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Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - AC Repair & Replacement St. Louis

Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - AC Repair & Replacement St. Louis

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Archives for January 2018

Some Myths about Heating and Cooling Systems

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Believing in the more common myths can end up costing you in the long run.

HVAC Systems St Louis

Heating and cooling might not seem like rocket science, but it is complex and can leave many consumers researching which option is best for their home or office. The first place that someone who is considering all the new technology usually goes is straight to the internet. Although it’s a good resource for information, there are times when articles can be more like advertising than a truly informative source.

There are a lot of myths floating around the internet about HVAC systems. Although sometimes these aren’t really harmful, believing in the more common myths can end up costing you in the long run. Here are the most common misconceptions that you need to know to keep things running smoothly, inexpensively and efficiently.

Myth one: varying the temperature when you are away won’t lower your energy costs

It does behoove you to turn down the air-conditioning when you are going to be gone for the day, or even when you are heading to bed. The small amount of energy consumption might not seem like a lot, but it can really add up over the course of a year. To reduce your energy bills, varying the temperature by using a programmable thermostat can end up with you seeing some significant savings.

Myth two: the cost of maintaining your HVAC regularly isn’t worth it

To ensure that your HVAC system works properly and that you can increase its energy efficiency, staying on a maintenance schedule is the best thing to do. Things like lubricating the system to decrease wear and tear and repairing belts ahead of time (instead of having to make an emergency call) will always end up costing you less and extending the life of your system.

Myth three: energy-efficient systems will always reduce your energy bill

Energy-efficient options are not always specifically designed to save you money; they are designed to be more eco-friendly. The key to reducing your energy costs is tied to getting the right size and type of system for your house so that it isn’t running overtime to try to keep up. A St. Louis HVAC professional can help fit the right HVAC system to your house to decrease your energy costs, instead of you just relying on appliances that are rated for high efficiency.

Myth four: if you turn the thermostat up to high, your house will heat more quickly

The number of degrees that you turn your thermostat up does not have any bearing on how quickly it can heat your home. If you want the house to heat up to 72, turning it to 90 won’t get it there any faster. You will just end up having to adjust the temperature back down once it is heated, so why create the extra step?

If you are looking for the best ways to cut costs or the best eco-friendly and efficient HVAC system for your Missouri home, have your house evaluated by a St. Louis HVAC professional, make sure to keep up with scheduled maintenance, and think about who you are getting advice from before you accept it as truth.

Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC

With over 30 years of experience, and with a master technician and mechanical engineer as our owner, we can replace, repair, and provide maintenance for your home’s HVAC system.

Call us today at (314) 471-7625 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free estimate.

How to Save Money on HVAC Installation and Repair

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With over 30 years of HVAC engineering and installation experience, we can help you save money on HVAC installation and maintenance.

HVAC Energy Savings

Homeowners and start-up business owners alike, may be interested in saving money on HVAC installation and repair. Efficiently installing a heating, ventilation, and cooling system can be costly and can be an obstacle for small business owners to expanding and growing their business when it comes to occupying a new space. Some entrepreneurs circumvent this problem by sharing a work space, and renting desks or office space in a shared building. But there are other ways to save on HVAC as well.

  1. Energy Rebates – Missouri offers different options for energy rebates, depending on what you are looking for and what type of system you need. There are rebates for residential HVAC, renewable energy solutions like solar power, as well as loans for commercial HVAC systems. Another good way to search for rebates is to look for rebates specific to your city, as these are the most likely to suit  your needs.
  2. Manufacturer Deals – The next option you should look into is rebates or deals that are offered by specific manufacturers. Rebates on especially high-priced systems are usually offered, but in some cases, a moderately priced system may be a better deal. So investigate manufacturers in your area and look into their offers.
  3. Tax Credit – Some HVAC systems, repair, or maintenance may qualify for energy tax credits. If you are looking to have work done on your residence or are beginning a new construction project you can save money by choosing a system that qualifies. Depending on the project you are working on, you may qualify for different credit. For example, if you are looking into solar energy for a new construction project, you could get a tax credit for up to 30% of the total cost of your system. Or if you are working on insulation or HVAC on your home you could receive a tax credit of up to $300 or 10% of the system up to $500, depending on the work.
  4. Off Season Discounts – Yet another option is to wait until it is not peak season to have work done on your system or a new installation project done. Summer and winter are the busy seasons for HVAC companies for obvious reasons, so waiting until either spring or fall might be another good option for getting a discount. If you ask for an off season discount from HVAC companies during these times of year you could be pleasantly surprised.

