Heating and Cooling Solutions
It’s nearly impossible to imagine going without air conditioning, especially when the hotter weather hits. Air conditioners are a modern home staple, and they’re essential for staying comfortable in your home. Eventually, air conditioners start to wear out and need replacing. But what are the signs it’s time to replace your air conditioner? If you know when to replace your air conditioner, you may avoid the future discomfort of going without home cooling if your unit suddenly fails. Below, we list 8 reasons why it might be time to replace your home’s air conditioner unit.
8 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner
1. Odd Noises Are Coming from the Unit
Is your air conditioner noisier than usual or making funny noises? Worn-out units tend to make more noise than newer units. Noises may include grinding, rattling, banging, etc. If the unit is blocked by dust and debris, sometimes a simple air conditioner repair appointment is all that’s needed. However, if the unit is old and multiple parts are wearing down, it may be time to replace the air conditioner entirely.
2. The Air Smells Strange
Your air conditioner should never emit odd smells. So if the air smells musty or moldy, call an HVAC technician immediately. Strange smells can be caused by dirty air filters, burned-out wire insulation, or mold and mildew buildup. Sometimes a simple cleaning and repair job can fix the problem. But if the air smells of smoke when you run your air conditioner, it may be time to replace your A/C unit before experiencing a costly and potentially dangerous breakdown.
3. Your Energy Bills are Higher
Have you noticed that your monthly energy bill keeps getting higher and higher? Your A/C unit may be the culprit. Older air conditioners have to work harder to keep your entire home cool, which can skyrocket your energy bills. Replacing your old air conditioner with a newer, energy-efficient model can help keep your monthly expenses down and keep your home comfortably cool.
4. Poor Air Quality in Your Home
Is your air conditioner not blowing cold air to the entire house? Is your home feeling more humid than usual? Have you noticed more dust on top of your furniture? These can be signs that you’re in need of an air conditioner replacement. Uneven cooling can be a sign your air conditioner is wearing out and can no longer perform to its previous standards. Also, if your home feels humid and is dustier than typical, this can signal your A/C unit’s ventilation is failing and needs replacing.
5. Your Airflow is Weak
Poor airflow can be a sign of clogged air conditioner filters and ducts. Regularly cleaning your filters and unclogging ducts can help improve your A/C unit’s efficiency. However, if your filters and ducts are in good condition, the problem may be your air conditioner. Having your air conditioner inspected by a technician can help you assess whether the unit needs to be replaced.
6. Unit Needs Frequent and Expensive repairs
If you find yourself constantly calling an HVAC technician for repairs, it might be time to invest the money spent for repairs into an entirely new A/C system. Rather than investing money in an air conditioner that is past its prime, a new system can help you save money in the long run.
7. Your A/C Unit is Over 10 Years Old
This is one of the most common signs it’s time to replace your air conditioner: old age! On average, air conditioners have a lifespan of 10-15 years. If your A/C unit is over 10 years old, it could be underperforming and using up more energy than needed, increasing your monthly energy bill.
8. Air Conditioner Uses R-22 Refrigerant
Air conditioners manufactured before January 2010 used a refrigerant called R-22 or Freon to cool the air inside the house. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discontinued the use of R-22 because of harmful substances in it that can damage the ozone layer. Newer air conditioners use a more environmentally-friendly coolant called R-410A. To have your air conditioner checked to see if it uses R-22, reach out to a qualified HVAC professional for an inspection.
What Should I Look for in a New Air Conditioner Unit?
1.Energy Efficiency
Choosing an energy-efficient air conditioner can help you save on your monthly energy bill in the long term. Many air conditioner types are ENERGY STAR certified, which means they meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) standards for using less energy. The SEER rating is also a measure of an air conditioner’s energy efficiency. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating is the air conditioner’s cooling output divided by the total energy used in a cooling session. The higher the SEER and ENERGY STAR rating, the better the energy efficiency.
