Category Archives: Air Conditioning

5 Tips To Get Your Air Conditioner Summer Ready

The summer months will be here before we know it, so it’s time to start preparing to cool your house, so you’re ready when the temperatures climb. The last thing you want is to find out your home’s air conditioner isn’t working properly when it gets hot, you’re sweating, and you decide to switch on your air conditioning for the first time. That’s too late! To help you avoid this scenario, we’ve put together five tips for preparing your home’s heating and cooling systems for summer.

1) Replace Filters

Your air conditioner will run more efficiently and be less likely to break down if you keep it clean. As a general rule, filters should be replaced approximately every three months, or when recommended by the filter manufacturer. Under certain conditions, though, they can become clogged after just a few weeks. If your filters are in bad shape, replace them as soon as possible before the hot temperature sets in. You may also want to consider purchasing an indoor air purifier, which will take some load off your AC system’s filter. It’s important that all of your equipment is clean and running smoothly so that they won’t cause unnecessary wear on any moving parts or make your air conditioner run inefficiently, having to work through dust and grime deposits. To check if your filters are due for changing, pop out the existing air filter and hold it up to a light. If you can see through it, it still has some life left in it. If, however, you can’t see through the filter, it’s time to replace it.

2) Clean Condenser Coils

We may not think about it, but an AC unit’s condenser coils have to work pretty hard in order to keep our homes at a comfortable temperature. Over time, these coils can become dirty and clogged with dust and dirt, which reduces airflow and efficiency. This can cause higher electric bills and force your AC system to work harder than necessary. Buildup on the AC condenser can inhibit the flow of air, limiting your AC’s performance and potentially causing problems that could result in costly repairs. If your unit was uncovered during the winter months, you’ll probably need to clean it out before attempting to use it when summer rolls around. Make sure that the power is off and the unit is turned off.  Carefully remove the panels or protective grilles from the condenser unit. Using a garden hose, gently clean the coils from the outside of the unit. Use caution so as to not bend any of the fins. Again, make sure the power is turned off to the air conditioner before you remove the panels and do any cleaning.

3) Clean And Clear Debris

After you have replaced the condenser unit covers, assess the area around the outside AC unit. Any loose debris like leaves and sticks should be removed. If there are any bushes or tree branches within a couple of feet of the unit, they will need to be trimmed back. It’s important that  there is at least a 2-foot diameter of open space around the outdoor unit, in order to ensure the free flow of air needed for its proper functioning.

4) Check Coolant Lines

Inspect the refrigerant lines, which are the pipes or tubes running from the condenser unit outside, to the evaporator inside of the house. These should be covered with foam coolant line insulation to avoid energy loss. If you see any areas that are frayed or missing altogether, the foam insulation should be replaced with new foam insulation sleeves, or wrapped with foam insulation tape. These materials can be found at most hardware stores.

5) Test The Unit

Once you have checked the equipment and performed these maintenance steps, it’s time to test it. Make sure that you have allowed time for the unit to dry thoroughly, if any cleaning required the use of water or other liquid. You will need to turn your system back on, lower your thermostat to the desired temperature, and switch your thermostat on. Go to your outside unit and check that the condenser fan is running. The air coming out of the top of the unit should feel warm. Next, go inside your home and after 10-15 minutes, check that you can feel the temperature cooling off throughout the house. Make sure you test the unit before summer, so if any repairs are needed, you will have time to get your system back in shape before it gets really hot!

Questions, Concerns? Contact HVAC Experts!

Remember that if your AC system is in need of repairs or replacing, if any of the steps described above seem out of your ‘DIY wheelhouse’, or perhaps you’re just not sure and want an expert to take a look instead, you can always call a professional, like Lancaster Brothers Heating & Cooling, serving the Kansas City area for over 21 years. Lancaster Brothers is happy to answer your questions, take a look at your system and provide maintenance and/or repairs as needed, so your AC system can run smoothly and you can enjoy summer…from your comfortable, cool home! 

admin March 11th, 2022

Posted In: Uncategorized

Are Your Air Ducts Dirty?

