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

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

air conditioner maintenance

Tips for Getting Your HVAC System Ready for Spring

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As a homeowner, preparing your HVAC system now will help save you time and money.

It’s not too early to begin talking about spring weather in St. Louis. As you know, our weather can be unpredictable, cold today and warm the next. As a homeowner, preparing your HVAC system now will help save you time and money.

Is your AC ready for spring?

All winter long, your heater has been working hard, but it will soon be time to give it a break. This means your air conditioner needs to be ready to get to work. Here are some tips for getting your HVAC system ready for spring!

Turn your AC on for a test run

One of the best ways to find out whether there’s an issue with your air conditioner or not is to turn it on. Wait for a warmer day and adjust your thermostat down a few degrees. Let it run one complete cycle and pay attention to see if you notice any of the following:

  • Strange sounds like banging or knocking
  • Does it stops during a cycle
  • Any unusual odors
  • Is the indoor air actually getting cooler
  • Listen to the unit outside, is it making strange sounds

Schedule a pre-spring HVAC Maintenance & Cleaning

Having your air conditioner inspected and cleaned before you need it is important. If you did a test run, keep your notes to tell your technician about anything strange. During the maintenance visit, the technician will:

  • Inspect your HVAC unit thoroughly and repair and replace any worn-out parts, lubricate moving components, and perform other service work that may be needed.
  • Clean in and around the AC unit.
  • Change the filters.
  • Check for any issues like loose seals, cracks, or leaks in or around your air conditioner.

Seal leaks and cracks and add extra insulation if necessary

Our winter has been harsh, and it may have caused damage to your home. Harsh winds and freezing temperatures can create cracks or loose seals around your windows and doors, as well as in your attics or basement.

Your pre-spring maintenance should include sealing up any cracks and leaks to ensure maximum indoor air retention before the hot months arrive. This will keep your AC from having to work too hard to keep your home cool.

Adding extra insulation is a cost-effective investment you can make. It will increase the efficiency of your AC as well as decrease your monthly utility costs.

Schedule an air duct test and cleaning

When you schedule your pre-spring maintenance visit, ask the technician about performing an air duct test to see if your ducts need to be cleaned. When your air ducts are cleaned, they will remove dirt, dust, debris, pollen, and other allergens that build up along the sides of your air duct system. Having dirt air ducts can impact your home. Some of these include:

  • Increase monthly energy use and costs
  • Decrease your AC’s efficiency
  • Create a fire hazard
  • Increase problems with allergies

Check your thermostat

Checking your thermostat is one of the easiest ways to keep your energy costs low and your system functioning correctly. It may be that the batteries need to be replaced. It may be time for a new thermostat. If you have a programmable thermostat, it may need some adjustments.

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

CALL (314) 471-7625

AC Maintenance You Should Do Before Winter

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Regular AC servicing extends your unit’s lifespan, keeps it operating properly, and gives you peace of mind.

If you want to keep your air conditioner in great shape in St. Louis, there are a few steps we recommend that you take before the winter arrives. Follow this guide, and see how you can prepare your AC unit for the cold weather.

1. Change Your Air Filter

In most homes with central heating and air conditioning, the same filter will be used for both your furnace and your AC unit. Most homes need their filters changed every 90 days.

Swapping out your old air filter for a new filter is a good idea in the autumn – you’re going to be using your furnace heavily during the winter, so this helps keep the air in your home clean and healthy.

2. Clean Off Your Outdoor AC Unit & Cut Back Plant Growth

We recommend picking a dry fall day and going outside to clean off your AC unit. Remove all grass clippings, twigs, leaves, sticks, and any other debris from the unit. You can also hose it down to remove dirt, dust, bugs, and grime.

This also may be a good time to prune back plant growth. If you have shrubs or trees with branches growing near the unit, you should clear them away to ensure the unit remains unobstructed.

3. Cover Your Unit Up With A Breathable Cover

Air conditioners can handle the snow and ice without damage, but covering up your unit with a breathable cover does help protect it from pine needles, twigs, leaves, and other debris that will tend to accumulate over the fall and winter.

