Northeast Iowa, Iowa Heating, Venting and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Northeast Iowa 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 shut down the humidifier for the summer. A central air conditioner will not cool or dehumidify accurately if the humidifier is running.

Examine your air filters

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

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

Keep shrubs away from outdoor unit

Several people, builders, and landscapers in Northeast Iowa like to disguise the outdoor unit behind shrubs or fences. There are some benefits to this, which are described below. But it can become a negative if not maintained or done well. 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 crowded by a fence or shrubs, restricting the air-flow, it won't work properly. Thus diminishing efficiency, reducing the life span, and perhaps cause damage. Keep an 18" to 36" air space on all sides of unit. Prune back shrubs as required. When planting, allocate room for long-term growth, five and ten years. Keep a 3 to 4 foot air space above the unit. Prune back tree branches. If building a fence, make sure it can be easily removed. The unit needs to be serviced regularly. If any major repairs are required, the service professional might need access to all sides on the unit.

Landscaping in the vicinity of 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.

Cover air conditioners during the fall and winter months

Covering the unit during these months in Northeast Iowa will help shelter the coil and fan blades. Just remember to remove it prior to turning it back on.

Install an attic fan

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

How to save energy

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

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

Install storm windows and doors to provide supplementary 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 correctly sized for your home. Operating a unit that is too small or too large is very inefficient. Your heating and air conditioning professional can establish the best size unit for your home.

Check your heating system ensure that it is running efficiently. Have your dealer check 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 home; lightweight clothing in the summer and warmer clothing in the winter.

Examine the efficiency ratings mandated by the Dept. 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 on every new unit sold.

Upgrade your systems

If your heating and air conditioning system is over ten to twelve years old, consider replacement. Units that are new are much more efficient. They also come with better warranties so there are no expensive repair bills to worry about.