Proper airflow is critical for peak performance and efficiency.
Is your air conditioner located under a deck? Have you had your ductwork inspected recently? Have you changed your furnace filter recently? These are all great questions to ask if you are wondering about proper airflow.
Did you know that restricted airflow is horrible for your HVAC equipment? Restricted airflow can lead to hot and cold spots, inefficient performance, malfunctioning components, and even a shorter system lifespan! Your heating and air conditioning equipment is expensive both upfront and month-to-month (utility bills). So, it’s important that you do the little things to make sure that you get the most out of your equipment.
Here are some things you should do to make sure that your HVAC system has proper airflow.
- Have your ductwork inspected once-a-year to check for buildup and collapsed ducts.
- Make sure to change your furnace filter at least once-per-season. But, this all depends on your household. For example, if you have pets, you may want to consider replacing your filter once-a-month.
- Make sure you don’t plant within two feet of your air conditioner or heat pump.
- Make sure you have proper space between the top and sides of your air conditioner or heat pump. A good rule of thumb is about 18-24 inches.
- Have your condenser cleaned at least once-a-year to make sure dirt and debris is not restricting airflow.
- Keep your vents and registers open ALWAYS. Your heating and cooling system is designed to make a certain amount of square footage feel comfortable.
Make sure you schedule a professional cleaning twice-a-year with your local HVAC contractor – once during the spring for your cooling equipment and again during the fall for your heating equipment. Remember, fall is just around the corner. It’s never too early to start thinking about preventative maintenance.
Do you make sure to schedule preventative maintenance twice-a-year?
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It’s time to get your home ready for fall
Fall is creeping closer and closer. Falling leaves. Football season. Allergies. There are a host of both good and bad things that happen during the fall. So, it’s important that you take these last few weeks to get yourself (and your home) ready for this chillier season.
During the fall, you’ll have to deal with falling leaves and a host of other issues that can really bog down your home and your heating and cooling season. That’s why it is important to start with a clean slate. Many of these tasks have to do with your air conditioner, which may not make too much sense. But remember, your air conditioner is most likely going to be sitting unused for months. It’s better to have dealt with any problems BEFORE you have to kick it on again.
Here are a list of things you want to give attention to before the weather gets too chilly.
- Clean your gutters
- Seal any air leaks around your windows and doors (or in your attic).
- Invest in weather stripping.
- Change your furnace filter.
- Have your ductwork cleaned by a professional.
- Get your air conditioner cleaned by a professional.
Cross these items off before the weather gets too chilly, and you won’t regret it.
Remember, if you are having your air conditioner cleaned before you put it up for the season, always call an HVAC professional.
What else do you do to get ready for fall?
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Remember, it’s never too early to start thinking about fall furnace maintenance.
Fall may not be here for another couple of weeks, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t start thinking about scheduling a maintenance appointment with your local heating and cooling contractor.
Do you want the most efficient performance possible? Do you want powerful heating in the winter? Is your furnace dirty after months of inactivity?
You can get the answers to all of these questions during a preventative maintenance appointment with a local contractor. Yes, it may feel silly to start thinking about winter during the summer. However, those appointment slots can fill up quickly! And, you don’t want to be stuck with a gas furnace that doesn’t work properly when you go to fire it up in November or December.
Here are some of the things a contractor will do during a fall furnace maintenance appointment.
- Clean the burner and heat exchanger if necessary.
- Clean any other component of the furnace that needs it.
- Inspect the venting system.
- Verify that the venting system is operating correctly.
- Check for rust, soot, leaks, corroded electrical contacts and frayed wires.
Remember, the key to a long-lasting, efficient gas furnace is routine maintenance once a year with a heating and cooling professional. All of the above-mentioned services should be performed by a professional HVAC contractor. Furnaces are complex systems. Never attempt DIY maintenance, repairs or installation of a gas furnace system.
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Tricks for keeping cool in your home during the summer
Fall may be creeping closer and closer, but summer temperatures are still very much present. Has it been hotter than usual around your home this summer? There are a lot of things you can do around your home that can help keep things cool when temperatures soar.
