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Heating and Cooling Blog

Jun 09
new AC unit

How Investing in a New AC Can Save You Money in Elizabethtown, KY

By Heating and Cooling Blog

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.

May 22
thermostat setting

Setting Your Thermostat Each Season: Your Guide to Home Comfort This Summer in Bardstown, KY

By Heating and Cooling Blog

A warm summer’s evening in Bardstown, KY, is a chance to relax and rest in the comfort of your home, enjoying the longer days. But that comfort can quickly dissipate without the perfect home temperature, leaving you counting the days until winter.

This guide will share tips and tricks to help you create the perfect summer haven. We’ll explain the ideal thermostat setting and how to ensure it stays that way all summer. Read on to learn more about making this summer relaxed and comfortable.

Kentucky’s Summer Climate

You can summarize Kentucky summers in two words: hot and humid. The average temperatures reach a scorching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. And the peak of summer is around July time.

And to match that heat, the high humidity levels for the average person will intensify the temperature.

The humidity will also put a strain on your air conditioning. That makes it vital to get the thermostat temperatures perfect. It will help you manage your energy costs and feel comfortable all summer.

Ideal Summer Thermostat Settings

You should set your thermostat to around 78 degrees Fahrenheit for a warm Kentucky summer.

That will keep you at a comfortable temperature when you’re at home. If you intend to be out of the house for more than a few hours, set the thermostat to around 88 degrees.

It will save you money. Ideally, get a programmable thermostat. It will make changing the temperature more manageable to fit your routine. A programmable thermostat will adjust the temperatures automatically based on what you need.

Balancing Comfort and Efficiency

Balancing home comfort with energy efficiency in the hot summer months is vital. If you set your thermostat too low, you’ll have high energy bills. Plus, you could put too much strain on your HVAC system.

However, you want to get a comfortable temperature. If your costs are too high, it might be a sign that you need to invest in a newer, more energy-efficient HVAC system.

Humidity’s Role in Home Comfort

You may set your thermostat to a low temperature but still find your home uncomfortable. If that’s the case, the problem might lie with the humidity levels.

High humidity will make the heat feel oppressive, even when the air conditioner is running. Though an air conditioner will help lower the humidity, you may need something extra to deal with the hottest Kentucky summer days.

Consider buying a dehumidifier and running this alongside your air conditioner. It should give you more comfort.

Thermostat and Maintenance of Your Air Conditioner

Maintaining your summer HVAC unit is one way to guarantee a comfortable temperature in your home this summer. Your AC’s thermostat will only work accurately if your system runs without problems.

That means a clean air filter, checking for leaks, and checking refrigerant levels. So the best advice is to get a professional to service your air conditioner or conduct a thermostat repair before those hot summer months arrive.

Getting the Perfect Thermostat Setting for a Hot Summer

Knowing how to get the perfect thermostat setting is crucial to a comfortable summer. But that all depends on having an HVAC in excellent working order.

To make your Bardstown, KY, summer memorable for all the right reasons, contact our team at Above All Mechanical. Our team is ready to prepare your air conditioning system for the upcoming season.

May 11
HVAC Maintenance Tips | Above All Mechanical

10 HVAC Maintenance Tips for Summer in Elizabethtown, KY

By Heating and Cooling Blog

Routine maintenance for your HVAC unit could extend its lifespan to over 15 years. Neglecting to check your unit could cause it to break down during the hottest day of the summer.

Here are 10 HVAC maintenance tips you can use for summer in Elizabethtown, KY. With summer HVAC maintenance, you can stay cool even as temperatures rise.

Read on to learn more!

1. Prioritize Safety

Before using the rest of these summer HVAC maintenance tips, turn off your circuit breaker. Shut off power to the condenser from the service panel, too.

Usually, the condenser has a 240-volt weatherproof disconnect box located beside the unit. The box has fuses, a lever, or a circuit breaker you can use to shut off the condenser.

2. Clean the Filters

If the filter is clogged with dust, clean or replace it for proper airflow. Plan to clean or replace your air-handler filters or furnace twice a year.

Cleaning the filters can improve the unit’s energy efficiency. It also keeps dust, pollen, and dander from circulating throughout your home. If the filter is clogged, the HVAC unit will work harder to push air through.

3. Inspect Ducts

Dirty ducts and vents can lower the air quality in your home. Check and clean the exterior and interior to remove dust, hair, or debris.

Make sure the vents are wide open to encourage airflow.

4. Sweep Up

Clean the outside of your unit, especially after winter. Look for leaves, branches, or debris that might affect your unit’s ability to function.

Keep a 2-foot perimeter around the HVAC unit clear.

5. Check the Coolant

Make sure the coolant line is covered with insulation. If the insulation appears frayed or missing, replace it with new sleeves.

6. Review the Thermostat

Consider installing a programmable thermostat this year. You’ll have more control over your home’s temperatures.

If you have one, have it professionally checked and calibrated each year.

7. Check the Drain

For a summer-ready HVAC, determine if your unit has a drain. Use a vacuum to clean the blower’s fan blades.

Clear away any excess water outside the unit as well.

8. Clean the Coils

Clean the air conditioning unit’s condenser unit and fan (typically located outside). Clean away any yard debris, dirt, or leaves to avoid clogging the coils.

When cleaning the coils, be gentle. Avoid bending delicate components or damaging the coils.

9. Test the Unit

Once you complete your HVAC maintenance for summer, test your unit. Turn the power back on to the condenser unit first.

If you notice anything isn’t functioning properly, it’s time to call for help.

10. Schedule Maintenance

You don’t have to apply these summer-ready HVAC tips alone. Instead, consider scheduling annual preventative maintenance.

About 12% of the average home’s yearly energy expenditure is on air conditioning. With routine maintenance, you can reduce expenses and keep your unit functioning at its best.

HVAC Maintenance Tips for Elizabethtown, KY

Don’t sweat through the summer. Instead, apply these HVAC maintenance tips for Elizabethtown, KY residents. With these tips, you can keep your unit running at its best.

Need to schedule a maintenance check? Above All Mechanical is here to help.

Contact us today to get started.

502-237-6320