The best thing about winter is coming home to a warm, crackling fire and a hot mug of cocoa. Of course, it’s even better if you have an electric fireplace you can start with the push of a button! Convenience at its best. With winter right around the corner, let’s talk about some things you should do to get your fireplace ready for winter before firing it up for the first time.

 

• FIRST: Clear out the vent of the fireplace! Any and all debris should be removed as it can pose a carbon monoxide and fire risk to your home. Make sure there aren’t any cobwebs, sticks, leaves, or even pests that have set up camp in your fireplace over the summer.
• SECONDLY: Check out the glass insert on your fireplace. If your gas fireplace has a glass-covered propane make sure it doesn’t have any chips or cracks because the glass helps contain the carbon monoxide emissions.
• NEXT: Clean your log set thoroughly. These ceramic logs can get dusty while not in use. It isn’t really a hazard but it does smell bad if it burns off. Remember these two tips:
  • #1. Make sure your gas valve is closed before doing any cleaning or work on your fireplace.
  • #2. Return your logs to the exact position they were in before. Logs that are not put in their proper positions can cause carbon monoxide buildup and damage your fireplace.
• NEXT: Once the logs are moved, clean dust and debris with a handheld vacuum. Don’t forget to replace broken logs.
• NEXT: Check your pilot light if your fireplace has one. If you see any loose wires, be sure to contact us immediately for repairs.
• FINALLY: Schedule a maintenance call with us. You should have a professional come out and check everything for you thoroughly before you go into winter. Professionals can check for gas leaks, broken sensors, and a myriad of other things that could be a potential problem for you.

It will get cold soon. Make sure you’re ready and confident in your fireplace. Give Climate Experts a call today (or send us an email) for more information about scheduling a maintenance appointment.

There’s nothing worse than finding out you have an issue with your Air Conditioning System on the day it completely stops working. And usually in the middle of a hot day. Not only is it an inconvenience but it also is somewhat avoidable. It’s important to your comfort and your health to make sure you have a properly working air conditioner. And you can do that by making sure your AC unit is regularly serviced and maintained by an air conditioning professional like Climate Experts.

You can also avoid repair services that can get costly by knowing what little issues to look out for before they turn into expensive, bigger problems. Let’s look at 3 of those warning signs below.

1. Your Air Conditioning System is Blowing Warm Air

Your air conditioner has a very specific job to do and that’s to keep your family cool and comfortable when it is hot and muggy outside. When the weather is unbearable outside, the indoors should be a welcome relief. If your AC unit is beginning to blow out warmer air, or the air doesn’t seem to be coming out as cool as it used to, you may need to call someone to take a look.

2. Your Air Conditioning Unit is Leaking Freon or Water

If there is leaking or moisture around your air conditioner, you have a problem. It could be a refrigerant (freon) leak and that is poisonous, so you’d need a professional to take care of it. The could be less serious like water leaking due to a broken or blocked tube. You may notice this by noticing water leaking from the HVAC system or maybe you notice ice developing inside your unit. Both are warning signs that your AC is in need of repair.

3. Rising or High Electric Bill

Another telltale sign that your AC may need replacement or servicing is that your electricity bill gets much higher than normal with regular usage. This can be a warning that your thermostat is broken, there’s a problem in the ductwork, or simply that your AC unit is just old and needs to be replaced. Whatever the cause, if your electric bill has skyrocketed for no apparent reason, you may want to have your air conditioner looked at.

Any one of the above signs is enough of a reason to call a specialist to your home. So, be sure to keep your family healthy and comfortable and nip any small problems in the bud before they become expensive problems by giving Climate Experts a call today at 1-855-241-7171.

Has your electric bill skyrocketed during the summer months? As the temperature rises, there might be a correlating spike in your air conditioner usage. The longer you leave your AC unit running, the more power you consume. Soon, the electric bill creeps up on you and comes as a big surprise.

There are some easy ways to reduce your home air conditioner’s power consumption. The key is to improve the overall efficiency of your air conditioner, which makes a difference in how much power it consumes. By improving the air circulation and conducting air conditioner maintenance, these best practices may lead to lower power consumption and decreased utility costs.

Here are some useful tips for how to save on air conditioner electricity costs:

1. Turn up the temperature

You may be able to reduce your AC unit’s workload by increasing the temperature settings in your thermostat. Most homeowners usually can’t tell the difference between minor shifts in the temperature. Start by increasing the thermostat half a degree or a full degree higher than normal. Allow yourself some time to adjust to this new temperature and decide whether you feel comfortable or not.

You’d be amazed at how much home air conditioner power consumption you can save with this technique. However, the trade-off is that you will have a warmer house during the summer. While this method leads to greater savings on your power bill, you also need to keep your comfort in mind. You don’t want to turn up the temperature so high that it diminishes the effects of the air conditioner.

