Are you ready to start ticking things off your spring cleaning to-do list?
It’s time to break out the vacuums and dusters! While nobody may like spring cleaning, it is a great idea to do it every year to get rid of the dust and grime that has accumulated over a long winter spent indoors. Not only is spring cleaning good for aesthetic reasons (after all, who likes looking at dust day in and day out), but it is good for your indoor air as well. It helps you breathe easier, can increase home comfort AND may even make your filter last a bit longer.
Here are some things you should keep in mind while getting rid of the dust bunnies this spring.
Air out your home, but not for too long. The air in your home can become stagnant during the winter. Spring is a good time to open the windows and let in a little fresh air. BUT, exercise caution. Remember, the air coming through your windows is unfiltered. This means all sorts of outdoor pollutants and allergens may be coming into your home unfiltered.
Vacuum your carpets. It’s shocking just how many particles can become trapped in your carpets. It’s a good idea to vacuum your carpets regularly, and you may even consider a deep clean during the spring.
Keep the cleaners you use in mind. The chemicals in many household cleaners can lower the quality of your indoor air. This goes for air fresheners as well. Consider other less harmful cleaners, like homemade alternatives make from vinegar or baking soda.
Clean out registers and vents. You can often get to your registers and vents quiet easily. However, an even better idea than just cleaning the areas you can access is to call a contractor and have them clean your entire air distribution network. This can improve indoor air quality and may alert you to any unseen problems your home may have fallen victim to (like bugs or rodents).
Change your furnace filter. While you’re in the cleaning mood, make sure to give your furnace filter a look. A dirty furnace filter can reduce airflow and reduce efficiency. Plus, it could be ineffective at filtering out harmful particles in your indoor air.
Make sure to schedule preventative maintenance. While it is not exactly cleaning related, scheduling a spring maintenance appointment with a local contractor is a must-add to your spring to-do list. Preventative maintenance can alert you to any potential problems AND can help your cooling system run as efficiently as possible during the cooling season.
Still have to schedule your spring preventative maintenance appointment? Make sure you take the time to find the right local contractor for the job.
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Do you know what you want out of your new cooling system?
Is your air conditioner approaching the 16 year mark? Is it just not performing as great as it used to? It may be time to consider a replacement. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by all of the options to choose from when you go to replace your old cooling equipment. With a new air conditioner or heat pump, you can expect not only improved home comfort, but potentially energy savings as well.
Here are some of the things that you should factor into your decision before you choose the cooling system you want in your home.
Efficiency. Even standard-efficiency air conditioners installed today are significantly more efficient than those installed ten years ago. It is a good idea to invest in the most efficient equipment that you can afford. Upfront costs may be higher, but a high-efficiency system may pay for itself over its lifetime through efficient performance.
Air conditioner or heat pump? Have an air conditioner currently? Why not consider switching over to a heat pump? Heat pumps are a great option if you experience all kinds of weather. A heat pump is particularly handy on cooler spring and fall evenings when it is too cool for cooling, but not quite cool enough to warrant the gas furnace. Heat pumps employ a much more efficient method of heat transfer than other electric heating methods (that use heat creation).
Indoor air quality. Do you get the sniffles every year? Feel like you can’t escape your allergies even when you’re indoors? If you’re an allergy sufferer, you may want to consider adding an indoor air quality product, like an electronic air cleaner, to your HVAC system.
Outdoor unit placement. Did you know that where your system is installed matters? When a condenser is placed too close to the home, not only does it make it harder for a contractor to service or maintain your cooling system, but it could be restricting airflow as well. Restricted airflow makes your air conditioner work harder to cool your home, raising utility bills. Also, keep in mind that direct sunlight can also make your air conditioner work harder to cool your home. Make sure you ask your contractor about correct placement when it comes to your new system.
If you aren’t sure whether your air conditioner can make it through another hot summer, make sure you contact your local heating and cooling contractor. Spring is a great time to get a contractor out to your home. During the summer, it can oftentimes take a contractor a while to make it out to your home because of an abundance of emergency calls.
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Do you want to know what your contractor does during spring preventative HVAC maintenance?
Spring HVAC preventative maintenance is the best thing you can do for your HVAC system…and your wallet! During the summer, your air conditioner works hard to make sure your home is at just the right temperature. On hotter days, this can make the air conditioner work harder, which translates to a higher electricity bill. In fact, heating and air conditioning equipment makes up more than HALF of your monthly utility bill spending.
Spring preventative maintenance does a couple of things for your cooling equipment.
- Helps you avoid emergency “no cool” calls during the peak cooling season.
- Helps your unit run as efficiently as possible, saving you money during the peak cooling season.
- Contractors inspect the indoor coil for cleanliness. He will clean the coil if necessary.
- While inside, the contractor will inspect the furnace or air handler blower assembly for proper operation and cleanliness.
- Your contractor will inspect all electrical connections.
