The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated reductions to the quantities of R-22 that can be manufactured many years ago.  Due to the present demand for the R-22 refrigerant and the limits to available quantities, dealers are checking prices daily before new purchases are made.  What is happening to the cost increase of R-22 is similar to what is happening to gasoline prices…How much more will this tank cost me today than the last tank I purchased…  The EPA mandate continues the reduction to manufactured quantities in future years.  So no price relief for R-22 is seen on the horizon.

What does the rapid reduction in quantity and the escalation in cost mean to consumers?  In my opinion, if a refrigerant leak occurs in a compressor, coil, or anywhere else, repairing versus replacement is ill advised.  For split systems, replacing one component (the outdoor system or the indoor blower (furnace) is ill advised.  If repairs are performed on old R-22 systems, owners should consider the cost of repairing an old system with diminished efficiency ratings as compared to purchasing a newer system that is more efficient and utilizes the new refrigerant (R-410A or Puron).  Costs for the newer refrigerant, PURON, are significantly lower and projected to be stable for many years to come.

No one wants to spend hard earned money on ill-informed and poor choices pertaining to air conditioning and heating.  I attempt to make these postings all about making wise investments that keep you comfortable because that same principle is the core of our service.  Call us at All About Coastal Comfort, 910-579-8866.  We are ready to serve you.

Finally, an affordable wireless internet thermostat is available!

Please don’t get confused.  Honeywell is NOT a manufacturer of heating and air conditioning systems.  Honeywell has been manufacturing thermostats about as long as heating and air conditioning systems have been around.  And they have manufactured thermostats for many heating and air conditioning manufacturers but branded with the name of the manufacturer.  Honeywell also manufacturers thermostats branded with their name.  It is likely, the thermostat you are using is a Honeywell thermostat even if their name is not on it.

An Internet connected (Wi-Fi) thermostat is a relatively new technology but not “brand” new.  There are other wireless thermostats available, but until now have been significantly higher priced.  Many security systems (with a monthly fee) include the ability to control thermostats from remote locations.  To me, the difference is that Honeywell is on track to making this technology more affordable to more consumers using a tried and proven history of compatibility with most heating and air conditioning systems.

To learn about all of the features of the new Honeywell TH8320WF Wi-Fi thermostat,  click here.  There are two videos provided by Honeywell that illustrate the steps to connect the new thermostat.  The first is called Enrollment.  The second is called Registration.  Both are short videos and are approximately 2 minutes each.  Our technicians will provide assistance with these set-up steps.

If you utilize the internet and wireless technology in your home, you should call 910-579-8866 to get more information and schedule an appointment to have one installed in your home.  In my opinion, for those of you who have 2nd homes in the area, the decision to purchase this new thermostat is practically a “no-brainer” and add a level of convenience and peace of mind to your spot in paradise!  For you who don’t live in the area, call us at 1-800-831-COOL (2665)

To become a partner with Santee Cooper,  a heating and air conditioning contractor must verify that all licensing requirements have been fulfilled, is properly insured, and have had jobs installed that could be verified by their staff that they were properly installed prior to becoming a partner.

We think that becoming a partner with Santee Cooper supplements our credentials of being a heating and air conditioning service provider that exemplifies quality to the customers we serve.  I sincerely believe that the training and experiences gained from participation in their programs will benefit all of our customers regardless of where the may live.

I so strongly believe in the consumer benefits that their program promotes, I have purchased the tools to provide these air leakage testing services to my customers that are not Santee Cooper customers.  You can go here to learn more about the blower door and duct blaster that I have purchased to enable these offerings.

You can click here to read how to qualify for rebates and obtain low cost financing, if you are a Santee Cooper customer.  The implementation of the air leakage measurements as described in their program could save as much $$$ on your power cost as the purchase of a new heating and air conditioning system at a significantly lower investment!  And if their requirements for replacements are followed, the resulting power costs for a new replacement will be lower than you ever imagined!  And Santee Cooper will provide utility rebates for replacements!

