Rochester / Mason City / Fort Dodge & Vicinity, Iowa Heating, Venting and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Rochester / Mason City / Fort Dodge & Vicinity Heating, Venting and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems should be inspected regularly, not just when the house is being sold. Whether central air conditioning or window room air conditioners are used, these systems can use a lot of electrical power. These tips will help prolong the life of your HVAC systems and save money on energy bills.

During the summer, shut off humidifiers

A lot of people with central humidifiers go into the cooling season not remembering to turn off the humidifier for the summer. A central air conditioner will not cool or dehumidify properly if the humidifier is running.

Inspect your air filters

It is the single, most vital thing you can do for your central heating/air conditioning system.

We suggest checking filters on a monthly basis. If you've a disposable type filter, (these generally have a cardboard edge), and it's dirty, simply replace it. If you've a permanent type filter, it is very simple to clean. Check to be sure that your vents are blowing air out at normal rate.

Keep shrubs away from outdoor unit

A lot of people, builders, and landscapers in Rochester / Mason City / Fort Dodge & Vicinity favor hiding the outdoor unit behind shrubs or fences. There are some benefits to this, which will be explained later. It can however, become a negative if not maintained or completed accurately. The outdoor unit is a heat transfer device - a fan pulls the outside air through the refrigerant coils and discharges it up through the top (on most units). If the outdoor unit is congested by a fence or shrubs, constraining the air flow, it will not work properly. Thereby lowering efficiency, reducing the life span, and possibly causing damage. Keep an 18" to 36" air space on all sides of unit. Prune back shrubs as needed. When planting, permit room for long-term growth, 5 & 10 years. Keep a 3 to 4 foot air space over the unit. Prune back tree branches. If building a fence, make sure it can be removed easily. The unit needs to be serviced regularly. If any large repairs need to be made, the service professional might need access to all sides on the unit.

Landscaping in close proximity to the outdoor unit

Good shrubs for planting around the outdoor unit are: yews, upright junipers, arborvitaes.

Use landscape rocks one foot around unit and use weed killer on rocks to kill off weeds. Do Not Use weed whacker near unit.

During the Fall and Winter, cover AC units

Covering the unit during these months in Rochester / Mason City / Fort Dodge & Vicinity will help shield the coil and fan blades. Just remember to take it off before turning it back on.

Install a fan in the attic

Set the attic fan at 90 to100 degrees to keep attic cool and help remove heat before it transfers into dwelling.

How to save energy

Use caulking and weather-stripping to stop much of the heated air from escaping.

Switch single-thickness windows with thermal-type double thickness windows.

Install storm windows and doors to provide other insurance against heat loss.

Put in window insulation kits that use double-sided tape, clear plastic and a hair dryer.

Upgrade older equipment with higher efficiency furnaces, central air conditioners and heat pumps.

Make sure that your heating and/or cooling equipment is accurately sized for your home. Operating a unit that is too small or too large is very inefficient. Your heating and air conditioning contractor can establish the optimum size unit for your home.

Examine your heating system ensure that it is running efficiently. Have your dealer test the system prior to the winter months.

If you replace your central air conditioner, make sure that the contractor replaces the indoor coil in addition to the outside condensing unit. Otherwise, your system will not perform at its promised efficiency.

Install electric ceiling fans increase the effectiveness of room air conditioners in the summer and to circulate warm air away from the ceiling in the winter.

Help lower your energy requirements by wearing appropriate clothing in your residence; lightweight clothing in the summer and warmer clothing in the winter.

Review the efficiency ratings determined by the Department of Energy when you search for new equipment so you can make sure you're getting high-efficiency equipment. Ratings will be prominently displayed on the yellow tag and are required by law to be located on each new unit sold.

Upgrade your systems

If your heating and air conditioning system is over ten to twelve years old, consider replacement. Newer units are much more cost-effective. They also come with improved warranties so there are no expensive repair bills to worry about.