How Cold Can You Set Your AC?

Summer is already around the corner, and homeowners are busy dusting their air conditioners off for a busy season. Many homeowners are interested in getting maximum air conditioning from their units as they expect higher outdoor temperatures than in other summer seasons due to the changing climatic conditions around the world.

How Much Cooling Can Your AC Handle

AC settings are personal preferences, and what may be comfortable for you may be too cold for the next person. For instance, the Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home to help reduce energy consumption. But there will be days when even 78 seems like it’s not enough, so how low can you go without damaging your AC unit?

Understand the Working of an AC Unit

To answer this question, you must understand how an AC unit works. The air conditioner has three main and essential components. The compressor is the most crucial part of the AC. It compresses the refrigerant gas and passes it to the condenser.

The condenser is a large coil that is placed outside the house. The function of this coil is to release the heat that was absorbed by the refrigerant inside the compressor. Finally, the evaporator is placed inside the house. It is a coil that absorbs the heat from the indoor air and transfers it to the refrigerant.

The above three processes are responsible for cooling your room. Now let’s see how lowering the temperature can affect these processes.

How Lowing the Temperature Can Affect Your AC Unit

Lowering your AC temperature below 70 degrees can put a strain on the compressor. The compressor is designed to work best at temperatures above 70 degrees. When you lower the temperature, the compressor must work harder to compress the refrigerant gas. This can cause the compressor to overheat and break down eventually.

The evaporator also works best at temperatures above 70 degrees. When you lower the temperature, the evaporator has to work harder to absorb the heat from the indoor air. This can cause the evaporator to frost over. If this happens, it will reduce the airflow and make your AC unit less effective.

The condenser also works best at temperatures above 70 degrees. When you lower the temperature, the condenser has to work harder to release the heat from the refrigerant. This can cause the condenser to overheat and break down eventually.

What Is the Ideal Temperature for Your AC Unit?

The ideal temperature for your AC unit is between 70 and 80 degrees. However, setting the temperature lower than this can strain the compressor, evaporator, and condenser. So, if you want your AC unit to last longer, it is best to keep the temperature between 70 and 80 degrees.

Bottom line

Straining your air conditioner by setting the temperature too low can cause damage to the compressor, evaporator, and condenser. These parts are designed to work best at temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees. So, if you want your AC unit to last longer, it is best to keep the temperature between 70 and 80 degrees. Contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling for all your HVAC needs.

Tips for Cooling Down a Hot Room

Room cooling during the summer can be a challenge, but some tips and tricks can help. By following a few simple steps, you can cool down your room and enjoy a comfortable temperature all summer long. Here are some tips on how to cool a room.

1. Use Fans to Circulate the Air

This simple tip can make a big difference in cooling down a hot room. By circulating the air, fans help to even out the temperature and make the room feel more comfortable. In addition, fans can help reduce the level of humidity in the air, making a room feel cooler. Of course, fans cannot lower the air temperature, but they can make a hot room feel much more bearable. As an added bonus, fans are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, making them an ideal solution for beating the heat.

2. Let in the Cool Air

During the cooler hours of the day, open up the windows and doors to let in the refreshing air. This will help lower the room’s temperature and make it more comfortable. Just be sure to close the windows and doors when the temperature outside starts to rise again; otherwise, you’ll just be letting in more hot air.

3. Use Ice and Cold Water

Another great way to cool down a room is to use ice and cold water. Fill up a large bowl with ice and place it in front of a fan. The air from the fan will circulate over the ice and help cool down the room. You can also fill up a spray bottle with cold water and mist the room lightly. This will help lower the room’s temperature and make it more comfortable.

4. Use Curtains or Blinds

If you have windows in your room, another great tip is to use curtains or blinds. By keeping the sunlight out, you can help to reduce the amount of heat that enters the room. In addition, if you have insulated curtains or blinds, they can also help keep the room cooler by trapping in the cool air.

5. Turn Off Electronics

During the summer, it’s best to turn off any electronics that emit heat. This includes things like computers, TVs, and even lamps. These devices can add a significant amount of heat to a room, so it’s best to turn them off when you’re trying to cool down the room. Also, be sure to unplug any appliances you’re not using, as they can also add to the heat in a room.

