Author: AirHandlers

Air Handlers, Inc. began as a family-owned general contractor in 1967, serving Western Washington as a specialist in heating, air conditioning and sheet metal fabrication.

Prepare for the Fall Season

Fall is just around the corner, and with it comes plummeting temperatures and other environmental changes. Staying warm during this time can be quite costly, but there are several tips that we can use to help keep our energy bills low and the cold outside.

More Ways to Stay Warm

There are more ways to keep warm than just running your heater. If your home has one, a fireplace or wood-burning stove can be a great way to keep the cold at bay without boosting your energy bill. If your home doesn’t have a fireplace or stove, you may have the option of having one installed. Installing a wood stove or fireplace may be expensive in the short term, but in the long term, it will save you significantly on your energy bills. Of course, we recommend that you always remain safe and alert when operating a fireplace, and if you are looking to have one installed, have a professional do it to minimize risk.

Keep Out the Breeze

Even the faintest of breezes can drastically affect the temperature of your home. A cold breeze can drop the temperature of a place by up to 30%, even if it just seems to be faint. Keep your windows and doors closed, use sealant to fill cracks or gaps, and cover up any other areas where air may be getting in or out.

Open Those Curtains

It may seem counter-intuitive to remove the insulating layer from your windows, but curtains block more than just light from the sun. Curtains that block sunlight also block its heat, and since the sun is a constant and effective heat source, keeping those curtains shut is preventing you from taking advantage of that free heat. Keep your curtains open when the sun is out and shining, and you’ll feel your house warm up as a result.

Cook a Hot Meal

While eating warm meals certainly helps keep the cold at bay, that part is actually secondary to this tip. By cooking nice, warm meals, you are using your stove and/or oven, which can help keep your house warm. It may not seem like much, but even just baking some cookies in the oven will have it running for long enough to help warm up your home, or at least the kitchen.

Prepare Your HVAC System for Spring

Schedule A Spring Maintenance Inspection
A spring maintenance inspection is necessary to maintain indoor air quality and improve your home’s comfort. In addition, it helps to extend the lifespan of your HVAC unit and reduce energy consumption. During a spring HVAC maintenance routine, the technician inspects the unit for repairs and replaces faulty components. The inspection will help to prevent unnecessary repairs and breakdowns during the spring months.

Duct Cleaning And Maintenance
Your heating and cooling system is vital, but you shouldn’t forget the conduits responsible for air distribution throughout your home. Hire an HVAC technician to clean and maintain your ducts when spring rolls around. Performing a thorough duct cleaning removes allergens, dirt, and dust. The HVAC technician should also inspect seals to keep your HVAC system airtight. Visual inspections and repairs of duct damages from chewing rodents prevent premature breakdowns.

Replace Your Air Filters
When springtime comes, staying on top of changing your air filters is a great idea. Cleaning or changing your air filters is an effective way of improving your system’s efficiency. Besides maximizing system efficiency, changing air filters to prepare for spring helps maintain healthy indoor air quality. When the filters are dirty or clogged, your HVAC unit works harder to circulate air in your home than usual.

Clean The Outdoor Unit
Another essential step to preparing your HVAC unit for spring is cleaning the outdoor components. Debris and dirt quickly accumulate around the outdoor unit when winter brings rain and wind. Trim shrubs, weeds, and other plants growing around the unit to keep your HVAC system free of obstructions. Improve your system’s performance during spring by cleaning the outside coils.

Check For Leaks And Cracks
The HVAC system might form cracks and leaks during the winter months. Since the system has several metal components, they can easily rust and cause holes and cracks. That’s why you need an expert to inspect the system for leaks, such as refrigerant leaks, before springtime. If you notice cracks or leaks, hire a technician to repair them before you start using the HVAC system in spring.

Consider An HVAC Upgrade
Spring is a great time to upgrade your HVAC system if it’s on its last leg. Consider replacing an old or malfunctioning heating and cooling system before spring to save you money on energy bills and improve comfort levels. Talk to an experienced HVAC technician to inspect your current system and recommend the right one for your home’s needs.

Install A Programmable Thermostat
If you want to save energy bills, investing in a programmable thermostat is necessary. If your thermostat is old or showing signs it needs a replacement, consider choosing a programmable thermostat. It allows you to control temperatures better than other thermostats while lowering energy bills. For example, installing a programmable thermostat in the spring will enable you to set temperatures higher when sleeping or away from home.

Test The Air Conditioner
Some AC units might not function optimally due to prolonged inactivity during the winter. Therefore, you should check your air conditioner to ensure it performs optimally before the weather warms up. In addition, ensure that the unit produces cold air.

