Fulmer Heating & Cooling Blog

Steps to Safely Turn on Your Furnace

November 4th, 2019

After a long toasty summer season it can seem like a chilly day appears out of nowhere. One night you go to bed in your T-shirt and shorts and you wake up wondering how you ever survived without sweatpants and a fuzzy socks. This sudden temperature shift only seems to worsen when you try to turn on the heat only to discover that your furnace isn’t cooperating.

You go to check on your gas furnace and discover, while peering through your blanket burrito, that the pilot light is out! Before you go to turn this little flame back on however, we want you to consider whether you truly know how to turn on your furnace safely.

The reason we ask is because lighting a furnace pilot light incorrectly can have some life-threatening consequences! That is why we want you to have this step-by-step guide to turning on your pilot light properly. We also want you to know that, should you feel even slightly uncomfortable with this task, we are only a quick call away.

Tags: Columbia, Furnaces, Heater Maintenace, heater repair
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Will Your Heater Make the Cut When Cold Weather Hits?

October 21st, 2019

While South Carolina may not drop into the negatives during wintertime, it can get pretty frigid. That is why we want to make sure you are prepared. After all, there is nothing worse than finding out that your heater won’t cooperate with you on the one day or night when you really need it.

One of the absolute best ways to avoid this chilly situation is to take some time to make sure your heater will be in good working order long before you have to start using it.

Unless you are a trained technician, you may not know what to look for to see if your heater needs some TLC. Not to worry, however: that is where we come in. We have some insight on potential maintenance needs that your heater may have … and as an added bonus we provide heating maintenance in Columbia, SC. If you think you need to schedule service, please contact us.

Tags: Columbia, Heater Maintenace
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Common End of Season AC Problems and What You Can Do About Them

October 7th, 2019

Maybe you have discovered that you are looking forward to the cooler temperatures of winter with a little more gusto than usual. Why is that? Could it be because your home is feeling a little more tropical than it should be?

At the end of summer, it is common to encounter some potential repair needs for your AC system. This is because your unit has been running hard all season, likely creating some wear and tear that has to be addressed.

If you have checked your thermostat and discovered your inside air temperature is closer to the air outside your front door, you are likely in need of air conditioning repair in Columbia, SC.

Dust and Dirt

Everything gets dirty, even your air conditioner. After running hard all summer there are multiple places in your cooling system that might need a little washing.

For example, your air filter could be clogged with dust and dirt after helping to keep your home clean all season. Likewise, the condenser coils located on the outside of your outdoor AC unit can collect dirt simply by being exposed to the elements. You might also have a drain that is clogged with dust and debris.

If any of these instances occur, it can affect your cooling system’s ability to run well and put it at risk of sustaining damage too.

Cleaning or replacing the air filter, or cleaning the condenser coils, will offer a solution to these issues.

Fan Trouble

You can normally hear it if you have a condenser fan or an evaporator fan that is on the fritz as this issue is characterized by a screeching noise. Problems that can arise with the fans in your AC unit include bent or broken fan blades, belt issues, or motor malfunctions.

Once a professional AC tech has diagnosed what the issue with your unit’s fan(s) is, the solution to this problem is likely as simple as replacing the broken belt or fan blade or fixing whatever is hindering the motor.

Compressor Problems

If your compressor breaks down, it means your AC won’t be cooling your home anytime soon. Because your compressor is responsible for energizing the refrigerant in your system, if it isn’t working, the refrigerant won’t be able to do its usual heat exchange.

Likewise, if you have too much or too little refrigerant, your compressor won’t be able to do its job correctly.

In either of these instances, a professional should be called to check on your compressor and replace it if needed.

Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant is the material that allows your air conditioner to create the cool air you love so much on hot days. Also referred to as coolant, if your unit springs a refrigerant leak, it will eventually stop working properly and, in the meantime, won’t be able to cool your home efficiently.

Finding and fixing the leak, and replacing any lost coolant, is the best way to address this. However, this is best done by a trained technician.

Why a Professional Is the Best Solution

If it seems like your air conditioner is starting to share certain characteristics with an old jalopy, it is time to reach out to a professional about repairs. Retaining the services of a professional HVAC tech means ensuring your unit is getting the best diagnostic exam and repairs possible that will keep it running efficiently.

If you are in need of air conditioning repair services, contact Fulmer Heating & Cooling. With over 30 years in business, we bring you well-trained and experienced staff that will fix your problem the first time around.

