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.
If your air conditioning system breaks down, you may be contemplating whether you should repair or replace it. You will want to do what is most cost effective for you and will most help you for the long term in maintaining your investment. An air conditioning service in St. Louis, MO can help you weigh your options as you decide to repair or replace. Here are some tips to help you know which option is right for you.
Your unit needs to be replaced
If your air conditioning system is over 12 years old, you should consider replacing it with a new unit. You will be able to purchase a more efficient air conditioner that will help you save money on your energy bill, making the investment worthwhile. An air conditioning service in St. Louis, MO can help you find a unit that is properly sized for your home and has a higher SEER rating, which is what the industry uses to measure efficiency.
When you need repairs on your current air conditioner, you may want to think about how much it is going to cost. If your repair expenses will be more than 50 percent of the cost to replace it with a new system, you’ll likely want to purchase a new air conditioner. You would be investing too much into fixing it, whereas a new unit will be more cost effective and cause you fewer problems.
Sometimes your air conditioning system can be too large or too small for your home. If your home has problems staying cool or there is frequent humidity buildup, then a new air conditioner may be exactly what you need to solve the problem. An air conditioning service in St. Louis, MO can identify and install an air conditioner that is right for your cooling needs.
Repairs may be the better option
An air conditioning service technician can fix minor repairs to your air conditioner, helping you save money and extend the life of your system. Look for issues such as electrical problems, clogged drains and dirty ductwork, which are simple repairs that you should have taken care of by a pro.
If you have had very few repairs needed since you’ve owned your air conditioner, you probably won’t need to replace it anytime soon. Every air conditioner needs service at one time or another. It is when these repairs become frequent that you should bypass repairs and opt for a new system.
Air conditioners that are still under warranty are good candidates for being repaired by an air conditioning service in St. Louis, MO. Some of the problems you may be having with your unit may be covered under your warranty, saving money for your household budget.
Whether you decide to replace or repair your air conditioner, consider all your options and the impact your decision will have on your pocketbook. To replace or repair your air conditioner in the St. Louis area, contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today. Our knowledgeable staff can diagnose problems with the unit you currently own or assist you in selecting a new air conditioning unit for your home.
These days, air conditioners are getting more and more advanced. They’re more energy efficient than ever and come with a multitude of features that you may or may not need. It’s a lot harder to determine what you want to buy than it was only 10 years ago. \
The technology in heating and cooling our homes is also advancing. Now, homeowners can have forced air systems specific to different areas of their homes as part of their AC service in St. Louis, MO. Although this advanced technology sounds pretty complicated, fundamentally, it’s actually quite simple for your HVAC contractor.
What is a zone controlled system?
When you flip on a light switch in your living room, does the bed room light come on as well? Of course not. That would be a waste of energy and will ultimately burn out your light bulbs faster! Light systems have been zoned for decades.
If your living room is an uncomfortable temperature, you probably would turn on your air conditioning system. The thermostat turns on the AC and cools down the whole house. But you’re in your living room, you don’t need the air on in your bedroom. That’s another waste of money. Luckily, AC service in St. Louis, MO can now include the installation of multiple thermostats that can control the temperature in individual rooms in your home.
How does it work?
Zone control works by first having an HVAC contractor install several individual thermostats throughout your home. Most people who live in zone controlled homes have one thermostat on each floor, but you can have as many as you like.
Each individual thermostat is connected to a central control panel. That control panel controls the ductwork in your home and channels air or heat to wherever you please!
Why should I install it?
If you’d ask homeowners who have a zone control system why they installed it, they’d most likely all say “to save money!” The U.S. Department of Energy states that zone control can save up to $30 each month on your heating and cooling bill.
On top of saving money each month, everyone in your home is going to be more comfortable. Dad can stay cool watching TV in the living room and mom won’t have to worry about getting under the covers up in the bed room because the air is too cold. If you’re a forward thinking individual, you may be making upgrades to your home in anticipation of selling at a later date. A home with zone controlled forced air is likely to increase the selling price of your home.
Zone controlled forced air is the latest in HVAC technology but it should have existed for years, just like zone controlled lighting has. Anyone with zone controlled rooms can tell you it’s a no-brainer to install. It’ll save you money on your electric bills and will keep everyone in your home happy! Call 314-835-1770 today to find out how we can install the system before the summer heat drives you crazy.
