A new air conditioning system is a big investment, which means you’ll want to make absolutely sure that you are selecting the right one for your home. Your search for the best system will be impacted by several different factors, and it is important to know these beforehand to ensure you are able to find the right match. Follow along with this guide for help with understanding some of the most important criteria to consider before your next air conditioning installation in St. Louis, MO.
The size and age of your home
When searching for the right air conditioning system, it is vital that you find one that is properly matched with your home’s needs. If a system is too small for your home, it will run constantly in an effort to keep up with the demand for the desired temperatures. When a system is too large, energy will be wasted needlessly, as the air conditioning will cycle on and off with higher frequency. Even with a newer energy-efficient model, the effectiveness of your system could be negated. If your home is on the larger side but you have made numerous energy-efficient improvements over the years, such as upgrading the insulation or installing new windows, you might be able to use a smaller system, as less energy will be required to cool your house.
Calculating the right size
In order to make sure you are on the right track with your air conditioner search, you can get a general idea of what size you might need by calculating how many British thermal units per hour (BTU/h) are needed for your home, with 12,000 BTU/h equal to 1 ton of cooling.
Assuming that you would need a bare minimum of 20 BTU/h per square foot to effectively cool your home, you can multiply this number by the total square footage of your entire home to get a general idea of the capacity your system will need. The precise number of actual BTU/h that your future air conditioner needs will also be affected by other elements, such as the climate, the habits and preferences of your family and the overall energy efficiency of your home, and your HVAC contractor will be able to help determine the correct match before installation.
Your energy costs are directly related to your air conditioner’s ability to cool your home efficiently, making it all the more important to find the right match before choosing the system you want for your air conditioning installation in St. Louis, MO. Ultimately, a poorly matched system could add unnecessary expenses, while also hindering your family’s comfort. Here at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling, we understand what is at stake with each air conditioning installation, and with more than 20 years of experience, you can trust us to help you find the system that is right for you. Give us a call to schedule your consultation today so our knowledgeable team can get to work on your new air conditioning installation in St. Louis, MO right away.
What is a SEER, and why it is important? SEERs are an integral part of HVAC service in St. Louis, MO. Property owners should be familiar with this rating system and what the rating is for their HVAC system.
Do you know yours? Here’s the FAQ from your HVAC service in St. Louis, MO.
What is a SEER?
SEER stands for “seasonal energy efficiency rating.” This rating is required by the U.S. government and is determined by the manufacturer of the HVAC unit. It lets the consumer know how energy efficient the system is. A higher SEER means the unit will consume less energy.
Where can I find my SEER?
Look on the unit itself. Most SEERs are located on the exterior of the system. Check for an energy guide sticker that indicates the rating. If you cannot find it on the unit, you can look up the make and model of the unit online to find its SEER.
What is a good SEER?
For the best results, choose a unit with a SEER of 14 or higher. These units offer the best efficiency. They are also typically quieter and usually last longer. Many also come with upgraded features that minimize maintenance and repairs.
Why is my SEER important?
The SEER indicates the energy efficiency of your unit. If it offers greater efficiency, you’ll save money, time and hassle in the long run. It will cost less to operate the system, it will need fewer repairs and it will deliver a longer lifespan. Greater energy efficiency is also good for the environment, as it conserves resources and reduces pollution.
Is there a minimum required SEER?
Yes. The U.S. government requires minimum ratings for HVAC unit manufacturers. This varies by region. Consult with your local HVAC service in St. Louis, MO to determine the minimum rating for your area. Keep in mind that a higher rating offers multiple benefits, so it can be worth the investment.
Should I replace my current unit with a new one that offers a better SEER?
This might be a good option for your property. If your current unit doesn’t offer good efficiency, you could be wasting dollars every day. A new unit could save you money and provide a more comfortable interior. If your unit is an older model, it could be particularly inefficient. Contact your local HVAC service in St. Louis, MO for a consultation. These professionals can inspect your current unit and review your options for replacement. You may discover that an upgrade will save you money in the long run.
Bring Us Your Questions
Do you have additional questions about your AC system? Contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. We’ve been delivering industry-leading service for residential and commercial AC systems throughout the region since 1999. Our team repairs all heating and cooling equipment brands and even provides 24-hour emergency services. Reach out to us today with any questions or to schedule your next appointment. We look forward to becoming your HVAC service partners for life.
Is your air conditioner leaking water inside your home? This is a common problem reported to our AC service in St. Louis, MO. If you’ve discovered water where it shouldn’t be, this can be caused by one of several issues.
Use the following guide to better understand what’s happening with your AC unit and how a professional can repair it. No matter what the cause may be, you should shut down your unit until it can be repaired to avoid further damage to your HVAC system and your home:
Clog: Your AC unit includes a drain line that is designed to take the condensation that forms on your air conditioner out of the home. If this line gets clogged, the water will back up into your home. The line can become clogged with dust, sludge, mold or other debris. You may be able to unclog the line with a wet/dry vacuum. However, the most effective method is to call your AC service in St. Louis, MO to use a specialized vacuum to remove the blockage.
Damage: The AC drain line is designed to bring the moisture to a drain pan. Over time, these drain pans can wear out. It may become damaged or it may rust. If this is the case, the pan will no longer effectively hold water, and you will find moisture in your home instead of in the pan. You will need to replace the drain pan to repair the issue.
Break: Some AC units are located inside and feature a condensate pump that pumps the water to the exterior of the home. In some cases, these pumps fail and stop pumping water out of the home. If this happens, you’ll experience moisture in the basement around the unit, and you will need to replace or repair the pump to solve the problem.
Dirt: If your air conditioner is leaking, you should check the air filter. If this is dirty, the airflow can’t get to the evaporator coil, and the coil can freeze. When it melts, the moisture often overflows from the unit into your home. Remember to change your filter every one to three months to maintain healthy airflow and prevent leaks.
