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

Is Your Heat Pump in Peril?

Monday, December 27th, 2021

Owning a heat pump should be a relaxing experience. They’re simple systems that work in pretty amazing ways to bring heat to your home throughout the winter, and cool things down during the summer. If you’re a heat pump owner that’s anxious about the state of your system, or you’re worried that something is wrong, then you need help from a team that can fix it.

The truth of the matter is that heat pumps can run into problems throughout their lifetimes. This is actually normal. We put a tremendous amount of strain on these complex machines, so it’s actually pretty regular for a heat pump to have a small problem that needs to be fixed. That’s why maintenance is such a powerful tool.

However, if you’re reading this blog then you probably need heating repair in Chevy Chase, MD. We’ll walk you through what to do if your heat pump is in peril.

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Furnace or Heat Pump? You Decide!

Monday, January 27th, 2020

We totally understand that finding the perfect heating system for your home can be a bit overwhelming—there’s an awful lot to consider, and you want to make sure you’re making the right choice! But have no fear! Your heating experts in Washington, DC are here!

Two of our favorite heating systems available today are the furnace and the heat pump. Why? Because they’re awesome! In fact, each of these systems offer a number of unique benefits and below, we have outlined some of them for you. That way, you can decide for yourself which system is best. So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading to learn more!

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Does My Heat Pump Have a Refrigerant Leak?

Monday, February 12th, 2018

outdoor-unitIf it does, then you are smart to act fast. Because of the way heat pumps operate in both heating and cooling modes, it is vital they have the proper refrigerant charge for the job. Remember, refrigerant is not something your heat pump consumes in its operation, like the gasoline in a car. Instead, it is something the system recycles over and over again—more like the oil in a car.

If your heat pump is low on refrigerant, it may mean that your technician did not properly charge it—which means that you probably didn’t have it serviced by a member of our outstanding team! The other possibility is a leak. Regardless of the reason for your heat pump’s low refrigerant charge, it is a problem that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Continuing to run your heat pump in Capitol Hill when it is low on refrigerant can lead to some very serious problems.

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AC Installation Tip: Consider a Heat Pump

Monday, June 5th, 2017

man-in-front-of-fanNow that we have made the move into June, the chill of winter is fading into memory. Before long, though, we will be right in the thick of it in terms of summer heat. If you are at the point when you need an AC installed in a new property, or if the time has just come to schedule an air conditioning replacement, we have a tip for you. Consider the use of a heat pump in Capitol Hill.

Heat pumps are not a new invention. They have, however, gained a lot of traction in the residential sector over the past few years. There are a few different reasons for this. One is the ongoing quest for energy efficiency–more on that later. The other is word of mouth. Modern heat pumps work more reliably than ever before, in all facets of their operation. That may sound mysterious, but read on and all will be revealed…

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

Monday, February 13th, 2017

heat-pump-outdoor-unit

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.

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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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Consider a Heat Pump Before Replacing That Heater!

Monday, March 14th, 2016

The weather is a bit unpredictable at this time of the year, with temperatures proving to be fairly hot one day, and then dropping well below comfortable levels the next. Even so, most people in this area have their eyes on summer, and now is a great time to consider replacing the heating system that you’re relying on less and less as the season progresses.

If you are considering replacing your heater as even you look forward to the summer season, then take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the heat pump. Heat pumps offer not only a great heating performance, but can actually be used to maintain comfortable temperatures year-round. 

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Need a New Heater? Consider a Heat Pump Installation

Monday, November 16th, 2015

We aren’t looking to alarm anyone, but if you think that this is the year to replace your old heating system, or if you still need a heater installed in a brand new home, you really should be getting the process under way. You’ve no doubt felt that chill that’s crept into the air already, and temperatures are only going to drop more and more as we move into the real winter season. One great option that you should consider for heating your home is the heat pump. By using a heat pump in Georgetown, you can enjoy many benefits that other heaters just can’t match. Remember to schedule all of your heat pump services with the pros at Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc., so that you know that the job is done right.

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Alexandria, VA AC Guide: Air Conditioning Replacement Options

Monday, March 11th, 2013

If you’re in the market for air conditioning replacement in Alexandria, VA, there are many different options. You can upgrade to a more efficient AC system, or you can choose to switch to a different system entirely. It all depends upon your cooling needs, your home, and your budget. However, the most important aspect of any air conditioning replacement is the quality of the workmanship. Without professional consultation and installation, your new air conditioner may disappoint you. When you need to talk to a pro about your air conditioning replacement options in Alexandria, VA, call Polar Bear Air Conditioning and Heating.

Let’s look at some of your options for replacing your current AC:

  • Central Air Conditioning. A classic split system is perhaps the most popular kind of AC system. Not only are they cost-effective, but they reduce heat and noise by placing your condenser and compressor in an outdoor unit. This allows your home to cool that much faster. Central air circulates cool air through an extensive system of ductwork and into your living spaces. Whether you already have ductwork, or need an efficient and cost-effective cooling solution, consider a central air conditioning replacement.
  • Heat Pump. A heat pump works similarly to a central AC system, but with one important difference. A heat pump transfers heat outside of your home during the heating season and transfers it indoors during the cooling season. It is a complete cooling and heating package. This can be paired with a digital or wireless thermostat to make sure it keeps your home comfortable no matter what the season.

Remember that how it is installed has a huge impact on how effectively your AC system works. Call Polar Bear Air Conditioning and Heating today for comprehensive Alexandria, VA air conditioning services, including installation, repair, and maintenance.

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Reasons Your Washington DC Heat Pump Can’t Maintain the Right Temperature

Monday, March 26th, 2012

When you set your thermostat for a certain temperature, you expect that your Washington DC heat pump will either heat or cool it to that temperature, right? When you want 72 degrees, you don’t expect to have the temperature stay stuck at 70 degrees while your heat pump struggles futilely.

Sometimes heat pumps have trouble maintaining the right temperature, especially in heating mode. It’s not uncommon, and it has a number of potential causes. Run through this checklist to see if it is something you can fix yourself:

  • The outdoor unit is iced up. Running a defrost cycle can usually fix this.
  • The outdoor unit is not running at all. Sometimes this is simple enough to fix on your own. Read the manufacturer’s instructions to troubleshoot the problem.
  • Too much cold air is getting in the house for the heat pump to keep up. Make sure your doors and windows are closed to keep that valuable heat inside.
  • Your vents are closed. It may seem obvious, but problems like this can sometimes be attributed to user error. Make sure your vents are open to allow heat in.

This is by no means an all-inclusive list, and it covers just those causes that you could potentially fix yourself. There are many other possible culprits out there that could be more sinister and require Washington DC heating and air conditioning professional to be properly repaired.

Some of these include:

  • The compressor is not running.
  • A compressor valve or reversing valve is faulty.
  • The thermostat is malfunctioning or needs to be recalibrated.
  • The refrigerant level is low or there is a problem with the flow of the refrigerant.
  • The heat pump needs routine maintenance.

If your heat pump is not working properly for several days, especially after you have tried some of the DIY solutions above, call Polar Bear Air Conditioning right away. Your heat pump may need repairs before a bigger problem develops.

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