Tags: AC Repair, air conditioning maintnenance, air conditioning repair
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The Importance of Your AC’s Compressor

September 23rd, 2019

Do you know the most important parts of your air conditioning system? Most homeowners don’t, so we’re here to give you a crash course today. We don’t expect the average homeowner to be able to name every single component within their air conditioning unit, but we do want to familiarize you with the heavy hitting parts to help you avoid a breakdown or major repair issue.

If you need air conditioning repair in Chapin, SC, you can contact our professionals today to schedule an appointment. We’re going to make sure you have the service that you deserve. You can’t get through a summer in Chapin without the right air conditioning services.

Tags: Chapin, Compressor
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The Best AC Systems for Irmo Residents

September 9th, 2019

Are you ready to get rid of your current air conditioning system here in Irmo, SC? South Carolina heat is no joke. You need a great air conditioner by your side so that you can get the best air conditioning services possible. We know that it’s not always easy upgrading to a new air conditioning system, even when you know it’s time. The process is just as overwhelming as it is expensive. But you don’t have to do it alone.

If you’re feeling a little misguided, you can contact our professionals for air conditioning in Irmo, SC. We specialize in this service and we’re committed to finding the best possible air conditioning systems for Irmo residents. Make sure that you come to our team. We’ve been in business here for over 30 years—we’ve got the expertise that you need!

Tags: AC Options, AC Systems, Irmo
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The Problem with a Bad Drain Line

August 26th, 2019

We’ve reached that point in the summer where our technicians are buzzing around Irmo like worker bees fixing air conditioning problems. The disastrous combination of the high heat and homeowner procrastination surrounding air conditioning issues can really affect your home comfort. If you’re a homeowner who has noticed some leakage happening, it might be time for you to contact our professionals.

We specialize in air conditioning repair in Irmo, SC. You can rely on our full team of professionals to perform an amazing job on your air conditioning repairs. If you need reliable service that’s sure to keep your home in great shape then we’re the team members to call. Get in touch with us today.

Tags: AC Drain Line, Irmo
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Why You Should Never DIY

August 12th, 2019

Look … we get it. Your air conditioner has started acting up during the highest heat of the summer and you’re not thrilled about it. Your irritation is twofold—you don’t want to go without cooling during hot weather and you also don’t want to come out of pocket to pay for an unexpected air conditioning service. We know how tempting it is to turn to a resource like the internet. There are more resources online now more than ever. Just a quick keyword search can bring millions of great results right to your fingertips in seconds. We want to underscore the fact that no online article or video tutorial can ever give you the expertise of a trained air conditioning professional.

Just because you can do something doesn’t mean that you should. If you need air conditioning repair in Lexington, SC, make sure that you contact our air conditioning professionals.

Tags: AC DIY, Air Conditioning DIY, Lexington
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Choosing a Great New AC System for Your Home

July 29th, 2019

Have you struggled with your air conditioner all summer? We’re creeping up on the end of the season now, so it’s time to start thinking about your next steps. If your air conditioning system hasn’t been able to cool your home the way you need it cooled, then it might be time for you to purchase a new air conditioner.

We know that you’re probably not jumping for joy at the prospect of this. Purchasing a new air conditioner is expensive, time consuming, and often stressful. If you need help with your air conditioning installation in Columbia, SC, you can contact our professionals. We know what it takes to get your air conditioning right.

Tags: Air Conditioning System, Columbia
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Experiencing Short Cycling? Here’s What to Do

July 15th, 2019

We’re reaching the height of summer in Columbia, SC. The weather is hot, the days are long, and the fun that you can have is limitless. We know that you need your air conditioner now more than ever. If your air conditioner is your lifeline on these hot summer nights, it’s a good idea to check in on it every now and then.

Sometimes, you can push the function of your air conditioner into the back of your mind, but it’s important to keep it at the forefront during these months. Any problem that you notice, even if you think it is small and not noteworthy, should be reported to an air conditioning professional to check on. Make sure that you contact our team if you need air conditioning repair in Chapin, SC. We’re the professionals that you can trust to make your home better.

Tags: AC Issues, Chapin, Short Cycling
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What a Leaking Outdoor Unit Means

July 1st, 2019

It’s summer in Irmo! That means you’re swapping out your long sleeve t-shirts for short sleeves, pulling out the pool gear, and slathering on sunscreen so that you’re ready to play safely in the summer rays. What could go wrong? Well, noticing water dripping where it shouldn’t be is a big sign of a problem in your home. When you see water leaking your mind might immediately go to a plumbing problem but the issue could actually be with your AC unit.

If you realize that you’re having a significant air conditioning problem and you need air conditioning repair in Irmo, SC our team can help you get your air conditioner back in shape. South Carolina summers are hot, balmy, and long, so you need a great air conditioner.

Tags: Irmo, Leaking Outdoor Unit
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