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Over the last two years, the home has become an especially popular place to be. But are you taking proper care of it? When was the last time you had an AC unit maintenance check? Are there any parts that need repair? Did you contact any local AC repair Madison? If you don’t schedule annual maintenance for your home’s AC unit, you are putting your overall well-being at risk.

Preventative maintenance goes a long way in fostering a healthy living environment for you and your loved ones. Whether you have a whole-house or one-room air conditioner, don’t make it work harder than it should. Follow these tips for keeping it running smoothly, so your home will stay cool all season long.

What Are the Benefits of Preventative Maintenance?

AC maintenance benefits include less money spent, more love for the environment, and a greater focus on your health. How much money you will save depends on how well you take care of your AC. The easiest way to save money on your air conditioning unit is by identifying and preventing issues before they arise.

During your AC maintenance appointment, an experienced HVAC tech can pinpoint any issues they see with your unit. Then they can address any problems before they become major issues. They may also recommend other money-saving improvements for your unit based on your AC habits, where you live, and the time of year.

When the unit is given proper preventative attention, it consumes less fuel and becomes more energy efficient. Your unit’s efficiency may also be affected by dirty air filters, dirty condenser coils, inadequate ventilation, and more. Routine maintenance can catch these smaller issues and correct them to help improve your unit’s efficiency.

The air you breathe every day is crucial to your overall health. AC Designs’ indoor air quality specialists can correct any poor air quality issues within your unit. They can also make recommendations for air filters or air quality monitors to keep track of the pollutants in your home.

Finally, when your AC unit is maintained properly, you’ll get to enjoy it for many more years to come. When you treat it well, it experiences less wear and tear which contributes to a longer lifespan.

What to Expect From Your Maintenance Appointment

During your maintenance appointment, the HVAC technician will inspect your unit to ensure it is running efficiently. They may check and test components such as the blower motor, thermostat, condenser coil, fan blades, and capacitors.

They should also check your air filter and clean or change it if necessary to improve your indoor air quality. Additionally, you can expect them to inspect the safety components within your unit to ensure they are operating properly.

Make sure your HVAC technician checks your refrigerant level. This is a crucial step in your maintenance appointment. A loss of refrigerant means that a leak may have occurred. If possible, your technician should locate and repair the leak during your appointment.

When your air conditioner needs more than regular maintenance, such as when it does not reduce the indoor temperature to a comfortable level, hire a professional service technician. A well-trained technician will find and fix problems in your air conditioning system.

If you’re planning an HVAC installation this season, you should take into account the warranty that comes with it. This adds an extra layer of protection to your investment, providing you with coverage in case of unexpected breakdowns. But to ensure you can keep your HVAC warranty intact, you’ll want to consider a few important things. A trusted air conditioning repair and installation company like Madison AC Repair Company will help you understand the details of your warranty, what it covers, keep it protected and fix any AC problems you have.

Most new air conditioners come with a manufacturer warranty already. But the company installing them may also offer their own labor warranty. These ensure quality AC maintenance from the day you make the purchase, through installation, for future repairs and beyond.

Additional air conditioning warranties for equipment cover faulty part malfunctions and failures. If your system quits because of a manufacturer error and that part is still under warranty, it will likely be replaced by the manufacturer for free. Taking steps to protect your warranty is always a good idea. But understanding the details of your warranty like what it covers and its duration, is crucial to keep it protected. Find out what you can expect from your warranty below.

Choosing the Right Warranty

With so many companies fighting for your business, take the time you need to sift through all the information regarding their warranties. Before signing anything, ask these questions that could save you time and money:

1. How long does the warranty last?

The average AC unit lasts between 10 and 15 years. You will want to confirm that the warranty lasts for a significant period of the AC unit’s lifespan, but does not go over the average timespan.

2. Is there a warranty processing fee?

Sometimes manufacturers will charge you for any paperwork, even if the warranty covers the part you need.

3. What could void the warranty?

This is one of the most important sections of the warranty to read. Depending on the warranty, these four small steps will keep your warranty from being voided.

Ways to Protect Your AC Warranty

1. Make sure to register your new HVAC system ASAP

Do so before the warranty takes effect. You’re only given a short window of time to complete the registration process, which usually involves visiting the manufacturer’s website and filling out a form. It’s a simple enough task, taking only a few minutes, but what you get is solid warranty coverage that helps keep your HVAC system in good condition for longer–and at no cost to you.

2. Choose a qualified HVAC technician for the installation

A warranty is only valid if the new system is installed by a manufacturer-certified company. For example, if you’re investing in a new air conditioning installation and you’ve decided on a Carrier® product, you should work with a Carrier® Factory-Authorized Dealer and installer like Superior Air. We have in-depth knowledge of all the products we carry from this trusted industry name and can install them to stringent quality specifications.

