What Should Be at the Top of Your Checklist for Fall HVAC Service in St. Louis, MO?

Your HVAC system keeps your home comfortable throughout the year, regardless of what the weather forecast might bring your way. While these systems are designed to operate effectively for years, you do have to invest some time and energy into regular HVAC service in St. Louis, MO if you want your system to maintain its performance and longevity.

Why fall HVAC service is so important

To keep an HVAC system performing as efficiently and effectively as possible, it’s important to have it maintained at least once a year. Fall is the perfect time to handle HVAC maintenance, since it optimizes the performance of your system before the heating season arrives.

Here are several different aspects of HVAC maintenance that should be on the top of your fall service checklist:

  • Air filter replacement: Your air filter is essential to the efficiency of your HVAC system, so it’s important to replace or clean it when you do other maintenance on your system. If you don’t change your air filter regularly, debris, dust and other particles will accumulate and restrict proper airflow through your ductwork. Changing this filter regularly allows you to maintain the efficiency of your system throughout the year.
  • Ductwork cleaning: Your ductwork is responsible for carrying air from your HVAC system throughout your home, and keeping your ducts in the best possible condition is essential if you want your system to perform efficiently. You should have your ducts cleaned and inspected to identify any cracks or weak connections in the ductwork. Any damage to your ducts should be repaired as soon as possible to minimize energy waste and improve overall HVAC performance.
  • Minimize clutter and debris: To promote proper airflow and minimize the risk of damage or issues with your system, you need to clear the area around your HVAC units and minimize debris and clutter. If you have an outdoor HVAC unit, like an AC unit, you should clear away any debris within a couple feet of the system. Remove any leaves and cut down grass that could inhibit airflow. Inside, remove clutter from around your heating and cooling systems, as well as your vents and ductwork.
  • Professional tune-up: There are a lot of things you can do on your own to keep your HVAC system operating effectively, but the best way for you to ensure that your system is performing optimally is to invest in professional HVAC service in St. Louis, MO. A professional technician will be able to inspect your system and recommend the maintenance services you need to keep it working great for years to come. They can also identify problems that require repair so you can proactively address issues before they get worse.

Schedule HVAC service in St Louis, MO

For professional help with HVAC service in St. Louis, MO, reach out to Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. Our local business has been providing homeowners with comprehensive HVAC services for decades. We are committed to the quality of our services and the satisfaction of our customers. To find out more about what we have to offer, just give us a call today!

What Can I Do to Keep My Home Cool This Summer?

You want to keep your surroundings cool and comfortable during the summertime, but you don’t want to send your utility bills through the roof in the process. You also don’t want to put unnecessary strain on your AC unit that will reduce its lifespan or require additional HVAC service calls. What can you do?

Try the following tips from your local HVAC service. These steps will help preserve your system and encourage optimal performance throughout the summer months.

Schedule Your Yearly Checkup

Annual maintenance for your unit is crucial. This inspection each cooling season allows a technician to detect any potential issues. Minor adjustments and repairs can be made before any major problems arise. This maintenance will extend the life of your unit and prevent future hassles. You’ll be less likely to find yourself stuck without AC on a hot August day if you schedule this service each year. Try to get this on the calendar in the spring, before you need to use your AC unit for the season.

Keep It Clean

Check your exterior unit occasionally. Make sure the area around it isn’t full of leaves or plants. This debris can choke your unit by blocking airflow, which will make it less effective. Clear away everything from the perimeter of your unit to keep it working optimally.

Replace Your Filter

How often do you replace your HVAC filter? This task should be completed each month during the summertime. Make it a habit to do this when you pay your rent or mortgage, so you don’t forget. A clean filter allows your unit to run more efficiently, which will make your surroundings more comfortable and your utility bill lower. It will also reduce the strain on your AC unit, so you’ll need fewer repairs.

Check Your Thermostat

Make sure you’re not running your AC unit unnecessarily. Use a programmable thermostat to set the temperatures appropriately for times when you are home. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, get in the habit of changing the settings before you leave. Keep in mind that your schedule may change during the summer. Consider whether you should change your settings, either the time or the temperature, to save money this season.

Seal Your House

Make it as easy as possible for your AC unit to cool your home. Check windows and doors and replace seals if they are not tight. Keep window treatments closed during hot summer afternoons to prevent the sunlight from heating up your home. Use ceiling fans to circulate air or personal fans to reduce the amount of AC output you need during the warmest times of the day.

Get More Tips

Would you like to learn more about keeping your home cool this summer? Reach out to the team at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. Our experts have been providing top-quality HVAC service throughout the region since 1999. We are happy to answer any questions you have or provide consultation, repairs or installation. Reach out to us today—we look forward to becoming your AC service partners for life.

The Importance of Scheduling AC Maintenance Before Summer Starts

Summer may already be here, but the hottest part of the season is still a few weeks away. If you haven’t already done so, now’s the time to schedule an appointment with an HVAC service in St. Louis, MO to have a technician come out, inspect your home’s air conditioning system and make sure everything is ready to go for the dog days of summer. After all, the weather’s going to become very hot and humid in a hurry, as it is wont to do in the summer months here in Missouri, so you’re going to want to make sure you have reliable cooling for your home once it does!

