Air filters are essential for maintaining HVAC efficiency and indoor air quality. You need to change them regularly, so they continue to perform their vital duties. Never underestimate this component, as it offers much in the way of a healthy home environment. Here are five fun facts about your home air filter in St. Louis, MO:
- Clean filters provide airflow: When your HVAC system takes in air to heat or cool your home, it first goes through the air filter. The filter catches allergens, dirt and particles, which keeps them from infiltrating your house. However, if the particles build up, they block the essential airflow that runs your HVAC system. Air dries out and stagnates, making it difficult for respiratory systems and skin. That’s why you must keep the air filter clean and set up a regular HVAC maintenance schedule.
- They save you money: Good airflow helps HVAC systems run efficiently. If a blocked or dirty air filter impedes airflow, your furnace or air conditioner works harder and makes more demands on gas and electricity. Those demands show up in your utility bill. Energy costs are already on the rise, and the last thing you need is developments affecting how your HVAC runs. Keep your air filters clean and avoid this extra expense.
- One size does not fit all: You need to know your air filter’s specifications, because there is no one type. Air filters come in different styles, sizes and shapes. Your air conditioner may require a standard or custom size. You can find the kind of air filter you need by checking your user manual or seeing specifications on your old air filter. If you cannot ascertain the type, ask your local HVAC technician.
- All about the MERV: The industry standard for air filters is the minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV. It starts at one and goes as high as 16. If you want better airflow and efficiency, choose a MERV as high as you can afford. Even if you pay more for these high-rated filters, you will save money on your utility bills. The highest-rated filters catch and capture more particles than the lower-rated ones, and they do not need to be replaced as frequently.
- Vacuuming is not enough: Many homeowners seek to save money on air filters by vacuuming the old ones. However, they are disposable for a reason. Vacuuming releases particles, dirt and allergens into your home, contaminating it all over again. Never wash it either, since it will fall apart and become even more useless than when it was dirty. Also, wet air filters grow mold, and that is an entirely new complex problem that makes your home less hospitable.
Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling is your local HVAC specialist in St. Louis, MO. Now that you know these facts about your home air filter, perhaps you feel motivated to check yours and see if it is time to replace it. Contact us today to schedule a maintenance appointment that includes checking and replacing air filters.
The expected lifespan of your ductwork is around 10 to 15 years. Many homeowners replace it when they upgrade their HVAC, but most of the time, this essential part of your cooling and heating system is left to linger. It is usually a matter of recognizing the several signs it is time to replace your ductwork in St. Louis, MO. Here are six things to watch for when you do not remember the last time your home had new ductwork installed:
- Excess dust: When ductwork wears out, it allows more dust and dirt inside through the holes and breaches. This dust disperses through your home, leaving you feeling like your house will never be clean again. You may also notice that you and your household members sneeze more often, and allergy sufferers face irritated skin, itchy eyes and coughs. If you have dust, you also let in extra allergens, so it may be time to replace ductwork for the sake of your family’s health.
- Spike in utility bills: Old ductwork leaks as seals become loose, and gaps widen. As heat moves through your ducts, it gets lost, too, meaning your furnace runs longer and works harder. Eventually, this shows up in your utility bills. Spikes in heating and cooling costs frequently suggest worn-out HVAC machinery or ductwork, so call a technician to run a blower test and see if your ductwork remains fully intact.
- Pest issues: Pest infestations often have nothing to do with the cleanliness of your home and everything to do with their access to it. If, after years of no bugs or rodents, you suddenly face an infestation, they are likely taking advantage of wrecked ducts. Check your ducts for signs of pests, and call an exterminator. Once you solve that problem, move on to improving your HVAC system.
- Uneven heating or cooling: Ductwork allows hot and cold air from your HVAC system to travel effortlessly through your home. When it starts to wear out, you will notice some rooms stay warmer or cooler than others. You may also find that no matter how much you adjust your thermostat, nothing improves, and your home remains uncomfortable. The source of uneven heating or cooling can be anywhere in your HVAC system, but you need a technician to check ductwork.
- Mold and mildew odors: Badly connected or insulated ducts become mold and mildew gardens. When leaks and temperature differences produce condensation, which creates the environment for these organisms to thrive, this development causes respiratory issues among sensitive household members and an unwelcome odor. You may require mold remediation, but you should also have an HVAC technician check out your ducts.
- Noise: Except for the mechanical hum of your furnace or air conditioner, your HVAC should not be overly noisy. Rattling sounds indicate joints between ductwork sections are deteriorating. As these pieces fall apart, you hear louder rattling and, if you continue to ignore it, crashing. At that point, you have no choice but to replace ductwork.
Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling offers high-efficiency heating and cooling in St. Louis, MO. If you notice several of these signs it’s time to replace your ductwork, give us a call and schedule an appointment.
Just because it’s the winter doesn’t mean it’s not a good time to think about AC installation. Installing AC systems during the winter in St. Louis, MO is a great way to avoid the high rates and difficult scheduling that can come up during summertime. If you’re thinking about investing in AC installation, it’s important to think carefully about the kind of system you want for your home. Keep reading for a guide to choosing the best AC for your home.
A guide to choosing the best AC for your home in St. Louis, MO
There are lots of different types of AC units that homeowners can choose from. Understanding more about some of these different AC options can help them decide which unit is best for their needs. Here is a guide to choosing the best AC for your home in St. Louis, MO, with details about all of the most common types of AC units:
- Portable ductless air conditioners: Like the name suggests, portable ductless air conditioners can be moved from room to room to provide directed cooling in different areas. These units can usually be purchased at a grocery store or home improvement store, and they’re a relatively affordable option for people who don’t want to invest in a more permanent AC option.
- Window AC units: Window AC units are self-contained AC systems that are ideal for cooling one room at a time. These units are installed in the window and can be removed when the cooling season is over. All that’s needed is a power outlet to plug the system into.
- Swamp coolers: Swamp coolers, also referred to as evaporative coolers, cool homes by adding humidity to the air. Because these systems increase humidity significantly, they are ideal for very dry climates. These units come in different sizes, but they are usually more affordable than central air conditioning systems.
- Central air conditioning: Central air conditioning is the most effective cooling option for homeowners. These systems have an outdoor unit that includes an evaporator, condenser and compressor. Outdoor AC units are usually installed on a concrete slab in the backyard or on the roof, depending on the layout of the home and the size of the system. Ductwork installed throughout the home carries cool air to keep homes cool during the hot summer months. Central air conditioning systems are typically the most expensive type of AC system, but they are also the most effective and have the biggest positive impact on home value.
Professional AC installation
If you’re interested in installing a new AC system after reading this guide to choosing the best AC for your home in St. Louis, MO, reach out to Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. With over 20 years of experience providing residential and commercial HVAC services, our team has the expertise necessary to assist with any HVAC project. No matter what your needs may be, our team is here to help. Give us a call to find out more about the services we have to offer and to get started with a consultation!
These days, effective air conditioning is commonplace in homes and businesses across the country, but that wasn’t always the case. Air conditioning has come a long way in the last several decades, and cooling technology has been in development for centuries. Most of us take modern AC systems for granted, but this technology is a lot more impressive than many people realize. Keep reading to learn about the evolution of our modern-day air conditioning in St. Louis, MO and how this technology will continue to develop.
The evolution of modern-day air conditioning
Understanding how our modern-day air conditioning came to be begins thousands of years ago with primitive cooling methods. In ancient Rome, people used aqueduct systems to circulate water through walls to cool indoor spaces. Hand fans have been used for thousands of years to help people keep cool. Civilizations in the Middle East developed large wind towers that were designed to amplify breezes to provide widespread cooling.
Modern-day air conditioning
As technology development picked up in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, people began working on more sophisticated cooling systems that would be more effective than primitive cooling methods. The first modern air conditioner was developed in 1902, by Willis Carrier. His mechanical air conditioner was a unit that blew air over coils filled with cool water. These early air conditioners were primarily designed to keep humidity levels low in factory environments, and were too large and expensive to be practical in residential contexts.
Air conditioning systems became much more effective when people began using refrigerants instead of cool water. In the early years of air conditioner use, the most common refrigerant used was R22, but it eventually became clear that this refrigerant was causing harm to the ozone layer. Today, refrigerant is designed to be very effective at cooling without harming the environment.
Two of the most significant developments in AC technology during the 20th century were innovations in compressor technology and improvements to AC efficiency. Modern AC systems have much higher energy ratings that reduce energy waste and minimize the amount homeowners have to spend on energy for cooling on a monthly basis. Two-stage and variable compressors modify AC operation to adjust cooling without shutting off AC units completely. The development of more effective compressors and improvements to AC efficiency has made AC systems much more affordable and more effective for home and business owners alike.
Schedule air conditioning installation
If you’re interested in finding out more about how you can benefit from the evolution of modern-day air conditioning in St. Louis, MO or you’re looking for a new AC system for your home, the team at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling is here to assist you. From basic maintenance to equipment installation, our team has the expertise and experience necessary to help commercial and residential customers throughout the area with comprehensive AC services. Give us a call today to get started with a consultation and quote—we look forward to working with you soon!
