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Can You Safely Pressure Wash Your Air Conditioner?

Keeping your outdoor AC condenser unit clean in the Greater Charlotte area is an important part of air conditioner maintenance. If the sides of the unit become clogged with debris or the condenser coil or fins are dirty, it can negatively impact the unit’s energy efficiency and performance. It may also cause the condenser to freeze up in which case you’ll have no air conditioning at all until the system is fully thawed. At Integrity Heating & Cooling, we often have clients asking us whether it is safe to pressure wash their AC condenser, and the answer to this is a resounding no

What to Do When Your AC Freezes Up

While many people find it odd that an AC unit can freeze up in the middle of a hot summer, this problem is actually fairly common. There are several reasons why your AC may freeze, and you need to know what to do in case that happens. A few tips on what to do may save you money by avoiding an AC repair. How to Know If Your AC Is Frozen One of the most common signs that you have a frozen AC is visible ice on the outside of the AC compressor.

How Long Should I Expect My HVAC System to Last?

Your HVAC system is a considerable investment for your home that often goes unnoticed while it’s working well. However, when it fails, everyone in your home is uncomfortable and knows that it needs quick attention. Discover how long your system should last, what you can do that affects its life, and how to know when it’s time for a replacement. The Quick Answer If you had to put an expected service life on your entire HVAC system, it would likely be between 15 and 20 years. However, your entire system does not wear the same, and

7 Steps to Follow When Cleaning Your Window AC Unit

A window air conditioner is the simplest form of AC that you’ll find on the market today. These units are a lifesaver for people who live in homes without good airflow from their central HVAC systems or high-rise buildings. You can also use window air conditioners to keep your house comfortable if you need extra cooled air. However, like any other home appliance, window AC units need cleaning. They accumulate debris and dust with time, which impairs their capacity to absorb heat, reducing their cooling capacity and efficiency. Experts recommend thoroughly cleaning your window ACs at

Are Window A/C Units Cheaper Than HVAC Systems?

If your Charlotte or Lake Norman home doesn’t currently have a fixed cooling system, you may be tempted to buy a low-cost window air conditioner from a nearby home and hardware store. Although these units are relatively inexpensive upfront, they generally aren’t good long-term cooling solutions. Moreover, window air conditioners have a number of major drawbacks that must be considered before installing them. Read on to find out why window A/C units are rarely cheaper than HVAC systems in the long run. Upfront Costs vs. Long-Term Spending One of the most common complaints about window

Using Air Filtration Systems to Protect Against COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has everyone on edge. If you’re like most people, you’re doing everything you can to protect yourself and your loved ones from the virus. One of the best ways to do that is by using an air filtration system in your home. Clean Air and COVID-19 One of the best ways to protect yourself from COVID-19 is by ensuring that the air you breathe is clean. Unfortunately, many people don’t have access to clean air, especially in large cities. This is because of the high levels of pollution caused by cars and

Should You Invest in a Heat Pump or a Furnace?

When it comes to keeping your home and family warm during the winter, you need to have a household heating system. Two of the most common that you’ll find today are the furnace and the heat pump. Knowing the difference between the two can allow you to choose the appropriate one to fit your heating needs. What Is a Furnace? Before you can make a well-informed decision of what you need, it’s important to first understand how a furnace works. Your furnace will be part of your overall central heating and cooling system that utilizes

What is a Heat Exchanger and How Does is Work?

Have you ever heard of heat exchangers? If not, you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve heard of evaporators or condensers, but what about heat exchangers? You might be wondering why anyone would need to know about these parts of the AC. It’s interesting to learn about them because these parts will help you understand how your AC system works. Read on to find out more about how they function. What Is a Heat Exchanger? A heat exchanger is a device that transfers the heat from one fluid to another fluid. The fluids may be of different temperatures

Tips to Get Your Furnace Ready for a Snowstorm

Snowstorms are beautiful to watch as they roll in, but they can really mess with HVAC systems. It’s during these storms that people are most likely to experience an HVAC failure, leaving your family in the cold. Here are some of the best tips for preparing for a snowstorm now so that you’re not left without heat. How Snowstorms Wreck Furnaces To heat your home, your furnace raises the temperature of the air moving through the system. This warmer air then moves out into your home to mix with the cooler air and raises

Signs That You Need Ductwork Replacement

When caring for the HVAC system, most homeowners forget about the air ducts because they are hidden. However, air ducts are a vital component of your home’s ventilation. Without them, your HVAC system cannot supply air throughout your home. And without regular checks and proper maintenance, you can easily miss out on problems with your air ducts that may need repairs. Regrettably, any damage or issues with your ductwork that is left unattended can result in serious issues, including lower efficiency and poor air quality. But how do you tell the ductwork needs replacement? Experts at Integrity Heating & Cooling are here to