How to Prep Your A/C For A Hurricane

The Lowcountry is no stranger to hurricanes and tropical storms. We’re in the midst of hurricane season (June 1 – November 30) which can be a very stressful time for homeowners. When a hurricane or tropical storm strikes, your A/C unit can be among the most vulnerable parts of your house to be damaged which can leave you with costly repairs.

We understand that you are busy with other home and safety preparations. So as your trusted, local HVAC experts, we took out the guesswork and put together a few tips to help you prepare and protect your A/C unit.

The impacts of a hurricane can cause damage to your A/C:

WIND & LIGHTNING: Wind can blow loose objects and tree branches that can collide with your A/C unit, damaging the structure and piercing the coils. Dirt, leaves and small debris flying around can become caked on the condenser and dramatically impede air flow.

Power surges from lightning and downed power lines from wind can damage your air conditioner’s compressor and cause other internal components to fail. The same type of damage can even happen from blackouts and brownouts due to system overload during and after a storm.

FLOODING: Flooding can cause multiple (and costly) problems with your HVAC unit. Valves, wiring and controls can quickly become corroded, which can not only impede air flow but can become a major fire hazard.

How to Prepare Your HVAC System Before the Hurricane:

First and foremost, check your home insurance and flood insurance policies to see what HVAC system damages are covered.
Remove any loose objects that could hit and damage your HVAC (Ex: outdoor furniture, potted plants, yard tools, etc.). Cut down loose tree limbs.
Ensure the A/C unit’s bolts are secured and tight.
Move your A/C to an elevated platform to protect it from flooding. Talk to your A/C provider about the best elevated platform solution for your unit.
For additional stability, secure your outdoor A/C unit with hurricane straps.
The day before the hurricane strikes, cool down your house by setting the thermostat slightly lower than your usual temperature. Your house will stay cooler longer in case of a power outage.
Once the storm begins, turn off the electrical breaker switches that lead to your HVAC unit, and unplug and remove window A/C units. If a power outage or power surges occur, shutting your system down will reduce the risk of blowing out circuits and frying your compressor when the power comes back on.
Shut off the gas supply to gas furnaces or gas package units.
If you have a backup generator, ensure it is properly working and in a safe place so you can turn it on to keep your air conditioner running (or at the very least, to keep ceiling fans and appliances running) during a power outage. Be safe and DO NOT go outside during the storm to turn your generator on, wait for the storm to pass.
To protect your A/C from heavy rain water and flying debris, cover your unit with a tarp or unit cover to protect it ONLY WHEN YOUR A/C IS OFF. Remove it immediately after the storm has passed.

PRO-TIP: Only cover your air conditioner unit during hurricanes when completely off, and not during typical rain showers or thunderstorms. It rains a lot in the Lowcountry. But a tarp is not safe for regular use, as tarps trap moisture and cause your unit to rust or gather mold and mildew. But they are safe to use intermittently during hurricane season to protect your unit from flooding and debris damage.

If your HVAC unit is flooded or damaged, follow these steps:

If not already turned off, turn off the electrical breaker switches that lead to your HVAC, and shut off the gas supply to gas furnaces or gas package units.
Contact your HVAC provider to asses the damage! Many air conditioner issues related to flooding and hurricane damage are covered by your home insurance policy. Your expert HVAC provider will able to provide you with the proper damage assessment and paperwork needed for your insurance company, in order to get your A/C unit fixed or replaced and up-and-running!

As trusted, local HVAC experts in the Lowcountry, the LimRic P lumbing, Heating & Air team are ready to asses and fix any issues that may arise during hurricane season! If insurance claims become a hassle, LimRic Plumbing, Heating & Air can help with our up-front fixed pricing options to make your air conditioner is properly working, and at an affordable rate.

Learn more by visiting limric.com.

LimRic Plumbing, Heating & Air  proudly services HVAC systems in homes and businesses in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island, Summerville, Hanahan, and Goose Creek.

