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

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

St. Louis Heating and Air

St. Louis HVAC, HVAC Repair St. Louis :: Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC

by 6 Comments

Before installing a new HVAC system in your home, consider the following three items to help you choose the most suitable system.

hvac research

An important decision each homeowner has to make is choosing the best HVAC system for their home. It is important to discuss the topic with a St. Louis HVAC professional before any plans are finalized. Take into account other options including radiant heat, an integrated humidifier, air filtration, and climate control. If you choose to install a new HVAC system, it is crucial to find the most suitable HVAC system that meets the needs of your home.

The Correct Size

Selecting the correct size of the HVAC system for a home is critical. The right-sized system can offer a lot of benefits to the occupants of the house. When the heating capacity is too much, the unit will frequently switch on and off, which may wear down the unit. It is advisable to work with an HVAC contractor in order to determine the most appropriately-sized HVAC system for the home.

Consider the Climate

A centralized HVAC system is essential in a number of areas in the United States. The presence of a centralized system may determine the resale value of homes in some locations. The only areas that may be exempted from this condition are areas where temperatures do not go beyond 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, when it comes to people with allergies, air conditioning units with an integrated air filtration system are important features to consider, irrespective of the outside temperature.

Importance of Quality

It is important to take into account that low cost may not be the best thing to consider when selecting the best system to ensure comfort inside the house. The efficiency ratings and size of the system should be prioritized. Discuss warranties and durability with Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC.

Working with professionals is crucial in ensuring the best HVAC system for the home is selected, whether you are searching for an HVAC installation service or an existing system needs to be upgraded. Call Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC at (314) 471-7625 for more information. We can help you choose the best heating and cooling system and will provide proper maintenance for the system to ensure it works properly throughout the year.

How to Keep the Load Off Your Air Conditioner :: Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC

by Leave a Comment

If you are experiencing inefficient cooling, more noise, and higher power bills from your air conditioning system, it may be overworked.

air-conditioner-unitsYou may need to take some load off the air conditioner’s compressor. There are several simple things that you can do to give some respite to the compressor of your air conditioner.

Extending the Life of Your Air Conditioning System

By taking care of these things, you will not only relieve the compressor of stress and help it work better, but you will also be able to bring down the power bills and extend the life of your air conditioning system.

  • The foremost thing that you need to do is to maintain your equipment well. You will need to hire a St. Louis HVAC company to carry out preventive maintenance on your air conditioner. This will improve cooling, increase energy efficiency, and save the compressor from burn out.
  • You should also ensure that the external unit of the air conditioner is clean and that there is no debris stuck between the fans. In case it is dirty or clogged, the compressor will have to work harder to do its job of cooling your home.
  • Another important thing that you need to do to save the compressor from overworking is to clean and replace the air filters regularly. This will improve air circulation and keep the system working smoothly and efficiently.
  • During the day, keep the window curtains or blinds drawn so that no sunlight enters your room and creates unnecessary heat. Higher internal temperature would mean that the compressor will have to work harder.
  • If the ducts are leaking, you should call  your HVAC Company to seal the duct work. Leaky duct work leads to air loss, and the compressor has to bear extra stress.
  • Avoid using appliances such as dishwashers and ovens during the day as they create unnecessary heat.
  • Ensure proper insulation of all areas including doors and windows, so that cool air does not escape outside and warm air from outside does not enter the house.
  • A programmable thermostat can help take stress off the compressor during cooler times of the day and when no one is in the house.
  • Try giving some rest to your air conditioning and use ceiling fans when it is not too hot outside.

As we discussed earlier, the single most important thing that you can do to help your air conditioner is to conduct periodic maintenance. Contact Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC at (314) 471-7625. We will ensure that the air conditioning system is working at its peak capacity without eating up on too much power. During maintenance, we will be able to detect if the compressor is getting overworked and will suggest ways to overcome the stress. Preventive maintenance combined with your own efforts can go a long way in helping you get the best out of your air conditioning system.

Photo credit: en.wikipedia.org

St. Louis Smart Thermostat & Wifi Thermostat :: Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC

by 5 Comments

Digital Thermostats can save you money!