- They will check the operation of the compressor and outdoor fan motor.
- Lastly, they will check the system’s refrigerant level. Keep in mind, if the refrigerant level is low, your contractor should check for a leak, NOT just replace the refrigerant. If it is determined that there is a leak, your contractor will either fix the leak or replace the component that is leaking.
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Do you know how to spot the best HVAC contractor?
It’s time to get those air conditioners geared up for the cooling season! Have you scheduled preventative maintenance yet? Scheduling preventative maintenance is the most important thing you can do for your cooling equipment. Not only will this help prevent minor issues from becoming major problems later, but a contractor can also get your unit up and running as efficiently as possible.
The key to successful preventative maintenance – and any HVAC work for that matter – is hiring a qualified professional. It’s important to know what to look for in a contractor to ensure your maintenance, repair or replacement job is going to go as smoothly as possible.
Here are the signs of a quality HVAC contractor.
Makes a house call before giving you a quote. If you are having a new system installed or an old one replaced, it is crucial that you get the best system for your home. A contractor who gives you a quote on the back of a business card or over the phone, without stepping foot in your home, can’t possibly know the type of equipment you need or the amount of work needed for the job.
Reputation matters. It’s not just word-of-mouth recommendations anymore – the internet provides a wealth of information that can help you make an informed hiring decision. You want to make sure that the contractor you hire has a positive reputation with past clients. It is very hard to run from a bad online reputation. So, check those review sites!
Proper documentation. It is important that your contractor is up-to-date on all licenses and permits, as it is with most home improvement projects.
Curious contractors. Your heating and cooling situation is unique. A qualified contractor is going to make sure you get the system you want in your home by asking questions.
It can be tempting to look for the contractor who gives you the best deal, but you do not want to sacrifice quality. Skilled contractors often have higher overhead costs due to things like keeping up with training and running a reputable business. If you think hiring a good contractor is expensive, try hiring an unkilled one.
Don’t know where to start your contractor search? Start here.
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Do you know the best way to run your cooling equipment?
Let’s face it…no one likes to spend money on bills. Unfortunately, one of the biggest contributors to your monthly utility bill expenses is your heating and cooling equipment. Nowadays, it’s hard to imagine getting through a hot summer without the comfort provided by an indoor air conditioner. So, turning your equipment off doesn’t feel like an option.
There are two big things you can attempt to control during the cooling season – airflow and on/off cycles. Restricted airflow and frequent on/off cycles can raise your utility bills. Here are some best practices to ensure you are cooling your home effectively.
Avoid on/off cycles.
- Invest in a programmable thermostat for customized comfort.
- If you have a non-programmable thermostat, keep it at one temperature.
- Don’t switch between heating and cooling mode too frequently. This is important to remember during the spring when temperatures can vary day to day.
- Plant things at least two feet away from your condenser.
- Regularly change your furnace filter.
- Schedule a duct cleaning appointment.
- Keep all vents and registers open at all times.
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What do you do to get ready for summer?
Who is ready for warmer weather, sunny skies and overall summer fun? Luckily, we’re all one step closer to summer. This week marks the first week of spring! This is the time of year that you should give your cooling system some attention. Not only will your air conditioner be in full swing in a few months, but you also want to make sure that your indoor air quality is as high as it can be.
Here are some things you should do around your home to improve the efficiency and performance of your HVAC system, and improve indoor air quality.
Change your furnace filter.
If you have a programmable thermostat, adjust your schedule.
Hang blinds and curtains on south-facing windows to block out sunlight.
Plant a tree to shade areas of your home that receive direct sunlight.
Have your ductwork cleaned.
Schedule air conditioner maintenance with your local heating and cooling contractor.
In fact, scheduling air conditioner maintenance with a reputable local contractor is the most important thing you can do for your heating and cooling equipment.
Have you scheduled an appointment yet? If not, you can start here.
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Are you prepared for the warmer weather?
Happy first week of spring, all! Has warmer weather moved into your area? In the Midwest, the first day of spring brought the first wave of summer for some parts – temperatures nearing 90F! Is your air conditioner ready to tackle the heat?
What is your favorite part of spring? Ours? Spring preventative air conditioner maintenance, of course!
Why is that? Well, it is the best way to get your air conditioner in peak condition for cooling season. During a preventative maintenance appointment, your contractor can catch any minor issues with your cooling equipment that may cause big problems for you during the cooling season. There is nothing worse than a “no cool” call in the middle of July!
Also, remember with spring comes allergies! Those beautiful flowers blooming around you are great to look at, but can wreck havoc on your health. One of the best defenses against springtime allergies is your air filter. Add “change the furnace filter” to your spring cleaning to-do list. This way you can breathe easier.
Are you ready to schedule spring preventative maintenance? Make sure you do some research and find a reputable local heating and cooling contractor. They will be able to perform maintenance AND set you up with IAQ products that can help reduce allergens in your home.
