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

The Benefits of Oil to Gas Conversions

Monday, September 30th, 2013

Do you want all the benefits of a gas boiler or furnace without the high replacement cost? Have you considered an oil to gas conversion? Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. offer oil to gas conversions for customers in the Washington, D.C. area.

Here are reasons customers would want to convert from oil to gas:

1. Homeowners will save a lot of money on fuel bills.

2. The system will pay for itself through energy savings in just a few years.

3. Natural gas is a much cleaner burning fossil fuel, which is better for the environment.

4. Home heating oil can be smelly, but natural gas is odorless.

5. Homes with natural gas heating systems have higher resale value.

Call Polar Bear today to find out if your existing oil boiler or furnace can be converted to natural gas. The switch can save you money on fuel and natural gas is much better for the environment. Natural gas can also be piped directly to your home, so you never have to worry about fuel deliveries again! Let the expert team at Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. take care of your oil to gas conversion, increase the potential value of your home, and help you save money on energy costs!

Tags: D.C., Heating, Oil to Gas Conversion, Washington
Posted in Heating, Oil Heaters | Comments Off on The Benefits of Oil to Gas Conversions

Washington DC Air Conditioning Guide: Why Won’t My AC Turn On?

Monday, April 22nd, 2013

As the cooling season approaches in Washington, DC, homeowners and tenants throughout the area are turning on their air conditioning systems to ensure that they are ready to go for the hot months. We rely a lot on our air conditioning systems, and it’s no wonder that with all the use they get over the years, that there may come a time when they need professional repair. One of the most common problems that we encounter is when a client’s AC won’t turn on. In this post, we’d like to review some possible causes for this problem. For Washington, DC air conditioning service, call the experts at Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating today!

Thermostat fault: First, you should double-check your thermostat. Make sure it’s set to a temperature that calls for cooling, and that the fan is on. If this doesn’t change anything, then there may be a connectivity issue between it and the air handler, which sends cool air into your ductwork to be distributed into your living spaces. The thermostat may also be improperly calibrated, so that it’s not sensing the temperature of your indoor air properly.
Electrical problem: If your AC won’t turn on, the problem is likely electrical in nature. There are various control switches to your AC, both at the air handler and the outdoor condenser/compressor. Make sure that both are in the on position. You should also check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker, both of which can affect the power supply to your AC.
Condensate drain pan overflow: Often, air conditioners have a water overflow shutoff switch that cuts off the power should water leak into the air handler. This is to prevent electrical damage. Because your evaporator coil causes water vapor to condense on the surface of its coils, there is a condensate drain pan located just beneath them to catch and drain any water away from the mechanical parts of the air handler. If this overflows because of a clog in the drainpipe, then your AC may automatically shut itself off.

We hope this gives you some idea as to the range of problems that can cause an AC to fail to turn on. For more information, or to schedule Washington, DC air conditioning service, call Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating today!

Tags: AC Won't Turn On, Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Repair, Washington
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Washington DC Air Conditioning Guide: Why Won’t My AC Turn On?

Washington D.C. Air Conditioning and Air Quality Issues

Monday, April 15th, 2013

Air conditioning and air quality often go hand in hand, just like heat and humidity. In Washington D.C., we rely on our air conditioning to provide crisp, cool air so that when we come home after a long day, we can enjoy respite from the hot sun outside. Your air conditioner provides some dehumidification in the process, and its air filter does remove some of the pollutants that can find their way into your home living space, but in order to improve your total comfort, you need to ensure that your indoor air quality is high during the cooling season. In this post, we’d like to address this relation by recommending some ways you can improve both your air conditioning and your indoor air quality. For Washington D.C. air conditioning services, call the experts at Polar Bear Air Conditioning today!