2. Price
Your budget is crucial when deciding on an air conditioner unit. If you are looking for whole-home cooling, a central A/C unit is more effective for all-around cooling. They are more expensive, but systems with a higher price tend to be more energy-efficient. This can make them less expensive to run in the long term.
3. Size
You will need to make sure your A/C unit is the right size for your home. If you choose an air conditioner that is too large or small, it can be less efficient and use too much energy.
4. Cooling Power
British Thermal Units (BTUs) measure an air conditioner’s cooling capacity. The higher the BTU number means the more cooling power an air conditioner has. Speak with an HVAC technician to evaluate how many BTUs you need to cool your space.
5. Quality
You want to get the most out of your air conditioner, so choosing one that stands the test of time is important. Make sure your chosen air conditioner has reliable, well-made components so it can last you a long time. At Mountain Heating and Cooling, we recommend air conditioner brands like Trane, Lennox, and Mitsubishi for quality A/C units.
What is the Most Reliable Air Conditioner Brand?
We’ve found Trane to be the most reliable air conditioner brand on the market. As of 2018, Trane has been voted America’s Most Trusted HVAC Brand by Lifestory Research for four years in a row. Trane air conditioner units have up to 22 SEER ratings, and their signature quiet running fans measure at 4dB below competitor’s minimum. Many of their central air conditioners feature TruComfort technology, which lets the A/C unit automatically adjust the temperature while maintaining fan speeds to avoid temperature swings. On top of that, their air conditioner units are among the most durable in the industry. There’s a reason why their slogan is “You Can’t Stop a Trane!”
At Mountain Heating and Cooling, we’re certified Trane HVAC specialists, and we can properly assess which unit would be best for your home’s needs. Reach out to our Bozeman HVAC technicians today to learn more about what Trane air conditioner may fit your home’s needs best.
Next Steps
If your A/C unit is showing signs of wear and tear, reach out to our team to schedule an air conditioner inspection. Our Bozeman air conditioning specialists can take a look at your unit, determine whether it needs repairs or replacement, and make recommendations for what A/C unit fits your home’s cooling needs the best. Fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment, or give us a call at (406) 586-4007.
Heating and Cooling Solutions
Summer in Montana can mean both enjoying adventures under the sun and relaxing in the crisp indoors to escape the heat. If you’re looking forward to coming home to a cool, refreshing environment, you want to ensure your A/C unit is doing its job properly. One of the best ways to make sure your home is in summer shape is with a thorough air duct cleaning.
After a long fall and winter of running your heating, your HVAC system’s air ducts can be dirty and potentially damaged from the constant use. A/C duct cleaning and sealing keeps your home comfortable during the hotter months, supports indoor air quality, and reduces the energy your home can lose from an inefficient HVAC system. At Mountain Heating and Cooling, we offer full-scale air duct cleaning and repair services, and we love to share the tricks of our trade with customers. Read through our advice below on air duct cleaning, its benefits, and how to prep your air ducts for the summer—it’s just around the corner!
How Often Do Air Ducts Need Cleaning?
On average, it’s good practice to schedule an air duct cleaning service every three to five years. However, your location, climate, and HVAC system use could mean you need more frequent cleanings. Additionally, mold and illness can signal that your ducts need cleaning and, perhaps, even replacing.
Reasons to Clean Air Ducts
Like any cleaning service, air conditioning duct cleaning helps keep your home running smoothly and promotes health and wellness. Below are some of the top reasons why air duct cleaning benefits your and your home’s wellbeing:
- Reduces Respiratory Illness – Dirty air ducts can push dust particles and mold spores throughout your home and cause respiratory problems. Some illnesses that may signal your air ducts need cleaning include sinus infections, lingering coughs, and long colds.
- Clears Out Rat & Insect Infestation – Pests like rats and insects frequently nest in air ducts, so cleaning them out regularly can help prevent the spread of illness in your home.
