Spring has arrived, and that means the cooling season isn’t far away, especially in some of the warmer parts of the United States. Before the cooling season arrives, it’s a good idea for you to perform some basic maintenance and preparation on your HVAC unit to make sure your equipment is ready for the season.
Here are a few HVAC checks and maintenance tips for the upcoming spring and summer seasons in St. Louis, MO:
Take off lids and covers: Some people cover their exterior units in the winter months to give them some extra protection. If you did so, make sure you remove that cover before you start up the system for the first time this year. Keeping those covers on during operation could limit heat transfer and potentially damage the system. There are many people who forget to remove their covers each year, which can result in some expensive repairs.
Inspect the exterior unit: Take a look at the exterior air conditioning unit, and particularly its panels, which are designed to protect the electrical connections. If you’re missing a panel, or if one is misaligned or damaged, you’re going to want to make sure you get a technician out to fix the issue as soon as possible.
Remove debris: The outdoor condenser can easily trap trash that blows against it, and could also be susceptible to vegetation growth. Make sure to remove any debris or vegetation that grows into or around it. Once you start mulching for the season, avoid packing mulch around the unit’s base, because this could prevent good airflow from occurring.
Change filters: You must change the air filter in your indoor air handler several times a year, and the change of seasons is a good time to do this. This is especially important after the winter, when you’ve likely been running your system much more frequently and thus are more likely to have a significant amount of debris built up in the filter.
Check drainage: There should be a coil drainage hose or condensate line inside. The coil’s temperature will usually be lower than the ambient air around it, which means water will condense on it and drip into the condensate tray. That condensation must flow to a drain, or else the tray will fill up and potentially spill water on to your basement floor. It’s important to make sure your drainage system is functioning properly.
Clean vents and air returns: This is a task you should take on several times a year, and it makes sense to do it when switching from heating to cooling and vice versa. Supply and return air grills and vents should be opened up and cleared of dust or debris. You can use vacuums with hoses to get inside and remove debris that accumulated during the winter. This will help ensure the delivery of clean air throughout the coming season.
Interested in learning more about some of the maintenance tips you can employ to prepare your HVAC system for the upcoming spring and summer seasons in St. Louis, MO? Contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today to schedule your seasonal air conditioning maintenance appointment.
Most HVAC systems can last for 15 to 20 years without failing, but you’ll probably need to buy a new AC or furnace at some point. We recommend purchasing the new unit in the offseason—in other words, buy your AC in the fall or winter and purchase a heater in the spring or summer. Continue reading to learn more about when to get a new HVAC unit in St. Louis, MO:
Better prices: When you wait until the offseason to buy a new HVAC unit, you can often save a bundle. This is because the systems are in lower demand, or HVAC manufacturers are trying to move last year’s models.
Faster service: You’ll need to bring in an HVAC technician to install your new heater or AC. Because we’re not always as busy in the spring or fall, we can make it out to your house for installation much faster.
Cheaper installation: In addition to arriving faster and saving money on the unit itself, an HVAC technician may not charge as much to install it during the offseason. Since they’re less busy, your technician may be willing to negotiate the installation price.
Less inconvenience: If your AC has ever broken down in the summer or your heater has quit working in the dead of winter, you know how uncomfortable your house can get. If you’re proactive about replacing your HVAC unit in the offseason, you can avoid that inconvenience and discomfort altogether!
Signs that it’s time for a new unit
In addition to knowing when to get a new HVAC unit in St. Louis, MO, it’s helpful to know a few of the signs that it’s time for a new heater or air conditioner. If you notice any of the following signs, call an HVAC technician right away to buy a new unit:
Poor performance: Your HVAC unit doesn’t often stop working out of nowhere. Instead, it’ll slowly get less effective at heating or cooling your home. It’s a good idea to call an HVAC pro as soon as you notice a dip in performance to get a full inspection.
Old age: You can expect your HVAC system to last anywhere from 15 to 20 years if you schedule yearly maintenance. But if your unit is getting up there in years, we recommend starting to shop for a new unit during the offseason to save money and avoid a sudden breakdown.
When purchasing a new home: Very rarely do home buyers get everything they want in a new house. If you’re looking at a new house and the HVAC system isn’t up to date, it’s a good idea to install a new one shortly after moving in. You may even get the seller to knock some money off the asking price.
Call us today to install your new AC!
There’s never been a better time than right now to get a new energy-efficient air conditioner. Contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today to purchase your system or to learn more about when to get a new HVAC unit in St. Louis, MO.
Air filters are essential for maintaining HVAC efficiency and indoor air quality. You need to change them regularly, so they continue to perform their vital duties. Never underestimate this component, as it offers much in the way of a healthy home environment. Here are five fun facts about your home air filter in St. Louis, MO:
Clean filters provide airflow: When your HVAC system takes in air to heat or cool your home, it first goes through the air filter. The filter catches allergens, dirt and particles, which keeps them from infiltrating your house. However, if the particles build up, they block the essential airflow that runs your HVAC system. Air dries out and stagnates, making it difficult for respiratory systems and skin. That’s why you must keep the air filter clean and set up a regular HVAC maintenance schedule.
They save you money: Good airflow helps HVAC systems run efficiently. If a blocked or dirty air filter impedes airflow, your furnace or air conditioner works harder and makes more demands on gas and electricity. Those demands show up in your utility bill. Energy costs are already on the rise, and the last thing you need is developments affecting how your HVAC runs. Keep your air filters clean and avoid this extra expense.
