Reasons to Invest in an Energy-Efficient AC

Now that it’s officially summertime, many of us are starting to give more thought to our air conditioners. If your AC is on the older side or isn’t keeping you as cool as it used to, you should consider new air conditioner installation.

But don’t just buy the first AC model you can find—be sure to shop around and purchase an energy-efficient system. Keep reading to learn a few of the top reasons to invest in an energy-efficient air conditioner.

Saves energy

It goes without saying that the first reason to buy an energy-efficient AC is to save energy! Although the energy usage will vary depending on the model and size of your new unit, it’s sure to use much less than your current one. Be sure to shop for a unit with an Energy Star label to get the greatest savings.

Saves money

The less energy your AC uses, the more money you’ll save each month on your electric bill. Many factors affect the total savings, but you could cut your energy bill by as much as 25 percent. Your new system will pay for itself in no time.

Helps the environment

Assuming it runs on a refrigerant called Freon, your old air conditioner has a massive carbon footprint. Today’s energy-efficient systems use new refrigerants called R32 and R410, which are much better for the ecosystem than Freon. Talk to your installation professional to see which refrigerant your new system uses.

Improve indoor air quality

You might not realize it, but your indoor air quality can suffer if your home has an older air conditioner. New ACs have advanced air filters that are much better at trapping contaminants from entering the air, and they even help reduce your indoor humidity. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to change those filters every month or so.

Lasts longer

With new air conditioner installation, you can rest easy knowing that your system will last for 15 to 20 years before it needs to be replaced again. This is much longer than air conditioners used to last. Of course, you’ll need to hire a professional to inspect it and perform some routine maintenance each spring to prolong its lifespan.

Provides better temperature control

New energy-efficient air conditioners also make it easier to control the temperature in your home, and you can even set timers for your AC to turn on and off at certain points in the day. You’ll both be more comfortable and save more money with greater temperature control.

We can install your new AC system

It’s important to remember air conditioner installation should only be left to the pros. But don’t just call anyone to install your energy-efficient system—be sure to hire our pros at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. We provide fast and reliable service to ensure you stay cool all summer long.

Get in touch with us today to get an estimate for installation or to learn a little bit more about all of our services.

Signs You Should Upgrade Your AC Unit

Have you noticed several issues with your air conditioner? Is it no longer blowing cool air? Are there strange sounds coming from the vents? Has your energy bill gone up? While there’s often a simple solution to most of these issues, they could also signal the need for a new AC unit. This is especially true if your AC unit requires expensive repairs.

There are plenty of signs it’s time to upgrade the AC unit in your St. Louis, MO home. Read on to learn about some of these signs, and contact a local HVAC technician when you’re ready to upgrade!

Your AC unit isn’t working like it used to

Warm air coming from your AC unit and poor airflow could mean it’s time to replace your air filter. If replacing your air filter doesn’t work, however, it’s probably time to upgrade your AC unit. It’s also a good idea to have your ducts checked for any blockages before buying a new air conditioner.

Your AC unit is getting up there in age

As your AC unit gets older, the chance of it breaking increases. On average, AC units last around 15 years. Before your AC unit breaks down completely due to old age, you’ll want to consider investing in a replacement. Older units also require more frequent repairs, the cost of which can quickly add up.

Weird smells or sounds

Certain noises and smells coming from your AC unit could signal the need for a repair or upgrade. A burning smell, for example, often means your AC unit is on the brink of a breakdown. Strange smells could also mean mold has started to grow within your air conditioner or your ductwork. Let your HVAC professional determine whether the smells coming from your AC unit are cause for concern.

Sounds like grinding and scraping often mean important parts of your AC unit aren’t working. If your unit needs repairs, be sure to have them taken care of as soon as possible. The longer you put off repairs, the higher the risk of your AC unit breaking down.

Finding a new AC unit

Other signs it is time to upgrade the AC unit in your St. Louis, MO home include higher energy bills and the need for frequent repairs. There are plenty of options these days when it comes to AC units. Determining the right one for your home all depends on your specific needs and wants. Most people prefer upgrading to an energy-efficient AC unit, as these often help save plenty of money on energy bills.