Ultimately, you want your equipment to be running as efficiently as possible and operating smoothly. Here is a list of things you can do to make sure that you stay cool during the summer.
- Keep windows and doors closed
- Use blinds and curtains to block sunlight.
- Rearrange your furniture so that you aren’t blocking any vents or registers.
- Keep registers and vents open.
- Check to make sure your pets have not accidentally closed a vent while lying on it.
- Change your furnace filter regularly, particularly if you have pets.
- Shade your south-facing windows.
- Seal any air leaks around your windows and doors.
- Shade your air conditioning condenser (the box that sits outside).
- Have your ducts cleaned each year.
- Have preventable maintenance performed on your air conditioner each year.
Make sure you mark your 2017 calendar for a spring clean and check. It’s never too early to plan ahead!
If you think that your air conditioner is not performing to the best of its ability, contract your local heating and cooling contractor.
Do you do these things every year? What other tasks do you have for keeping cool during the summer?
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Take the time to hire the best contractor for the job.
It doesn’t matter if you are repairing or maintaining your current unit, or replacing an old unit – hiring the right contractor is the ticket to long-term system satisfaction. But, knowing where to start the contractor search can be confusing. The person you find through an internet search for “hvac contractor” obviously is a professional with a business, so they should have all of the skills necessary to do the job, right?
Well, although they are in the minority, there are contractors who present themselves are professionals, but do not use best practices. That is why it is important that you know what to look for in a contractor. Remember, it’s important to get several quotes when you are dealing with heating and air conditioning – especially if there is a new system installation involved.
Here are some ways to spot the very best HVAC contractors.
They look around your house before offering you a quote. If a contractor offers you a quote over the phone, or just jots a quote on the back of a business card without inspecting your home – run! How do they know the scope of the job? How do they really know the size of the equipment you need? How do they know which features will benefit your home? The list goes on and on.
They perform a load calculation before recommending the size of equipment. There are many things that go into calculating the right HVAC equipment size – not just your square footage. Plus, best practices for calculating how much heating and cooling power you need have changed over the years. They’ve gotten more involved, but better! So, simply basing requirements based on existing equipment may not be best practice. Remember, HVAC systems that are too small will constantly run, never reach your desired comfort levels and result in staggering utility bills. And, HVAC systems that are too large won’t run long enough, will not properly dehumdify your home and could result in less-than-ideal comfort levels.
They ask a lot of questions about what YOU are expecting from your home comfort system. How is a contractor going to know what you expect from your home comfort system without asking you? they should ask you what your main goal is – is it to get the most efficiency, reduce indoor allergens, increase comfort, etc?
They don’t just offer a rock-bottom price to land the sale. If a contractor offers a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. There are a lot of costs that are involved with running and maintaining a successful heating and cooling business. These costs may be reflected in the cost of your system. You don’t want your contractor cutting corners when it comes to training, licenses, permits, and more!
They have a positive reputation with past clients. Listen to recommendations from family and friends. Check online reviews. Remember, it is hard to run from a negative reputation with past clients!
Remember, take the time to find the right HVAC contractor. There can be a temptation to rush the process, especially if you are stick in one of the peak heating or cooling seasons without HVAC. But, you won’t regret the time you take to hire the right contractor.
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What affects cooling efficiency? It’s more than you may think.
With a severe heat wave moving over the Midwest, it’s more important than ever to keep the efficiency of your cooling equipment in mind – whether that is an air conditioner or heat pump. Cooling efficiency is important for not only comfort, but reducing how much you spend on cooling during the summer.
In order to really decrease the amount of money you spend on cooling during these extreme heat waves, it’s important that you understand the things that heavily affect cooling efficiency. Here are some things to keep in mind when trying to maximize the efficiency of your cooling equipment.
Airflow. One of the key factors of efficiency is proper airflow. Make sure there is proper clearance around your air conditioner, your system is free from debris and there are no obstructions in your ductwork.
Upkeep. Like your car, your air conditioner needs frequent check-ups. Your air conditioner should be serviced once-per-year (ideally in the spring). If you’ve missed the boat, you can always have a contractor come out and look at your air conditioner at any point in time. Just remember, it is always better to head-off a problem instead of waiting for one to find you.