3. Schedule seasonal maintenance and tune-ups

The fact is, most HVAC warranties only cover larger system components, and are only honored if the reason for failure is a manufacturing defect. This means the upkeep of smaller parts such as fan belts, air filters, electrical wiring and lubrication falls to you–the homeowner. The good news is that HVAC maintenance becomes easier if you leave it to actual professionals like Superior Air. Just schedule an HVAC inspection and tune-up with us every season and we’ll keep your new system in good shape, which in turn will help protect its warranty.

Choosing the right warranty comes down to asking questions to stay informed on all terms and conditions. Know what to expect from your AC warranty so you know how to handle any issues that may arise.

Air conditioning offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat, but settling on a temperature to maintain in your home may require a delicate balance between your family’s comfort preferences and your financial bottom line. Simply put – the lower you set your thermostat in the summer, the higher your energy bills will be. However, if you work through some of the variables you can shoot for a temperature that keeps you comfortable and saves you money. Learn more as we go over this article on temperature setting and how it can surprise you. 

What’s the Best Temperature?

This is probably going to come as a shock to you. For a balance between comfort and budget, the best temperature to set your thermostat to is 78°.

Before you disregard this and say we’ve let the heat get to our heads, there’s actual science to back this up. Your AC is engineered to detect the outside temperature and create a cooler temperature inside. No matter what setting is on the thermostat, your HVAC system is doing the same amount of work.

By setting your thermostat to 78°, you’re allowing the HVAC system to efficiently find a temperature balance that balances the temperature inside with the temperature outside. To save on bills, and be the most energy efficient, let the AC run at a higher setting. This will cool your home over time.

Keep the Humidity in Check

Humidity can make a hot day so much worse. It’s because of how humidity works with your sweat. When you sweat in a dry climate the sweat quickly evaporates. This keeps you cooler.

When you sweat in a humid climate the sweat has a harder time evaporating. Therefore, you’re stuck in a hot, sticky mess. An air conditioner does more than keep your house cool, it also controls humidity. If your humidity feels off the wall, it may be time to schedule a tune-up. Or it could be time to look into a dehumidifier. Either way, to keep yourself cool, take care of your humidity levels.

Natural Solutions to Keep Cool

In addition to adjusting your thermostat, there are a few natural solutions to keeping your home cooler during the summer months. If you’re still asking what temperature should I set my AC during the summer, these ideas don’t add to any utility bills and are completely natural and sustainable.

1. Dress for the Temperature – A pair of joggers and a sweatshirt are always cozy. But when it’s summer, time to switch to short sleeves and short pants. You’ll truly feel the benefit of your AC system when you’re dressed for the season.

2. Put Up Blackout Curtains – Get a pair of blackout curtains and make sure they’re drawn when the sun is at its peak. This will help keep cool air in and block the sun’s hot rays.

3. Strategically Open Windows – Open your windows when you first wake up and when you’re settling down for bed. This allows for the circulation of fresh air into your home and brings in the cooler night and morning air.

4. Run the Fan – When you turn on your AC for the first time in a season, don’t forget to reverse your ceiling fans. During the summer, ceiling fans should be turning counterclockwise. This creates a refreshing downdraft.

5. Make sure to Weather Seal Your Home – All those little openings around your doors and windows can add up when the weather hits the high 80s. Every summer, take the time to inspect the seals around your windows and doors. Patch up any gaps between the windows or doors and wall.

1. Schedule Regular Tune-Ups – Routine tune-ups are the best way to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your HVAC system.

Is the air in your home safe to breathe? According to recent research, indoor air pollution has been ranked among the top five risks to public health. Poor indoor air quality can affect your family’s health in a number of ways. Some of the effects are immediate. Others accumulate over time.

Time spent at home should be comfortable. Keep your family in their comfort zone all year long by learning how to test your home’s indoor air quality. Poor indoor air quality can put your family at risk, especially if they suffer from asthma or allergies. Luckily, testing your air quality and scheduling regular maintenance with your trusted AC specialists can help you discover new ways to keep your home’s air healthy. You can visit this website for more information https://www.madisonacrepair.com.

Indoor air quality testing can help you identify pollutants present in your home and take steps to reduce or eliminate them. Here’s what you need to know about indoor air quality and how to measure and monitor it.

Common Indicators of Poor Air Quality

It’s a best practice to test your home’s air quality regularly to keep your family and friends healthy. However, sometimes your home will exhibit clear signs of poor air quality. A dirty HVAC system can harbor many allergens and other pollutants that irritate your allergies and sinuses. If you begin to notice prolonged congestion, sneezing, and sinus problems, it may be time to test your AC unit or schedule a service visit from your HVAC provider.

Frequent headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation, dizziness, and fatigue are all common signs that your air isn’t as clean as you think. These issues are often caused by dust and various particles that settle into your home’s vents and ducts.

