Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
When it comes to weather, in Minnesota, we live in a state of extremes. That’s why we rely on our homes to provide an oasis of clean air and cozy temperatures all year long. And WestAIR Heating & Cooling has you covered. Read on to learn more about the HVAC services and solutions we offer as your local source for total indoor air comfort.
The snowy and bitterly cold winters make reliable, efficient heating systems vital to our comfort, health, and safety. WestAIR offers a full range of solutions, and our expert technicians will help you find the perfect fit for your home and provide professional installation.
While our air is extremely cold and dry, the summers are full of heat and humidity. But don’t worry—we provide the same level of experience and expertise when it comes to home cooling solutions.
Indoor air quality (IAQ) affects comfort as well as overall health. Rely on WestAIR to help ensure the air inside your home is both clean and cozy.
As your local source for all things HVAC, WestAIR also provides a full range of professional maintenance services:
Your home should be a private escape from the extremes of Minnesota weather. We’re here to help make the best decision for you and your home, as well as ensure your systems run at peak performance and efficiency.
Contact WestAIR today to learn more about our HVAC services and solutions for total indoor air comfort.
This entry was posted in AC,Air Cleaners and Purifiers,Air Conditioning,Cooling,Duct Cleaning,Energy Savings,Furnace,Health Tips,Heating,Humidifier,Humidity,HVAC Maintenance,Indoor Air Quality,Repairs,Tips,Winter and tagged Furnace, Heating, Home Cooling Solutions, Home Heating Solutions, HVAC Services, HVAC Solutions, Indoor air quality, Service, Thermostat, Tips & advice, Total Indoor Air Comfort, WestAIR, WestAIR Heating & Cooling, WestAIR Services
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Heading south for the winter isn’t just for the birds anymore. During the winter season, the Florida population increases by more than 5 percent due to snowbirds. When it is time to pack up and head south, you should think about the ways you can keep your house, yard, and belongings safe. Let WestAIR Heating & Cooling walk you through our 2023 snowbird checklist.
Winterize Your Home
It is safe to say that heading south for the winter is a dream, but you shouldn’t have nightmares about things that could go wrong with your Midwestern home. You should bask in the sun, enjoy the weather, and love life. If you plan to leave your house vacant for a few months, we want to give you a few tips on how to winterize your home.
Indoor Cleaning
Your house contains a lot of prized valuables and treasures. Tidying up indoors and performing routine maintenance will help deter criminals and keep your house safe. To prevent fires, make sure all fire alarms are working and have new batteries. Check to make sure all your windows and outside doors are locked and draw the shades. Arrange for someone to regularly come over and check on the house. We also recommend fully cleaning your house, removing all food, and emptying all garbage cans. You don’t need indoor trespassers, either (rats, spiders, etc.).
Outdoor Maintenance
Outdoor maintenance matters just as much as indoor maintenance. To keep your house safe, we suggest installing Wi-Fi-enabled smart cameras. These cameras will catch any suspicious activity and send an alert straight to your smartphone. You can also install a motion sensing floodlight to discourage potential criminals. Some other outdoor maintenance we suggest is to have a snow removal company plow and shovel for you. You should also clean and bring in any outdoor furniture. Make sure to drain all pipes, faucets, and outdoor hoses to prevent the water in them from freezing and expanding.
Tell the Neighbors
Communicating with family, neighbors, and friends is important when snowbirding. In order for your home to stay safe and intact, you should have a few people watching over it. Smart cameras work wonders, but not when you are thousands of miles away. Neighbors can watch for suspicious activity and pick up any mail or packages delivered while you are away. Family or friends can perform weekly checks to make sure the inside of your house is secure and tidy.
There are many positives to being a snowbird. For example, sunlight and warm weather can help improve your lung and heart health. There is no need to worry about straining your body while shoveling or snowplowing during a snowstorm. The warm weather helps to get you outside and spend time doing activities you love, such as walking, biking, and running. You also get the chance to explore a new town, try new things, and immerse yourself in a different culture.
