HVAC Companies in St. Louis, MO Recommend Leaving the AC Turned on This Summer

There is debate among HVAC companies in St. Louis, MO and throughout the country regarding the best way to manage air conditioning. This is especially relevant to people who work all day and with no one home during that time. Many wonder if they will save on cooling costs if they keep their machine turned off. However, the efficiency of leaving a machine running versus shutting it down depends on climate and preferences. Here is why, in St. Louis, you should consider leaving the AC on even when you are gone.

Better efficiency

There are climates where shutting down the air conditioning is a prudent decision. Homes do not heat up as quickly, and once a resident turns on the air conditioning, the environment will cool down in a timely manner. If the home does not have indoor pets or sensitive equipment, there is no reason to keep the AC on in these climates when no one is inside.

However, in humid climates, like in the Midwest, this does not work as well. Even shaded homes will heat up quickly and the moisture in the air will make it more unbearable. If you shut down the AC while going to work or taking a vacation, your HVAC will have to work harder to cool the atmosphere when you are desperately needing that. Also, your pets will be miserable without the air conditioning at least running on a low setting.

Best AC practices

There are still ways to control cooling costs even when you leave your AC on. For one, purchase a programmable thermostat. You can set it to maintain a higher temperature when you are gone and then lower that later so you will arrive home to a cooler house. Also, keep any thermostat away from anything that produces heat, like lamps, TVs, computers and ovens. That will compel them to overwork themselves and show the evidence in your next utility bill.

Never forget regular maintenance. Changing out filters regularly and cleaning the unit will help it run better. If you have ducts, arrange for those to be cleaned regularly, as well.

Ceiling fans partner with air conditioning very well by keeping airflow going. This will help keep your home cooler so your HVAC does not have to work as hard. They also reduce humidity for a much more comfortable environment. Many people also enjoy the sound and appearance of ceiling fans.

Finally, if you have any control over the matter, install your outdoor AC units in the shade. Just as you want to keep thermostats away from heat sources, you need to do the same with the main unit. Otherwise, it will be under the impression that your home is warmer than it is in reality. If you do not have much choice in the unit’s location, hire a contractor to build a shade over it.

We know you have a choice of HVAC companies in St. Louis, MO. Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling is available for service for air conditioning units and furnaces. Call us today to set up an appointment. We also have emergency services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

How Energy Efficient Systems from HVAC Companies in St. Louis, MO Can Help You Save Money

There are many big purchases you can invest in for your home. One such purchase is a newer model, energy efficient HVAC system, and doing so is an excellent choice that can save you money in the long run. So when you look into HVAC companies in St. Louis, MO to install an energy efficient system in your home, you’re taking a step toward saving money month to month, year to year. Here’s how upgrading your heating and cooling units today can help conserve energy and to keep your wallet fat:

If you’ve been thumbing through a list of local energy efficient HVAC companies in St. Louis, MO to install a new heating or cooling system, look no further than Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. We are a leader in the industry, a company dedicated to conserving energy and saving you money on monthly energy bills. Contact us for information about installing energy efficient heater and air conditioning units in your home today.

Four Simple Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality After HVAC Service in St. Louis, MO

While your home’s HVAC system does filter out particles in the air through HVAC air filters, it is not constant. What about the times when the system is off? Unless you have a separate unit that is always filtering indoor air, there are other ways to improve indoor air quality after receiving HVAC service in St. Louis, MO.

If you take steps to help the air inside of your home to stay clean and healthy, then your HVAC system will not be overworked, air filters won’t need replacing too often and you’ll breathe better. Here are some tips to consider.

Get potted houseplants

Purifying indoor air is easier than you may think; it’s something all of us should be doing. Put plants in bedrooms as well as other rooms in your home to eliminate volatile compounds—and don’t forget that indoor plants make lovely home accents. Here are some easy to care for and air purifying houseplants that don’t require much of a green thumb: aloe, snake plant, weeping fig, azalea, peace lily and English ivy.

Don’t use harsh cleaners

Yes, it’s good habit to maintain a clean, germ-free living space for a healthy home, which also includes purifying the indoor air. So it is important that you avoid cleaning your home with cleaners that are filled with chemicals or toxic ingredients. Harsh cleaners are not healthy for you, your family or pets, and you definitely should not breathe in any of them. Odors and fumes can attack your sinuses, eyes and respiratory system, not to mention the fact that toxic fumes will linger in the air for days and settle on your stuff. Switch to non-toxic, organic or natural household cleaners and notice your breathing improve.

Open windows to let in fresh air

One way to improve indoor air quality is to open windows and exterior doors. By doing this you cycle stale air out of your house, thus allowing the fresh air from nature to come in. Of course, because you don’t want to invite air pollutants in, opening up windows depends on a number of factors, including the weather, pollen count, allergy sufferers in your household and whether anyone in the neighborhood is doing yard work. It’s not only good for fresh air, either—opening windows also lets your HVAC rest.

Buy a new efficient vacuum

Pet fur, dirt, dust, pollen—if you have children, pets or both, a good vacuum cleaner is likely to be a part of your home cleaning arsenal. But just how efficient and effective is your vacuum? Whether it’s been some time since you’ve purchased a new one or it’s no longer serving your floors well, consider researching the newest vacuums on today’s market. Look for energy efficient devices fitted with a built-in filter to trap indoor pollutants from reentering the room, and get one that will work best for your type of flooring—whether hardwood, laminate or carpet—so as much debris as possible gets sucked up.

After your appointment with Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling for residential HVAC service in St. Louis, MO, take measures to prevent unhealthy air inside your home. Whether it’s buying some houseplants or trading your toxic cleaners for natural solutions, anything you can do will help.

Happy Holidays From Your HVAC Service in St. Louis, MO! Here Are a Few Gifts From Us to You

Happy holidays from Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling, your trusted HVAC service in St. Louis, MO! No matter which holidays you and your loved ones will be celebrating this year, we know that thoughtful and useful presents are always a welcome addition to the holiday fun. That is why we are happy to offer a wide range of gifts year round to our valued customers, friends and neighbors. Take a look at the five gifts listed below to see if you could benefit from hiring us to be your HVAC service in St. Louis, MO:

To learn more about what Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling can do for you this holiday season and all year round, please give us a call anytime. We look forward to hearing from you, and to making your home even better than it already is.

Six Air Quality Tips from One of the Top HVAC Companies in St. Louis, MO

As many people with allergies and asthma already know, air quality can play a big role in a person’s health and general wellbeing. Even if your family does not suffer from any ailments related to air quality, it is important to maintain high indoor air quality so as to prevent them from developing any. As one of the most trusted HVAC companies in St. Louis, MO, we are often asked about how the typical homeowner can keep their indoor air quality high. Here are six tips that should help you do just that:

A healthy air supply is key to having a happy, healthy and comfortable home. For more tips, and for help in keeping your air quality at its best, feel free to get in touch with Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling, one of the most trusted HVAC companies in St. Louis, MO.