Washington, DC Air Conditioning & Heating Blog | Polar Bear Air Conditioning

AC Installation Tip: Consider a Heat Pump

June 5th, 2017

Now 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…

R-22 Phaseout: What You Need to Know

May 22nd, 2017

If you have a basic understanding of how your air conditioner in Washington, D.C. works, then you understand that the refrigerant in your system plays a vital role in the cooling process. Refrigerant is a heat transfer fluid that is evaporated in the indoor coil of your air conditioner. As the refrigerant evaporates, it draws heat out of the air surrounding and passing over the evaporator coil. The heat is released outside as the refrigerant is condensed, and the cycle continues until the desired temperature is met.

What you may not realize, though, is that “refrigerant” is an umbrella term covering many different heat transfer chemical blends. R-22 is one of the most common refrigerants used in air conditioning systems today. It is also being entirely phased out of use and production in accordance with the Clean Air Act of 2010. 2020 will mark the completion of the R-22 phaseout.

Upgrade Your Thermostat for Better Efficiency!

May 15th, 2017

The hottest time of the year has not really begun yet, but it definitely won’t be much longer before temperatures really start to spike and stay at very high, potentially uncomfortable levels. Are you going to be ready when that happens?

Cooling your home effective is important, but you also want to do so efficiently. The good news is that you don’t have to invest in a brand new air conditioner to do so. Simply upgrading your thermostat in Alexandria can help you to enjoy better comfort, even as you trim away at your overall energy costs.

Why Is My AC Blowing Warm Air?

May 8th, 2017

There is nothing better than coming home to a cool, comfortable environment on a hot summer day. When the heat of summer is at its worst, your air conditioner is your last line of defense against serious discomfort. That is exactly why any problems with your air conditioner should be dealt with immediately. Ignoring “minor” problems with your AC is only going to give those problems the opportunity that they need to get worse, negatively affect your comfort, and potentially do costly damage.

Not all problems with an air conditioner are easily ignored, of course. Certain issues will elicit more concern than others. With the exception of an air conditioner that has broken down entirely, one that blows warm air is probably the most alarming situation a homeowner can face. If your air conditioner in Arlington, VA is blowing warm air, we have some tips to help you determine the proper course of action.

Can Ductless Air Conditioning Save Me Money?

April 24th, 2017

Can a ductless AC save you money? It is certainly possible. Ductless air conditioning has a number of benefits to offer homeowners, and some of them are definitely of the financial variety. Just remember that it is important to work with trained professionals when investing in, installing, or servicing any air conditioning system. Only then will you truly be able to reap the full benefits of the system in question.

Following are a few examples of how ductless air conditioning in Georgetown can help you to live comfortably while also cutting back on your cooling costs. If you do decide that a ductless mini split is the right air conditioning option for you, remember to schedule your installation with us. We’ll make sure that you are 100% satisfied with the outcome.

Do I Need AC Repairs?

April 18th, 2017

Now that we are moving into the warmer time of the year, homeowners throughout the area are turning a critical eye to their home cooling systems. Hopefully you not only have a great air conditioner in place, but that air conditioner was installed by a qualified professional. No matter how great your AC may be, though, and even if it is expertly tuned-up regularly, there is a chance that you may encounter problems with your system at some point. When you do, prompt air conditioning repairs in Capitol Hill are always going to be in your best interest.

Keeping Polar Bears in Mind This Earth Day

April 10th, 2017

What holiday do you think of when February rolls around? President’s Day? Valentine’s Day? Sure, these are two of the better known holidays. There is one that is a bit closer to our hearts, though. It occurs on February 27th each and every year. Do you know what it is? International Polar Bear Day!

That’s right, our very own namesake has its very own holiday, though it may not be one that many people are familiar with. We think that’s a bit of a shame, which is why we are drawing attention to it and the polar bears it celebrates. With Earth Day 2017 right around the corner, we figured the timing is right to divert our attention to our furry white friends.

Are You Thinking About an Air Conditioning Replacement?

March 27th, 2017

If you are thinking about replacing your air conditioner, now is a good time to have the job done. An air conditioner replacement is not something to put off until the last minute. If you do, you run the risk of being caught off-guard by the early arrival of summer heat. When that happens, you may find yourself without air conditioning at all, or perhaps convincing yourself that you can get one more season out of a faltering system.

Naturally, you also don’t want to replace an air conditioner prematurely. After all, a whole-house cooling system is an investment, and you no doubt hope to get the best return possible on that investment. Here are a few tips to help you determine when to schedule an air conditioning replacement in Alexandria, VA.

Are You Struggling with Dry Air in Your Home?

March 21st, 2017

Just when you think you’re out, winter pulls you back in. March is a tricky time of the year, with some of the most unpredictable weather of any season hurtling our way. We’re definitely approaching Spring, though, so now is a good time to think about what issues you may have experienced in your home during this past winter, so you’re not in for repeat issues when the winter cold descends upon us again. One problem that many homeowners struggle with in the winter is extremely dry air in their homes.

What Is the Difference Between a Furnace and a Boiler?

March 13th, 2017

We are going to be using our heating systems for a while longer still. Now is a great time to start thinking about the future of your heater, though. More specifically, it is a good to decide if your heater actually has a future left in front of it. If you had a bad experience with an old heating system this past winter, then you should start to think seriously about a heater replacement in Capitol Hill.

Even if you do decide that the time is right for a heater replacement, there is another big question to ponder. What type of heating system are you planning on using? Two of the most common options are the furnace and the boiler. While those homeowners with existing heating systems often tend to stick with what they know, there is usually an opportunity for trying something different. If you’re ready to replace a heater or need one installed in a new property, both furnaces and boilers warrant consideration.