Air Conditioner

Is Your Air Conditioner Ready for Summer?

June 10, 2019 by Thomas Hoffmann Leave a Comment

Call (314) 471-7625 :: Make sure your air conditioner is ready to keep you cool during the hot summer days ahead!

It is always best to prepare your air conditioner in advance. This way, you can not only keep your family comfortable, you can keep your energy bills down and make sure your home is safe for your family. Here are a few tips on how to prepare your AC for the hot summer days ahead.

1. Change the Filter

The AC filter protects the AC from particles like dust and pollen that can damage the components inside it. If the filter is clogged with these particles, the air won’t circulate, and ice may form around it. Because of that, the AC may need to consume more power than usual.

You should definitely change the filter now. In fact, you may even consider changing more regularlly during the summertime, particularly if you use it a lot.

2. Clean the Drain

We’re talking here about the pipe near the outdoor unit of the AC which removes the excess water to make sure the equipment is working properly. But where there’s water, there’s also moisture, which can form mold that clogs the pipes. And when that happens, the water can flow inside the house and cause more damage.

Consider removing the end of the drain to clean it and use a vacuum to clear any elements inside. Replace the end of the drain when you’re done.

3. Test It

After you’re done cleaning what needs to be cleaned, let your AC dry for a bit, then turn it on to test it. Any strange noises or red flags will generally mean there’s something wrong with your equipment, and it’s unlikely cleaning will solve it. Consider calling a professional in if something seems out of place.

4. Schedule an Annual Checkup

Like a lot of other equipment in your home, ACs aren’t made to last forever. However, if you want to make sure you make the most out of it, you should consider having a professional look at it once a year to see if there anything out of the ordinary.

Sometimes, even something as small as changing one piece of the AC can prolong its lifespan, and it can be a lot cheaper than having to buy a new one.

Is Your AC Ready?

Don’t put off checking on your AC for too long. As a device that has a great say in the quality of the air you and your family breathes, it’s important to stay on top of things and ensure everything is working as it should.

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

7 Early Signs That Your Air Conditioning Needs Service

April 18, 2019 by Thomas Hoffmann Leave a Comment

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.

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

High Energy Costs: Is My Air Conditioner to Blame?

April 9, 2019 by Thomas Hoffmann Leave a Comment

Whether it is a malfunction or a lack of maintenance, your AC unit needs regular check-ups, especially when it’s running all day.

There’s nothing like a cool room to make summer more bearable. It’s clear that during summer, air conditioning is one of the most used appliances. However, sometimes it feels like a luxury when you look at the electricity bill.

If you are suddenly paying unreasonable amounts on the monthly electricity bill, one of the most common culprits might be the air conditioning system. Although you should expect it to add a little more to the bill, it shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Here is what to investigate when you suspect your air conditioning is costing you more than it should.

Is the Air Filter Dirty?

You might be surprised at how many people forget to replace or clean the air filter on the AC unit. Not only can this damage your health, it can put an unnecessary strain on your air conditioner. Because of dirt buildup on the air filter, the air does not flow properly, and the unit works harder than usual to do its job. Replace or clean the air filters at least once every two months and see if your next bill is back on track.

Do You See Any Leaks?

If you see wet stains around the unit or certain drippings that shouldn’t be there, give us a call right away. A faulty air conditioner is not only bad at cooling your house efficiently, but it can be bad for your health or even safety.

Leaks of the refrigerant solution will cause the air conditioner to put extra effort into cooling. Another type of leaks occurs in the duct system. A professional will be able to tell if that’s the case and seal the hole.

Is Your Air Conditioner Old?

If your air conditioner was purchased and installed a long time ago, then it may simply be outdated. A decade ago or more, air conditioning units were not as advanced as today, and that shows in their efficiency, and therefore in their energy consumption. Add to that all the years of hard work and you have your answer as to why the electricity bill is so high.

Has It Been a Long Time since a Professional Last Checked Your AC?

If cleaning the filters did not work and nothing else seems off, the best way to diagnose the problem is to call an HVAC professional and have it checked. You might be close to identifying a problem yourself, but a specialist will have the necessary tools and knowledge to pinpoint the issue and solve it. They may recommend a part replacement, repairs, a duct sealing, etc.

St. Louis Air Conditioning

Whether it is a malfunction or a lack of maintenance, your AC unit needs regular check-ups, especially when it’s supposed to run all day. Keeping it well maintained is cheaper than having it run improperly and pump up your electricity bill.

Give us a call 24/7 at (314) 471-7625

HVAC System Not Working? When It’s Time to Call a Professional

April 30, 2018 by Thomas Hoffmann Leave a Comment

If you find that your HVAC system isn’t working properly, there are times when it becomes necessary to call a professional to fix your problem.