A dirty air vent can be an eyesore and an unsightly addition to your home. No matter how well-designed your HVAC system may be, if your vents aren’t cleaned regularly, the filters won’t be able to keep up with dust and debris build-up and over time you can end up with very poor air quality in your home.

How Can You Tell If You Have Dirty Ducts?

Sometimes, it’s easy to tell if your air ducts are dirty. Whether you notice a change in your home’s temperature or you simply have an aversion to your home’s stale smells, unclean air ducts are often a clear indicator that you need to get some professional help. But sometimes, it can be difficult to gauge just how clean (or unclean) they actually are. Some dust and debris accumulation can be found by simply removing your air vent and looking into your air duct, as long as you have safe access, such as a floor vent. If you can see dirt, dust, hair or other debris, there’s a good chance that there is much more located further past what you can see.

What You Can Do

If you know or suspect that you have dirty air ducts and vents, the good news is you can take steps to get them cleaned out and start improving your air quality right away! If you have safe access to remove vents in your home, you can clean out what debris and dirt you can see and reach yourself. It is recommended that you protect your hands with rubber gloves if you decide to take on this chore and be careful of any sharp objects down there! You could also use a vacuum with a long attachment, but keep in mind that other items can fall through the vents, which could cause damage to your vacuum. Remember that DIY duct cleaning is only going to resolve the dirt and debris that you can reach, which is a very small part of your home’s ventilation pathways and many air ducts are not accessible to safely clean yourself. It is best to call a professional air duct cleaning service, for a thorough job that will really make an impact in your indoor air quality.

Call In The Experts

Heating and cooling ducts in the home can accumulate dust, pollen, pet dander and more throughout their lifespans. If you want to really get your ventilation ducts clean and improve your home’s air quality, it’s not a do-it-yourself job. Since it requires access to your furnace or air conditioner unit and special equipment, it is best to call a professional air duct cleaning service to assess your vents, ducts and help you determine when they are in need of a deep clean. Depending on where you live and the amount of dust and debris in your home, it is recommended that you have your air ducts cleaned professionally every 3 to 5 years.  

Clean Air Ducts + Healthy HVAC System = Healthier Home!

It’s important for homeowners to remember that air ducts are an integral part of a home’s ventilation and cooling system, and dirty ducts can lead to inefficient HVAC functioning. You should not only have your air ducts cleaned, but should also schedule regular maintenance of your HVAC system to help maintain good and healthy air quality in your house. If you suspect poor air quality and/or inefficient functioning of your home’s HVAC system, call the experts at Lancaster Brothers Heating & Cooling, serving the Kansas City area for over 21 years. Lancaster Bros. can help get your HVAC functioning at its peak performance, get you in touch with air duct cleaning professionals, and recommend many indoor air quality products that you can use to create healthier air in your home. With the help of professionals, your air ducts will be cleaner and air quality improved. You and your family can sit down, relax and just…breathe!

admin February 3rd, 2022

Posted In: Uncategorized

How To Avoid Expensive Energy Bills This Winter With HVAC Maintenance

The winter season brings with it both fun moments spent outside with friends and family as well as bitter cold days spent indoors trying to stay warm. When temperatures drop outside, you want to make sure your house remains warm inside without having to pay outrageous energy bills. Too often, people put off optimizing their heating systems until the temperatures drop, and they are faced with overly expensive heating bills. The good news is, there are several things people can do before temperatures drop below freezing to prepare their homes and spare their wallets.

Call The Experts

Schedule routine maintenance on your HVAC system before it gets really cold outside. A clean and well-maintained heating system can improve efficiency and save you a bundle. If you haven’t had your HVAC system serviced in more than one year, schedule maintenance right away—your system may not be as efficient as it could be, meaning higher utility bills. Not only will your HVAC technician clean and service your heating system, but they can also provide information on steps you can take to winterize your home, as well as suggest upgrades to more efficient systems, which over time can reduce power consumption and decrease your monthly electricity bill while keeping your family warm and cozy all winter long!

Seal Those Leaks!