2. Clean your air conditioner

Regular air conditioner maintenance helps to ensure the unit is still running efficiently. Start by cleaning the air conditioner filter. If the filter is clogged with dirt, dust, and debris, the air won’t be able to flow easily. Due to this air flow restriction, the AC unit must work harder, resulting in excess power consumption. It’s recommended that you change or clean your AC filter every month, depending on your model.

Similarly, you should also clean the air conditioner’s condenser coils. These components are constantly exposed to dust, which impacts the unit’s efficiency. To clean the coils, remove the visible debris and spray water on the unit with a hose until it appears clean.

3. Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance

With frequent use, your air conditioner may begin experiencing technical problems that affect its performance and efficiency. To ensure your unit still works well, you should schedule maintenance visits with a qualified air conditioner repair technician. This inspection routine will allow you to fix small problems early and replace worn-out components. Keep up with the maintenance schedule, and your AC unit should run more efficiently with less power consumed.

4. Switch to a smart thermostat

There’s a chance that you’re using your air conditioner more than you need to be, resulting in higher electric bills. For instance, your air conditioner might still be running at full capacity even when you’re away from home. It would be more sensible to adjust the AC temperature and save on energy efficiency during your absences.

Switching to a smart thermostat enables you to regulate the temperature in your home. You can make economic decisions based on when the air conditioner should run. This type of thermostat allows you to program default schedules into your AC unit, so that it doesn’t cool the house fully when you’re out of the house. You’re also able to control the temperature remotely, giving you control over the settings from anywhere at any time.

5. Close the vents in unused rooms

Your air conditioner tends to consume more power when it needs to cool a larger space. For this reason, it’s a good idea to close the vents in any unused rooms. Since the basement is the coolest area of your home, it’s recommended that you shut these vents as well. By closing the vents, this will divert the cooled air to the rooms that you’re using, which will reduce the strain on your AC unit.

6. Seal the windows

You should make a habit of checking your windows for air leaks. Old and poorly sealed windows will force your air conditioner to work harder to cool the space. This, in turn, will cost you more in the long run. Try weather stripping your windows and caulking any leaks that you’ve identified. You may also consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows.

Speaking of windows, you should embellish them with curtains. While it’s great to get natural lighting in your home, the sunlight streaming through your windows will inevitably increase the temperature inside. Use shades to cool down the various rooms in your home, which will ease the burden of your air conditioner.

7. Use ceiling fans on cool days

If you want to save on air conditioner electricity, you can take advantage of the days with cooler temperature. When the outdoor temperature seems pleasant enough, this is a great time to give your air conditioner a break by turning it off. Instead, you can try cooling your home with ceiling fans. The fans will circulate cool air while preserving the energy efficiency of your house.

An air conditioner is usually your best line of defense against the summer heat. In some instances, you may feel like your AC unit isn’t cooling enough, particularly on days when the outdoor temperatures are scorching hot. No matter how much you adjust the thermostat, you just can’t find relief from the sweltering heat. Even with the air conditioner turned to the optimal settings, you still feel sweaty and stuffy inside your own home.

You may be completely perplexed by an AC unit that is not cooling enough. When your air conditioner doesn’t work at all, the most obvious solution is to contact an air conditioner repair service for help. However, it might be more difficult to troubleshoot an underperforming air conditioner. The AC unit is technically still working, even though it suffers from a notable lack of cooling power.

What should you do when the air conditioner doesn’t seem to cool sufficiently? A great troubleshooting method is to figure out the root cause of the inefficiency. Here are the six common reasons why your AC unit is not cooling enough:

1. The AC unit is affected by poorly optimized thermostat settings

A poorly optimized thermostat may be the primary culprit of an AC unit not cooling enough. The thermostat is an electronic device that controls your air conditioner’s functioning efficiency. Adjusting to the right thermostat temperature isn’t always clear-cut and straightforward. Sometimes, it may require a few precise tweaks before you achieve a comfortable cooling temperature.

When the AC doesn’t feel cool enough, the simplest fix is to lower the thermostat temperature by a notch and see if that makes a difference. You should notice the effects quickly when a refreshing wave of cold air is introduced to your house. Among the newer types of thermostats, there are numerous settings to automatically detect the optimal indoor temperature. Keep experimenting with these thermostat settings until you find a balanced temperature level for your home.

2. The AC unit is too dirty

The entire AC system needs to be properly maintained for it to cool your home as intended. A dirty AC unit may lead to air circulation problems, limiting the effectiveness of its cooling abilities. This is a common problem with the outdoor unit, also known as the condenser, which is the part that condenses hot air into cold air. When this unit becomes too dirty, the debris can impede on the heat transfer process, so the overall AC performance decreases.

From time to time, examine the state of your outdoor unit. Is it covered with fallen leaves? Are there weeds growing nearby? Make sure you clear the area and clean the condenser thoroughly. There should be plenty of room around the condenser, allowing it to release air properly. No shrubs, bushes, weeds, or vegetation should grow within the surrounding areas.

