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.
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.
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!