If I were replacing a system for me or my mother and was a Santee Cooper customer, I would participate in their program!  Call us if you would like to participate in their program!  We can help!  910-579-8866 or 1-800-831-COOL (2665)

If your hvac system doesn’t run and you are left with an expensive repair or replacement decision to consider, we think you should call us immediately.  910-579-8866.  Click here for a special coupon for 2^nd Opinions.

If your system will still run and does not heat with gas, do this first!  Get an inexpensive thermometer like the one pictured on left.  (You may be able to use a cooking thermometer, if you have one.)  Place the thermometer in the return grill that is closest to the furnace and measure and record the temperature.  After recording the temperature for the return air, place it in the supply air vent that is closest to the furnace.  Record the supply air temperature.  Now compute the difference in temperature between the supply air and the return air.  Note the temperature setting on your thermostat.  Is the return air temperature within 1 degree of your thermostat setting?

1. If the temperature difference is 15 degrees or higher, your system is probably operating correctly.
2. If the above is true and the return air temperature is within 1 degree of your thermostat then it is likely that your system is functioning properly but there are other issues that could negatively impact your comfort.  This scenario requires the use of some special tools for a proper diagnosis.  Go here to learn more.
3. If the temperature of the supply air is greater than 100 degrees you know you have a heating problem.
4. If the temperature is less than 15 degrees, you KNOW that your system is NOT working properly.

If you feel that you still have a problem and have knowledge of this temperature difference, you are “armed” and ready to call for help to diagnose the problem with your heating and AC system.

A professional technician will want to know the same information, but don’t let him know you have already tested supply and return air temperatures.  There are a myriad of reasons for inadequate comfort.  Probably, the most common applied fixes are more or less refrigerant, or a replacement part.  But these may not be the solutions to restore comfort.  Or they may end up causing you to pay for unnecessary repairs.  If a faulty part is not a clear resolution to restore comfort, then you should call a reputable company with NATE-certified technicians for an evaluation of your system.

Possible solutions could include:

-          One or more components of your system are not maintained properly;

-          An air filter needs to be replaced;

-          Rooms are not receiving the correct air flows;

-          Air leakage with the duct system exists;

-          Air leakage within your home is robbing available cooling/heating capacity of your system.

Sometimess…

• repairs to heating and air conditioning system that restore comfort are easily detected. 
• repairs are recommended that result from incomplete diagnostic evaluations.
• repairs and even replacements are recommended that are not necessary because the technician’s pay includes commissioned pay that is based on the $$$ volume of the repairs performed in a day. 
• the technician’s company is more interested in selling the “promotion of the day” because it benefits them more than the customer.

I am glad there are many good technicians in our area.  We only employ those that are.  But, unfortunately, there are those who are not.  That’s why we are here…to serve customers with professionalism, impeccable ethics and with empathy to our customers.  Our Mama’s wouldn’t want it to be any other way!

If you have any doubts about the way your heating and air conditioning system was serviced, we can provide you with the peace of mind that you expect.  You can get our coupons for promotional services here, including a special coupon for 2^nd opinions.  Call us today at 910-579-8866.

Have you heard that 1st Ocean Air has been sold?  The company that purchased 1st Ocean Air will not be authorized to promote or sell Bryant heating and air conditioning systems.  All About Coastal Comfort has become a new Bryant heating and air conditioning dealer and is positioned to serve consumers with Bryant heating and air conditioning systems in our service area.

If you live in Brunswick County (Calabash, Carolina Shores, Ashe, Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Shallotte, Supply, Holden Beach, Southport or Oak Island) and have a Bryant Heating and ac system, All About Coastal is ready to service your needs.

