When it’s that time of year again — when the leaves change color and the days get shorter — you know winter is just around the corner. This means it’s time to start thinking about preparations for the cold weather ahead. One of the most important things to take care of is your home heating and cooling system. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with some tips on how to maintain your furnace and prepare AC unit for winter.
1. Change the Filter
One of the most important things you can do to prepare your furnace for winter is to change the filter. A dirty filter will not only make your furnace work harder, but it can also lead to health problems for you and your family. Be sure to check and change the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you have a reusable filter, simply rinse it off with water and let it dry completely before putting it back in the furnace. If you have a disposable filter, replace it with a new one of the same size and type.
Most filters should be changed every three months, but if you live in an area with a lot of dust or pet hair, you may need to change it more often. Another important tip is to make sure a professional properly services your furnace before winter starts. This will help ensure that your furnace is running efficiently and safely. When the cold weather hits, you’ll be glad you took the time.
2. Inspect the Furnace
If you have a gas furnace, it’s important to get it inspected by a professional every year. This is because there is the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning if there are any leaks in the system. If you have an electric furnace, you don’t need to get it professionally inspected, but you should still take a look at it yourself to make sure everything looks clean and in good working order.
Dust around the furnace, as this can be a fire hazard. Also, check the pilot light to make sure it’s still lit. If you have any doubts about anything, it’s always better to call a professional for an inspection.
3. Schedule a Tune-Up
Just like your car, your furnace or AC unit benefits from a tune-up before the winter season. All the moving parts need to be lubricated and checked for any potential issues. A professional HVAC technician will also clean out any dirt and debris that may have accumulated over the summer months. This tune-up will help your system run more efficiently and prevent any breakdowns during the winter.
4. Check the Thermostat
Your thermostat controls the temperature in your home, so it’s important to ensure it’s working properly. Test it by setting the temperature lower than the current room temperature and see if the furnace turns on. If not, there may be an issue with the thermostat that needs to be addressed.
5. Clear the Area Around the Outdoor Unit
If you have a central air conditioner, the outdoor unit must be clear of debris or obstructions. This includes things like leaves, branches, and other yard waste. If the unit is obstructed, it won’t be able to work properly and could overheat. Furthermore, if snow or ice accumulates on the unit, it’s important to remove it so the unit can function properly.
How To Prepare Furnace for Winter
By following these tips, you can be sure that your furnace and AC are ready for the winter season. This will help you stay comfortable all winter long and avoid any costly repairs. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact a professional HVAC technician for help. Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling is always here to help! Give us a call today. Stay warm this winter.
It can be tough to keep your home cool during the summer months. If you’re using air conditioning, your electric bill can skyrocket. One way to combat this is by using fans in conjunction with your air conditioner. Fans help to circulate the air, which makes your AC more efficient and keeps your home cooler. This blog post will discuss how using fans can make your AC more efficient and save you money on your electric bill.
Will Fans Make My AC More Efficient?
Using a fan in conjunction with your AC can actually make your air conditioning more efficient. Here’s how:
When it’s hot outside, the air inside your home is likely to be much warmer than the air outside. By circulating the air inside your home with a fan, you can actually help cool things down. The reason has to do with something called the "stack effect." The stack effect is when hot air rises and cooler air sinks. So by circulating the air in your home with a fan, you’re helping the cooler air sink down, and the hot air rise up.
This helps your air conditioner because it doesn’t have to work as hard to cool the air in your home. And when your AC doesn’t have to work as hard, it uses less energy, which saves you money on your energy bill. So if you want to help your air conditioner work more efficiently, use a fan in conjunction with it.
Do Fans Help Save Money on AC?
You might be surprised to learn that using a fan can actually help save money on your air conditioning bill. Here’s how. Running a fan uses less energy than running an air conditioner. So, if you can use a fan to keep cool, you’ll save money on your energy bill.
Fans also help circulate the cold air from your air conditioner, making it more efficient. By circulating the cold air, your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard to cool your home. This means that your air conditioner will last longer and won’t have to be replaced as often. So, not only will you save money on your energy bill, but you’ll also save money on repairs and replacements.