How long the AC takes to cycle on, strange smells from the vents, and strange noises, can alert you to an issue of potential malfunction. If you notice any of these signs, hire an expert for repairs in preparation for spring. Also, consider replacing your AC if it’s old or beyond repair.

Clean Your Drainpipe
The last thing you want to deal with this spring is a leaking HVAC system. A blockage in the system’s condensate drainpipe can cause it to overflow. Moss growth, dirt, debris, and dust can cause drainpipe blockages. As you prepare your HVAC system for spring, ensure the drainpipe is clean and clear of dust particles.

Benefits of Winter AC Maintenance

Part of good HVAC maintenance is seasonal tune-ups. A preventative maintenance strategy will include; assessing, cleaning, and adjusting your cooling system to ensure it is optimized to perform its best in the coming months. Usage changes throughout the year. When you switch to heat after a long summer of cooling, you will want to call a professional to look at your air conditioning.

After relying on air conditioning to stay cool, some damage or maintenance issues may need to be addressed. Professionals in AC repair can quickly detect any problems with your cooling unit that could impact your heater in the winter and issues that could arise when temperatures start to rise again.

Winter AC Maintenance

When you get your AC maintenance done in the winter, you will also enjoy reduced service costs. Typically, costs rise when there is a greater demand for AC repair throughout late spring through summer. In addition, as fall breaks and the weather begins to cool, most people have already switched to heating, so there is a more significant time for professionals to attend to any air conditioning needs.

You can also catch potential hazards with your cooling system that could result in an AC replacement without treatment. Pushing your system to perform when it requires repair only worsens the strain on your system; this can cause a total breakdown when you need it most. Of course, no one wants that to happen, and we always encourage our clients to address potential problems before they actually cause any discomfort or distress.

You will also find that servicing your cooling system in the winter can improve its performance in the long run. For example, seasonal maintenance includes cleaning or replacing dirty air filters, restoring or replacing parts that have worn out, and checking your thermostat to ensure it’s communicating correctly with your system. This optimization ultimately leads to better overall performance, which will reduce energy use and help you stay extra comfortable while saving money throughout winter.

Ensuring the Best Deal Possible

Are you considering making significant changes to your air conditioning system this year? Winter is the best time to schedule AC replacement. You will likely get a better deal on installation costs, and manufacturers sometimes offer discounts and reduced prices during the colder months. Also, rather than having to wait for an installation in the middle of summer, you can have your AC installation performed by Air Handlers when you don’t need a cooling system to stay comfortable on a day-to-day basis. Then, once summer is in full swing, your new system will be fully optimized and ready to cool your home.

Schedule An Appointment Today

Contact Air Handlers to schedule your next maintenance appointment, including air filter and replacement, duct cleaning, and diagnostic care. Suppose you are thinking about upgrading or replacing your old air conditioner. In that case, we can also help you decide which model would be best and suggest several suggestions that suit your budget, home size, and preferences.

Fall Weather and Your HVAC System

It’s no secret that we live in a rainy environment. As we post this, the drizzle is falling in Olympia. So, how does this weather affect your heating and cooling system? Here’s the short answer: rain isn’t harmful to your unit. Here’s a more in-depth explanation:

Outdoor units are made to withstand most weather patterns.

Seasonal rain patterns will not harm your AC unit, and some rain can help remove vegetation or debris that could remain lodged in the unit.

Your unit’s hardware is designed for durability. But the system is not at peak performance when it’s buried with buildup. This means that if your area has been short on rain during the spring and fall months, you may want to spray the unit down with a hose. Any electrical wiring, such as those used in the condenser coil, will be insulated from damp or rainy conditions.

What about more severe weather?

Severe weather conditions, such as flash floods, are a different story. Any water that submerges the outdoor condensing unit could result in a short circuit, ultimately damaging the unit. This can also be a concern when lightning is present, posing a risk of striking the unit directly.

Storm Damage:

Even though heavy rains cannot damage your AC unit, the winds accompanied by the same rain can leave dirt, leaves, twigs, and other debris to damage the condenser fan grille. Even objects falling on your unit, such as tree branches, from the storm can cause damage. It is important to note that if there is damage on the exterior, the interior might be at risk too. Therefore, it is necessary to inspect the unit’s exterior and interior once the storm subsides.

Flooding:

Central AC units are built to withstand different weather conditions. Although, if your area is experiencing heavy rains with floodwaters exceeding 15 inches, it is advisable to get your unit inspected by a professional contractor.

