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

Air Duct Problems and Furnace Repair

Sunday, March 2nd, 2014

Furnace repair is sometimes not a simple process. Your home contains numerous elements that can help or hinder proper heating, but a good technician can usually deal with any component in the process that isn’t functioning as it should.  Take for example, the duct system that carries heated air from your furnace to the various rooms of your house. Air duct problems and furnace repair go hand in hand: when issues crop up in your air ducts, they invariably affect the way your furnace functions.

Air ducts carry the heated air form your furnace, which means they can affect your air en route if there are problems. The most obvious is a breach in the duct system which allows the heated air to escape and/or cooler air to enter into the ducts. Both conditions have the same effect: lowering the temperature of the heated air and forcing your furnace to work harder to compensate.

Similar issues can arise if the ducts become dented or build-up inside them reduces the air flow. Furnaces depend on a regular flow of air to raise the temperature in your house. When a blockage in the ducts reduces the flow, the furnace must again work harder: raising monthly costs and increasing the chances of a more serious breakdown in the future.

In addition, the environment around the ducts can cause problems. Say, for example, that a stretch of ducts lies in the crawlspace next to an outside wall. The cold surrounding air will cool the sides of the ducts, which will in turn cool the air inside. You can alleviate this problem by adding more insulation to the crawlspace, or by insulating the ducts directly.

Reliable heating repair services like Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. can help with these issues. Call us today to set up an appointment!

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Repair or Replace Your Existing Heating System

Tuesday, January 21st, 2014

Heating systems are designed to be run for many years, but sooner or later, you need to face the reality that a new system is necessary. You will have to decide whether you should repair or replace your existing heating system. It’s typically a case by case situation and you’ll need to decide for yourself it it’s worth it to repair a given system or simply install a new one. If you need any help with furnace repair in Arlington, VA, give Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. a call.

That decision usually boils down to money, and how much you’ve spent on your existing heating system. If repair bills keep piling up and/or you’re dealing with a major cost to a given repair, you might prefer to consider a new system rather than sending good money after bad. Similarly, a furnace that has suffered from overall wear and tear might be due for a replacement, even if you don’t have any specific repairs. An inefficient heater with a lot of worn parts will use a lot more energy than it should to keep your home comfortable. As the months go by, those extra costs will add up until a newer, more efficient heater is really the only viable option.

Those issues can be compounded by the age of the system. In and of itself, an old heater doesn’t necessarily merit any replacement. If it’s functioning properly and you’ve kept it well maintained over the years, it can last well beyond its normal expiration date. On the other hand, if your heater is more than ten years old and you have to repair it a lot, or if it’s using more energy from month to month than it should, then its advanced age may be the final factor in deciding to install a new unit.

When asking whether to repair or replace your existing heating system, you can count on the experts at Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. for advice. We handle furnace repair in Arlington, VA and we can help determine if your old unit is worth save or if a new one might be best. Give us a call to set up a consultation today. You’ll be glad that you did!

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Paying Too Much for Heating in Arlington, VA?

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013

In terms of heating, Arlington, VA homeowners need to watch the bottom line. Our winters can get cold, and a good heating system is often the only way to keep your home warm and comfortable when temperatures drop. A lot of people simply accept high heating bills as the price they pay for a cozy home. But it doesn’t have to be the case. Are you paying too much for heating in Arlington, VA? If you are, you can take steps to alleviate the condition.

It can be tricky to spot high heating bills, especially in the winter. Obviously, you are not going to use your heater as much during the fall as you do in the dead of winter. One good method to determine whether you’re using too much energy is to schedule a maintenance session for your heating device. A trained technician can arrive at your home and examine the heater for any signs of wear or use. If a small part is worn out, he or she can replace it. If dirt or dust have built up, he or she can clean the unit. If larger repairs need to be made, he or she can pinpoint the problem and schedule a later service date. Ideally, this maintenance session should take place at the end of cooling season, before the winter settles in. It allows you to spot potential trouble areas and increases the heater efficiency, helping to cut down on heating costs.

If you’re able to consider something more radical, look into the possibility of upgrading your unit to a newer and more efficient one. Heating systems have their efficiency measured in Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings, measured as a percentage. The higher the percentage, the more energy is spent actually heating the home instead of being wasted. Newer units have a higher AFUE rating than older ones, and this can lead to significant savings on your utility bills each month.

