Cleaning Your Window AC Unit

May 16, 2022

A window AC unit can be a great appliance for cooling a room in your home. You should clean it regularly to keep it working efficiently and to prevent mold and mildew from growing inside it. While it may seem complicated to clean one, it’s actually pretty easy and doesn’t require any specialized tools. Clean the Filter You should clean the filter every month and replace it every two to six months, depending on how often you use your window AC unit. Unplug the unit, open the front panel and remove the air filter. Vacuum up any visible dust and debris. Wash the filter in warm, soapy water. Clean the Exterior Use warm water and dish soap to clean the exterior. Clean all the gaps in the grill where dust and dirt collect. Be sure to clean any small gaps in the exterior as debris collects in them, too. Clean the Fins and Coils Clean the fins and coils two to four times a year. Use a fin comb or soft brush to brush the fins inside your window AC unit. Be gentle as the fins are easily bent. If there are any bent fins, gently straighten them out. Follow...

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Should I Get a Window Unit or Central Air?

April 11, 2022

As the warm weather rolls in, you’ll likely begin preparing your air conditioning for the coming summer. Keeping the home cool can be expensive depending on your appliance of choice. While window units are less expensive than installing central air, both forms of air conditioning have their unique benefits and costs. Central Air Conditioning Central air will pump air conditioning into your entire home by using your existing HVAC system’s ductwork. This is the best air conditioning option for you if you’re interested in improving the value of your home or want more secure air conditioning. Central air also uses your HVAC system’s filter system to pull impurities out of the air, improving your indoor air quality. While central air is the most effective form of air conditioning, it’s also the most expensive to install. You’ll be responsible for regular maintenance and repairs just like with your furnace. Central air is perfect for your household if you want to invest in a reliable cooling system that will last more than a decade. Window Units Window units don’t cost nearly as much as central air conditioning, but they cool much less space. These appliances can be installed in key areas to...

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Getting Your AC System Ready for the Spring

March 14, 2022

You need your heat pump ready by spring to keep you cool during summer. This means ensuring that it runs efficiently and won’t break down when you need it the most. Here are some steps to take to ensure your HVAC is ready for spring. Replace the Air Filter If you haven’t been replacing the air filter periodically, now is the time to start. The average pleated air filter is only effective for 90 days. After that, it can become a serious obstacle to airflow and put increasing pressure on the motor, leading to overheating. Besides that, a dirty filter will let particles into the system, covering the coil and other components that are essential to generate cool air. Clean the Outdoor Unit The compressor unit outside needs the occasional cleaning. Not only does dust and dirt get into the compressor, but also fallen leaves can get in and hinder the cooling process. You can gently hose down the grill and use a brush and soft cloth to wipe away dirt from the condenser coil. Give the AC a Test Run Make sure the heat pump is set to cool mode and run it for a few minutes. By the...

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Choosing the Right Furnace Filter

February 16, 2022

When you’re considering your options for replacing the filter in your furnace, there are several ratings and options to consider. Since indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, it’s important to have a good filter in your furnace. A quality filter can remove many particles that can come from pets, outdoor sources, people, and various other places. Understanding Ratings The MERV, MPR, and FPR ratings are different measures of the efficiency of a filter. Regardless of which ratings you’re comparing, the higher it is, the more efficient the filter is. Highly efficient filters can impede airflow and put an increased load on a furnace, however. Most furnace systems can be adjusted to accommodate this, but check your owner’s manual. Other Filter Considerations You can choose between washable filters or disposable ones. Most 1-inch disposable filters have to be replaced every one to three months. Being able to wash a filter when it gets dirty can make it last much longer. Filters also come in pleated or non-pleated models. The pleated filters are more efficient, but they have the potential to reduce the air flow through your home. They are also more expensive than non-pleated...