Corrosion:

Many homeowners prefer to cover their AC units for the winter if their internal parts are exposed. Avoid covering your unit with plastic wraps or garbage bags, as the moisture from the condensation can become trapped, causing rusting and corroding metal parts. Instead, it is advised to use a covering that allows ventilation. Lack of ventilation or proper openings in the cover can increase the growth of mold and mildew, causing further damage to the unit.

It’s good to know that you won’t have to worry about your AC unit withstanding normal weather conditions. But, these simple precautions can go a long way when facing a more severe forecast. Of course, if you need to get your unit serviced, contact Air Handlers today!

Could Your Air Filter Help Your Allergies?

One of the home duties that should be prioritized is the health of the family members, especially where allergies or Asthma are noticeable. Unfortunately, it is not well known that the air inside our homes can be just as polluted as that outside. Installing screens for windows and doors is one way people secure the health of their family members when it comes to allergies and other respiratory challenges. However, another reliable way to improve air quality inside your home is by using air filters in your air conditioning system or heater. 

Electrostatic filters serve as the perfect air filter, especially for pet owners, as it goes a long way to curtailing any dandruff or fur, which can result in reactions in people who are specifically allergic to these triggers.No doubt, the relationship between electrostatic filters and indoor air quality cannot be overemphasized, as the uses of electrostatic filters increase the extent to which healthy and hygienic indoor air is achieved.

It is found appealing as it is a safer way to acquire allergy relief. In addition, you can significantly reduce Asthma, allergy, and respiratory symptoms when agents like dust, pollen, mold spores, and animal dander are prohibited with electrostatic filters.

You can increase and keep ventilation when you make use of an exhaust fan, especially in the bathroom and kitchen and when you are making use of the dishwasher. This action serves as a defense against moisture and indoor pollutants that may pose a threat to your home.

Getting rid of dust and pollen with a filter removes the particles causing allergy issues with your house, rather than simply adjusting your body to allergies through pills. Using the electrostatic filter is a much more natural way to help your allergy problems inexpensively.

Electrostatic air filters attract and capture tiny air particles through the use of static charges. These filters are found efficient, time- and money-saving, and help protect and maintain not only your respiratory condition but overall well-being as well.

Using Electro filters can help reduce, if not prevent, further triggers of asthma attacks, allergies, and other respiratory health conditions in your home.

The functionality and the extent to which electrostatic filters work solely depend on maintenance and monitoring. The outcome of a regularly monitored electrostatic filter is always quality indoor air with fresh and clean air, thus ensuring healthy living for the entire family.

Choosing a professional HVAC company can prevent health risks like allergies and other respiratory issues for household members. Lastly, let the professional company check your air conditioning filter once a month to ascertain the level of reliance and effectiveness.

How High Temperatures Can Affect Your Air Conditioner

As summer temperatures rise and become extreme, it is not uncommon for your air conditioning system to experience problems. Usually, air conditioning systems function in outdoor temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or less. However, when temperatures exceed this, your air conditioning system will consume more energy, leading to the unit malfunctioning.

When the temperature outside exceeds 95 degrees, your air conditioning system will run at its maximum output. While this is happening, your house temperature will be around 80 degrees. Lowering the thermostat will not improve the performance of the air conditioner. This will cause the machine to work harder without being able to change the actual temperature.

As temperatures rise to extreme numbers, many people will lower their thermostats to make their air conditioners cool down their houses even further. As a result, increased energy usage and constant use can overload power grids, causing widespread power outages and higher utility bills. Other issues that appear through over usage include air filters becoming clogged faster than average and the exterior unit accumulating debris much more quickly.

During extreme temperatures, replacing the filters on your air conditioners once a month is vital. Cleaning the exterior should be done while the unit is turned off; you should use a long-handled brush to clean the fans. Lowering Freon temperatures in the unit can be done by aiming a lawn sprinkler toward it. However, if your air conditioner system is twelve years or older, it might be time to think about replacing it. Older systems often are not as efficient in cooling down your house and will consume more energy.

Tips for Lower Energy Bills

With summer here and temperatures rising, here are some tips to stay cool while lowering your electric bill:

1.) Keep curtains closed during the day
Close up curtains, drapes, or blinds. This will prevent sunlight from entering your house and heating it up. You should try to focus on covering east-facing windows during the morning and west-facing windows during the afternoon.

2.) Use CFL light bulbs
Old incandescent light bulbs produce a great deal of heat.  It gives out more energy from heat than light. Using compact fluorescent light bulbs will not only save you energy but also reduce the heat output of the lighting in your home, saving you money.

