Doing some spring cleaning around the house? Many homeowners find that giving their home a complete physical inside and out is the best way to prepare for the summer months ahead. Air conditioning maintenance is just one task all St. Louis, MO homeowners should complete. Here are the top three reasons why performing AC maintenance before the summer can improve the efficiency of your unit and ensure your home stays comfortable throughout the warm-weather months.
You’ll have peace of mind the very first time you turn on your unit
One of the key reasons why you should complete AC maintenance before the summer is that the weather in St. Louis, MO can be unpredictable. You could experience very hot temperatures even before the official start of the summer season. Even if your air conditioning system worked perfectly at the end of the warm season last year, there are plenty of things that could affect the system in the winter. If you want your unit to start up at the very first sign of hot and humid temperatures, you should have an experienced technician take a look at the unit in the springtime and perform any necessary repairs.
You’ll avoid costly repairs
Air conditioning systems can last a very long time if they’re properly maintained, but replacing the system entirely can be a huge expense that you’ll want to avoid. When you schedule annual inspections in the spring, your technician can spot minor issues that could turn into something bigger down the road. Not only will you avoid the costs of replacing your air conditioner and all of its components, but you’ll also avoid the need for emergency repair service. As you can imagine, air conditioning technicians are busiest during the warm summer months. Instead of paying a premium for emergency services in the summer—and being without a working air conditioner in hot weather—be smart and schedule a spring inspection.
You’ll increase the efficiency of your system
Staying comfortable during the summer doesn’t always come cheap. Running an air conditioning system can be costly if your unit isn’t working at maximum efficiency. When you schedule AC maintenance before the summer, your technician will clean the unit and make sure all of its components are in good functioning condition. It will be much easier for you to keep your home cool even in the hottest of temperatures, and your unit won’t have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable. Maintaining your system is the best way to lower your monthly utility bills—it’s a small investment that saves you money.
When the weather gets hot in St. Louis, MO, a working air conditioning system is something you really can’t live without. By scheduling yearly AC maintenance before the summer, you reduce your chance of needing costly repairs or replacement, and you’ll be sure your system is ready to kick on as soon as you need it. Contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today to schedule routine maintenance service and keep your air conditioning system in excellent condition.
One of the most common air conditioning problems people experience in St. Louis, MO is having warm air blow through the vents when they should be getting fresh, cool air flowing through instead. There’s a large number of possible reasons why an air conditioner could be blowing warm air, but today we’ll focus on just a few of the most common.
Thermostat settings
Any time you’re having temperature issues with the air coming from your vents, your first step should be to check the settings on your thermostat. While it might sound ridiculous, there is a possibility that you have the air set to “heat” instead of “cool.” Other settings, such as “auto” or “on,” may simply result in the fan blowing regardless of whether the air conditioner itself is running and cooling the air. This would cause your AC to blow warm air through the vents during the periods of time when the outside unit isn’t operating.
So, simply put, check your settings on your thermostat and make sure you’ve actually set it up to get cool air coming into your home!
Problems with the outdoor unit
There are a couple main components for every air conditioning system, split between the indoors and the outdoors. The indoor unit will feature the fan that blows the air through your home, but it will only operate if the outdoor components are also working properly.
The outdoor unit features the compressor, which compresses the refrigerant that flows through the system. In most cases, if you’re having a problem with the air conditioner blowing warm air, it’s going to mean there’s either a problem with the compressor or that your system is low on refrigerant.
Problems with indoor systems
While most of the time equipment problems will primarily be found in the outdoor unit, there are some issues that can occur with interior components. It is possible that you have a broken or disconnected air return duct that is pulling in air from the outside or the attic without conditioning it. You might have a circuit breaker that was tripped or a fuse that was blown, which has resulted in power to the AC unit being shut off, so check your circuit breaker or fuse panel and make sure it’s actually getting the electricity it needs to maintain power.
Airflow restrictions
Another potential problem could be that there’s something restricting the amount of air that’s going to or from your air conditioner. Restricted airflow can result in the compressor freezing up. Causes of restricted airflow can include a clogged air filter that needs to be replaced, or dirty coils caused by a general lack of maintenance to your air conditioning system. You should make it a point to have your system inspected and maintained each year by an air conditioning technician so it operates as efficiently as possible and you can extend its usable life.
When you need more information about common air conditioning problems and how you can resolve them, an air conditioner maintenance service in St. Louis, MO can help. Contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today!
Though we may be approaching the end of the summer, we still have some hot days ahead of us. If you’ve been experiencing some issues with your air conditioner, now may be a good time to get your unit replaced, as there is less demand toward the end of the season.
