Does AC Maintenance Reduce Electric Bill?
Are you looking for ways to reduce the cost of using your central air conditioning system this spring and summer? One of the simplest solutions to lowering your electric bill comes with routine maintenance on your AC. Not only does this help to cool your home faster, it will also drive down those high energy bills by providing your with energy efficient cooling. Our team works with home and business owners to drive down these costs by cleaning and inspecting every part of their AC system. This can also help save you money by catching small problems in their early stages before they have the chance to develop into costly issues that can also rise your utility bill charges. Other Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill Set AC System on a Schedule Your electricity bill will take a heavy hit if you aren’t using your AC correctly. Keeping your thermostat at a constant temperature may seem like a great idea, but raising and lowering the temperatures can actually save you a ton of money. If you aren’t home during the day, turn it up. If you sleep better when it’s cooler, turn it down. Adjusting the temperature to fit your schedule will ensure you’re getting the most out of your unit, enjoying the cool air when you need it most, and will ultimately lower your electricity bill. Become a Fan of Fans Although fans don’t cool the air around them, they do circulate air. This breeze can make a room feel cooler. When fans are running, turn your thermostat up. Not only are they already using energy by being plugged in, but you also won’t need the AC unit to run as cool with fans blowing. Place fans on opposite sides of a room to create a tunnel effect that […]
Why Should I Hire a Trane Comfort Specialist?
Not every HVAC company that works with Trane products has the honorary title of Trane Comfort Specialist. This is a title that is reserved for dealers who adhere to the highest standard of customer service, training, and industry expertise. Autumn Mechanical has worked hard to earn this title and prove to the communities they work in that they are prepared to offer the highest quality of craftsmanship and care. What can I expect when working with a dealer? Your HVAC dealer is there to help take the confusion out of heating and cooling by guiding you through every step of the way. These are the five general steps you can expect to follow as you start working with an HVAC dealer to find the perfect system for your home. Step 1: Submit a request To kick off the process of working with an HVAC dealer, you’ll need to submit a request. This can be done electronically in various places on the Trane residential website by using our contact a dealer form, or by calling our customer service number at 1-877-640-2497. Submitting a request lets us know you’re ready to begin the process of finding, replacing, or repairing your HVAC system. The information you provide online or over the phone will be sent to an independent Trane dealer in your area, who will then contact you to arrange a time to visit your home. Step 2: Assessment of needs After the initial request, the HVAC dealer will complete an assessment of your needs. This process can take place in person or over the phone. During this time, the dealer will get to know you and your lifestyle in order to find an HVAC system that fits your needs. The dealer will ask questions about the factors that are important to you […]
Increase the Lifespan of Your AC with Maintenance
Home and business owners understand the importance of having an air conditioner unit in your space that you can rely on. These appliances are more than purchases, they are major investments into the comfort and climate control of our spaces. It is possible to extend the lifespan of your HVAC system by keep it serviced with regular maintenance. Routine air conditioner service will allow you to monitor your air quality, reduce utility bills, and ultimately extend the life of your HVAC unit. Regular wear and tear cannot be avoided, however, routine maintenance can catch small problems as they begin to develop and prevent major breakdowns, which saves you money. Direct Energy shares the following tips to extend the life of your air conditioner: 1. Schedule two tune ups per year. HVAC systems aren’t particularly high maintenance, but that doesn’t mean routine maintenance isn’t important. Your air conditioner and furnace should both be inspected, cleaned and tuned up every year. It’s best to schedule your air conditioner service in spring and your furnace service in late summer or early fall — that way, your system will be optimized for efficiency the first day you need it, and if a serious problem is discovered, you can deal with it before it comes time to switch systems. Tune ups typically include a thorough inspection and lubrication of all moving parts, condenser cleaning, clearing buildup out of the condensate drain tube, checking refrigerant levels, replacing filters, checking the heat exchanger for cracks and other tasks that make your system safer, more efficient and longer-lasting. 2. Change the filter regularly. Though your HVAC technician should check your filters during your twice-annual checkups, this task is really up to the homeowner. Most homeowners use disposable 30-day fiberglass filters or 3-month pleated filters, and these should be […]
Book Your Routine AC Maintenance Before Spring