- Removes Mold – Mold can be extremely harmful to your health if left unchecked. Mold spores can easily spread through your ductwork and contaminate your air, causing illness for you and your family. It’s important to remove mold as soon as possible and remove the source of the mold. HVAC technicians can help you take preventative measures to protect your ductwork from mold.
- Clears Buildup from Home Remodels & Renovations – Construction in and around your home generates excessive dust and dirt, which can contaminate your HVAC system.
- Improves Energy Efficiency – If your HVAC system is blocked by dirt and debris, it can either work harder than it should or stop working entirely. This extra effort on your HVAC system consumes unneeded energy, which can mean higher energy bills. Cleaning out your air ducts regularly helps keep energy consumption and monthly expenses to a minimum.
- Extend Your HVAC System’s Longevity – Having your air ducts regularly cleaned and repaired can extend their life expectancy. Removing debris can help prevent clogging issues that cause our HVAC system to work harder and wear out faster.
Hiring a Pro for Air & Heating Duct Cleaning vs DIY
While you can clean your air ducts yourself, hiring professionals will give you better, more thorough results. HVAC technicians have specialized knowledge of duct systems and what impacts duct efficiency. They can pinpoint problem areas that often get overlooked by untrained eyes. For example, comprehensive air duct cleanings not only involve technicians clearing out the aluminum ductwork running throughout your home but examining your diffusers, fan motor, girls, and heating and cooling coils.
Additionally, most homes aren’t equipped with the necessary cleaning tools to efficiently clear out air ducts–your home’s vacuum can only do so much! Professional HVAC companies have specialty vacuums built for air duct cleaning, scrub brushes, air skippers, chemical treatments, and even cameras to ensure the job is done correctly. If you would like to schedule an air duct cleaning appointment with Mountain Heating and Cooling, reach out to us today!
Double Down with Air Duct Sealing
To double down on making sure your air ducts are summer-ready, air duct sealing goes hand-in-hand with air duct cleaning. ENERGY STAR reports that nearly 20 to 30% of the air that goes through your duct system can be lost due to holes, leaks, and poorly connected ducts. This is where air duct sealing comes into play. Air duct sealing plugs any holes or cracks in your ductwork so air quality is consistent, healthy, and efficient. This can cause your utility bills to skyrocket and your HVAC system to work harder than it needs to. Usually, air duct sealant consists of an adhesive compound that fills any gaps and cracks in the ductwork. Many homeowners try to fix these leaks with duct tape, but it is not nearly as efficient as duct sealant. Tape gradually falls off over time, while duct sealing stays.
When you hire an HVAC technician for air conditioning and heating duct cleaning, they are typically able to locate any cracks or damage to your HVAC system while they are cleaning your system. This is extremely more efficient than tracking down duct leaks on your own, especially if you don’t have the proper equipment to fix the damage.
Ready for Expert’s Help? We’ve Got Your Back!
If you’re ready to get your home in summer shape, reach out to our team today. At Mountain Heating and Cooling, our HVAC professionals are well-versed in air duct cleaning and sealing, and we take the care and time to ensure the job is done right the first time. To schedule an appointment, drop us a line here to get the process started.
Heating and Cooling Solutions, Mountain Heating & Cooling News
As Montana starts to transition into spring, now is the perfect time to prepare for the upcoming heat. Once the summer hits, the last thing you want is for your A/C unit to be broken, in maintenance, or waiting to be replaced. Investigating your cooling options and installing a new A/C unit now can save you discomfort when we’re in the thick of summer. There are many air conditioner types on the market, so assessing their features and your cooling needs can help you pick the best unit for your home. We’ve laid out the different air conditioner types available and our top tips for selecting the right A/C unit for your needs.
Air Conditioner Types
Air conditioner types can be broken down into two larger categories: stand-alone units and split-system units. Here’s how they work:
- Stand-alone, or free-standing air conditioner units, are comprised of one device. This device contains both sets of metal coils used for cooling your home. One coil collects the heat from your home while the other dispels the heat outside.