It is often painful and expensive to make an emergency call to an HVAC technician in the middle of the night. The best way to prevent having to do so is by hiring a professional to perform regular maintenance to ensure that things are running smoothly. However, as any homeowner knows, things don’t always go as planned. If you find that your HVAC system isn’t working properly, there are times when it becomes necessary to call a professional to fix your problem. Before making that call, there are a few things you can check.

Your Filters Need to Be Changed

If it has been a while since you have cleaned the filters in your home, they might be limiting air flow, which can disguise itself as an HVAC issue. If you start to notice that your thermostat can’t keep up or that your HVAC is constantly coming on, then the first place to troubleshoot is to check your air filters.

The Thermostat Isn’t Working

If you are messing with the thermostat constantly and you can’t ever get the room to the temperature that you want, then you might want to consider that it isn’t an HVAC system issue at all. It might just be that your thermostat isn’t working properly – or at all. Try replacing the batteries first to make sure that it has full power. Next, check to make sure that there isn’t an excessive amount of dirt and debris on or around it. If you can’t get it to work, then have it replaced by an HVAC specialist.

The Pilot Has Gone Out

If you can’t get your heat to work, then the first place to research is to ensure that the pilot light hasn’t gone out. The pilot light should have an electronic ignition that you can see under the panel. If you don’t see a small flame lit, then it is likely that your pilot light has gone out and simply needs to be lit. If you light it and it goes out again, however, then it is time to call a technician to figure out what the problem is. Since it is highly flammable, make sure you know what you are doing to ensure that you don’t end up getting hurt. Never take chances with gas lines – it is better just to call and have someone take a look than to risk injury.

Your System Just Isn’t Working

If you try turning on your HVAC system and it just doesn’t work at all, you can spend all day looking for the source, or you can have an HVAC professional come in and fix the problem. It’s likely that even if you can locate the source, you will have to call someone to fix it anyway.

No one wants to make an expensive repair call if they don’t have to. However, if you troubleshoot the minor issues and find that it’s something not so minor, or you can’t find anything at all, then it is best to call in someone who can fix your problem quickly and correctly. Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating has over 30 years of experience replacing, repairing, and maintaining St. Louis HVAC systems. Give us a call 24/7 at (314) 471-7625!

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

January 8, 2018 by Thomas Hoffmann Leave a Comment

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

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.

Preventing Costly Air Conditioner Repairs :: Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC

September 11, 2014 by Thomas Hoffmann 2 Comments

Avoid expensive air conditioner repairs with the following tips from St. Louis HVAC experts.

Homeowners often ask us for suggestions on things they can in addition to replacing the air filters to avoid expensive air conditioner repairs. Every homeowner wants to avoid a sudden breakdown of their HVAC system. There are numerous ways to make sure an air conditioning system continues to function properly during the summer. Here are some things homeowners can try.

Shut Down the Air Conditioner System While Working On the Lawn

Lawn clippings can easily enter the outdoor coil or the exterior wall of the outdoor unit of the air conditioning system. The same lawn clippings can also enter the heat pump of the system. Whenever a nearby lawn is being mowed, it is advisable to shut off the thermostat for the time being. It is also advisable to ensure that the outdoor unit is free of any foliage or undergrowth.

Make Sure All Air Vents Are Free of Blockages

The proper flow of air is essential for air conditioning systems to run properly. Return air grills should be checked for any obstructions. These are the components that return air into the system.

Ensure the Equipment Pad Is Level

Whenever the sections around the heat pump or air conditioner start to settle, the equipment pad has a tendency to become slanted. The equipment pad provides support to the unit. To ensure the efficient performance of an air conditioner unit, the pad should be at a level position. On the other hand, the heat pump may require a slight slope. A professional HVAC company can ensure these requirements are met.

Prevent Insects From Entering the System

Ants and insects have the tendency to enter the electrical components of outdoor heat pumps or air conditioners. These pests may affect the performance of the unit and prevent it from starting. Environmentally-safe pesticide can be used around the foundation to prevent pests from entering the system.

St. Louis Heating and Cooling Maintenance

Setting a schedule for HVAC maintenance is the best method to ensure its proper operation. Regular maintenance by an experienced HVAC professional ensures efficiency and effectiveness of an air conditioning system. This is particularly true when it comes to the time of year when the equipment is used for extended periods. Regular maintenance check-ups by a professional air conditioning company enable savings of up to 15 percent in air conditioning expenses during the summer.

Following these suggestions will help you avoid costly repairs to your air conditioning system. For regular HVAC maintenance, call Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC at (314) 471-7625 today.