In Houston and surrounding areas, we do not experience much in terms of a cold season. As March quickly approaches, it is a good time to consider having your air conditioner inspected and tuned up to ensure you are ready for the long warm season that looms ahead. Our team works with home and business owners to ensure their AC units are in excellent working order. We do this by meticulously inspecting each piece of your HVAC system, checking for worn down parts or any malfunctions that may be interrupting your service. Book your routine AC maintenance before spring with the team at Autumn Mechanical. What Happens During an AC Inspection? Comprehensive AC Inspection Checklist With an AC inspection, your local HVAC technician checks for safety, efficiency, and cleanliness. They’ll also recommend any critical repairs or upgrades. Here’s a complete checklist of everything an AC inspection includes. Safety Components Check surge protectors and fail-safes Inspect safety devices and ensure proper operation Test for all limit and safety controls Ensure system is clean of debris or dirt that could pose hazards Check for carbon monoxide leaks Cooling Efficiency Check coolant levels Inspect evaporator coil and the temperature drop across the coil Clean evaporator coil, if needed Check that air temperature differential between supply and return is within range Check refrigerant levels and operating pressure of refrigerant Check and clean condensate drain and drip pans Assess the compressor and air handler Inspect and test relays and pressure controls Inspect and clean condenser coil Inspect condenser fan blade Check the blower motor Assess all lines and coils, paying attention to disconnects within 10 feet of the unit and the integrity of suction line insulation Electrical Components Check thermostat calibration and run a thermostat test Inspect fuses and wiring Ensure access panel […]
4 Signs Your Air Conditioner May Be Leaking Refrigerant
Air conditioners play an important role in our homes and businesses. Not only do they help to keep our climate comfortable, they also protect us and our property from extreme weather conditions that can be harmful. These appliances are major purchases and investments, that when well maintained, have the ability to last us more than a decade. One of the most common issues we see with air conditioners in refrigerant leaks. When immediately addressed, this problem can quickly be resolved. However, when left uncorrected this problem can damage your AC and cause water damage in your residential or commercial space. Listed below are 4 signs your air conditioner may be leaking refrigerant. Warning Signs That You May Have a Freon Leak Warm Air Flow: If you notice warm air is pushing through your vents, this may be a warning sign that you have a freon leak. Freon, or refrigerant is a liquid that works to help cool your circulated air. Whenever there is a leak with this liquid, your air will continue to be circulated without being cooled first. Before jumping to conclusions that the warm air is being circulated due to a leak, check your thermostat. If you have accidentally switched your system to “fan” this can lead to warm air being pushed through your vents. Additionally, you may notice spaces such as your bathroom are unable to filter out humidity as well as normal whenever you have a leak. This is bad because the moisture will build up and can damage your space, as well as create a thriving environment for mold and mildew development. An HVAC technician can help you to identify the source of excess humidity in your space to avoid these serious problems from getting out of hand. Costs More to Cool Your Space: While […]
How Do I Know When It Is Time to Replace My AC?
With spring just around the corner many home and business owners are making the choice to replace their HVAC units now to ensure they can maintain cool and comfortable temperatures in the following months. This may lead you to ask, “How Do I Know When It Is Time to Replace My AC?” 7 Signs to Know When Your Air Conditioner Needs Replacement You’re not getting cold air. Maybe it’s obvious, but when you’re not getting any cool air, there’s probably something wrong with your AC. From low Freon levels to a broken compressor, any number of issues could be a factor. Call in a professional, or if you have a home warranty with Select, make a claim. There’s no need to wait to beat the heat. If the repair is extensive, you may be looking at a replacement instead. The air flow isn’t all that great. So maybe you’re getting cool air throughout your home, but you’ve noticed that your AC isn’t pushing air out the way it used to. This could mean any number of things, including issues with your AC’s compressor or blocked/damaged vents. While it’s possible to have a professional manage these repairs, they can be quite expensive depending on your system’s age and the extent of the issue. When the costs get too high, you might want to consider the cost for a new unit. You’ve found moisture and leakage around the unit. While condensation around an air conditioner is normal, excessive leakage can represent a much larger problem. If you have an issue with a refrigerant leak or notice large pools of water around your AC unit, you may have a serious issue that need to be addressed right away. Leaking coolant can pose a health risk to you and your family, and excessive water […]
Thinking Ahead for Your HVAC Unit
Spring is just around the corner which means it’s time to start thinking ahead for your HVAC unit before the weather starts to heat back up. It’s important to prepare your ac unit with regular maintenance now before your air conditioning has to work harder to keep you cool. 9 Things to Do Before Turning On Your AC for the Spring Inspect the Outdoor Unit Panels: To prep your system for the first run of spring, you need to begin by thoroughly inspecting your outdoor HVAC unit, starting with the outdoor unit panels. These panels enclose the electrical connections and must be in place to help protect both you and the system. If you are missing a panel (possibly due to wind) or if the panel is misaligned, this could cause potential risks for both you and the system. If the panel covering the electrical connections is missing or out of place, you should call a qualified HVAC technician for an assessment before starting your system to reduce the risk of electric shock or fire. Remove Any Condenser Covers, Coil Blankets, or Lids: You might have covered the condenser coils to protect them from winter’s cold, but you will want to ensure you remove those coverings before starting the system. These covers protect and insulate the coil, but also limit any heat transfer. Starting the system with any of these covers in place, even for a short time, could severely damage your system. Many people forget to remove their covers every year and that can spell disaster for your system! Repair or Replace Any Damaged Pipe Insulation: Once you’ve removed any insulation or covers, you need to check your lines and pipes. The suction line, which is the larger copper pipe on the outdoor unit, helps to supply cool refrigerant […]