3.) Change your cooking methods
Stove tops and ovens produce high temperatures when cooking your food and they also heat your home. Keep your temperatures low by using low-heat methods such as a crockpot or microwave. You can also take your cooking outside on the grill.

4.) Use fans
Fans will not impact the temperature of the air, but they will improve the rate of evaporation in the room, which makes you feel cooler. When the air is still, evaporation takes longer, so you’ll feel warmer. When air is moving, evaporation occurs at a quicker rate, making you feel cooler.

5.) Replace your air filter
If you have an air conditioning unit, it’s best to check it more frequently, especially during heavy use. Clean air filters improve airflow throughout the home so air conditioners don’t have to work as hard to keep your home cool.

6.) Follow the forecast
Outdoor temperatures can vary greatly over the course of the day. While it may be a scorcher outside during the day, the temperature drop overnight can be quite cool. Follow your local forecast to see if overnight temperatures will be comfortable, so you can shut off the AC and open the windows, taking advantage of natural cooling to save money without sacrificing comfort.

Landscaping and HVAC

Other than your mower, the most visible piece of machinery on your property is likely your air conditioner. As you are landscaping, it’s a great time to also perform some HVAC equipment maintenance. To ensure optimal performance, make sure to trim shrubs, bushes, or branches back allowing clearance around your outdoor unit. Also, clearing away any grass clippings, leaves, foliage, and other debris will prevent possible airflow obstructions. Finally, double-check to make sure your HVAC unit is resting level on its concrete pad.

Additionally, if your unit is not already obstructed from view, there are many different plants that can help your HVAC blend into your landscaping more seamlessly. If maintaining the pruning of plants around an outdoor air conditioner seems like a daunting task, you can always build a decorative, gated enclosure to hide it from view.

Ready for Summer?

Spring is a time to throw open the windows and shutters, and breathe deeply as we air out our homes after a cooped-up winter. But summer heats up quickly, and it won’t be long before you need to close those windows again and crank up the AC. Before you do, call Air Handlers to ensure that your system is ready for the summer heat!

Ready for Warmer Weather?

Spring is here (technically, despite what the weather has decided to do of late). Still, warmer weather will be here sooner than later so now is a good time to make sure you’re ready for it! Many homeowners jump into action with some spring cleaning. In 2020, more than three-quarters (78 percent) of households did a little tidying up, according to the American Cleaning Institute. Homeowners prioritized the bedrooms, closets, and kitchens, eliminating dirt, odors, or asthma and allergy triggers like mold and dust.

From deep cleaning to a quick spruce-up, you can take some steps now to welcome the return of warm weather and prepare your home for rising temperatures. Here are a few ways to get your home back in shape well in advance of the season’s first heatwave.   

1. Inspect Your Weather Stripping

Winter can take a toll on your house. Look for any post-winter gaps in the weather stripping around your doors and tighten any hinges that may have loosened in the shifting temperatures.

2. Gear Up For Time Outdoors

As the weather warms up, homeowners often head outside to enjoy the pleasant temperatures. If a backyard cookout is calling your name, make sure your grill is in good working order and positioned at least 10 to 15 feet away from your home. Check your deck, patio, and porch for anything that may have been damaged over the winter. Before your kids join the fun, check to make sure treehouses, trampolines, and playsets are stable.

3. Address Your Attic

Take some time before the weather heats up to inspect your attic. Look for signs of animals that may have found their way in and seal any holes. Check your insulation for any wet spots, which may indicate a leak, and consider adding additional insulation for the warmer season ahead.

4. Get Your Cooling System Ready

When temperatures begin to rise, an efficient AC system is crucial to maintaining a comfortable home environment with good indoor air quality. Pair your system with a smart thermostat like the iComfort® S30 to monitor the air quality and pollen levels in your area. Be sure to check your system’s vents inside and outside for any blockages and test it to make sure it’s working properly. Now’s also a good time for preventative maintenance to prepare your HVAC system for the cooling season ahead. Call Air Handlers to schedule an inspection for your system before the temperatures start climbing. 

5. Let The Sunshine In

Wash away the remnants of winter’s snow and ice by thoroughly cleaning your home’s windows. Use a multipurpose cleaner on your frame, windowsill, and hardware, and wipe clean. For a streak-free finish, use a microfiber cloth or even a newspaper. Just make sure to wash your windows on a cloudy day. Otherwise, the sun may dry your solution too soon, leaving your window with streaks.