If you follow our 2023 snowbird checklist, you won’t need to worry when you’re away because your house, yard, and belongings will be safe and sound. We can also help keep your home safe — by making sure your heating system is in great working condition. If you are looking to have your heating system serviced or for more snowbird tips, feel free to contact WestAIR Heating & Cooling.
This entry was posted in Holidays,HVAC Maintenance,Safety Tips,Tips and tagged checklist, indoor cleaning, outdoor maintenance, smart camera, Smart thermostat, Snowbird, Snowbirdchecklist, Thermostat, Tips, Winterize
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
The weather is heating up here in Minnesota. Have you given your cooling system a test run yet? Doing so allows you to address any issues before the hot and humid summer days arrive. But how will you know if you need a repair or a replacement? Read on to learn about six signs you need a new air conditioner.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), central air conditioners typically last about 15-20 years. And while occasional repairs are to be expected, having to do so frequently means you likely need a replacement. If your AC is around 15 years old and/or needs multiple service calls during the cooling season, it may be time to forget the repair bills and invest in a new cooling system.
Your AC shouldn’t be silent, but be on alert for certain noises that point to a problem:
Additionally, the air pushed out by the system should not offend your nostrils. Don’t ignore strange odors when your AC is on:
If you notice any of these issues, contact WestAIR ASAP to investigate and resolve the issue to keep your household safe.
Your AC will naturally produce some condensation, but liquids should never leak from the unit. Pooling water may be caused by a blocked or busted condensation tube and is a less serious issue. However, the refrigerant the system uses to cool the air is poisonous. Contact our expert HVAC technicians immediately if you notice any liquids on or around the condenser unit.
Speaking of moisture, a properly functioning cooling system should help maintain proper indoor humidity levels. If your home feels excessively humid, that’s a sign that your AC is failing and may need to be replaced.
Air conditioners should supply your entire home with cool, evenly distributed air. Warm air could be caused by a problem with the compressor or restricted airflow. If you notice uneven or weak air distribution from your vents, you may need to change/clean your filter or clean your ductwork to clear a blockage. You should schedule a professional inspection from an HVAC specialist to diagnose the exact cause and discuss the ideal solution to these problems.
Higher energy bills are to be expected as we increase the demand on our HVAC system during the cooling months. But if your bills seem to spike unreasonably, it’s likely that your AC isn’t operating efficiently and needs to be repaired or replaced.
As we prepare for the hot and humid summer days ahead, now’s the time to ensure your AC is ready. Keep an eye out for these signs you need a new air conditioner when testing your system before the cooling season is in full swing. If you notice any issues, the local HVAC experts at WestAIR are here to help.
Contact us to learn more and schedule service.
This entry was posted in AC,Air Conditioning,Cooling,Health Tips,HVAC Maintenance,Indoor Air Quality,Repairs,Tips and tagged AC Repair, AC Replacement, AC Warning Signs, Air conditioner maintenance, Air Conditioner Repair, Air Conditioner Replacement, Air Conditioner Warning Signs, air conditioning, Heating and Cooling Services, Homeowner Education, Homeowner Tips, HVAC Safety, HVAC Warning Signs, Residential HVAC, Signs You Need a New AC, Signs You Need a New Air Conditioner, WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Spring officially began on March 20 and despite some chilly days and “surprise” snowfall, cooling season is on its way. You may be ready for the shift, but is your air conditioner? Use these spring HVAC reminders and tips to help prepare your system for the hot summer days ahead.
Whether you’ve already finished your spring cleaning or have yet to bust out the rubber gloves, don’t forget to incorporate your HVAC system into your routine:
While regular dusting, mopping, vacuuming, and cleaning of the vents and registers helps minimize the amount of debris that gets into your ductwork, there’s no way to prevent it entirely. Duct cleaning helps prevent dust, pollen, and other harmful particles from accumulating and impacting the health of your HVAC system and indoor air quality.