Not every issue with an air conditioner is a sign that it needs to be replaced. Sometimes you’re more than capable of repairing the problem and continuing to use the unit. However, eventually you will get to a point where you’ve invested too much in AC maintenance and repairs for the age of the equipment, and will need to make an AC upgrade in St. Louis, MO.
Here are just a few of the telltale signs you need to update your AC unit:
High energy bills: Have you noticed a sharp increase in how much you’re paying on your monthly energy bills? This could be a sign that your air conditioner is no longer operating as efficiently as it once did. An upgrade can help you find more energy-efficient equipment that will save you a significant amount of money each month on your utility payments.
Issues with airflow: If you’re having a problem getting a sufficient amount of cool air to flow through your vents, this is an obvious problem with your air conditioner. You should be able to get cold air coming through the vents within a couple minutes after you adjust your thermostat. If not, there could be a problem with your piping or ductwork restricting the airflow, or with some of the mechanical parts of your air conditioning unit.
Strange sounds: While it’s completely normal for an air conditioner to make a constant humming sound during operation, there are some sounds that should be cause for concern, such as clanging, banging, scraping or grinding. So, if you notice any of these sounds popping up in your air conditioning system that did not exist before, it’s important that you have a professional come and inspect the system and determine if it’s an issue that can be repaired.
Strange odors: There should never be a smell associated with your air conditioning system—it should be clean and odor free. However, there are some cases where problems within an air conditioning system can manifest themselves in a smoky or burning smell. In some cases, mold or mildew issues can cause a musty odor that emanates from the vents during AC usage.
Moisture buildup: Speaking of mold or mildew, they are likely to form if you’re having any issues with moisture in the system. While there’s always going to be moisture in AC units, there shouldn’t be any leakages or excessive moisture.
Fluid leak: If you see a refrigerant leak coming from the system, this could be a sign of significant problems with your air conditioner and could become dangerous to people or pets.
For more information about some of the most common problems that could indicate it’s time for AC maintenance in St. Louis, MO, or to schedule an air conditioning repair appointment, reach out to Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today.
Air conditioning systems undoubtedly make our lives easier and more comfortable. There is a downside to staying inside with the AC on all day, though—it’s called “air conditioning sickness.” This post will cover the signs that your AC is making you sick and how AC companies in St. Louis, MO can help.
Symptoms of AC sickness
Not all sufferers of AC sickness have the same exact symptoms. However, here are a few of the most commonly reported ones:
Breathing problems: The most commonly reported symptom among people with AC sickness is trouble breathing. Air conditioner filters collect a ton of dust, pollen and other contaminants that irritate the lungs, especially for allergy sufferers. Air conditioners that aren’t properly cleaned can be breeding grounds for dangerous black mold that also cause respiratory problems.
Headaches and dizziness: Getting a headache after being in an air-conditioned space all day isn’t just random—it could actually be the AC causing it. A study in the International Journal of Epidemiology linked spending hours upon hours in a building with central AC with headaches and other neurological issues like fatigue and dizziness. If mold is present in the air ducts, these symptoms will only worsen.
Dry skin and nasal passages: Cold, dry air causes our skin to lose its natural moisture. Having dry skin in the winter is common since the temperature is constantly low. But if you notice that your skin is dry and damaged in the warmer months, AC companies in St. Louis, MO might tell you that you’re spending too much time inside with the AC running.
How to prevent sickness
If there’s any good news, it’s that AC sickness is avoidable. Follow these steps to keep yourself and your family safe at home:
Schedule regular maintenance: The easiest way to prevent AC sickness is to call your HVAC technician for annual AC maintenance in St. Louis, MO. During your routine service appointment, your technician will clean out your entire unit, eliminating any mold, mildew or other contaminants. He’ll also perform a thorough inspection to ensure every component of the system is working properly.
Replace filters: In between your annual service calls, it’s up to you to replace your air conditioner’s filters. Swapping out the filters every month helps ensure clean air and blocks dust and other contaminants from entering your AC system. If you’re still experiencing breathing problems even after changing the filters regularly, consider upgrading to a higher-quality filter.
Have the air ducts cleaned: We cited mold and mildew growth above as causes of respiratory problems and/or headaches. The scary part is that mold often grows in the air ducts, so we can’t see or remove it until it’s too late and it’s already spread. The best way to keep your air free and clear of any mold particles is to have your ducts cleaned every few years.
The beginning of summer is the perfect time to schedule AC maintenance in St. Louis, MO. In addition to preventing AC sickness, regular maintenance prolongs the lifespan of AC systems and helps reduce energy costs. Give our team at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling a call today to schedule an appointment.
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.