Upgrade Your HVAC System and Save With New Tax Credits
Trane has shared the following information that can help you upgrade your HVAC system and save with new tax credits: If you’re planning home improvements that will boost the energy efficiency of your house, the Inflation Reduction Act could save you money on your projects. Thanks to Uncle Sam, the Act, which aims to curb inflation, includes extended and expanded tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements, giving ordinary Americans incentives to go green — and save money in the process. While there are several tax credits and rebates designed to lower carbon emissions in the home, the renewed Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit (25C) may be the most relevant. This updated version of the Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit greatly increases the tax credit limit for installing specific high-efficiency equipment, such as heat pumps, central air conditioning systems, and furnaces through 12/31/2032. This means homeowners can get a tax break on energy-efficient HVAC upgrades, while helping to contribute to a cleaner environment. Keep reading to learn more about the IRA, this exciting initiative, and how many of Trane’s energy-efficient residential heating and cooling systems are eligible for savings under this updated tax credit program. What is the Inflation Reduction Act? The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is a large bill that is designed to limit inflation by reducing the deficit and addressing some of the most significant issues the United States is facing in climate control and health care. Signed into law in August 2022, the $740 billion climate and health care legislation addresses a wide range of issues, from the high cost of prescription drugs to energy efficiencies and electric vehicles. The bill includes clean energy tax credits and other relevant tax incentives that homeowners can benefit from when they make green upgrades. How does the IRA and its rebates […]
Improving Your Air Quality This Cold and Flu Season
Did you know by improving your air quality this cold and flu season you minimize your risk of developing respiratory illnesses, increase your immunity, and help to prevent contagious viruses from spreading rapidly throughout your home or business? In this article Trane shares some insight into the importance of your indoor air quality and how it can make a big difference for your health. Why Indoor Air Quality Matters Indoor air quality plays an important role in your overall health and wellbeing. If you face poor indoor air quality on a consistent basis, overtime you might experience a wide variety of health issues, such as respiratory problems, headaches, allergy symptoms, and more — and that’s just from the particulates in the air on a typical day. Flu season adds another contagious virus into the mix that can impact your health. By working to improve your indoor air quality, you’re working to minimize viruses like the flu from the air you breathe, resulting in cleaner and healthier air that can make a difference in your life. Indoor air quality is especially important for members of vulnerable populations, such as children, elderly people, people with allergies and asthma, and people with pre-existing health conditions, as poor indoor air quality can have an even bigger impact on those with already compromised immune systems. Starting the process of minimizing indoor air pollution only takes a few small steps, but can result in substantial changes for your health and home. Indoor Air Quality Products That Help Fight the Flu You don’t want cold and flu virus particles in your home or in your body, so it’s a good idea to prepare your home with indoor air quality purification tactics. Trane’s indoor air quality products can help you combat the flu and other viruses in your […]
How to Pick the Right Thermostat for Your Home
Are you interested in upgrading your HVAC system but are unsure what smart thermostats offer your space? Read below to share this information shared from Trane’s website that explores the benefits and features smart thermostats include: How do smart thermostats work? You probably know thermostats monitor the temperature in your home and respond to programmed heating and cooling settings. But, how do they work? Essentially, a smart thermostat allows you to control the temperature in your home, and oftentimes other variables like humidity, too, with any web-enabled device. That means, homeowners can easily manage the temperature in their home via an app on their smartphone, tablet, or computer. Not only is this technology a faster and easier way to indoor comfort, but it can also save you money and energy, too. 5 benefits of a smart thermostat Here are five benefits of installing a smart thermostat, if you don’t already have one. Smart thermostats allow you to use the heating and cooling functionality when you need it most Your smart thermostat can be set for home occupancy and some can even learn your home occupancy trends so that it heats or cools depending on when people are in the home, or about to be in the home. This means that you no longer have to worry about the house being at a certain temperature while you are away. Smart thermostats are easy to ‘set and forget’ According to a survey from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 89% of respondents rarely or never used their programmable thermostats to set a weekday or weekend program. Not using the programmable feature on your thermostat can increase energy costs because you may be heating or cooling your home when it is not necessary. Smart thermostats are very easy to program with most featuring digital […]