Service to our customers begins with a high code of ethics that is centered around honesty, integrity, and respect for those we serve:

1. We can be reached 24/7 at 910-579-8866 or toll free at 1-800-831-2665 (COOL).  You may also contact us by email at owner@allaboutcoastalcomfort.com,Facebook, or TEXT us 843-424-4289.  
2. When you request service from us, we will provide a scheduled time of arrival (not a 2-hour window) and make every effort to be prompt.  If circumstances beyond our control should happen, we will call in advance and inform you of any delay.
3. We will not charge you more than once for the same repair, even if we have to return due to your not be satisfied.
4. Our diagnostics and repairs of heating and air conditioning systems are second to no other company.  We will NOT recommend unnecessary repairs and cause you to pay for a repair that is unnecessary.
5. If replacement heating and air conditioning systems are desired or required, our replacement systems are designed to match the requirements of your home.  Your desires and needs are paramount.  We do not attempt to pressure you buy a solution from us or offer you the “sales promotion of the day”.

We were convinced that Bryant’s product line of heating and air conditioning systems were 2^nd to none.  We chose to represent their heating and air conditioning brand because Bryant:

• … is committed to dealer support which extends to unsurpassed technical support to the dealer and guarantees on the  new comfort systems installed.
• … product line provides a solution for the most economical systems available to the most efficient heating and air conditioning systems that are currently being manufactured.
• … provides a line of heating and air conditioning systems that contain a special “Factory” applied “Coastal” treatment to extend the life of of systems even when installed in coastal areas,which is a very hostile, salt-laden environment for heating and air conditioning systems.
• … has a local distributor network (Myrtle Beach and Wilmington) that is supplemented by 18 additional parts and supplies locations in NC, SC, and Tennessee that assures that parts and equipment are available when needed.
• … offers customers extended protection plans on newly installed heating and air conditioning systems.

We think that Bryant’s commitment to quality and customer service reflects the level of service we provide.  We are excited about our new opportunity and look forward to being of service to you.  Should you happen to need heating and air conditioning service or desire maintenance of your heating and air conditioning equipment, please call us at 910-579-8866 or 1-800-831-2665 (COOL).

At all About Coastal Comfort, Your Comfort is Our Satisfaction.
Any Heating and Air Conditioning Company can sell a box, at All About Coastal Comfort we sell you Comfort

If your older home still has the original heating and ventilating system in use, you should consider having it replaced with a newer, more highly efficient HVAC unit. A newer unit will cut your monthly operating costs significantly on heat and air conditioning usage. Upgrading to a newer system should be considered if you are replacing parts of your main heating or air system due to failure. As experts in the field of Oak Island NC HVAC units, we’d be happy to examine your system and make recommendations on how we can help you reduce your energy bills.

To further save on operating costs, you can also have new digital thermostats installed that will allow you to control when your HVAC unit runs. You can save a lot of money by not running your unit at full tilt when you’re not at home or when you’re sleeping.

If you want your home to always be comfortable,  it is imperative that you keep your HVAC system operating at top efficiency. Call All About Coastal Comfort today at 910-579-8866. We’d be happy to be the Oak Island NC HVAC company you can count on for installation, maintenance and repair.

Air balancing duct systems should occur when duct systems are constructed…but unfortunately many times the air balancing process does not occur because the process adds extra expense to the construction of a duct system.  Sometimes, duct systems not air balanced, can provide relatively even tempered rooms throughout a house.  Sometimes they don’t.  Sometimes evenly tempered rooms can only be achieved through the air balancing process.   The result of missing or mismanaged air balancing is warm to hot rooms in the summer and cool to cold rooms in the winter.

With a little knowledge of air conditioning, you could save yourself many potential headaches.  (Note that it appears to me that air balancing duct systems is not a standard practice in our area.)  If you have a sun room or a room over the garage and find yourself considering a new duct system, one simple question asked during the proposal process would eliminate the possibility of ever needing air balancing performed after a system is installed…The question is:  “Do you air balance your newly constructed duct systems?”  A good response to this question is a definitive YES…and an explanation follows explaining what is performed during an air balancing process.  Anything short of a definitive YES, in my opinion, is insufficient.  It probably indicates that air balancing is not a normal process of their installation methods and so they lack experience (and tools) to perform the process correctly.

