Frequently Asked Questions

Bayshore Mechanical Inc. is committed to keeping our customers satisfied and informed. We will always do what is in the best interest of our customers. Below you will find some commonly asked questions by our customers.

What should I do before I call for emergency service on my air conditioning system?

Check the filters to make sure that they are clean and properly installed.
Check the breaker that serves the indoor furnace and the outdoor unit.
Are the outdoor unit and the indoor unit both running?
Check the thermostat to insure that it is properly set below the room temperature and the system switch is in the cool position.
Check to see if there is water in the emergency drain pan (Note: Only units installed in the attic or above a ceiling have drain pans).
Is there frost on the larger refrigerant line with the black pipe insulation? If so, turn the system switch off and call for service. This will allow the unit to defrost before we arrive.

If you have gone through this check list and still need assistance call Bayshore Mechanical Inc. @ (540) 977-3850 24/7 for your emergency needs.

How does an air conditioning system actually work to cool the air in my home?

An air conditioning system consists of 2 parts: an outdoor unit (where liquid refrigerant is contained) and an indoor coil (where the refrigerant is pumped into). As the air moves across the air conditioning coil (usually located on top of the furnace), th e refrigerant removes the heat from the air as well as the moisture by condensing it on the cold surface of the coil. In this way, an air conditioner not only cools but also dehumidifies the air. Virtually any system can have air conditioning hooked up to it provided that it is a forced air system. In cases where there is not forced air heating or a duct system, we can use "ductless" air conditioning systems to cool an entire home or small business.

Check out the many Products and Services we have to offer.

Why does my unit need regular checkups?

Many air conditioning manufacturers recommend that even a new unit be checked twice a year. Doing so can increase the life of your unit by finding problems before they become major problems. When we check your unit we will check all factors that may affect the unit's energy efficiency including Freon levels, motor conditions, thermostat calibration and coil cleanliness. A regular checkup can also prevent unexpected repair costs at a time when the unit is most needed (on a hot summer day or cold winter night). When completing a checkup we will check for conditions that could be potentially dangerous, insuring the safe operation of your unit.

Check out our Energy Savings Agreement and learn the benefits to becoming an "ESA" customer!

How unsafe can my unit become if it is not checked?

If your unit does not have a breaker or fuses in good condition, a loose electrical connection could cause damage to the major systems in your unit or even a fire. On a gas furnace, clogged or dirty burners could cause backfiring or excessive carbon monoxide output. Your unit contains many additional safety controls to prevent unsafe conditions only if they are operating correctly. We will check all safety devices when we check your unit.

How can an unchecked problem cost me in the long run?

A unit running low on Freon will run more than it has to, thus increasing utility costs and lessening the life of the unit. Air flow restriction from dirty coils or a clogged air filter can also lessen running efficiency. In addition, to our regular battery of tests we will check the damper on your evaporative cooler, to see if any of the baffles are stuck open. If so, valuable conditioned air could be leaving through the evaporative cooler before it ever reaches your house.

How does my heat pump/air conditioner lose Freon?

Constant vibration and age can cause leaks to develop in the refrigerant lines of your unit. When we check your unit we will measure the Freon pressure to see if any has leaked and visually check the lines for noticeable leaks. If your unit continues to run low after being refilled, we can inject a phosphorescent die into the system that will stay in the unit for its life. At anytime thereafter, we can use a special detection light to find even small leaks and repair them.

Are there add-on solutions to help with indoor air quality & allergies?

Yes, several inexpensive add-on options are available. The EPA has stated indoor air quality is several times worse than outdoor air quality. Adding a UV ultraviolet light will kill mold and allergens that travel through your ducts and cause unpleasant odors. A humidifier will moisten the air coming out of the supply vents and prevent dry nostrils, allowing easier breathing.

We offer a variety of Products that will help with your indoor air quality.

Why does my heat pump ice up in the wintertime?

Heat pumps frost up in the wintertime, but should not turn into a block of ice. A heat pump is designed to take the available heat from the outdoors and inject it into the indoor space. Ice or frost can form on the coil when the outdoor temperature drops below 40 degrees. The unit should go into a defrost cycle to remove the ice automatically. When the system goes into defrost, the outdoor fan will shut off and the compressor will continue to run. After no more than 10 minutes, the fan will start back up and you will see steam rising from the outdoor unit. This is a perfectly normal operation.

If you notice that your heat pump still has ice or does not seem to be defrosting after the above given time call Bayshore Mechanical Inc. @ (540) 977-3850.

Why does my crawl space or attic feel warm in the winter time and cool in the summer time?

The biggest cause is leaking duct work. This is exactly like opening your front door and throwing your hard-earned money out of it. Only recently have building codes addressed this problem. All duct joints should be sealed and taped.

Why does my house smell like dirty socks when the heat comes on?

This is known in the industry as dirty socks syndrome, a situation whereby mold is growing on the indoor air handler coil. When hot air passes over the coil, the foul odor of the mold spreads throughout the house.

What would happen to my unit if it runs low on Freon?

A unit running low on Freon will increase its running time and cause increased utility bills. In addition, low Freon levels will cause the compressor to run longer and harder, which could cause it to become damaged.

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