It’s hot and muggy outside—so it’s just about the worst time for your air conditioner to break down. Why is this happening? It was working fine yesterday. Is your AC really broken, or do you just need to replace your filter?
Air conditioners require regular maintenance, including a filter change every 30 to 90 days. If you’ve been slacking off on your filter changes, that might be the reason your AC isn’t performing appropriately. Here are some things to troubleshoot before you call your local HVAC company for help:
Check the filter: First, check to see if your AC filter is particularly filthy—which can happen if you’ve forgotten to switch it out regularly, or you’ve been experiencing particularly bad air quality. Dirty, clogged filters will block the flow of cool, clean air completely. Your AC unit might be working fine otherwise. Change or wash the filter, then see if the air conditioner starts pushing out cold air again.
Make sure the unit is plugged in: If the unit doesn’t seem to be coming on at all, there may be a problem with the power supply. First, check to make sure it’s plugged in all the way. If it is, check the main electrical panel to see if the air conditioner has tripped a breaker. Reset the breaker and try again. If the breaker continues to trip, you may need to call an electrician for assistance.
Check the outdoor condenser: If the air conditioner is running, but it doesn’t seem to be pushing out enough cold air, take a look at the outdoor condenser. Is anything blocking the air intake? Weeds, debris, grass, toys, lawn furniture and more could be preventing airflow into the machine. Clean the outside and move anything that’s blocking the air. Then allow your air conditioner to run for a few hours. If you notice a difference, that means the problem is likely solved.
Look at the thermostat: Finally, check the thermostat. Is it on and set to “cool”? If not, you might just need to change the batteries. Turn the temperature down a few degrees and see if the air conditioner kicks on.
Why do I need to replace my AC air filter?
Once you’ve troubleshooted your air conditioner problems, you might forget to change your filter again—but that would be a big mistake. When you fail to replace your filter regularly, it can cause problems. Poor air quality, inefficiency (and the resulting high electricity bills), uneven cooling and malfunctions are all possible.
Your air conditioner might also start “short cycling,” which is when it kicks on and off repeatedly throughout the day. This is supposed to happen—at least on a limited basis—but when your filter is dirty, it can happen every few minutes. Change the filter and see if the problem is solved. If not, call your HVAC contractor for assistance.
When you need AC help, reach out to Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. We’d be glad to take a look at your AC and make sure it’s doing its job correctly!
Summer is here, and that means you may be retreating indoors to enjoy the comfort of central air. But the downside to every HVAC system is that the air inside the home is likely to become stuffy and stale.
Did you know that there’s a simple way to improve air quality inside the home? The fact is that ceiling fans improve air circulation, which can help you breathe better and get better sleep.
Using ceiling fans for air circulation
Many people believe that ceiling fans are designed to cool down a room. They can have that effect, but their true purpose is to improve air circulation in whichever room they’re used in. This creates the illusion that the room is actually a few degrees cooler.
Ceiling fans work by creating a breeze that removes moisture from your skin—it’s that artificial breeze that creates a cooling sensation. Hot air and heat have nowhere to go once they reach the ceiling, so running ceiling fans counterclockwise during the summer can help with heat management.
Then in the winter, you can reverse the blades to mix and distribute the cold air at the bottom of the room with the hot air that rises to the top of the room. Consequently, you can save money on your cooling costs in the summer and on your heating costs in the winter by using ceiling fans.
Other fans
Ceiling fans improve air circulation, which can have health benefits and save energy. But let’s say you don’t have ceiling fans installed in your home—you can still reap the benefits of air circulation through the use of other fans. Here are some of the most common:
Desk and tabletop fans: These are smaller fans that allow you to cool down the area around a workspace. This is a great solution for tight spaces and can provide some additional air circulation.
Pedestal fans: This is a rotating, standing fan that often includes adjustable height. It’s perfect to use in hallways and in front of windows. The oscillating action is ideal to circulate air throughout any medium- or large-sized room.
Exhaust fans: If you’re looking for an option designed for air circulation, an exhaust fan is a good choice. These fans are designed to circulate and remove stale air, smoke, mildew, mold or odors. These are typically installed in the bathroom or kitchen to remove particles from the air. It’s important to regularly change the air filters on exhaust fans to ensure they’re not circulating dirty air throughout the home.
Do you want to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter? At Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling, we provide a full range of heating and cooling services to meet any need your home’s energy-efficient system may have, from furnace maintenance to AC repair. Our dedicated team has the experience and know-how to get the job done right. Give us a call today to learn more about our services and get a free quote!