However, make sure that the cover is breathable! If the AC cover traps moisture inside your unit and does not allow it to get out, this can actually damage your unit, causing corrosion and rust. So don’t use a tarp or another plastic covering that’s not breathable – invest in a purpose-built AC cover that will block debris while still allowing moisture to evaporate out of the unit.

4. AC Maintenance Call Before Winter Sets In

Regular AC servicing extends your unit’s lifespan, keeps it operating properly, and gives you peace of mind. Whether you’ve been having issues with your AC, or it’s just an older unit (10+ years), and you want to make sure it’s still in good shape, it’s a good idea to get it serviced every year by a professional from Thomas Hoffman Air Conditioning & Heating.

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

CALL (314) 471-7625

Should You Cover Your Air Conditioner During Winter?

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Your AC unit is designed to function even when it rains or snows. The main reason is to protect it from all of the debris that will fall out of the trees in your yard.

Now that the hot summer is over, everyone is preparing for the cold season, one way or another. You are surely enjoying the cool weather, but take time to make sure that your air conditioning is ready before winter starts.

Protect Your Unit from Debris

Some people think that the exterior air conditioner unit should be covered once summer is over to protect it from the weather. However, your AC unit is designed to function even when it rains or snows. The main reason is to protect it from all of the debris that will fall out of the trees in your yard.

Autumn is when leaves, nuts, sticks, and all sorts of debris start falling off trees. The wind intensifies, blowing around dirt, which can have a detrimental effect on the unit. Not only can it clog your fan and drain pipe, but it will hold moisture in, causing corrosion and rust inside the components of the unit.

How to Cover Your Air Conditioning Unit for the Fall

If you decide to cover your air conditioner this fall, here is the correct way to do it:

  • Never cover your unit completely, thinking that it will be best protected like that. You want air to circulate freely through the unit but prevent the debris from entering it. The best option is to use a cover for the top of your unit. For extra protection, choose a cover slightly bigger than the unit’s surface, as it will act as a roof. Don’t cover the sides, as you will create more moisture inside, and it will lead to rust and corrosion, just like trapped debris would.
  • If you are unsure what to use to cover your unit when needed, go with a breathable fabric like thick tent fabric or something similar. For a more permanent solution, you can build a roof attached to your building to protect the unit from above. Shrubbery and trees can protect the unit from the sides, but they shouldn’t be placed too close to the unit. Otherwise, they will produce debris.

How Long Should the Unit Stay Covered?

Once the fall is over and there’s no more debris in your yard, you can remove your unit’s cover. If you are worried about snow, remember that the exterior unit is designed to function perfectly even in the snow. Covering it will only promote excess moisture and it will even invite pests like rodents or snakes inside the sheltered unit.

It’s also a good idea to schedule a maintenance check once the cold season is over to ensure everything is running properly. Call Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating for repairs or installation.

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

CALL (314) 471-7625

Is Your HVAC System Ready for Summer?

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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

Air Conditioner Maintenance – Do’s and Don’ts

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Keeping these basic rules in mind when dealing with your AC unit will not only ensure that it will function effectively, but it will save you money and keep your home comfortable.

It may still be chilly in and around the St. Louis area, but warm weather will be here before we know it. This means you’ll be turning on your air conditioner soon. Air conditioning is a necessity in most homes, as it keeps indoor air at an optimal temperature, ensures airflow and controls the humidity levels in your house.

Modern air conditioning systems are designed to be user-friendly and even have a self-diagnose function to keep repairs to a minimum. But, regular maintenance is still needed by any system.

Here is a thorough list of the most common do’s and don’ts of maintaining your HVAC system.

DO: Clean Your Air Filters Regularly

One of the most important rules to keep your air conditioning working well is to regularly clean or replace the air filters. All the air that gets inside your house will go through the filters, so you need them to be clean and unclogged all the time. Every manufacturer recommends a certain frequency for their AC model, but if you live in a polluted area you might want to do that even more often.

DON’T: Cover Your Outdoor Unit Completely

One of the maintenance rules that are often misunderstood is covering your outdoor unit during the cold season. Don’t cover it completely and don’t leave it cover throughout the winter. It prevents proper airflow. Covering your unit should only be done during autumn when there’s a lot of plant debris. Make sure to only shield it from above with a breathable material.