6. Use a Dehumidifier

If the room feels especially humid, it’s good to use a dehumidifier. By removing the excess moisture from the air, a dehumidifier can help to make a room feel cooler and more comfortable. Make sure to empty the dehumidifier regularly, as the collected water can start to add to the humidity level if it’s not emptied frequently.

Conclusion

By following these simple tips, you can easily cool down a room and enjoy a comfortable temperature all summer long. Fans, ice, cold water, and curtains are all great ways to lower the temperature of a room. If you need a more powerful solution, visit Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. We offer room cooling solutions that will keep your room cool and comfortable all summer long. Give us a call today to learn more.

How HVAC Maintenance Can Reduce the Effects of Allergies

HVAC devices are an excellent addition to your home’s equipment. These devices offer multiple benefits, from enhancing comfort and safety to improving indoor air quality. A functional HVAC system will also cushion you against numerous health issues, including allergies. The biggest question is how to alleviate allergies using this HVAC system. Here are a few insights into how.

Filter Household Air

Various households rely on HVAC systems to remove impurities from the air. Each device comes with a high-quality filter that traps dust, dirt, and allergens. Removing these impurities from the air translates to better indoor air quality. This HVAC will temperature-treat the air before cycling back into the house.

Most experts suggest premium-quality filters, which you can check for the MERV rating. An excellent filter has a high MERV rating, meaning it can trap even minor allergens. Any MERV rating above eight will assure you of exceptional abilities. Frequent filter replacement will assure you of excellent air purification. Yet, it would be best if you focused on high-quality filters.

Clean the House Ductwork

Functional ductwork in the house ensures seamless airflow within the home. A well-designed duct system will help distribute forced air throughout the residence effortlessly. Fortunately, you can rely on the HVAC system to clean the duct system. This way, the HVAC system will circulate purified air, ensuring minimal exposure to allergens in the long run. Remember, purified air has minimal chances of affecting your health in the long run.

Humidity Control

Controlling humidity within the house is vital for reducing molds and other allergens within your home. An excellent HVAC system has an evaporator coil that condenses water vapor from the air, eliminating moisture in the environment. Moisture elimination is vital for mold prevention and controlling allergens in the long run.

However, the humidity control element is not available in some HVAC systems. You might need to check before relying on your device.

In-Line Filtration and Air Purification

Air purification is the most critical element in the fight against allergens. Usually, it would be best to install in-line purifiers and air scrubbing devices, preferably in-line with the system. This move treats your air and removes pollutants and pathogens that could irritate the immune system. In most cases, this happens before the air reaches the vents.

At the same time, you can rely on this HVAC service to dust your vents. Various devices have a vacuum pump to help suck dirt and allergens from the vents. Reducing the number of contaminants will cushion you against different health conditions, including asthma. You could also consider cleaning these vents yourself, removing dust and impurities in the ducts and registers.

You do not need to expose yourself to allergens anymore. Today, various skilled technicians will help keep your HVAC system functional and reliable. Talk to Ashley Brothers Heating and Cooling and book an HVAC inspection and maintenance appointment. Our experienced and friendly professionals will be at your service, including during emergencies.

Is My Air Conditioning Going Out? Here’s How To Tell

Your air conditioner is one of those devices you have to watch so it doesn’t die or fail when you need it most. These are some of the most common signs that you might need air conditioning repair:

Your Home Never Cools Off Enough

You might need an air conditioner repair or replacement if you notice that your home never cools off enough. A number of issues could be going on with your AC unit. Dirty filters can restrict airflow, or a clog could also exist in the condenser. Low coolant is another reason AC units stop cooling, but they usually indicate an underlying problem. Another issue likely to cause cooling problems is that your home has insufficient insulation. That has nothing to do with the air conditioner itself, but you should have someone inspect and resolve it to get maximum results after your AC repair. 

