Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Fall is in the air and sweater weather is upon us. As you prepare your house with fall decorations like signs, pumpkins, and, of course, autumn scented candles, you may want to consider putting a few other things on your fall to-do list. Follow along in our blog to learn more about what you should put on your fall maintenance checklist.
As you think about turning off your air conditioner and opening those windows, don’t forget about cleaning your HVAC unit for wintertime. The weather may be getting cooler, but you sure don’t need a broken furnace over the winter. Debris such as dust and pests can build up in your ductwork. This type of debris can be hazardous to you and to your home. So, get your ducts cleaned out for the start of winter. The same goes for your air conditioning. Unwanted debris could clog coils and damage your AC.
It’s true, you will be opening your windows more as the weather gets cooler, but once the snow starts to hit the ground, it’s time to turn the heat on. Make sure you are changing your air filters regularly. Changing your air filter helps keep a cleaner home, helps your health, it improves your HVAC system, and produces fresh indoor air.
Get your cleaning gloves ready because it’s time to shine those air ducts. Your ducts need a good cleaning because the amount of time you are spending at home inside will increase. It will also help you to save energy in the long run. An air duct cleaning will help combat allergies and asthma, and it will help fight off any other sicknesses. If you don’t think you can clean your air ducts yourself, the professionals at West AIR Heating & Cooling are here to help.
As summer comes to an end and you start thinking about all the fun things you are going to do in the next coming months, don’t forget about your annual fall cleaning. Checking your air filters, cleaning debris, and air duct cleaning are some of the things to make sure to have on your fall maintenance checklist. Contact WestAIR Heating & Cooling for all your fall maintenance needs.
This entry was posted in AC,Air Conditioning,Cooling,Duct Cleaning,Heating and tagged Cooling, Duct cleaning, Heating, Indoor air quality, WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Several years ago, we wrote about a topic that affects virtually every homeowner – dryer vents. Now, we want to revisit this idea to reiterate the value of keeping ducts clean. We also want to offer some safety tips along with signs that your ducts need attention. Keep reading to learn more.
You likely clean the clothes dryer lint catch before or after drying a load of clothes. That trap can sometimes miss a piece of lint here or there, and those pieces may end up in the dryer vent hose. If too many of those small pieces collect over time, the vent can become clogged, forcing potentially dangerous fumes back into your home.
Additionally, dryer lint is flammable. And clothes dryers use warm – often hot – air to dry a load of laundry. In some instances, flammable lint mixed with hot air can be an unsafe combination. Each year, clothes dryer fires cause death, injury, and millions of dollars in property loss or damage. Failure to keep up with dryer maintenance is the leading cause of clothes dryer fires. As such, keeping the vent clear of obstruction dramatically helps keep you and your family safe.
A clogged dryer vent slows the drying process and makes the unit work harder and longer to get clothes dry. This creates undue stress and added wear-and-tear on the dryer itself. Keeping the vent clean and clear helps improve function and allows the dryer to run more efficiently. You’ll save money on energy bills and help cut down on repairs.
There are some signs to watch for that could indicate it’s time to clean the dryer vent – or call on a team of professionals to get the job done. Pay attention to things like:
When it comes to safety, the value of keeping ducts clean cannot be overstated. These are simple ways to be on alert to help protect your home, your family, and your appliances. If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with the professionals at WestAIR Heating & Cooling. Our duct cleaning service provides removal of dirt and other debris from your home’s ductwork, delivering peace of mind and cleaner air. Contact us today to learn more.
This entry was posted in Duct Cleaning and tagged clothes dryer, dryer vent, Duct cleaning, Duct cleaning service, Ducts, Ductwork
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
The hottest time of year is upon us, and we all know how uncomfortable Minnesota’s humidity can be. Our home should be a cool, comfy escape on hot summer days. To help, we put together this guide to understanding and controlling indoor humidity.
Simply put, humidity measures the amount of water vapor in the air. However, since warm air can retain more moisture than cold air, we look at relative humidity (RH): the amount of water vapor present relative to the total amount the air can hold at the given temperature. RH illustrates how the air actually feels and affects our comfort. The ideal RH for a home is typically between 40 and 60 percent.
Essentially, high levels of indoor RH occur when excess moisture enters the home but can’t escape. Use these tips for controlling indoor humidity and keep your home cool and cozy this summer.
By replacing warm air with cooler air, A/C systems naturally reduce indoor humidity. Again, cool air retains less moisture, so running your air conditioner helps decrease RH in the home.
More moisture means more humidity. Certain everyday activities naturally release moisture in the air and should be altered to control RH:
Remember, higher humidity happens when moisture can’t escape, so make sure that it can:
Leaky pipes and fixtures can damage your home and also add moisture to the air, so get them fixed ASAP. Warning signs include water stains on ceilings or walls, wet spots, and irregularly high water bills. You can also wrap exposed pipes with insulators to prevent condensation.
Well designed, properly installed ductwork distributes air evenly throughout the home. Leaks create a pressure imbalance and can let humid air in or cold air out. Have your ducts professionally cleaned and inspected to make sure your system circulates air properly.
Humidity can crack or warp wood, promote rot in the home’s structure over time, and increase accumulation of dust and other irritants to asthma and allergy sufferers. Luckily, there are supplemental HVAC solutions to consider if indoor humidity is a big concern:
As we use our homes as a welcome escape from the heat, clean and cool air becomes a must. Use this guide to controlling indoor humidity to keep your family comfy throughout the dog days of summer. And remember to rely on the residential HVAC experts for all your air conditioning and indoor air quality needs.