In addition, you should clean the air conditioner’s cooling coils as well. If the equipment is caked with dirt and dust, the coils will have a difficult time transferring heat from inside to the outside. Since the heat isn’t being removed efficiently from the house, the air in your vents will feel warmer as a result.

3. The AC unit is low on refrigerant

The air conditioner refrigerant is an important fluid that absorbs the heat in the air. When you don’t have enough refrigerant, your AC won’t be able to cool enough. Low refrigerant levels are usually caused by leakages. Any bubbling or hissing noises from the AC unit may be a sign of a refrigerant leak.

Your AC will still run if you have a refrigerant leak problem, but the temperature won’t be nearly as comfortable. You should contact an air conditioner repair technician to fix any leaks and replenish the refrigerant levels again.

4. The AC unit has damaged parts

The compressor is a critical component that manages the flow of refrigerant between the evaporator and the condenser. If your compressor is damaged, the refrigerant won’t be able to absorb the heat. As a result, the air doesn’t get cooled enough. In many instances, you’ll need a replacement compressor to fix this problem.

Similarly, any damages to the condenser may impact the AC’s cooling functions. A faulty or broken fan motor will make it impossible for the condenser to dissipate heat. You will need to contact a professional to repair or replace these damaged components.

5. The air filter is clogged

A dirty air filter is another common culprit for a window AC or split AC unit not functioning properly. With frequent use, the air filter often becomes filled with dirt, dust, and debris. The cool air may not be able to pass through the filter when its passage is effectively blocked.

In fact, many issues arise with a clogged air filter, leading to short-term deficiencies and long-term damages. Always change or clean the air conditioner filters on a regular basis. If your unit uses disposable filters, these will need to be replaced. If your AC unit has reusable filters, these will need to be cleaned.

6. The AC unit is too old

As with everything else, air conditioners will get older year after year. Once the units have aged significantly, they tend to work much less effectively. Its cooling ability may have diminished with old age, so the air conditioner won’t cool enough even when you optimized all the settings.

While regular repairs and maintenance can prolong the lifespan of your AC, the equipment will need to be replaced when it reaches the end of its operating life. Consult with an HVAC professional to dispose old air conditioners and get a brand new system installed.

Every summer, your air conditioner works tirelessly to keep the entire home cool and breezy. From the basement to the attic, you expect the crisp cold air to flow freely, reaching every part of the house. Unfortunately, there is a common phenomenon where your AC unit doesn’t seem as effective upstairs. Your house may feel pleasantly cool on the ground floor, but the temperature gets much warmer as soon as you go up the stairs.

If you live in a two-storey home, you may have noticed a difference in the temperatures between the first and second floors. This is happening because warm air, which has less density, tends to rise above cold air. As your AC unit produces cool air on the first floor, the hot air is getting pushed upwards, so the heat lingers on the second floor of the house.

During the summer, a powerful air conditioner will cool the whole house from top to bottom. However, if you feel like the indoor temperature is still too warm, check out these seven methods on how to make the AC colder upstairs:

1. Clean the air filter in your AC

No matter where you are in the house, your air conditioner should be running at maximum efficiency. After all, you are less likely to make the AC colder upstairs unless the unit has been properly optimized.

A good place to start is by cleaning the air conditioner filter on a regular basis. When the air filter becomes clogged, this will decrease your AC’s cooling power significantly. If the problem persists, it may lead to further deterioration of the AC system. Cleaning or replacing a dirty air filter is an important task, and it should be one of the ongoing maintenance tasks for your air conditioner.

2. Install a window air conditioner upstairs

When the second floor feels too warm, this may indicate that your central air conditioner isn’t strong enough to cool down the entire house. In these instances, you can bring in reinforcements by installing a window air conditioner around the hot spots of your house. This small window unit can be placed near some of the commonly frequented rooms, such as the second-storey bedrooms.

Once installed, the AC unit will give a boost of cooling power, and the nearby areas will feel colder almost instantly. If you have a small window air conditioner upstairs, shut the doors in the rooms that you are not using. This way, the AC unit will focus its efforts on cooling only the important rooms.

3. Replace the AC system

An air conditioner is supposed to cool down your entire home, including all the rooms upstairs. If it doesn’t seem to be cooling the second floor effectively, then you need to assess whether your current HVAC system is still adequate.

Over time, air conditioners tend to malfunction, break apart, and perform less efficiently. A professional air conditioner inspection will reveal if the unit simply requires maintenance, or if the existing damages are beyond repair. In some situations, your old air conditioner may have deteriorated so much that a replacement is necessary.

When replacing the air conditioner, make sure you consult with the HVAC professionals to ensure you’re upgrading from your current model. Ideally, you’ll want a new air conditioner that is sized properly and has enough cooling power for the entire home.

4. Use your air supply registers efficiently

The air supply registers control the flow of cool air produced by your AC unit. A neat trick is to open the upstairs registers, while closing some of the ventilation points downstairs. By doing this, the airflow is being guided through a certain direction, which may make the temperatures colder on the higher floors.

