Get Ready: Warm Weather Is Here to Stay!

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As we move further into spring, the outdoor temperature fluctuations that cause us to flip-flop the thermostat between “heat” and “cool” occur less often. Let’s get ready for full-time cooling. First, change that filter. Then go outside and hose off the air conditioning unit, if needed, to clear it of excess pollen or leaves that have collected. This will allow your A/C unit to “breathe.” Better yet, let Hillside make sure you’re ready for summer with an A/C Tune-Up.

Now it’s time to test your A/C unit to see how well it’s cooling. Lowe’s* recommends these steps:

1. After setting your thermostat to “cool,” set the temperature to well below the room’s temperature. You should hear your system kick on and feel air blowing out of your vents.

2. Place a thermometer at the vent nearest to your inside unit. After about 10 minutes, record the temperature.

3. Move the thermometer to an air return and leave it there until the temperature remains steady. Record that temperature.

4. Subtract the second reading (at the air return) from the first reading (at the vent). A healthy difference is 14–20 degrees Fahrenheit. A number lower than that may indicate a problem, such as low refrigerant.

The most important step is to have your A/C unit serviced for the warm-weather season. Let Hillside keep you up and running this summer! Call us in Delaware at (302) 738-4144 and in Maryland at (410) 398-2146. We’ll make sure your equipment is in good working order.

*Source:http://www.lowes.com/cd_Test+Your+Central+Airs+Cooling+Ability_1351517191983_ng+Ability_1351517191983

Using Lawn Equipment Around Your HVAC Unit?

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“Careful with that weed wacker, Eugene!” Outdoor electrical and refrigerant lines can be fragile.

It’s “yard work day,” and you are quickly running out of daylight. “I know I can finish this up so I can have all day Sunday to do what I want” is running through your head as you reach for the weed wacker to finish trimming. The sun has set behind the trees, and clouds overhead make it darker than
you expected. You are along the side of the house finishing lawn trimming and you hear BZZZZ, SNAP, POW!

Unfortunately, you just clipped a line running to your outside air conditioner unit. These things happen, even to the most careful and handy of us.

Be extra careful with lawn equipment around your outside units. Keep the area trimmed, clean, and free of debris. When doing maintenance around the area, be extra mindful that there are refrigerant (Freon®) lines under pressure as well as high and low voltage electrical wires running nearby. If you do find yourself with broken lines, don’t try fixing them with duct tape and wire nuts!

Give Hillside a call for safe, professional repairs.

Central Air vs. Window Units and Old Homes | We Get This a Lot!

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Hillside is proud to announce the arrival of our new Frequently Asked Questions video series, “We Get This a Lot!”

Join Jim Sellers, the CEO and main man of Hillside Oil, Heating, and Cooling, as he reads your FAQs on all things HVAC.

In our inaugural episode of “We Get This a Lot!”, we cover two very important questions of central air conditioning woes. First, whether central air or a collection of window units are more efficient. Secondly, we review mini split systems, the solution to setting up central air when your house just isn’t set up for it. A common example would be when your house is too old and is not properly set up for central air. Say hello to mini split systems and feel your house become conditioned to easy living.

And for more Frequently Asked Questions, check out the “We Get This a Lot!” video series on our YouTube channel!

Why You Need an A/C Tune-up Every Year

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Some customers ask us if they should get an A/C system tune-up every year, or just every couple of years.

That’s like asking whether you should brush your teeth every day or every other day.

Every equipment manufacturer requires regular maintenance to keep warranties valid. It’s that important.

Regular tune-ups prevent a wide range of problems that can lead to breakdowns and expensive repairs. Tune-ups keep your cooling system operating at peak efficiency, which helps you save on electric costs. It’s not expensive, and it will eliminate hassles this summer.

What’s the best time to get it done?

When we get to mid-June, the phones are ringing so much it’s hard to schedule a convenient time. Plus, if we find something wrong, you don’t want to be suffering through 90° temperatures while we try to give you a solution.

So please call early. Better yet, enroll in our Air Conditioning Maintenance Plan. This will guarantee you same day emergency service 7 days a week (including holidays) and repair discounts.

Please contact us today to schedule your A/C tune-up or to request enrollment in our Air Conditioning Maintenance Plan.

4 Mistakes People Make When Buying a Central Air Conditioner

We polled our service team to determine the biggest mistakes they have seen people make with their central A/C. Here is what they have witnessed over the years.

Overspending on efficiency. Sometimes it makes sense to spend extra for an ultra-high efficiency system. Sometimes it is not worth the cost. It depends on your total energy use and the trade-off between up-front cost and savings.

Choosing the wrong contractor. It’s not the equipment, but the quality of the installation that makes the biggest difference. You can invest in the best system in the world, but if your contractor installs it improperly, you will not get the comfort and savings you paid for. What’s more, it can be a nightmare trying to get them to stand behind what they sell.

Waiting too long to replace an A/C system. By delaying the inevitable, you risk lowering your options and compromising your comfort. During the hot weather, air conditioning companies, including us, get booked weeks in advance for installation jobs. It’s always best to replace your A/C system before summer if possible.

Not understanding all the options. Today, there are lots of ways to get the ideal system for your home. Hillside is large enough to give you lots of different options for your budget and physical space. If you have more choices and good guidance, you are much more likely to live “comfortably ever after.”

