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Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems and Which Will Work Best with Your Home

admin | March 31, 2021

Is energy efficiency and environmental friendliness a top priority for you as a homeowner? One of the best ways to reduce your energy consumption is to install an HVAC system designed to operate as efficiently as possible.

Therefore, if you’re in the market for a new HVAC system in St. Louis, MO, here’s a look at some examples of HVAC units that will help you achieve energy efficiency.

Geothermal heat pump

If energy efficiency is your goal, you can do no better than geothermal (ground source) heat pumps. These units have energy efficiency ratings (EER) of up to 45, when a rating of 12 or more is considered “efficient.” So, while the initial investment in the system might be expensive, you will save a boatload of money on energy costs over the long term, much more so than you would with any other system.

Geothermal systems operate by taking heat from underground, where temperatures remain around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The equipment requires very little in terms of maintenance, and will provide you with reliable heating results for years to come.

Standard split system heat pump

Split system heat pumps that both heat and cool the home are becoming quite popular around the United States, gaining ground on forced air central systems that are essentially the standard in this country. These split systems allow you to save 30 to 40 percent on heating costs even over high-efficiency furnaces.

You can customize these systems for greater efficiency by adding inverter compressors in variable capacity units. These systems are especially beneficial in areas that see milder winters, but they’ll go to work for you anywhere you live and give you reliable, high-quality and efficient results.

Ductless mini-split heat pump

There are also ductless mini-split system heat pump options that work on a smaller scale that you may find to be beneficial for your home. These mini-splits will usually have EERs of around 20, and will feature an outdoor unit connected to up to eight indoor units.

Each of the indoor units you install will be tasked with heating and cooling a specific room, and each of those units will have its own thermostat. This provides you with greater overall energy savings, because you only have to heat or cool the rooms you’re using at any given time. It also provides you with greater versatility in your heating and cooling—you might prefer some rooms to be warmer or colder than others, and having those individual thermostats and temperature settings allows for greater customization.

Because mini-splits do not use ductwork, you won’t have to worry about air leaking through the seams of the ductwork. Plus, because the system moves heat instead of creating it, you will have much lower costs than you’d see with a forced air furnace.

To learn more your options for HVAC units that will help achieve energy efficiency in your home, we encourage you to contact the HVAC specialists in St. Louis, MO at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today.

How to Prep Your HVAC Unit for the Spring and Summer

admin | March 17, 2021

Spring has arrived, and that means the cooling season isn’t far away, especially in some of the warmer parts of the United States. Before the cooling season arrives, it’s a good idea for you to perform some basic maintenance and preparation on your HVAC unit to make sure your equipment is ready for the season.

Here are a few HVAC checks and maintenance tips for the upcoming spring and summer seasons in St. Louis, MO:

Take off lids and covers: Some people cover their exterior units in the winter months to give them some extra protection. If you did so, make sure you remove that cover before you start up the system for the first time this year. Keeping those covers on during operation could limit heat transfer and potentially damage the system. There are many people who forget to remove their covers each year, which can result in some expensive repairs.
Inspect the exterior unit: Take a look at the exterior air conditioning unit, and particularly its panels, which are designed to protect the electrical connections. If you’re missing a panel, or if one is misaligned or damaged, you’re going to want to make sure you get a technician out to fix the issue as soon as possible.
Remove debris: The outdoor condenser can easily trap trash that blows against it, and could also be susceptible to vegetation growth. Make sure to remove any debris or vegetation that grows into or around it. Once you start mulching for the season, avoid packing mulch around the unit’s base, because this could prevent good airflow from occurring.
Change filters: You must change the air filter in your indoor air handler several times a year, and the change of seasons is a good time to do this. This is especially important after the winter, when you’ve likely been running your system much more frequently and thus are more likely to have a significant amount of debris built up in the filter.
Check drainage: There should be a coil drainage hose or condensate line inside. The coil’s temperature will usually be lower than the ambient air around it, which means water will condense on it and drip into the condensate tray. That condensation must flow to a drain, or else the tray will fill up and potentially spill water on to your basement floor. It’s important to make sure your drainage system is functioning properly.
Clean vents and air returns: This is a task you should take on several times a year, and it makes sense to do it when switching from heating to cooling and vice versa. Supply and return air grills and vents should be opened up and cleared of dust or debris. You can use vacuums with hoses to get inside and remove debris that accumulated during the winter. This will help ensure the delivery of clean air throughout the coming season.

Interested in learning more about some of the maintenance tips you can employ to prepare your HVAC system for the upcoming spring and summer seasons in St. Louis, MO? Contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today to schedule your seasonal air conditioning maintenance appointment.