- Split-system air conditioners use two devices to cool your home. One device (usually smaller and quieter) is located in the home, and the other device (usually bigger and noisier) is located outside. The cooling metal coil that collects heat is located in the inside unit, and the coil that dispels heat is in the outside unit.
Stand-Alone Air Conditioner Types
Portable Air Conditioner
These models are very popular for those looking for a single room air conditioner. They’re cheap, no-fuss units that can be easily moved around the room of your choice. Hot air collected by the unit is dispelled outside by an air pipe through an exterior wall or window. While they’re easy to move around, the air pipe needs to be moved as well, so they can take up extra floor space.
Window Unit Air Conditioner
These units are self-contained units that are either placed in a window or through a hole in the wall. One part of the unit faces indoors while the other faces outdoors. The part facing indoors collects the hot air, and the part facing outdoors expels the hot air outside. They come in a variety of sizes, and the bigger the unit, the more cool air it generates. You can normally install these units yourself and they typically have a low upfront cost. However, because of their singular, static locations, their cooling capabilities are limited to a single room.
Wall or Floor Mounted Air Conditioner
These air conditioner types can be both stand-alone or split-system units. Using strong supports, these units can either be mounted to the wall or floor with pipes going through the wall to release the hot air outdoors. If run continuously, the units and pipes can become warm to the touch if you are not careful. These units are typically better for single rooms, as the airflow is localized to one place. Floor mounted air conditioners typically cool the room quicker than wall mounted units, as the fan blows cool air at your level.
Split-System Air Conditioner Types
Ductless Air Conditioner
Ductless air conditioners, also known as mini split air conditioners, have become extremely popular over the years. They are great options for apartments or homes with no ductwork and those looking for a more permanent air conditioning solution than window air conditioners. They have two units that are installed on the interior and exterior of your residence. Tubing connects the two systems through the wall that separates them. These are efficient air conditioner types that can be installed in a single room or installed in each room for whole-home cooling. It can become pricy to install a mini split air conditioner in every room in the house, so central air conditioners are more optimal for whole-home cooling.
Central Air Conditioner
If you have a large home and want to cool many rooms at once, a central air conditioner is the best choice for your home. Central air conditioner units are able to cool multiple rooms in your home simultaneously and quietly. They use a split system setup, where the condensing unit is located outside and the evaporative unit is inside next to your furnace. They connect together using refrigerant tubing. The condensing unit generates cool air that is pushed into the evaporative unit. Then, the evaporative unit propels the cool air into your home through your furnace duct system. While central air conditioners are the most expensive option, they are extremely effective and efficient.
5 Tips for Choosing the Right Air Conditioner Type
- Energy Efficiency – Choosing an energy-efficient air conditioner can help you save money on your monthly energy bill in the long run. Many air conditioner types are ENERGY STAR certified, which means they meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) standards for using less energy. The higher the ENERGY STAR number, the more energy-efficient an air conditioner is.
SEER rating is also a great measure of an air conditioner’s energy efficiency. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating is the air conditioner’s cooling output divided by the total energy used in a cooling session. Like ENERGY STAR ratings, the higher the SEER rating, the better the energy efficiency.
- Price – Your budget is king when deciding on an air conditioner unit. If you’re looking for cheap, easy cooling for a single room, a window air conditioner or portable air conditioner maybe your best option. If you are looking for whole-home cooling, a central A/C unit is more expensive but more effective for all-around cooling. Remember that systems with a higher price tend to be more energy-efficient, which can make them less expensive to run in the long term.
- Size – You will need to make sure your A/C unit is the right size for your desired location. If you choose an air conditioner that is too large or small, it can be less efficient and use too much energy. Consult with a professional HVAC technician to ensure you choose an A/C unit with the right dimensions.