How to Test Indoor Air Quality

Identifying and monitoring indoor air quality is an important part of keeping your home safe. While some problems may be quickly apparent, other indoor air pollutants fly under the radar, so to speak, because they’re not visible and don’t cause immediate health consequences. These steps will help you identify indoor air quality problems so that you can take steps to address them.

1. Buy and Install an Indoor Air Quality Monitor

An air quality monitor allows you to continuously monitor the environmental conditions in your home. A good air quality monitor will include multiple sensors to measure factors that affect home air quality. At a minimum, you should look for a monitor that includes sensors for humidity, temperature, and particulate matter, such as the AcuRite AIR Indoor Air Quality Monitor, so you can keep tabs on your home health and take action to improve conditions when they fall outside ideal healthy air conditions.

2. Test for Radon

Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and invisible gas that can have long-term effects on your health. It’s an outdoor pollutant that can enter your home through cracks in the floor, foundation, and walls, and through areas around pumps and plumbing. You can purchase inexpensive radon test kits at most home improvement stores.

Keeping Your Air Clean

There are many ways to keep your air fresh and clean. One of the most basic ways to improve your air quality is to remove airborne pollutants from your air circulation. Our expert staff can get your AC unit fitted for the best air filters, or recommend an air purification system.

An unbalanced level of humidity in your home can negatively affect your comfort and the condition of your household. Humidity can make your home feel stuffy and can lead to wood rot or peeling paint. High humidity levels can also promote the growth of biological pollutants, such as allergens, viruses, and mold. 

If you are concerned about the presence of bacteria and other biological pollutants in your home, you may want to consider using UV germicidal lights. Our HVAC specialists can install these UV lights in your home to destroy these pollutants.

Breathe easier this year by taking charge of your home’s indoor air quality. If you think your home’s air quality needs improvement, schedule an appointment with Madison AC Repair Company.

Central air conditioning systems are common for modern homes, but knowledge of how they work is quite uncommon. Of course, not everyone can be a trained expert in the refrigeration technology of air conditioning systems, but there are a number of misconceptions about air conditioners that professional AC technicians run into all the time. A bit of knowledge can go a long way in the quest for the best home cooling, so we’ve listed five of the biggest misconceptions people have about home AC systems.

1. Letting the Heat Load Get Too High

It’s a common habit in Southern California to close the windows and doors for more than three to four hours at a time during peak heat periods. However, this results in no home ventilation. While homeowners are out, the indoor home temperature can rise considerably. For example, it can be 95° outside, and by the time you arrive home, the indoor temperature has risen to 88°.

This is an uncomfortable temperature for most families. Turning on the air conditioner is the logical solution, most people set it in between 73° and 75°. Unfortunately, even if the air conditioning never turns off, it may take hours to lower indoor room temperature (as a whole) from 88° to 75°.

Solution:

When you know you’ll be out of the house during peak heat hours, leave the air conditioner on to a reasonable temperature (78° to 80°). This allows your AC to run at a sustainable level so that you can adjust the thermostat to a comfortable 75 without stressing out your air conditioner.

2. Low Thermostat number Does Not Mean Cooler Air 

Central air systems work by cooling air 15° to 20° at a time. For example, if the indoor air temperature is 80°, the AC system takes that supply of air and subtracts 15° to 20° of heat before releasing it back into the home air supply. Because it mixes with the other 80° air that has not been conditioned yet, the air is somewhat cooler, but not necessarily the temperature that was set on your thermostat. It takes time for the indoor air to reach temperature equilibrium.

However, if you believe the mixing of temperature-treated air and the indoor air supply is not the reason for poorly conditioned air there, may be a greater issue. Though the air is still conditioned, it is less efficient, forcing the system to work twice as hard to cool the same amount of air.

Solution:

If your air is not cooling air in 15° to 20° increments, a maintenance call is required to restore proper function and efficiency levels.

3. Ignores Filter Maintenance

A regularly scheduled maintenance call usually eliminates issues with poor or dirty air filtration. From stuffed filters to debris buildup over the evaporator coils, keeping your central air system clean benefits the system itself and the cleanliness of the air inside of your home.

When air filters are not cleaned or replaced it adds excess strain to the AC. This happens because less air gets through the filter and less air is conditioned. This can also cause the evaporator coils to ice up while the system overheats.

Solution:

Have your preferred HVAC technician visit to service your AC system. Be sure to replace filters and have the evaporator coils and drip pans cleaned. These areas collect water and are prone to microbiological growth.

4. The Central Air System is not an Open System

Most homeowners tend to think their air conditioning system is an open system. This is not the case. Contrary to popular belief, there is no need to refill your refrigerant supply.

When there is a leak in your refrigerant supply, the system is less efficient because it does not have enough cooling power to work with. If your AC system previously cooled indoor air in 20-degree increments, it now may be cooling in 10-degree increments; the air conditioner works harder to treat the same amount of air.

Solution:

Have your preferred HVAC technician like the Madison AC Repair Company to repair the leak, refill refrigerant, and recalibrate.