Top Tips: How to Lower Your Summer Cooling Costs

Posted on June 28, 2017 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Summer has arrived. And even though the temps are soaring, your energy costs don’t have to. We’ve put together our top tips to keep your cooling costs in check this summer.

Monitor Your Thermostat

Keep an eye on your thermostat settings. If your family is curled up under blankets on the couch, it’s a good sign that your thermostat is set too low. Aim for between 72 and 78 degrees in summer. Even bumping up the number 2 to 4 degrees will have an impact on your bill.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

For the ultimate in home comfort and energy efficiency, install a programmable thermostat. Today’s technology allows you to access and control your home’s temperature remotely, and some thermostats will even “learn” and adjust to your family’s schedule. If you’ve already got a programmable thermostat, make sure you’re using it correctly.

Change Your Air Filter

Change out your air filter on a regular basis to ensure maximum air flow, improve overall efficiency, and prevent coil ice-ups.

Close Your Blinds

Blocking out sunlight by closing your blinds can not only reduce your cooling costs, it also can keep out harmful UV rays.

Cook Outside

Things can really heat up in the kitchen during the summer. Fire up the grill instead.

Bonus Tip: Flip the Switch

Unplug unused electronics or appliances. Use surge protector power strips or switched outlets that can be easily turned on and off. Don’t leave lights on in unoccupied rooms. While this may not directly keep your cooling costs down, you’ll still save on your electric bill.

Call WestAIR for an Annual Service Maintenance Check

It’s not too late to have your system checked by our professional technicians. We’ll make sure your system is running at the highest level of efficiency, determine if any repairs are needed, and make recommendations for replacement if necessary. We carry top quality air conditioning brands for the highest in energy efficiency.

Contact the cooling experts at WestAIR today. Call us at 763-498-8071.

This entry was posted in Air Conditioning,Cooling,Energy Savings,Tips and tagged A/C maintenance check, Air conditioner, air conditioning, Air filter, Annual service maintenance check, Cooling, Energy savings, Maintenance check, Programmable thermostat, Service, System check, Thermostat, Tips & advice

HVAC Humor

Posted on May 17, 2016 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

The first hot days of summer are upon us. Are you worried your air conditioner might not be up to the job of keeping your home cool? Call WestAIR Heating and Cooling at 763.498.8071 to schedule a tune-up.

Scheduling a regular check-up for your air-conditioner can greatly reduce your energy costs, extend its lifetime and improve the system’s performance. Contact WestAIR before June 30, 2016 to save with one of our current specials of $95 for a tune-up of your air-conditioning system.

This entry was posted in AC,Air Conditioning,Cooling,Energy Savings,Spring,Tips,Uncategorized and tagged Air conditioner, air conditioning, Cooling, Energy savings, Service, WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Spring Cleaning & Your HVAC Unit

Posted on April 19, 2016 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Warmer weather is right around the corner — are you ready to turn on your home’s air conditioning unit that’s been sitting idle since last year?

Here are a few tips to help you transition from winter to spring:

Schedule Annual Maintenance
Prevent spring and summer breakdowns, and extend the life of your air conditioning unit, by scheduling an annual AC service check and clean with a professional technician at WestAIR Heating & Cooling. A quick tune-up can help take care of bigger issues before they arise.

Flip The Switch
Turn on your A/C unit and let it run to ensure there are no issues. Check for malfunctions, air temperature accuracy and proper operation. It’s a good idea to do this step before a scheduled service call, so you can discuss any questions or issues with one of our knowledgeable WestAIR professionals.

Change The Filter
The start of spring is the perfect time to change your air filter. Continue to change the filter monthly during the spring and summer months as these are the most common allergy seasons.

The team at WestAIR Heating & Cooling would be happy to come to your home and personally clean  and inspect your air conditioning system. Give us a call today at 763-498-8071.

This entry was posted in AC,Air Conditioning,Spring,Tips and tagged Air conditioner, air conditioning, Cooling, Service, Tips & advice, WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Is your Air Conditioning System keeping up?

Posted on August 10, 2015 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Hey Minnesotans, it’s summer! We love these sun shiny, summer days, but now that Mother nature is really cranking up the heat (and humidity!) your air conditioning unit may be working overtime! Or – does it sometimes feel like it is just not doing it’s job of keeping your house cool?

