Get Smart About Your Home Comfort

Posted on March 29, 2022 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Your home is your sanctuary, and you want to be as comfortable as possible, right? We understand that, and now is the time to get smart about your home comfort. A programmable thermostat from WestAIR Heating & Cooling allows you to effortlessly stay cool or cozy all year round. Keep reading to learn more about these high-tech, user-friendly tools and how they can benefit your home.

Easy to Use

Maybe one of the biggest benefits of a programmable thermostat is that the device is simple to use, even if you aren’t incredibly tech-savvy. The instruction manual for most models walks you through the features and programming capabilities on the device’s touch screen, so everything is readily available and literally at your fingertips. Once you’ve programmed a setting, time, reminder, or update, you’ll get a recap and verification of the information to be sure what you’ve set is exactly what you want.

And many models are compatible with mobile devices and smart controls like Alexa or Google. You can check, change, set, or reset your thermostat settings on your phone or other gadget from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection. Or you can verbally adjust settings through your home’s network while sitting on the couch or lying in bed.

Enjoy Consistent Comfort

Gone are the days of your home feeling too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer. Better yet, with a programmable thermostat you don’t have to adjust for consistent comfort. You determine the ideal temperature for you and your family, and the smart thermostat does the heavy lifting by providing a steady flow of warm or cool air based on your schedule and needs.

Improve HVAC Efficiency

Installing a smart thermostat with your current HVAC system will help it run more efficiently. The unit will run only when needed based on your programmed settings, helping to reduce the workload and added wear and tear on the system. You’ll save energy while helping to extend the life of your HVAC system.

Energy Savings = Cost Savings

While working with your HVAC system to save energy, a programmable thermostat also saves you money. And with energy bills on the rise, there’s no smarter time to invest in one of these devices. You can set your smart thermostat to fit your home comfort needs based on your schedule. Then, set the temp slightly lower at night or when you’re away. Every degree makes a difference.

Invest in Your Home Comfort

No matter the season, your home comfort matters. Investing in a programmable thermostat is an easy and efficient way to ensure you and your family are comfortable all year long. These smart-yet-simple devices put all the control in your hands while helping you save time, energy, and money. Want to learn more? Our knowledgeable team at WestAIR Heating & Cooling can help. Contact us today to ask about the programmable thermostats we offer and find out how they can benefit your HVAC system and your home.

This entry was posted in Thermostats and tagged home comfort, Programmable thermostat, Smart thermostat, Thermostat

7 Tips for Extending the Lifespan of HVAC Equipment

Posted on March 4, 2021 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.

Schedule Preventative Maintenance Twice Annually

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.

Have Ductwork Professionally Cleaned Every Other Year

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.

Maintain a Clean Air Filter

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.

Take Care of the Condenser Unit

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.

Check the Drainage Pipe Regularly

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.

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

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.

Ease Stress on the System in Other Ways

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

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