You Have a Large Electric Bill

Another sign that your AC unit needs to be serviced or maintained is when you receive high electricity bills. A rise in the electricity bill might mean that your air conditioner is trying too hard to operate. That could be a minor issue like dirt or something more extensive like an issue with the condenser coils. It’s best to have an AC tech look at it and help you get it back in top shape. 

You Notice Water on the Floor

Water leaks indicate that something is wrong with the drain pan area. The condensation pan may have eroded, which is common in older units. Leaks can also occur when the coils freeze. That issue often occurs when the coolant is low.

Sometimes, a bad installation can cause an AC unit to leak as well.  In that situation, an AC expert might solve the problem by doing a re-install for you. In the worst scenario, you might need to have something replaced, but the technician can save your unit.

The most crucial step is to clean the water so that it doesn’t cause water damage, degradation, or mildew on your floors or carpets. Try to find something to catch or absorb the water while waiting for the technician to arrive.  

The Unit Goes in and Out of Operation

You might notice that your air conditioner turns off randomly, or worse yet, it turns off and on. The latter issue is called short-cycling, and it happens because of air filter problems, coolant leaks, and faulty thermostats. Thus, it’s best to get in touch with a reliable AC repair company quickly so that someone can investigate it. 

An air conditioner that cuts off and doesn’t cut back on is likely to have an electrical issue. The power supply may be going out, or something else has gone awry. You’ll need to check your outlets and breakers before you contact a repair person to ensure the problem isn’t on your side. 

Those are a few signs you might need a little help with your air conditioner. However, there’s no need to stress over an air conditioning not working. You can contact a reputable repair company to get help with it today.

5 Easy-To-Follow Tips on Improving Your Indoor Air Quality

If you live in the big cities, the chances are that the air you breathe indoors and outdoors is polluted. While it’s probably impossible to eliminate all allergens in the outdoor air, you can reduce your exposure to them in your home by making simple changes. Indoor air purification helps prevent asthma flare-ups and other respiratory problems during the hot and colder months. If you’re wondering how to improve indoor air quality in your home, here are some simple strategies we thought you’d like to try.

1. Invest in Houseplants

Houseplants are not just pretty. They offer oxygen and take in carbon dioxide, making them natural air filters. You can buy a few plants and keep some inside the house and others outside. It’s crucial to choose your plants wisely based on where you want to keep them, as they can foster mold growth, which can be catastrophic for your health. If your home has plenty of natural light, you can go for the larger plants like Philodendron Micans that require little care but grow fast.

2. Use an Air Purifier

Dust, pollen, pet dander, and other microscopic particles can be difficult to eliminate as they cannot be seen. Air purifiers can help trap 99 percent of these irritants by drawing in dirty air, filtering it, and releasing it back to the house. Air purifiers leave your air cleaner and fresher throughout the seasons, reducing irritants that may trigger respiratory issues.

3. Change Your AC Filter

Air conditioning systems require frequent tune-ups to ensure the filters are not clogged. They also help clean the air by trapping some of the most popular air pollutants. With time, they can fill up and fail to function correctly. Clogged air filters reduce your indoor air quality and wear down your unit as it has to work twice as hard to keep your home cooler.

4. Keep Your Home Clean

Part of improving your indoor air quality begins with keeping your home clean. Good indoor hygiene cuts down animal dander and dust. Focus on cleaning techniques that reduce dust and other pollutants in your home. That means vacuuming your carpet and rugs frequently, regularly cleaning your floor, bedding, and drapes, and getting rid of household stuff that holds dust.

5. Open the Windows

It may appear obvious, but ventilation is one of the easiest ways of improving your indoor air quality. Opening your windows allows fresh, cool air to enter your home. While it may be tempting to lock yourself in to keep the hot air from entering your home during hot days, the stale air circulation in your home can do more harm than good, especially if there is moisture.

Let Us Help You Purify Your Indoor Air

Need help improving your indoor air quality? Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling can help you protect yourself and your family with an air-purifying system. Our product comes with benefits, including aiding better sleep, alleviating flu and allergy symptoms, and airborne germs protection. Contact us at (314) 835-1770 to learn more about this product and other services.