The advanced technology allows homeowners to save money by controlling the temperature inside the house, even when no one is home. If you have not yet installed one, call Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC to show you how they make your home more energy efficient. If you are already enjoying the benefits of a digital thermostat than there are a few common issues that you should be aware of.

smart thermostat

When the Thermostat Loses Power

If the power suddenly shuts off, check the source. Even though all digital thermostats can be hardwired into the homes electrical system, yours may be running on a battery. A quick change of the battery will get it running again. If it is wired to your house than check the fuse box for any blown fuses. If that still does not solve the problem, the issue may be more complex and you should give Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC a call!

Programming a Digital Thermostat

If it suddenly stops working the way you had it programmed, check the program settings. It is possible that someone else in your family inadvertently changed the programming while attempting to only change the temperature. Many newer models allow you to have different programs for weekdays and weekends. These are very beneficial in helping you keep your home energy efficient.

Some of the older digital thermostats were not user friendly. Being introduced to a generation of people used to turning a dial caused much confusion and frustration. New technology has been introduced that make setting up the programs much more user friendly. Call Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC to discuss upgrading your thermostat to a newer model.

If you ever experience any difficulty with your digital thermostat, Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC will be happy to come out to your home and assist you with the troubleshooting. The thermostat is a key component in keeping your home comfortable and energy efficient.

Call Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC at (314) 471-7625.

 

Is an HVAC Service Contract Right for Your Home?

by Leave a Comment

Every homeowner should maintain a contract with a reliable HVAC company.  You then have a guarantee for services to the homes system and components for a set fee.

suburban homeWhile some may try and say it is a waste of money, they have most likely never woken up in the middle of a cold January night to no heat.  A service contract is an agreement between the HVAC company and a homeowner. For a set fee there is a guarantee for services to the homes system and components. This includes maintenance checks and tune-ups.

Never Forget a Maintenance Check

The headache of having to remember to schedule maintenance checks will most likely be handled by the office staff of the HVAC company. They will keep careful record of all calls out to your house, repairs made, and parts replaced. A certified technician need only to look at your records to see how long it has been since a certain critical part of the appliance has been replaced.

Identifying Potential Problems

With the annual maintenance checks offered with your service contract, the technician will be able to spot and quickly change out dirty filters and remedy any other problems that may be affecting the efficiency of your heating and cooling units. The money saved by keeping the system efficient will quickly offset the cost of the contract. Plus, with a certified technician looking over the system every few months, potential problems will be identified and repaired before they cause more costly damage or require a replacement.

Receiving Special Discounts

In the event that a part needs to be replaced, a contract holder will receive a special discount not available to every customer.
As a service contract holder, you will be given priority over other customers. If you call because your central air conditioning unit has suddenly started to make an odd noise, your call will be put in front of all other scheduled appointments.

One of the biggest benefits to holding an HVAC contract is avoiding having to replace your central air conditioning unit or furnace. Frequent checks will greatly extend the life of your system.

Maintaining Newer Equipment

If you have invested in newer, more efficient ways to control the climate inside your home, such as a geothermal heat pump, you will want the peace of mind that a technician who is skilled at handling this new technology is only a phone call away. While the idea of a manufacturer warranty may deter you from considering a HVAC service agreement, bear in mind that not properly maintaining these units will often void these. If for some reason the new unit is defective or breaks down unexpectedly, you will have positive proof that you responsibly saw to its maintenance with professional help and the warranty should be honored.

Your homes HVAC system plays a critical role in keeping your family comfortable. There are many different parts and components to it that you may not even be aware of. Knowing that a skilled and certified technician is only a phone call away in case of an emergency should be incentive enough to invest in a service contract.

Call Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC at (314) 471-7625.

Photo credit:  gurdunark

New Air Conditioner St. Louis – Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC

by 4 Comments

Is it time for a New Air Conditioner?

replacing-air-conditionerWhen it’s time to replace your air conditioner it will start giving you some signals. Here are some signals to watch for:

Temperature Is Not Consistent

One common signal that tells you that you need to replace your air conditioning system is that there will be inconsistencies in the temperature in your home. Some rooms will be cooler than others, the vents release a lot of air, or there will be a lot of humidity compared to other rooms. Such problems could be a result of malfunctioning of the air conditioning system.

