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Juist Announced! $1,500 in State Rebates!

October 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It would be wrong if we didn’t tell you!

We just had to let you know about this. What a great surprise!

Announced just the other day, the State of Virginia has increased their rebate, for qualifying home comfort systems, to $1,500. That means more money back in your pocket!

There is only a limited amount of money that’s been assigned to this state-funded program. That means, once the money has been claimed, the $1,500 rebate program is over.

If you want to save on getting your next home comfort system, call us today to set up your free estimate. Estimates are always scheduled at your convenience, any day of the week.  

Here’s our number to call and schedule: 757-925-0100

To schedule online, go to AtlanticShoresUSA.com

Click here check out all the details about this new program. 

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2011 Old As Ice Winner

October 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Congratulations to the Wright Family, winners of this year’s Old As Ice contest. The Wright’s 56 year old system has made them winners of a new York Affinity high-efficiency comfort system, compliments of Atlantic Shores Heating and Cooling, Virginia Air Distributors and York.  

The Old As Ice competition was an exciting search for the oldest working air condition in Hampton Roads. The person with the oldest working air conditioner was to be awarded a complete York Affinity system.

After months of searching, the Wright family come out on top as having the oldest air conditioner of those who had applied. The winning system was a Sears and Roebuck. Mr. Wright has been able to keep that system running all these years.  An accomplishment many wish they could have. 

To celebrate, Atlantic Shores, with the help from the wonderful people at Sinclair Communications, threw a Grand Prize reveal party. And because he kept something for way too long, he now has a high-efficiency system that will lower their energy costs and provide excellent comfort all year long.

Way to go Wirghts!

To learn more about York Affinity systems, click here. 

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Three Questions To Ask Before Turing On Your Heater

October 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

With cooler months are right around the corner, now is a good time to begin thinking about heating your home.  These next few weeks are your window of opportunity to prepare. Because, pretty soon, the holiday season will begin and keep you preoccupied ‘till Jan 2nd. 

We got together with our experts and came up with a few questions to ask yourself before the heat turns on.

Question: #1 Is It Safe?

Safety is always the first thing you need to consider. Every manufacturer of home comfort systems recommend annual cleanings. Failure to have a system cleaned could result in your system losing its warranty. Also, cleanings give you the chance to have an expert look over everything. Many times, serious problems are uncovered during cleanings, preventing potential harm.

Question #2: Is It Efficient?

As we know from last year, Hampton Roads can get cold, fast. When the temperature drops, your system will have to work harder. That’s where the topic of efficiency comes up. To make sure your heating system gives you the biggest bang for its’ buck this year, here are two easy areas to consider.   

Your Pipe Insulation:

If your home has radiator heat, your home has heat-carrying pipes. If those pipes are not insulated, a lot of that heat is being “lost” and released into empty parts of your home. This means your system has to work harder to reach a comfortable temperature. By having your pipes insulated, more heat is captured and put back into your home. Insulated pipes carries heat better and keeps your system from using too much energy. It also heats your home better.   

Your Duct Work:

Another way homes lose efficiency is by having a leaking duct system. If your heater is the heart of your comfort system, then the duct system is its’ veins. You could have the best system in the world. But if your duct system is in poor shape, you won’t realize the full capabilities of that system. To get the most out of your system this winter, ask to have your duct system checked for leaks. Repairs may be less than you expect, and the results could amazing. 

Question #3: Is It Comfortable?                

Check Your Insulation

Ok, now, let’s talk about what do with the heat that’s already in your house. You don’t have to be an Atlantic Shores technician to know heat wants to rise and leave your home. When heated air enters a room, how can you make sure it stays there? Easy, insulation!

Insulation is like your home’s jacket. It’s designed to contain heat. And, just like a jacket, the quality of the insulation can make the difference between drafty nights and cozy evenings.  You want to make sure you have the right type of insulation and the right amount. The next time you have a trained HVAC technician look at your system, go ahead and ask them to take a look at your insulation. They’ll be happy to check.

 Atlantic Shores is a complete HVAC service for homeowners. Designed to give you the exact insulation needed to keep your home comfortable, every service is  If you’re wondering if your home needs insulation, give us a call. We’ll be happy to give you a free estimate and let you know all your options.   

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The Great Dismal Smoke of 2011

August 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The smoke is becoming big news in Hampton Roads. It’s thick enough to keep helicopters from giving traffic reports. The smell reaches into our homes and is having an impact on our daily lives. The smoke has grown in strength and has become a real health concern for the community. As home environment experts, we want you to live comfortably, as well as healthily. That’s why we’ve outlined smart and healthy ways for your family to get through the smoke.   

