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.
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!
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:
Substantial savings: One of the most rewarding benefits of an energy efficient HVAC system is the money you will be able to save on your utility bills. Because these advanced systems are able to store the energy needed to heat and cool your home, your unit won’t have to run constantly to provide the desired temperatures. Upgrading your system can help you save up to 30 percent or more on your energy bills each year.
Extend the life of your system: This improvement in efficiency can also be beneficial for preserving the condition of the system itself. If your system is able to utilize stored energy to maintain the desired output, the risk of overexertion is significantly reduced. In combination with regularly scheduled preventative maintenance, this will help to keep operation costs down. Improved operation also means that you will be able to get more life from your system than you would with a standard system.
Good for the environment: One of the many improved features of modern energy efficient HVAC systems are the sound-absorbing materials that help the unit to run more quietly. Overall, an investment in a new system will help to drastically reduce your noise and environmental pollution levels while lowering your home’s carbon footprint.
Improved airflow: A high energy efficiency HVAC system will also help to improve the airflow within your house. Although this might not be something that you think about all the time, poor airflow from an aged system can affect the health of those living in the home. With improved airflow, the temperatures will always remain where you need them, and your family will be able to enjoy clean, healthy air in the home on a regular basis.
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 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.
Residential and commercial HVAC companies in St Louis, MO are moving toward something better in 2019. This year, manufacturers for the HVAC industry will be introducing products that are said to be both smarter and more efficient. On the innovation front is the push for automation and connectivity in most new HVAC products for home and commercial buildings, all while keeping federal regulations at the forefront. What HVAC industry trends should you be looking for in 2019? Here are a few:
Commercial rooftop units: The biggest manufacturers of commercial rooftop HVAC units have a goal to meet the two-step U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) efficiency requirements that went into effect last year. Step one increased the minimum efficiency by about 10 percent; step two will require an increase of about 25 to 30 percent by 2023. Higher efficiencies are likely to bring more larger, three-phase, two-speed blower motors and more variable frequency drives to units that didn’t have them before.
Intuitive residential products: In 2019, preventative maintenance needs and wants in the residential HVAC market are predicted to grow—especially where damaging leaks and malfunctions are concerned. HVACs are now a huge part of smart homes, so much so that the industry is working hard to meet demands for more intuitive systems. There’s no question about it—intelligent HVAC technologies are on the rise.
Fan efficiency rating for residential furnaces: The HVAC industry is also striving to meet fan efficiency ratings for all residential furnaces. Come July, the fan efficiency rating for furnace motors will see major changes. This aims to save energy and reduce harmful carbon pollution, meaning homeowners with furnaces that meet the requirements can expect to eventually see a reduction in their electricity bills.
Individual business trends
Social media plays a huge role in business success. A strong online presence in 2019 is said to attract people looking for automation and efficiency opportunities as it relates to their HVAC equipment and HVAC service in St Louis, MO. Here’s why:
Customers can find useful information: Convenience is important to a lot of people. Luckily, the internet makes it easy for consumers to shop around for a variety of home services, and it’s only getting easier as technology advances. For HVAC companies, this means having their sales processes and pricing posted online for immediate reference. Customers can even order products and services right off a website without having to leave the house.
Creating trust and transparency: No one wants to spend their hard-earned money on low-quality products or bad service. As 2019 moves along, many HVAC companies are doing everything they can to offer customers the transparency they deserve. They want to build trust and remove as much risk as possible for buyers. When companies utilize technology, they can communicate better with their customers. For example, they are able to show a homeowner how much energy they are saving with their new furnace compared to their old, less-efficient unit.
When you need to schedule a time for HVAC repair in St Louis, MO, look no further than Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. Reach out to us today to book an appointment or learn more about our services!