Air filtration: Your air conditioner’s air filter is designed to prevent dust and debris from ruining the mechanical parts of your air conditioning system. While this provides some air filtration for your indoor air, it is not designed to provide comprehensive air filtration, which may be necessary if your home suffers from contaminants and pollutants, such as pollen, dander, bacteria, and dust mites. Consult with an air filtration and air cleaner expert to see which whole-home option would be best for you.
UV germicidal lights: Ultraviolet light destroys microorganisms before they enter your ductwork. UV germicidal lights are a relatively simple device, although they require professional installation to work correctly. They are installed directly into your air handler.
Enroll in a maintenance program: Professional inspection, cleaning, and tune-ups are the best ways to keep your air conditioning working well and your air quality high. By enrolling in a preventive maintenance program, you are ensuring that your system is always working as efficiently and effectively as possible.

While our modern homes are energy efficient, they often prevent adequate ventilation. The EPA lists indoor air pollution as one of the top 5 environmental risks to our health. For Washington D.C. air conditioning and indoor air quality services, call the experts at Polar Bear Air Conditioning today!

Tags: Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Repair, Indoor Air Quality, Washington, Washington D.C.
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Washington D.C. Air Conditioning and Air Quality Issues

Is it Time for Furnace Replacement in Washington, DC?

Monday, March 4th, 2013

Investing in a furnace replacement in Washington, DC is a major decision. It requires not only researching for the best new furnace for your home, but also knowing when furnace replacement is necessary. If you’re thinking about replacing the furnace in your Washington, DC home, call the experts at Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating. We can help you to weigh your options and your budget so that you can make an informed and confident decision. We know how hard it can be to go through this process so we put together a short guide that might be able to help.

Signs You Need Furnace Replacement

So how do you know if it’s time for furnace replacement? Here are some things to consider:

Frequent repairs. If you regularly repair your existing furnace and it seems like there is no end to the amount of money you spend on it, it may be time to invest in a replacement. When an old furnace becomes a money pit, sometimes it’s better to start anew, than to try to salvage the old.
Old age. If your furnace is old and has started requiring repairs, then you may want to consider replacement. The repair costs on older units are often more than it would cost to get a new model.
Energy efficiency. Today’s gas furnaces boast AFUE ratings of up to 97%, which means that only a small fraction of the energy drawn from the fuel is lost. This can mean big savings for you in the long-term. In fact, it might make more sense to replace your furnace, even if your old one has not yet stopped working. The technology is rapidly advancing, and it may be worthwhile to talk to a furnace expert soon about your energy efficiency options.

Remember that when you consider furnace replacement, you need to look for an installation company that provides exceptional service at great value. Look no further than Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating for all of your furnace replacement needs in Washington, DC. Call us today.

Tags: Furnace Replacement, Furnaces, Heating, Heating Replacemnet, Washington
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Is it Time for Furnace Replacement in Washington, DC?

Causes of Common Boiler Sounds: Washington, DC Boiler Repair Guide

Monday, February 11th, 2013

Boilers are one of the most common heating systems in the country. They provide comfortable and efficient heat and only require regular maintenance to work reliably. At Polar Bear Air Conditioning and Heating, we offer complete boiler repairs and installation in Washington, DC. One of the most common calls for service that we get is boiler noises. All boiler repairs should be done by a professional contractor. We thought it would be helpful if we put together some of the most common causes of boiler noises so that our customers would know when to call us.

Boiler Knocking and What It Means

Perhaps the most common boiler noise that people in Washington, DC call us about is a knocking sound. There are several causes for this sound and you should always consult a professional plumber if you start to hear that noise.

Air in the pipes – Over time, air bubbles can start to build up in your boiler pipes. Unless your boiler lines get regularly bled, the air moving through your pipes can create a knocking sound. This is usually fixed by a heating technician who can open the pressure release vale to let the air out.
Oversized boiler – If your boiler is too large for your home it can cause boiling in your water lines which can cause a knocking.
Sediment – If you have hard water at your home the excess minerals can start to build up on the bottom of your boiler tank. When the burner kicks on to heat up the water, the sediment crust will block the heat and cause rapid heating of the water underneath the crust to heat up quickly and form steam.
Expansion tank – The expansion tank for your boiler allows for it to accommodate the physical properties of water that make it expand when heated. If your expansion tank isn’t working right it could cause the knocking sound as well.

