How To Make the Best Use of Your Air Conditioning

July 26, 2021

Most people don’t think too much when hitting the “Power” button on an air conditioner. They may adjust the temperature to an appropriate setting, which keeps costs and waste down. Not everyone knows other ways to get the best and most efficient use out of an air conditioner. Following some smart steps might drive down expenses and extend an air conditioner’s life. Use the Air Conditioner Efficiently Running the air conditioner all day and all night may not be necessary. Allowing the unit to run when no one is home may lead to a nice welcome when coming back after work, but energy bills might be through the roof. Even while home, keeping doors closed to avoid sending cold air to an empty room may also help a household budget. Setting the Appropriate Temperature An interior could feel comfortable at 64 degrees, and it might be okay at 62 degrees. Reducing the temperature by 2 degrees might reduce some workload from the unit while decreasing the amount of energy required to run it. Tuning Up the Air Conditioner Maybe the time is right for a complete air conditioning system tune-up. Cleaning the system, changing the filter, and replacing any worn...

View Article

Read More

How To Reset Air Conditioning Unit

June 15, 2021

You may need to reset your AC unit from time to time. A power outage may prevent it from fully turning on once power is restored, or there could be some other problem. Just like your Wi-Fi router, a reset can get things working correctly again. Press the Reset Button Most air conditioners have a reset button. It’s typically small and red. Check your owner’s manual, but usually, you press the button for three seconds before releasing it. You may need to repeat this step. Your AC Unit Doesn’t Have a Reset Button Your air conditioner may not have a reset button or perhaps pressing it didn’t fix anything. In that case, you’ll need to manually reset your system. Switch your thermostat from “COOL” to “OFF.” Next, go to your circuit breaker box and flip the switch for your air conditioner. Each circuit breaker should be labeled. You should leave the situation alone for the next 30 minutes. This gives your AC unit time to discharge all of its power. Next, set your thermostat back to the “COOL” setting. Flip the circuit breaker so that your air conditioner gets power once again. Set the temperature at least 5 degrees lower...

View Article

Read More

Why Does My Air Conditioner Smell?

May 7, 2021

If you smell something bad when your air conditioner turns on, that’s an indication there’s something wrong with it. What you smell can give you a hint of what the problem is. You shouldn’t ignore this issue, as it can get worse or be a health hazard. Mold and Mildew If you smell mold when your AC unit comes on, it’s likely that fungus is growing in it. This occurs because air conditioners remove humidity from your house. If the moisture doesn’t drain as it should, the result can be a fungus colony. A trained HVAC technician can remove the fungus and fix the drainage problem. in Las Cruces, NM, has experienced technicians. Our team is fast and friendly. Car Exhaust While air conditioners don’t use gas, they have some fluids that smell like car exhaust fumes when they’re heated. It’s likely your AC system has a refrigerant leak. This problem reduces the efficiency of your system and can be a health hazard, so have it repaired as soon as possible. Fire Odor If you smell burning gunpowder or plastic, there’s a problem with one of your AC system’s electrical components. You should immediately turn off your unit at the...

View Article

Read More

Should I Turn Off My Gas Furnace in the Summer?

April 12, 2021

With the winter now entirely in the rearview mirror in Las Cruces, it’s unlikely that you’ll need to run your furnace for several months. If you’re the type of person who likes to take care of the small details around your home, you’re likely wondering if you can safely turn off your gas furnace since it won’t be needed. To ensure you make the right choices with your HVAC equipment, here are a few insights from . Does a Furnace Use Energy During the Summer? The answer to the question of whether or not a furnace uses energy during the summer is, “it depends.” If you have a newer furnace that uses electronic ignition for the pilot light, then your furnace uses almost no energy during the summer. However, if your furnace has a pilot light that burns constantly, this will use a significant amount of energy throughout the year, whether or not your furnace is running. Therefore, if you have a furnace with an always-on pilot light, it makes sense to take action. How to Turn Off a Furnace The pilot light on a furnace has its own gas supply. As such, it also has its own gas cutoff...

View Article

Read More

Is It Normal to Smell Gas Near a Furnace?

March 16, 2021

Winter nights in Las Cruces, NM, can be downright frigid. You’ll need a reliable furnace to keep your home warm. Most of the time, furnaces operate without any issues. However, you might notice a smell of natural gas if you’re standing next to the furnace. This might give you cause for alarm. Here’s what you need to know about when the odor of natural gas is and isn’t something to be concerned about. Gas Odor When Heating Cycle Starts It’s normal to smell the odor of natural gas for a couple of seconds at the start of a heating cycle. The gas supply valve releases the gas, and it takes the ignition or pilot a fraction of a second to ignite it. Once the gas is steadily burning, the gas odor goes away. Odor Persists During Heating Cycle If the foul odor of natural gas persists during the entire heating cycle, this isn’t normal. Your furnace may have a problem with the combustion process, combustion chamber, or flue. There could also be a problem with the gas supply, ignition, or pilot. You should get everyone out of your home and make a call for emergency furnace repair services. Gas Odor...

