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.
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.
There are a lot of factors that go into making any purchase, especially when you’re buying something that’s supposed to last for a long time, like an air conditioning unit. In this blog we’ll delve into the top five things to consider before buying a new unit.
Unit size and capacity
Consider how big of a unit you actually need. A 3,000 square foot home won’t be sufficiently cooled by a unit that’s too small. Conversely, a two bedroom condo probably doesn’t need the biggest unit on the market. A unit that’s too big will cycle on and off more frequently, which wastes energy and will drive up your electric bill!
The first step in the air conditioning installation in St. Louis, MO process should be hiring an HVAC contractor to measure your square footage and determine what size unit you need.
Features
Air conditioners have come a long way from the old window units. Today’s units can come with a variety of features that you may or may not want or need. Of course, each feature you add is going to increase the price.
Some units are designed to limit noise, as low as only 21 dB loud. To put that in perspective, a standard library is about 30 dB. High end air filters on your unit are designed to sterilize the air coming into your home and potentially eliminate some common allergens such as pollen. Some of the most advanced units can even be Wi-Fi enabled to be controlled from your smart phone.
An important factor that you might consider paying more for is a unit that has a higher energy efficiency rating.
Energy efficiency
Every air conditioning model must be evaluated for energy efficiency. Each model is given a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) number. The lowest acceptable number is a 13. Some of the most advanced models have a SEER of up to 26. The higher the SEER number, the more expensive your unit is likely to be, but you’ll end up saving money down the line. It’s estimated that with every two-point increase in SEER rating, you can save up to $25 each month on your electric bill!
Cost
Cost is a huge factor in determining anything you’re buying. As we’ve said, more features mean a more expensive unit, but sometimes paying more for a very energy efficient unit will save you money down the line.
The two costs associated with air conditioning installation in St. Louis, MO are the price of the unit and the cost to have it installed. You can definitely save money by purchasing a cheaper unit, but again, you get what you pay for. A brand name unit is more likely to last you longer.
Brand
The old adage “you get what you pay for” remains true in the air conditioning unit world. There are many different brands out there, at Ashley Brothers, we only rely the top brands like Amana, Goodman, Ruud and Weil Mclain. You can be sure these brands will be energy efficient, come with all of the features you need, and last for a long time.
Consider all of these factors before you go out and buy a new unit to brace yourself for the heat in St. Louis this summer.
