Maintenance Tips

Save Money.

Sacrifice Nothing.

Maintenance Tips

When people think about saving money, their next consideration is usually “What am I going to have to sacrifice?” That’s a normal response but I’m here to tell you, saving money doesn’t always have to be excruciating.

I’m going to show you how to save a substantial amount of money every month without giving up a thing or changing your lifestyle. No sack lunches. No bicycle rides to work. No do-it-yourself manuals. You won’t have to change anything at all.

Saving money is easier than all of those things. All you have to do is find something you’re wasting and stop wasting it. In your case, that “something” is energy. And the prime “waster” of energy is your “Heating and Cooling System” it uses about 56% of average homes energy.

Because most heating and cooling systems are not maintained appropriately, homeowners are wasting precious energy and paying the utility companies much more than they should. Wouldn’t you rather put that money in YOUR wallet?

All you have to do is tune-up your heating and cooling systems once a year. That’s it. By doing so you could save as much as 25% on your monthly energy bill every month. That’s real money in your pocket, and you don’t even have to change the setting on your thermostat.
Call us today for a “recommended air conditioning tune-up” and save $25 by mentioning this website, it will not only reduce your electricity usage, it will:

  • help your system last longer (new equipment can be expensive)
  • prevent untimely breakdowns (most occur during the hottest times)
  • enable your system to cool better by restoring lost capacity
  • improve your air quality and comfort conditions
  • Help prevent water leaks that could damage your home

To schedule your recommended maintenance, simply call our office at 314-894-8200. We’ll work with you to find a time that fits your schedule. Be sure to call right away. We won’t be doing these tune-ups at this low pre-season price once the peak season arrives in earnest.

Frequently Asked Question – Answers and Tips

When should I change my furnace filter?

In the summer or winter, changing your filter once a month is a good idea – for your health and your HVAC system’s! Besides reducing allergens like pollen and dust in your home’s air, a clean filter keeps dust and dirt from building up in your HVAC system, a problem that can lead to early system failure.

A dirty filter also slows down air flow, so your air conditioner has to work harder to keep you cool. That means a high energy bill you’ll have to work harder to pay for.

Check your filter once a month: if it’s dirty, replace it. Otherwise, replace it at least every three months for best results. Or you may get one of our “Recommended Maintenance Plans” and we will keep your filters clean. Call 314-894-8200 for more info.

My central air conditioner does not work. What should I do?

  1. Check and reset the breakers related to the central air conditioning system and the furnace. There are 2 separate breakers in the main electrical panel as well as the toggle switch often located near the furnace.
  2. Make sure the thermostat is positioned on “cool” and check the batteries if applicable.
  3. Lower the thermostat at least 4 degrees below room temperature.
  4. Make sure that the system air filters are clean. If dirty, the filters will need to be cleaned or changed.
  5. Check the vents to make sure the air feels cooler than the room temperature.
  6. If the system is still not functional, contact 314-894-8200

There is ice accumulating on my AC system. What should I do?

  1. Check the thermostat to make sure it is not below 70 degrees F.
  2. Make sure the system air filters are clean. If dirty, the filters will need to be cleaned or changed.
  3. Make sure there are not too many blocked or closed vents. Also check that there are no restricted return air openings.
  4. If the system is still developing ice turn the thermostat off of ‘cool’ and turn the circulator fan switch to ‘fan on’, contact 314-894-8200

Water is leaking out of my indoor Unit (coil) system. What should I do?

  1. Check the thermostat to make sure that it is not below 72 degrees F
  2. Make sure the system air filters are clean. If dirty, the filters will need to be cleaned or changed.
  3. If the system is still leaking turn on the fan at the thermostat and contact 314-894-8200

My system is not cooling my home properly. What should I do?

  1. Check the temperature of the air coming directly out of the vent. The air supply should feel obviously cooler then room temperature.
  2. Make sure that the system air filters are clean. If dirty, the filters will need to be cleaned or changed
  3. If the system does not produce any cooling, contact 314-894-8200

My gas furnace is not heating my home properly. What should I do?

  1. Check and reset the breaker related to the furnace in the main electrical panel as well as the disconnect box or toggle switch often located near the furnace.
  2. Make sure the thermostat is positioned on “heat” and check the batteries if applicable.
  3. Raise the thermostat at least 4 degrees above room temperature.
  4. Make sure the system air filters are clean. If dirty, the filters may need to be cleaned or changed.
  5. Is the pilot lit? Note: Only older furnaces have pilots; consequently, most everything past 1991 has electric ignition.
  6. Are the other gas appliances working?
  7. Check the ventilation outlets to make sure that the air feels warmer than the room temperature.
  8. If the system is still not functional, contact 314-894-8200

When to Replace your Air Conditioner and Furnace?

To repair or replace, that is the question that likely comes to mind whenever your heating or cooling system stops working like it should. Although repairing may be the most affordable solution now, it might not be the best choice over the long run.