DO: Check Ductwork for Leaks

Many homeowners neglect their ductwork system and blame any malfunction on the equipment, but thorough maintenance includes checking the ducts for leaks and other issues.

DON’T: Ignore High Electricity Bills

Your air conditioning unit should be energy-efficient, especially newer models. If you notice your electricity bills going up, don’t ignore the AC unit, as it might be the cause. A lot of malfunctions can lead to poor efficiency and overworking.

DO: Schedule Annual Professional Check-ups

Hiring a professional team to do at least an annual check-up of your AC unit can save you a lot of money in the long run. Many AC problems are not easy to notice in the beginning, but a check-up will bring them out and solve them before they get worse.

DON’T: Attempt DIY Methods to Maintain or Repair Your HVAC System

The Internet is full of handy DIY projects, and many good ideas can be applied at home, but maintaining your HVAC does require a professional’s experience. Don’t attempt DIY repairs or maintenance operations if you are not 100% sure that you know what you’re doing.

DO: Replace the Thermostat Batteries When Needed

This may seem like a trivial issue to mention, but it happens very often. Remember to replace the thermostat’s batteries often, as programming it properly is crucial in your AC’s performance.

DON’T: Leave Your Air Conditioner on 24/7

Don’t rely only on your AC unit for your comfort. It should be put on stand-by from time to time, for its health as well as your comfort. Find ways of regulating your temperature that don’t rely on the AC unit.

Keeping these basic rules in mind when dealing with your AC unit will not only ensure that it will function effectively, but it will save you money and keep your home comfortable for years to come.

HVAC Maintenance: 4 Spring Cleaning Musts for Your AC Unit

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If you haven’t had spring maintenance performed on you’re AC unit, it’s not too late.

Springtime is the ideal time to have your HVAC system checked. An unchecked AC unit can cost you money in energy waste and expensive repairs that could have been prevented. In addition, poor maintenance is the main cause of unhealthy indoor air quality. This can lead to respiratory problems, coughing, worsened allergy symptoms and a stuffy nose.

Getting an HVAC system with a built-in humidifier or air purifier is a great idea, but if you can’t upgrade your unit, the most important thing you can do is to keep it well-maintained by having regular maintenance checks performed.

The HVAC Maintenance Checklist

  • Blades on the Condenser Ventilator Need to Be Cleaned – The condenser is the unit that stays outside of your house. It contains coolant, which lowers the temperature of the indoor air while it travels through it before heading back in. Your condenser has a large ventilator that redirects the air and it’s one of the main things that need cleaning during routine maintenance work.
  • Replace Dirty Filters on the Indoor Unit – Air filters are the most obvious items on the check list. Dirty or damaged filters constrict the flow of air entering your home. By having them checked and replaced as needed you are ensuring that your family is kept comfortable as well as safe from some air pollutants. It is a good idea to keep a note near to the filter and date whenever they need to be replaced. Filters that do not last for a certain amount of time may be an indicator of a bigger problem with your system.
  • Inspection of the Duct Work – A quick assessment of your duct work will also be performed. In most homes, the majority of duct work is hidden from view. Expect your HVAC expert to ask you some questions about the comfort levels in your house. He will specifically be curious about any hot or cold spots or rooms that consistently do not match the temperature of the rest of the house.
  • Calibration of the System – The HVAC technician will calibrate your system. They will want to check that the output matches the temperature settings. If a discrepancy is noted, they will perform further checks to identify and remedy the cause of the problem. This will include an assessment of the electrical wiring. All of the connections should be tight and the technician should read the voltage to make sure that the output is sufficient for the unit. All the thermostats inside your house will also be checked at this point to see if they are reading the room temperature accurately. This is a good time to ask any questions you may have about using the settings to cut down on energy use.

Call Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning and Heating Today

Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC is a full service residential heating and air conditioning company in St. Louis. 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.

Give us a call!

If you haven’t had spring maintenance performed on you’re AC unit, it’s not too late.

Give Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning and Heating a call today at
(314) 471-7625

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