Air conditioning is a great tool that allows people to rapidly cool down enclosed spaces to comfortable temperatures. Like all relatively modern technological innovations, however, air conditioning faces its fair share of scrutiny on whether or not it’s truly safe and completely free of side effects.
While air conditioning is largely a good thing for human health, there are a few things that concerned homeowners and business owners should be aware of. It’s important to be completely cognizant of the health benefits and drawbacks associated with air conditioning before deciding to install air conditioning in the first place, repair your existing system or replace an older air conditioning network. Consulting with an expert in AC repair in St. Louis, MO is the best way to learn about the effects of air conditioning—both the positives and the negatives.
Health benefits of AC
Firstly, it’s important to recognize that there are several health benefits associated with air conditioning. In addition to increasing comfort, air conditioning units bring the following health benefits:
Lower heat-related symptoms: One of the most important benefits of air conditioning is that it reduces the impacts of heat-related symptoms and ailments, including heat stroke, dehydration and skin conditions. Overexposure to heat often causes excessive sweating, which can result in bedsores and more. Air conditioning reduces the risk of suffering from all of these ailments.
Improves indoor air quality: Even if you keep your home impeccably clean, there are still large amounts of dust, dander, pollen and more floating through your abode. Air conditioning systems filter the air prior to intake; this results in cleaner, healthier indoor air. Investing in air conditioning can help you reduce allergy and asthma symptoms.
Enhances sleep: It’s no secret that it’s difficult to sleep when it’s warm outside. Investing in air conditioning is a great way to help yourself get the best night’s sleep possible. It’s said that the best sleep occurs when it’s 68 degrees or lower; air conditioning allows you to precisely control the temperature of your bedroom.
Drawbacks of AC
There are also, however, several health risks that air conditioning systems pose, including the following:
Improper humidity: One health risk posed by air conditioning systems is that they can reduce or elevate a home’s humidity. When humidity is too high, it can propagate mold and bacterial growth. When humidity is too low, on the other hand, it may cause dry skin, dry sinuses and other uncomfortable conditions.
Refrigerant exposure: While this is less common, it can occur—and when it does, it poses a substantial health risk. Exposure to air conditioning refrigerant, especially over an extended period of time, can cause burns, respiratory problems and more. That’s why you should always rely on a qualified professional for AC repair in St. Louis, MO.
Since 1999, Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling has been a trusted source of AC services in St. Louis, MO. To learn more about our robust range of heating and cooling services, contact one of our friendly and professional representatives today.
Are you diligent about your residential preventative HVAC maintenance? A little effort can go a long way to extending the life of your system, creating more comfortable surroundings in your home and reducing the need for HVAC repair in St. Louis, MO.
What should you do to reap these benefits? Use the following checklist to guide your efforts. The right maintenance each season will have a huge impact on your system.
Professional Service
When was the last time you scheduled professional service by an HVAC company in St. Louis, MO? Partnering with these professionals is the best way to stay on top of your preventative maintenance tasks. An expert technician will ensure all systems are operating properly and are prepped for the season. Their maintenance will include inspection, cleaning and replacement of all parts necessary for optimal operation. Schedule a maintenance visit each spring and fall to avoid further HVAC repair in St. Louis, MO.
DIY Service
In addition to professional maintenance, homeowners can perform their own ongoing maintenance to avoid major HVAC repair in St. Louis, MO. For exterior unit maintenance, keep the air conditioner clear of any debris. Clean off any dirt, leaves and other items regularly. Trim plants at least three feet away from the unit. These efforts will help maintain proper airflow for the system.
To maintain your indoor systems, watch for any leaks in the ductwork or any drainage issues. Replace filters regularly. Check the filters each month and replace if dirty. Listen for any unusual noises when the system starts up. Be on alert for any abnormal odors as well. If you notice any of these red flags, contact a professional to inspect the issue further and make any necessary HVAC repair in St. Louis, MO.
More Efficient Service
For additional savings, homeowners can take steps to increase the efficiency of their HVAC system. These maintenance steps will help you save money on utility bills and repairs and enjoy a more comfortable home environment.