You lose a lot of heat through cracks around windows and doors during cold weather. If you are letting warm air escape, you might as well be throwing money out the window! Every air leak means that your furnace or heat pump has to work harder and longer, driving up your utility costs. Small leaks may not seem like a big deal, but if they’re occurring around doors and windows, they can account for 20 to 30 percent of your heating bill in winter. Check along walls, floors, attics, basements, and crawl spaces for areas where warm air is escaping. Air leaks can be resolved with a variety of products readily available at your local hardware store. Products such as weatherstripping, caulk, expanding foam sealant, and door sweeps, to name a few, are relatively easy DIY projects that won’t break the bank. By sealing your home’s air leaks, you can potentially reduce your heating bills by as much as 30%!

Regular System Cleaning

Making sure your system gets cleaned on a regular basis can keep it operating at peak efficiency. This, in turn, keeps your utility bill down and can increase the life of your equipment. If you don’t clean out your heating system, dust and debris can build up, causing major issues that are costly to repair. Scheduling a maintenance visit yearly will help keep your equipment functioning properly, minimize breakdowns, and ensure you stay comfortable all year long.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!

A few simple tasks will keep your system operating efficiently and effectively, ensuring you aren’t spending more than you have to for heat. In addition, it’s important that you schedule service before something goes wrong! When problems arise, they can be dangerous and inconvenient—not to mention extremely costly. Below freezing temperatures are very hard on a home, and having a heating system that is properly functioning is crucial to not only warm you and your family but to help keep your house from experiencing problems, such as pipe bursts, that can be extremely expensive to repair.

The Final Word

A few simple tasks will keep your heating system operating efficiently and effectively, ensuring you aren’t spending more than you have to for heat this winter. First, don’t forget to seal the leaks to help keep the cold out and the heat in. Ensure your heating system is cleaned and maintained by contacting your local HVAC experts. At Lancaster Brothers, we have been installing and servicing HVAC systems in the Kansas City area for over 20 years! Give us a call today at (913) 851-3399 to schedule your heating system maintenance and for all of your heating and cooling needs.

By completing these simple steps, you’ll rest assured that your heating system will be running efficiently, saving you money on utility bills, and helping to avoid breakdowns when outdoor temperatures are at their worst. So grab a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy a warm and cozy winter!

admin January 3rd, 2022

Posted In: Uncategorized

Tips for Conserving Heat in the Winter

Winter is here. Some parts of the world are already experiencing massive snowfall and are underprepared, while others are steadily dropping in temperature and enduring the first harsh reaches of cold weather. It’s something most of the world has to deal with in some way, big or small, so it’s something we should be used to. But does it feel like each year gets a little colder?

This isn’t about climate change, but about your own personal climate control. Heating bills are on the rise but heating quality may stay the same, or even get worse over time with equipment degradation. If you’re feeling the chill a bit more than usual, consider these tips to keep your home warm without breaking the bank or burning it down with a hand-made fire.

Maintain Your System

Heating systems are fixtures in modern houses that we can’t do without. They provide warm air to every, or any, room in the house. Smart technology has also been implemented so that rooms can detect heat individually, and individual rooms can be set to different temperatures so you never have to fear the icy-cold bathroom floor in the middle of the night. But these systems are mechanical, and prone to wear and tear. They have many moving, electrical parts, whether they are electric or gas or oil powered you need to keep them well maintained with at least annual check-ins or have some handyman knowledge yourself to keep them functional.

If something feels a little off, call your heating company or a local alternative before the weather gets bad. You don’t want to be snowed in and seeing your breath in your own home waiting for the roads to get plowed so a repairman can tell you what parts they need to order. Fix any problems early before it gets too cold.

Check Your Walls

The main way heat leaves a home is through the walls. Homes that go through different seasons need to be built to maintain stable temperatures regardless of the season itself. As such, they are designed to keep some heat in for the winter, but let most heat escape in the summer to stay cool. If your house is especially old, or particularly new, you may want to consider getting your insulation checked. Having good insulation provides a passive solution to conserving and preserving heat inside the home.

Getting the right kind of insulation installed before the weather starts to shift for the worse will help keep your home warm all winter, and when the snow melts away and the sun shines in the spring and summer, it will also keep you cool without needing to power your air conditioner non-stop.