Have you scheduled preventative maintenance yet?
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Do you know how your air conditioner cools?
Your air conditioner is arguably the most important large appliance in your home during the cooling season. You may not notice it when it is working properly, but you sure notice it when it is not working 100%. Each part of an air conditioner plays a crucial role. If one part isn’t working right, the whole system will not work right.
It’s never a good idea to attempt to fix your air conditioner yourself. However, the below definitions can help you understand what your contractor is talking about when they come to work on your heating and cooling equipment.
Compressor. Any central cooling HVAC system uses a compressor. It compresses the refrigerant in your system to get it to the correct pressure and temperature before the refrigerant moves on to the condenser coil.
Condenser Coil. One of two coils that are a part of your central cooling system. The condenser coil is located outdoors (in a split system) and is where heat is removed from the refrigerant – condensing the refrigerant into a liquid.
Evaporator Coil. This is the second of two coils that are located in your central cooling system. In a split system, the evaporator coil is located indoors and is where refrigerant absorbs heat from the air.
Linset. The linset connects your indoor and outdoor equipment (in a split system) and is responsible for circulating the refrigerant through your cooling system.
IAQ. Indoor air quality components are a crucial part of your cooling system. This category includes products that help purify the air, remove allergens, eliminate odors, etc.
Thermostat. Think of the thermostat as the “brains behind the operation.” This is where you control your comfort. A thermostat can be non-programmable, programmable, Wi-Fi compatible, etc.
Refrigerant. Arguably one of the most important components of your cooling system. Refrigerant is what facilitates the transfer of heat either into or out of the air blowing over one of the coils.
Remember, if you think something isn’t right, contact your local heating and cooling contractor. Never attempt to fix your cooling equipment yourself. In fact, now is the time to schedule spring preventative maintenance. This is the best way to avoid any potential problems that could cause a “no cool” call during the busy season.
Are there other cooling components that you want to learn more about?
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Have you switched from heating mode to cooling mode yet?
If you have, do you know what to do with your gas furnace during the hotter months? This particular article covers what people should do if their gas furnace has a pilot light. If you are trying to figure out whether to turn the pilot light off or not, ask yourself the following questions:- Does my gas company charge a base fee?
- Do I know how to easily relight my pilot light when I need heat again?
- Where is my furnace located?
- Are small amounts of heat going to make a big difference?
- Is my furnace in an area that sees a lot of insects that could set up shop in my heating equipment?
- Am I diligent about fall maintenance?
- Replace your old equipment with something more efficient.
- Turn the thermostat up a few degrees.
- Use blinds and curtains to block sunlight in south-facing rooms.
- Schedule spring maintenance to make sure everything is running properly and efficiently.
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Do you know your split-system options?
Is it time to switch your heating and cooling equipment out for something more efficient? There’s no doubt about it, switching to high efficiency is one of the best things you can do to maximize home comfort AND lower utility bills. But, which new system should you choose?
This post will focus on split-system HVAC system in particular. A split system differs from a packaged system. It is comprised of one unit (called the condenser) that sits outside of your home and one heating and coil/air handling component that is located inside of your home. If you are looking for a unit that has all components outside of your home, check out our information about packaged systems.
Here are the different split-system configurations that you may want to consider when you go to replace your old HVAC equipment.
Air Conditioner with Air Handler. If you live in an area that rarely sees the temperature dip below 60F, like portions of Florida or Texas, you can address all of your central cooling needs with an air conditioner paired with an air handler. These units often include back-up heat strips that create original heat using electricity. This is used for those rare, cooler days.
Heat Pump with Air Handler. For other residents of the South, a heat pump paired with an air handler is the right way to go. With this setup, you get all-electric heating and cooling power. When it comes to different electric heating methods, a heat pump is the way to go. Instead of using electricity to CREATE heat (a process used in heating equipment like heat strips or space heaters) it uses heat TRANSFER – a process that consumes less energy.
Air Conditioner with Gas Furnace and Coil. If you are asked to describe a heating and cooling system, chances are this is the one that immediately comes to mind. It is an air conditioner (provides electric cooling capabilities) paired with a gas furnace (provides powerful gas heating power). This can help you address year-round heating and cooling needs – keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Heat Pump with Gas Furnace and Coil. However, is this a better alternative to the air conditioner/gas furnace setup? Well, it all depends on where you live. If you experience a whole range on seasons, a heat pump paired with a gas furnace could be the route you should take. In addition to electric cooling and gas heating, you get the added perk of electric heating that uses heat transfer instead of heat creation – the much more efficient option when it comes to electric heating. This can help you address your heating needs during seasonal transitions more effectively and efficiently.
Does this address all of your split-system heating and cooling questions? If you need additional guidance, don’t hesitate to call your local, qualified heating and air conditioning professional. They can provide a wealth of useful information that can make selecting the right HVAC equipment for your home a breeze.