- Cooling Power – British Thermal Units (BTUs) are the measure of an air conditioner’s cooling capacity. The higher the BTU number means the more cooling power an air conditioner has. You will need an air conditioner with the BTUs necessary to properly cool your space. Air conditioners can range from 5,000 to 36,000 BTUs, so speak with an HVAC technician to evaluate how many BTUs you need to cool your space.
- Quality – You want to get the most out of your air conditioner, so choosing one that stands the test of time is important. Make sure your chosen air conditioner has reliable, well-made components so it can last you a long time. At Mountain Heating and Cooling, we recommend air conditioner brands like Trane, Lennox, and Mitsubishi for quality A/C units. Typically, more expensive units are higher in quality, but it’s important to choose an A/C unit with specifications that match your cooling needs.
If you need a hand selecting a quality A/C unit, our highly-trained HVAC technicians understand the differences between various A/C units and can help you choose the best unit for your home. Chat with our technicians today.
Need an Expert’s Advice? We’ve Got Your Back!
Choosing an air conditioner unit can be a challenge, so it’s important to get an expert’s advice to ensure your home stays comfortable and operational during the summer. If you need a hand selecting an air conditioner unit before the warm months hit, schedule an appointment with our air conditioning specialists today. At Mountain Heating and Cooling, we take the time to understand your needs and budget so that you can make informed, confident decisions for your home. To schedule an appointment, fill out a contact form or call us at (406) 586-4007.
Heating and Cooling Solutions
It’s normal for frost to gather on your heat pump in winter weather. However, an excessive amount of ice can damage your heat pump system and cause it to freeze and stop working. The last thing you want in the Montana winter is to lose heat and be uncomfortable in your home. You can take steps now to get your heat pump winter-ready so you do not need to go without heat or call for an emergency heat pump repair. To prepare your home for the cold, we’ve laid out the warning signs of a frozen heat pump and the top tips for how to prevent a frozen heat pump in winter weather.
How Does a Heat Pump Work in Winter?
Heat pumps pull warm air from the outside and use it to heat your home in the winter. Even if it’s below zero, heat pumps can pull heat from the outside air. Heat pumps use a smaller amount of electricity to operate, which makes them less expensive to run than a gas furnace. Typically, heat pumps are partnered with a natural gas furnace option so that the furnace can kick on when the temperature drops below a heat pump’s threshold.
Heat pumps will often switch into defrost mode when the weather gets icier. The defrost mode helps keep ice from forming on the outdoor components of the system and heat the coils back up to the correct temperature. However, if the defrost system cycles on too often or fails to turn on at all, this can be a sign that the heat pump is frozen and faulty.
Warning Signs of a Frozen Heat Pump
There are several warning signs that your heat pump has frozen and needs a technician’s help to repair it. Warning signs of a frozen heat pump may include the following:
- The heat pump has been frozen over for a long period of time.
- The defrost cycle is not working or activating.
- Air is not entering the unit’s fins.
- The inner coil is completely covered in ice.
If your heat pump is frozen, it will take the experience and knowledge of an HVAC technician to fix the unit. At Mountain Heating and Cooling today, we know how to expertly repair and replace heat pumps, and we take extreme care in doing so. We value you and your family’s comfort, so we want to get your heat pump unit back to normal ASAP. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.
Tips for How to Prevent a Frozen Heat Pump in Winter
If your heat pump keeps freezing up in winter weather, taking preventative measures now can help save you time, money, and discomfort later. Below, we’ve listed the top ways for how to prevent a frozen heat pump in winter weather.
Clean & Change Your Filter
Air filters can become dirty and blocked over time, which can cause your heat pump to freeze in the winter. Regularly clean and change your air filter to make sure unhindered air is flowing through your heat pump.
Remove any Blockages
Having proper airflow to your heat pump is crucial to keep the fans and coils running optimally. To prevent blockages, clear away any leaves, debris, or snowdrifts that could be blocking your heat pump. If the coils on the heat pump are dirty, cleaning them can help prevent them from freezing.