Don’t let the cool air your HVAC system produces go to waste. Check windows, doors, and exterior walls for cracks and seams that could let indoor air escape and hot, humid outdoor air sneak in. Seal them with caulk to help maintain efficient cooling.
Providing fresh air and adequate ventilation are vital to maintaining indoor air quality. Open windows on nice days for natural ventilation and air flow. Consider installing an air exchanger that simultaneously removes stale, recycled indoor air while supplying fresh, filtered air from outside.
Don’t wait for the first hot, humid day of the year to test your air conditioner. Turn the system on now to check for any issues, and schedule annual preventative maintenance with the local HVAC experts at WestAIR to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and safety.
With Minnesota’s unpredictable weather, spring can feel like little more than a brief break between the last snowfall and the first hot, humid day of summer. Don’t let the window sneak by without giving your home’s air conditioner some much needed TLC! Use these spring HVAC reminders to help ensure your system is ready to keep your home cool and cozy all season long.
For all your heating and cooling needs, trust the knowledgeable, experienced HVAC professionals at WestAIR. Contact us to learn more about our services.
This entry was posted in AC,Air Conditioning,Cooling,Duct Cleaning,Energy Savings,Health Tips,HVAC Maintenance,Indoor Air Quality,Spring,Tips and tagged Air conditioner, Air conditioner maintenance, Air conditioner tune-up, air conditioning, Annual check-up, Annual service maintenance check, Cooling Season, Cooling Season Prep, Cooling system, Cooling Tips, Duct cleaning, Duct cleaning service, Professional duct cleaning, Spring, Spring Cleaning, Spring Heating and Cooling, Spring HVAC, Spring HVAC Reminders, WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
In a previous blog, we discussed air duct cleaning and maintenance. Because these duties help provide better indoor air quality, we wanted to mention them again and reiterate their importance to your home and health. Learn more about some reasons for keeping air ducts clean and ways to do so.
Wherever you go, it only makes sense that you want to breathe the cleanest, healthiest air possible.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average American spends 90 percent of their life indoors. As such, it’s important for your home’s air to be free of as many contaminants as possible. This is especially important since the accumulation of indoor air pollutants is exponentially higher than regular outdoor concentrations.
Some effects of poor indoor air include respiratory issues and disease, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Oftentimes indoor air pollutants can increase the intensity of issues like asthma and even cause eye, nose, or throat dryness and irritation. Protect yourself and your family by keeping air ducts and your home’s air clean.
Your HVAC system often pulls in outside air to condition and distribute through the home, so dirt, dust, and other allergens find their way in. Since the ductwork throughout your home is hidden, you probably don’t give it much thought. And because it’s hidden, it’s more difficult to access and clean.
So how do you know if your ductwork is hiding something unhealthy? Look for telltale signs, such as:
Routine home maintenance can help keep your air ducts cleaner and your indoor air fresher.
Check and change HVAC filters. This could be every 30 days or every few months, depending on how often your system runs, if you have pets, or if you have younger children or allergy sufferers in the home. Check the filter on a regular basis and change it as needed.
Have your HVAC system inspected at least once a year to ensure it is operating at peak performance. This will also allow you to catch and fix any smaller issues before they become potentially bigger problems. Routine maintenance can extend the life of your heating and cooling systems, saving you money in the long run.
Complete household chores each week. This includes dusting hard surfaces and flooring, vacuuming carpeted areas (and vent covers), and running bedding through the wash. Also, vacuum and wash pet bedding as needed, and consider a high-quality HEPA filter vacuum to further reduce indoor air contaminants.
A few upgrades will also go a long way toward improving air quality at home.
Small changes to daily, weekly, and yearly routines can help with keeping air ducts clean while increasing overall indoor air quality. If you think your ductwork should be checked, rely on the experienced professionals at WestAIR Heating & Cooling.