When Is the Best Time of Year to Replace Your HVAC System?

admin | March 2, 2021

Most HVAC systems can last for 15 to 20 years without failing, but you’ll probably need to buy a new AC or furnace at some point. We recommend purchasing the new unit in the offseason—in other words, buy your AC in the fall or winter and purchase a heater in the spring or summer. Continue reading to learn more about when to get a new HVAC unit in St. Louis, MO:

Better prices: When you wait until the offseason to buy a new HVAC unit, you can often save a bundle. This is because the systems are in lower demand, or HVAC manufacturers are trying to move last year’s models.
Faster service: You’ll need to bring in an HVAC technician to install your new heater or AC. Because we’re not always as busy in the spring or fall, we can make it out to your house for installation much faster.
Cheaper installation: In addition to arriving faster and saving money on the unit itself, an HVAC technician may not charge as much to install it during the offseason. Since they’re less busy, your technician may be willing to negotiate the installation price.
Less inconvenience: If your AC has ever broken down in the summer or your heater has quit working in the dead of winter, you know how uncomfortable your house can get. If you’re proactive about replacing your HVAC unit in the offseason, you can avoid that inconvenience and discomfort altogether!

Signs that it’s time for a new unit

In addition to knowing when to get a new HVAC unit in St. Louis, MO, it’s helpful to know a few of the signs that it’s time for a new heater or air conditioner. If you notice any of the following signs, call an HVAC technician right away to buy a new unit:

Poor performance: Your HVAC unit doesn’t often stop working out of nowhere. Instead, it’ll slowly get less effective at heating or cooling your home. It’s a good idea to call an HVAC pro as soon as you notice a dip in performance to get a full inspection.
Old age: You can expect your HVAC system to last anywhere from 15 to 20 years if you schedule yearly maintenance. But if your unit is getting up there in years, we recommend starting to shop for a new unit during the offseason to save money and avoid a sudden breakdown.
When purchasing a new home: Very rarely do home buyers get everything they want in a new house. If you’re looking at a new house and the HVAC system isn’t up to date, it’s a good idea to install a new one shortly after moving in. You may even get the seller to knock some money off the asking price.

Call us today to install your new AC!

There’s never been a better time than right now to get a new energy-efficient air conditioner. Contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today to purchase your system or to learn more about when to get a new HVAC unit in St. Louis, MO.

How to Identify a Declining AC

admin | February 16, 2021

The bad news is that your air conditioner won’t last forever. The good news is that air conditioners typically don’t just up and quit out of nowhere. Instead, they present a variety of signs that they’re about to stop working.

This post from your trusty HVAC experts will cover a few of the signs your AC unit is declining in St. Louis, MO and teach you how to get the most out of your system:

The AC unit isn’t cooling: The first sign that your AC is declining is if it gets less effective at cooling your home. This issue may start small, but it’ll get worse and worse as time goes on. If you wait too long to have it replaced, your unit won’t cool your house at all.
Reduced airflow: In addition to being less effective at cooling your house, you may also notice weak airflow coming from the vents. This reduced airflow may just be caused by dirty air filters, but it might also be an issue with the blower. A technician may be able to repair or replace the blower, but it might be a better idea to replace the unit if it’s old.
Strange noises: Your air conditioner will never be completely silent while it’s running, but it shouldn’t make any sudden banging or rattling noises. These startling sounds often indicate that a part has become loose or is starting to fall apart. Call an HVAC pro to inspect the system and diagnose the cause of the strange sounds.
Bad smells: Older or improperly maintained ACs might produce strange smells during operation. An electrical burning smell could indicate that a part is starting to wear out. If there’s a musty smell coming from the vents, you likely have mold growth somewhere in the unit or in the ductwork.
Higher energy bills: Another one of the leading signs your AC unit is on the decline in St. Louis, MO will be felt each month when your energy bill comes. Systems get less energy efficient as they get old, which leads to sky-high electric bills. Buying an energy-efficient AC isn’t always cheap, but it’ll pay for itself over time with monthly savings.

Ways to prolong your unit’s lifespan

You can get decades of service from your air conditioner by being a proactive homeowner. First and foremost, be sure to schedule yearly maintenance with an HVAC technician. During this springtime service, your technician will clean your unit and repair or replace any parts that are starting to fail.

Along with scheduling maintenance each spring and replacing your air filters every few months, watch your usage. Running the AC on the coldest setting 24/7 is a waste of electricity and puts a lot of undue stress on your system.

Schedule your spring tune-up today!

Judging by the current weather, you won’t need to turn on your air conditioner for a few months. But that doesn’t mean you can’t go ahead and schedule a tune-up! In addition to getting your unit ready for summer, the pros at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling will identify any signs your AC unit is declining in St. Louis, MO.

Five Fun Facts About Furnace and Air Conditioner Air Filters

admin | February 6, 2021

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.

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