Another helpful tip is to make sure these registers aren’t being obstructed by furniture. Move any potential clutter out of the way to improve the air circulation.

5. Seal the windows and open the doors upstairs

Improving the airflow in your home will help to make the AC colder upstairs. Start by checking each of your windows around the house. One or more windows can potentially be leaking, which means the cold air is escaping through the tiny cracks and gaps around the enclosure. Make sure you seal your windows properly, or you can replace them with energy-efficient windows to keep the house cooler.

In addition, you should leave the upstairs doors open as much as possible. By opening the doors, you create a passageway for the air to flow freely, which will help to make the AC colder upstairs.

6. Close the curtains and turn off the lights upstairs

To feel the full effects of your air conditioner, you want to minimize the heat sources in your home, especially on the second floor. When sunlight enters through your windows, it brings some heat inside the home. On hot sunny days, you should keep the shades and curtains closed to reduce the indoor temperature.

Another potential source of heat may be the lights in your home. When you have all the lights turned on, the lightbulbs could be emitting heat into the room. Try to keep the lights off to cool down the temperature upstairs. If you need some functional light inside a room, considering using energy-saving LED lights instead.

7. Insulate your attic

The attic is probably the most elevated room in your house, so this is the room that attracts a lot of heat. You can make the attic cooler by adding some insulation, which keeps the heat outdoors all summer long. Since this task requires extensive labour, it is recommended that you contact a professional to insulate the attic properly. Once the attic has been insulated, this can help the AC unit to cool the upstairs more efficiently.

Are you looking to upgrade your air conditioner this summer? As the new season rolls around, many homeowners are contemplating whether they need a newer, stronger AC system. With the advances in technology, modern AC units are more efficient than their older counterparts. If your aging air conditioner requires a replacement, you’ll quickly realize the benefits of your investment as the cold, fresh air starts flowing into your home.

Nowadays, there are many different air conditioning units available on the market. This can make upgrading an AC unit slightly more complex, due to the numerous technical specifications that you must learn. Ultimately, you want to ensure that the new AC unit is energy efficient and has a long lifespan. At the same time, you also want the system to meet your home’s needs and budget.

How can you make sure your purchase checks all the boxes? This following guide describes the key components to help you upgrade your AC unit:

1. Type of AC Units

First, you’ll need to consider which type of cooling system you will upgrade to. Among the most popular choices are the central AC system and the ductless unit. Other common options include a window AC unit, a heat pump, or a portable air conditioner.

Central AC Units

The central air conditioning system is the most common way to cool a home. This system cools all the rooms in your home and is often the most cost-effective solution in the long run. For central AC units, you can choose either a split system or a packaged unit.

The split AC unit distributes air through ductwork, and the cool air is circulated by your home’s furnace blower. On the other hand, a packaged central air conditioner has both the condenser and the evaporator located in the same unit, which is typically installed outside. With this unit, warm air is pumped from the home to the air conditioner, where it is cooled and returned to the home.

Ductless AC Units

A ductless AC system does not use the home’s ductwork to distribute cool air. This is the ideal system if you live in an older home, which may not have the ductwork necessary for a modern central AC unit. These units are either mounted on the ceiling, the floor, or the wall. The systems will cool the rooms in which they are installed.

Other AC Units

Some of these air conditioners are also available as heat pumps, which are units that function as both air conditioners and heaters. They can be used for both cooling and heating as required throughout the year. This HVAC equipment is excellent in milder climates.

You can also choose a portable air conditioner, which can be moved from room to room. This system uses a window vent kit to discharge the heat. The unit is best used to cool a single room. Alternatively, you can install a window air conditioner that fits into a window frame in your home. This type of unit takes air from inside the home, cools it, and blows the air back into the indoors.

2. Cooling Needs

When upgrading your AC unit, a key decision is determining the strength of its cooling capabilities. Due to the improvements in energy efficiency, it isn’t a good idea to determine your cooling power needs based on your old AC system. Instead, you need to factor in the number of windows in your home, along with the house’s layout and size. Other factors include the amount of shade your home gets, the location of registers, and the room orientation.

Purchasing an oversized unit may lead to unpleasantly strong, cold blasts of air, resulting in a humid home. You may also experience short-cycling equipment that starts and stops frequently, increasing your need for air conditioner repair services. Similarly, purchasing an undersized unit has its own set of issues. Your home will not cool properly, and you will waste energy. The AC unit will also run constantly, which lowers its lifespan.

Choosing a suitable cooling capacity for your AC unit is important because it will save you money. You save on the purchase by getting only what you need. Plus, you save money on installation and maintenance costs. To determine which air conditioner you should upgrade to, contact an HVAC technician for more insights.

3. Energy-Efficiency Rating

Modern air conditioners are designed to be more efficient than older models. As a result, you’ll almost always benefit from greater energy efficiency when upgrading your AC unit. However, it is still useful to understand energy efficiency ratings to ensure you save on your utility bills.