Contact us today to schedule service and learn more.
This entry was posted in AC,Air Conditioning,Cooling,Duct Cleaning,Health Tips,Indoor Air Quality,Tips and tagged air conditioning, Air filters, Controlling Indoor Humidity, Cooling Mistakes, Cooling Season, Cooling Tips, Duct cleaning, Family Health, Home Cooling, Homeowner Education, Homeowner Tips, Humidity, HVAC Education, HVAC Safety, HVAC tips, Indoor air quality, Indoor humidity, Preventative Maintenance, Summer Cooling, Summer HVAC Tips, Understanding Humidity
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
So far, June has given Minnesotans multiple occasions to fire up the A/C. With the dog days of summer yet to come, plenty more hot and humid days await. But don’t sweat it – WestAIR is here to help! We put together these energy-saving HVAC tips to help minimize your utility bills this cooling season.
Having an HVAC technician inspect, service, and clean your system now helps ensure peak performance and prevent costly repairs down the road. If you haven’t already, contact your local HVAC professional about the following services.
You don’t have to shut down your HVAC system and suffer through the heat to cut costs. Instead, follow these simple tips and get the most out of your A/C this summer.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), 18 percent of your home’s energy consumption comes from water heating. Try these water use strategies to help cut utility costs throughout the summer months.
With July and August still ahead, we know the cooling season is far from over here in Minnesota. Use these energy-saving HVAC tips to minimize utility costs while keeping your home cool and cozy this summer. And for all of your heating and cooling needs, rely on the residential HVAC experts at WestAIR for thorough, high-quality service.
Contact us today to schedule service and learn more.
This entry was posted in AC,Air Conditioning,Cooling,Duct Cleaning,Energy Savings,Tips and tagged air conditioning, Air filters, Cooling Mistakes, Cooling Tips, Duct cleaning, Energy efficiency, Energy efficient, Energy savings, Energy-Saving HVAC Tips, Energy-saving tips, Family Health, Home Cooling, Homeowner Education, Homeowner Tips, HVAC Education, HVAC Maintenance, HVAC Mistakes, HVAC Safety, HVAC tips, Indoor air quality, Preventative Maintenance, Summer Cooling, Summer HVAC Tips
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Summer weather is finally upon us, and we know that 2020 won’t be like every other year. Air conditioners play a vital role here in Minnesota and keeping them running properly will be even more important this time around. To help, we gathered a list of common summer HVAC mistakes to avoid as you keep your home feeling cool and cozy.
Regular HVAC maintenance helps prevent inconvenient breakdowns that leave you without cool, comfortable air and with an expensive repair to get it back. Avoid these mistakes to help keep your system running smoothly all season long.
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to HVAC. Proper air conditioning will circulate cool air and remove humidity simultaneously and evenly – if the unit is too big, it will cool the home quickly without removing enough moisture from the air. As a result, you won’t feel comfortably cool and may turn the thermostat even lower, working the system harder and increasing energy use.
If your A/C isn’t cooling the home how you feel it should, consult your local HVAC experts about possibly upgrading to a right-sized system.
Some homeowners worry about cooling rooms that aren’t used on a daily basis. However, as mentioned above, properly sized systems are designed to evenly distribute cool air to the entire home. While it may seem logical to close unused vents to focus on cooling high-traffic areas, closing unused air vents decreases system efficiency and increases its workload.
Altering the thermostat setting can be a touchy subject in the home, and doing so can impact the efficiency and health of your system. Remember to avoid these common mistakes.
Programmable thermostats let you customize and set temperature and humidity settings for multiple days, eliminating the need to manually monitor them throughout the day. Contact us to learn more about optimizing your summertime cooling performance and schedule with a new smart thermostat.
Outdoor units need to easily draw in air to operate efficiently.
Clear any clutter and obstructions within two to three feet of the unit and be
sure to keep it clean of grass clippings, dirt, and other debris throughout the
summer.
It’s a pretty simple concept: Keep cool air from escaping and heat from entering the home. Be mindful of these simple mistakes that impact your home’s cooling comfort and costs.
Humidity plays a crucial role when it comes to home comfort and air quality. While HVAC systems pull moisture from the air, there are many things you can do to help reduce humidity in your home, such as taking cold(er) showers, using exhaust fans, and installing a dehumidifier to work in conjunction with your air conditioner.
Minnesota summers provide amazing opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature’s beauty, but we all know the importance of having a cool, comfortable home to relax in. Keep these common summer HVAC mistakes in mind to help avoid any issues with your system this cooling season.
As your residential HVAC experts, WestAIR is proud to reliably serve all your heating and cooling needs. Contact us today to schedule service and learn more.
This entry was posted in AC,Air Conditioning,Cooling,Duct Cleaning,Energy Savings,Indoor Air Quality,Repairs,Tips and tagged air conditioning, Air filters, Cooling Mistakes, Cooling Tips, Duct cleaning, Family Health, Family Safety, Home Cooling, Home Safety, Homeowner Education, Homeowner Tips, HVAC Education, HVAC Maintenance, HVAC Mistakes, HVAC Safety, HVAC tips, Indoor air quality, Preventative Maintenance, Summer Cooling, UV Light, WestAIR Heating & Cooling
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