Contact us today to learn more about our duct cleaning or other services.
This entry was posted in Duct Cleaning,Health Tips,Humidifier,Humidity,HVAC Maintenance,Indoor Air Quality,Spring,Tips and tagged Air ducts, Clean Air Ducts, Duct cleaning, Duct Cleaning and Indoor Air Quality, Duct cleaning service, HVAC Maintenance, HVAC System Efficiency, Keeping Air Ducts Clean, Professional duct cleaning, Residential HVAC, Signs of Dirty Ductwork, westair heating and cooling
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
When it comes to weather, Minnesota is a place of extremes. Our harsh, bitterly cold winters and hot, humid summer days make a functioning furnace and air conditioner crucial to a comfy home. Follow these tips for extending the lifespan of HVAC equipment to get the most out of your system.
Have your system professionally serviced before each heating and cooling season for a thorough tune-up, cleaning, and maintenance service to ensure peak performance and efficiency. Your technician will also catch minor issues to prevent costly repairs later on, as well as help you decide if it’s better to repair or replace.
But don’t wait for maintenance service or a total breakdown to have your system inspected. If you notice strange sounds or smells, decreased efficiency or performance, or any other warning signs, call your local HVAC professionals to diagnose and repair the issue before it gets worse.
Dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris naturally settle inside your ductwork over time. This buildup not only impacts airflow and efficiency, but it also becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. As your HVAC unit pumps air to the home, these contaminants get blown out with it and decrease your indoor air quality.
Schedule professional duct cleaning service once every two years to help maintain air quality and reduce stress placed on the system.
Clogged filters decrease airflow, forcing the system to work harder and experience a higher level of wear and tear. They’re also the number one cause of breakdowns. Remember to clean or change your HVAC system’s air filter every month.
While A/C condenser units are designed to withstand the elements, they’re not invincible. Inspect your condenser for any damage or debris buildup on occasion, especially after severe storms and instances of hail. Additionally, give the unit two to three feet of space to easily and efficiently draw in air. Keep the unit and surrounding space clean and clear of obstructions as well as grass clippings, leaves, branches, dirt, and other debris.
HVAC systems feature a PVC pipe on the indoor unit that leads outside to drain excess condensation. Serious damage to this outlet line can result in expensive repairs, so inspect yours regularly for blockages, debris, and any other issues. Be sure to do so more frequently in winter due to the potential of ice or snow deposits.
Being strategic with your thermostat can help lower utility bills and stress on your system. However, constantly adjusting the temperature can have the opposite effect. With a programmable thermostat, you can preset temperature and humidity levels over multiple days without worrying about manual adjustments.
Give your HVAC system a break whenever possible to maximize its performance and useful life. For more information, check out our helpful guides to optimizing HVAC efficiency in the winter and summer.
Heating and cooling systems contribute up to half of a home’s energy consumption, and we rely on them throughout the year in our state. Use this guide to extending the lifespan of HVAC equipment to keep the air in your home clean and comfy for years to come.
Backed by over 30 years of industry experience, locally owned and operated WestAIR has the knowledge and expertise for all your heating, cooling, and indoor air quality needs. Contact us to learn more about our services.
This entry was posted in AC,Air Conditioning,Cooling,Duct Cleaning,Energy Savings,Fall,Furnace,Health Tips,Heating,Humidity,HVAC Maintenance,Indoor Air Quality,Tips,Winter and tagged A/C, A/C maintenance, A/C Tips, Air conditioner maintenance, Air filters, Condenser Unit Maintenance, Duct cleaning, Energy savings, Energy-Saving HVAC Tips, Extending the Lifespan of HVAC Equipment, Furnace Maintenance, Furnace Tips, Homeowner Education, HVAC Education, HVAC Maintenance, HVAC Maintenance Tips, HVAC tips, Preventative Maintenance, Programmable thermostat
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
We rely on our heating systems a lot during Minnesota’s long, brutal winters. As we continue through the coldest months of the year, homeowners should take steps to minimize stress on their HVAC system to help prevent inconvenient breakdowns and costly repairs. Use these winter furnace maintenance tips to enjoy optimal performance, efficiency, and comfort all season long.
