Oasis Heating, A/C & Refrigeration Blog : Posts Tagged ‘Tips’

Getting More Out of Your Air Conditioning in Arlington, VA

Tuesday, August 29th, 2017

When it comes to air conditioning, Arlington, VA residents know the value of reliability. Our hot, muggy days  make cool comfortable air a necessity, and most of us prefer to get that air without breaking the bank in high monthly bills. You can do that by upgrading your older air conditioning to a new one, or you can do it by getting more out of your existing model. A trained expert can help you out.

Efficiency is the watchword in lowering your monthly energy bills without cutting down on the cool air you’re accustomed to. And efficiency starts with regular cleaning and maintenance. When dust and dirt build up on individual components, it affects their ability to function. Dust on the evaporator coils will impact its cooling ability, while build-up in the condensate drain can lead to water overflow in the pan. Wear and tear can take their toll as well, with old components struggling to perform their functions or flat-out breaking down in some cases. If you have a refrigerant leak, low refrigerant levels will cause issues with the cooling cycle. A regular maintenance plan can keep the unit clean and spot any potential problems before they become too large to handle without a serious service call.

You can help identify sources of trouble while they’re still small by noticing any changes in the performance of your air conditioning unit. If you sense that the air flow has dropped, if the air conditioner unit seems to stay on for longer periods of time, if the air isn’t as cool as it once was, or if you hear any unusual noises coming from the air conditioner, it may be time to call in a professional.

In particular, look for unusual spike in your monthly electric bill: as sure a sign as any that there could be an issue with your AC. If you live in Arlington, VA or any of the surrounding communities, call on the experts at OASIS Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Inc. 

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Three Ways in Which Your Air Conditioning Installation in Arlington, VA Can Make it or Break it

Monday, August 14th, 2017

In Arlington, VA, we need our air conditioning systems to hold back the heat and humidity of summer. A reliable air conditioning system can keep your home a comfortable temperature no mate how high the mercury rises outside. That begins with the air conditioning installation process. A professionally installed AC unit will provide reliable, efficient service from the get-go. One that is poorly installed, on the other hand, will develop problems sooner rather than later. What should you look for when the time comes to install a new air conditioning? Here are three ways in which the process can make it or break it.

  • Placement: Placement of all aspects of a new air conditioning unit plays a key role in how efficiently it functions. A good installation expert will make sure the unit is placed where it has sufficient space and where nothing will block the airflow. He’ll ensure that its noise doesn’t carry such that it distracts you or your neighbors, and that the unit it is easy to access for service. He’ll won’t place ductwork in unconditioned spaces unless it is necessary, and he will set up the thermostat in a place that accurately gauges the temperature (i.e. away from windows, warm spots or other sources of heat).
  • Materials: Proper air conditioning installation uses top-notch materials to secure and fit the unit. Ducts, for instance, will be well-insulated if they’re placed in the attic, and sealed with duct mastic.
  • The Right Contractor: This is the simplest and yet perhaps the most important aspect of air conditioning installation. Does the technician double-check his work? Does he make sure all the bolts are secure, the fittings are in place, and the seals tight and well-maintained? Does he verify the level of refrigerant and ensure that it’s right for your model? Does he turn the AC on when he’s done and verify the air flow rate? A good professional will ensure that his work is done right the first time. The wrong contractor who might be operating as quickly as possible is apt to ignore some of those steps, which will increase wear-and-tear on you unit and create problems later on.

For top-notch air conditioning installation in Arlington, VA, contact the experts at OASIS Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc. We do the job right the first time, every time, and pride ourselves on professional work. Call us today to set up an appointment.

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How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality in Arlington, VA

Saturday, July 22nd, 2017

Forced-air air conditioning systems like heat pumps and central AC systems are some of the most popular cooling systems in the country. They use a series of ducts through which they push the cooled air into the rest of your home. Since the air in your home is cycled through this system again and again, your HVAC system can have a big impact on your home’s air quality.  Read below to see how you can improve your air quality with your HVAC system.