Close The Windows

Speaking of an air conditioner, if you have an outdoor unit, you might want to cover it up for the winter. Or if you have an in-window or standing unit, it might be time to put them away. It’s a chore, to be sure, but you don’t want those cracks in the window to let cold air in. Having just one window not properly sealed can drop the temperature for the room its in, and the entire house, quickly. No amount of tape is good enough to fully seal it. Windows are designed to be shut and air-sealed as well as opened to let in a breeze.

Control Your Thermostat

It may sound a bit odd in a way to conserve your heating for the winter, but don’t blast your thermostat all the way up. In fact, you might want to consider turning it down a little, at least at night. Lower temperatures can lead to more relaxed sleeping. And if you’re breaking out the thick comforter blankets to sleep under, you’ll warm up easily.

If you’re feeling cold but also feeling a bit light in the wallet and want to conserve your electric bill along with conserving your heat, you can always bear the cold with some thicker layers. It’s tempting to just go around in pajamas or skivvies when you’re at home, alone, relaxing, but it’s also chilling. Put on some sweatpants instead of shorts and a long sleeve shirt or sweater on colder days. Keep the thermostat in the mid-70s to keep the heater from running itself too much.

Implement Passive Heating

The sun is a natural source of light and heat for most of the year. Even in the winter we can get days of pure, blinding white as the sun comes down over snow covered roads and fields. And that’s just what we want. When the sun is out, open up the curtains and enjoy the light. With proper winter-treated windows, you won’t be letting in the cold through the glass, only the light as it warms up the house.

And to keep the house hot, lay down some rugs or temporary carpet across any hard, flat surface. Carpet traps heat easier than wood or tile. You don’t have to go crazy and carpet your bathroom, but a few rugs here and there will make a huge difference where you’re not stepping over icy-cold surfaces. Remember, heat rises, which means the floor will always be the coldest, but it doesn’t have to be that cold. Keep the heat around for longer by giving it something easier to warm.

Stay Smart and Warm

It might be time for you to upgrade your HVAC system. Or perhaps just one part of it. Having a new control panel will give you more options and better control over how your home stays heated. Contact your air conditioner company and see what kind of Smart technology they can fit you with before you need to worry.

admin December 1st, 2021

Posted In: Uncategorized

The Furnace Went Out. Now What?

The furnace plays an important role in our home and provides comfort during winters. But
due to improper maintenance, daily wear, and tear, the furnace may begin to break down
and develop problems that hamper its smooth operation. If your furnace is malfunctioning,
this article is for you! Here in the article, we have provided troubleshooting tips that you can
easily implement on your own.

Most Common Furnace Problems

There could be endless reasons which could lead to the malfunctioning of the furnace. We
have listed the most common furnace problems down below for you, so you know what the
initial signs of a damaged furnace are:

• Dirty filters or air ducts
• Due to wear
• Lack of maintenance
• Defective thermostat
• The furnace does not heat up at all/ sufficiently
• Frequent cycling
• Electric ignition or pilot control problems
• The furnace is too noisy
  

Whether it’s a commercial or residential HVAC, the above basic problems can set off any
furnace. But once you know the root problem, you can take proactive steps to prevent it.

Furnace Tips and Advice

If your furnace has gone out, you can resolve the problem before calling a furnace repair
expert. Scroll down and try the tips below to get your home to a comfortable and warm
temperature.

Check whether the furnace is ON or OFF

The first thing to do is to check the power switch on your furnace. Most furnaces are
controlled by a power switch. It may have been accidentally bumped while cleaning or been
hit by a child or pet. If a switch is off, turn it back on and wait as there is often a delay between
the switch and the time when the furnace starts.

Check the furnace filter

Due to continued use, the furnace filters get dirty. Dirt and dust quickly clog the filter,
hampering airflow, deteriorating indoor air quality, and preventing the furnace from igniting
in some cases.

Check your circuit breakers

Whether you are using a propane or gas furnace, some components operate on electricity. If
there your furnace is not turning on, check your circuit breaker. There could be chances of it
being turned off. Also, make sure all switches in your HVAC system are “ON.”

