You might be under the impression that because you’re indoors, the air quality is better than you would get outdoors. Unfortunately, sometimes the air we breathe in our own homes is even more polluted than a busy city street, because many of us forget the importance of regular HVAC service in St. Louis, MO. Pollen, pet hair and dander, mold, dust and other pollutants can make it difficult to breathe easily. In fact, that’s why your HVAC system has an air filter—but in order for it to be effective, you need to change it regularly.
Air filters not only filter the air you breathe, making it possible to live without congestion, but they also function in blocking particles and pollutants that could damage the inside of your HVAC unit. Changing your air filter is a relatively simple process—it should take less than 10 minutes to complete—and will drastically improve the function of your HVAC system.
Types of air filters
There are a variety of different air filters you can purchase for your unit. Here are some of the most popular options:
Fiberglass: These are the least expensive filters you can purchase. They’re disposable, and often do a decent job of protecting your HVAC, but will stop working effectively as debris builds up. If you’re prone to allergies, try a different type.
Pleated: The more pleats, the better the filtering—these cotton or polyester filters do a nice job of filtering dust and allergens.
Reusable and washable: Washable filters are greener than other options, and save you money in the long run. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s directions for washing the filters and letting them dry completely, or you could find yourself blowing mold throughout the house.
HEPA: HEPA stands for “high efficiency particulate air filters,” and these filters are great for those with seasonal or chronic allergies and respiratory problems. They can filter out 99.97 percent of contaminants, making them the U.S. Department of Energy’s top choice of air filter.
Electrostatic: These come in washable and disposable versions, and use an electrostatic charge to trap dust and other particulate matter.
UV: Finally, these filters use UV light to kill bacteria and viruses that enter your home. They’re not as effective in screening dust and other particulates, but if you’re constantly sick, this could be a good choice for your home.
If you’re not sure which types of air filter might be right for your home and your specific HVAC unit, don’t hesitate to call the experts at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. We can help you select and install the perfect type for your needs.
HVAC service in St. Louis, MO
Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling is dedicated to making sure the air inside your home is fresh and clean, free of dust, allergens and other pollutants. We provide a full array of HVAC services in St. Louis, MO, from installation to repair and maintenance. We pride ourselves on offering fast, affordable services 24/7. Call us today to schedule your HVAC maintenance and more.
As a homeowner, it’s always a good idea to have a working relationship with an HVAC service provider. First and foremost, this will help you to stay on top of your regular preventative maintenance. You should schedule appointments at least once a year for technicians to come and check out all of your heating and cooling equipment and make sure it’s in good working order. This will allow you to find any potential vulnerabilities or issues early on, before they develop into larger, more expensive problems requiring HVAC repair in St. Louis, MO.
The other reason why it’s a good idea to have a working relationship with your HVAC service provider is so you have someone to call in the event of an emergency. If your HVAC system goes down, you’re going to want it repaired quickly, especially at certain times of year and in certain conditions. There are some circumstances that could quickly turn dangerous if you are left without heating or cooling capability.
At Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling, our team is on hand to provide emergency repairs around the clock, seven days a week, whenever you need them, so you can take solace in knowing someone will be available when an emergency arises.
Of course, it’s important to know exactly what is and is not an emergency. Here are some issues to keep in mind that will help you determine whether you’re experiencing an emergency, or if it’s something you can wait until normal business hours to call about:
Weather: If you have mild temperatures in your area and aren’t really relying on your HVAC anyway, then you don’t need to worry as much about getting the system repaired immediately. However, if you’re experiencing extreme temperatures (either heat or cold), or if it’s extremely humid, you may need to make an emergency call. This is especially important in extremely cold seasons—not only is your health and safety in danger, but so is the condition of your home, as pipes can freeze and burst when the interior temperature dips to a certain point. If you’re experiencing extreme weather, do not hesitate to call in to an emergency HVAC service line.
Time: If the breakdown occurs and your HVAC company is just about to open up within the next hour or two, then you should be okay to wait until the business is officially open. If, however, your problem takes place in the early evening or night, or over the weekend, and you’ll need to wait a long time before the business opens up again, then you’re probably going to need to call in for emergency repairs.
Issue: Certain issues are going to be more alarming than others. For example, if you see smoke, then you should call for emergency assistance as soon as possible. If the issue is something like unusual noises, you’ll likely be able to wait until the business’s normal hours.
For more information about emergency HVAC repair in St. Louis, MO, contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today.
When you’re discussing the purchase and installation of a new heating and cooling system with your HVAC service in St. Louis, MO, you will need to take into account some minimum energy efficiency standards, which will limit the types of air conditioners and furnaces you’re allowed to purchase in your area. These energy efficiency standards vary from region to region, and even if a company carries products that have lower energy efficiency ratings, they won’t be able to sell them in your particular region if it doesn’t meet the standards set for your area. For example, people who live in the south will generally be required to use more energy-efficient air conditioners than people in the north, because they’re going to use them much more often.
This isn’t necessarily something that should be considered a negative—if it’s a question of whether or not the higher energy efficiency standards will hamper the operation of the equipment, you don’t need to worry. Energy-efficient HVAC systems are capable of working just as well as standard ones, with less energy. They might not produce the same results quite as quickly, but you will save a significant amount of energy and money on your utility bills to ultimately get at least the same quality of heating and cooling.
The major drawback is that these energy-efficient systems cost much more up front to purchase and install, so you need to be prepared to make an immediate investment into your home’s HVAC system.
