning services, make sure that you call Polar Bear.

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