When the time comes to hire an HVAC contractor for new AC installation in St. Louis, MO, there are a lot of different factors to consider. Beyond just looking at the price tag and following the salesperson’s recommendation, you should have some idea of the size, efficiency, placement and other features you are looking for.
While your HVAC contractor will be on hand to help guide you through it all, it does not hurt to have a basic understanding of these factors yourself. Here is a look at the four most important factors to consider when preparing for AC installation in St. Louis, MO:
- Size: There are two major elements to consider when determining the size of your new AC: how much space you have to house it, and how much space it will need to cool. The biggest factor in figuring out what size you need is the overall square footage of your house, which your AC technician can help to determine if you do not know the number offhand.
- Efficiency: The size of your new air conditioner is important, but its level of efficiency is even more crucial. It can get pretty hot in the summer here in St. Louis, meaning that it is easy to overwork your AC. To that end, look for a high efficient model by using the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER. SEER is a completely unbiased measure of an AC’s efficiency, and buying a unit with a high SEER rating can significantly reduce your monthly utility bills.
- Placement: When installing a new air conditioner in your home, you want to make sure that it is placed in a spot that is as conducive to its effectiveness as possible. Placing an AC unit near bright lights or strong sunlight will compromise its ability to cool your house, as will placing items around it that restrict air flow. Rather than just putting your new AC in the same spot once occupied by your old one, ask your HVAC professional where they think it should go.
- Floor: The type of flooring you have can also have a big impact on how effective your new air conditioner will be. For example, hardwood floors are among the worst floor materials for ACs. If you have several different flooring materials in your home, ask your technician for tips on choosing an AC that will be most compatible. If your new unit will go in a small laundry or utility room, it just might be worth it to change out the flooring.
No matter which make or model you choose for your new air conditioner, Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling has the experience, knowledge and resources necessary to help you recognize and understand each factor related to your new AC installation in St. Louis, MO. If you have any questions or concerns, we invite you to get in touch with us anytime. Our team looks forward to hearing from you, and to installing your brand new air conditioner.
There are many reasons to contact a heating or air conditioning repair company. It is a good idea to have a technician inspect your air conditioning system in spring, and your heating unit in fall. This ensures your equipment is running properly and is ready for regular use. Another reason is that regular maintenance helps to keep your HVAC system running efficiently, and of course, you might need an HVAC contractor if something breaks. Whatever your reason for needing a technician, it pays to hire quality HVAC companies in St. Louis, MO. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Reviews: A good way to get valuable information regarding a company’s reputation is to read previous client reviews on the Internet. There are always going to be a few negative reviews, but the overall message should indicate that the company offers quality service for reasonable prices. You might also consider asking a company directly for some references, as well.
- License and certifications: Make sure the company is licensed to operate in your area and has required certification for the type of work they are doing. Every area has its own regulations concerning HVAC work. It is a good indicator of professionalism when the company abides by local laws and regulations.
- Professionalism: Professionalism means that a company has a stable address and contact number, and provides quality customer service over the phone. First impressions matter, and the way the contractor handles your communication can be a good indicator of how they will handle the project itself. Before hiring any HVAC companies in St. Louis, MO, make sure they are an accredited and insured business that offers truly professional service.
- Guarantees: When it’s your time and money on the line, the fine print matters. You want to hire an honest company that values the satisfaction of its customers. Do they offer some type of guarantee? Are warranties available? What are their policies if your new HVAC unit should break down? Most quality HVAC companies are willing to stand by their work by offering a guarantee or warranty on the work and equipment.
- Insured: Another part of hiring a reliable HVAC company is making sure that they are insured. A company without insurance can put you in what is possibly a bad situation, especially if liability for an injury is called into question. Avoid this type of situation by asking up front if the company has insurance.
- Put everything in writing: The costs of HVAC repair and installation can add up. Before you commit to having any work done, ask for a written estimate. Likewise, if you are looking at more substantial work, get a proposal with all the equipment, specifications and price details in writing. Even guarantees or warranties should be put in writing in order to protect you and the company.
By following these simple tips, you should have no problem finding quality HVAC companies in St. Louis, MO. Give Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling a call today to talk about heating and air conditioning repair, maintenance and replacement.
Winter is right around the corner, and while most of us look forward to winter holidays and ice skating, just about everyone dreads increased utility bills. Keeping your home at a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout the winter is likely to eat into your wallet—but it doesn’t have to. In fact, there are numerous ways you can cut down on your energy consumption this winter, saving you money in the process. Read ahead to learn how you can enjoy lower heating bills this winter.