Breathe Easy: Why It’s Important To Change Your Air Filter

Did you know that Americans spend 90% of their life indoors where air pollutants are 2 to 5 times higher than the outdoors (according to a recent study with the EPA)? Air filters act as your home’s first line of defense against harmful particles and debris. A clogged or dirty filter can harm the quality of the air you breathe and can cause extensive damage to your HVAC system, affecting your health and your wallet!

Here’s a few reasons why you should change your air filter regularly:

Keep your home clean! Your air filter traps a wide range of contaminants such as dust, mites, pollen, mold, bacteria, animal hair and dander, and more. When your air filter is dirty, all of these particles are floating through the air in your home.

It’s good for your health! Poor air quality can lead to allergic reactions, aggravated asthma, airborne sickness, and harmful irritation of your eyes, throat, mouth and skin.

Lower energy bills! When your air filter is dirty and clogged your HVAC system has to work overtime, whether heating or air conditioning. This leads to higher energy usage which results in higher electricity bills!

FUN FACT: You can save as much as 7.5% on your electricity bill when your HVAC is working with a clean air filter!

It’s eco-friendly! Clean air filter = efficient HVAC = less energy usage = happy planet 🌍

Avoid HVAC system damage! Dirt and neglect are among the leading causes of HVAC system failures. Checking and changing your air filters regularly can increase the longevity of your system and prevent extensive system damage.

What kind of air filter should you get?

Air filters come in different shapes and sizes (and colors), but the most important thing to note when selecting your filter is the MERV rating. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) is a standard that rates the overall effectiveness of air filters. A higher value MERV rating equates to a finer filtration, meaning fewer particles and airborne contaminants can pass through the filter.

Most HVAC systems have a recommended filter for ultimate efficiency. Your LimRic HVAC technician is your expert source on choosing the right air filter for your HVAC system. Just make sure you get the right size!

How often should you change your air filter?

It depends on the quality of air filter you have. But as a general rule of thumb, you should change your air filter at least every 90 days if you live in a home without pets and every 60 days if you live in a home with pets or have allergies.

PRO TIP: You might need to change your air filter more frequently during peak summer and winter seasons. When the temperatures are extremely hot or cold, your HVAC is running more often which means it is filtering more air through your home, causing your filter to get clogged quicker.

The good news is that changing your air filter is extremely easy, and that the LimRic Plumbing, Heating & Air experts are always on call, ready to fix any heating and air conditioning issue that may arise.

Learn more by visiting limric.com or calling us at (843) 620-6810.

Charleston’s Most Common Air Conditioning Problems

The Lowcountry is in the middle of the (nearly unbearable) summer heat, which means air conditioning units are working harder than ever. Our team here at LimRic Plumbing, Heating & Air has been providing expert air conditioning sales, service design, and installation to the greater Charleston area for more than 50 years. Throughout the many years of experience, we’ve come to understand the most common HVAC problems. If your HVAC is malfunctioning, chances are, it’s one of the following problems:

Loose or Burnt Fuses
Clogged Drain Lines
Malfunctioning Relays
Damaged Capacitors

No matter the problem, LimRic p lumbing, Heating & Air has a team of HVAC experts ready to fix any air conditioning issue that may arise. Let LimRic Plumbing, Heating & Air help with our up-front fixed pricing options to make your air conditioner work, as it should, and at an affordable rate.

Learn more by visiting limric.com.

LimRic Plumbing, Heating & Air: The Experts in HVAC Repair

We’re in the midst of another hot Carolina summer, and it’s the wrong time for your HVAC unit to malfunction. Did you know that our HVAC repair team here at LimRic, Plumbing, Heating & Air is comprised of experts in all-things air-conditioning related? At LimRic, we’re equipped to install and repair all air conditioning units, from split systems to central air systems. If your unit is not performing properly, call our expert HVAC repair team to diagnose the problem and fix it promptly.

What can you expect when you call LimRic for an HVAC repair appointment?

