Keep Good Health Indoors By Maintaining Your Air Conditioner
The air in your home can be hazardous to your health. That's because many people do not take the time to properly maintain their air conditioning system. Your air conditioning system is designed to clean and circulate the air in your home.
However, the system must be cleaned and serviced regularly or the air in your home could become toxic. This can be particularly serious for people with health problems. It can also sicken healthy people as well.
The Problem
The air in your home contains dust mites, dead skin cells, and other irritants. When your air conditioning system is functioning properly, it filters those things out of the air and pumps clean air back into your home. However, in order for the system to work as it should, the air filters, the ductwork, and other parts of the HVAC system must be kept clean. Many people go for years without ever having the air filters or other parts of the HVAC system cleaned, repaired, or replaced. The result is dirty air is continually recirculated in their homes.
Exacerbating the Problem
The problem of dirty air being recirculated in the home is made even worse when people use wood-burning fireplaces. Wood-burning fireplaces look great and can give your home and hearth a comforting glow and add a bit of warmth in frigid winter months and at other times during the year. The problem is wood-burning fireplaces release soot, carbon, and particulate matter into the air. If these things are not filtered out in a timely manner, they can make their way into your lungs and make it difficult for you to breathe. This can lead to all kinds of health problems.
Smoking Part of the Problem
If there are smokers in your home or if guests are allowed to smoke when they visit, this adds to the problem. Inhaling secondhand smoke can lead to a whole host of health problems. If your air conditioning system is not functioning properly and there are smokers in your home, that means everyone in your home is inhaling secondhand smoke constantly. While this is particularly bad for the young, the old, and anyone with a compromised cardiovascular system, it can also lead to health problems for seemingly healthy, robust people.
Other Irritants
Dust mites, strong smelling chemicals, pet dander, and even hair spray, glues, paints, and perfumes can also irritate the lungs and lead to health problems if they are allowed to linger in the air. The bottom line is if the homeowner wants to protect their health and the health of others that live in or visit the home, they must pay attention to the maintenance of their air conditioning system. Failure to do so will not only make them uncomfortable, it can be painful and dangerous health wise.
The Solution
The solution to the problem of indoor pollutants is simple. The air conditioning system must be serviced regularly. Some of it can even be done by the homeowner themselves. However, ideally, it's better if they call in a professional at least once or twice a year to check, clean, repair, or replace the filters, ductwork, coils, and fins in the air conditioning system. This not only improves the quality of the air it the home, but it will also improve the performance of the air conditioning system and make it work more effectively, last longer, and save on energy bills.
Air Conditioner Filters
Routinely cleaning or replacing the air filter in the air conditioning system is one of the most important maintenance tasks. This will help to make sure the heavy particulate matter and many of the everyday pollutants found in indoor air is routinely filtered out. This can make a dramatic improvement in the quality of the air in the home and eliminate many health challenges. When dirty air filters are left in place, dirt and other pollutants can get into the evaporator coil and lower the air conditioning systems efficiency and effectiveness by as much as 20%.
An HVAC professional will know where in the ceiling, furnace, wall, ductwork or air conditioning unit the filters are located. They can also let you know if they can be cleaned and reused or must be replaced. Cleaning or replacing the air filter every 30 to 60 days during the cooling season will dramatically improve the indoor air quality and save on energy bills.
Air Conditioner Coils
The evaporator and condenser coils also need to be cleaned regularly. This helps the system to better absorb heat, improve airflow, and conserve energy. It also helps if you keep a 3-foot area around your outdoor condenser free from foliage, debris, and dirt. This will minimize the chances of dirt and debris collecting on its fins. Making sure the aluminum fins on the evaporator and condenser coils are in good condition and the condensate drains are clear will keep excess moisture out of your home and reduce or eliminate the health problems mold and mildew can cause.
Hire a Professional
A well-trained professional HVAC service technician can find and fix the common HVAC system problems. They will make sure it has the right amount of refrigerant, test for refrigerant leaks, capture any refrigerant to be evacuated from the system, check and seal duct leakage, and service the entire system. All of this will make the system work better and protect the health of everyone in the home.
If you have or are concerned about the air quality of your home contact the air conditioning experts at Mahle Cool Air. Our technicians are NATE certified and we are a Bryant factory authorized dealer. Mahle Cool Air can install new air conditioners, and other advanced home air quality equipment at a fair cost and backed by Bryant's 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call or Text us today for more details (941) 203-7955 and don't forget to check out our specials, financing, and rent-to-own air conditioning options. Stay Cool with Mahle!
Summer AC Bills Are Almost Here – Learn How To Lower Your Costs
During the summer, operating without air conditioning can be a tough thing. With temperatures rising above normal, all you need is some cool air to make things a bit bearable.
Downtown Sarasota and Venice FL Can Get Hot and Humid Even In May.
What this means is that your energy costs will definitely shoot up. However, the good news is that there are ways to ensure that you cool your surroundings and at a lower cost. Preparing for the hot season in Venice can help you save more in terms of air conditioning. Here are some tips and tricks on how to do exactly that.
Create Thermal Boundaries
One of the best ways of saving money on air conditioning is by sealing all holes and spewing vents in your home. The trick is to seal any places where air can leak out. The best area to start with is along window seals because these are places where drafts are likely. This extra insulation tactic can be achieved using either caulking or foam.
In case your air conditioning is window-unit, you should ensure that it fits firmly so that there is no air escaping around it. According to experts, creating such thermal boundaries around the home can help you save approximately 20 percent off your air conditioning costs in the summer.