There could be a number of reasons your central AC does not seem to be doing the best job.

• Have you had your yearly routine checkup? Just like a regular checkup at the doctor, your AC unit needs to be checked out, cleaned and tuned up for optimal performance.
• Have you checked your thermostat? Make sure your batteries are fresh (if it uses batteries) settings are correct, and it is functioning properly.
• Have you changed your furnace filter?  Furnace filters should be changed once a month-even during the summer months.
• Try closing the vents in rooms you don’t use on a regular basis.
• Check out additional tips on our website.

Inefficiencies in your air conditioning system could be costing you a lot of money every month in energy bills. And many people probably think “Oh no, we cannot replace the system this year, it is too costly.” But the truth is, there may be instances that replacing your system could SAVE you money over the next few years! Your air conditioner’s inefficiency could be driving up your monthly bills substantially. Combine lower monthly bills with possible rebates and it is a win-win!

If your air conditioning system continues to battle the Dog Days of Summer this August, make sure to call your local professional at WestAIR Heating & Cooling. We’d be happy to come out to your home and personally assess your AC unit. We want you to be comfortable in your home, all year long.  Contact us today at 763.498.8071.

This entry was posted in AC,Air Conditioning,Cooling and tagged A/C, A/C unit rebates, air conditioning, Cooling, Routine A/C checkup, Service, Thermostat, WestAIR Heating & Cooling

It’s getting hot, Hot HOT!

Posted on June 9, 2015 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Hey Twin Cities! The first HOT day of the year is in the forecast! Time to get your home air conditioner fired up and running.  Worried that maybe it had a hard winter and might be slow to get going? Call WestAIR to schedule your tune up.

Yearly maintenance on your home’s air conditioner can greatly reduce your energy costs, extend it’s lifetime AND improve system performance. The best way to get the most out of your AC is have a qualified air conditioning specialist come out to your home to perform an inspection. They can give you recommendations such as:

• Keep outside unit clear of leaves, sticks and other debris
• Clean or change your air conditioning filters according to the manufacturer’s specifications
• Check hoses and fan belt for leaks or cracks
• Use a programmable thermostat to control the temperature of your home while you are away

And if that isn’t enough, right now, WestAIR is running a coupon special on AC Tune Ups  

Contact WestAIR for a Free Estimate to evaluate your home HVAC system.

This entry was posted in AC,Cooling,Energy Savings and tagged A/C tune-up coupon, Air conditioner, Cooling, Energy efficient, Energy savings, Service, Specials, Tips & advice

Independence Day in the Twin Cities!

Posted on July 1, 2014 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Independence Day in the United States celebrates Americas Independence from Great Britain. This is also the day that the Declaration of Independence was signed on July the 4th, 1776.

Whether this year is a family reunion, picnic or barbaque, here is the perfect side dish to bring along. These fruit skewers are super easy and healthy. Kids can help with this dish. It gives you the opportunity to show off patriotism for our country.

 Patriotic Fruit Skewers

You will need: Blueberries, Strawberies, Bananas, wooden or metal skewers.

Cut Strawberries in halves and bananas in slices. Alternate strawberry and banana for the stripes. For the blue stars, only alternate strawberries and bananas for half and add blueberries to the other half. Set up in the flag shape as seen below.

A few fun facts to share with your friends and family on the 4th!

• Over 155 million hotdogs are cumsumed in the USA on July 4th.
• On America’s 50th birthday July 4th, 1826; John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died. Both men were signers of the declaration and former presidents.
• Meaning of the flag colors: Red stands for hardiness and valor. White stands for purity and innocence. Blue stands for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
• July is national hot dog, blueberry and ice cream month.

Stay Cool for the 4th! We’re open until noon on the 3rd!

Proudly delivering the “Quality Service you expect” for 25+ years. Contact WestAIR Heating and Cooling today for a free estimate (763)498-8071. Location: 11184 River Road NE Hanover, MN 55341

This entry was posted in Holidays,Recipes and tagged America, Cooling, Fourth of July, Fun facts, Holiday, Independance Day, Recipies

Spring AC Check and Clean

Posted on May 23, 2013 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

A late Spring this year means Summer is right around the corner and coming fast! Before you know it the heat will be scorching and your Air Conditioner will be working overtime. Is your AC ready to withstand the constant summer heat? Scheduling an AC check and clean is the best thing you can do to save future break down costs and reduce your energy bill for the summer. If you would like to learn more about why a check and clean is important please visit the government energy website.

