Trane Heat Pump Maintenance and Installation in Myrtle Beach and Charleston, SC

The Coastal Air Plus Answer: You can’t stop the ocean, but you can keep it off your equipment. If you live within 5 miles of the beach, salt is literally "pitting" your metal coils. Use a garden hose on low pressure to rinse the outdoor unit every 2–4 weeks. 

If you’re shopping for a new unit, ask us about "Seacoast Protection" or epoxy-coated coils—it’s the only way to make a system last more than 5 years in the Myrtle Beach environment.

In Myrtle Beach and Charleston, absolutely. Unlike the North, our systems don't have an "off-season." In the Spring, we’re cleaning out the thick yellow pine pollen that chokes your airflow. 

In the Fall, we’re checking the defrost board because our damp, 30°F nights will freeze a neglected unit into a block of ice. Skipping service here usually leads to a $500 emergency call in the middle of a July heatwave.

You’re likely falling into the "SC Thermostat Trap." When you nudge the temp up by more than 2 degrees at once, the system thinks it’s an emergency and kicks on the electric heat strips. These use a massive amount of power and spike your bill. 

To save money, stop "adjusting" the temp. Pick a comfortable number, lock it in, and let your heat pump work slow and steady without triggering the expensive backup.

In the winter, a heat pump works like a heater, extracting heat energy from the outside and transferring it inside. In the summer, the process reverses, removing heat from your home and transferring it outside like an air conditioner. Heat pumps do this so well that many people in warmer climates exclusively rely on them for year-round comfort. Those living in colder climates use electric-powered heat pumps with their gas or oil furnaces, resulting in lower heating costs.

They work with coils drawing energy from air, water, or the ground. In this way, they are environmentally friendly and the most energy-efficient way to heat and cool your home. Heat pumps also work exceptionally efficiently because they simply transfer heat rather than burn fuel to create it. This efficiency makes heat pumps a greener alternative to traditional gas or oil furnaces. Though you may be unfamiliar with them, they traditionally heat swimming pools and hot tubs, so you most likely have come in contact with them and not even know it.

That’s "Dirty Sock Syndrome," and it’s a huge problem in our 90% humidity. It’s caused by bacteria growing on your indoor coils because they never fully dry out in the Lowcountry air. Don't just spray Febreze; you need a professional coil cleaning. 

To keep the funk away permanently, we recommend a UV-C germicidal light installation to zap the bacteria before the smell starts.

There are three types of heat pumps: 

• air-to-air, 
• water source, and 
• geothermal. 

As mentioned above, they collect their heat from the air, water, and outside your home and concentrate it for use. 

Call Coastal Air Plus to discuss the basic differences between these types and which one would work best for you and your home.

The Coastal Air Plus Answer: Your drain line is likely clogged with "Lowcountry Algae." The high humidity creates a constant flow of water that turns household dust into a thick, snot-like slime. 

The DIY Fix: Find the PVC access point near your indoor unit and pour 1 cup of white vinegar down it once a month. It dissolves the slime before it can back up and ruin your ceiling. If it’s already leaking, give us a call to clear the line safely.

Heat pump installation costs are higher than with a traditional furnace or air conditioner. Still, the savings over time in annual energy costs

• Heat pump installation costs make up for the difference in five to ten years. Performing proper operation and maintenance of your heat pump will also save you money, as you’ll use less energy, thus resulting in less cost. 
• Ask your HVAC professional for the proper thermostat setting and the indoor pump’s fan operation. Not following the recommended guidelines can inhibit the maximized running of the pump and can degrade the unit itself. 
• Regular maintenance can prevent degradation as well. Consistent filter changing or cleaning is necessary for a well-running heat pump. 
• Seasonal cleaning of coils and fans goes a long way in preventing poor energy efficiency that can end up costing you more money. The energy difference between a well-maintained system and a neglected one can be pump's maximized running and 10 to 25 percent.

To determine the appropriate type of heat pump for you (which can depend upon the geography and climate around your Surfside Beach, Myrtle Beach, Conway, Charleston, SC, or surrounding home or office space) or to discuss your options, call us today or request service online for an evaluation.

• ENERGY STAR is program developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in order to reduce the nation's energy consumption.
• ENERGY STAR® -qualified heating equipment can be up to 15 percent more efficient than standard models. ENERGY STAR® -qualified cooling equipment can be up to 7 percent more efficient than minimum-standard equipment.