Check your thermostat

If your furnace does not light, the thermostat may have lost its programming or reset. It can
even set it to the wrong setting. You can try by setting your thermostat about 10 degrees
warmer than the current temperature to see if the system turns on. Make sure you check
twice that it is set to HEAT.

Check furnace flame

Your furnace flame should be blue, with perhaps a small yellowish tip. The blue flame
indicates that your gas furnace is burning the fuel efficiently. If the flame color is red, purple, yellow, green, or any other, it’s time to get in touch with a professional right away. Make sure you never fix your furnace flame problem yourself.

Check your furnace pilot

Some old furnaces still have a pilot light that indicates gas and propane is flowing to your
furnace system. If this flow of gas or propane is interrupted for any reason, your furnace will
shut off to prevent gas or propane from leaking into your home.
Since your pilot is tied to your gas supply, you should speak to a qualified furnace company
to assist you with this furnace repair step.

Inspect the air ducts

Have you noticed any cold spots in your home even when hot air comes out of the air vents?
The problem could be the air ducts. First, check for handles protruding from ducts- these can
control airflow. You’ll want to make sure they’re fully open.

If some entire rooms are still cold, you may have a problem with leaky ducts or poorly
designed ducts. It is a serious problem that can increase your energy bill. To find blocked or
leaking ducts that might restrict airflow, examine all ducts that you can access. Are there any
gaps between duct sections or branching points? If yes, then you can seal them with special
metal tape. And always make sure your vents aren’t blocked by furniture or covered by items in your
home, like curtains, plants, or wall art.

Call Professionals for Help!

If you’ve implemented all of the tips above, but your furnace still isn’t working, it’s time to call
in the professionals. Repairing a furnace is not one of those projects that most homeowners
can DIY, so you must contact qualified HVAC repair technicians. First, contact a professional
HVAC technician and discuss the problem with them to find a solution for your furnace
problem.

Some Good Furnace Maintenance Habits

Furnace dysfunction can be a little stressful. If you want to make your devices, items, and
machines last as long as possible, here we have mentioned some tips to maintain your furnace
and keep it in tip-top shape.

• Clean your furnace air filters regularly
• Check your furnace air ducts
• Clean the area around your furnace
• Confirm carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working
• Confirm Thermostat functions

Closing Words
Watch for signs that your furnace is struggling so you know when to call, as attempting to
repair your furnace yourself can have major health and safety consequences. So, it is better
to hire a licensed and certified HVAC such as Lancaster Brothers to resolve mechanical
problems related to the furnace

admin November 1st, 2021

Posted In: Uncategorized

What To Do To Get Your Heater Working Well Before The Cold Sets In

School is officially in session, the leaves are falling off of the trees, and that pumpkin spice latte just isn’t enough to stave off the morning chill. So it’s time to switch your HVAC system over to Heat. This article was written by Lancaster Brothers to ensure your furnace is ready for the coming winter.

1. Turn on the thermostat.

Switch from cooling to heating and set the temperature a couple of degrees higher than the current room temperature. If you don’t hear the heat kick on within a minute, make sure the power source to the HVAC system is turned on. If it’s still not working, it’s time to call in a professional.

2. Change the air filters.

You probably have air filters behind a vent grill in the wall or ceiling or a single filter in the HVAC system itself. Change these filters every few months. Or, if you have a permanent electrostatic filter, you can wash and reuse it. Cleaning or replacing your filters regularly keeps particles out of your HVAC system and can prolong its life. While you’re at it, change your humidifier filter and set the humidistat if your HVAC includes a humidifier.

3. Check Humidifier Operation

• Ensure your humidistat is turned up to the highest setting. Turn your furnace thermostat to heat and turn up to call for heat on the furnace. Typically, humidifiers only work in the heating cycle.
• Ensure your water line to your humidifier is turned on.
• Lift the supply tube to your humidifier from the top of the distribution box slightly, can you see water coming out of it?
• If you are still having problems, call Lancaster Brothers to have a professional take a look at it!