If you need boiler repairs in Washington, DC, just call the experts at Polar Bear.

Tags: Boiler Noise, Boiler Repair, DC, Heating, Washington
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Causes of Common Boiler Sounds: Washington, DC Boiler Repair Guide

Washington Heating Guide: Reasons Your Furnace Is Producing No Heat

Monday, October 15th, 2012

If you Washington home’s furnace stops producing heat, it may seem like a total emergency, and the combination of chill and frustration may cause panic to set in. Don’t start fretting too much just yet, though. There are some potentially simple causes and solutions for this problem, such as:

The thermostat may be set too low or on the wrong setting. Yes, it seems obvious, but sometimes the solution is staring you right in the face. Check that your thermostat is set high enough to call for heat and that it is on HEAT mode.
A circuit breaker may be tripped or a fuse may be blown. It could be the one dedicated to the thermostat, glow coil igniter or furnace itself. Check the breaker or fuse box in your home and either flip the breaker or replace the fuse. If it continues to trip or blow, get it looked at professionally—there may be a bigger problem going on.
The thermostat may not be working, so it is either improperly detecting the temperature or improperly reporting it to the furnace, so the heat does not kick on. Either way, it probably needs to be replaced.
The furnace is not igniting properly. This could mean the pilot light is out on furnaces without electric ignition, the gas valve is closed and can’t ignite or some other ignition malfunction. Check the pilot and gas valves to make sure they are on and working.

If you have checked all these things and the thermostat still is not working, or if you don’t feel comfortable looking into these causes on your own, you are best served by calling a professional Washington heating technician to diagnose and fix the furnace.

Often, these big failures are just the symptom of a smaller problem, so in all likelihood you won’t have to replace the furnace or do any major repairs, especially if it has been well-maintained throughout its life.

Call Polar Bear Air Conditioning and Heating today if you need heating repairs in the Washington area!

Tags: Furnace, Furnace Repair, Heating, Washington
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Washington Heating Guide: Reasons Your Furnace Is Producing No Heat

Furnace vs. Heat Pump: A Tip From DC

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

If you’re preparing to replace your existing heating system in Washington DC, you may very well be struggling with the question of whether to go with a furnace or a heat pump for all of your future home heating needs. Each of these systems have their own advantages and drawbacks, and once you’ve narrowed it down to one type or the other, you’ll still have a pretty wide variety of products to choose from.

Furnaces are still the most popular type of home heating equipment on the market. You can get furnaces that run on gas, oil or electricity, although gas furnaces are by far the most common type of furnace around these days. The latest models are extremely energy efficient, with AFUE ratings reaching into the high 90%s.

Like heat pumps, furnaces use ducts to transfer heated air throughout your home. They typically require regular maintenance once every year or two depending on the type of furnace you have, and they can be expected to last anywhere from 15 to 25 years when properly maintained. Most modern furnaces are also made to be compatible with a central air conditioning or cooling system as well.

Heat pumps, on the other hand, don’t generate the heat that they circulate throughout your house. Instead they are able to extract the heat from the air outside and pump it inside. This means that they use much less energy than even the most energy efficient furnaces.

However, heat pumps are only capable of heating your house comfortably when the outside temperature is above freezing. If you live in an area with particularly long and frigid winters, you’ll probably find that you need to supplement your heat pump with another heat source. Because of this, it actually makes little sense to use a heat pump in more extreme climates.

On the other hand, if you live in an area with relatively mild winters, heat pumps can be a great option. They provide a constant flow of warm air to all parts of your home and can also keep you house cool during hot summer months. To cool your home, heat pumps simply reverse the process they use to warm it. They take the heat out of your indoor air and pump it outside. This is a very effective home cooling method and makes heat pumps a great solution for year round comfort.

