Making sure to keep air filters clean as a regular part of your air conditioning service in St. Louis, MO goes a long way in conserving the health of your unit. But can something as basic as keeping your air filters clean really have a meaningful impact on your entire air conditioning system?
Why is it so important to keep air filters clean?
If you have an air filter that is sitting with dirt and grime on it, many aspects of your entire air conditioning system could be affected. Your air conditioner may be working at far less than its full potential, which will have a direct effect on the temperatures that you feel inside your home. If the dirt blows back into the condenser that sits outside and gets onto the cooling coils, frost can build up and hamper the operation of both the coils and the fans.
When this happens, the air conditioning unit will ultimately have to work harder to overcome these impaired internal components, which spells trouble for your energy bill. If the air flow is restricted for too long, the air conditioning system could be weakened significantly, and might need to be replaced much sooner than expected.
If the air blows the opposite way, into your home, the quality of air that you and your family are breathing will suffer greatly. The dust and allergens that will be blown into your home could cause health problems for everyone inside, pets included. As a result of the bad air quality, members of your family may experience headaches or chest tightness or have to deal with lingering cold symptoms and their complications with greater frequency. Those with pre-existing respiratory issues, such as asthma or allergies, could experience heightened irritation as a result, and they may not be able to stay in the home without getting sick.
The quality of air you breathe has a direct correlation with your quality of life, so keeping your air filter clean will lead to a healthier, happier time at home.
How often should you change your air filter?
How often you change your air filter will depend on which type of filter you use. Newer filters include innovative technology that slows dirt buildup, so there isn’t much danger of the buildup becoming so severe that it completely blocks the airflow. The main issue, however, is that the longer the dirt remains on the filter, the longer the dirt will pollute the air. Electronic filters should be changed every six months at a minimum. Another commonly used filter is the electrostatic filter, which needs to be changed every three to six months. A third filter that is relatively common is the HEPA filter. Because this filter is extremely efficient and collects a lot of dirt and dust regularly, it should be checked at least once a month.
Even taking these guidelines into account, it is still a good idea to check the filter frequently, even in between the scheduled cleaning intervals. Allowing filters to remain uncleaned greatly compromises the ability of the filter to work properly, which subsequently alters the output of the entire air conditioning unit. If you do find that your air conditioning system doesn’t seem to be operating as effectively as it should be, call the team at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling for air conditioning service in St. Louis, MO and make sure you are getting the most out of your unit.
When your air conditioning unit goes down, choosing between repairing or replacing the unit can be difficult. Sorting through all of the pertinent factors can be overwhelming, but HVAC companies in St. Louis, MO can help.
To repair or replace?
The very first thing to take into consideration when deciding between repairing your current AC system or replacing it with a new one is the age of the existing unit. The industry recommendation is that, if your unit is more than 10 years old, you should consider replacing it. Although a quality unit is built to last longer than this 10-year threshold, the unit loses its power and efficiency with age. As a rule, if the age of your unit in years, multiplied by the cost of repairs, exceeds $5,000, then it is in your best interest to replace the system.
Additionally, if you are shelling out big bucks for repairs on a frequent basis due to the age of the unit, it might be time to invest that money in a new, properly working unit. And if the unit that you are sinking money into is less than 10 years old, that could be an indication that there is a larger problem with the unit that is causing continuous malfunction, and it may need to be replaced.
There are certain times, though, when repairing your existing unit is the best option. Careful contemplation of your current circumstances and your future plans could reveal the best course of action. For example, consider the length of time you plan on being in your home. You may have plans to move to a bigger house in the near future because you are planning on adding to your family. Or you might only be in a particular city for a temporary job relocation, and you know that your living situation will be changing soon. In these instances, it would be more economical for you to try to repair your system if at all possible.
On the other hand, if you have just purchased a new home and know you will be there permanently, ask the seller for access to the maintenance history of the AC unit. Knowing that the unit has received maintenance on a regular schedule suggests that the unit will need less repair overall in the future, and you can have confidence that these repair costs will be manageable.