4. Change Humidifier Pad

• Make sure the humidifier is turned off
• Take the cover off of your humidifier.
• Each humidifier will be different in how this will be achieved. Most will have a tab at the top and bottom of the unit that will release the cover when pressed.
• Disconnect the feeder tube from the humidifier.
• Remove the black frame holding the evaporator pad from the humidifier. You should see two tabs protruding from the frame that will help you lift the frame up and out of the humidifier. You might hear a ‘snap’ as it disconnects from the humidifier housing.
• On the top of the evaporator pad frame will be a thick piece of plastic called a distributor tray. There should be tabs holding the distributor tray in place on the frame. Press these to release the distributor tray from the frame.
• Remove the used evaporator pad from the frame and replace with a new one.
• Re-attach the distributor tray to the top of the frame.
• Place the evaporator pad and frame back in the humidifier the same way you took it out, ensuring the hole for the feeder tube is on the correct side. You may here a ‘snap’ again as the evaporator pad frame snaps into place.
• Connect the feeder tube back to the unit and replace the cover.

If you are having trouble with your HVAC system in any way, schedule an appointment with Lancaster Brothers today!  If you simply don’t want to worry about keeping your HVAC working properly, learn about our extremely affordable maintenance plan today!

admin October 1st, 2021

Posted In: Uncategorized

How to improve air quality in your Kansas City home

The levels of air pollution are rising day by day, and the increasing level of outdoor air pollution is mainly caused by factors such as industrial exhaust gases, fossil fuel burning, vehicle emissions, and many other effectors and this is the reason that we want to stay indoors as much as possible. But you need to know that the air inside our home is not as clean and healthy as we think. The United States environmental protection agency says that indoor a can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. We spend approximately 90% of Earth time indoors, so it is very important to keep the air in our home as clean as possible.

A Healthy Climate® whole-home humidifier adds moisture to your home’s air and works with your heating system to circulate it to every room. That means you can stay warm and cozy without the problems associated with dry air, such as skin irritations and sore throats.

 Indoor air pollution can be caused by different things such as asbestos, carbon monoxide emissions from gas stoves and Central heating systems, tobacco smoke, and it can also be caused by volatile organic compounds that are most commonly found in household items like air fresheners,  paints, adhesives,  pesticides, and disinfectants. Another important reason for indoor air pollution can be inadequate ventilation, and this causes the allergens and pollutants to get trapped. High temperature and humidity levels can also be the reason behind unclean air in our homes. If you are concerned about the air quality in your home and want to improve it, then this article contains a few guidelines for you

Keep your house clean

Cleaning your house is very important because good hygiene can reduce dust and animal dander also. The cleaning strategies you apply should mainly focus on reducing dust, mold, and animal dander.  Always remember to vacuum carpet and rugs once or twice a week by using a vacuum cleaner. Prefer hard surfacing floor instead of wall to wall carpeting; this may also reduce the risk of allergens. Don’t forget to clean your bedding and drapes, especially if you have pets in your house

Clean AC filter

The air conditioning systems are the best weight to give your home the perfect temperature around the year. In addition to this, the air conditioning systems are also so helpful in filtering out some common air pollutants. A time comes when the air filters fill up and stop doing their job efficiently. This thing causes a lot of trouble for the indoor air quality, and it can be harmful to your AC. Repairing AC systems can be very costly. So it is very important to change the AC filters regularly, especially if you are living in an area with high levels of pollution

Check out the air ducts

The function of the air duct is to distribute the hot and cold air in your home so that you can stay comfortable in any room. In case the air ducts are not properly installed or maintained, then they can lead to the distribution of different contaminants from one room to another. As a result of this, there can be an accumulation of dust and dander in your ducts, and as a result, the air quality can be compromised. So it is important to seek professional help to check out the air ducts

Get an air purifier

If you or your family members are allergic to indoor allergens and also cannot figure out the source of allergens, then using an air purifier can help you in this case.  An air purifier is a device placed in the most commonly used areas of the house, and it can help to capture some irritants that may aggravate your allergy symptoms. It is not impossible to remove the allergen completely, but they can be reduced, and it can be very helpful. If you are thinking about the basement of your home, then also considered a dehumidifier in damp areas.