Contact Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC

With over 30 years of HVAC engineering and installation experience, we can help you save money on HVAC installation and maintenance.

Contact us today at (314) 471-7625 for a free estimate or fill out our online contact form.

What is the Best Temperature to Stay Cool and Save Energy?

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Save money this next summer season by using your air conditioner in the most energy efficient way.

St Louis AC

In the summer, you may be running the air conditioner at full blast the entire day. That can be expensive and not environmentally friendly. The best thing to do is run the air conditioner at a temperature that keeps you comfortable without turning you into an energy vampire.

Energy Star Recommendation

Energy star recommendations include operating the air conditioner at 78 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature maximizes energy efficiency and keeps you comfortable inside your home. Keep the thermostat at 78 degrees for a few days and see if you feel comfortable. Then, see if you can turn up the thermostat a few degrees higher and still feel comfortable. Consider other factors as well, such as any family members with a medical condition that does not allow them to tolerate high temperatures.

Other Simple Tips

Some of you may not feel comfortable at an indoor temperature of 78 Fahrenheit, but before you turn down the thermostat, try some other simple tips. Consider using a ceiling fan to circulate the chilled air better and draw warm air upwards. Pale colored walls better reflect sun rays and proper window treatments such as blinds, shutters, and drapes can also reduce indoor temperatures. Insulation can help maintain comfortable temperatures in both summers and winters. Try turning off heat generating appliances such as the dryer or dishwasher during the day and use them at night instead. Try to do all your cooking early in the morning.

Keep the Season in Mind

If you live in an area where the summers tend to get very hot, you will be tempted to turn the temperature down to the lowest possible level. However, this may not be a very economical option. Instead, wear loose and comfortable cotton or linen clothing that will keep you cool and comfortable. Consume plenty of fluids and go easy on caffeinated and sweetened beverages. This will keep you cool and hydrated.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats give you the freedom to set different temperatures for different times of the day. They come with various settings that let you select different temperature according to the time of the day and your needs at a particular time of the day. This enables the air conditioning system to work more efficiently and effectively.

Maintain Your Cooling System

Regular maintenance of your HVAC system keeps it effectiveness and energy efficiency. This includes clean up of the condenser and evaporator coils and the blower compartment. Air filters should be cleaned at least once a month and changed periodically. If your HVAC system has served you for more than a decade, consider replacing it with an energy efficient system.

Need to improve the energy efficiency of your HVAC system before the next summer season? Call Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC at (314) 471-7625 for a free estimate, or fill out our online contact form.

Improving the Bottom Line with HVAC Maintenance

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The price of doing business is something every business owner has to manage. There are strategies to help control operating costs.

commercial hvac st louis

All businesses, large and small, are affected by operating costs. There are strategies to help control operating costs. Considering how the operating costs of a businesses’ commercial HVAC system affects the bottom line is a good place to start.

Install Digital Thermostats

Install digital thermostats out of reach of employees or put them inside a lock box. Employees love to adjust the temperature to their personal needs without any regard to the customer or your bottom line. Hundreds of dollars can be saved by using a digital thermostat to keep a consistent temperature inside the building. Taking away the ability to fiddle with it ensures that your system gives you the most return.

Adjust Business Hours

If possible adjust your business hours. This will not work in the retail industry, but many companies, especially those in particularly hot climates, will start their business day in the very early hours, allowing them to be closed in the late afternoon when temperatures reach their peak. There is no law that says a production company has to be open from nine until five. By starting the workday at six o’clock and ending at two o’clock, you can have the business closed during the hottest time of day in the summer.

Regular Maintenance Program

Make regularly scheduled maintenance checks a priority for your commercial HVAC system. By operating a clean system with new belts and filters a business can save almost forty percent on their utility bill. Ask an HVAC technician about adding adjustable speed drives to your fans. This keeps the fans moving only the air that you need.

When to Consider an Upgrade

Although a large initial investment, consider replacing any component that is over ten years old or in constant need of repair. Newer models are much more energy efficient and the money you save in repair costs and utilities will make up for the investment in just a few months. Newer commercial HVAC systems are built with better technology that is meant to give a business owner the highest possible efficiency.

An HVAC company that specializes in commercial buildings will be happy to come out to your business and help you ascertain where your biggest losses are coming from and how best to improve on them. You will be amazed at how much of a difference just a few minor adjustments can make to your profit margin.

All businesses, large and small, are affected by operating costs. Owners should try and look at every possibility that could help save them money in the long run. Having a brand new commercial HVAC system installed will end up saving a business thousands of dollars over the course of time.

Call Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC at (314) 471-7625 today or fill out our online contact form to request a free estimate.