During the chilly winter months, having a high-quality, well-functioning heater can greatly affect your comfort levels at home. No one wants to spend their relaxation time bundled up with coats and blankets due to a poor heating system. Thankfully, there are many ways to avoid a broken heater, as well as enhance its efficiency, during our cold winters. Read on to learn more about how to get the most out of your heater and get some answers to common heater FAQs.
What does regular heater maintenance entail?
One of the best tips for how to avoid a broken heater is to schedule regular maintenance inspections. Whether it be once or twice a year, having a professional check your HVAC system for any potential problems is an important preventative measure for a homeowner to take. Here at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling, we are experts on HVAC systems and can help make sure your home heating system is in top-notch condition. If you sense there may be a problem with your system, it’s best to call for a checkup to prevent the problem from worsening.
How do you replace your furnace filter?
Replacing the air filters in your heating system is also extremely important to keep it functioning properly. Simply shut the HVAC unit off, then remove the old filter and insert the new one. This allows your heating system to continue to be effective and efficient. It is recommended to replace your air filter every one to three months, depending on the filter and the typical conditions in your home.
Also, after replacing the air filter, wiping away any debris or dust from the vents will help maintain effective airflow from your heater. It also helps to promote better air quality. This is another great way to avoid a broken or inefficient heater, and it’s a quick and simple DIY job.
How can smart thermostats help?
A great way to maintain your heater is by purchasing a smart thermostat. This technology will allow you to program the heater to automatically adjust the temperature throughout the day and keep your system from overworking. It will save you money on heating bills and keep your home at a perfect, comfortable temperature all day long.
Many programmable thermostats are inexpensive but still effective. However, some of the more expensive programmable thermostats, also called smart thermostats, are designed to automatically adjust the temperature to accommodate your lifestyle by learning your behavior over time. This can be a great option as well.
Get more information on HVAC services
A quality, functioning HVAC system is crucial for maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home during the winter months. Regular maintenance and inspections are especially important as well. Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling offers efficient HVAC systems for your home. We’re also proud to offer affordable repair and maintenance services, as well as emergency services for heating systems. For more information on what we can do for you, or to schedule an appointment for HVAC service, reach out to us today.
With heating and air conditioning bills on the rise, it’s never been more practical to invest in energy efficient air conditioning. Not only does an efficient unit help you save on your energy bills, but they’re also better for the environment.
Here are some of the main differences between air conditioning models.
Measuring efficiency in air conditioning systems
Each air conditioning unit has a SEER rating, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. You can think of it in terms of a miles-per-gallon rating—a higher SEER rating means a more efficient system. All air conditioners must have a SEER ratio of 14 or higher according to United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Some modern energy-efficient air conditioning systems have a rating of up to 26 SEER, and ultra-efficient specialty systems can reach even higher ratings.
In general, the older your air conditioning unit, the less efficient it is. Even systems installed only a decade ago can’t reach the efficiencies of modern units. The older your system gets and the more it’s used, the less efficient it will run due to regular wear and tear. It’s often more practical to invest in a new system to keep your energy bills low.
Differences between regular ACs and energy-efficient models
The main difference between standard air conditioning systems compared to new, efficient ones is in performance. High-efficiency systems outperform their predecessors due to advancements in technologies.
The most efficient systems feature state-of-the-art variable compressors that turn on and off the system as little as possible while still maintaining a comfortable indoor air temperature. They also have a variable speed blower that controls airflow as it travels through the system, allowing you to maintain the exact temperature you want when you need it without constantly running.
What are some of the benefits you’ll experience when you invest in a high-efficiency air conditioning system? Just some of the advantages include:
Less expensive to run: Efficient systems turn hot air into cold air without expending excess energy. In today’s market, where energy isn’t cheap, you’ll enjoy significant energy bill savings immediately.
Enhanced comfort: Today’s systems feature optimal humidity and temperature controls, making it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature and indoor air quality at home.
Better filtration: An efficient system with quality media filters traps dirt and air effectively due to their high surface area and accordion-style design. You’ll notice a great improvement in your indoor air quality, as the air that circulates from efficient systems is much cleaner compared to older ones.
Sound reduction: Many of today’s most advanced systems operate at a much lower volume thanks to upgraded fan blades and compressor sound blankets.
Now that you understand the differences between air conditioning models, schedule professional installation to make the most of your investment in an energy-efficient system. Contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today—we’ll install the most practical system for your needs and your budget, helping you keep your energy bills low while allowing you to maintain comfort in your home.
Wondering if it’s time to invest in heater repair? While it’s hard to predict when heater problems will arise, there are some warning signs to look for if your heater isn’t running as well as it should.
Luckily, you don’t have to be a professional HVAC technician to spot them. Here are some of the common signs you need heater maintenance.
Strange noises
One of the most common indications of problems with your heater are odd, unusual noises. If you’re hearing pops and squeaks, it usually means some components have come loose in the heater. It’s hard to self-diagnose heater problems by ear, so call your preferred HVAC technician to come take a look at the issue before it turns into a bigger one.
Thermostat problems
Thermostats communicate with your heater, telling it how much heat to produce. If you’ve set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature and are finding it hard for your heater to keep up, it’s a surefire sign you need heater repair. Whether the issue is due to blown fuses, loose wiring or tripped circuit breakers, you shouldn’t hesitate to make an appointment for heater maintenance.
Higher energy bills
Noticing a sharp increase in your energy bills? A failing heater may be to blame, especially if you haven’t set the thermostat to a higher temperature than usual. The problem may be a ductwork issue, which always requires the help of a professional.