Tags: DC, Furnaces, Heat Pumps, Washington
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Furnace vs. Heat Pump: A Tip From DC

How to Reduce the Load on Your Central Air Conditioner: A Guide From Washington

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

The central air conditioner in your Washington house can handle a lot. It can keep your house cool and comfortable all summer long with only a minimum of maintenance. And if you have a newer, more energy efficient model, you probably are not even paying very much for this luxury. But no matter how good your air conditioning system is, it is always best if you can reduce its cooling load as much as possible.

Cutting down on the amount of work your central air conditioner has to do will save you money both in the short term and in the long term. You will be able to keep your house cool all summer while paying even less than you already do and you will help to extend the life of your system as well.

In general, reducing the cooling load that your air conditioner is responsible for involves keeping your house cooler by some other means. One great option when this is your goal is to have some ceiling fans installed. These help to circulate cool air and also create a breeze that can make it feel cooler even if the actual indoor temperature is the same.

With adequate ceiling fans in place, you will usually be able to turn up the thermostat on your central air conditioner and still be completely comfortable indoors. Turning up the temperature on the thermostat means that your air conditioning system will not have to work so hard because it will not have to get the indoor temperature down so low.

You can also reduce the indoor temperature in your house by blocking the sunlight that comes in and warms up the indoor air. Drawing the blinds, especially in those rooms that receive warmer afternoon sunlight will keep that sun from raising your indoor temperature. This, in turn, means that your air conditioning system will not have to work so hard to get the temperature back down.

You can also help to keep cool air inside and warmer air out by covering any doors and windows you are not likely to use with plastic. Also, check to make sure there are no cracks or drafts anywhere that may be letting in air from the outside or allowing cooler indoor air to escape. All of these things can make it possible for your air conditioner to keep your home cool without working so hard, and that will also mean that you will be paying less each month on your energy bills.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Maintenance, DC, Washington
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on How to Reduce the Load on Your Central Air Conditioner: A Guide From Washington

What Is SEER? A Question From Washington DC

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

If you’ve been looking at air conditioners in Washington, you’ve probably noticed that they all seem to have a SEER rating. But what does this actually mean?

The SEER, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is a measure of how energy efficient a particular air conditioning model is. So when you’re shopping around for the best deal on an air conditioner for your home, this is something you’ll absolutely want to pay attention to.

Interpreting SEER Ratings

The SEER rating system is relatively simple – the higher the SEER, the more energy efficient the product. But because a higher price tag typically comes with a higher SEER rating, it’s important to know just how much more efficient a higher rated unit will be. It helps you decide whether paying significantly more for a higher rated unit is worth it in long term savings. Will it actually save you enough each month to make up for the difference in price?

Evaluating Your Energy Usage

A big factor here is how much you will use your air conditioner. If you live in a place with very hot and humid summers where the air conditioning runs constantly, you’re probably best off with the highest SEER you can find. When you consume that much energy to keep your home cool, you want to get as much as possible out of it, and that’s what a high SEER model can do for you.

On the other hand, if you live in an area that doesn’t have the harshest summers, you may be better off with a slightly less efficient (and therefore cheaper) model. Keep in mind, too, that the actual percentage increase in energy efficiency goes up by smaller and smaller increments the higher in SEER ratings you get. For instance, while a 10 SEER unit may be almost 20% more efficient than an 8 SEER model, a 12 SEER is only about 10% more efficient than that 10 SEER.

Finding the Right Balance

The best way to decide what SEER rating is best for you is to determine the annual cooling costs with your current unit and then calculate your savings in dollars based on the percentage each model would improve your efficiency. If you don’t currently have an air conditioner, this can be a bit tricky, but a professional contractor or air conditioning salesman can help you estimate your total monthly cooling costs with the various units.

Tags: Air Conditioning, DC, Energy Saving, Washington
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on What Is SEER? A Question From Washington DC