It may be the beginning of a new year, but we have a lot of cold days and harsh weather ahead of us yet. Follow these winter furnace maintenance tips to help your heating system run safely, efficiently, and uninterrupted for the rest of the season.
Trust the highly knowledgeable and experienced HVAC professionals at WestAIR for all your heating and cooling needs. Contact us to learn more.
This entry was posted in Duct Cleaning,Energy Savings,Furnace,Health Tips,Heating,HVAC Maintenance,Indoor Air Quality,Tips,Winter and tagged Duct cleaning, Duct cleaning service, Ductwork, Energy efficiency, Furnace Education, Furnace Maintenance, Furnace Maintenance Tips, Furnace Tips, Heating, Heating System, Heating System Education, Homeowner Education, Homeowner Tips, HVAC Maintenance, HVAC Maintenance Tips, WestAIR Heating & Cooling, Winter Furnace Maintenance Tips, Winter Heating Tips, Winter HVAC, Winter HVAC Safety, Winter HVAC Tips
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
With the recent snowfall and chilly temps, there’s no denying that winter is almost here. Time to prepare! As heating season makes its way to Minnesota, we must remember to keep the air in our home clean as well as warm. Use this guide to winter indoor air quality maintenance to keep your family cozy, healthy, and happy throughout the season.
When cold weather hits, we seal our homes to prevent the warm air produced by our furnaces from escaping. While this helps increase comfort and energy efficiency, it also traps dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants inside the home that then decrease indoor air quality. Common signs of poor winter indoor air quality include:
Escaping the bitter cold of Minnesota winters means spending more time inside our home, making clean indoor air crucial to our comfort and health. Thankfully, homeowners can improve and maintain air quality with these helpful tips.
This year has presented us all with new and unique challenges. But no matter how unpredictable 2020 has been, we know we can always plan for harsh winter weather here in Minnesota. We’re already seeing the temps drop and snow fall, so don’t wait! Use these winter indoor air quality maintenance tips to enjoy clean, comfy air inside your home this heating season.
For all your heating and cooling needs, trust the HVAC experts at WestAIR. Contact us today to learn more.
This entry was posted in Duct Cleaning,Furnace,Health Tips,Heating,Humidifier,Humidity,HVAC Maintenance,Indoor Air Quality,Tips,Winter and tagged Air cleaner, Air exchanger, Duct cleaning, Duct cleaning service, Heating, Heating Tips, Humidfier, Humidity, Humidity Management, HVAC tips, Indoor air quality, Indoor air quality solutions, Professional duct cleaning, Residential HVAC, Ventilation, WestAIR Heating & Cooling, Winter, Winter HVAC, Winter HVAC Tips, Winter Indoor Air Quality, Winter Indoor Air Quality Maintenance, Winter Tips, Winterize
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
It’s that time of year again. Fall is here and winter is just around the corner. Now is the perfect time to check your HVAC system. Your heating and cooling system, like all major electrical appliances, needs regular maintenance to ensure it operates at peak performance, which can save you money and headaches down the road. Follow our fall maintenance checklist to keep your system running smoothly all season long.
Following these fall maintenance tips will help prepare your home for winter and uncover any issues you may have that need professional attention. Planning early can prevent expensive repair costs and keep you comfortable all season long.
The experts at WestAIR Heating & Cooling are here to assist with all your HVAC needs. Contact us today to schedule service.
This entry was posted in Fall,Furnace,HVAC Maintenance,Tips,Uncategorized and tagged fall maintenance checklist, Heating and cooling, HVAC Maintenance, HVAC professionals, maintenance tips, westair heating and cooling
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