Dusty air
Part of a heating system’s job is to clean the air. If you’re seeing a high volume of dust escaping from your vents, you likely need to swap your filter with a clean one. Reach out to an HVAC professional to help you select the right filters for your system.
Weak airflow
If the air flowing from your vents is weak or inconsistent, you should invest in heater repair. The issue could range from a minor problem with the fan to major motor and belt complications. No matter the source of the problem, don’t rely on a DIY job to fix it—call a professional instead.
Pooling water
Spotted pooling water around your heater? The cause of the problem is usually a clogged condensate line. Not only does this fix require help from an experienced HVAC technician, but you also need to call in a plumber.
Strange odors
If you’re noticing strange odors inside your home—particularly a gaseous odor—you likely have a problem with your heater. You should turn off your heater immediately; then shut off the gas supply valve. Be sure not to turn off any lights or ignite any matches, and call a trained technician to take a look at the problem immediately.
If you need heater maintenance, don’t hesitate to schedule service with a professional HVAC technician. By addressing minor problems early, you can save yourself from major issues and expenses, like complete replacement of your heater, down the road. Schedule your maintenance appointment with Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling, and keep your heater running efficiently now and into the future.
Thermostat settings are a constant source of disagreement in households across the United States, especially in regions of the country that see cold winters. But one area where you may find common ground is a desire to save money on your energy bills.
Even if you don’t have a smart thermostat or programmable features, you can still find ways to save money on your heating by adopting a few simple energy-saving strategies over the winter. You may be able to save around 10 percent per year on energy bills just by adjusting some of your heating and cooling habits.
Here are a few money-saving tips for heaters this winter that you can put into practice.
Consider your lowest comfortable temperature
Setting your thermostat to the lowest temperature at which you will be comfortable will significantly slow down heat loss for homes that have either baseboard heating systems or regular furnaces. This is not true for heat pumps, though, as turning down the heat can actually make the pump less efficient.
The standard “lowest comfortable temperature” is 68 degrees, but this can vary for some people. You may be able to go a couple degrees lower, or 68 might still be a bit too low for you. But consider what your specific lowest comfortable temperature is, and keep it there.
Consider the location of your thermostat
You shouldn’t place the thermostat in a spot where you will have inaccurate temperature readings. If you place the thermostat near sunlight, doorways or drafts, this could result in it giving temperatures that do not actually reflect the conditions in most of the home.
Try installing the thermostat on an interior wall that gets natural airflow. This will usually produce the most accurate readings and thus set you up for better efficiency.
Adjust temperatures when you’re not home
Consider lowering the temperature on your thermostat when you’re not at home. Make sure the home remains comfortable for pets (typically not an issue if they are furry) and that you don’t set the temperature so low that your pipes will freeze. But if you’re going to be gone at work all day, there’s no need to have the heat cranked up. Lowering the thermostat for eight hours a day can save you money.
You can also adjust temperatures while you sleep. Most people sleep better in slightly cool conditions, so don’t keep the heat cranked when you’re going to bed.
Let your household acclimate
Everyone in your home will need a little bit of time to adapt to the colder temperatures after the warmth of summer and early fall. You can lower the temperature gradually after you adjust to the new conditions. Until your body finally acclimates, make it a point to wear layers, use warm socks and bust out the cozy blankets.
These are just a few tips that will help you get more efficient operation out of your heater this winter. For more money-saving tips for heaters that involve your winter thermostat settings, contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling.
It’s understandable to be reluctant to pay money for ongoing HVAC maintenance. However, the last thing you want is to have to shell out a lot more money than necessary to pay for emergency HVAC repairs, and the best way to avoid this is to make sure you stay on top of routine maintenance.
Still, there are some circumstances in which you might need emergency repairs for air conditioning or heating, even if you’ve been good about performing preventative maintenance. Here are just a few signs that you should call in a professional for emergency HVAC repairs:
Strange noises: Every furnace or AC unit will make at least some degree of noise during its normal operation. However, if you are noticing excessive noise coming from the unit, this could be indicative of a major problem with the mechanics or with certain components of the system. If you notice loud hissing noises, this could be a sign of a refrigerant leak, which must be addressed before it can cause further, even more significant damage within the system.
Rapid cycling: Does your air conditioner turn on and off more frequently than usual? This is either a problem with your thermostat or a problem with the electrical connection to the unit. This is a problem you’ll want to have looked at by a skilled HVAC professional as soon as possible to get it corrected.
Ice forming on the system: Visible ice forming on the air conditioning unit is generally a sign that your evaporator coils are malfunctioning. Usually this is a result of a clogged filter, a buildup of grime somewhere within the system or a refrigerant leak. These issues must be resolved immediately, because ice buildup could result in more significant damage to the rest of the unit that will be very expensive to repair.
Strange smells: Have you noticed weird smells coming from your vents or from the AC unit while the air conditioning is running? Have a professional come out and investigate the source of the smell. It could be grime or debris buildup, a problem with mold or dead animals that got trapped somewhere in the system. All of these issues must be resolved quickly to ensure the health and safety of people within your home.
High indoor humidity: When the air conditioning is working properly, you should experience consistent indoor humidity levels of between 30 and 50 percent. This will keep your home comfortable and also prevent the formation of mildew and mold, which thrive in the presence of excessive moisture. If the system is not functioning properly you may start to notice elevated humidity levels, even when the temperature is low. It’s important to have a professional come out to inspect your system when this problem manifests itself.
These are just a few examples of some of the signs you need emergency HVAC repairs to your air conditioning. To learn more about the services we offer, or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling.