Get some plants for your home

Plants are considered natural air filters or air purifiers. If you want to improve the quality of air in your home, then you should buy a few indoor plants, and they will play an important role in improving the air quality in your home. In addition to this, they will also enhance your home decor. If you are looking for and the best options to pull contaminants out of the air, then plants like ferns and lilies, and large palm trees can help you in this case

Don’t smoke in your home

And the most important cause of indoor air pollution is cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke has more than 4000 chemicals in it, which are known as carcinogens. So secondhand cigarette smoke exposes people, especially kids, to develop different kinds of respiratory infections such as asthma, cancer, breathing problems, and heart problems also. Making your home a smoke-free zone is very important, and it is good for you and your family also. This will help to reduce a major proportion of indoor air pollution in your home

Maintain a healthy level of humidity

It is very important to maintain a healthy level of humidity in your home.  A high level of humidity will invite the growth of mold.  Dust mites and molds need a humid environmental condition for their growth. So if you keep the humidity at your home around 30 or 40 percent, then it would help a lot in keeping away different kinds of allergens, and this will also help you to prevent the growth and accumulation of different organisms such as mold. In this case, a humidifier can help you to reduce the excess moisture in your home and can effectively control different kinds of allergens. It can also help you to reduce the indoor pollen account, which is a major cause of allergy in different regions. You can also maintain a normal humidity level by using an exhaust fan while cooking or running the dishwasher. Make sure to dry your clothes outdoors and fix the leaking areas in your home to prevent mold growth

Allow fresh air to enter your home

Fresh air is very important for good health and even in cold months don’t forget to open windows from time to time to allow fresh air to enter and move in your house. This helps a lot to remove the potential air contaminants from different areas of your house.

admin September 1st, 2021

Posted In: Uncategorized

Best Heating and Cooling Options for a Finished Basement in Kansas City

Many homes in the US are fitted with basements, but oftentimes, these are just left unfinished and used for storage. If you have a finished basement, this is a great way to expand the space in your home and have another area for you and your family to spend time in. However, you’ll want to consider the best heating and cooling options for your finished basement to offer your family a comfortable experience in the room. Keep reading as we share some of the top options to keep your basement at an optimum temperature all year round.

Portable Air Conditioners and Heaters

Portable heaters and air conditioners are a good temporary option for your basement but won’t necessarily be the best long-term solution. They are ideal for smaller basements, but if your space is particularly large, you’ll need multiple units to make a difference in the temperature. A portable air conditioner is usually more effective than a heater and will work well in spaces of under about 400 square feet. Make sure you have a drain to connect the condensate line. If you have a larger space, you may need to have a couple of air conditioners, and humid basements will also benefit from a dehumidifier as well.

Extend Your Home’s Current System

One consideration is extending your home’s current heating or cooling system, which is well worth considering if you are planning to spend a lot of time in your finished basement. An HVAC technician can come and inspect your current system to see if adding your basement on would be a possibility for your home. This work will be quite expensive, but it is an option that we would recommend if you are planning to use this room every day.

A Ductless Mini-Split System

One of the best ways to heat or cool down your basement is by installing a ductless mini-split system. This is a quick and easy solution to install, and it can heat and cool your whole basement regardless of its size. It is also very energy efficient, and you’ll only have to use it when the room is occupied if you prefer. No ductwork is required to install this option, making it one of the most popular choices for homeowners with a finished basement.

Radiant Heating Panels

If heating is the biggest concern for your basement, consider radiant heating panels. This would be an ideal option for anyone living in the north, where you may find heating is more of a concern than cooling down your basement. They can be switched on and off as needed, so in the summer, you won’t need to use them when the outside temperatures are higher. In addition, they work very quickly and efficiently to heat up your basement, as they are made with fast-responding electrical resistance coils. Heating up a basement is often far more challenging than cooling it down, so this is a good option to consider in colder climates.

