Are you considering installing central air in your home or place of business? As an AC service in St. Louis, MO, we know that folks are not usually thinking about air conditioning at this time of year, but it is actually a great time to spring for a new air system, because then you’ll be all set when next summer rolls around!
Before investing in AC installation or AC repair in St. Louis, MO, you will probably want to know how much it is going to cost you. There are actually many different factors that could affect the cost of your AC installation. Here is a rundown of eight of those factors:
System type: Water-cooled systems, split-duct systems, heat pumps, ductless mini splits—there are a lot of system options when it comes to installing central air! Have a discussion with your HVAC contractor about what would work best for your space and budget.
Size and capacity: Getting the correct size and capacity system for your home or business is crucial, and will save you money in the long run. A system that is too small will have to overwork constantly, while a too-big unit will keep your home cool, but humid.
Energy efficiency: If you want a system with a strong efficiency rating, it will cost you a bit more upfront. However, the system will eventually pay for itself in the form of lower energy bills.
Heating: When installing new central AC, it might be a good idea to also replace your heater, as your AC and heater will need to be compatible to keep your home comfortable. This will, of course, make the entire endeavor more expensive.
Extras: Humidification systems, air purifiers and other “extras” you add to your new central air system will make your home or business even more comfortable. But they will also add to the overall cost of the replacement.
New or replacement: Are you investing in an entirely new system for your space? Or are you replacing an existing system that has needed AC repair in St. Louis, MO one too many times? A replacement will be cheaper, because you will already have the basic infrastructure for it.
Zones: Want to keep your living room cool and your bedrooms warm? If so, you will need multiple zones in your central air system. This will cost more, so talk to your AC service in St. Louis, MO about the best option for you.
Tax break: Did you know that you could get a tax break for investing in a new central air system for your commercial space? If you install the system before the end of 2018, you will qualify for one heck of a deal—in fact, you might be able to write off the entire cost on your 2018 tax return!
Are you in the market for AC service in St. Louis, MO? If so, please feel free to get in touch with Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling anytime! We pride ourselves on offering reasonable rates and exceptional service.
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.
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.
Now that we’re preparing to enter the hottest part of the year, the last thing you want to have happen is an air conditioner breakdown. Unfortunately, air conditioners tend to break down right at the worst possible times, when the heat and humidity are unbearable, largely because that’s the time of year that places the greatest strain on them.
You can avoid many of the more expensive and involved forms of air conditioner repair simply by keeping up with preventative maintenance. However, there are some problems that will force you to call a professional to come and provide you with air conditioner repair in St. Louis, MO. Here are a few of those most common issues:
Bad wiring: Bad wiring is usually a problem with installation. Shoddy wiring is often the result of using uncertified installation professionals to set up your air conditioning, and can be hazardous if left unresolved for long periods of time. In certain circumstances, it could cause fires to break out in your system, but at the very least it will prevent the system from running smoothly, possibly causing power to go in and out or your circuit breaker to regularly trip. The wiring might have other issues that have caused it to wear down over time.
Outside fan not spinning: The outside fan takes the heat from inside your home and pushes it outside. If the fan isn’t spinning properly or otherwise working, you won’t get the heat transfer that is so important in cooling your home. This could cause the compressor in your air conditioning unit to overheat and cause the safety feature to trip. There’s also the chance it could cause some expensive damage to your compressor. So if you experience problems with the fan in the outside unit not working properly, you should have a service professional take a look at the unit as soon as possible.
Low refrigerant: The Freon refrigerant in your unit cools the air inside your air conditioning system. Lower levels of refrigerant could potentially indicate there’s a leak in the system, or some other problem to address. If you need to replace your refrigerant regularly, the leak issue becomes even more likely. You should have a service professional come and find the leak and repair it immediately.
The coil freezes: Frozen coils in an air conditioning unit usually indicate there’s an issue with the airflow, such as problems with clogged air filters or buildups of debris in the return air ducts. There’s also a chance it could be a sign of low refrigerant, but you should check the other issues first.
House not getting cool: There are many issues that could cause your air conditioning to simply not work properly or efficiently, so to figure out the root cause, you’ll need to have a technician come and look over the system.
For more information about the most common air conditioner problems and when you need air conditioner repair in St. Louis, MO, contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today.
When we visit our customers for AC repair in St. Louis, MO it often confuses them to hear us refer to their air conditioner’s capacity using the word “tons.” They’ll look at a three-ton unit and say in disbelief, “That thing really weighs three tons?”
If the word “ton” here referred to weight, a three-ton AC would be too big for your back yard. Luckily it is not referring to weight at all, but rather to a measurement of how much heat it can remove from your house.
Answering this question is going to be fun, because it requires taking a little bit of a peek back in time.
The answer
The first thing to know is that people used to use ice to cool homes and refrigerate foods, and the measurement of an AC unit’s heat-removing capacity reflects this. A three-ton AC removes heat at a rate that a three-ton block of ice would, if it removed heat evenly and melted completely across 24 hours. Confusing? Here’s a simpler way to think about it. A three-ton AC unit is like putting a 6,000-pound block of ice in your home every day. Just without the mess, of course.
It may seem strange that ACs are measured using such an abstract standard, but it’s not strange at all when you think about how the power of other modern machines are measured. Just think about a car’s horsepower. ACs are more or less measured in ice power. So with both machines, their power is explained in terms of the things they were replacing: blocks of ice for the AC, and horse-drawn carriages for the cars.
The math
Here’s how that translates into math. A one-ton block of ice melting evenly across 24 hours would absorb heat at a rate of about 12,000 BTU/hour—one BTU can be understood as being about the same amount of heat caused by burning one match all the way down. So if you have a three-ton unit, it removes about 36,000 BTUs of heat from your home per hour, and about 864,000 BTUs per day. The heat of one match might not seem like much—but now picture the heat of 864,000 matches. Your AC unit’s pretty amazing, isn’t it?
The bottom line
What would your ancestors—after returning home from the market on their horse-drawn carriage, chipping new ice for their rooms, hour after hour, just trying to stay bearably cool—say if they could step into your home and enjoy the effortless cool that your AC provides, knowing it does not require moving three tons of ice into the house, bit by bit, in order to enjoy that cool feeling? They’d probably say, “Are you kidding me?” and then beg you to switch places. What do you think?
We hope you enjoyed this little history lesson. We know we really enjoyed answering your question! If you’ve got more questions, give us a call here at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. We’re experts in AC repair in St. Louis, MO, and we’ve got the knowledge and expertise to get the job done right.