The process of air balancing begins with a simplified truism regarding air flow:  Air is dumb, air flows will follow the path of least resistance, not necessarily where they need to go.  The steps are as follows:

To establish where “air needs to go”, air flow targets must be identified for each room in the structure.  SWAG methods can be utilized to establish the targets but are ill advised.  The proper method of determining air flow targets is performing a room by room load calculation to determine the heating and cooling load requirements of the structure for each room.  Air flow targets are provided by the outputs of this calculation.  (Performing this calculation can take between 30 – 90 minutes.  It depends on the square footage of the structure.  And the inputs are more than total square feet of the structure.)

Air balancing “dampers” must be installed in all the smaller ducts that are connected to the supply vents to control the amount of air flow (CFM) that is directed to each room.  (Count the number of supply air vents in your home to determine how many balancing dampers are needed.)  Note the “damper control” in the picture at right.  The manual control is used to regulate (by partial opening or closing) the amount of air flow.  After installation, the damper should be in the most open position.  Note that on an existing duct system that IF balancing dampers are installed, they may be hard to find because the dampers are usually concealed by insulation, tape, or duct mastic.

After the air flow targets for each room are identified and the air balancing dampers are installed, the adjustment process is ready to begin.  A measuring process that utilizes the back of one’s hand as an air flow measuring device is ill-advised.  A device called a “flow hood” is the proper device to be used to measure all room air flows (CFM’s) and a comparison is made to the target air flows for each room.  (Actual airflow .vs. target air flow.)  This process requires 2 people, 1 person to control the balancing dampers (usually in the attic or crawl space) and 1 person to perform the air measurements.  From the measurements observed for each room, the damper control is adjusted until the proper air flow for each vent is achieved. 

Lessons Learned from Previous Air Balancing Experiences

I have discovered that the best approach is to “throttle down” the rooms that have excess air flow first.  And I have learned that the process of air balancing is an iterative process – a change to air flow at one vent can and probably will impact the air flow at other vents.

See 1^st paragraph…air flow is dumb…  But neither are the calculated air flow targets of a load calculation absolute.  That is why I call them targets.  Air flows can be forgiving…Reaching exact air flows based on the targeted air flows for each room may not be achieved but adjustments can be performed that will increase comfort levels. 

Before we begin an air balancing process, a room by room load calculation must be performed.   After the proper air flow targets are determined, an evaluation is needed from an experienced air flow technician to determine if sufficient quantities of air flow exist in strategic places within the existing duct system to provide the air flow needed to achieve the air flow targets for each room.  In many cases, for sun rooms or rooms over garages, additional vents will be needed to supply sufficient air to achieve targeted air flows.  The steps to perform air balancing are as follows:

1. Perform Room by Room Load Calculation
2. Evaluate Heating/Cooling Capacity of Existing System (Continue if Sufficient).
   — If insufficient, replace HVAC System with New System Containing Additional Capacity.   This option will also include new duct work OR Install new system to satisfy the requirements of the uncomfortable room(s).
3. Evaluate Air Flow Capabilities of Existing Duct System to Achieve Air Flow Targets (Continue if Sufficient)
   — If duct work is insufficient, perform modifications to duct work to provide sufficient air flows within the duct system to achieve target air flows for each room.
4. Perform Air Balancing Process

If you are experiencing hot/cold rooms in your home and desire to be comfortable, call us  910-579-8866 or 1-800-831-2665 (COOL).  At All About Coastal Comfort, we have the solutions to provide comfort.

How Comfortable Are You (in your home)?

- Are your energy bills higher than your neighbors?
- Is your home just not comfortable?  Cool in the winter?  Warm in the summer?
- Is your indoor air quality less than you would like it to be?
- Could it be that there is nothing wrong with your heating and AC system?
- Do you know that a heating and air conditioning system replacement is imminent?

In the past, air leaks have been ignored unless they were significant enough to feel or see.  Building scientists have had the tools for assessing air leaks for years, but how many building scientists do you know?  I predict that since our building codes are getting tighter and the cost of energy will continue to increase, the tools for accessing air leakage will become more prevalent.  I obtained the tools because I think I can significantly improve the service that we offer.  I think consumers are unaware of how much they could benefit if someone utilized the tools to identify and quantify the amount of air leakage that is occurring in their homes.