Buy a programmable thermostat
New thermostats are inexpensive and are an easy way to save money. Most come with preprogramed settings that enable you to control your energy consumption even when you are sleeping or not at home. The best approach is to let the indoor temperature decrease when you know you are at work. You might also try this for a few hours when you are sleeping. When taken together, this can mean upwards of 10 hours per day of lower utility usage.
Invest in inspection and maintenance
Maintain your HVAC system and address problems before it’s too late by getting heating repair in St. Louis, MO. It is important to do yearly maintenance checkups of both your heating and cooling systems. Contractors tend to be busiest in the summer and winter, so have your cooling system checked in the spring and your heating system checked in the fall.
During a maintenance checkup, a contractor will tighten electrical connections, check thermostat settings, lubricate moving parts, check system controls and much more. By calling ahead for maintenance and inspection, you can ensure your heating unit is running as efficiently as possible and will not break during winter.
Replace air filters
A dirty air filter increases energy costs by slowing down airflow and making your HVAC system work harder. Over time, a dirty air filter can also cause dust and dirt to build up in the system, leading to early system failure and the need for expensive repairs. Inspect your HVAC system’s air filters once a month, or at least once every three months, and replace them if necessary. Any contractor who offers heating repair in St. Louis, MO will tell you that one of the main reasons for high energy costs is dirty filters.
Prioritize energy efficiency
Is your HVAC system performing efficiently? If it is wasting energy or no longer keeping your home comfortable, consider replacing it with the latest energy efficient equipment. By replacing your old HVAC system with new energy efficient equipment, you can significantly reduce your monthly heating and cooling bills. This is a particularly good option if your current equipment is old and beginning to show signs of needing replacement anyway.
Make sure you have adequate insulation
Proper heating equipment can only go so far. It is important as well to keep the warm air in, and the cold air out. Windows and insulation are the only way to address this problem. Check before winter to ensure that everything is well insulated, and consider making repairs if there are areas that allow air to escape.
Contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling for all of your HVAC needs. Whether you need heating maintenance or heating repair in St. Louis, MO, now is the time to act. Call us today to prepare for the winter season!
As the days are growing shorter and the nights are growing colder, now is the time for heating repair in St. Louis, MO. A changing season results in changes in what’s needed to keep your home feeling comfortable. Investing in any necessary heating repair in St. Louis, MO is crucial in order to transition smoothly into the upcoming season.
Many parts of Missouri are actually expected to experience a colder than average fall season, so not making repairs to your heater now could leave you feeling the cold in the middle of October. Spending time now to make sure your home is prepared for the upcoming fall can save you from expensive repairs and frustration at a later date. Here are the best ways to keep your home warm this autumn:
- Clean your chimney and fireplace: Cooler temperatures mean you’ll soon be curling up by the fireplace on chilly nights. If you have a wood fireplace, late summer and early autumn is the optimal time to have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional before it is regularly used. Chimneys and fireplaces should be inspected annually, and autumn is the perfect time to do so.
- Winterize air conditioning units: Chances are, your air conditioning has been running high all summer during the hot and humid Missouri summer. If you have central air conditioning, it may be helpful to cover your outdoor unit for winter. If you use a window air conditioning unit, remove or cover it to prevent air leaks.
- Check your insulation: Insulation is one of the most important features to consider when keeping your home warm in cold seasons, and also when trying to keep it cool in the summer. An easy way to keep your home warm and save money on your heating bills is to ensure that the proper level of insulation is present in both the attic and inside walls. If an attic is not properly insulated, heat will rise and easily escape the home.
- Have your furnace inspected: With hot and humid temperatures over the summer, chances are you probably had the air conditioning on instead of the heat. But as temperatures begin to drop, it is crucial to check your furnace before you are left cold. A qualified specialist can test for leaks, check heating efficiency and change the air filter on your heater. He or she can also check for carbon monoxide to ensure the air in your home is safe.
While you should be savoring every minute of the fleeting summer season, now is the time to make sure that your home is completely prepared for the rapidly approaching change in temperature. By taking care of simple preventative maintenance and arranging for any necessary heating repair in St. Louis, MO ahead of time, you can save both time and money now in addition to ensuring you will stay warm this season. Contact a heating repair specialist at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today to learn more.