To determine whether you truly need a new AC unit, it’s best to speak with a good HVAC company in your area. It’s especially important to speak with an expert before the summer months arrive. You don’t want your AC unit to stop working on a hot day, leaving you without cool air for an indefinite period of time.

Contact the experts at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling if you’re looking for a new AC unit or need repairs to your existing one. We’re pleased to provide quick and efficient HVAC services at fair prices.

Signs You Need to Update Your AC Unit

Though we may be approaching the end of the summer, we still have some hot days ahead of us. If you’ve been experiencing some issues with your air conditioner, now may be a good time to get your unit replaced, as there is less demand toward the end of the season.

Not every issue with an air conditioner is a sign that it needs to be replaced. Sometimes you’re more than capable of repairing the problem and continuing to use the unit. However, eventually you will get to a point where you’ve invested too much in AC maintenance and repairs for the age of the equipment, and will need to make an AC upgrade in St. Louis, MO.

Here are just a few of the telltale signs you need to update your AC unit:

For more information about some of the most common problems that could indicate it’s time for AC maintenance in St. Louis, MO, or to schedule an air conditioning repair appointment, reach out to Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today.

Things to Consider When Buying a New AC

With annual maintenance by professional HVAC companies in St. Louis, MO, air conditioners can last for up to 15 years. Once your AC is getting up there in age, it’s time to start thinking about getting a new one. Finding the right air conditioner for your home isn’t as easy as picking one off the shelf. This post will cover a few of the things you need to think about while you’re browsing:

Is it time to buy a new AC?

Unless your current AC just stops running altogether, knowing when to buy a new one might be tricky. These are a few signs that you should call an HVAC company in St. Louis, MO to install a new one:

If you want an energy-efficient system paired with top-notch HVAC installation in St. Louis, MO, call our team at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. We’ve been providing outstanding HVAC service in the St. Louis area for over 20 years, so you know you’re in good hands with our technicians.

A Guide to Air Conditioning Installation in St. Louis, MO: Finding the Right System for Your Home

A new air conditioning system is a big investment, which means you’ll want to make absolutely sure that you are selecting the right one for your home. Your search for the best system will be impacted by several different factors, and it is important to know these beforehand to ensure you are able to find the right match. Follow along with this guide for help with understanding some of the most important criteria to consider before your next air conditioning installation in St. Louis, MO.

The size and age of your home

When searching for the right air conditioning system, it is vital that you find one that is properly matched with your home’s needs. If a system is too small for your home, it will run constantly in an effort to keep up with the demand for the desired temperatures. When a system is too large, energy will be wasted needlessly, as the air conditioning will cycle on and off with higher frequency. Even with a newer energy-efficient model, the effectiveness of your system could be negated. If your home is on the larger side but you have made numerous energy-efficient improvements over the years, such as upgrading the insulation or installing new windows, you might be able to use a smaller system, as less energy will be required to cool your house.

Calculating the right size

In order to make sure you are on the right track with your air conditioner search, you can get a general idea of what size you might need by calculating how many British thermal units per hour (BTU/h) are needed for your home, with 12,000 BTU/h equal to 1 ton of cooling.

Assuming that you would need a bare minimum of 20 BTU/h per square foot to effectively cool your home, you can multiply this number by the total square footage of your entire home to get a general idea of the capacity your system will need. The precise number of actual BTU/h that your future air conditioner needs will also be affected by other elements, such as the climate, the habits and preferences of your family and the overall energy efficiency of your home, and your HVAC contractor will be able to help determine the correct match before installation.

Your energy costs are directly related to your air conditioner’s ability to cool your home efficiently, making it all the more important to find the right match before choosing the system you want for your air conditioning installation in St. Louis, MO. Ultimately, a poorly matched system could add unnecessary expenses, while also hindering your family’s comfort. Here at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling, we understand what is at stake with each air conditioning installation, and with more than 20 years of experience, you can trust us to help you find the system that is right for you. Give us a call to schedule your consultation today so our knowledgeable team can get to work on your new air conditioning installation in St. Louis, MO right away.