Essentially, the higher the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), the greater your energy savings will be. All new AC units require a minimum 13 SEER rating, but you can see ratings go as high as 25.

4. Component Compatibility

When your central air conditioner is on its last legs, it can be tempting to replace only the outside condensing unit to save money. However, keep in mind this outdoor part connects to an indoor air-handling unit. The indoor and outdoor parts together make up the entire AC unit. If you only replace the outside unit, you risk having incompatible cooling efficiency ratings and refrigerant. As a result, the new part might not work.

Replacing certain parts of your AC system might be suitable in some scenarios, but there are also many instances where this leads to serious compatibility issues. Upgrading the entire AC system removes this risk, as well as increase the lifespan of the condenser and air-handling unit.

5. AC Filters

Finally, air filters play a significant role in the efficiency of your AC unit, and there are many different options to consider. Most importantly, determine whether your new unit comes with disposable filters that you’ll need to replace periodically or permanent filters that will need to be cleaned regularly. For the latter option, make sure you clean the air filters in your AC properly to ensure fresher, smoother airflow.

Dust, dirt, and grime are the dastardly trio often found inside your air conditioner. Over time, these common contaminants will clog up the air filter, restrict the airflow, and reduce the AC’s ability to cool properly. If left unattended for a long period of time, these dirty air filters could cause significant deterioration to your HVAC systems. Fortunately, this issue can be avoided with ongoing maintenance, as long as you clean the air conditioner filter regularly.

Cleaning your air conditioner’s filter is an important maintenance task that should be done each year before summer arrives. A full, thorough cleanse will improve the overall efficiency and longevity of your AC unit. As summer continues, homeowners are encouraged to clean the air filter several more times throughout the season. This ensures the unit is kept in a pristine condition and reduces the amount of air conditioner repair needed.

It’s important to learn the right way to clean your air conditioner filter. With enough practice, cleaning the filter will become a quick and easy task, like an effortless routine as part of your summer season. Follow this tutorial on how to clean the air conditioner filter effectively:

Step #1: Make sure the air conditioner filter is reusable.

Not all air conditioner filters are meant to be cleaned. There are two types designed for air conditioners: the reusable air filters and the disposable air filters. Some units have disposable cardboard filters that are meant to be thrown out and replaced with new ones regularly. As you could imagine, there’s no point to clean a disposable filter that you won’t be using again.

Before you start the cleaning process, check to see if your AC unit includes a reusable filter. Typically, the reusable filters will have a metal or plastic frame. Not sure which one your unit uses? Read your instruction manual to find out. The manual will also instruct you of any special cleaning procedures for the air conditioner unit.

Step #2: Determine if the AC has a self-cleaning function.

If you bought a new air conditioner, it might have an automatic cleaning function. If so, this is the easiest and fastest way to clean the filter. These modern units self-clean the filter using an internal cassette and brush device, which can remove the dust and particles. The dust is then blown outside.

Step #3: Take out the air filter.

If there’s no automatic cleaning function, then proceed to turn off your air conditioner and remove the filter. The process of removing the filter varies from unit to unit, but you will likely need to remove the cover. This can be done either by removing the screws or pressing down on the tabs for release.

Once the cover is removed, the filter should just slide out or can be easily removed. On large central air conditioning units, the filter is most often located along the return duct. For window-mounted units, you’ll need to pop off the front of the air conditioner to gain access. In wall-mounted units, you may be required to slide the front panel off.

While the filter is out, do not run your air conditioner. This will cause unfiltered air to flow through your home. It will lead to the accumulation of dirt on the air conditioner’s internal parts, such as its evaporator coils.

Step #4: Vacuum the air filter.

Once you have taken out the air filter, check its current condition. You’ll know the filter needs a good cleaning if there is any visible dust, discolouration, or greyness on its surface. Use a vacuum with an appropriate tube extension to remove the dirt from the filter. Use a low or medium setting on your vacuum, and then proceed using an up-and-down motion.

It’s important to remember that your filter is delicate, so you don’t want to press too hard while vacuuming. For lightly used or regularly cleaned air conditioners, vacuuming will likely be all you need to do.

Step #5: Wash the air filter.

If it has been a while since you cleaned your air conditioner filter, vacuuming alone might not be enough. To achieve better results, you might need to either hose down the filter or give it a bath in warm water and liquid detergent.

For a thorough bath, move the air filter around the water to displace the dirt. Then, leave it in the bath for at least 15 minutes or up to several hours. Flip it halfway through the process to clean the other side. If the filter is too large to fit into your bathtub or sink, then try hosing it off either outside or with a handheld showerhead. However, ensure that you do not use a pressurized nozzle, as it will damage the filter.

Step #6: Avoid abrasive cleaning tools.