For cooling efficiency, use drapes or blinds to block sunlight during the warmest parts of the afternoon. Use ceiling fans to help keep rooms cool and reduce the need for air conditioning. Keep the home’s interior cooler by cooking outdoors. Additionally, make sure your attic is properly ventilated.
For heating efficiency, ensure the home is properly insulated throughout. Lock and properly seal all windows to keep warm air inside. Arrange furniture and area rugs so all heating vents are clear of obstruction. Lower the thermostat during sleeping or working hours. A programmable thermostat is a helpful tool to efficiently regulate the temperature in the home and reduce utility bills.
Protect Your System
No homeowner wants to spend more than is absolutely necessary on HVAC repair in St. Louis, MO. To keep your costs to a minimum, partner with the pros at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. As your trusted local HVAC company in St. Louis, MO, we offer in-depth knowledge and experience to help you keep your system running smoothly year-round. Contact us today with any questions about maintenance, repairs or installations.
Do you have a preventative HVAC maintenance checklist? If you want to keep your AC repair in St. Louis, MO to a minimum, this maintenance is a must. Regular service by a professional technician will help identify problems as early as possible and help prevent further damage down the road.
To properly maintain your commercial HVAC system, use the following checklist. These minor efforts can offer major benefits for your system, your business and your bottom line.
In the Spring and Summer
Inspect: To keep your AC service in St. Louis, MO running optimally, check the major components at the beginning of each warm season. Check all belts and pulleys to ensure they are in good operating condition. Check the refrigerant charge. If this is low, check for leaks. Check lines and pans for proper drainage. Inspect all electrical connections for secure fitting and safe operation. Verify the proper operation of the fan and blower motor. Test thermostat controls and confirm adequate airflow in the system.
Clean: A clean commercial HVAC system will operate more efficiently and require fewer AC repairs in St. Louis, MO. Clean the condenser and evaporator coils. Additionally, lubricate the bearings, motors and other moving parts.
Replace: A clean filter is essential for proper HVAC system operation. Be sure to include filter replacement on your checklist. Replace cooling equipment filters to start the season fresh. If your inspection reveals that belts and pulleys are worn, replace these parts as well.
In the Fall and Winter
Inspect: When cooler weather approaches, repeat many of the inspections you performed to prep for warm weather, but on your heating systems this time. Inspect the belts and pulleys to see if any replacements are needed. Check the lines and pans for good drainage. Inspect all electrical connections. Check the fan and blower motor for proper operation. Additionally, inspect the ignition and burner assembly and the heat exchanger. These major components of your heating system must function properly to provide smooth heating operations for the season. Lastly, confirm thermostats and other controls are in working order.
Lubricate: Make sure your system is well lubricated for the season. Lubricate bearings, motors and other moving parts.
Replace: As with your AC system, your heating system requires proper airflow for optimal functioning. Replace the filter on your heating equipment, and check it regularly throughout the season. If it’s dirty, replace it again.
Professional Service
When was the last time you asked a professional to tune up your HVAC system? Partnering with a professional to complete these maintenance tasks each season is the best way to extend the life of your commercial HVAC system. Your local expert will ensure all tasks are complete and your system is ready for the season ahead.
Contact the Pros
Check off your tasks with Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. We’ve been providing top-level commercial AC services and AC repair in St. Louis since 1999. Reach out to us with any questions or to schedule your next maintenance appointment.
If you’ve been suffering frequent furnace breakdowns or have been routinely having to make expensive repairs to your unit, it’s probably time you got the equipment replaced. But before you make the final decision, there are a few things you should consider.
Here is some information from an HVAC service in St. Louis, MO to help make your furnace replacement decision a more informed one.
Know if a repair won’t do the trick
Do you really need to replace your furnace altogether? This is a significant investment, so it’s important to be absolutely sure that a full-on replacement is in your best interest. In general, it’ll be a good idea to replace your furnace if it’s more than three quarters through its life expectancy and the repairs you’d need to make would cost more than a third of the cost of replacing it.