If you’re paying too much for heating in Arlington, VA, Polar Bear can help. Whether you want to install a new unit or just give a little care to your old one, our staff has the training and experience to do the job right. Call us today to set up an appointment.

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Arlington, VA Air Conditioning Repair: Not Enough Cooling

Monday, September 23rd, 2013

The convenience of air conditioners is something we often take for granted. Their soothing white noise is part of the unnoticed backdrop of daily life. But you will notice if your air conditioner starts to lose its ability to lower the temperature. If the air from the vents in your home feels warmer than it once did, you might have an AC malfunction that requires repair. When you need work done on your air conditioning system in Arlington, VA, the right place to turn is Polar Bear. Our more than 10 years of experience means we are well equipped to care for home comfort systems.

Here are three common culprits that can impair your AC’s cooling ability and will require repairs:

  • Thermostat issues: The first step to take when you notice a weakening of cooling power in your AC is to inspect the thermostat to see that it is set correctly. A faulty thermostat can cause your air conditioner to turn off at the wrong times or to raise its temperature rather than lowering it. If simply changing the settings doesn’t help, then your thermostat will need repair or replacement.
  • Damaged ducts: If you have a standard air conditioner that relies on ductwork for air distribution, breaks and kinks in the ducts can lead to warmer air seeping inside. If a gap opens in a place where the air temperature is higher than the rest of your home (e.g. the attic or a crawlspace), your AC will draw in this warm air and blow it through the vents. Sealing the ducts with duct tape won’t solve this problem. It requires an expert using mastic sealant or other techniques to properly fix the damage.
  • Icing on the coils: Although you might think getting frost across the indoor coils would help with lowering the temperature, it seriously interferes with the important heat exchange across the evaporator coils and will mean less cool air. Icing often happens because of a leak in the refrigerant, although dirt on the coils can also trigger it. You will need an HVAC technician to diagnose the cause and make the repairs that will get the heat exchange back to normal.

Whatever your problem with getting proper cooling, trust the Polar Bear for reliable air conditioning repairs in Arlington, VA. Call us today to set up an appointment, and we’ll get the job done right the first time.

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Air Conditioning Repair in Arlington, VA: Why You Need a Professional Technician

Monday, August 5th, 2013

It may be tempting to attempt air conditioning repair yourself instead of calling in a professional. This is especially true in Arlington, VA, where hot summers make waiting for a service technician uncomfortable and inconvenient. However, the prudent homeowner will always eschew do-it-yourself projects in favor of a skilled professional technician. The reasons for doing so may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Speed: Professionals know what to look for when an air conditioning unit malfunctions. They can usually spot the problem quickly and implement a solution with a strong understanding of the right steps. A person without any training may find themselves lost in the air conditioning system’s technical specifications, wasting time and energy without knowing what exactly needs to be done.
  • Accuracy: Without the experience and know-how of a professional technician, a do-it-yourselfer may exacerbate the problem instead of solving it. For example, if ice forms on the condenser coil and a layman simply attempts to get it off, he may end up damaging the coil without solving the original problem at all. A specialist can address the cause, not just the symptoms, and make sure the issue gets properly resolved.
  • Expertise: Many people undertake do-it-yourself projects as a way of saving money. But time and effort can add up, as can the cost of doing the job without the proper know-how. Certified professionals can ensure that the problem doesn’t recur. They can also provide routine maintenance service, helping you spot smaller problems before they turn into bigger ones. Not only does that save money in unnecessary repair costs, but it can extend the life of your air conditioning system.

Everyone wants to save money where they can. But when you weigh all the options, using a certified expert will spare you excessive costs and a lot of wasted time. If you need a professional technician for air conditioning repair in Arlington, VA, call Polar Bear Air Conditioning to set up an appointment. We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction, and are dedicated to doing the job right the first time, every time.

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Arlington, VA Air Conditioning FAQ: Why Ducts Matter

Monday, July 15th, 2013

Your ductwork is not merely an add-on to your forced-air distribution system that keeps you cool all summer long. While often overlooked, your ductwork is a vital component, and necessary for your home comfort. There’s simply no substitute for ductwork that is professionally designed and installed according to the unique circumstances of your home. At Polar Bear, we understand the importance of ductwork, which is why we offer custom sheet metal services to our customers in need of professional air conditioning services in the greater Arlington, VA area.