View Article

Read More

How To Make An Old Home More Energy Efficient

February 5, 2021

If you have an older home and you think you’re stuck paying higher energy bills because there’s nothing you can do to change the situation, think again. You can increase its energy efficiency in a number of ways. Some of these are quick fixes, while others require a large investment in your residence. Seal Your Home Sealing your home can save a lot of money on your energy bills. Closing gaps around windows, exterior doors, and electrical connections can help to keep your conditioned indoor air where it belongs. You can also seal air ducts, pipe inlets, the foundation, and more. Add Insulation A well-insulated home keeps the heat in during the winter and cool air in during the summer. The most effective place to upgrade insulation is in the attic. You should have any gaps or holes sealed in the attic floor before having the insulation installed. Upgrade Your HVAC System An old home likely has an old HVAC system. Modern HVAC systems are far more efficient than older ones, so making this change can save you serious money on your energy bills. For example, upgrading a 30-year-old furnace to a high-efficiency new one could save you hundreds of...

View Article

Read More

What is a Heat Pump System?

January 5, 2021

Breaking Down the Basics of Heat Pump Systems Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are found in the overwhelming majority of U.S. homes and businesses. Most of these systems take the form of furnaces. Roughly 10% of all American homes use heat pumps as the primary heating and cooling systems. Heat pumps are different from other HVAC systems in several ways. How Are Heat Pumps Different? In simple terms, heat pumps work by moving heat from places and moving that heat elsewhere. Although the comparison isn’t perfect, heat pumps can be compared to air conditioners. While air conditioners can move indoor heat outdoors, heat pumps can transfer heat in both directions. Furnaces and boilers, two mainstream types of heaters, actually create heat. Although air handlers can transfer this heat throughout homes and buildings, no heat exchange takes place. How Do Heat Pumps Work? Heat pumps are split into two sections: outdoor and indoor units. Outdoor units contain heat exchanger coils, compressors, fans, and reversing valves. Indoor units also feature coils and fans. These heating and cooling systems require refrigerant to operate. Heat pumps, like air conditioners, transfer the heat they absorb into refrigerants. Upon heating up, refrigerants convert from a...

View Article

Read More

3 Reasons Why Indoor Air Quality Is Important

December 3, 2020

3 Reasons Why Indoor Air Quality Is Important People often spend the vast majority of their time inside their home or workplace, so keeping your indoor air clean is essential. Poor air quality can lead to a variety of health problems and negatively impact the quality of your life. Reaching out to a local HVAC company that offers indoor air quality services is an excellent way to keep your indoor air cleaner and free of various contaminants. Here are a few of the main reasons why indoor air quality is critical for your health: 1. Protection Against Allergens One of the top benefits of clean indoor air is that it helps to eliminate allergens. A few of the most common allergens include pet dander, dust, pollen and mold spores. Keeping your HVAC system well-maintained is a great way to reduce these allergens and create a cleaner indoor environment. 2. Reduced Odors Another benefit of keeping your home well-ventilated is that it helps to minimize bad smells. These bad smells are always unpleasant and make it very challenging to relax in your home. However, you can greatly reduce these bad odors by improving the quality of air in your house. 3....

View Article

Read More

3 Simple Tips to Clean Your Furnace

November 16, 2020

Properly maintaining your furnace requires extra work, but it is well worth it in reducing the chance of a breakdown. Keeping your furnace clean will boost its lifespan and also makes it more energy efficient. A clean furnace improves the quality of air in your home. You can perform many of these cleaning tasks on your own or reach out to a local HVAC company for annual maintenance services. Here are a few ways to clean your furnace and to keep it working at an optimal level. 1. Clean or Replace Your Filter One of the easiest ways to maintain your furnace is to clean or replace the filter. A clean filter enables your furnace to operate more efficiently, which will reduce your energy bill each month. Depending on the type of filter, you may need to change it every three to six months for the best results. 2. Keep the Heat Exchanger Block Clean Another way to maintain your furnace is to keep your heat exchanger block clean by using a cloth and a vacuum cleaner. You will need to power off your furnace and disconnect the gas before removing the built-up grime and dust. Using a rag allows...

View Article

Read More

Should I Leave the AC on During the Day When I’m Out?

October 20, 2020

Air conditioning is a must-have function in your home. When it comes to air conditioning usage and functionality, there are a couple of myths out there on how to get the best results and enjoy the most comfort in your home. One of these is whether or not you should leave your air conditioning on during the day when you’re out. Here are some reasons why leaving your air conditioning on during the day when you’re out is a bad idea. High Energy Costs There is no doubt that leaving your air conditioning system on during the day can be extremely costly. Leaving the unit on will increase energy consumption and obviously increase your monthly electric utility bill. Therefore, when leaving the house, it is advisable to switch the unit off to cut down on energy expenses. The Risk of Unmonitored Electrical Equipment All electrical equipment that is left running at home is considered a major risk. Generally, so many things can go wrong, including a short circuit, overheating, or even equipment failure, leading to a catastrophic home fire. Leaving any appliances unattended at home, including your air conditioning system, is thus not worth the risk as no one will...

View Article

Read More