Stay Indoors

We recommend that our customers, especially with asthma and other respiratory-related conditions, to stay indoors. This smoke is very heavy and can make breathing difficult. Because we are concerned with your health and safety, we recommend limiting one’s smoke exposure.

Make Sure Your Home Is Well-Sealed

One of easiest ways smoke gets into your home is through cracks around your windows and doors. Go through your home and inspect each window and door. Look for any separation that could let air in. On the separations you find, find a way to seal it. For a quick and easy repair, place a piece of duct tape over the area. Of course, this is a short-term fix and will eventually need to be properly addressed. But for right now, sealing the separations by any means necessary will help keep the smoke out.  

Still Experiencing Excessive Smoke?

If you’re still experiencing smoke in your home or business, we recommend having a professional examine your duct system. Smoke is entering your home and being distributed through your duct delivery system. If not addressed, you could be continually circulating smoky air. For this type of issue, it’s best to have an expert look over your air deliver system.  

We don’t want anyone to be negatively affected by the smoke. Your health is our first priority. That’s why we’re running the following special for one week, ending on 8/26/2011.

  • Senior Citizens: Free Duct System Inspection (reg. $86.00)
  • Respiratory Conditions: Free Duct System Inspection (reg. $86.00)
  • People With Young Children In The Home: Free Duct System Inspection (reg. $86.00)
  • Regular Duct System Inspection: 50% off! (reg. $86.00)

Air Cleaning Products

Did you know that there are products that are designed to clean your air? Right now, you could be breathing air that has been cleaned to the .1 micron particle. If you’re interested, we’d love to show you how it can work for you. The consultation is free, installation is fast and the results are awesome. This smoke isn’t going to stop anytime soon. Instead of suffering through it, why not do something about it?   

Call Us For Help

We’re here to serve you and the community. As home environment professionals, we feel it’s our duty to do what’s best for our community. During this time, one of the best ways we can help is to offer our experience. Anyone who gives us a call can speak with a professional and draw from our years of experience. The solution may be easier that you think. There’s no obligation to purchase anything or to have been a customer. We want to help out and serve the community.  

757-925-0100

Short of moving from the area, there is nothing we can do about the smoke outside the home. Your home is your castle. Do something to keep it free from the dangers of smoke.

 

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Attic-Dwellers and Waterfalls: How To Avoid A Watery Disaster

August 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It was supposed to be an incredible night. And why wouldn’t it be? It’s not everyday you get to celebrate 25 years of marriage. For weeks, they’ve been planning their evening, the clothes they’d wear and the concert they’d attend. The excitement and anticipation was half the fun. Finally, the day had come. They were off to have one of the most memorable nights of their marriage. And, it was…but not for reasons you’d suspect.

This night was different than most others. Of course, your 25th anniversary is a very rare and important occasion. But, the importance of the evening made their shock and aggravation of what they found that much more…shocking and aggravating. You see, when the couple came home, they could tell something was different, wrong even. There was something in the air, something not right. Their eyes quickly surveyed the room, looking for something out of place. Then, they heard it, the distinct sound of water hitting the floor. 

When they saw it, they knew nothing could be done. The water had been leaking through the ceiling. And by the looks of it, it had been happening all evening. It had ruined plaster and dumped water on everything. And when say everything, we mean everything, we mean the wife’s favorite shoes, wool coats and childhood pictures…the leak was in their closet and quite disastrous.

 

Why did this happen? Was it just a case of bad luck? The answer has everything to do with preparation and knowledge. So that you don’t get caught off-guard like this couple, we’re going to breakdown specific areas that, if they were addressed, would have kept this couple from having to spend their 25th anniversary with a mop and contractor.

Know The Location Of Your Equipment:

This particular couple’s A/C unit was located in the attic, positioned directly over their closet. Now, they may have known, at some point or another, of the risks associated with putting their unit there. Yet, they had not taken the right steps to prevent such an accident from occurring. The unit sat there, forgotten, until it was too late.

Turn your attention to your home. Like most homes, it probably has multiple areas that are meant to be forgotten. Examples of such spaces are: attics, crawl spaces, garages and closets. When you put something in a “forgotten area,” you want it to be out of the way and out of sight. Because industrial-looking cylinders and mechanical noises don’t add to a home’s homey-ness, a forgotten area is exactly where you want to put your home’s A/C system.  

Most places are fine for a system. If you want your A/C to be in a spot that keeps the components out of eyesight, the obvious place to put it is in the attic. However, when you have an A/C system in the attic (we’ll call them “Attic-Dwellers), you’re taking a huge risk. If not maintained properly, you run the risk of experiencing the same thing our friends did on their anniversary. It’s best not to have an Attic-Dweller. But if the unit’s location can’t be helped, let’s talk about what you cando to make sure your anniversary isn’t filled with the wrong type of excitement and memories.

