What You Need To Know Before Purchasing a New AC Unit

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.

Tips to Minimize the Strain on Your AC in the Summer

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. 

Why Indoor Air Quality Is Important

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.

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.