Heating and Cooling Blog

There is still much scientists are learning about how indoor air quality impacts our health.

Nevertheless, we know that it’s something we must monitor. If there are ways we can improve the air we breathe, it makes sense to take those steps.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the easy ways you can help improve your air quality this winter. If you are a homeowner in Bardstown, KY, read on to learn some simple actions before winter arrives.

Winter in Bardstown

Winter in Bardstown can sometimes hit low temperatures and temperatures as cold as -0°C.

Most often, the weather varies during the winter, so humidity levels fluctuate. It means you need a constant indoor environment that keeps you comfortable in winter.

The Risks of Winter on Indoor Air Quality

A homeowner’s priority in winter is keeping the cold air out. Doors and windows remain shut and well-sealed.

That makes sense because it conserves the heat. However, there is a downside. It reduces home ventilation, directly impacting the indoor air quality.

Over time, indoor pollutants build up in the home. That can lead to health risks from a more toxic air quality. Understanding this risk during winter is the first step to addressing it.

Common Indoor Air Pollutants

In the winter months, your home becomes a risky environment for several pollutants. The first is mold. That happens in damp conditions, which can occur when you lack ventilation.

Pet dander can also become an issue for those with allergies. Others may suffer from dust allergies during the winter months, too.

Smoke from fireplaces can become a hazard in a poorly ventilated house, a health risk to those with asthma and similar conditions.

Can HVAC Systems Help Maintain Clean Air?

The good news about your indoor air quality is that there is much you can do to improve it, even in winter.

Your HVAC system will play a pivotal role here. HVAC filters can help remove air pollution and ensure fresh, clean air is circulating indoors.

To achieve that, you need to ensure your HVAC is well-maintained. Book a professional if you notice a problem, and always schedule a standard service.

Most importantly, ensure filters are regularly changed, central to air quality. That will ensure you get the most out of your system during winter.

A well-maintained system will also help lower your energy costs during that period.

Practical Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality

To breathe fresh air in your Bardstown home this winter, consider some extra steps to improve your air quality.

First, invest in an air purifier. That will help reduce pollutant levels. Second, buy some indoor house plants to boost oxygen in your home.

A final tip is to reduce toxins in the home from sources like fires, chemical cleaners, and candles.

Take Steps Now to Protect Your Home Before Winter Arrives

Don’t let winter arrive without protecting your home and your family. By scheduling your HVAC maintenance, you can help ensure you have the best indoor air quality, whatever the weather.

Book your AC maintenance services with our Above All Mechanical LLC Bardstown team now, and let’s ensure you can enjoy clean air this Kentucky winter.

Considering how hot and dry Kentucky can be during the summer, the last thing you want is an HVAC unit that underperforms or outright fails.

Your HVAC equipment can last a long time if proper maintenance is performed. It’s also essential to get any needed repairs done promptly.

What must you do to keep your HVAC unit working properly so it doesn’t disappoint you when you need it most?

Continue reading for an HVAC maintenance checklist that’ll help keep your Elizabethtown, KY home cool all summer.

Check Your Thermostat

One of the first things you should do is check the thermostat, which is likely someplace on the wall in your living room, den, or hallway. You need to verify that it’s working.

If your thermostat is malfunctioning, it can cause your HVAC or AC to function erratically. So, if you detect any issues, contact a provider of heating and cooling maintenance services for assistance.

Clean the Condenser Coils

Another essential maintenance item involves assessing and cleaning the condenser coils. These coils contain the liquid refrigerant necessary for the proper operation of your AC.

Dirty condenser coils can jeopardize the efficient functioning of your HVAC. So, don’t overlook cleaning them, and switch off the condenser before doing so.

Change the Air Filters

It’s also a good idea to change the air filter regularly. Check the instruction manual that came with your HVAC unit to learn about the proper intervals for changing the air filters.

Various factors might necessitate getting new air filters more regularly. That’s one reason it makes sense to contact AC companies for the service you require.

Clean the Air Ducts

You should also get your air ducts cleaned at least once a year. If you fail to get this done, dust and debris can block the proper flow of air in the ductwork.

In addition to jeopardizing the interior air quality and presenting health concerns, it can negatively impact the performance of your HVAC unit.

So, when you schedule an AC and heating tune up, consider getting your air ducts cleaned as well.

Assess Refrigerant Levels

It’s also vital to assess the refrigerant levels in your HVAC equipment to ensure there are no leaks. Proper refrigerant levels will enable your AC to work as intended. If it’s low on refrigerant, it needs to be replenished.

Consider seeking an AC repair free estimate if there’s a leak somewhere.

Don’t Overlook HVAC Maintenance

If you live in or around Elizabethtown, KY, you need an HVAC unit. Buying a model from a reputable manufacturer and installing it will is vital.

One thing to keep in mind is the importance of regular HVAC maintenance. Don’t put it on the back burner. It needs to be a priority.

