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

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! 

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Arlington, VA Air Conditioning Installation Tips: Choosing the Right System

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!

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Alexandria, VA Air Conditioning Tip: How Your Air Conditioning Installation Affects its Performance

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! 

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on McLean, VA Air Conditioning FAQ: Is Routine Maintenance Necessary

3 Common Air Conditioning Repairs in Arlington, VA

Monday, April 29th, 2013

As we gear up for the summer here in Arlington, VA, homeowners throughout the area are making sure that their air conditioning systems work well. During the off-season, your AC may have developed a few quirks, or perhaps you managed to stave off a problem at the end of the last cooling season that will now need to be dealt with. Whatever your situation, it’s critical that you hire a professional to make any necessary repairs on your AC, be it a central split or packaged system. We’d like to share with you 3 common air conditioning problems, with the hope that it might help you identify a minor issue before it balloons into a serious problem, or causes an inconvenient breakdown during the hottest days of summer. For air conditioning services in Arlington, VA, call Polar Bear Air Conditioning today!

  • Frozen evaporator coil: Your evaporator coil cools the warm air in your home. As it cools the air, the water vapor in the air condenses on the coils. If your AC has air flow problems or low refrigerant, that water vapor can freeze on the coils instead of draining, which prevents your AC from cooling effectively.
  • Overheated compressor: If there is any disruption of the airflow within your AC, then it can cause serious problems in other areas of the system, not to mention poor energy efficiency. For example, if your air filter is clogged with dust and debris, it can cause your system to work harder, so much so that your compressor may overheat. Your compressor is the major engine of the cooling cycle; it pressurizes the refrigerant, causing it to circulate throughout the coils. If it overheats, you may have to be replace it.
  • Condensate drain leak: There is a condensate drain pan fitted beneath your evaporator coil that catches the water vapor condensation on the external surface of the coils. Over time, or because of physical damage, it may begin to leak into your air handler, or outside the indoor unit.

Whatever your AC problem, we are here to help. When you need excellent air conditioning repair in Arlington, VA, call the experts at Polar Bear Air Conditioning.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on 3 Common Air Conditioning Repairs in Arlington, VA

Can I Save Money with a Heat Pump in Arlington, VA?

Monday, April 8th, 2013

Heat pumps make a great addition to any home in Arlington, VA. They are widely recognized to be one of the most energy efficient ways to cool your home, and they also work during the heating season to provide warmth and comfort. This type of flexibility allows you to save money. If you’re in the market for a new air conditioning system, consider a heat pump. Most importantly, though, make sure you opt for reliable and professional installation so you know your system will work well for years to come. If you need a heat pump in Arlington, VA, call the pros at Polar Bear Air Conditioning today!

Let’s take a look at how a heat pump works. Heat pumps work just like air conditioners. They extract warm air from your home, blow it over the cool refrigerant in the evaporator coils, and return the cooled air into your home. The refrigerant has now been pressurized by the warm air and is sent through to the compressor, where the heat exhausts outside. The cycle then repeats itself. The essential principle behind the heat pump is heat transfer, although we often think of it merely as cool air entering our homes.

But heat pumps are more versatile than your average air conditioner. They are equipped with a device that allows the refrigerant to work in reverse, so that they can draw heat from even the coldest temperature outside to warm the cold air removed from the inside of your home and thereby heat your home. This type of versatility makes them incredibly energy efficient. And that means you save money.

One of the most important things to keep in mind as you shop for heat pumps is their size. For your heat pump to operate correctly, it needs to be properly sized to your unique living space. This requires professional assessment not only of the volume of air in your living space, but perhaps also considering the placement of the heat pump equipment. Professional installation will go a long way towards making sure that your heat pump continues to save you money on your energy bill throughout the year. For more information about our Arlington, VA heat pump and air conditioning services, call Polar Bear Air Conditioning today! 

Continue Reading

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Heat Pumps | Comments Off on Can I Save Money with a Heat Pump in Arlington, VA?

Efficient Air Conditioning in McLean, VA

Monday, March 25th, 2013

As spring approaches, homeowners throughout the McLean, VA area know that the summer heat is not far away. Efficient air conditioning is an absolute must-have here, due to the amount of energy that we use each year to ensure our homes are cool and comfortable. Right now is the best time to make sure that you’re primed for this cooling season. One of the most common requests we hear from our customers is how they can make their home AC system more efficient; that is, how they can save money on their energy bill. We’ve compiled a list of some energy-efficient tips that we hope will help you maximize your cooling this summer. For efficient air conditioning in McLean, VA, call Polar Bear Air Conditioning today!

  • Clean and replace your air filter: Did you know that your AC’s air filter impacts energy efficiency? If your air filter is dirty or even clogged, it can begin to inhibit airflow. This makes your system work harder to cool your home, placing a higher demand on your electrical supply. Regularly clean and replace your air filter during the cooling season.
  • Enroll in a maintenance program: Enrolling in a routine preventive maintenance program is the best way to improve the energy efficiency of your cooling system. During this annual inspection, your local AC technician will thoroughly inspect, clean, and lubricate your system components, as well as write up recommendations if there are any repairs necessary. Your AC needs professional care to work properly. Every system, from newly installed models to units over 10 years old, could benefit from a maintenance program.
  • Install a programmable thermostat: You depend upon your conventional thermostat to communicate your desired temperature accurately to the AC unit. Imagine if you no longer had to turn it one when you came home or off when you go to bed at night. A programmable thermostat automates your indoor climate control to ensure that changes in temperature are performed gradually, thereby improving energy efficiency.

These are just a few of the ways to achieve efficient air conditioning. To talk to a pro about your air conditioning in McLean, VA, call Polar Bear Air Conditioning today! 

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Efficient Air Conditioning in McLean, VA

Why Install a New AC System in the Spring in Arlington, VA

Monday, March 18th, 2013

Spring is a popular time of year for cleaning, organizing, and renovating, but it’s also a great time to improve your cooling system. While many homeowners will schedule inspection and tune-ups, as well as enroll in preventive maintenance plans, other may be in the market for a new AC system before the summer heat hits. It’s a great idea. Now is the ideal time to switch to that high-efficiency system you’ve always wanted. For air conditioning installation in Arlington, VA, call Polar Bear Air Conditioning today!

There are some good reasons why you should consider installing an air conditioning system now before the summer:

  • Energy efficiency. Depending on the type and size of the system you install, you will in general improve the energy efficiency of your home with a new installation, especially if your existing system is over 10 years old. With technology always advancing, the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of today’s units are often much better. As the standards of manufacturing quality have risen, so will your energy savings.
  • Timing. Why now? While we try to make air conditioning system installation a smooth process with no disruptions, any system replacement is going to take some time to be done properly. During the summer heat, that means cooling downtime. The cooling pre-season is a great way to get ready for summer and ensure that you enjoy your new AC on even the hottest days of the year.

Don’t wait until the summer heat begins to make your old system work overtime, consider a new AC system today. For air conditioning installation in Arlington, VA, call Polar Bear Air Conditioning today! 

 

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Why Install a New AC System in the Spring in Arlington, VA