Summer is in full swing, and you probably have your air conditioner running at all hours. But many people wonder: What’s the perfect summer thermostat setting?
Read on to find out our leading tips on keeping your home cool and comfortable while saving money on energy bills.
Stay close to the outdoor temperature
When the temperatures soar outside, you may have the urge to crank the AC even higher. But you shouldn’t need a sweatshirt to be comfortable in your home.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that homeowners leave the AC at 78 degrees when you’re at home during the summer. The closer the indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature means less energy is necessary to keep your home cool, which in turn leads to lower energy expenses.
When you go away
Everyone loves to take trips during the summer, whether it’s to visit family or to go to the beach. But at what temperature should you leave the thermostat when you’re out of town? While you might think that you can turn off the system entirely, it’s not a smart idea. This can affect pets and plants living in your home, along with causing other issues. But you can leave the temperature higher than you normally would—up to 83 degrees—which can save you money on your energy bill.
How to adjust the AC unit temperature
It’s important to remember that adjusting the temperature on the AC unit does not affect the temperature of the air being pumped into your home. Instead, it changes the duration of time that the AC unit runs, with cooler temperatures requiring more time.
So don’t set the temperature on the AC very low in the hopes that your home will cool down faster, as this will not work and could cause unnecessary strain on the unit. That said, it’s perfectly fine to make adjustments throughout the day based on your comfort.
Setting the thermostat at night
Most people prefer to keep the AC higher at night, as it creates more comfortable conditions for sleeping. Experts say that bedrooms should be between 60 and 67 degrees for sleeping.
However, that’s likely quite a jump from where the thermostat is set during the day. First, lower it by a couple of degrees from where you usually keep it during the day, and see how that works. You can also use ceiling fans, dehumidifiers and temperature-regulating pillows and mattresses to help stay cool at night.
Now it’s time to get that perfect summer thermostat setting. The next time you need help with air conditioning or heating, turn to the expert pros at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. Our dedicated team has been providing residential and commercial services since 1999.
We specialize in the installation of new equipment, heating and cooling repair and furnace cleaning. We also offer emergency services, meaning we’re available to help you 24 hours a day! Give us a call right now to find out how we can help you.
Just because it’s the winter doesn’t mean it’s not a good time to think about AC installation. Installing AC systems during the winter in St. Louis, MO is a great way to avoid the high rates and difficult scheduling that can come up during summertime. If you’re thinking about investing in AC installation, it’s important to think carefully about the kind of system you want for your home. Keep reading for a guide to choosing the best AC for your home.
A guide to choosing the best AC for your home in St. Louis, MO
There are lots of different types of AC units that homeowners can choose from. Understanding more about some of these different AC options can help them decide which unit is best for their needs. Here is a guide to choosing the best AC for your home in St. Louis, MO, with details about all of the most common types of AC units:
Portable ductless air conditioners: Like the name suggests, portable ductless air conditioners can be moved from room to room to provide directed cooling in different areas. These units can usually be purchased at a grocery store or home improvement store, and they’re a relatively affordable option for people who don’t want to invest in a more permanent AC option.
Window AC units: Window AC units are self-contained AC systems that are ideal for cooling one room at a time. These units are installed in the window and can be removed when the cooling season is over. All that’s needed is a power outlet to plug the system into.
Swamp coolers: Swamp coolers, also referred to as evaporative coolers, cool homes by adding humidity to the air. Because these systems increase humidity significantly, they are ideal for very dry climates. These units come in different sizes, but they are usually more affordable than central air conditioning systems.
Central air conditioning: Central air conditioning is the most effective cooling option for homeowners. These systems have an outdoor unit that includes an evaporator, condenser and compressor. Outdoor AC units are usually installed on a concrete slab in the backyard or on the roof, depending on the layout of the home and the size of the system. Ductwork installed throughout the home carries cool air to keep homes cool during the hot summer months. Central air conditioning systems are typically the most expensive type of AC system, but they are also the most effective and have the biggest positive impact on home value.
Professional AC installation
If you’re interested in installing a new AC system after reading this guide to choosing the best AC for your home in St. Louis, MO, reach out to Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. With over 20 years of experience providing residential and commercial HVAC services, our team has the expertise necessary to assist with any HVAC project. No matter what your needs may be, our team is here to help. Give us a call to find out more about the services we have to offer and to get started with a consultation!
These days, effective air conditioning is commonplace in homes and businesses across the country, but that wasn’t always the case. Air conditioning has come a long way in the last several decades, and cooling technology has been in development for centuries. Most of us take modern AC systems for granted, but this technology is a lot more impressive than many people realize. Keep reading to learn about the evolution of our modern-day air conditioning in St. Louis, MO and how this technology will continue to develop.
The evolution of modern-day air conditioning
Understanding how our modern-day air conditioning came to be begins thousands of years ago with primitive cooling methods. In ancient Rome, people used aqueduct systems to circulate water through walls to cool indoor spaces. Hand fans have been used for thousands of years to help people keep cool. Civilizations in the Middle East developed large wind towers that were designed to amplify breezes to provide widespread cooling.
Modern-day air conditioning
As technology development picked up in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, people began working on more sophisticated cooling systems that would be more effective than primitive cooling methods. The first modern air conditioner was developed in 1902, by Willis Carrier. His mechanical air conditioner was a unit that blew air over coils filled with cool water. These early air conditioners were primarily designed to keep humidity levels low in factory environments, and were too large and expensive to be practical in residential contexts.
Air conditioning systems became much more effective when people began using refrigerants instead of cool water. In the early years of air conditioner use, the most common refrigerant used was R22, but it eventually became clear that this refrigerant was causing harm to the ozone layer. Today, refrigerant is designed to be very effective at cooling without harming the environment.
Two of the most significant developments in AC technology during the 20th century were innovations in compressor technology and improvements to AC efficiency. Modern AC systems have much higher energy ratings that reduce energy waste and minimize the amount homeowners have to spend on energy for cooling on a monthly basis. Two-stage and variable compressors modify AC operation to adjust cooling without shutting off AC units completely. The development of more effective compressors and improvements to AC efficiency has made AC systems much more affordable and more effective for home and business owners alike.
Schedule air conditioning installation
If you’re interested in finding out more about how you can benefit from the evolution of modern-day air conditioning in St. Louis, MO or you’re looking for a new AC system for your home, the team at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling is here to assist you. From basic maintenance to equipment installation, our team has the expertise and experience necessary to help commercial and residential customers throughout the area with comprehensive AC services. Give us a call today to get started with a consultation and quote—we look forward to working with you soon!
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.
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.