Highly Trained and Certified HVAC Repair Technicians
Knowledge and Experience with All Brands and AC Unit Types
Upfront Pricing for HVAC Repair Services
Prompt and Timely Scheduling
Commercial and Residential System Repairs

Let our team of highly trained, certified HVAC Repair technicians fix your existing unit (or install a new one if necessary). Call LimRic, Plumbing, Heating & Air today for all your air conditioning repair and service needs at (843) 620-6810.

LimRic, Plumbing, Heating & Air is one of the few locally owned air conditioning companies in our area. As the Lowcountry’s premier central air repair company, we proudly service homes and businesses in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, West Ashley, Summerville, Hanahan, and Goose Creek.

Experience our unparalleled customer service today. Give LimRic Plumbing, Heating & Air a call at (843) 620-6810.

Keep Your Pets Cool This Summer

During Charleston summers, it’s not only important to keep yourself cool, but you must also consider your pets, particularly when they spend a lot of time outside. Here are four tips for keeping your pets healthy and cool this summer.

Touch the pavement. If you can’t keep your hand on the sidewalk for five seconds, it’s too hot for your pets’ paws.

Keep them hydrated. If your dog or cat plays outside frequently, make sure they have access to clean, fresh water for drinking. A kiddy pool full of water for playtime can keep them from becoming overheated, too.

Consider a cooling pad. Purchasing a cooling pad for pets outside can give them a safe haven when the sun is out.

Bring them inside. Your home is (ideally) air conditioned to perfection. On very warm days, invite your pets inside to stay cool, even if they are normally outdoor pets.

Need to make sure your home is cool this summer for both you and your four-legged friends? Call the expert HVAC team at LimRic Plumbing, Heating & Air at (843) 620-6810 today for a routine maintenance appointment before the summer heat sets in.

Common Questions: What Is a Heat Pump?

Our team at LimRic receives many questions from homeowners and business owners everyday. Today, we want to answer: What is a heat pump?

A heat pump is part of your HVAC system. Unlike a furnace (which serves a similar purpose), a heat pump is powered by electricity, and it moves air from the inside to the outside and vice versa. Contrary to popular belief, the heat pump actually works for both cooling and heating your home. Its main function is to transfer warm air outside in the summer and inside in winter.

Because it is simply transferring heat, instead of creating it, a heat pump is one of the most efficient ways to regulate your home’s or office’s temperature.

Learn more from the experts at LimRic Plumbing, Heating & Air or schedule a service appointment today.

Announcing the Winners of February’s Give Back Grant

We’re proud to announce that WEZL’s 2019 Concert for the Kids & Pattison’s Academy have been chosen as the recipients of February’s Give Back Grant. The Give Back Grant program, initiated in 2016, demonstrates our “LimRic Pride” by donating a financial contribution to two 501(c)(3)nonprofit organizations each month.

WEZL’s 2019 Concert for the Kids is an annual tradition that benefits MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. The event, which took place on February 12 at Charleston Music Hall, featured musical performances by Jon Pardi, Runaway June and Waterloo Revival. Continued supporters of MUSC, LimRic staff also pledged $500 in December during WEZL’s Cares for Kids Radiothon, with funds benefitting the new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital.

Pattison’s Academy is an education and rehabilitation academy providing comprehensive, year-round programs to support children with disabilities and their families. The organization provides therapy and family support services, education through PACE Charter School and a therapeutic summer camp, all intended to maximize the potential of each child and also empower parents as caregivers. Quickly approaching is Pattison Academy’s 3^rdannual Ride-A-Thon fundraiser on Saturday, March 9^thwhich will fund this year’s summer camp. To learn more or to register for the event, please visit http://ktp2019.everydayhero.do/.

Learn more about LimRic Plumbing, Heating & Air, specializing in HVAC and plumbing maintenance and repair with 24-hour emergency service, by visiting limric.com.