Clear Away Ice Buildup
Freezing rain and icy weather can cause the top of your unit to freeze. If you notice ice buildup on your heat pump, clear it away immediately. You can remove ice buildup with water from a garden hose, but don’t use other methods to melt the ice, as it could damage your heat pump unit.
Keep an Eye on the Weather
Checking on your local weather forecast for snow and icy weather can help you know whether you may need to clear ice or snow off of your heat pump. If you get thick snowfall or an ice storm, make sure to take time to remove any blockages from your heat pump unit when it is safe to do so.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Sometimes thermostats malfunction and can cause your heat pump to stop working, as well. Scheduling a regular maintenance check with an HVAC technician can help prevent malfunctions and resolve any issues that could cause your heat pump to break down in the future.
Frozen Heat Pump? Give us a Call Today!
Going without heat in your home is extremely uncomfortable, so call a professional HVAC technician to repair and maintain your heat pump today. At Mountain Heating and Cooling, we have 40 years of experience under our belt, so we’ve repaired many frozen heat pumps in winter weather during our years of service. We put your comfort first with our services and treat your home like it is our own. We make sure to take the time to repair and check over your heat pump properly so we can recommend the best solutions for your home. If you need help with maintaining or repairing your home’s heat pump, call us today at (406) 586-4007.
Heating and Cooling Solutions
One of the best ways to save money this winter is upgrading your home with an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat. The intuitive functions of smart thermostats open up a variety of options for you to customize your home’s settings and save money. If you have ever asked “Do smart thermostats save money in the winter?”, we’ve laid out the top benefits of smart thermostats to answer your question.
Why is ENERGY STAR Certification Important When Choosing a Smart Thermostat?
ENERGY STAR products have been verified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to use less energy than standard products on the market. Using products that save energy creates a positive domino effect for your home and heating bills. Saving energy means saving extra work for your home, which means saving money on your heating bills. So, when you choose to use an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat, you are choosing a device that’s been verified to save energy, therefore saving you money.
At Mountain Heating and Cooling, we use ENERGY STAR certified products like Nexia and Trane smart thermostats to ensure your heating and cooling systems operate efficiently and cost-effectively. We use a variety of ENERGY STAR certified products, so you can consult with one of our experts to decide which of our recommended brands works best for your home.
How Do Smart Thermostats Save Money in Wintertime?
When the temperature outside drops, you typically react by cranking up the temperature inside of your home. However, this can easily lead to hefty heating bills and a lighter wallet. Smart thermostats allow you more opportunities to better regulate your heating and cooling system and optimize your home to save energy. If you’re wondering how do smart thermostats save money in the wintertime, we’ve listed the top energy-saving features of smart thermostats.
Programmable Temperature Settings
One of the main benefits of smart thermostats is being able to program custom heating and cooling settings. Smart thermostats allow you to schedule what time of day the heating kicks on or turns down, so you don’t waste extra heating power while you are away from home. During the winter, if your home has a lower interior temperature, this means you have a slower loss of heat. The slower your loss of heat, the more energy you save in the long run.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends setting your smart thermostat to 68°F while you are at home and setting it at a lower temp while you’re asleep or away from the house. You can even save as much as 10% a year on your heating bill by turning down your thermostat by 10°F for 8 hours a day.
Uses Real-Time Weather Information
Many of the most popular smart thermostats on the market use real-time weather data to gauge what to set your home temperature at. Smart thermostats that connect to the internet can access information about the weather conditions outside of your home. Using this information, your smart thermostat can adjust the temperature of your home accordingly to save money and increase efficiency.
Accessible Setting Scheduling
One of the most convenient features of smart thermostats is their scheduling accessibility. Many smart thermostats allow you to program and adjust your home’s smart thermostat from your tablet, computer, or smartphone. You can easily lower your home’s heating temperature when you’re at the office or on vacation, helping you save energy and money.
