Sound Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning Maintenance’ Category

Springtime Means it’s Time for a Tune-Up!

Monday, March 25th, 2019

technician-working-on-air-conditioning-unitTemperatures are generally pretty cool in our area. You don’t usually have to worry about a huge heat wave coming through this time of the year. Yet, now is definitely a great time to begin thinking about your air conditioning system. More specifically, you should be thinking about scheduling your next AC maintenance appointment.

The last thing you want to do is get to the middle of summer and be stuck with a malfunctioning cooling system because you skipped maintenance. Not only is this inconvenient for you already, and uncomfortable, but you’re less likely to be able to get an HVAC technician to come to your home quickly as they’re more likely to be out on repair calls this time of the year.

There’s no time like the present to schedule your next tune-up, but what will this do for your system?

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AC Maintenance: What Does It Involve?

Monday, May 9th, 2016

We all know how important it is to take care of appliances and electronics, but it’s easy to ignore or neglect maintenance tasks, or even not see the value in maintenance. In order to ensure a properly functioning system, however, it’s necessary to schedule AC tune-ups at least once a year. But what does air conditioning maintenance actually involve?

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Why Spring Air Conditioning Maintenance Is So Important

Monday, May 18th, 2015

Most people will call for air conditioning repairs as soon as they notice a problem with their systems. That’s all well and good, but prompt repairs aren’t the only way to keep your air conditioner healthy. In fact, they’re arguably not even the best way. Preventive maintenance is a big part of ensuring that your air conditioner has a long and healthy life. It’s so important, in fact, that most manufacturer warranties list it as a requirement for continued protection. Read on to find out more about why air conditioning maintenance is so important, and why you should schedule it this spring.

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Save Energy and Save Money This Summer

Monday, May 21st, 2012

Some of the quickest ways to waste energy in Des Moines is by over using your air conditioner or using it inefficiently.  Many people are guilty of coming home and trying to create a cool environment as fast as possible by cranking up the air conditioner.  By asking too much from your cooling system you will not cool your house faster, and because of the heavy demand you are putting on your AC you will need air conditioning maintenance more often.  For more ways to save money on energy costs this summer keep reading.

Households throughout the US will spend somewhere between $1,200 and $2,200 per year on energy costs.  With the cost of living in many areas of life skyrocketing, it’s nice to know there are some easy ways to lower at least one household bill: the energy bill.  Of course, some of these fixes are free, and some cost a little time and energy, while others must be paid for as long-term investments.

Free, Do-It-Yourself Energy Solutions

These quick and easy, do-it-yourself, no cost solutions produce energy saving results almost immediately!

  • Adjust the air conditioning thermostat to higher numbers, such as 78 while at home and 85 or higher when away.  Supplement AC usage with a ceiling or room fan, as moving air feels cooler on the skin.
  • Eliminate wasted energy by turning off appliances, lights, and equipment when not in use, unplug electronic chargers when not in use, and get rid of spare appliances such as refrigerators which are plugged in but not in use.
  • Put those dishwashing gloves away and let the dishwasher do the dirty-work!  Dishwashers use less water than washing by hand.  In addition, let the dishes air-dry rather than running through the heat-cycle to save even more.
  • Do laundry more efficiently by washing and rinsing in only cold water, and line dry instead of using the dryer.
  • Use the microwave to cook and not only speed up the cooking process, but use two-thirds less energy than a stove or conventional oven.

Low-Cost, Economical Energy Solutions

Most of these energy saving options can be procured at the local hardware store, are fairly inexpensive, and can be easily done by any competent home-owner.

  • Replace HVAC filters regularly, according to manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Weather-proof your home by plugging air leaks on doors and windows with weather stripping, sealant, or caulk where applicable.
  • Purchase and install ENERGY STAR® certified products such as porch lights, floor and table lamps, pocket lights, and even programmable thermostats to ensure energy using items are using as little energy as possible.

Invest in Energy Solutions

If it is important to you to save energy and money long-term and on a larger scale, there are a number of durable energy-saving investments to consider.

  • Purchase new windows, a new air-conditioning unit, refrigerator, or other household appliances which use less energy than older units
  • Install window and house shading such as patio covers, or strategically plant trees to shade the home during peak times of heat
  • Install a whole house fan which can suck cool air into the home after sundown or in the early morning in order to cool the entire house thus reducing air conditioning usage
  • Seal and insulate all household ducts in crawl spaces and attics
  • Increase or upgrade attic insulation to higher than the standard grade to keep housing temperatures more constant

To save energy also means to save money, and by following any of the simple steps listed above the average consumer can save energy and save money almost immediately.  Please call Sound Heating to learn more ways you can save money on your energy bill.

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