While it’s obvious winter has already arrived, something that may not be as apparent is an inefficiently working heating unit. Indications of potential heating problems range from a haziness or stuffiness in the indoor air to the sound of a train barreling down the tracks every time you turn the heater on. Are you wondering whether you might need to fix your heating unit? Here are five signs that heating repair in St. Louis, MO may be necessary:
- High electric bills: Although utility rates for both gas and electricity tend to fluctuate, if you notice a sudden and significant increase in your monthly energy bills, there may be something wrong with your heating system. Compare your higher bills to your heater usage to see if you’ve been turning the heat up more than in winters past to reach a comfortable inside temperature—this could mean heat is escaping somewhere or a part needs to be replaced.
- Breathing difficulties: Typically a gradual affliction, you might not know you are having trouble breathing the air in your own home. A heater works by circulating warm air throughout the home, which unfortunately also includes contaminants like dust, pollen, mold spores, pet fur and other nasty particles you don’t want to be taking into your lungs. Oftentimes, simply changing the air filter or furnace filter will go a long way toward clearing up the air, but if not, something more serious could be wrong within your heating system.
- Loud noises from the heater: It should be unusual for your heater to make loud banging or scraping noises when it’s running. Strange or loud noises could mean necessary heating repair in St. Louis, MO, which should be taken care of as soon as possible to prevent further damage or additional wasted energy. Day or night, it’s a good idea to contact specialized emergency heater unit repair experts like Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling when your heater is noisy.
- The whole house doesn’t warm: Have you noticed this winter that it’s always nice and toasty in the living room but chilly, drafty and not warm in the slightest in one of the bedrooms? House airflow issues arise when the ductwork malfunctions due to damage or age, which creates a break in the amount of warm air successfully reaching connected vents. This can cause your system to work overtime in an effort to heat your whole home.
- Thermostat “up” button is getting a workout: A push here, and a push there—between higher electric bills and the house not warming up fast enough, think about just how often you’re hitting the thermostat button to reach a higher temperature. Are you turning up the heat beyond a reasonable temperature to remain comfortable during the cold winter months? If so, your heater is likely not working as efficiently as it should be, costing you more on energy bills. Get that furnace inspected and make sure all issues, no matter how small, are dealt with.
Don’t let your home temperature drop while your monthly utility bills go up. At Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling, we offer 24-hour emergency heating repair in St. Louis, MO. This winter, don’t hesitate to contact us anytime for needed heater fixes or inspections.
Winter is right around the corner, and while most of us look forward to winter holidays and ice skating, just about everyone dreads increased utility bills. Keeping your home at a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout the winter is likely to eat into your wallet—but it doesn’t have to. In fact, there are numerous ways you can cut down on your energy consumption this winter, saving you money in the process. Read ahead to learn how you can enjoy lower heating bills this winter.
Buy a programmable thermostat
New thermostats are inexpensive and are an easy way to save money. Most come with preprogramed settings that enable you to control your energy consumption even when you are sleeping or not at home. The best approach is to let the indoor temperature decrease when you know you are at work. You might also try this for a few hours when you are sleeping. When taken together, this can mean upwards of 10 hours per day of lower utility usage.
Invest in inspection and maintenance
Maintain your HVAC system and address problems before it’s too late by getting heating repair in St. Louis, MO. It is important to do yearly maintenance checkups of both your heating and cooling systems. Contractors tend to be busiest in the summer and winter, so have your cooling system checked in the spring and your heating system checked in the fall.
During a maintenance checkup, a contractor will tighten electrical connections, check thermostat settings, lubricate moving parts, check system controls and much more. By calling ahead for maintenance and inspection, you can ensure your heating unit is running as efficiently as possible and will not break during winter.
Replace air filters
A dirty air filter increases energy costs by slowing down airflow and making your HVAC system work harder. Over time, a dirty air filter can also cause dust and dirt to build up in the system, leading to early system failure and the need for expensive repairs. Inspect your HVAC system’s air filters once a month, or at least once every three months, and replace them if necessary. Any contractor who offers heating repair in St. Louis, MO will tell you that one of the main reasons for high energy costs is dirty filters.
Prioritize energy efficiency
Is your HVAC system performing efficiently? If it is wasting energy or no longer keeping your home comfortable, consider replacing it with the latest energy efficient equipment. By replacing your old HVAC system with new energy efficient equipment, you can significantly reduce your monthly heating and cooling bills. This is a particularly good option if your current equipment is old and beginning to show signs of needing replacement anyway.
Make sure you have adequate insulation
Proper heating equipment can only go so far. It is important as well to keep the warm air in, and the cold air out. Windows and insulation are the only way to address this problem. Check before winter to ensure that everything is well insulated, and consider making repairs if there are areas that allow air to escape.
Contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling for all of your HVAC needs. Whether you need heating maintenance or heating repair in St. Louis, MO, now is the time to act. Call us today to prepare for the winter season!
As the days are growing shorter and the nights are growing colder, now is the time for heating repair in St. Louis, MO. A changing season results in changes in what’s needed to keep your home feeling comfortable. Investing in any necessary heating repair in St. Louis, MO is crucial in order to transition smoothly into the upcoming season.
Many parts of Missouri are actually expected to experience a colder than average fall season, so not making repairs to your heater now could leave you feeling the cold in the middle of October. Spending time now to make sure your home is prepared for the upcoming fall can save you from expensive repairs and frustration at a later date. Here are the best ways to keep your home warm this autumn:
- Clean your chimney and fireplace: Cooler temperatures mean you’ll soon be curling up by the fireplace on chilly nights. If you have a wood fireplace, late summer and early autumn is the optimal time to have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional before it is regularly used. Chimneys and fireplaces should be inspected annually, and autumn is the perfect time to do so.
- Winterize air conditioning units: Chances are, your air conditioning has been running high all summer during the hot and humid Missouri summer. If you have central air conditioning, it may be helpful to cover your outdoor unit for winter. If you use a window air conditioning unit, remove or cover it to prevent air leaks.
- Check your insulation: Insulation is one of the most important features to consider when keeping your home warm in cold seasons, and also when trying to keep it cool in the summer. An easy way to keep your home warm and save money on your heating bills is to ensure that the proper level of insulation is present in both the attic and inside walls. If an attic is not properly insulated, heat will rise and easily escape the home.
- Have your furnace inspected: With hot and humid temperatures over the summer, chances are you probably had the air conditioning on instead of the heat. But as temperatures begin to drop, it is crucial to check your furnace before you are left cold. A qualified specialist can test for leaks, check heating efficiency and change the air filter on your heater. He or she can also check for carbon monoxide to ensure the air in your home is safe.
While you should be savoring every minute of the fleeting summer season, now is the time to make sure that your home is completely prepared for the rapidly approaching change in temperature. By taking care of simple preventative maintenance and arranging for any necessary heating repair in St. Louis, MO ahead of time, you can save both time and money now in addition to ensuring you will stay warm this season. Contact a heating repair specialist at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today to learn more.