To give you our suggestions, we have to get a bit technical. I hope you don’t mind.

Let’s start with where the water comes from…

A unit can produce up to 10 gallons of water a day. It does this because it dehumidifies, as well as cools the air. The cooling coil temperature is below the inlet-air’s dew point and turns the “humidity” into water. The resulting water drains into a special internal pan. This pan directs the water into a pipe system, which transports the water and discards it outside. It’s a simple concept. But if anything were to disrupt that drainage system, the water will leak and spill onto surrounding areas.

The efficiency of your system’s ability to drain depends upon the drain-line. If the line is clogged or disrupted, the water will eventually back up and leak. This is where the location of your system becomes an issue. If your system is located in the garage, a leaking system will just spill water onto the garage’s floor, causing minimal damage. But, if your system is in the attic, even the smallest leaks can cause thousands of dollars of damage. For that reason, owners of attic-dwelling A/Cs need to take preventative (smart) steps that can avert disaster.

Maintain Your System: Annual Checkup

We suggest everyone, especially those having attic-dwellers, have a professional HVAC technician check the drain line. A technician is trained to make sure it is attached properly for maximum draining efficiency. They’ll also make sure there is nothing disrupting the flow. If there appears to be a clog, or potential for a clog, your technician will, what we call in the industry, “flush” the drain-line. It’s a simple and inexpensive service that should be done on a regular, annual, basis.

Preventative Upgrades: Float Switches

Having your system maintained is a great start, but does not guarantee your system won’t leak. Sometimes, problems happen and leaks occur. A great idea is to have your drain line upgraded with two float switches. These amazing inventions turn the system off, in the event of a leak. As the water fills the pan, the switch, which floats on the water, will rise. If the switch floats too high, it will cut the system off, preventing a leak.  This option really is one of the best options to protect your home from some bad headaches.

Attic-Dwellers are disasters waiting to happen. If you’re not taking the right steps to prevent a leak from occurring, you’re asking for trouble. So much so, that some insurance companies have stopped underwriting homes with Attic-Dwellers. It’s that serious. So, do something about it. Don’t rely on chance. Call us today and protect yourself against 99% of these types of leaks.

 

757-925-0100

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Happy Birthday USA!

July 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The celebration of our nation’s independence marks something very unique and special for all Americans. What makes this time so fun and memorable is the time spent with family, watching fireworks, catching up with friends and thinking about the sacrifices made for our liberty. As we say goodbye to our special holiday, we are looking forward to the rest of 2011 with optimism and pride. Hope you had a wonderful Independence Day.

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DIY Energy Home Savings

July 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

With summer in full swing, your home’s energy bills could be getting a little higher than you’d like. To help you Get Comfortable (even when opening your electric bill), we’ve put together a list of simple things you can do that

can make a big difference in your home’s energy consumption

  • Set Your AC When No One’s Home: Before you leave home, set your AC to cool at a higher temperature. This lets your AC “take a break” while you’re away. Giving your system a well-deserved break will reduce your energy consumption and make your energy bill easier to open.
  • Draw The Curtains- Sunlight coming through a window can make a home feel like…well…home. But, too much sunlight warms your home, making your AC work harder, longer.  Give your system and budget a little R&R by drawing your curtains during the warmest parts of the day. To get the biggest bang for your buck, we suggest using energy-saving curtains that reflect light out of your home, giving it that extra protection.
  • Unplug Appliances You Don’t Use: Contrary to popular belief, an appliance that’s plugged in uses electricity, even when it’s turned off. This means your home is gobbling up cash for no reason! Fight the cash-gobbler and unplug appliances that are not being used. Just go around your home and ask yourself, “Do I use this enough to keep it plugged in?” If not, just give the cord a yank and you’ll be saving money in no time.

These simple tips can make a huge difference in your homes electric bill. Although not a DIY-er, having your HVAC cleaned by a professional service technician can boost your system’s efficiency and using less electricity.

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Contractor Price Illusionist

July 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Is your AC on its last leg? With as hot as it is, going one or two days without AC can put anyone in a sour mood. Because you want to Get Comfortable ASAP, you’ll do anything to get a new system up and running. This sense of urgency is great for getting things done. But, rushing things too fast can increase your chances of making a big mistake.

The biggest and most common mistakes happen during the hiring stage.  Because a new system is such a big purchase, it’s in your best interest to consider the details. Are you financing? Do you want high efficiency? What accessories do you want? Do you want a warranty? Of all the decisions you’ll make, one of the biggest is choosing the right contractor. So, let’s take a look at a couple do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when making this decision.