  • Air filters and purifiers – One of the best ways for homeowners to improve air quality is with an air filter or air purifier. These types of products usually sit in the ducts or in the air handler where they can trap or remove contaminants from the air. Air filters usually use a dense material like fiberglass to remove particulates while purifiers use electrostatic energy.
  • Humidity control – Here in Virginia, our summers can get humid and the winters can get very dry. These fluctuations can cause big issues for your home’s air quality. Air that is too humid can allow insect populations and mold levels to increase while dry air can increase dust levels and cause dry throats and nasal passages. That’s why we offer humidifier and dehumidifier installation and repair services. These products can keep humidity levels in your home under control and increase air quality. They are also usually installed in your ductwork or air handler.
  • UV germicidal lights – Many medical facilities use ultra violet light to sanitize their equipment. This is because UV light is incredibly damaging to microorganisms like viruses and bacteria. When used in your home, UV lights are installed after any air filters or humidity control systems so that any large particles like dust or dander don’t get in the way. The UV lights destroy the bacteria or virus’ ability to reproduce which renders them essentially harmless.

If you need Arlington, VA air conditioning and indoor air quality services, call the experts at OASIS Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration.

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Steps to Clean the Air Filter in Your Air Conditioning System

Thursday, July 20th, 2017

Every spring, you need to arrange for an HVAC professional to come to your home and provide a thorough inspection and tune-up for your air conditioning system. This routine maintenance will help keep your AC in top shape for the summer, working energy-efficiently and with as few repair issues as possible.

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3 Tips for Doing Air Conditioning Repair the Right Way

Thursday, June 29th, 2017

During one of our summers in Virginia, a home’s air conditioner will receive a serious workout. An AC here has to deal not only with overcoming high heat but also high humidity. (Although you can have a special dehumidifier integrated into your HVAC system to assist with this.) All this stress can lead to an air conditioner that needs repairs to keep it running effectively and efficiently.

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Ways to Stay Cool During an Air Conditioning Emergency

Tuesday, June 13th, 2017

We offer 24/7 emergency repair service for air conditioning when our customers need it. We understand that when the temperature rises, it’s vital to keep your home cool—especially if there are elderly people or young children indoors. When an air conditioner suddenly ceases working, or it won’t blow out cool air, it’s has to be repaired as fast as possible.

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3 Reasons to Change Your Air Filter

Monday, June 12th, 2017

Your air conditioning system has an air filter in them that are there to keep dust, dirt, insects and other contaminants from getting into the equipment. There are huge benefits to regularly changing those air filters.  In this post, we will explore how keeping your air filter clean can increase efficiency and reduce repair.

For all your Alexandria, VA air conditioning service needs, make sure that you call the professionals at OASIS Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigerant, Inc. We offer complete repair, installation and maintenance for all different types and brands of systems.

  • Reduce repair – One of the most common causes of air conditioning repair is a clogged air filter. A clogged air filter will restrict the flow of air through the system and put more wear and tear on your air conditioner. It can also cause problems like a frozen evaporator coil or inadequate cooling.
  • Increased efficiency – Another huge potential benefit of regularly changing your air conditioner’s air filter is that you could increase the efficiency of the system. When your AC has a clogged air filter it will have to work harder to pull air in, which leads to increased energy consumption.
  • Extended life – When your air conditioning system has to work harder to cool your home it will develop more problems more often. This can not only increase repairs and decrease efficiency, but it could also cause your equipment to prematurely break down.

For all your Alexandria, VA air conditioning repair, installation and maintenance needs, call OASIS Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigerant, Inc. As part of our regular maintenance visits our technicians will make sure to change the air filter in your AC.

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Fairfax, VA Air Conditioning: Benefits of Cleaning Your AC

Monday, June 5th, 2017

The importance of keeping your AC clean from the negative effects of dust and debris can hardly be overstated. Your AC is a complex machine with various components that make up the refrigerant cycle. Considering how much you have come to depend on its operation, it’s no wonder that maintenance is so important. In today’s post, we’d like to look at some of the benefits of having your AC maintained by a professional. Call OASIS Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc. today for excellent Fairfax, VA air conditioning services, including maintenance.