Program your Thermostat
What most homeowners do not know is that they can tweak their thermostats a bit and make their air conditioner do less work. The idea here is to turn up the heat in your home a few degrees so that the air gets warmer. This way, your air conditioner will not be overworked.
The problem arises where you have to turn up your room temperature manually and at specific times. Because this can be hectic, you can consider investing in a programmable thermostat. This kind of thermostat can be programmed at specific times and regulate the temperatures even when you are not around.
Keep the Sun Out!
Another way of ensuring that your air conditioning costs go down during the summer is by keeping the sun out. Any shade is welcome especially since any sunlight in the house will make it difficult for you to keep air cooler. The best way of keeping the sun out is by investing in curtains, which will subsequently create a greenhouse effect and help you maintain cooler temperatures in the house.
If you have a long-term plan, you could consider planting trees and plants with big leaves to create a shade effect in your rooms.
Keep the Filters Clean
If you have never given this a thought, try it and see how effectively it works. When you clean your air conditioner, it enables it to run smoothly. Clogged air conditioner filters are normally overworked because the conditioner has to work extra to circulate air. This, in turn, takes more electricity and it could be the reason why your energy costs are high.
If you can, invest in air conditioning systems that are easy to clean. Removable filters that can be cleaned under a sink are the most convenient because you can clean it any time you suspect it is clogged with dirt.
Use Air Conditioners Wisely
Probably one of the most effective ways of reducing your air conditioning costs during the summer in Venice is to exercise some best practices to save energy.
For instance, if you are not home, there is no reason why you should leave the air conditioner on the whole day. You can turn it up to 80 when you are gone and put it back to comfortable levels when you get home.
Another best practice is to switch on the air conditioner when it is uncomfortably warm. If you can tolerate the temperatures in the room, you could save some of that energy for a time when the warmth is too much to bear. Taking a cold shower to keep you cool and fresh is another trick you can find very useful.
Ask the Experts
Finally, yet importantly, you should consider calling the professionals to check your conditioning systems in preparation for the summer. An energy auditor can help you check the home for any air leaks while an air conditioning expert can check the systems for clogs, rust and grim. The experts can recommend measures such as repairs and re-installation to enable you to save energy during summer. Such checks should be done regularly, at least on a yearly basis, to ensure that your systems work efficiently.
With these tips and tricks, you should be able to save on your energy costs by a big percentage this summer.
If you have very high electric bills call Mahle Cool Air and our NATE certified AC technicians will test and diagnose your air conditioner and provide a solution to keep things cool while bringing your summer AC bills down to size. Call or Text us today for more details (941) 203-7955 and don't forget to check out our specials, financing, and rent-to-own air conditioning options. Stay Cool with Mahle!
How To Cut Your Air Conditioning Costs In Venice This Summer
Energy costs are on the rise. That is why many people dread the hot summers in Venice. Fortunately, there are many ways you can keep your cooling costs down. Below is a list of tips for reducing your air conditioner costs:
Clean The Air Filters
Simple air conditioner maintenance can help you save a lot of money on your cooling costs. When the air filter is dirty, the air conditioner uses a lot more energy because it is working harder. That is why your cooling costs will increase if you do not change the air filter. On the other hand, cleaning the air filter can decrease energy usage.
Most air conditioner filters need to be cleaned at least once a month. It is very simple to clean your air filter. All you have to do is run some water over and then allow it to air dry.
Program Your Thermostat
You can save money on air conditioner costs by turning the temperature up a few degrees. If you have a programmable thermostat, then you can save up to 30 percent on your air conditioner costs. You can adjust the temperature to where it is a few degrees higher during the day or at night while you are sleeping.
Unplug Your Device
Your DVD players, televisions and computers will use energy as long as they are plugged into the wall. That is why it is a good idea to unplug these devices when they are not being used. You can also use a Smart Strip, which is designed to help save energy by cutting power usage when the device is not being used.
Keep in mind that using your overhead fan can also help you save energy. In fact, it is cheaper to use an overhead fan to keep your room cool than it is to turn down the thermostat.
Limit Oven Usage
When you turn your oven on, it causes the temperature in the rest of the house to rise also. This forces your air conditioner to work harder. You may want to consider using your stove-top, toaster oven or outdoor grill to cook instead of your oven. You can also eat pre-prepared meals or order takeout.
Take Cold Showers
You can save energy and money by turning the temperature down on your thermostat. If you reduce the temperature of your thermostat from 130 degrees Fahrenheit to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, then you will be able to save $50 per year.
Call A Professional
It is a good idea to have your air conditioner serviced at least once a year. A professional can detect many problems, such as grime, mold and dust build-up. Despite the fact that yearly AC checkups have many benefits, it is something that people often neglect. In addition to contacting an HVAC technician, you may also want to call an energy auditor. An energy auditor can check for things that can cause your home to waste energy, such as air leaks.
Upgrade Your Systems
Making a few home upgrades can help you save a lot of money. For example, if you have incandescent light bulbs in your home, then you may want to replace them with compact fluorescent light bulbs. These types of light bulbs generate less heat. This helps you keep your home cooler, so the air conditioner does not have to work as hard. Compact fluorescent light bulbs also use less energy.
If you are looking for new appliances, such as washers, dishwashers or televisions, then you will need to look at the Energy Star rating. Additionally, a new air conditioner can use less energy and help you save money, but you will need to purchase one that is the right size for your home. Many people have an air conditioner that is too big for their home, which just wastes energy.
A properly-sized air conditioner will be more energy-efficient. It will also last a lot longer. Call or Text us today for more details (941) 203-7955 and don't forget to check out our specials, financing, and rent-to-own air conditioning options.
Stay Cool with Mahle!