One size does not fit all: You need to know your air filter’s specifications, because there is no one type. Air filters come in different styles, sizes and shapes. Your air conditioner may require a standard or custom size. You can find the kind of air filter you need by checking your user manual or seeing specifications on your old air filter. If you cannot ascertain the type, ask your local HVAC technician.
All about the MERV: The industry standard for air filters is the minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV. It starts at one and goes as high as 16. If you want better airflow and efficiency, choose a MERV as high as you can afford. Even if you pay more for these high-rated filters, you will save money on your utility bills. The highest-rated filters catch and capture more particles than the lower-rated ones, and they do not need to be replaced as frequently.
Vacuuming is not enough: Many homeowners seek to save money on air filters by vacuuming the old ones. However, they are disposable for a reason. Vacuuming releases particles, dirt and allergens into your home, contaminating it all over again. Never wash it either, since it will fall apart and become even more useless than when it was dirty. Also, wet air filters grow mold, and that is an entirely new complex problem that makes your home less hospitable.
Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling is your local HVAC specialist in St. Louis, MO. Now that you know these facts about your home air filter, perhaps you feel motivated to check yours and see if it is time to replace it. Contact us today to schedule a maintenance appointment that includes checking and replacing air filters.
As homeowners, there are so many things we have to keep an eye on as the summer turns slowly into fall. Before we can cozy up for the winter, there are still a number of tasks we have to complete to make sure we’re ready for a long winter’s slumber. We mow the grass one last time. We clean out the gutters when the leaves fall. There is so much to keep track of that it’s almost understandable to let one or two chores slip through the crack. After all, there are only so many hours in the day.
If you’re considering neglecting seasonal HVAC maintenance in St. Louis, MO, here are some compelling reasons to schedule an appointment.
Don’t end up shivering
Anyone who has lived through a chilly St. Louis winter understands that when the temperature drops, you want your furnace to be ready to kick into action. Nothing is more discomfiting than needing your furnace, only to find it isn’t up for the job. What’s worse, you can almost bet that when your furnace dies, it will do so at the same time as hundreds of others, thereby guaranteeing you’ll have trouble scheduling repair service.
Preventative maintenance can provide you with a sense of security, knowing that your furnace is ready for the worst that winter has to offer.
Recover from the summer
It takes a special HVAC system to get through a hot and sticky St. Louis summer. Even the best-maintained, top-of-the-line unit will still go through a lot of stress keeping your home cool when the weather is at its worst. At the end of the summer, a round of seasonal HVAC maintenance in St. Louis, MO can ensure that any parts in your system that require repair or replacement are fixed quickly.
Not only will it serve as part of your seasonal prep, but preventative maintenance could end up saving you a whole lot of money.
Preserve your air quality
Homeowners throughout the area worry about their indoor air quality. If you have smokers in the house, or have pets or children, then your HVAC system is a critical component of ensuring you have clean air. When you have a professional perform preventative maintenance, they can replace your filter and clean individual components to ensure your HVAC system works at peak efficiency.
Let the pros prep you
Fall HVAC maintenance in St. Louis, MO doesn’t have to be a chore when you work with Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. Since we opened our doors in 1999, we have established a reputation for excellence in the world of residential and commercial HVAC installation, repair and maintenance.
From the moment you call Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling, you’ll be treated with the respect you deserve. All of our team members are courteous, prompt and highly skilled. That means your HVAC problems will be solved in a timely manner that won’t end up costing you an arm and a leg. Find out the full list of benefits that go hand in hand with working alongside us by calling today!
Your HVAC system is something you never want to neglect. There’s no worse feeling than when the weather turns cold and you need the heat to click on and it fails to do so, or when the same happens with your air conditioner during the summertime. Regular air conditioning maintenance in St. Louis, MO is a great way to make sure any problems are nipped in the bud and you can keep your system in good working order.
HVAC maintenance is easy to schedule, but there may be some question of when it’s actually necessary to do so. At Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling, we’ve found there are certain times of year that are just better than others for customers to schedule HVAC service. Read on for the answers to some common questions that will help you make the appropriate decision for your system.
What does maintenance entail?
When you schedule a maintenance appointment, a technician will give your HVAC system a comprehensive checkup. This involves going over an entire checklist of verifications and items we look for in every system. For something like heating maintenance in St. Louis, MO, this means inspecting every part of the system, testing it to make sure all heating functions work properly and cleaning all parts so they operate with ease. All of these functions are not only checked but also repaired by your technician if needed, keeping small problems at bay so they don’t turn into bigger ones that will cost more money to fix later on.
When’s the best time to schedule maintenance?
The rule of thumb for heating and air conditioning maintenance in St. Louis, MO is that you really want to schedule it before you need it. People rush to their phones in cold weather when their heat fails to click on, and it can be hard to get an appointment—beat the crowds by scheduling your maintenance appointment early in the season. Similarly, for your air conditioning maintenance, you’ll want to get an appointment in the spring before the weather really starts to heat up.
How often should you schedule your maintenance?
Your HVAC systems are finely-tuned machines that should be checked by a professional on a regular basis. For most systems, this means annual maintenance checks for both your heating and cooling components. Ultimately, you don’t want to put off heating service and air conditioning maintenance in St. Louis, MO, because it’s easy for small issues to fester and develop into problems that are more costly and time-consuming to repair. It’s always better to be proactive than reactive.
At Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling, we take HVAC maintenance very seriously, and our two-decade track record speaks for itself. Customers all over the St. Louis area trust us to keep their systems operating smoothly and ensure their families stay comfortable and happy, regardless of what the weather outside has in store. Get in touch with us today to schedule a maintenance appointment for your HVAC system—we look forward to assisting you soon!