Chat with Smart Thermostat Installation Experts
If you’re interested in installing a smart thermostat in your home this winter, reach out to the HVAC experts at Mountain Heating & Cooling. We have years of experience in finding the perfect solution for your heating and cooling needs. We know smart thermostats inside and out, and we will take the time to get to know your needs to make sure we fit the right system and model to your home. Give us a call to arrange an appointment today.
Heating and Cooling Solutions
Winter is not an easy time for your energy bill. In the colder months, you typically use more energy to heat the entire home. The constant use of heat can not only raise your bills, but it can overwork your HVAC system and lead to leaks and breaks. The last thing you want to deal with during the winter is a broken furnace. No one wants a chilly house. To keep your heating and cooling systems running efficiently and your energy bills manageable, it’s important to know how to make your home energy-friendly. A great measure of your home’s energy efficiency is the Energy Star rating system.
What is the Energy Star rating system?
Energy Star—trademarked as ENERGY STAR— is a federal voluntary program operated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Energy Star educates people on how to save money and improve the environment through energy efficiency, much of which starts in the home. To help home and building owners select energy-efficient products Energy Star researches, identifies, and promotes products that fit their standards and place their “seal of approval” on these products. They even have an Energy star rating system to show which products are the most energy-efficient and, therefore, “Energy Star Certified.”
Using tips and tricks from the Energy Star, we’ve put together a guide for keeping your electrical bills low and energy rating high during the wintertime.
Winter Energy Efficiency Guide
Regularly Change Your Air Filter
Dirty air filters slow down airflow and make your HVAC system work harder to keep your home warm. This not only wastes energy, but it overworks your system and increases your heating bill. During heavy use months, like the winter and summer, check your air filter every month. Folks often ask us how often they should change their air filter, and the answer depends on how dirty or clean it is. If it looks dirty, replace the air filter immediately. Leaving an air filter unchanged can lead to expensive maintenance or early system failure later on. If it is clean, air filters can last up to three months unchanged.
Tune or Replace HVAC Equipment
Just like regularly visiting the dentist for a cleaning, checking and tuning your HVAC equipment every year can improve its efficiency and your comfort. Ideally, have your system checked before the winter season hits so you can catch and repair any small problems before the cold weather settles in.
Since 50% of your utility bill goes into heating your home, having your furnace inspected regularly can help you save money in the long run. We recommend checking and fixing your furnace about once a year for optimal performance. With the tune-ups, remember to change your furnace filter every month or as prescribed by the manufacturer. This will help regulate the proper flow of warm air throughout your home.
If your furnace is outdated (10 or more years old) or broken beyond reasonable repair, contact an HVAC professional for furnace installation services. Many HVAC companies, like Mountain Heating and Cooling, have furnace options that are Energy Star verified, so you can have peace of mind knowing you’ve made the right choice for your space.
Clean and Check Vents
Your heating system runs best when there is nothing obstructing the flow of air from returns and vents. Having clogged or blocked vents can cause your heating system to overwork, putting out more energy than is actually needed. To ensure your vents’ efficiency, regularly clean vents by removing dust and debris. Also, move any furniture or items that are blocking your vents.
Find and Fix Leaks
Drafty windows and doors can cause nearly one-third of your home’s heat to escape. Before the cold winter air sets in, it’s important to find and fix any leaks that are draining your heating system and bank account. Things to look for leaks include cracks around ducts, window frames, doors, vents, and chimneys. You can often seal these with weatherstripping and caulking. For an expert’s advice, reach out to an HVAC professional like Mountain Heating & Cooling for an in-depth home inspection.
Now is better than later to start preparing your home for the winter. When the cold air and snowy weather hits, it can often be an inconvenience to make major changes that impact your HVAC system. To ensure your peace of mind and keep your energy bill low this winter, schedule an HVAC system check with Mountain Heating & Cooling. Our team has years of experience finding the perfect solutions for your home. We take the time to know your needs to make sure we pair the right system and model to your home. Give us a call to schedule your appointment today.
