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
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
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
Did you know that ultraviolet (UV) light technology has been used for disinfectant purposes for over a century? While not a novel concept, the technology has grown in popularity among homeowners seeking to improve indoor air quality (IAQ). Read on to learn more about the benefits of UV light air purification.
Working in conjunction with your current HVAC system, UV lights help eliminate odors and harmful airborne pathogens. This effectively reduces the presence of allergens and improves overall IAQ.
Volatile Organic compounds (VOCs) pose a health and safety hazard if breathed in, especially with prolonged exposure. While naturally occurring, they’re also found in many cleaning and disinfectant solutions, aerosol sprays, and other common household products. UV lights target and eliminate VOCs to improve IAQ and help protect your family.
UV lights produce UV rays that break through an organism’s cell wall and sufficiently damage or destroy its DNA. As a result, the organism is unable to reproduce and cause illness or irritate asthma or allergy sufferers. In addition to VOCs, these rays attack other contaminants like viruses, mold, and bacteria—including odor-causing bacteria.
The air filter works to trap contaminants before they can enter the HVAC system. However, over time, dust and other debris naturally collect in the ductwork and throughout the system, forcing it to work harder. UV lights clear these buildups, improving IAQ as well as the airflow of your system.
As mentioned, UV lights work to remove debris buildup in ductwork, as well as your HVAC system’s pipes and cooling coils. They also help reduce moisture within the system, which can help prevent condensate drain line clogs. In the end, these factors improve airflow as well as overall efficiency, resulting in decreased energy costs.
Considering how much time we spend inside our homes, indoor air quality plays a vital role in our health and safety. And with cooling season right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the benefits of UV light air purification with your HVAC system.
Contact the local HVAC experts at WestAIR to learn more and schedule service.
This entry was posted in Energy Savings,Health Tips,Indoor Air Quality,Tips and tagged Benefits of UV Light Air Purification, Clean air, Clean Indoor Air, Energy savings, How to Improve Indoor Air Quality, HVAC Efficiency, HVAC Solutions, IAQ, IAQ Solutions, Indoor air quality, Indoor air quality solutions, WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
As we sit back, sigh, and accept that winter has once again returned, we also realize the damage Minnesota winters can do to both our homes and our bodies. But with the right tips and tricks, you can conquer the consequences of the dry winter air. Continue reading our blog to learn about the top benefits of a humidifier and why your home needs one.
When your home has proper humidity levels, it keeps your largest organ, your skin, hydrated. Although many dermatologists will suggest thick creams and gels to keep your skin hydrated, those expensive topicals will only act as a temporary band-aid. Without the proper amount of moisture in the air, it will continue to dry out your skin and cause itchiness, peeling lips, and eye irritation.
The cold winter doesn’t only take a toll on your skin, it also increases the distance germs travel, in turn, increasing the likelihood of you contracting an airborne illness. Recently, studies have shown that higher humidity levels are proving to have a dramatic effect on most airborne viruses, making their traveling distance much shorter because of the added weight.
Dry air pulls moisture from hardwood floors, furniture, and even the general frame of your home, making it contract and shift. As the frame shifts, doors may be hard to open and close and gaps may form between the ceiling, walls, windows, and door frames.
Hardwood floors specifically take a hit when the air becomes dramatically dry. When the wood is faced with extreme circumstances, it can lead to permanent damage. The boards themselves may split and crack in the center or at the ends, damaging the finish. Unfortunately, once the finish is compromised, the boards will have to be replaced.
Not only will your home benefit from more humid air, but so will your bank account. The more humid the air, the more warmth it can hold. By using a humidifier, you’ll be able to set your thermostat lower and give your heating system a break. Although we have focused on the benefits of humid air, be careful: excess moisture may cause mold, bacteria, and mildew growth in poorly ventilated areas of your home.
To ensure these many benefits, aim for a humidity level somewhere between 35 and 55 percent. WestAIR Heating & Cooling offers whole-house humidifiers that will keep your house comfortable, even in winter. Our humidifiers will automatically work with your HVAC system to distribute moisture throughout your house. Contact us today to start living your most comfortable life. We are happy to discuss your heating and indoor air quality options.
This entry was posted in Humidifier,Indoor Air Quality,Winter and tagged Furnace, Humidifiers, Indoor air quality, Tips & advice, WestAIR Heating & Cooling, Whole house humidifier
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
In the hottest summer months, there’s nothing quite like drinking a glass of iced tea and sitting in an air-conditioned room. But that seeming escape can actually be detrimental for your health if you have poor indoor air quality. From headaches, fatigue, and trouble concentrating to irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, indoor air contaminants have been linked to diseases like asthma. How can you improve the air quality in your home? There are a number of available solutions. We’ve pulled a few of them together here to help you decide which one is right for you. Read on as we discuss indoor air quality tips to help you breathe easy this summer.
Circulation is critical for good indoor air quality. Stale indoor air can become thick with contaminants and excess humidity, which can lead to mold growth. An air exchanger like the Venmar® Ventilation System, provides your home with a continuous flow of filtered outdoor air, reducing humidity and expelling pollutants from the home.
With an air cleaner, you can upgrade your existing heating and cooling system to help you improve the air you breathe. These systems capture airborne dust, pollen, and other particles far better than your standard furnace filter, helping eliminate pollutants in the air.
UV light technology can go beyond removing airborne particles to eliminating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and reducing microorganisms. The best part? UV air purification systems like the BreatheCLEAN UV air purifier can be easily installed into existing ductwork with no major changes to your HVAC system.
If you’re looking to breathe easier, the experienced indoor air quality professionals at WestAIR are here to help. See what our customers have to say, and then contact us to schedule a service today!
This entry was posted in AC,Air Conditioning,Health Tips,Indoor Air Quality,Tips and tagged Air cleaner, Air exchanger, Importance of Indoor Air Quality, Indoor air quality, Indoor air quality solutions, Indoor Air Quality Tips, Summer, Summer Cooling, Summer HVAC, Summer HVAC Tips, Ultraviolet Light Air Purification, UV Light Air Purification, UV lights, WestAIR Heating & Cooling
Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling
The warm weather is almost here, and while the sunshine is more fun for the family, it can also mean an increase in your energy bill. Try these money-saving tips to keep your home cool this summer.
A dirty air filter restricts air flow for your home’s HVAC system, which makes it less efficient, ultimately costing more to cool your home. Most air filters last up to three months, but if you have pets or allergies, you’ll want to replace them more often. We advise changing your filters every month, even during cooling season. A dirty or clogged filter is the number one reason for AC failure. Check the recommendation on your air filter’s packaging or install a smart thermostat to tell you when it’s time to swap out your filter.
The start of summer is a great time to make sure your air conditioner is ready to take on the heat. Make sure your condensing unit—the outdoor section of your central AC system—is clear of grass, leaves, pet hair, and other debris. If your system is older, have a professional out to service your air conditioner.
If you’re not home during the day, consider setting your thermostat seven to ten degrees higher. This can save as much as ten percent on your energy bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Can’t remember to make those adjustments? A seven-day programmable thermostat allows separate programming for each day to help you save on your cooling costs.
A zoning system takes temperature regulation a step further, separating your home into the living area and the sleeping area. This means you don’t waste energy (and money) cooling parts of the home you aren’t using during the hottest parts of the day.
The money-saving tips can help improve your home’s cooling efficiency this summer. The experienced HVAC professionals at West Air are here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our HVAC experts.
This entry was posted in AC,Air Conditioning,Energy Savings,Tips and tagged air conditioning, money-saving tips, WestAIR, 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
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
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