Energy efficiency saves you money
Even if you have an older unit that is in good condition, you might still be spending quite a bit on your air conditioning bill because it isn’t equipped with any of the new energy efficiency options that many newer units include. It has been shown that upgrading to a system with improved energy efficiency ratings could save you up to 20 percent on your energy bills. Upgrading to this type of system also raises the value of your home, and could even put you in line to receive rebates. This innovative energy efficiency is also much better for the environment, and can drastically reduce your carbon footprint.
When the time comes and you have to make a choice between keeping and repairing your current AC unit or installing a new one, let your local HVAC companies in St. Louis, MO be your guide. There are pros and cons with either choice, but the knowledgeable technicians at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling can walk you through all of your options so that you are able to make the best decision for you and your family. Contact us today to learn more.
There is debate among HVAC companies in St. Louis, MO and throughout the country regarding the best way to manage air conditioning. This is especially relevant to people who work all day and with no one home during that time. Many wonder if they will save on cooling costs if they keep their machine turned off. However, the efficiency of leaving a machine running versus shutting it down depends on climate and preferences. Here is why, in St. Louis, you should consider leaving the AC on even when you are gone.
Better efficiency
There are climates where shutting down the air conditioning is a prudent decision. Homes do not heat up as quickly, and once a resident turns on the air conditioning, the environment will cool down in a timely manner. If the home does not have indoor pets or sensitive equipment, there is no reason to keep the AC on in these climates when no one is inside.
However, in humid climates, like in the Midwest, this does not work as well. Even shaded homes will heat up quickly and the moisture in the air will make it more unbearable. If you shut down the AC while going to work or taking a vacation, your HVAC will have to work harder to cool the atmosphere when you are desperately needing that. Also, your pets will be miserable without the air conditioning at least running on a low setting.
Best AC practices
There are still ways to control cooling costs even when you leave your AC on. For one, purchase a programmable thermostat. You can set it to maintain a higher temperature when you are gone and then lower that later so you will arrive home to a cooler house. Also, keep any thermostat away from anything that produces heat, like lamps, TVs, computers and ovens. That will compel them to overwork themselves and show the evidence in your next utility bill.
Never forget regular maintenance. Changing out filters regularly and cleaning the unit will help it run better. If you have ducts, arrange for those to be cleaned regularly, as well.
Ceiling fans partner with air conditioning very well by keeping airflow going. This will help keep your home cooler so your HVAC does not have to work as hard. They also reduce humidity for a much more comfortable environment. Many people also enjoy the sound and appearance of ceiling fans.
Finally, if you have any control over the matter, install your outdoor AC units in the shade. Just as you want to keep thermostats away from heat sources, you need to do the same with the main unit. Otherwise, it will be under the impression that your home is warmer than it is in reality. If you do not have much choice in the unit’s location, hire a contractor to build a shade over it.
We know you have a choice of HVAC companies in St. Louis, MO. Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling is available for service for air conditioning units and furnaces. Call us today to set up an appointment. We also have emergency services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Many customers find their need for air conditioning repair in St. Louis, MO has come as a big surprise. They have a newer system or had it maintained recently, so when efficiency decreases, there does not seem to be a plausible explanation. However, the problem is often traced to something happening to the outdoor unit that no one considered. Here are some common problems that reduce functioning, and how to prevent them:
Pet damage: Technicians frequently discover the unit failure is traced to pet behavior. Dogs are let outside without much thought and will urinate on the air conditioning unit. This can cause shorts and affect air quality. Pets may also leave toys too close to the unit, or even chew on parts. If you keep your air conditioning unit in the backyard where your dog can access it, consider building a barrier around it to keep it safe.