As mentioned, air conditioner filters are delicate. It’s critical that you avoid using abrasive cleaning tools, which can harm the physical condition of the filter. For example, using wire brushes to clean the filter, while it is submerged in the soapy bath, may damage the equipment.

Step #7: Clean it with a vinegar & water mixture.

While vacuuming and hosing the filter should effectively clean it of grime, this may not kill all the bacteria present. It’s a good idea to create a cleaning solution with equal parts water and vinegar, which can be sprayed onto the filter. Wait 10 minutes, then place the filter under running water to rinse off the mixture. This should effectively kill any bacteria.

Step #8: Let the filter dry.

Hot temperatures can burn the filter, so drying is best done through natural means. Place the filter in a safe spot and allow some time for it to air dry. Alternatively, you can use a hairdryer on the “cool” function to speed up the drying process.

Make sure the air conditioner filter has dried completely before inserting it into the unit. Air dry for several hours to achieve this effect. Then, you can return the filter to the air conditioner, put the cover back on, and start the power again. You will now be able to enjoy the AC unit, which is operating with a clean and bacteria-free airflow.

Spring is the ideal season for HVAC cleaning. There’s no better time than now to give your air conditioner a meticulous rinse and wash. From the harsh freezing hail to the heavy drizzling rain, your outdoor air conditioner has probably seen better days. After months of enduring through the volatile weather conditions, your AC unit could benefit from some rigorous cleaning and general maintenance.

There are numerous benefits for cleaning your air conditioner regularly. This cleanse ensures the air conditioner functions at its highest level of efficiency, without any clogs or debris. In addition, cleaning the AC helps to preserve the longevity of the HVAC equipment. When the air conditioner parts are well-maintained, you should encounter fewer problems overall and the number of necessary repairs will decrease.

Follow these best practices on how to clean an air conditioner properly:

1. Turn off the air conditioner’s power

Before the cleaning commences, always turn off the power as a safety precaution. Start by shutting off the power on the exterior condenser and compressor. Next, turn off the power at the breaker box, which is usually situated inside your house. It can get messy and dangerous if you clean an air conditioner that is still running, so make sure you turn off the power completely.

2. Clear away natural debris from the AC

During winter, it is unlikely that you went outside and cleaned the air conditioner in midst of the freezing temperatures. This means your AC unit has gone through many months without any proper cleaning. The signs of neglect will be evident in the air conditioner’s exterior appearance. Your AC unit had been struck by the brunt of harsh winds and storms, so don’t be surprised if it’s completely covered with branches, leaves, or dead insects.

Before you start cleaning inside the air conditioner, get rid of all the natural debris surrounding the unit’s exterior. Otherwise, they will obstruct your cleaning processes. Clear away the leaves, twigs, grass, pine needles, and any other nature’s remnants from the air conditioner.

3. Be proactive with air conditioner cleaning

Cleaning an air conditioner isn’t exactly an enjoyable task, and many homeowners feel reluctant to do this type of work. A common excuse to avoid the maintenance work is that the air conditioner looks clean enough, just because you can’t see any natural debris. However, never assume that your air conditioner is clean based on its exterior appearance.

Some debris are small and covert, so they may evade your detection at first. You may not even realize how dirty your air conditioner is until a closer examination. If you have vines, bushes or flowers growing nearby, pollen may find a way to infiltrate your air conditioner. The same goes for mould spores and dust particles. All these pollutants are barely visible, but they can block the AC unit from pulling in air and reduce its efficiency.

You should take a proactive approach towards cleaning your air conditioner. Instead of using your pure instincts to decide if the AC is clean or not, establish a regular cleaning schedule. At the start of every spring season, you can follow this schedule to make sure the air conditioner stays clean.

4. Clean the air conditioner fins

The fins are a part of the condenser that moves heat away from the air conditioner. You can use a vacuum to remove dirt from the fins, and then give them a thorough spray with the garden hose. If the fins are very dirty, there are fin cleaning sprays specifically designed to remove the more persistent debris.

Once you’ve cleaned the fins, take a look to see if any of them are bent. Bent fins can cause a reduction in air flow, leading to decreased efficiency. Contact a professional air conditioner repair service if you need help to straighten the air conditioner fins.

5. Clean the air filters

The air filter captures the pollutants and hazardous particles that go through the AC unit. As a result, the filter quickly becomes clogged with dust and dirt. When the air filter is too dirty, it will obstruct regular airflow and cause a decrease in efficiency.

Air filters can be replaceable or reusable. Replaceable filters are usually made from a papery material, whereas reusable filters are made from a rubber or metal material. You should try to change replaceable air filters twice a year. If your AC unit has reusable filters, you should aim to clean them twice a year.

To clean the filters, wash them gently with dish soap and lukewarm water. The filters tend to be delicate, so make sure you handle them carefully to avoid damages.

6. Clean the air conditioner drain line

In addition, you should clean the air conditioner’s drain line. As the evaporator unit cools and dehumidifies the air from outside, it produces a liquid that runs through a thin plastic pipe to a drain in the floor of your basement. Over time, mould and algae have the potential to plug up the drain.