AC and Fan Tips
If you use a fan in conjunction with your air conditioner, you should keep a few things in mind. First, get a fan that’s the right size for your room. A fan that’s too small won’t do a good job of circulating the air. And a fan that’s too big will just be a waste of energy.
Second, be sure to place your fan in the right spot. You want to position the fan so that it’s blowing air directly at you. This will help you feel cooler faster. Third, don’t forget to clean your fan regularly. A dirty fan won’t work as well and can actually make your room feel hotter.
Conclusion
If you want to make your air conditioner more efficient, use a fan in conjunction with it. Fans help circulate the air, making it easier for your air conditioner to cool your home. When your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard, it uses less energy and saves you money on your energy bill. If you need AC services to ensure it runs more efficiently, contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today.
According to research, the lifespan of an AC unit is about 15 years. If your unit is nearing the end of its life or if it needs frequent repairs, it might be time for a new one. But before you purchase a new AC unit, there are a few things you should keep in mind. This short guide will list things to consider before upgrading AC.
What Do I Need To Know Before Upgrading My AC?
There are many things to consider before upgrading your AC unit. Below are a few key things to keep in mind:
What Is the Cost of the New Unit?
The cost of a new AC unit is not cheap. In fact, it can be quite expensive depending on the make and model that you choose. You will also need to factor in the cost of installation, which can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand. If you are considering upgrading your AC unit, be sure to research and factor in all the costs before making a final decision.
What Is the Size of the Unit?
The size of your AC unit is critical to consider because it needs to be able to properly cool your home. If you have a large home, you will need a larger unit. Conversely, you will not need such a large unit if you have a smaller home. Be sure to get the proper sizing for your home before making a purchase.
What Is the Efficiency Rating?
The efficiency rating of an AC unit is vital because it will determine how much money you save on your energy bill each month. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit and the more money you will save. Be sure to compare the efficiency ratings of different units before making a purchase.
The Warranty?
You’ll want to know what you’re getting for your money before signing on the dotted line. Most new AC units will come with a warranty, but ask how long it lasts and what is covered. You don’t want to be caught unaware when something goes wrong and discover that your warranty doesn’t cover the issue.
Some companies will also offer extended warranties for an additional cost. If you’re worried about potential repairs, this may be worth considering, but do your research before signing up for anything. You don’t want to end up paying for something you don’t need.
Energy Efficiency
When it comes to AC units, energy efficiency is always a major concern. After all, no one wants to see their energy bills skyrocket during summer. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to make sure that your new AC unit is as energy-efficient as possible.
What Type of Unit Should I Get?
There are a few different types of AC units on the market, and each has its own set of pros and cons. Do your research to figure out which type of unit would be best for your home or office.
Conclusion
Purchasing a new AC unit is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. Be sure to consider all the factors listed above before making your final purchase. By doing your research, you can be sure that you’re getting the best possible unit for your needs. If you need AC installation services, get in touch with Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today.
Summers can bring sweltering weather that ravages your entire HVAC system if you let it. However, you can get on top of it now by implementing a few practices to minimize the strain. These are five tips for keeping your unit stable and productive for summer air conditioning:
1. Keep up with your air conditioning maintenance.
Many AC units meet their demise because the owner fails to schedule regular maintenance. Processes such as filter replacement, coil cleaning, and moveable part lubrication are crucial to extending the life of your unit. You can get a couple more seasons or years out of your AC system by giving it some extra TLC today.
2. Keep the cool air inside your home.
You can also remove some of the burdens from your AC unit by doing your best to keep the chilled air inside your home. These are a few tips for doing that:
Keep doors and windows shut.
Most people let the cold air out by leaving windows cracked and opening doors unnecessarily. You can preserve a tremendous amount of cool air by being mindful of those components.
Close the blinds.
Closing your blinds can help block the sunlight, which will prevent additional heat from seeping into your cold environment.
Consider using blackout blinds.