The benefits that you should expect from air leakage testing implementation of improvement measures are:
1.  KNOWING where the opportunities  exist for improvement and which ones to attack first.
2.  Significantly (and possibly, surprisingly) REDUCED ENERGY COST
3.  Greatly improved COMFORT
4.  Greatly improved AIR QUALITY
5.  Minimization of SOUND LEVELS inside your home. 

The quantified results of performance testing remove the mystery of discomfort and high energy bills from an evaluation.  A benefit assessment of the recommended measures helps you rank the order in which measures should be pursued.  If you were to receive a strategic plan that provides the peace of mind of ranking the measures that provide the most benefit to you, wouldn’t that be valuable?  Because I am a heating and air conditioning contractor with many years of experience in energy conservation issues from previous employment with an electric utility, I feel that I am qualified to provide this service.  And yes, my primary interest is in issues that impact indoor air quality and heating and air conditioning systems.

We can perform a test on your duct system to measure how much duct leakage is occurring.  Did you note that we didn’t say “IF your duct system is leaking…”

All duct systems leak.  The new energy code for new homes that is now in effect (in NC) limits duct leakage to a total of 6% of total air flow.  And the only way to achieve such a low leak rate is to test the duct system immediately after construction and seal the leaks.  If you are not aware that your duct system has been tested…expect at least a 20-30% leak rate, even if you have a newly constructed duct system!   It is highly probable that 20 – 30% of the air you are paying to condition (heat or cool) is being wasted in “outside spaces” – the attic or the crawl space.  I think it’s evident that sealing duct leaks would be an opportunity for significant energy cost reduction.  We can measure the performance of your duct system (called a “duct blaster” test) and make the corrections to improve the performance of duct systems.  And we will continue re-testing after corrections are performed so that we will achieve a satisfactory duct leakage rate is (hopefully 10% or less).  Our goal is to reduce duct leaks without unnecessarily replacing your existing duct system.  And it seems to me that if you were considering the replacement of a heating and air conditioning system, having the duct system tested would be required before a replacement occurred!

Click here see our measured performance guarantee.

A blower door provides the capability to measure how much air from outside your home is entering from undesired areas.  If the door(s) are not open and the windows are closed, outside air entering from the crawl space, garage, or attic could be the sources of concern.  These types of sources are identified as unwanted infiltration.  Don’t get me wrong, for air quality reasons houses need to breathe and some infiltration is a good thing, as long as it is not excessive and is not entering from contaminated spaces like attics, crawl spaces, or garages.  Do you suspect that you live in a house that is not constructed as tightly as it could be?  A whole house, measured, air leakage test is known as a “blower door” test and can be very revealing when the amount of air entering you home is measured and then compared to the amount of air entering a well-constructed home.  And there are ways to determine where leaks (if they do exist) occur.  And we will show you where they exist.  I encourage you to think about how these reductions would impact your energy bills, improve indoor air quality, and make your home a quieter place to live in if those leaks were prevented.

If you have read this far, I think it’s fair to assume you ARE interested in this service.  If you should call another heating and air conditioning contractor for heating and AC service, ask  if air leak testing is provided and if provided, what tools are used to provide the service.
– If you do not hear “Blower Door” or “Duct Blaster”, they are not equipped to provide the service.
– If you hear “Duct Blaster” only, they can only test for duct leaks.
– If you hear “Blower Door” only, they can only provide an estimate of duct leakage.  Only with a “Duct Blaster” can identification of air leaks be properly identified.

I think it will be unlikely that you find a heating and air conditioning contractor that provides the service that we can.  Of course you could call a building scientist, if you know one…Calling to receive this service after you come home for work is OK with us (DARK air can be measured too).  Call us at 910-5749-8866.  We pledge to present test results that would comply with Jack Webb’s (of the Dragnet TV show from years gone by) criteria … “Just the Facts”.

