Marshall / St. Joseph & Vicinity, Michigan Heating, Venting and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Marshall / St. Joseph & 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.

Shut off humidifiers during the summer

Many people with central humidifiers go into the cooling season forgetting to shut down the humidifier for the summer. A central air conditioner will not cool or dehumidify correctly if the humidifier is running.

Inspect your air filters

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

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

Keep shrubs away from outdoor unit

Many people, builders, and landscapers in Marshall / St. Joseph & Vicinity like to disguise the outdoor unit behind shrubs or fences. There are some benefits to this, which will be explained later. It can however, be detrimental 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 the majority of units). If the outdoor unit is crowded by a fence or shrubs, restricting the air-flow, it will not work properly. Thus diminishing efficiency, reducing the life span, and possibly causing damage. Keep an 18" to 36" air space on all sides of unit. Prune back as needed. When planting, permit 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 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 near 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 AC units during the fall and winter

Covering the unit during these months in Marshall / St. Joseph & Vicinity will help protect 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 before it moves into dwelling.

How to save energy

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

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

Install storm windows and doors to give additional insurance against heat loss.

Add 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 expert can establish the best size unit for your home.

Examine your heating system ensure that it's running efficiently. Have your dealer test the system before 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.

Check the efficiency ratings mandated by the Dept. of Energy when you shop for new equipment so you can ensure you're getting high-efficiency equipment. Ratings will be prominently displayed on the yellow tag and are required by law to be 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 economical. They also come with better warranties so there are no expensive repair bills to worry about.