It Requires Frequent Repairs

If you have to get your air conditioning system repaired more than once during the season, it is a strong signal that you should stop wasting money on repairs and invest in a new air conditioner.

Higher Power Bills

Old, worn out air conditioning systems usually eat up a lot of energy and this will begin to show up in your utility bills. If after regular seasonal maintenance you still see utility bill climbing higher, you should consider switching to a more energy efficient unit.

Excessive Humidity and Dust

Problems such as leaky duct work, inadequate equipment, or poor equipment operation can cause the internal air to be too humid in summers and too dry in the winter. It may also allow a lot of dust to enter the air. If these are persistent problems in your house even after maintenance, then you should think about replacing your air conditioning system.

St. Louis Air Conditioner

Life Expectancy Of An Air Conditioner

Energy Star recommends that you replace an air conditioning unit that is older than 10 years.  A unit that was installed 10 years ago most likely did not even have the energy efficiency of models on the market today. You could see savings of up to 30% in your utility bills by replacing an old unit with a newer, more energy efficient one.

Why Replace During The Winter?

We recommend replacing the central air conditioning unit during the winter for a few reasons. First of all, the summer rush for is over. Since your most likely not using your air conditioning in the winter, you wont miss it being down for a few days. If you wait until summer when its over 90 degrees outside, you may be very uncomfortable in the home during the installation. There are often end of season savings on the purchase of a new unit.

As a homeowner you want to make your home feel as good as possible. On top of that you are adding value to your home when you replace an antiquated unit with a new one. When making this type of investment in your home you are going to want to make sure you receive the most value for your money.

Call Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC today (314) 471-7625.

Get Your Heater Ready For Winter

by Leave a Comment

Having your furnace fail during winter months in St. Louis is not something you want to have happen. St. Louis HVAC

Fortunately, there are things you can do to avoid that and to prepare for needing the extra heat.

Keeping your HVAC system functioning and saving money on repairs hinges a lot on how much preventative maintenance you have done. Running the heat all the time is going to tax the system. So a little preparation can avoid the system going out at an inopportune moment. With the right preventative maintenance,  no matter what type of heating system you use – electric, oil, propane, heat pump, natural gas – you can keep it going strong all winter long.

Types of HVAC Maintenance

At Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC Heating and Air Conditioning we can perform maintenance on any type of heating system. Here is a list of some of the things that can be done to make sure your heating system is reliable all winter long.

Natural Gas Furnace:

  • Replace the air filters.
  • Check gas pressure and piping for leaks, and support.
  • Inspect the blower. Blower belts should be replaced once a year.
  • Inspect the condition of blower bearings and lubricate, check the blower motor and lubricate.
  • Do a basic brush-clean of the heating elements and/or the heat exchanger.
  • Test the operation of the heating system.
  • Check the condition of the combustion blower.
  • Check the pilot or ignition system.
  • Check the heat exchanger.
  • Check the thermostat and all operating controls.
  • Tighten all electrical connections.
  • Clean and check all grounded connections.
  • Test by running through two complete heating cycles.
  • Verify that the economizer dampers are set and operational.

Heat pumps:

  • Heat pumps
  • Replace air filters.
  • Make sure thermostat is operating well.

Oil Heating:

  • Replace the air filters, check thermostat and economizer operation.
  • Replace the oil filter.
  • Check for water in the tank.
  • Replace the nozzle.
  • Check the oil pump pressure.
  • Adjust the combustion air.
  • Check the heat exchanger.
  • Check the oil pre-heater, if there is one installed.
  • Check the operating and safety controls.

Just as you need regular maintenance preformed on your car, so too regular maintenance of your furnace is vital to it’s performance. Not only will this keep your system running all winter long but it will ensure that it is running as efficiently as possible.

St. Louis HVAC Maintenance

Having a properly working furnace is a necessity during the winter in St. Louis. If your system breaks down or is not performing at its optimum level, trust Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC to repair your system. To prevent system failure, we also offer routine maintenance.

Whatever your heating, air conditioning or ventilation needs are, contact Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC today at (314) 471-7625 or fill out our online contact form for a free estimate.

 

photo credit: bunnygoth