Though we may be approaching the end of the summer, we still have some hot days ahead of us. If you’ve been experiencing some issues with your air conditioner, now may be a good time to get your unit replaced, as there is less demand toward the end of the season.
Not every issue with an air conditioner is a sign that it needs to be replaced. Sometimes you’re more than capable of repairing the problem and continuing to use the unit. However, eventually you will get to a point where you’ve invested too much in AC maintenance and repairs for the age of the equipment, and will need to make an AC upgrade in St. Louis, MO.
Here are just a few of the telltale signs you need to update your AC unit:
High energy bills: Have you noticed a sharp increase in how much you’re paying on your monthly energy bills? This could be a sign that your air conditioner is no longer operating as efficiently as it once did. An upgrade can help you find more energy-efficient equipment that will save you a significant amount of money each month on your utility payments.
Issues with airflow: If you’re having a problem getting a sufficient amount of cool air to flow through your vents, this is an obvious problem with your air conditioner. You should be able to get cold air coming through the vents within a couple minutes after you adjust your thermostat. If not, there could be a problem with your piping or ductwork restricting the airflow, or with some of the mechanical parts of your air conditioning unit.
Strange sounds: While it’s completely normal for an air conditioner to make a constant humming sound during operation, there are some sounds that should be cause for concern, such as clanging, banging, scraping or grinding. So, if you notice any of these sounds popping up in your air conditioning system that did not exist before, it’s important that you have a professional come and inspect the system and determine if it’s an issue that can be repaired.
Strange odors: There should never be a smell associated with your air conditioning system—it should be clean and odor free. However, there are some cases where problems within an air conditioning system can manifest themselves in a smoky or burning smell. In some cases, mold or mildew issues can cause a musty odor that emanates from the vents during AC usage.
Moisture buildup: Speaking of mold or mildew, they are likely to form if you’re having any issues with moisture in the system. While there’s always going to be moisture in AC units, there shouldn’t be any leakages or excessive moisture.
Fluid leak: If you see a refrigerant leak coming from the system, this could be a sign of significant problems with your air conditioner and could become dangerous to people or pets.
For more information about some of the most common problems that could indicate it’s time for AC maintenance in St. Louis, MO, or to schedule an air conditioning repair appointment, reach out to Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today.
Your HVAC system is something you never want to neglect. There’s no worse feeling than when the weather turns cold and you need the heat to click on and it fails to do so, or when the same happens with your air conditioner during the summertime. Regular air conditioning maintenance in St. Louis, MO is a great way to make sure any problems are nipped in the bud and you can keep your system in good working order.
HVAC maintenance is easy to schedule, but there may be some question of when it’s actually necessary to do so. At Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling, we’ve found there are certain times of year that are just better than others for customers to schedule HVAC service. Read on for the answers to some common questions that will help you make the appropriate decision for your system.
What does maintenance entail?
When you schedule a maintenance appointment, a technician will give your HVAC system a comprehensive checkup. This involves going over an entire checklist of verifications and items we look for in every system. For something like heating maintenance in St. Louis, MO, this means inspecting every part of the system, testing it to make sure all heating functions work properly and cleaning all parts so they operate with ease. All of these functions are not only checked but also repaired by your technician if needed, keeping small problems at bay so they don’t turn into bigger ones that will cost more money to fix later on.
When’s the best time to schedule maintenance?
The rule of thumb for heating and air conditioning maintenance in St. Louis, MO is that you really want to schedule it before you need it. People rush to their phones in cold weather when their heat fails to click on, and it can be hard to get an appointment—beat the crowds by scheduling your maintenance appointment early in the season. Similarly, for your air conditioning maintenance, you’ll want to get an appointment in the spring before the weather really starts to heat up.
How often should you schedule your maintenance?
Your HVAC systems are finely-tuned machines that should be checked by a professional on a regular basis. For most systems, this means annual maintenance checks for both your heating and cooling components. Ultimately, you don’t want to put off heating service and air conditioning maintenance in St. Louis, MO, because it’s easy for small issues to fester and develop into problems that are more costly and time-consuming to repair. It’s always better to be proactive than reactive.
At Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling, we take HVAC maintenance very seriously, and our two-decade track record speaks for itself. Customers all over the St. Louis area trust us to keep their systems operating smoothly and ensure their families stay comfortable and happy, regardless of what the weather outside has in store. Get in touch with us today to schedule a maintenance appointment for your HVAC system—we look forward to assisting you soon!
As summer gets into high gear, we hope you’re all enjoying yourselves and getting to spend lots of time outdoors. Summertime means backyard cookouts, swimming and fun sports for all, but you also want to make sure your indoor activities are enjoyable, and being comfortable is a big part of that. Having a reliable HVAC system is a wonderful asset, and one of the best parts of modern air conditioning is that it’s actually more affordable than many people think, thanks to the incredible efficiency of today’s systems.
If you’ve been considering an investment in energy-efficient AC in St. Louis, MO, the team at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling has the knowledge and the ability to install an air conditioning system that will keep you cool, at a lower cost, for years to come. Here are some of the benefits you’ll enjoy:
Less humidity: Air conditioning was actually invented as a way to remove humidity from the air, with the cooling effect just being a pleasant side benefit. Humidity control remains one of the greatest benefits of energy-saving cooling in St. Louis, MO. If you have a properly-sized air conditioning unit for your home, you’re going to be pleased with your humidity levels, as lower humidity will make everyone more comfortable and allows for better sleeping conditions at night.
Easier on your wallet: The most obvious benefit of energy-efficient AC in St. Louis, MO is that it consumes far less power than older systems. This means it doesn’t require as much juice to start up and achieve the same results as older, less efficient systems. It will therefore provide many of the same benefits at a much lower cost, which is music to every homeowner’s ears.
Time to go green: Energy-efficient AC in St. Louis, MO is also more friendly on the environment. The summer months can increase energy consumption across the board thanks to cooling usage, but you can lessen your footprint with a more efficient modern system. Your family’s carbon footprint will be smaller, and you’ll be able to feel a bit better about your impact.
Fewer repairs: If you have an older HVAC system, you’re probably familiar with the challenges presented by frequent repair needs. While those can easily be handled by our team, replacing your system with an energy-efficient one might actually be more cost-effective over the long term. A newer model AC will provide better cooling capabilities while also offering peace of mind regarding its reliability.
Less noise: The sound produced by older HVAC units can really create a problem for your family. Energy-saving cooling in St. Louis, MO, on the other hand, can cut down on excessive noise and keep your family cool with less ambient sound.
Working with air conditioning is something our team at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling has been doing for over two decades, and we’ve seen technology advance at a rapid pace during that time. With the efficiency of HVAC units getting better all the time, there’s no reason not to invest in a new unit if your existing one has been causing you trouble. Get in touch with us to learn more!
With annual maintenance by professional HVAC companies in St. Louis, MO, air conditioners can last for up to 15 years. Once your AC is getting up there in age, it’s time to start thinking about getting a new one. Finding the right air conditioner for your home isn’t as easy as picking one off the shelf. This post will cover a few of the things you need to think about while you’re browsing:
Energy efficiency: The number one thing to consider when shopping for a new AC is its energy efficiency. Each AC unit has a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating that quickly tells you how energy efficient the AC will be, much like looking at the MPG for a car. SEER ratings range from 13 to 21, with the higher numbers meaning the unit is more energy efficient. Though it may cost more upfront, buying a unit with a high SEER rating will save you tons of money each season.
Size: Air conditioners aren’t one size fits all. What works for your neighbor’s home might not work for yours. A unit that’s too small won’t be able to cool your home, while a unit that’s too big will constantly cycle on and off, wasting a lot of money and adding unnecessary wear and tear. Luckily, your HVAC contractor can run a quick test to determine the proper size AC for your house.