Air Leaks. Just like too little airflow can be a problem, too much can also be a problem. Make sure you weatherize your home before the cooling season, and make sure to keep windows and doors closed while your air conditioner is in operation.
Thermostat settings. Find the highest temperature you are comfortable with and stick with it. A few degrees isn’t going to kill comfort, but it can make a difference at the end of the month. Frequently changing the temperature of a non-programmable thermostat can also be an efficiency killer. If you want customized temperature settings, invest in a programmable thermostat model.
Think beyond the box outside. There is more to your central cooling system than just the box that sits outside. When you get your system checked, make sure you consider your thermostat, ductwork and indoor equipment (if you have a split system) as well.
Knowing when to replace. If it seems like your cooling bills keep rising year after year, it could be an indication that your system is nearing the ends of its lifespan. If you are having to make frequent repairs and your air conditioner is nearing the 12-year mark, it may be time to consider an efficient replacement.
Always doing your research. When it comes to selecting your equipment, choosing your contractor and running your system at ideal operating levels – research is key. Do you need an air conditioner or heat pump? Is a programmable thermostat the best model for your needs? Do your local contractors have a positive reputation? All of these are great questions to ask.
If it’s time to replace your old cooling system with something more efficient, make sure you get in touch with your local HVAC contractor. They can steer you in the right direction.
Has the hotter summer affected your summer plans? Make sure you stay safe during excessive heat conditioners!
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Is it worth making that air conditioner upgrade? You betcha!
How are the temperatures in your area? I know it’s been a real scorcher in the Midwest. And, if you’re trudging through these hotter months with an old air conditioner, you know just how much those cooling bills can sting during these heat waves.
There comes a certain point in the life of an air conditioner when it makes more sense to replace it rather than continue to make repairs. In fact, a new air conditioner offers more than just a comfort upgrade. Air conditioners produced today are significantly more efficient than older models and offer better features. In fact, because heating and cooling costs can comprise up to 60% of your utility expenses during peak seasons, making an efficiency upgrade can be the best way to lower monthly costs.
Here are a couple of the things that can make the HVAC replacement costs worth it:
- Your air conditioner is over 12 years old
- You have to make frequent repairs
- Your utility bills have significantly increased
- You are suffering from hot and cold spots
- Your air conditioner is loud
- Your air conditioner is constantly running
- There is visible damage to either your indoor or outdoor equipment
- Comfort levels have significantly decreased year over year
If one or more of these issues are affecting your summer, it’s time to start researching your options!
The best way to find out if you are ready for an efficiency upgrade is to talk to your local heating and cooling specialist. Not only can they diagnose problems with your existing system, but, if it is time to replace, they can recommend the best efficiency upgrade for your home.
Have you recently replaced an older model with a newer, more efficient model? Aren’t those efficiency savings great?
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Tricks for getting your home ready for summer (and hotter temperatures)
Temperatures are rising and the summer is here. Now that we’ve trudged through the cold of winter and the allergies of spring, it is time to kick back and enjoy the sunshine. Just make sure you are staying safe in the heat and maximizing efficiency by preparing your home.
I’m sure there are many other things you’d like to spend your money on other than utility bills. That’s why there are things you can do in your home to make sure that you minimize air leaks, maximize efficiency and wind up paying less money at the end of each month.
Here are some things you should do to prep your home for summer.
Change your furnace filter. A clean air filter means better air flow. And, better air flow means better efficiency.
Add window treatments for hotter days. There’s no use running the air conditioner if you’re just going to bake in the sunlight streaming in your south-facing windows. This is an initial investment that could have big comfort pay offs.
Plug air leaks around windows and doors. Fresh air can be great…during the spring and fall in small doses. Small air leaks can have big repercussions at the end of the month. Use caulk or weather stripping to make sure that all air leaks are plugged.
Remove debris from your condenser. Chances are, you’ve already had to use your air conditioner. So, make sure you turn your air conditioner off at the source before you remove any debris. Better yet, have a contractor come out and professionally clean your unit.