  • Performance: Put simply, you need your AC to perform well every day during the cooling season. On those really hot and humid days, you’ll need it to operate for hours on end. Over time, your system endures a lot of wear and tear, and much of that comes in the form of dust and debris accumulating on sensitive mechanical components and coils. This disrupts the ability of your AC to perform well.
  • Energy efficiency: Cleaning also improves the energy efficiency of your AC. While we can’t control the cost of energy, we can control how we use it. But your AC cannot be efficient the blower motor is caked in dust, or the condenser coils are caked in organic debris like leaves and twigs. You don’t want to have to pay for more cooling than you’re getting.
  • System lifespan: An AC is a major investment, and keeping your system clean is part of protecting your investment. Cleaning is not cosmetic, but directly related with the performance, energy efficiency, and, ultimately, system longevity of your AC. You can’t expect your AC to last as long as it should, if it is not kept clean.

Call OASIS Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc. for comprehensive Fairfax, VA air conditioning services. 

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Fairfax, VA Air Conditioning Repair Tip: Preventing Damage to Your Outdoor Unit

Saturday, April 22nd, 2017

Whether you have a ductless mini split, or central air system, you need to make sure that all system components are protected from dust and other debris that can impair energy efficiency and functionality. Because it resides outdoors, your compressor/condenser unit is subject to more wear and tear than the indoor components. While it’s weatherized by design, it’s important to prevent any damage whenever possible. For more information about what you can do, or to schedule Fairfax, VA air conditioning repair, call the experts at OASIS Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc. today!

Your outdoor compressor/condenser needs to stay clean and clear of debris. The compressor and condenser are both located in the outdoor unit, and if there is problems with air flow then they will be unable to dissipate the heat from your home and your air conditioning system will not be able to work effectively.

During the off-season, your outdoor unit may have accumulated various organic debris on its surface. As the vegetation once more becomes prevalent during the springtime, it’s all the more important that you ensure grasses and shrubs do not encroach upon the surface of the outdoor compressor/condenser. Even seemingly minor obstructions can cause significant airflow problems. By keeping your outdoor unit clean and clear, you can prevent damage to the outdoor unit.

For more information about how to keep your AC properly maintained this season, or to schedule Fairfax, VA air conditioning repair, contact the experts at OASIS Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc. today!

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Arlington, VA Air Conditioning Tip: Energy Saving Ideas for More Efficient Cooling This Summer

Saturday, April 8th, 2017

If you are looking for energy saving ideas to get more efficient cooling for your home this summer, the Arlington, VA air conditioning experts at Oasis Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc. can help. In this week’s blog post, we’ll discuss some ways that you can easily save energy and lower your utility bills.

First and foremost,  upgrading to a more efficient air conditioning system can save you a lot of money this summer. This will be especially important if you are facing costly repairs. It may be more cost-effective to upgrade your system to an Energy Star model than to keep on repairing failing equipment. However, make sure that your home is ready for a high-efficiency air conditioner. This includes having your ductwork checked for air leaks and insulating or sealing your home.

One of the easiest improvements you can make to save energy is to upgrade to a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat allows you to set the thermostat at different temperatures at different times of the day. You can set back your AC when you are at work and then program the thermostat to turn the air conditioner back on before you get home; this ensures that your home will be nice and cool when you get home and cut down on cooling costs.

Installing a ceiling fan may be another easy way to save energy, since it helps you feel cooler allowing you to turn down your AC. Depending on the size and layout of your home, a ceiling fan may help to circulate the air conditioned air inside your home as well. Attic fans are also useful and can help with ventilation and keeping your home cool without raising utility bills.

If you need air conditioning installation, repair, or maintenance service in Arlington, VA, please give OASIS Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc. a call today!

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