Think about investing in blinds that completely block the sunlight. You’ll most likely gain a few cool degrees by doing so.
Ensure that your home is well-insulated.
Have someone inspect your home for insulation breaches before the summer months start. That way, you won’t lose any comfort or money during peak season.
Microwave foods instead of oven-cooking them.
Oven usage will annihilate the cold air quickly, but you can use an alternative cooking method to preserve it. Microwaving and outside grill cooking are two effective alternatives.
Have a chilled beverage.
Indulge in a delicious smoothie or a gigantic glass of water. This tip won’t help you trap any cool air inside, but it will frost your body and make you feel fantastic.
3. Alternate AC time and fan usage.
Using fans can help you minimize the strain on your AC system. You may want to consider giving your air conditioner a break every few hours and substituting it with ceiling and floor fans. You’ll enjoy the breeze you get from those fans if you’ve trapped the cool air inside your home successfully.
Old-school hand-operated fans can be a good substitute if you’re concerned about cutting your electricity costs. You can find them online or in a few department stores and from traditional churches.
4. Consider using smart technology.
Smart thermometers and mobile phone apps can help you control how much work your air conditioner does. You can use them to turn off your AC unit when you do not use it. For example, you can program it to turn your system off when you’re at work or out running errands. The latest systems also offer convenient ways to turn the unit back on before you arrive home again.
Use the tips above to keep yourself and your family chilled without breaking your HVAC system. Your summers will be happier that way.
Every time you walk into a room, you want the best air. The atmosphere should be welcoming, as should the air in the room. Yet, you must invest in the right technologies to ensure that your indoor air quality is top-notch. Excellent indoor air quality is essential for various reasons, including the following.
Eliminate Indoor Pollutants
Various studies indicate that indoor air pollutants are significantly potent. Yet, improving indoor air quality will help eliminate these pollutants. It will ensure that the environment is less conducive for them to thrive.
Usually, excellent indoor air quality is free from allergens, dust, and dirt. It will also have no chemicals in it. These elements are critical for people with asthma, respiratory conditions, and suppressed immunity. In brief, you’ll not worry about health-threatening pollutants.
Constant exposure to pollutants is a recipe for poor health. If your stay is prolonged in this environment, you will likely get coughs, headaches, and eye irritation. Nothing could be as uncomfortable as this. Fatality could be inevitable if this problem continues for a long time. For this reason, you’ll need to invest in air quality controllers and devices.
Conducive Environment
You need a relatively comfortable and conducive space. Investing in high-quality indoor air quality ensures that your environment is livable. Improved indoor air quality helps eliminate musty odors, ceiling condensation, and musty condensation. It ensures the environment is free from strange odors that could make you uncomfortable.
Indoor air quality testing will help determine the level of contaminants in the room. The idea is to establish whether these contaminants affect your productivity or wellbeing. This testing is vital for your health and comfort. Yet, you’ll need to rely on a professional for excellent results.
Further, prolonged exposure to pollutants might lead to significant productivity issues. You will need to take time off to focus on medication, sometimes worsening the situation. Loss of productivity contributes to substantial revenue losses. You can avoid this by staying in an environment with better indoor air quality.
Minimal Health Expenses
Suppose you live in a significantly polluted environment. In that case, you will likely be vulnerable to different health conditions, from asthma and suppressed immune systems to allergies and chemical sensitivities. Treating and managing these conditions can be significantly expensive. However, medical expenses may be reduced with improved indoor air quality.
Enhanced indoor air quality helps eliminate pathogens, allergens, and pollutants that could expose you to health issues. At the same time, your productivity will significantly improve, guaranteeing better income in the long run. You’ll also spend less time in hospitals, allowing you to venture into meaningful projects in the long run.
Are you looking forward to improving your indoor air quality? Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling is your perfect match! Founded in 1999, we boast extensive experience, high-quality equipment, and unmatched skills to ensure your home is comfortable and livable. Reach us via (314)835-1770 and get a comprehensive quote. You can also visit our website for more insights into our services.