Factors to consider include:

Fifty Percent Rule

When the cost of repairs approaches 50% of the value of your heating or cooling system, it’s generally time to replace the system.

Other Rules of Thumb

Even if needed repair costs aren’t quite as daunting as 50%, you might want to replace your system if it’s more than 12 years old or you’ve had a history of problems with it. Also, it might be worthwhile to take advantage of one of several opportunities:

  • Convenience – When you purchase a new system, you can avoid the hassle of unexpected repairs down the line, and you don’t have to sit around uncomfortable while waiting for parts.
  • Lower utility bills – A high-efficiency home comfort system from Lennox can save you hundreds of dollars each year in energy costs, compared to an older system.
  • Energy tax credits – You can recover up to 30% of the cost of select high-efficiency systems in the form of tax credits.
  • Friendlier refrigerant – Due to growing environmental concerns, the U.S. federal government has mandated that all HVAC manufacturers phase R-22 refrigerant-based equipment out of production. In response, Lennox now mainly manufactures cooling systems with R-410A, a U.S. EPA-approved, chlorine-free refrigerant.
  • Enhanced comfort – Advanced technologies that improve energy efficiency also enhance your comfort, so you can enjoy more even temperatures, better humidity control and a constant flow of conditioned air.
  • Improved air quality – Better humidity control means a reduced potential for mold and mildew growth. Many new home comfort systems are also available with high efficiency whole house air cleaners which minimizes the impact of indoor pollutants.

For help in deciding if it’s time to replace your heating or cooling system call us at 314-894-8200 and schedule free in home consultation with one of our expert comfort consultants.

Steps You Can Take to Get Rid of Bad Air

Dirt, dust and other particles

  • Dust your home regularly with a damp rag so you don’t stir up particles. Afterward, vacuum at least once a week using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
  • Always remove shoes at the door to avoid tracking in dirt, pollen and lead particles.
  • When weather permits, keep windows slightly open during the day and in the bedroom at night to let bad air out. If you’re concerned about safety or energy loss, consider a ventilation system.
  • Keep pets outdoors as often as possible and off the carpet. Make sure to frequently bathe them and wash their bedding materials.
  • Keep your heating and air-conditioning system well maintained, and have your ducts cleaned.
  • Wash bedding frequently. Because you spend most of your hours at home in your bedroom, it’s the most important room for allergen control.
  • Use hot water (at least 130 degrees) and high heat to clean sheets once a week, and mattress pads, blankets and comforter covers once a month.
  • Wash children’s stuffed animals in hot water; another option is to place them in a plastic zipper bag and then put in the freezer overnight to kill dust mites.
  • Use airtight plastic covers or allergen-proof fabric covers to encase mattresses, box springs and pillows and protect them against dust mites. Mattresses can be cleaned with a vacuum designed for allergen filtration, or treated with an allergen spray available from home stores.
  • Regularly change the filters on your heating and air-conditioning system.

Mold, mildew and other living organisms

  • Keep relative humidity within a range of 30% and 60%.
  • Make sure your home is properly ventilated.
  • Stop any water leaks before you try to clean mold to limit its future growth.
  • Remove mold from hard surfaces such as ceramic tile by cleaning it with dishwashing liquid and then following with a solution of bleach and warm water.
  • Water-damaged carpets, bedding and furniture should be cleaned and dried within 24 to 48 hours, or replaced. Increasing air circulation and ventilating your home with fresher outside air can help.
  • Check around air-handling units (air conditioners, furnaces) for stagnant water.
  • Turn on your air conditioner and/or dehumidifier during summer months, and use the “auto fan” setting to reduce humidity and save energy.
  • Regularly wipe down shower curtain liners.
  • Avoid the use of carpets/rugs in rooms below ground level.

Odors and chemicals

  • Store household cleaners, paint solvents and chemical products in tightly sealed containers. If possible, keep them outdoors.
  • Avoid using scented deodorizers and odor-masking air fresheners, which may contain toxic chemicals.
  • Air out your dry-cleaned clothes before hanging them in your closet.
  • Plan craft and home-improvement projects during mild seasons, when workspaces can be easily and comfortably ventilated.
  • Choose furnishings that emit the smallest possible amount of chemical vapors.
  • Do not allow smoking inside your home and make sure all gas appliances are properly vented.
  • Keep the basement area dry.
  • Keep your house clean and adequately ventilated.
  • Vacuum pet hair and launder animal beds.
  • Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.
  • Place an open box of baking soda on a table or other surface to rid a room of smells.
  • Another option is to soak a cotton ball with pure vanilla extract and place it on a shallow dish.
  • When choosing a humidifier or other air-treatment system, choose one with no ozone emissions. Ozone is a known lung irritant

For more information how we can help you get a whole house fresh and clean air solution, please call us at 314-894-8200

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