In this handy video guide, our Hillside Guy, Jim Sellers, reviews how to choose your new AC unit. From tonnage to SEER rating to warranties, there are many components for you to decide on when purchasing your new appliance.

Please contact us today if you would like a free estimate on new cooling equipment. We also welcome your call: 302-738-4144 (Delaware) or 410-398-2146. (Maryland).

Thirsty Air Conditioners Need a Refill!

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Is warm air blowing from your vents when your air conditioner is on? Is frost or ice forming on your central air conditioner lines?
You might be low on refrigerant.

Sometimes a central air conditioner needs a charge of refrigerant, most commonly called FreonTM. If your unit requires a refrigerant refill, it does not mean that your central air conditioner is “using” refrigerant. Refrigerant is the primary product that a system uses to transfer heat from inside to outside your home. When refrigerant is low, it indicates that there is a leak
somewhere in your system. The outdoor portion of your A/C system is susceptible to wear and tear from outdoor elements and critters. These leaks are typically minuscule and not visible to the naked eye.

If your unit does not seem to be performing optimally, consider a Hillside air conditioner tune-up. During a tune-up, we check the level of refrigerant. If you find yourself recharging your system annually and are considering a full replacement, we can help with that too!

Watch our “We Get This a Lot!” quick summarized video of why your AC might be blowing hot air and what’s the deal withFreonTM?!

Hillside HVAC provides full-service air conditioning, heating, and oil delivery services. To learn more, please contact us at (302) 738-4144 or (410) 398-2146

A/C Maintenance Spring Prep List

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De-pollen and other maintenance for A/C

Windows are open and the fresh air of springtime is wafting through the house. It’s just about air conditioning season. Now is the time, before the heat of summer, to have an A/C tune-up.

For window air conditioners, prep them before installing by gently vacuuming the soft coils with a brush attachment, using caution to not push on and damage the coils. With the unit cover off, you can brush out or blow out dust on the inside of the unit using a can of compressed air. For safety and home security, make sure window units are properly secured in place with nails or screws between the unit and your millwork. You can also secure your window from opening up by using additional hardware or wood.

For all air conditioners, change your air filter or clean off the filter (if you have a washable type). This will allow air to flow through properly so your unit doesn’t have to work as hard and will reduce the pollen that escapes into your home. If you’re an allergy sufferer, that’s especially important right now!

Beyond changing the air filter, your air conditioning system should be tuned up annually, and there’s no better time than NOW, before the raging heat of summer begins. Hillside HVAC offers a central air tune-up for $89 (mention this email). It includes all these check points:

  • Clean condenser coil
  • Clean indoor coil (where accessible)
  • Oil and inspect motors
  • Inspect wiring and tighten electrical connections
  • Check capacitor
  • Check contactor
  • Check and change air filter (customer supplied)
  • Clear condensate drain line
  • Inspect refrigerant lines connections
  • Check system refrigerant charge
  • Check thermostat for proper operation
  • Check supply and return air temperatures
  • Check amp draw of compressor
  • Check amp draw of condenser motor
  • Check amp draw of blower motor

Tune up your air conditioning system now. Call Hillside HVAC to make an appointment.

In Delaware: 302-738-4144.

In Maryland: 410-398-2146.

Spring 2015 A/C Tune-up Contest

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Spring 2015 Contest – Win a Central A/C Tune-Up
Now that spring has finally sprung, and the brutal cold has passed, it looks like the warmer weather is here to stay. Hillside will be giving away a free central air conditioner tune-up EVERY WEEK in the month of May 2015. Each Friday in May (starting May 8) a winner will be picked at random and announced on our Facebook page. Entering is FREE, simple, and will only take a minute to participate. 1 entry is sufficient for the entire month of May 2015.

TO ENTER: The contest is easy, go to THIS post on Hillside’s Facebook page, like it, and tag a family member or friend in the comments that might also like to enter for a chance to win. Winners will be contacted and announced on social media on or around each Friday in May.

Also follow along with Hillside and Charlie the Dog on social media Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Thank you from everyone at Hillside for supporting local, homegrown, family business.

Fine print: central air condition unit must be in operating condition prior to tune-up. Any repairs necessary to make the unit run would be billable service outside of the free tune-up. Up to 2 pounds of refrigerant included. Anything more than 2 pounds of refrigerant will be billed at Hillside’s normal rate. 

Keep Cool with an A/C Tune-up

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Hillside HVAC makes it easy to keep your home comfortable. We offer regular maintenance to your HVAC system so it runs efficiently and trouble-free for you. Our $99 A/C tune-up includes a cleaning of the condenser coil and the indoor coil (where accessible), inspection of wires, motors and capacitor, checking the refrigerant charge, and more. Let Hillside’s family take care of your family. Have your A/C unit tuned up and in tip-top shape for the season!

Protect Your A/C Unit from Yard Work Mishaps

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Spring is in full swing. Everything is blossoming, and the grass is growing like crazy! How does your air conditioning unit look? Is it able to “breathe”? If your AC unit is covered in dust, pollen, leaves or grass clippings, it might be struggling for air. If air can’t easily be drawn into your AC unit, then it will not function as efficiently as it should. Make sure debris or plants aren’t blocking the air flow around or on the exterior of your air conditioner, and take some precaution to protect your AC unit while mowing or weed-whacking nearby. Using a temporary tarp to cover the AC unit while doing yard work is an easy solution. Just don’t forget to remove the tarp as soon as you’re finished so the unit can “breathe” easily again!