Radiant Floor Heat

Another option for homeowners that are particularly concerned about heating up the basement is radiant floor heat. Flooring people can install electrical heating cable under tile floors during installation that is very nice for heating. These aren’t too difficult to install and will be a relatively affordable option in comparison to some of the other solutions on the market. If you are opting for something like this, you’ll likely want to invest in portable air conditioners in the summer months when you have a period of higher temperatures and need to cool your basement down.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many great options when it comes to cooling and heating your finished basement. While all of these solutions have different costs and levels of work involved, depending on how much you are planning to use your basement, they’ll be an option here that will work for your home. A basement is an excellent extra space for families, and it’s well worth making this area of your home comfortable so you can enjoy the benefits of having an additional room to spend time in.

admin August 4th, 2021

Posted In: Uncategorized

Top 5 Must-Know HVAC Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners

Pets are adorable creatures. They not only bring us comfort and fits of laughter but they also provide us with companionship. Instead of their loving nature, they could add a little stress to your life by contributing to certain problems with your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems.
That’s why as a pet owner, you must take some steps to ensure the safety of HVAC systems. In this article, we are going to share with you some practical tips to enhance the lifespan of your HVAC systems without compromising your love for your pets.

Protect HVAC’s Outdoor Units

HVAC’s outdoor units play a vital role in maintaining the healthy indoor quality of air as other units. But at the same time, they are more exposed to pets as compared to other units. So, you neither want your pets to consider these units as their bathroom nor you want these units to prove hazardous for your pets. Therefore, you can cover them differently to serve the purpose;

You can cover these units by installing a solid fence around the units. This way, they will remain safe from pets as well as kids. But you need to make sure that the fence must be installed 3 feet away from units as they need proper ventilation to ensure a steady flow.

If your backyard looks like a garden full of nature, you can cover these units with greenery. But one thing to keep in mind is plants shed leaves, flowers, and other debris that could clog these units. So there must be appropriate distance as well as pruning of surrounding plants to ensure the safety of these units.

Keep Carpets Vacuumed

If you have pets in your home, you may find hair and shedding fur on your carpets occasionally. This fur can get into the filters and then air ducts of your HVAC system. This way not only your systems work stressed but the quality of air is also compromised.
So, it is recommended to keep your carpets and other indoor things like couches, etc. vacuumed. In this way, you will keep your HVAC system clean from fur, dander, and hair that will increase its lifespan.

Invest in Pets Grooming

Grooming not only makes your pets look better and smell better but also proves to be less stressful on your HVAC system. Groomed pets have no dead skin dander and shedding fur. On the other hand, pets who are not groomed tend to shed fur and dander which clogs the filters and air ducts of the HVAC system, ultimately affecting the efficiency and the quality of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning of your home.
That’s why getting your pets grooming occasionally is a pro tip to enhance the life span of your HVAC system

Change HVAC Filters

As the name suggests, the filter acts as a wall between the external environment and the HVAC system. They filter out dust particles along with pollens that cause allergies to improve the indoor quality of air. That’s why these filters need to be changed regularly and it depends on different factors like the type of filters, the extent of usage, presence of pets, etc.
The presence of pets in a home can clog filters faster due to shedding fur and pets’ dander. That’s why it is recommended to change filters on regular basis. Keeping this HVAC tips in practice will not only have ease on the system efficiency and utility bills but it will also maintain the comfort level of your home by proper airflow.

Keep Air Ducts Cleaned

Air ducts are considered to be arteries for HVAC systems. When arteries are clean, blood is transferred to every organ correctly and in this way, all organs remain healthy. In the same way, when air ducts of an HVAC system are cleaned then clean, healthy, and fresh air circulates through the house and keeps that house cool or heated depending on how it is set.

In the presence of pets, filters can get clogged due to fur shedding and dander, the same way air ducts can also get clogged. When air ducts are clogged with pet fur and other dust particles, the HVAC system works harder than usual resulting in shut down after some time. On the other hand, when air contaminated with pet’s fur circulates through house, it can cause allergic reactions if any member in your home is allergic to pet’s fur and hair and can cause sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, difficulty in breathing etc.
To cope with all these issues, it is recommended to clean air ducts every 3 years to ensure that your HVAC system works efficiently and smoothly.

Bottom Line

To minimize the stress as a pet owner, talk to professionals in this industry for HVAC maintenance so that you can live a peaceful and healthy life with your furry friends in an indoor environment full of fresh and healthy air.

admin July 1st, 2021

Posted In: Uncategorized