Brand: When it comes to air conditioners, we typically recommend going with a name-brand system over a generic. On top of being more trustworthy and longer lasting, the top brands in the business often have better warranties for their units. Again, splurging for a household name will cost more, but it’s likely to be worth it in the long run.
Installation: Despite anything you might have read online, HVAC installation in St. Louis, MO is not a DIY job. Installing a new air conditioner by yourself might save you on installation costs, but you’ll run a far greater risk of messing something up, which will require expensive repairs. Leave the installation to the professionals and save yourself a ton of trouble down the road.
Is it time to buy a new AC?
Unless your current AC just stops running altogether, knowing when to buy a new one might be tricky. These are a few signs that you should call an HVAC company in St. Louis, MO to install a new one:
Rising energy costs: As air conditioners age, they tend to use up more energy to cool your home, and if the unit uses more energy, you’ll notice a higher electric bill each month. We recommend cutting your losses and buying a new unit if that’s the case.
Frequent repairs: Does your AC technician know your address by heart because he’s at your house so often? If so, that’s cause for concern! An AC that constantly malfunctions is on its last leg and should be replaced.
If you want an energy-efficient system paired with top-notch HVAC installation in St. Louis, MO, call our team at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. We’ve been providing outstanding HVAC service in the St. Louis area for over 20 years, so you know you’re in good hands with our technicians.
Air conditioning systems undoubtedly make our lives easier and more comfortable. There is a downside to staying inside with the AC on all day, though—it’s called “air conditioning sickness.” This post will cover the signs that your AC is making you sick and how AC companies in St. Louis, MO can help.
Symptoms of AC sickness
Not all sufferers of AC sickness have the same exact symptoms. However, here are a few of the most commonly reported ones:
Breathing problems: The most commonly reported symptom among people with AC sickness is trouble breathing. Air conditioner filters collect a ton of dust, pollen and other contaminants that irritate the lungs, especially for allergy sufferers. Air conditioners that aren’t properly cleaned can be breeding grounds for dangerous black mold that also cause respiratory problems.
Headaches and dizziness: Getting a headache after being in an air-conditioned space all day isn’t just random—it could actually be the AC causing it. A study in the International Journal of Epidemiology linked spending hours upon hours in a building with central AC with headaches and other neurological issues like fatigue and dizziness. If mold is present in the air ducts, these symptoms will only worsen.
Dry skin and nasal passages: Cold, dry air causes our skin to lose its natural moisture. Having dry skin in the winter is common since the temperature is constantly low. But if you notice that your skin is dry and damaged in the warmer months, AC companies in St. Louis, MO might tell you that you’re spending too much time inside with the AC running.
How to prevent sickness
If there’s any good news, it’s that AC sickness is avoidable. Follow these steps to keep yourself and your family safe at home:
Schedule regular maintenance: The easiest way to prevent AC sickness is to call your HVAC technician for annual AC maintenance in St. Louis, MO. During your routine service appointment, your technician will clean out your entire unit, eliminating any mold, mildew or other contaminants. He’ll also perform a thorough inspection to ensure every component of the system is working properly.
Replace filters: In between your annual service calls, it’s up to you to replace your air conditioner’s filters. Swapping out the filters every month helps ensure clean air and blocks dust and other contaminants from entering your AC system. If you’re still experiencing breathing problems even after changing the filters regularly, consider upgrading to a higher-quality filter.
Have the air ducts cleaned: We cited mold and mildew growth above as causes of respiratory problems and/or headaches. The scary part is that mold often grows in the air ducts, so we can’t see or remove it until it’s too late and it’s already spread. The best way to keep your air free and clear of any mold particles is to have your ducts cleaned every few years.
The beginning of summer is the perfect time to schedule AC maintenance in St. Louis, MO. In addition to preventing AC sickness, regular maintenance prolongs the lifespan of AC systems and helps reduce energy costs. Give our team at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling a call today to schedule an appointment.