Leak: Another common reason for AC leaks is low refrigerant levels. If your unit doesn’t have enough coolant, the evaporator coil will freeze over. Similar to a dirty air filter, this situation causes the coil to freeze, then melt, sending excess moisture overflowing from your unit into your home. If the coolant is leaking, you’ll need to repair it right away or possibly replace the AC unit.
Get Answers Today
A leaky air conditioner is not something that can be ignored. If you are experiencing any of these issues, contact your AC service in St. Louis, MO right away. The professionals at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling are ready to assist you. Since 1999, Ashley Brothers has been the go-to source for residential and commercial AC services in the St. Louis and Jefferson County area.
We specialize in the installation of new equipment, heating and cooling repair and furnace cleaning. Reach out to us today to learn more!
Experts in the HVAC industry agree that furnace maintenance and furnace repair in St Louis, MO is cheaper than having to replace major components. Now that winter is over, it’s time to stop using the heater and time to kick on the air conditioner! Before you do anything, let’s take a look at why end-of-season maintenance is so important, followed by some pro tips for proper furnace cleaning in St Louis, MO.
The importance of end of season maintenance
Depending on the area where you live, you might have started using your heating system in October, or maybe even closer to December. Regardless of when you first turned it on, chances are you used it on a regular basis over a few months’ time. A busy furnace accumulates wear and tear, gunk and debris, and components can jiggle loose, which is why you need to add the furnace to your spring cleaning list. But should you perform furnace maintenance yourself? While homeowners can do some visual inspections and cleanings on their own, the HVAC industry recommends scheduling professional checkups each season. This ensures problems are not overlooked so your furnace can get back to work next winter.
Spring maintenance tips
Investing a little time to address AC and furnace maintenance needs can pay off big-time. Here are some tips to help you close down your furnace for spring:
Change the filter: An air filter clogged with dust, pet dander, pollen, bacteria and other airborne debris is an inefficient filter, while a fresh filter allows better airflow and brings cleaner air to your inside spaces. For this reason, changing the air filter is one of the best things you can do for your furnace after winter has passed. You don’t have to think about all the dust and grime trapped in the filter because you can see it when you remove it!
Dust components: Whether your winter was dry or wet, the season usually creates a lot of dust. This dust can settle onto your HVAC system, and can even get sucked inside through vents, ductwork and dirty filters. Clearing dust away from your furnace keeps particles from getting inside the unit and prevents common fire hazards.
Clean the outdoor unit: If you have an outdoor AC unit as a part of your HVAC system, check it for salt, gunk, mud and mineral deposits. Clear away any debris blockage to avoid problems with your system later on. Also, be sure to remove leaves, cut grass, dirt and other debris from around it throughout the warmer months.
Install a new thermostat: Spring is a great time to consider upgrading your HVAC system’s thermostat. Choose a programmable or wi-fi thermostat to improve indoor comfort and energy efficiency.
Schedule maintenance service: Early spring is a good time to schedule a professional HVAC checkup and tune-up. An expert will service your furnace to ensure it’s ready to go next winter and inspect your air conditioner in anticipation of warmer days ahead.
If you need to schedule seasonal maintenance or need an HVAC repair in St Louis, MO, contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today!
Residential and commercial HVAC companies in St Louis, MO are moving toward something better in 2019. This year, manufacturers for the HVAC industry will be introducing products that are said to be both smarter and more efficient. On the innovation front is the push for automation and connectivity in most new HVAC products for home and commercial buildings, all while keeping federal regulations at the forefront. What HVAC industry trends should you be looking for in 2019? Here are a few:
Commercial rooftop units: The biggest manufacturers of commercial rooftop HVAC units have a goal to meet the two-step U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) efficiency requirements that went into effect last year. Step one increased the minimum efficiency by about 10 percent; step two will require an increase of about 25 to 30 percent by 2023. Higher efficiencies are likely to bring more larger, three-phase, two-speed blower motors and more variable frequency drives to units that didn’t have them before.
Intuitive residential products: In 2019, preventative maintenance needs and wants in the residential HVAC market are predicted to grow—especially where damaging leaks and malfunctions are concerned. HVACs are now a huge part of smart homes, so much so that the industry is working hard to meet demands for more intuitive systems. There’s no question about it—intelligent HVAC technologies are on the rise.
Fan efficiency rating for residential furnaces: The HVAC industry is also striving to meet fan efficiency ratings for all residential furnaces. Come July, the fan efficiency rating for furnace motors will see major changes. This aims to save energy and reduce harmful carbon pollution, meaning homeowners with furnaces that meet the requirements can expect to eventually see a reduction in their electricity bills.
Individual business trends
Social media plays a huge role in business success. A strong online presence in 2019 is said to attract people looking for automation and efficiency opportunities as it relates to their HVAC equipment and HVAC service in St Louis, MO. Here’s why:
Customers can find useful information: Convenience is important to a lot of people. Luckily, the internet makes it easy for consumers to shop around for a variety of home services, and it’s only getting easier as technology advances. For HVAC companies, this means having their sales processes and pricing posted online for immediate reference. Customers can even order products and services right off a website without having to leave the house.
Creating trust and transparency: No one wants to spend their hard-earned money on low-quality products or bad service. As 2019 moves along, many HVAC companies are doing everything they can to offer customers the transparency they deserve. They want to build trust and remove as much risk as possible for buyers. When companies utilize technology, they can communicate better with their customers. For example, they are able to show a homeowner how much energy they are saving with their new furnace compared to their old, less-efficient unit.
When you need to schedule a time for HVAC repair in St Louis, MO, look no further than Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. Reach out to us today to book an appointment or learn more about our services!