Summer is in full swing, and you probably have your air conditioner running at all hours. But many people wonder: What’s the perfect summer thermostat setting?
Read on to find out our leading tips on keeping your home cool and comfortable while saving money on energy bills.
Stay close to the outdoor temperature
When the temperatures soar outside, you may have the urge to crank the AC even higher. But you shouldn’t need a sweatshirt to be comfortable in your home.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that homeowners leave the AC at 78 degrees when you’re at home during the summer. The closer the indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature means less energy is necessary to keep your home cool, which in turn leads to lower energy expenses.
When you go away
Everyone loves to take trips during the summer, whether it’s to visit family or to go to the beach. But at what temperature should you leave the thermostat when you’re out of town? While you might think that you can turn off the system entirely, it’s not a smart idea. This can affect pets and plants living in your home, along with causing other issues. But you can leave the temperature higher than you normally would—up to 83 degrees—which can save you money on your energy bill.
How to adjust the AC unit temperature
It’s important to remember that adjusting the temperature on the AC unit does not affect the temperature of the air being pumped into your home. Instead, it changes the duration of time that the AC unit runs, with cooler temperatures requiring more time.
So don’t set the temperature on the AC very low in the hopes that your home will cool down faster, as this will not work and could cause unnecessary strain on the unit. That said, it’s perfectly fine to make adjustments throughout the day based on your comfort.
Setting the thermostat at night
Most people prefer to keep the AC higher at night, as it creates more comfortable conditions for sleeping. Experts say that bedrooms should be between 60 and 67 degrees for sleeping.
However, that’s likely quite a jump from where the thermostat is set during the day. First, lower it by a couple of degrees from where you usually keep it during the day, and see how that works. You can also use ceiling fans, dehumidifiers and temperature-regulating pillows and mattresses to help stay cool at night.
Now it’s time to get that perfect summer thermostat setting. The next time you need help with air conditioning or heating, turn to the expert pros at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. Our dedicated team has been providing residential and commercial services since 1999.
We specialize in the installation of new equipment, heating and cooling repair and furnace cleaning. We also offer emergency services, meaning we’re available to help you 24 hours a day! Give us a call right now to find out how we can help you.
Many HVAC companies offer 24-hour emergency repair services for all models of HVAC systems. However, it’s important to note that not every HVAC problem should be considered an emergency.
Because it’s not always easy to distinguish between an emergency and a problem that can wait a few days to resolve, we put together this post with a few examples of actual HVAC emergencies.
Complete AC failure
While ceiling fans can help, a working air conditioner is a must-have to combat sweltering summers. Inside temperatures can even reach dangerous levels when the AC goes out in the middle of summer, especially for older folks, young children and pets. If your AC doesn’t turn on, be sure to call an emergency HVAC service right away.
No heat
When the heat stops working in the middle of the winter, it’s another time you’ll need to hire a professional to make an emergency call. Not having a working heater in the winter can also be dangerous for people and animals inside the house. While waiting for the HVAC repairman, bundle up with blankets, and utilize your fireplace if you have one.
Safety concerns
Gas or refrigerant leaks, sparks and smoke are a few signs that something is seriously wrong with your HVAC system, and the problem needs to be addressed right away. After calling HVAC companies to make an emergency repair, leave your house ASAP, and don’t return until the issue has been resolved. Hanging around waiting for the technician can be a serious health risk.
What are some signs of a failing system?
The good news is that HVAC systems typically don’t up and quit working out of nowhere—they often present a few signs that something’s amiss. These are a few indications that your system needs help:
Inadequate airflow: Before you stop getting any heat or cold air at all, your system may struggle with airflow. This could be as simple as a clogged vent or a more complex problem, like a broken fan. Be sure to call an HVAC service sooner rather than later before the system stops blowing out air altogether.
Screeching sound: All HVAC systems produce a little bit of noise while running, but yours should never have a loud screeching sound when it turns on. This is often an indication of a failing compressor. Shut off your system when you hear this noise or risk making the problem worse.
Burning smell: Any burning smell in your home is a bad sign, especially if it’s coming from the AC or heater. A burning smell often indicates a problem with the electrical system, but that’s not always the case. Your HVAC technician will be able to find the root of the problem and set it straight.
Call Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling in any situation
Whether you’re experiencing an HVAC emergency or you just need a seasonal tune-up, be sure to call our team at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. With a wide range of services and fair pricing, we’re one of the top HVAC companies in St. Louis.
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.