Decide at what temperature to set your thermostat. And stick to it! There’s no better way to raise utility bills than constantly fiddling with your thermostat.
Invest in other cooking methods. An oven can really raise the temperature of your kitchen. And, if your thermostat is located near the kitchen, this can result in your system running when it shouldn’t be. Crock pots and grills are great alternatives.
Replace light fixtures with ceiling fans. Ceiling fans can be great for air circulation. This is a particularly good idea for bedrooms.
Utilize shade. Shade your south-facing rooms, your air conditioner or heat pump condenser, and any outdoor living spaces. It’s gearing up to be a hot one and utilizing shade can make all the difference.
If it’s just looking like your air conditioner needs an upgrade, make sure you talk to your local heating and cooling contractor. They can also give you cooling advice to make your summer the best it can possibly be.
What would you add to this list? Do you have something you always do to get your home ready for summer?
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Things you need to know when you first buy your air conditioner.
Have you just made the switch from window units to a central cooling system? Then you know just how wonderful a central cooling system can be – especially during those long, hot summer days.
But, there are some things you should know about your new air conditioner. There are best practices when it comes to running and maintaining your system that must be followed to enjoy premium comfort at the friendliest monthly operating costs.
Registering your unit... Ask your contractor whether this is their responsibility or yours. This is important as most HVAC equipment must be registered within a certain time period to ensure full warranty protection.
Starting at the thermostat... There are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, a programmable thermostat is going to be your best bet when it comes to saving energy on cooling costs month-to-month. If you have a non-programmable thermostat model, know that it is best to choose a temperature and stick to it. Air conditioners actually consume the most energy during on/off cycles. So, it is better to run your air conditioner for longer at a lower level than going through on/off cycles.
Maintaining your system... There are a few maintenance tasks that should be performed routinely to make sure that your system continues running efficiently. These tasks include: regularly changing your furnace air filter, keeping debris and plants away from your outdoor equipment, making sure all registers and vents are open, and scheduling maintenance with your contractor during the spring to ensure the best operation during the summer.
If any problems arise... You should always make sure to turn to your local heating and air conditioning specialist if anything seems wrong with your unit. In all aspects of HVAC equipment, DIY is strongly discouraged – whether it is a repair, maintenance or an installation.
Remember, your air conditioner is one of your most important home comfort systems. A little care can go a long way for long term performance and satisfaction.
What other things do you want to know about your air conditioner?
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Is it time for a new air conditioner? Here are our air conditioner red flags.
As we head into peak cooling season, it’s important that you keep an eye on the performance of your air conditioner. Your air conditioner may be working, but is it working to the best of its ability? And, if you are experiencing below-than-desired performance, is it time to find a replacement?
Here are some red flags you should keep in mind that could indicate that it’s time to find a replacement.
Higher utility bills. During the summer, cooling bills are going to go up – there’s no getting around that. BUT, if it seems lie there has been a significant increase year-over-year (and it’s not due to milder weather) there could be an internal problem with your system. At this point, you should call a contractor.
Louder system. Your air conditioner does make noise while operating, even the quietest units make SOME noise. But, if you’re hearing abnormal banging, clanging or it seems like the unit is louder in general, there could be something wrong with the internal workings of your air conditioner. If there is not an obvious resolution to the problem, turn off the system and call a contractor.
System is on but not blowing cool air. Although this can be a sign of many less problematic issues (like a clogged furnace filter or duct damage). You want to make sure that you immediately turn off your system to avoid further damage. If you’ve checked most of the obvious, external issues and they don’t seem to be the problem – make sure you turn to a professional.
System is constantly running. A system that is constantly running can be a sign that it is too small, the thermostat isn’t working properly, or a host of other issues. If your air conditioner won’t shut off on its own, make sure you turn it off manually (to avoid further damage) and call a contractor.
If you notice any of these red flags (particularly is your unit is reaching the 12-year mark) it may be time to retire the old unit and start looking into something newer. Start the search for a new system by turning to your local heating and air conditioning contractor.