If you notice the drain is flowing slowly, you’ll need to unplug it. This can be done by applying a wet/dry vacuum on the end of the drain line. Keep vacuuming until the clog and any excess moisture are cleared from the drain.

As the winter season fades into a distant memory, many homeowners are starting to embrace the warmer weather. In the upcoming weeks, the sun might shine brighter, the days might feel longer, and the temperature might get a lot hotter. Eventually, there comes a time when the summer weather becomes too hot to endure. At this point, you’ll want to turn on the air conditioner and cool down from the sweltering heat.

Unfortunately, what if your AC won’t turn on for some reason? No matter how many times you tinker with the power switch, the air conditioner still doesn’t seem to be running. As frustration sets in, you may feel completely perplexed by why the air conditioner isn’t working. In some cases, you may need to contact an air conditioner repair service to find out what has gone wrong.

To help you troubleshoot this issue, below are the six possible reasons why your AC won’t turn on:

1. Your AC won’t turn on because there’s too much dust and dirt.

A likely reason why your AC won’t turn on is because of its poor upkeep. Dirt, dust, and debris all tend to quickly accumulate within an air conditioner system. When the AC unit is clogged with filth, this will affect its ability to operate efficiently or properly. If you haven’t been cleaning the air conditioner for a long time, there are probably excessive amounts of muck and grime within the unit.

Several air conditioner parts are especially vulnerable to dust and dirt, such as the air filters. Since this filter is designed to remove harmful pollutants from the air, it may become dirty rather easily. An unclean filter will obstruct the regular air flow of the AC system, potentially leading to equipment failure. To avoid this, you should make a habit of cleaning or changing the air filters on a regular basis.

2. Your AC won’t turn on because it’s too old & rusty.

Air conditioner problems become more frequent with growing age. The parts may deteriorate, the components can break down, and the equipment will naturally wear out over time. Once an air conditioner is more than ten years old, the risks of equipment failure will increase considerably. As the unit gets older and older, you may need to contact an AC repair service with alarming frequency.

Keep in mind that certain air conditioner parts may have less longevity than others. For instance, every air conditioner component might be working perfectly, all except for the dying condenser fan motor. If this is the case, it doesn’t mean you need a whole new AC unit. You can just replace the motor (or any specific part causing the problem) and the AC might turn on again after this fix.

3. Your AC won’t turn on due to the ice buildup.

Even though the winter season seems so long ago, this may not be your last encounter with frost and ice. You might feel surprised to find a buildup of ice inside your AC unit, particularly around the evaporator coils or the lines outside. The ice usually forms if the air filter is clogged or there is low refrigerant in the system.

This inefficiency means the AC does not have enough warm air passing the through the coil. As a result, the coil becomes colder than usual, which drops the temperatures below the freezing level. This causes internal parts of the coil and lines to collect ice all the way to the outside unit.

4. Your AC won’t turn on due to a thermostat problem.

A thermostat serves as the control panel for the air conditioning system. If your AC won’t turn on, the problem might potentially be traced back to this device. Some common thermostat problems include outdated software, faulty components, electronic glitches, and insufficient battery power. For troubleshooting, you can test the thermostat and check to see if all the settings are working properly.

5. Your AC won’t turn on because of the home’s wiring problem.

The problem with your air conditioner may not be an isolated incident. Inspect whether you can turn on the other electronics and appliances in your household. If several items do not have power either, this could signify an underlying issue with your home’s wiring system.

When the wires are broken or damaged, this may prevent sufficient power or communication from connecting to your household equipment, including the AC unit. You will need to contact an HVAC technician in order to resolve this issue.

6. Your AC won’t turn on due to a tripped circuit breaker.

A tripped circuit breaker can be the reason why your AC won’t turn on. As a safety measure, circuit breakers are supposed to shut off when they receive an overload of electricity. This often happens when too many appliances are being used at once, or an old appliance is hogging too much electricity. If there was a recent thunderstorm, the sudden power surge may have also tripped the circuit breaker.

To fix this issue, inspect the breaker box, specifically the breaker connected to the AC unit. If you discover the breaker has tripped, reset it and then try turning on the AC again. If the breaker shuts off again, there may be an underlying issue and you should contact an HVAC technician.

Observing the air quality is important when we spend a lot of time inside our homes. Since the human body benefits from breathing in fresh air, we want to ensure the indoor air quality is as safe and clean as possible. When the air quality is poor, there could be a lot of dust, allergens, and bacteria passing through your home. This may lead to a myriad of health problems in the long term, especially among those with respiratory conditions.

Fortunately, there are many natural ways to purify the air in your home. You just need to make a couple of simple adjustments that will increase the overall indoor air quality. Once you have adapted to these changes, the air quality should improve and you will start breathing in fresher, purer air inside the house.