You can enter “AC repair near me” in a Google search. It’s best to save yourself the hassle by contacting us at Above All Mechanical.

We offer help with air conditioning, heating, refrigeration, and thermostat installation and repair. Let us know how we can help you.

A modern, well-maintained air conditioning system can last up to 17 years. If your air conditioner is reaching the end of its lifespan, it’s time to consider an upgrade.

Age, however, isn’t the only thing that determines the condition of your HVAC. There are other signs that it’s time to start looking up, “AC repair near me.”

Being able to recognize the warning signs can help Bardstown homeowners stay on top of maintenance and keep cool all summer long.

Read on for four air conditioning problems that you should know about as a Bardstown, KY homeowner.

1. No Cool Air

Sometimes you might hear the sound of your AC running without feeling any real results. It could be that no air is blowing out of your vents at all or that the air flow feels neutral or warm, rather than cool.

No air flow may indicate that the blower belt needs replacing. Warm air, on the other hand, may indicate that a buildup of debris is causing the compressor to overheat or that your AC is running on low refrigerant levels.

2. Inconsistent Air Flow

What if your home cooling starts to kick on at strange times? Maybe it only runs for a few minutes before shutting off or it runs for hours on end even when your home has reached the set temperature.

There are a lot of potential culprits, here. Sometimes it’s a matter of a faulty thermostat or a broken internal piece. Other times you may discover that your AC unit is either too weak or too strong for your home.

3. Leaks

When was the last time you took a look at your outdoor air conditioning unit? It’s not always easy to spot leaks, especially if the coolant lines are leaking refrigerant. One indicator is the presence of odd-colored stains around your AC unit.

Likewise, you may not take note of a little condensation around your AC unit. However, puddles of water or excessive moisture indicate blocked or faulty drainage pipes.

4. Low Energy Efficiency

Did you know that switching to a high-efficiency HVAC system can reduce your energy consumption by up to 50%? If you’re looking for ways to save on your heating and cooling services, consider investing in a system with a high energy rating.

It’s also worth noting that if you don’t maintain your HVAC system, you’re going to start noticing a decrease in energy efficiency. Your bills may go up as the AC unit strains to keep up with regular cooling demands.

Looking for AC Repair Near Me?

Staying on top of HVAC maintenance can save you money in the long run. If any of these signs sound familiar to you, it’s time to search, “AC repair near me.”

Above All Mechanical is a top HVAC company in Bardstown, KY. If you need heating and cooling services or installation, we’re here to help. Contact us today and let us know what’s going on with your home’s HVAC system.

Year after year, Kentucky gears up for a summer full of scorching temperatures. Given the current situation with climate change, that trend is likely only going to get worse. During the hottest weather, it’s important to maximize all your ways of staying cool in Elizabethtown. Keeping windows open at night, shading them during the day, and adjusting that thermostat right. The biggest change, though, will come from a new AC unit.

If your home has a rickety old HVAC system, it’s time for a replacement. Here are all the benefits you get when you purchase an AC unit brand-new.

1. A New AC Unit Has Higher Efficiency

Perhaps your AC unit has been chugging along for decades. The neighbors remark that “they don’t make them like they used to!” This is true, but not in the way they think.

A new AC system will be miles more efficient than an older one. You can verify for yourself by comparing the included energy efficiency stickers. This means that the new AC can get just as cool as the old one at a much lower voltage.

2. It Saves on Your Electricity Bill

The flip side of high efficiency is that you save on electricity, too. Say you’d like to keep things at a cool 72°, same as always. You can now do so for a fraction of the electricity.

The best AC unit you can buy in Elizabethtown will have exceptional energy efficiency. It may just be worth spending the extra money for the savings you’ll get on your utilities in the future.

3. It May Be Better for the Environment

Older air conditioners, particularly those manufactured in the year 2010 or earlier, have a problematic refrigerant. R-22 is a known ozone-depleting chemical. That’s a big deal since the ozone layer is the only thing protecting us from cancer-inducing UV radiation.

The types of AC use environmentally-friendly refrigerants that won’t pollute the ecosystem if they leak. Plus, the energy efficiency is better for the environment. Less use of electricity means less burnt fossil fuels.

4. It Saves You Money on Repairs

Keeping your old unit may seem like the most budget-friendly choice. Don’t forget, though, about all the repairs it will require. The older it gets, the more often you’ll have to dial your HVAC technician in Elizabethtown.

Combine the cost of repairs with poor energy savings. Now, you have a case for purchasing a new one–one that won’t require as many repairs.

Replace Your AC with Above All Mechanical LLC

A new AC unit is an investment, but all things considered, it’s one of the best ones you can make for your home. The new system will have far superior energy efficiency, saving you big money on your utility bills. Newer units are more environmentally friendly too and require fewer repairs.

Above All Mechanical LLC provides exceptional HVAC services to Elizabethtown and Bardstown. We can fix your existing AC unit or replace it altogether. Contact us here for a free quote.