  • Performance: Comfort during a Virginia summer comes down to the effectiveness of your air conditioning. In a central air system, your ducts are responsible for extracting the warm indoor air, sending it through the evaporator coils for cooling, and then returning it throughout your home. But they cannot provide the performance value you need if they are hampered by poor installation, air leaks, or poor connections.
  • Energy efficiency: Another important aspect of staying cool during the summer comes down to energy efficiency. When you installed your AC, it came with a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating as well as an estimated cooling output. Because these were meant to match your cooling and efficiency requirements, you need to make sure that your ductwork is also energy efficient, which means that it is not leaking air and that it is properly insulated. Professional ductwork installation can make all the difference, whether your home is 800 or 2000 square feet.
  • System lifespan: Another consideration is the lifespan of your entire system. Because of the vital role that ducts play in the every day operation of your AC, it’s no wonder that much of their wear and tear also impacts your ductwork. And vice-versa. In order to reduce the amount of wear and tear that your AC endures, it’s necessary that you keep your ducts clean and leak-free at all times.

Whether you need a comprehensive ductwork design and installation for your new home, or a simple repair, we can complete the job professionally so that you can get the most out of your air conditioning this summer in Arlington, VA. Call Polar Bear today.

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Arlington, VA AC Tip: Reasons for Inefficient Air Conditioning

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

When the summer starts to heat up, most homeowners will start to run their air conditioners in Arlington, VA more often. This will usually cause a corresponding increase in energy usage as well. However, if you notice that your energy bills are increasing without an increase in usage, it could mean that your AC isn’t working efficiently. If you need any kind of air conditioning services in Arlington, VA, just call the experts at Polar Bear. We can fix any issue that you might be having and help you get your AC working more efficiently again quickly. Check out a few of the most common reasons why your AC might be running inefficiently.

  • Lack of maintenance – One of the best things that you can do for the efficiency of your air conditioner is to get it regularly inspected and maintained by a professional. During regular maintenance visits, your AC technicians will look for any small problems and issues that could be causing your AC unit to have to work harder than it should.  They will clean all of the parts and fix any problems which could help return some of the efficiency to your system.
  • Clogged air filter – Probably the most common cause of air conditioning inefficiency is a clogged air filter. Your AC has an air filter that is usually located near the return air vent that protects the inside from dust, dirt, insects and other pollutants. If the air filter doesn’t get changed regularly, it could get clogged and restrict the flow of air through the system. This will cause your AC to have to work harder to pull air through it and, thus, reduce the efficiency of the system. By regularly changing your air filter you could be able to make sure that your air conditioner continues to operate at peak efficiency.

For all your air conditioning installation, repair or maintenance in Arlington, VA, just call Polar Bear today. 

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How AC Maintenance Can Minimize Repairs

Wednesday, June 12th, 2013

As the temperature starts to rise here in Virginia, more homeowners are starting to turn on their air conditioning systems. But all this sudden usage can cause a number of undesirable issues for your air conditioning system. Getting regular maintenance for your air conditioning system is a great way to potentially reduce the need for air conditioning repair. As your air conditioning system operates, it will develop small problems. These issues will likely grow and develop into larger, more costly repairs. Maintenance will not only save you money by reducing these repairs, but it can also help your AC run more efficiently.

  • Find problems early – Probably the most obvious way that regular maintenance might be able to reduce the need for repair is by allowing you to find problems early. During regular maintenance visits, our technicians thoroughly inspect and clean all of the he components of your air conditioning system. They will specifically look for any worn out, loose or dirty parts.
  • Find problems before they start – By getting regular air conditioning maintenance you could be able to find problems even before they start. During regular maintenance visits from Polar Bear, our experts will change and replace parts that often break. We’ll replace your air filter, your fan belt and any other parts that need to be changed. This could be able to keep them from ever developing problems.

For any McLean, VA air conditioning repair service you need, make sure that you call Polar Bear. We are passionate about our customers’ satisfaction and the level of workmanship that we do. 

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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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