A lot of people fall for the price illusion. A price illusion is performed when a contractor gives you a rock-bottom, low as you can go, can’t-believe-it price. I mean, this price is so low, you can’t help but jump at the chance. This is a red flag. You are in great danger of falling for a price illusion. It’s called an illusion because, just like a real illusion you see at magic shows, the contractor uses price to divert your attention away from what he doesn’t want you to see. Most of the time, when you get a rock-bottom price, the contractor is hiding something like, poor reviews, untrained technicians, no guarantees, operated out of a garage… the list can go on. But whatever he’s hiding, he’s doing it for a reason, usually to sway your purchasing decision.. So, keep in mind that a rock-bottom prices mean you need more/better information than what you’re getting. And with such a big investment, poor quality will cost you more in terms of dollars, comfort and time.

Hire For Quality
Now let’s take a look at what you should look for. By hiring a high-quality, customer-focused contractor, you may be paying a little more up front, but, in the long run, you’ll save money, time and headaches. Hiring the right contractor means you know corners won’t be cut and your job will be completed with the highest levels of craftsmanship. With all that goes into the installation of your new system, you want a quality contractor to stand behind their work and be there for you if something isn’t right.

Beware of the illusionist. You don’t know what you’ll get.

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Free Gift! Qualified Contractor Checklist

July 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Most people aren’t born with an intimate knowledge of HVAC. This can be a real problem when you need to choose your next contractor. For that reason, we’re giving away our Qualified Contractors Checklist to you for free. It’s our gift. This simple form can be used every time your interviewing a contractor.

Here’s how it works. Just go down the list and ask your prospective contractor if they have what’s on the list. If they do, great, put a check mark down. If they don’t, leave it blank. Add up all the checks and use the rating system to help you make your decision.

Qualified Contractor Checklist-FREE

Filed Under: Checklists and Forms, Hiring Contractors

Leakers: The Lurking Problem In Hampton Roads

July 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Here’s somthing that can help you Get Comfortable.

Just for reading this, you can get a free diagnostic! Just call us or send us a message and mention you think you may have a Leaker. If you have a Leaker, the diagnostic charge is on the house.

There’s A Big Problem

As Hampton Roads heats up, homeowners are being faced with a very serious and growing problem…owning a Leaker. What’s that? A Leaker is an air conditioner that leaks Freon/Refrigerant. These once-loved ACs are turning on their owners and raising energy costs, lowering efficiency and making you more and more uncomfortable. To put it short, Leakers are bad news. That’s why it’s important to arm yourself with the knowledge you need to deal with a Leaker.

For those who use Freon

 

First, our most common form of a Leaker is one that uses Freon (known in the industry as Freon 22). Hate to break it to you, but Freon (the stuff that keeps your home comfortable) is becoming obsolete and more expensive. In the past, many have gotten away with just filling their system back up. This made sense when Freon was at commodity-level prices. But now, you may need to consider other options.

What a Leaker does

A Leaker can leak refrigerant and Freon in numerous ways. Often, leaks are in the tubing, within walls or in the hundreds of feet of tubing inside your unit. Leaks reduce the amount of Freon your system is using to cool your home. As a result, you home becomes less and less comfortable. And because your system has to run more, your energy costs are going up.  The speed at which this happens is difficult to predict. Your system can transform itself into a Leaker over a period of months, or overnight. But when it does happen, you’ll know it.

Why a Leaker is hard to repair

As mentioned earlier, leaks can be in numerous places. Finding them requires every area to be checked, which takes time and money.  Identifying the source of a leak is only the beginning. You still have to have it repaired. And, depending on where the leak is, you may not even be able to repair it.

 

Why can’t I just fill it up again?

Refilling a system is a short-term solution to a long-term problem. Initially, yes, refilling will help you feel more comfortable, which is important during holidays. But that good feeling only lasts for a while. As the leak reduces your refrigerant or Freon, your problem will come back. Your costs will go up and you’ll notice your system’s efficiency going down. In other words, Leakers make your high-efficiency system perform like a cheap knock-off.  It’s a real problem.

If refilling isn’t the solution, what is?

Just like your car, deciding upon a major repair should be done within the context of cost, efficiency and overall value. If your system is under eight years old, it’s probably okay to repair it. Newer high-efficiency systems, usually, are still under warranty, which can significantly reduce your costs. But if your Leaker is over eight years old, it’s in your best interest to, at least, consider replacing your system. The money you’re going to spend, repairing your older, low-efficiency system, could have been spent towards a newer system, which could save you money in the long-run.

However you decided to handle your leaker, we promise to give you the best service and information. If you want to consider a replacement, we often credit most (if not all) of your ill-spent repair costs towards purchasing a new system. There are many discounts, rebates and financing options available to all our customers.

If you’re lucky enough to not own a Leaker, we offer a wide-range of services that will help you Get Comfortable this summer.

Just go to our website GetComfortableNow.com or call 757-925-0100

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