Utility companies around the metro area offer to reimburse residents for their check and clean service expenses. Some of which include: Connexus, Crow Wing Power, Elk River Utilities, Hutchinson, Lake Country, New Ulm and North Saint Paul. For other rebates and savings in your area visit the Minnesota Power website.

Proudly delivering the “Quality Service you expect” for 25+ years. Contact WestAIR Heating and Cooling today for a free estimate (763)498-8071. Location: 11184 River Road NE Hanover, MN 55341

This entry was posted in AC,Cooling,Uncategorized and tagged Air conditioner, Cooling, Energy efficient, Energy savings, Repair, Service, Tips & advice

Install High-Efficiency to Save $

Posted on March 15, 2013 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Whether it’s Winter or Summer, heating or cooling, furnaces or air conditioners. Now is your time to save money and cut down payments on energy bills. During this past cold winter you may have seen your bills skyrocket. Chances are you will continue to see the same trend this summer as temperatures continue to rise. Installing a high efficiency unit leads to perks such as saving hundreds of dollars on your energy bill each month along with a possible rebate from your energy provider.

Proudly delivering the “Quality Service you expect” for 25+ years. Contact WestAIR Heating and Cooling today for a free estimate (763)498-8071. Location: 11184 River Road NE Hanover, MN 55341

This entry was posted in AC,Cooling,Furnace,Heating and tagged Air conditioner, Cooling, Efficiency ratings, Furnace, Heating

Energy Savings Tips-Cooling your Home

Posted on May 23, 2012 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Focus on energy saving tips for keeping your home cool this summer. Don’t wait until that 100 degree day to decide that you need to find efficient ways to save energy and keep your home cool. You can start NOW by considering a few different options and see which one(s) fit your best interests.

Things you can do NOW:
– Schedule a Check and Clean for your Air Conditioner.
– Keep blinds or curtains closed during the day to reflect unwanted heat from entering through windows.
– Program your setback thermostat for home and away ****
-Check on summer savings programs with your utility company.

Options to consider:
– Upgrading to a High Efficiency Air Conditioner.
– Planting deciduous trees in an area that will shade your home.
– Insulate, weather-strip and caulk. Having your attic properly insulated is extremely important to eliminating unwanted heat in the summer.
– New roof or exterior paint? Keep in mind that darker colors absorb heat way more than lighter colors. Maybe consider something that is neutral.

Proudly delivering the “Quality Service you expect” for 25+ years. Contact WestAIR Heating and Cooling today for a free estimate (763)498-8071. Location: 11184 River Road NE Hanover, MN 55341

This entry was posted in AC,Cooling and tagged Air conditioner, Cooling, Energy efficient, Energy savings, Energy Star rated, Heating, High efficiency electronic air cleaner, Setback thermostat, Tips & advice

AC Tune Ups & Tips

Posted on May 1, 2012 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Tune-up tips boil down to three basic components: longer equipment life, lower costs and more energy efficient. Spring is the perfect time for a tune up. Let our trained technicians at WestAIR inspect and clean your heating and cooling system and identify any potential problems it may have. Keeping the system clean and up to date will prevent costly future breakdowns. The regular maintenance extends the life of your equipment for more savings and avoiding replacement. An efficiently running system also lowers energy costs!

We also offer a low-cost Planned Service and Maintenance Agreement. Under the Service-Maintenance plan we remind you when it’s time for a tune up. Our office assistants call you and schedule a time that works best for you for our technicians to come out and tune-up your system.  Don’t wait until summer, that may be too late.

Proudly delivering the “Quality Service you expect” for 25+ years. Contact WestAIR Heating and Cooling today for a free estimate (763)498-8071. Location: 11184 River Road NE Hanover, MN 55341

This entry was posted in AC,Cooling,Repairs and tagged Air conditioner, Cooling, Energy efficient, Energy savings, Service, Technician, Tips & advice