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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

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

Contact Us

7 Early Signs That Your Air Conditioning Needs Service

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One of the toughest parts about being a homeowner is knowing when a problem is severe enough to call in a professional.

Fortunately, a bit of education on the basics of HVAC systems can give you a good idea of which issues need attention. Here are seven early signs that your air conditioning needs service. If you notice any of them in your home, it is time to give us a call.

st. louis man checking air vent

Noises

Have you ever heard your system make a strange noise? Some of the most common of them include squeaking, grinding, and grating. While these issues might not seem like an urgent matter, especially if your AC is still running smoothly, they could be indicative of more significant problems. For this reason, we advise getting your system checked by a professional.

Hot Air

The function of an air conditioning unit is to take in air, cool it, then disperse it around your home. Unfortunately, these systems often fail. The best indicator to watch out for is a lack of adequate cooling. If hot air is coming out of your vents, it is definitely time to explore a repair or replacement.

Spotty Cooling

A less obvious indicator of a dysfunctional air conditioning system is spotty cooling. This issue will present itself in the form of “hot spots.” You should be able to detect these areas, as almost every one of us has a reliable sense of temperature.

Poor Air Flow

If your air isn’t following correctly, you could have up to three problems. They include malfunctioning machinery, a leak in your ductwork, or an issue with your vents. Two easy fixes are vacuuming those vents and changing filters. If those do not work, you may have a broader problem that will require professional help.

Leaking

One of the most apparent indicators of air condition dysfunction is a leaking unit. These machines are built to keep all of their moisture inside, so this development is definitely a problem. If you’re fortunate, you might have a blocked drain tube. If not, your system could be leaking refrigerant.

Odors

A strange or foul odor is an indication that something may be growing in your system. Whether that is bacteria in the AC unit or mold in the duct work, you should resolve this issue immediately.

Rising Electric Bill

One thing that homeowners often notice is that their electric bill starts to rise for seemingly no reason. The cause of this issue is often air conditioning issues, which make the system work harder for the same result.

Give us a call!

If you’re already experiencing one of these issues, then your next move should be hiring an HVAC specialist. If not, you now know what warning signs you can watch out for. The upside of having this knowledge is that you can catch problems before they become more severe. Not only will doing so keep your home cool, but it could save you from a massive repair bill later on.

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

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