Errant yard tools: There are also moments when people are not as careful with lawn mowers and weed whackers. Mowing too close can block coils with flying grass clippings. The same can happen with the debris produced by weed whackers, edge trimmers and other cutting tools. There have even been instances of customers accidentally catching and cutting wires while maintaining their grass. Always direct your grass cutting or weed removal away from the air conditioning unit. Another good step is to set the unit on a platform off the ground so there is less access to this debris.
Stacking things on the unit: People will sometimes leave their garden hose or hedge trimmers on top of the air conditioning unit without thinking. If the fan is on top of the unit, this can reduce airflow and the unit’s functioning. You may find the unit will overheat and stop working. Never consider it an available surface or workbench. If you notice your kids leave toys on top of it, discourage that habit immediately.
Overgrown plants: Shrubs can provide a good windbreaker for air conditioning units. They can also discourage people from getting close enough to them to stack objects on them or mow too close. However, if shrubs and other plant life near the unit are not maintained, they can add to the problems. Plant new shrubs far enough away so they are not dropping leaves into your air conditioning system. Keep current bushes trimmed and watch that they do not grow into the fan or coils.
Direct ground contact: Rather than build a stone base or even place the unit on a pallet until a more permanent solution presents itself, some people will place the unit directly on the ground. Always install a stone base with your air conditioning unit. It will keep it clean and level as well as provide a sturdy surface for technicians to work. The base can also prevent the other problems listed above.
For air conditioning repair in St. Louis, MO, as well as routine maintenance, call Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. We offer rebates on high efficiency cooling system, as well as 24/7 emergency service.
Saving on your energy bill is always a good thing. Installing a smart thermostat can help in this department, as the Environmental Protection Agency estimates savings at $180 a year. While it will certainly save on your energy bill as well as provide a host of other benefits, there are some drawbacks to the technology that might not be right for everyone. An HVAC service in St. Louis, MO can help you determine whether this technology is a good fit for your home, as well as easily install a smart thermostat for your home’s HVAC system.
Pros of installing a smart thermostat
A smart thermostat operates wirelessly using your Internet to control the temperature in your home. It allows you to change the temperature at your house, even when you are not there, making it a good option for those times when you forget to adjust appropriately.
Because it works off the Internet, it can sense those times when you normally reduce your energy costs and adjust the temperature accordingly. It also offers programmability, which provides temperature settings for certain times of day when you are normally home or away.
The smart technology of the thermostat allows it to notify you if repairs are needed or if regular maintenance needs to be scheduled. This is a good way to know if you need HVAC service in St. Louis, MO, whether you are home or not.
Installing a smart thermostat will save you money on your energy bill, as you will be able to more thoroughly regulate the temperature in your home. Some cities even offer a rebate to customers who install a smart thermostat, and it also can increase the value of your home as buyers look for technology and savings options in their home-buying search.
Cons of installing a smart thermostat
The cost to install a smart thermostat can be quite high, as it can be roughly four times the cost of a standard thermostat. You would not want to install one if you live in an apartment or are planning on moving, as you won’t be able to reap the benefits of your investment.
Because smart thermostats are complicated systems that incorporate Internet connections, thermostat calibration and receiving units, you will want to hire an HVAC service in St. Louis, MO for installation.
If technology is not your thing, then a smart thermostat is probably not for you. If requires a smart phone to run its systems, and it can be a challenge to program all its capabilities. It is also not compatible with every HVAC system on the market, so it may not work with the heating and cooling system you have installed at your home.
One company that produces the smart thermostat is Nest, which is owned by Google. Some people may not be comfortable with Google having information about them, such as whether they are home or not. If you have concerns about this, it may indicate that a smart thermostat is not a good option for you.
Take into consideration these pros and cons of installing a smart thermostat. If you think it’s right for you, contact your HVAC service in St. Louis, MO to install one in your home. For smart thermostat installation, as well as HVAC service and repair, contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. We offer 24-hour service to help anytime your HVAC system breaks down or needs repairs.
