Living in St. Louis means you’re usually dealing with either hot summer heat or bracingly cold winters—and either way, your HVAC system is doing a lot of work. As any homeowner knows, the more you use that furnace or air conditioner, the higher your bill gets.
Do you really have to sacrifice comfort for lower bills? Not necessarily. If you’re interested in making the change to an energy-efficient furnace in St. Louis, MO, you may be able to stay comfortable at a much lower price. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of energy-efficient furnaces:
- Save money on your utilities: Obviously, the biggest benefit of energy-efficient appliances is that they’ll save you a significant amount on your energy bills each month, whether you use natural gas or electricity to heat your home. When they’re paired with a smart thermostat, you can cut down a big chunk of your energy costs. Not only is it cheaper for your furnace to run, but it will only run when people are at home, not when you’re out at work, school or otherwise.
- Fewer carbon emissions: Another great reason to buy an energy-efficient furnace is the reduced carbon footprint. As we all know, global warming is an increasingly important issue facing our world. The more you can do to help, the better—and the fact that it will also save you money on your bills doesn’t hurt, either. Look for an Energy Star rating to ensure your new unit runs as efficiently as possible.
- Better air quality: Today’s technology also includes better filtration and improved airflow. When you purchase an energy-efficient furnace or air conditioning unit, you’ll also get better air flow. Most new units use variable speed motors to encourage the most efficient air flow depending on the temperature and thermostat. This helps filter out impurities and pathogens that can exacerbate or cause illness.
- Extended warranties: If you’re thinking about purchasing an energy-efficient unit, look at the warranty. Chances are, these new, efficient units will offer significantly nicer warranties than what you’re used to. Not only does this protect you over the long term, but it may even save you money on routine repairs.
- Easier and quieter to use: Finally, newer furnaces and air conditioning units are easier and quieter to use on the whole. If you’re still dealing with the same heater your home came with, maybe it’s time to see what newer technology can provide. Some units use sound-absorbing materials to make them as pleasant and unobtrusive as possible.
Now that the cold temperatures are here, there’s no better time to replace your old furnace. Whether you want to save money, be kinder to the planet or reap all the rewards of a new energy-efficient unit, it’s a smart choice for your home.
For help buying and installing a new energy-efficient furnace in your home, call the team at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. We know all the benefits of energy-efficient furnaces in St. Louis, MO, and can help you find the right heater for your needs.
When you’re a homeowner (especially a novice homeowner), every sound in your home can be unsettling. After all, when you move into your house, you’ve not only invested a massive sum of money, but you’ve also pinned your hopes and your family’s future on those four walls. So, when unexpected noises rattle your home, you inevitably want to know what’s wrong.
No home noise is more unsettling than excessive clamor from your home’s furnace. Millions of Americans own furnace-based heating systems, and most of them get a little nervous when they start causing a racket. Not to worry, though—if your furnace is making some noise, here are some signs you could require further furnace repair in St. Louis, MO.
Squealing
When your furnace kicks on and a squealing noise soon follows, it often means that you’ve got a loose belt somewhere in the motor. If you address the problem quickly, it should be a relatively cheap fix. If squealing is left unattended, it could lead to more severe issues with your furnace.
Rumbling
If your furnace turns on as usual and completes a heating cycle without issue, but then lets out a home-rattling rumbling noise, then you could be in trouble. A loud rumble often indicates that your furnace is combusting fuel even after your pilot light has turned off. If your furnace is rumbling, call a company to schedule furnace repair in St. Louis, MO as soon as possible.
Loud humming
You’re likely familiar with the typical noises associated with your furnace. There’s an assertive click when it turns on and a light humming noise as it completes its operation cycle. When that typically muted hum turns into something loud and ominous, you could have an issue with your furnace’s fan or capacitor. A professional HVAC technician should be able to diagnose the source of the problem.
Popping noises
One pop when your furnace turns on is natural. If that popping noise continues during your furnace’s operation, it could mean that your furnace’s burners are dirty. Leaving the popping sound unattended could lead to the accumulation of gas on your burners, which could eventually cause dangerous problems.
Let the pros make a diagnosis
You shouldn’t have to sit and scratch your head wondering, “What is wrong with my furnace?” Schedule furnace repair in St. Louis, MO with Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling! We have more than 20 years of experience offering a comprehensive range of residential and commercial services to our valued customers.
We specialize in the installation, maintenance and repair of AC systems, furnaces, ductwork, air filters, humidifiers and more! We can even make sure your furnace or heating system is clean and ready to go before the cold weather sets in. Don’t be caught in the cold—Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling will send a highly-skilled technician to diagnose your problem and then fix it. Your heating and cooling problems will be a thing of the past when you work with us. Call today to schedule your appointment.
Experts in the HVAC industry agree that furnace maintenance and furnace repair in St Louis, MO is cheaper than having to replace major components. Now that winter is over, it’s time to stop using the heater and time to kick on the air conditioner! Before you do anything, let’s take a look at why end-of-season maintenance is so important, followed by some pro tips for proper furnace cleaning in St Louis, MO.
The importance of end of season maintenance
Depending on the area where you live, you might have started using your heating system in October, or maybe even closer to December. Regardless of when you first turned it on, chances are you used it on a regular basis over a few months’ time. A busy furnace accumulates wear and tear, gunk and debris, and components can jiggle loose, which is why you need to add the furnace to your spring cleaning list. But should you perform furnace maintenance yourself? While homeowners can do some visual inspections and cleanings on their own, the HVAC industry recommends scheduling professional checkups each season. This ensures problems are not overlooked so your furnace can get back to work next winter.
Spring maintenance tips
Investing a little time to address AC and furnace maintenance needs can pay off big-time. Here are some tips to help you close down your furnace for spring:
- Change the filter: An air filter clogged with dust, pet dander, pollen, bacteria and other airborne debris is an inefficient filter, while a fresh filter allows better airflow and brings cleaner air to your inside spaces. For this reason, changing the air filter is one of the best things you can do for your furnace after winter has passed. You don’t have to think about all the dust and grime trapped in the filter because you can see it when you remove it!
- Dust components: Whether your winter was dry or wet, the season usually creates a lot of dust. This dust can settle onto your HVAC system, and can even get sucked inside through vents, ductwork and dirty filters. Clearing dust away from your furnace keeps particles from getting inside the unit and prevents common fire hazards.
- Clean the outdoor unit: If you have an outdoor AC unit as a part of your HVAC system, check it for salt, gunk, mud and mineral deposits. Clear away any debris blockage to avoid problems with your system later on. Also, be sure to remove leaves, cut grass, dirt and other debris from around it throughout the warmer months.
- Install a new thermostat: Spring is a great time to consider upgrading your HVAC system’s thermostat. Choose a programmable or wi-fi thermostat to improve indoor comfort and energy efficiency.
- Schedule maintenance service: Early spring is a good time to schedule a professional HVAC checkup and tune-up. An expert will service your furnace to ensure it’s ready to go next winter and inspect your air conditioner in anticipation of warmer days ahead.
If you need to schedule seasonal maintenance or need an HVAC repair in St Louis, MO, contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today!