Here are the ten best ways to purify the air in your home:

1. HVAC maintenance

The HVAC system sets the primary foundation of the indoor air quality inside every home. When the HVAC units are properly maintained, they ensure that clean air is regulated throughout the home at maximum efficiency. A faulty HVAC system will have the opposite effect, causing inefficiencies that may obstruct the circulation of clean air in your home. For the best indoor air quality, you should schedule regular appointments for HVAC inspections.

2. HEPA filters

Commonly referred to as HEPA filters, High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filters are an excellent way to help purify the air in your home, especially if you are an allergy sufferer. HEPA filters are able to remove more than 99% of all airborne pollutants 0.3 microns or larger. They are capable of killing airborne germs and particles that can trigger allergy symptoms.

If you’re wondering how you can incorporate HEPA filters into your home, these could be found in some air purifiers, HVAC systems, and vacuum cleaners.

3. UV lights

Another way to purify the air in your home is with the use of UV lights. You can choose to have an ultraviolet light installed in your HVAC system, which will help to kill microbes as they pass through the system. UV lights will kill growths in the air resulting from high humidity levels. They can be beneficial for allergy sufferers, as well as those living in hot, humid areas.

A UV light will kill bacteria and mould spores before they get blown into the system. Along with a UV light, you will still need to use a high-quality air filter for the best purifying results.

4. HRV and ERV

HRV and ERV, which stand for Heat Recovery Ventilator and Energy Recovery Ventilator, can both be beneficial for improving the air quality in your home. They were created to remove stale air from the home, while bringing in fresh air from outside.

If you live in a colder climate, the heat recovery ventilator (HRV) will retain heat inside the home, while bringing in fresh air. For those living in climates with hot humid summers, the Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) reduces the amount of moisture entering your home. And for those living in dryer climates, the ERV reduces the amount of moisture leaving your home.

5. High MERV filters

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, also known as MERV, is a measurement scale to report the effectiveness of air filters. The scale ranges from 1-16, and most residential HVAC systems will use air filters with a rating from 7-12.

Using a media cabinet with a high MERV filter is another great choice if you want to purify the air in your home. They are installed in the return duct of your forced air heating or cooling system. The media air cleaner can trap tiny particles including pollen, dust, and dander, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers.

6. Purify the air with essential oils

When used properly, essential oils can be one of the best natural ways to purify the air in your home. Some types of essential oils can help to fight bacteria, mould, fungi, and other nasty intruders that lower the indoor air quality. Tea tree oil and cinnamon oil are two of the most powerful essential oils with positive results.

To employ the essential oils, you will need an oil diffuser. This elegant device acts like a humidifier, dissipating an essential oil-laden steam within the room. Over time, the diffuser will help to purify the air in your home. Instead of a diffuser, you can also add a few drops of the essential oil into a bowl of warm water, letting it slowly evaporate into the room.

7. Use house plants to purify the air

Plants are an effective way to purify the air in your home. The best house plants are known for detoxifying the air, which can kill airborne germs in your household. Some popular house plants for air purification include the aloe vera, the weeping fig, the snake plant, and the ever-popular spider plant.

The spider plants are especially popular due to their low maintenance. These plants can also reproduce themselves, giving you extra plants that you can then hang throughout your home. For the best air purifying results from house plants, you should place a plant about every hundred square feet. While you do have to maintain these plants from time to time, their air purification benefits could last for many years to come.

8. Eliminate mould from your home

Mould releases harmful spores into the atmosphere of your home, which will severely impact the indoor air quality. These spores are detrimental to our health and can be a huge problem for those with respiratory problems.

You should conduct a diligent search for mould at least once a year. Mould can often be found in basements and bathrooms, appearing in the dark and damp spots where the spores grow unhindered. If you detect the presence of mould in your home, you should eliminate it with urgency.

9. Air out your new furniture

Chemicals can often be found in the most unsuspecting places, even within the new furniture that you bought for your bedroom or living room. Whether it is a new couch or a new chair, some furniture pieces are stuffed with volatile chemical compounds that will release into the air of your home. You don’t want these chemicals to foul the indoor air quality.

There are several ways to work around this problem. Firstly, you can place the furniture in the garage for a week to let the chemical compounds dissipate into the air. Secondly, you can place the furniture near a window to increase air circulation. Finally, you can buy from ecofriendly furniture manufacturers that minimize the use of harmful chemicals in their processes.

10. Use natural air purifiers in your home

There are many natural air purifiers with positive detoxifying effects on the indoor air quality of your home. One example is beeswax candles, which can eliminate the dust and toxins in the air. These candles are also smokeless, so they shouldn’t aggravate any respiratory problems as other candles might.

Another great natural air purifier is the Himalayan salt lamp. These pink-orange salt lamps work well as air purifiers, soaking up toxins and other pollutants to purify the air in your home. You can keep a salt lamp on your desk and another near your bedside table, which will improve the air quality as you work and sleep respectively. As an added bonus, these salt lamps will work whether they are switched on or not.