Here are just a few of the biggest reasons why it’s such a good idea to make sure you take care of your yearly air conditioning checkup before the weather gets especially hot.

Uncover issues in a timely manner

Consider this: As soon as the summer heat arrives in its full intensity, it will be not just an inconvenience if your air conditioning goes out, but a hardship and even a potential safety hazard in some cases.

Adhering to regular maintenance will keep your air conditioning running reliably all year long, so you won’t have to worry about becoming extremely uncomfortable if your air conditioning dies during a heat wave. You’ll also be able to uncover any potential issues with your AC system early on, before they become more serious problems, which means you can avoid more extensive (and costly) repairs and a potential emergency call to an HVAC technician.

Extend the useful life of your air conditioning

Regular maintenance of your air conditioning and your HVAC system as a whole does not just mean it’ll keep working reliably when you need it; it also ensures your air conditioning will continue working effectively and efficiently for years to come. A well-maintained AC unit can be expected to last much longer than a unit that gets neglected, which saves you money in the long run, as you won’t have to worry about replacement for quite a bit longer than you otherwise would.

Cut down on your energy consumption

A well-maintained air conditioning unit also operates more efficiently than a unit that gets neglected. This is especially important during the hotter parts of the year, when your air conditioner is already running more often. You don’t want to make the unit’s job any harder than it needs to be. Cleaning out the filters, lubricating the parts, inspecting the coolant and making sure all the parts are in good operating condition cuts down on how much energy it takes to run the unit and cool the home. This, in turn, reduces your overall carbon footprint, which is much better for the environment, and also cuts down on how much money you can expect to pay for your cooling bills each month.

These are just a few examples of some of the biggest benefits that come with getting your AC checked out by an HVAC service in St. Louis, MO. Contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today for more information or to schedule an appointment!

Understanding the Benefits of an Energy Efficient HVAC System

Upgrading your HVAC system is a large undertaking, and one of the best ways to ensure that you are getting the most out of your investment is by installing an energy efficient HVAC system. Your local HVAC service in St. Louis, MO is here to tell you about just a few of the many benefits that upgrading your HVAC to a new energy efficient system can provide:

In addition to all of these advantages, an energy efficient system will also be well worth the investment if you decide to sell your home in the near future, as the upgrade can boost the value of your property. To learn more about all of the incentives that a new energy efficient HVAC system offers, give us a call at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. Our HVAC service in St. Louis, MO has specialized in providing high-quality HVAC installation and related services for the past two decades. It is our mission to make sure you are always comfortable in your home, which is why we strive to find the system that is best suited for the needs of your family. Contact us today to schedule your appointment so you can start taking advantage of the benefits of your upgraded system right away. We look forward to helping you soon!

What You Need to Know About SEER

What is a SEER, and why it is important? SEERs are an integral part of HVAC service in St. Louis, MO. Property owners should be familiar with this rating system and what the rating is for their HVAC system.

Do you know yours? Here’s the FAQ from your HVAC service in St. Louis, MO.

What is a SEER?

SEER stands for “seasonal energy efficiency rating.” This rating is required by the U.S. government and is determined by the manufacturer of the HVAC unit. It lets the consumer know how energy efficient the system is. A higher SEER means the unit will consume less energy.

Where can I find my SEER?

Look on the unit itself. Most SEERs are located on the exterior of the system. Check for an energy guide sticker that indicates the rating. If you cannot find it on the unit, you can look up the make and model of the unit online to find its SEER.

What is a good SEER?

For the best results, choose a unit with a SEER of 14 or higher. These units offer the best efficiency. They are also typically quieter and usually last longer. Many also come with upgraded features that minimize maintenance and repairs.

Why is my SEER important?

The SEER indicates the energy efficiency of your unit. If it offers greater efficiency, you’ll save money, time and hassle in the long run. It will cost less to operate the system, it will need fewer repairs and it will deliver a longer lifespan. Greater energy efficiency is also good for the environment, as it conserves resources and reduces pollution.

Is there a minimum required SEER?

Yes. The U.S. government requires minimum ratings for HVAC unit manufacturers. This varies by region. Consult with your local HVAC service in St. Louis, MO to determine the minimum rating for your area. Keep in mind that a higher rating offers multiple benefits, so it can be worth the investment.

Should I replace my current unit with a new one that offers a better SEER?

This might be a good option for your property. If your current unit doesn’t offer good efficiency, you could be wasting dollars every day. A new unit could save you money and provide a more comfortable interior. If your unit is an older model, it could be particularly inefficient. Contact your local HVAC service in St. Louis, MO for a consultation. These professionals can inspect your current unit and review your options for replacement. You may discover that an upgrade will save you money in the long run.

Bring Us Your Questions

Do you have additional questions about your AC system? Contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. We’ve been delivering industry-leading service for residential and commercial AC systems throughout the region since 1999. Our team repairs all heating and cooling equipment brands and even provides 24-hour emergency services. Reach out to us today with any questions or to schedule your next appointment. We look forward to becoming your HVAC service partners for life.