When your air conditioning unit goes down, choosing between repairing or replacing the unit can be difficult. Sorting through all of the pertinent factors can be overwhelming, but HVAC companies in St. Louis, MO can help.
To repair or replace?
The very first thing to take into consideration when deciding between repairing your current AC system or replacing it with a new one is the age of the existing unit. The industry recommendation is that, if your unit is more than 10 years old, you should consider replacing it. Although a quality unit is built to last longer than this 10-year threshold, the unit loses its power and efficiency with age. As a rule, if the age of your unit in years, multiplied by the cost of repairs, exceeds $5,000, then it is in your best interest to replace the system.
Additionally, if you are shelling out big bucks for repairs on a frequent basis due to the age of the unit, it might be time to invest that money in a new, properly working unit. And if the unit that you are sinking money into is less than 10 years old, that could be an indication that there is a larger problem with the unit that is causing continuous malfunction, and it may need to be replaced.
There are certain times, though, when repairing your existing unit is the best option. Careful contemplation of your current circumstances and your future plans could reveal the best course of action. For example, consider the length of time you plan on being in your home. You may have plans to move to a bigger house in the near future because you are planning on adding to your family. Or you might only be in a particular city for a temporary job relocation, and you know that your living situation will be changing soon. In these instances, it would be more economical for you to try to repair your system if at all possible.
On the other hand, if you have just purchased a new home and know you will be there permanently, ask the seller for access to the maintenance history of the AC unit. Knowing that the unit has received maintenance on a regular schedule suggests that the unit will need less repair overall in the future, and you can have confidence that these repair costs will be manageable.
Energy efficiency saves you money
Even if you have an older unit that is in good condition, you might still be spending quite a bit on your air conditioning bill because it isn’t equipped with any of the new energy efficiency options that many newer units include. It has been shown that upgrading to a system with improved energy efficiency ratings could save you up to 20 percent on your energy bills. Upgrading to this type of system also raises the value of your home, and could even put you in line to receive rebates. This innovative energy efficiency is also much better for the environment, and can drastically reduce your carbon footprint.
When the time comes and you have to make a choice between keeping and repairing your current AC unit or installing a new one, let your local HVAC companies in St. Louis, MO be your guide. There are pros and cons with either choice, but the knowledgeable technicians at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling can walk you through all of your options so that you are able to make the best decision for you and your family. Contact us today to learn more.
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.
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:
Newer systems break less: From changing the air filters to inspecting coils and fans, regular maintenance is still necessary for HVAC systems both new and old. However, today’s energy efficient systems are built to last and use less electricity, and sturdier units—new systems that are installed properly—will require fewer professional maintenance calls. They are designed to not overwork while still providing you with a comfortable indoor temperature, and many don’t rattle, which is good because rattling can cause screws, joints and components to eventually come loose.
Save money on monthly energy bills: Saving money on monthly energy bills is a top reason homeowners decide to upgrade to greener residential appliances. With seasonal changes always occurring, you want your home’s HVAC system to be up to par and not fail you on cold winter nights or hot summer days. But financial savings is not the only benefit that new and innovative units bring. Start using energy efficient heating and cooling units and you’ll be pleased to know you’re not contributing to unnecessary energy use. Resealing ducts upon new installation can also improve efficiency, thus saving you even more money.
Cash in on local energy saving rebates: Did you know that you can get even more cash back from your energy efficient appliances? Ask HVAC companies in St. Louis, MO to direct you to local power companies offering energy saving rebates when you use energy efficient cooling and heating systems in your home or business. Conserve power and gas, and electric companies will be glad to reward you in the form of specific types of rebates. A few bucks here and few bucks there can add up quickly!
You’ll be investing in your home: Just because you don’t see a dramatic change in your bill overnight doesn’t mean your new energy efficient cooling system is a bust. Consider everything savings-wise, starting with your yearly energy bill to how this type of HVAC system helps to add value to your home. Looking at the big picture, such a unit is a long-term home investment that pays off throughout its lifetime.
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.
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 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:
Lower utility bills: Whether you invest in frequent HVAC maintenance or hire us to install your new energy efficient heater or air conditioning unit, Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling is committed to helping our customers keep their energy bills as low as possible throughout the entire year. In addition to saving you a few bucks, you will also be helping the environment by making your home more sustainable.
Increased home value: Along those same lines, Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling is also able to help you add value to your home. Whether or not you plan to put your home on the market anytime soon, maintaining and increasing the value of your home is always a smart financial investment, and we offer many ways to do that, including maintaining existing appliances, selling new efficient appliances and keeping your vents clean and efficient.
Better health: How strong is your home’s air quality? If you are not sure, then you are risking the chance of letting allergens, mold and other foreign particles infect your air supply, which can cause allergies, asthma, and other serious health conditions for you and your family. By hiring Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling to keep your HVAC system clean and free of contaminants, you are giving them the gift of good health.
Cleaner home: In general, a clean home is a comfortable, safe and inviting home to be in. A faulty or poorly maintained HVAC system can compromise your house’s cleanliness in many different ways, including lower quality air supply, mold and mildew growth, leaking air conditioners and dusty heaters, just to name a few. By allowing us to keep your HVAC system in tip-top shape, you will be able to enjoy a cleaner house all year round.
Friendly service: Any competent HVAC service in St. Louis, MO can give you the services and gifts listed above. But only a local, family owned and operated company with a commitment to customer satisfaction can give you the friendly, helpful and personable customer service that folks have come to expect from Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. We hope to give you the gift of friendly service sometime in the new year.
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.