Explanation:  With heat pumps, heat can be generated by the refrigerant cycle of the heat pump (the compressor) AND the “electric” heat contained in the indoor (blower) component of your heating system.  The electric heat is sometimes called “supplemental or emergency” heat, but both are referring to the same component in your system. 

Supplemental heat is required

• during the defrost cycle of heat pumps, when your outdoor system starts making unusual noises and you may even see steam being emitted from the outdoor system when the defrost cycle is in progress.  (You can go here for an explanation of the defrost cycle of heat pumps.)
• during times of extreme low temperatures, because the refrigerant cycle is unable to transfer the needed heat from the outdoor air.  
• to quickly warm your home, if for instance, you had been away for a while and desire to restore comfort inside your home quickly. 

Now let’s talk about emergency heat… 

• There should be a setting or “mode” on your thermostat to provide emergency heat. (It may even have a red light that is displayed if your system is in emergency mode to indicate emergency heat is activated.)  
• It is needed when something happens to prevent the compressor (in your outdoor system) from obtaining heat from outdoor air during the refrigeration cycle.   

Improper heating system operation can be the main contributor to higher than normal power bills…but your home could still be warm and comfortable.  It doesn’t matter if it is “supplemental” or “emergency” heat.  This type of heat is a very inefficient method of heating.  It is the same as the heat that would be provided if you were to turn your oven on and use a fan to blow warm air into your home.  The warm air being supplied could be warmer than the air supplied during normal the normal heating cycle.

If your outdoor unit is in a location that you don’t regularly notice, you may not know that a heating problem exists!  Usually, if such a problem exists, the most common problems are related to the refrigerant cycle or the defrost cycle of your system and needs immediate attention to restore normal heating operations.  Emergency heat should always be available to prevent frigid temperatures inside your home if and whenever needed. 

If you experience high power bills or discomfort this winter and desire someone to check out your heating system for you…Trust us for a reputable diagnostic of the performance and repair of your system. The savings resulting from a quick detection of heating problems will save you significantly on your next energy bill!  Call us.  We can help!  910-579-8866.

The most predominant for of heating systems in our area are heat pumps.  When heating with heat pumps, there is a cycle in the heating process called DEFROST.  In order for a heat pump to maintain its heating capability, the heating system is occasionally required to go into its defrost cycle.  When heating, the heat pump is constantly sensing the temperature of the coils (copper tubing) on the outside unit.  When it senses the accumulation of frost, the system goes into the defrost cycle.  The cycle causes the system to change to the cooling mode which forces hot refrigerant gas into the coils causing the ice (crystallized moisture) to melt.  During this defrost cycle, the electric heat in the indoor component of your system is energized to raise the temperature of the cool air (remember the system is in cooling mode) that is being distributed in your home.  The cycle only takes a few minutes.  Many times during the defrost cycle you may see vapor being emitted from the outdoor component of your system.  You may even hear the noises caused by the changing of the refrigerant flow during this process.

The picture illustrates what happens when the defrost cycle malfunctions.   And the condition is amplified when temperatures are 32 degrees or below outside! (Note also that there could be other reasons the heat pumps in the picture appear as they do, but the defrost cycle not functioning is the main culprit for the appearance of “frozen” systems.)  Also note that the repair required is typically not a “major” repair.

If the pictured scenario has happened to you,  I suspect that the expression of your face when you saw your power bill might have been a “picture opportunity” also.  The confounding thing about heating with heat pumps is that if your outdoor component of your system is not working as it should and you still are warm and toasty inside…then the heat must be provided by the electric heaters that are contained within the indoor component of your system.  You may not even realize there is a problem until you get your power bill!  (It costs about 3 times more to heat with the electric heaters contained in your indoor system than the heat provided by a properly functioning outdoor component, the heat pump.)  But the electric heaters are needed for the DEFROST cycle and for emergency heating capabilities.

If you notice ice on your outdoor system, it shouldn’t be operating that way.  Call for a trustworthy diagnostic today!  910-579-8866 or 800-831-2665.