fbpx

Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - Furnace & HVAC Repair St. Louis

Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - Furnace & HVAC Repair St. Louis

Archives for April 2020

Here’s How Air Ducts Can Impact Your Air Conditioner’s Efficiency

by Leave a Comment

The maintenance of your air conditioning unit is paramount for the appliance to work efficiently, but many homeowners only focus on the indoor and outdoor units and tend to neglect their ductwork. Air ducts are a very important part of your HVAC system. Here is what to look for when checking for certain symptoms of a malfunctioning air conditioner. 

st. louis couple dicussing energy bills

Air Duct Insulation Is Crucial for Your AC’s Efficiency

The air that is processed by your air conditioner travels through the duct system before getting into your house again. No matter how efficient your AC is, if the ducts are not properly insulated, the air will get heated on the way. This will make your AC work harder and lead to higher energy bills or even faults in your AC units.

As most houses have the duct system in their attic, it’s important not only to insulate the attic and check for any leaks from the roof or windows but also to have proper insulation over your duct pipes. This job can be done by hiring a professional team to inspect the duct pipes and repair any damage to the insulation of the pipes.

Why the State of Your Air Duct System Directly Impacts the Quality of Your Indoor Air

Other problems that may arise from a poorly maintained duct system are contamination with toxic substances or with organic debris. The problems that can appear range from mold, bacteria, fungi, and dust to toxic substances or even fecal particles that can come from your duct system into your indoor air.

Checking for clogs, leaks or moisture in your duct system is very important for your health as well as the efficiency of your AC unit. Signs of contamination can be black mold found around the vents, strange smells when the air conditioner is turned on, etc. Again, you need to call a professional team for a check-up.

Maintaining Your Air Ducts

If your HVAC system can be maintained at home when it comes to the air filters, the condenser unit or clogged drain pipes, the duct system needs a bit more attention. Damage can be hard to identify and locate, and ducts are usually out of sight and out of reach, requiring the use of special equipment for evaluating, cleaning or repairing. 

HVAC professionals have industrial, specialized vacuum cleaners, unique tools and the expertise needed to properly maintain such a huge part of your heating/cooling system. Regular maintenance will not only prolong your AC unit’s lifespan, but it will actually save you money by preventing many potential repairs that could get expensive. 

Call for a professional evaluation at least once a year or any time you notice a decrease in your air con’s efficiency and other unusual symptoms.

24/7 SERVICE. FIVE STAR REVIEWS. 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.

CALL (314) 471-7625

Is Your HVAC System Ready for Summer?

by Leave a Comment

There are some important HVAC maintenance tasks to perform before summer comes.

As the temperature is rising, you can already paint the picture of the summer that’s about to come, with its scorching heat. Your HVAC unit will surely be working hard to keep your home, a cool and comfortable haven. Is yours ready for the task ahead?

There are some important maintenance tasks to check before summer comes. Here is what you need to do to ensure it will work properly all season long.

sweaty St. Louis man in front of fan

Protect Your Air Conditioner While You’re Doing Lawn Maintenance

If you are planning on refreshing your lawn and garden when spring comes, you must remember to properly protect your air conditioner during the process.

Trim the bushes and trees around the condenser unit and check the drainpipe, making sure it is clear and above the ground. Once lawn maintenance is done, you can move on to the HVAC unit. 

Consider Planting Shrubs Near the Condenser If It’s Hit by the Sun Directly

If your condenser unit is exposed to direct sunlight for more than two hours a day, especially during the afternoon, then you might want to consider planting shrubs or little trees next to it to provide some shade. But be careful not to have anything obstructing the unit’s vents or pipes. 

Remove Covers and Make Sure All Pipes Are Clear

It’s time to remove the lids, carpets or blankets you’ve been using to protect your outdoor unit from the harsh winter. Check the unit for debris and clear the motor blades with a vacuum cleaner. Clean your outdoor unit is best done by a professional.

Change the Filters

Spring cleaning is the best moment to replace the air filters or clean the reusable ones. Even if you already changed them in the last three months, it’s best to have fresh new filters when the cooling season starts. Also, winter tends to come with more dust and debris accumulations, so changing the filters is essential.

Test the Thermostat

Testing your thermostat is a good idea if you want to ensure it works properly once the unit’s function changes. If your thermostat controls different areas through zoning, make sure the air ducts of unused areas during winter are cleared out and clean. 

Call a Professional for an Annual Maintenance

Even if you prepared your unit thoroughly for the spring, it is best if you call a professional to take a look at the whole system. There are some operations that you cannot perform yourself, and that could affect your system’s performance.

You want your system to be working at its best when summer heat comes. Proper maintenance can actually save you money by keeping the unit working as efficiently as possible. 

24/7 SERVICE. FIVE STAR REVIEWS. 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.

CALL (314) 471-7625