New standards
The most recent federal changes to energy efficiency standards were implemented in July 2019, when the U.S. Department of Energy made official some new standards for furnaces. Under the new rules, there is a Fan Energy Rating (FER) that establishes a minimum airflow efficiency for all residential furnace fans. Furnaces are no longer allowed to even be manufactured if they fail to meet those baseline marks.
According to the Department of Energy, this new rule will save approximately 3.99 quads of energy, cut down on the amount of carbon pollution in the country by up to 34 million metric tons (equal to the amount of energy used by about 4.7 million homes) and cut down national home electric bills by about $9 billion through 2030.
This has required a lot of furnace manufacturers to make quite a few upgrades to their equipment and processes to ensure they need these new energy efficiency standards.
What does this mean for the average homeowner? Ultimately it means just about any new furnace you purchase is going to be a significant upgrade in terms of energy efficiency, but there are still tiers of energy efficiency you should consider, and you’ll need to meet any minimum requirements that exist for your area. You should not be scared off by a higher price tag for a more energy-efficient furnace, as it will save you money in the long run (to some extent).
For more information about energy efficiency and HVAC service in St. Louis, MO, reach out to the team at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today.
In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s very easy to let certain chores slide by the wayside as you prep for (and revel in) the holiday spirit. Unfortunately, overlooking even routine maintenance of your furnace or heating system could have disastrous consequences for the people closest to you.
If you’ve skipped on heating repair in St. Louis, MO, the only time it’s too late to call for some professional help is after your HVAC system breaks down. Before that moment, there’s really no wrong time to schedule some routine maintenance. If you haven’t had your furnace or HVAC attended to by a technician, here are some significant reasons to make it happen as soon as possible.
Don’t get left in the cold
Easily the foremost nightmare scenario for a furnace is a complete breakdown at the moment when the weather is supposed to be at its chilliest. If your furnace or heating system is still in good working order, then it’s not too late to get a professional to put your HVAC system through its paces. Just a quick check of your system can identify weak spots and flaws and eliminate your risk of a sudden breakdown.
Keep your family (and yourself) safe
One of the most compelling reasons to enlist professional heating repair in St. Louis, MO is the potential for harm that can befall your loved ones. As with every machine, eventually, your heating and cooling system wears down. Parts get loose. Leaks pop up. When this routine wear and tear occurs, your family is at heightened risk of everything from fire to carbon monoxide poisoning. The eye of a skilled technician can prevent these issues from cropping up and causing damage.
Invest now, collect later
The sooner you have your HVAC system looked at, the less you’ll have to pay in the long run, because you’ll be avoiding long-term issues with early remedies. The benefits of professional attention to detail can extend the life of your furnace or HVAC system by several years. That means you can forestall the installation of a new system even as your family enjoys first-rate comfort for as long as two decades.
Trust the team that knows
There’s no better team to call for heating repair in St. Louis, MO than Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. For 20 years and counting, our courteous, professional team has strived to provide the region’s best heating and cooling repair. Whether your issues are residential or commercial, one of our talented team members will race to your rescue.
We’re ready to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When you need repair, we’re standing by the phone. Don’t put the safety and comfort of your friends and family in the hands of a less qualified HVAC repair team. Call on Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling and be confident you’re getting the region’s premier HVAC service. Visit us online or give us a call today. We look forward to checking out your system soon!
During the summer, your HVAC system can seem like a luxury—it’s something to help stave off those dog days of June and July. They may be blistering hot, but if you stay inside, stay hydrated and stay near a fan, you’ll get by. During the winter, however, your HVAC system could very well save your life. When the temperatures dip below freezing, you’ll be grateful to have a high-functioning heating system.
If you’d like to avoid expensive heating repair in St. Louis, MO, the smartest thing to do is make sure to schedule routine maintenance of your heating system as far in advance as possible. Here’s why.
Save yourself some money
Take the sting out of buying gifts during the holiday season by scheduling maintenance early. For a minimal fee, a talented technician can keep your system running smoothly. That translates to less stress on your HVAC system and lower utility bills at a point when your pocketbook could likely use the help.
Stay close to your heater
As mechanically talented as you may be, the only person who can lend insight into the condition of your HVAC system is a certified professional. A little attention from the right person can extend the life of your heating system and help you prepare for the transition from your old system to a new one when the time comes.
Maximize your comfort
It’s probably not a surprise to find out that your family will spend most of its time inside your home during the darkest, coldest months of the year. Routine maintenance will improve the flow of air through your ventilation system, ensuring that warm air is spread evenly throughout the house.
Do your lungs a favor
Something as simple as routine heating repair in St. Louis, MO can have a dramatic impact on the air quality in your home. A little professional attention and a new filter, for example, can do wonders right before you and your family cuddle up for a long winter indoors.
Improve the safety of your home
As vital as your HVAC system is, wear and tear are inevitable. When that occurs, certain aspects of your heating system become a threat to your wellbeing and that of your family. Should an issue crop up during the dead of winter, you may have trouble getting a technician out to your home.
Eliminate emergencies
Perhaps most importantly, a dose of heating repair in St. Louis, MO can diminish the odds of something catastrophic happening when you need your heat to work the most.
Throughout the St. Louis and Jefferson County areas, there is no more trusted name in HVAC maintenance and repair than Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. For two decades, we’ve established a reputation for unparalleled customer service and top-notch work. Whether you need residential or commercial service, our talented technicians have the HVAC solution you need from world-class brands you trust, like Amana, Goodman and more.
When you want the best, there’s only one name to call: Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. We can’t wait to hear from you.