Most of the time, there will be a label on the furnace that indicates its manufacturer and installation dates. Furnaces last an average of 15 to 20 years, and maybe another five to 10 if the furnace is a high-quality brand and it has been regularly maintained.
Calculate the efficiency potential
Most standard furnaces today are about 80 percent efficient, meaning about 20 percent of the fuel energy goes up and out through the chimney. However, there are some furnaces that are up to 98.5 percent efficient. The number you’re looking for is the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. Having a super-efficient furnace can add $1,000 to $2,000 to the cost of the furnace, but could also result in some significant savings. Let’s say a 15 percent increase in AFUE saves you approximately $300 per year (if you’re paying about $2,000 per year to heat your home). If the added cost you pay for the furnace is $1,500, the efficiency will have paid for the extra price within five years, meaning you’ll save a significant amount of money if your furnace lasts you a total of 15 to 20 years.
Determine what you can do to lower your heating needs
If you already have a super-efficient furnace or don’t want to make that investment, you could consider adding insulation to your home. Adding insulation to your attic floor or spraying foam along the top of all foundation walls can be a good way to give your home some extra insulation. This is one of the best ways to decrease your heating needs and your reliance on your furnace, which will in turn help to extend your furnace’s lifespan.
Check your ducts
The ducts could be causing some of the inefficiency you experience with your furnace’s operation. You might have air escaping into the attic, basement or crawlspace. Improving the ducts by sealing up gaps and re-insulating them can be a good step to take, as can cleaning the ducts or other components of the HVAC system if they have a significant amount of debris.
For more information, contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling to schedule HVAC service in St. Louis, MO.
Duct cleaning has become a popular service in recent years, with many providers of HVAC service in St. Louis, MO and even specialized commercial cleaning services offering it to their customers. But is the service worth investing in?
First, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting when you get your ducts cleaned. Professional duct cleaning involves the use of specialized vacuums, blowers and brushes to clean out every part of your ducts, including intakes, supply and return ducts all throughout your home. The process involves a thorough cleaning of the registers, grilles, fans, air handler, housings, motors and coils in your HVAC system.
There are not any studies that indicate regular duct cleaning improves the air quality or reduces the dust in your home. However, there is plenty of evidence to indicate that a buildup of dust in your HVAC system makes the unit less efficient.
When to invest in duct cleaning
Duct cleaning is not always (or even usually) necessary, and the EPA even says the ducts only need to be cleaned if they or the HVAC unit are contaminated. However, there are some circumstances in which it definitely makes sense to have it done. Here are a few examples of these scenarios:
Renovation: If you recently remodeled or renovated your building, your ductwork could benefit from a cleaning, especially if your home was likely to have had asbestos or lead paint. The remodeling process is likely to have kicked up a significant amount of dust and debris that could find itself lodged inside your HVAC system.
Mold: If you discovered mold growing inside your ductwork, you should have your ducts and HVAC system cleaned, as this is one circumstance in which the air quality in your home can absolutely suffer. Mold releases spores into the air that trigger symptoms of asthma and other breathing conditions. It also can damage areas on which it grows, and cause an unpleasant, musty smell throughout your home.
Animals: By this, we don’t mean pets. If you have discovered signs of an animal infestation in your ductwork, especially if there’s any nesting happening in your ducts or HVAC system, it’s important to have those animals removed and then clean out the system, and figure out a way to prevent it from happening again.
Contaminants: If you regularly notice debris such as pet hair, dust or other contaminants being released into the room or frequently notice an unpleasant smell emanating from your ducts, then your ductwork may benefit from a good cleaning.
Illness: If someone in your family suffers from unexplained respiratory illnesses or asthmatic symptoms, you could benefit from a duct cleaning at your home.
These are just a few scenarios in which it makes sense to seek out duct cleaning services from an HVAC service in St. Louis, MO. To learn more about the various repair, maintenance and cleaning services we offer, we encourage you to contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