How to Prevent Common HVAC Issues

Throughout our years of experience as one of Charleston’s most trusted HVAC companies, we’ve come to understand the most common air conditioning problem areas, and we know how to prevent and fix them. Now is the time to schedule a maintenance appointment for your HVAC system before the summer heat kicks in.

Drain Lines: Debris often gets trapped and clogs drain lines. Once clogged, drain line condensation may cause extensive water damage to your home or business. Keeping these lines clear is essential to your system’s performance, too. During a routine maintenance call, our technicians will clear drain lines and replace them if necessary.

Fuses: A burnt, damaged, or loosened fuse means a broken air conditioner. Our central air repair technicians always check fuses and replace them when needed during our routine maintenance appointments.

Capacitors: Damaged or burned out capacitors will need to be replaced to restore power to your air conditioning’s components. Let our central air repair technicians check your capacitors on a routine inspection before your unit stops working.

Relays: Relays act as switches that automatically shift to “on” or “off” directing varying components to do as they are told, dependent upon your home’s temperature. It is common for relays to wear down over time or to become accidentally stuck, causing your unit to run continually or not turn on at all when the air temperature rises. Expert maintenance technicians can replace faulty relays before they cause problems.

Let LimRic Plumbing, Heating & Air help with routine maintenance and our up-front fixed pricing options to make your HVAC unit work as it should at an affordable rate. We are one of the Lowcountry’s most reliable air conditioning repair and maintenance companies. Call us today at (843) 620-6810.

At LimRic Plumbing, Heating & Air, we’re equipped to install and repair any and all air conditioning units, from split systems to central air systems. We are proud to be one of the few locally owned air conditioning companies in our area. As the Lowcountry’s premier central air repair company, we proudly service homes and businesses in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, West Ashley, Summerville, Hanahan, and Goose Creek.

Maintain Your HVAC Unit for Peak Performance All Year Long

Charleston is hot and humid and even our winter months have warm days. We rely on our HVAC units to keep us cool in the summer months and warm on those chilly days. All year round, it’s important to keep your unit maintained so that it’s ready for the sweltering heat or the unexpected cold snap. Check out three reasons regular HVAC maintenance is important.

Fixing Issues Before They Arise: No one likes an HVAC emergency. Regular maintenance and inspections ensure that problems are fixed before they cause a headache.
Staying Efficient: Having a technician check your unit for clogs and leaks will enable the unit to run as efficiently as possible.
Saving Money in the Long Run: Fixing problems before they become complicated ensures that you’re simply repairing your unit instead of having to purchase a new one. Proper maintenance guarantees the longevity of your air conditioning system.

For maintenance, twenty-four-hour emergency service, and new systems, give LimRic Plumbing, Heating, and Air a call at (843) 620-6810.

LimRic Gives Back To Two Non-Profit Organizations In July

We’re excited to announce the July winners of our Give Back Grant –The Point and Blissful Dreams Rescue Ranch. The Give Back Grant program, initiated in 2016, demonstrates “LimRic Pride” by donating a financial contribution to two 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations every month. In 2018, we expanded the program by adding a volunteer element in addition to monthly donations.

The Point, a non-profit organization made up of 35 dedicated women, strives to help women in the local community who are in need of medical or social services. The organization promotes the empowerment of women and offers financial support via coordinated fundraising events and volunteering. Since the organization’s founding in 2006, The Point has raised more than $250,000 for individual families and organization’s that have included Hollings Cancer Center, My Sister’s House, Lowcountry Firefighter Support Team, and many others.

Blissful Dreams Rescue Ranch provides horseback riding programs that seek to develop friendships, build self-worth and establish purpose for its participants. Stardust Farms, located in Huger, SC, was founded in 2008 by Jamie Kohler. The organization welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to participate in its program, creating an open, accepting environment. In their words, “horses are living proof that beauty comes in all sizes, shapes and colors, just like each of us.”

Learn more and apply for your non-profit organization by following our Facebook Page.