It’s no secret that air conditioner filters play a major role in maintaining healthy indoor air quality. But did you know that the frequency you replace them can impact your home, family, and budget? Taking too long to change your AC filter can lead to many problems, from high energy bills to poor indoor air quality. But how often should you change your AC filter? The answer isn’t exactly simple; it depends on several factors: 1. Types of Filters The type of filter you have affects how often it needs replacement. Types of filters include the following: Fiberglass Filters Fiberglass filters are the most basic type of AC filter available. They aim to protect your air conditioning system rather than improve indoor air quality. Despite being inexpensive, they need replacing monthly due to their low efficiency at trapping dust and pollutants. Pleated Filters Pleated filters are better than fiberglass filters in terms of performance and cost. They have more surface area to trap particles. The thicker the wrinkles, the better the filter’s efficiency. These filters need replacing every three to six months, depending on the air quality in your home. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters HEPA filters are the best...
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Regular air conditioning inspections are an important part of HVAC maintenance. Of course, a professional maintenance visit is the only way to ensure your AC is running optimally, but it’s also a good idea to casually inspect your AC on your own a couple of times a year. This allows you to find any potential issues and get them fixed before they become worse. If you want to keep your air conditioner functioning as effectively as possible, it’s essential to keep an eye out for these warning signs. Malfunctioning Thermostat Problems Start your inspection by checking out the thermostat. You can test indoor air temperature with a thermostat to see if the thermostat is properly calibrated, but keep in mind that HVAC professionals will have more accurate equipment for testing air temperatures. You should also make sure the thermostat is communicating correctly with your AC system. To do this, turn the thermostat temperature down to see if the AC kicks on and up to see if the AC turns off. Debris Around the Exterior Unit Don’t forget to include the outdoor unit in your inspection. This part of your AC system helps to dissipate excess heat outside. However, if it’s...
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Even in places like Oak Harbor which typically experience mild summer weather, keeping your home cool can still be quite costly. The steadily rising energy prices mean that most homeowners are constantly looking for ways to lower their energy costs without sacrificing their home comfort. If you’re looking to save some money on your energy bills this summer, here are a few simple tips you should definitely consider. 1. Schedule an AC Tune-Up Having your AC system professionally serviced, cleaned and inspected is essential for limiting how much energy the system uses. If the system isn’t serviced yearly, it can start to experience a variety of issues that reduce its energy efficiency and limit its effectiveness. Issues like leaking ductwork or a dirty evaporator coil can potentially increase energy usage by 25% or more, and these can easily be avoided by scheduling an annual AC tune-up service. Having the system inspected is also important for identifying and preventing issues that could cause the system to break down or shorten the lifespan of your AC unit. 2. Keep Window Coverings Closed During the Day Windows are always one of the biggest sources of heat gain. If you leave your curtains, drapes...
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While summer’s heat is still upon us, cooler days are just around the corner. As you’re getting ready for fall and winter in Oak Harbor, WA, season-ending HVAC maintenance is a step that shouldn’t be skipped. If you’re not sure where to start, read on for some easy tips from the experts. Replace Your Air Filter Often, homeowners forget about their air filters because they are getting their furnaces ready for winter. However, air filter changes are one of the easiest and least expensive ways to keep your home’s air conditioning system in top condition. Though most systems do well with a new filter every 90 days, yours may need more frequent changes. Refer to your system manual or ask in Oak Harbor for filter advice. Gradually Cut Back on Usage If your air conditioner has been running constantly from June through September, it might be time to give it a little break. As autumn approaches, the temperature will begin to drop, so it’s safe to gradually reduce your air conditioning usage. Think about raising the thermostat setting by a few degrees to give your overworked AC a breather. Close the blinds during the hottest part of the day to...
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Nothing feels as good as coming in from the heat into a well-conditioned and refreshed house. Good air conditioning is part of what makes your home comfortable in the summer months. However, as time goes by, you might notice that the excellent air conditioning you experienced shortly after installing the air conditioning system is no more. This could be due to various causes, such as failed components in the unit or simply a lack of cleaning. Cleaning the AC unit is critical if you want to ensure that your unit is well maintained. Additionally, regular cleaning will help you save your system from expensive repairs. It’ll also minimize electricity costs and keep your home comfortable and pleasant. Cleaning an air conditioner is a process that involves multiple components. For most air conditioners, cleaning involves the following parts: Indoor AC component that contains the evaporator coils Outdoor AC Component that houses the condenser coil The AC filter Complete the following steps to successfully clean your air conditioner. 1. Switch Off the Power Supply An air conditioning unit consists of many electrical parts. For safety purposes, turn off any power supply to the air conditioner components. You can do this at the...
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There are many benefits to having clean windows in your home or office, and improving the energy efficiency of a building is one of them. Getting regular cleanings for your windows could be a great investment in your property. Whether you live in an environment where rain splatters on your windows and leaves marks, or there’s dust blowing in the air, window cleaning is critical. Let in More Sunlight Getting the dirt off of your windows can let in more sunlight. This is especially important in the winters when passive solar heating can add a lot of energy to your home. Not having spots of dirt all over the glass can also provide higher-quality light in your building and make for a better environment. The dirt can reflect and refract the light so that it doesn’t make it into your home to help heat it. Protect Your Window Energy-efficient windows have coatings on them to reduce their ability to transfer heat. It does this by minimizing the convection and conduction that occurs through a window when there is a temperature differential. Since heat loss through windows often contributes up to 30% of the total heat loss from a residential building,...
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Your AC’s air filter is easy to change. By completing this task periodically, you can help prevent many expensive AC problems. Air filters that become too dirty cause decreased efficiency and airflow in the cooling system. In turn, this may cause additional problems, such as high energy bills, warm air, weak airflow, and poor indoor air quality. High Energy Bills A common problem that occurs when you don’t change the air filter based on the manufacturer’s recommendations is an increase in your energy bill. You don’t want to wait until you receive your energy bill to know your air filter caused efficiency problems in your air conditioner, so remember to always change it on schedule. Warm Air When the air filter becomes clogged, the AC’s compressors may overheat. If your air conditioner begins blowing warm air instead of cold air and you haven’t changed the air filter on schedule, then the compressors have probably overheated. At this point, your AC may still need repair after you change the air filter because overheated compressors can cause damage to the system. Weak Airflow Clogged air filters don’t allow air to freely circulate throughout your cooling system. Aside from causing inefficiency, this can...
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