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A Guide to Buying a Furnace

January 10, 2022

Getting a new furnace installed in your home is a major investment. It’s important to get the best one for your home so it lasts as long as possible and works well. These are the major things you need to know when buying a furnace. Size Matters It’s essential you get the right size furnace for your home. If you have one installed that is too small or too large, it won’t keep your home comfortable, and it will have a reduced lifespan. The HVAC company should perform calculations so they can recommend the right size furnace for your home. Efficiency If you’re shopping for a gas furnace, look for energy-efficient models. Standard-efficiency furnaces are about 80% efficient. High-efficiency models are 90% to 98% efficient. While more efficient models cost more, they can save you a lot on your monthly energy bills. Advanced Comfort Solutions in Cheyenne, WY, will provide you with expert advice about which furnace to have installed. We have a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. Single-Stage Furnace A single-stage gas furnace is either running at full output or is off. They’re less expensive than more complex furnaces. Two-Stage Furnace These furnaces have low and high output. They’ll output...

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Is My Home Furnace up to Code?

December 16, 2021

Your furnace, air conditioning unit, and HVAC system that heats and cools your home needs to be installed very precisely in order for it to work as intended. Proper installation also equates to the overall safety of your system. In order to ensure that companies are completing installations and repairs properly, local municipalities will institute building codes that must be followed. This relates to not only work on an HVAC system but also things like electrical work and plumbing installation. It’s recommended by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials that these codes are looked at every three years to see if any necessary changes should be made. Not to fear–work done before the code changed doesn’t mean that you’re out of compliance. Your home may be grandfathered in, based on the age of your home and when the HVAC system was installed. Understanding HVAC Codes A reputable professional in the Cheyenne area should be able to determine if there are any concerns with your HVAC system with regards to it being within the current code. A professional must keep up with any changes that are being made to the area’s requirements. Any repair work and maintenance that you...

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Tips to Conserve Heat This Winter

November 20, 2021

By conserving heat in the winter, you save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. As heating your home is about half of your energy bills, you can save a lot of money. There are ways to save that cost little or are free. Stop Heat Loss Up Your Chimney If you have a chimney in your home, it’s likely letting heat escape up it. If your chimney has an exterior intake, seal it with an airtight door. For old fireplaces that use indoor air for combustion, install a door with vents. Only open the vents when you’re using the fireplace. Open Window Covering When it’s a sunny day, open your wind covering to let the sun shine into your home. The sun will provide you with free heat. Just be sure to close the drapes once it’s dark out to keep heat indoors. Get a Furnace Tune-Up Have a technician maintain your furnace every spring. This will keep it operating at peak efficiency and so keep your energy bills low. The technician will also make sure it’s operating safely. Advanced Comfort Solutions in Cheyenne, WY, offers furnace maintenance. Our technician will perform a thorough examination of...

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What Is a Thermostatic Expansion Valve?

October 13, 2021

You’ll need the thermostatic expansion valve for your air conditioner and refrigerator’s smooth operation. But what is this device? The valve functions automatically to maintain the required flow of the refrigerant as per your needs. The device also ensures no flooding of the refrigerant into the compressor. Therefore, your machine will always be in safe mode to prevent any damage to the compressor. However, this gadget is not responsible for the temperature variation inside the evaporator, as its name suggests. Parts of the TEV Even though different TEV’s have different parts, here are the common ones: Power element Orifice Setting spring Diaphragm How Does TEV Operate? While in operation, three main forces come to play. First, the bulb produces the bulb pressure that pushes on the diaphragm by sensing the suction pressure. Afterward, a constant spring pressure pushes the diaphragm upwards, thus countering the bulb pressure. Finally, the evaporation pressure pushes upwards against the diaphragm once the suction pressure increases. The suction pressure then comes out through the evaporator load. This pressure will vary with the operating conditions. Then, the expansion valve will either open or close depending on how the three forces balance out. The Importance of the TEV...

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Tips for Choosing the Most Efficient Home Heating System

September 16, 2021

It won’t be long until frigid air arrives in Cheyenne, WY, so now is the time to consider upgrading or replacing your home’s heating system. If you’re tired of paying through the roof on your monthly utility bills, it’s wise to select an efficient heating system that costs less to operate. Use these tips to choose a cost-effective, energy-efficient heating system for optimal indoor comfort. Heat Pump Options Today’s heat pumps are energy efficient at temperatures as low as zero degrees Fahrenheit. The most efficient type of heating system is ground-source, which is also called geothermal. If your property isn’t suited for a geothermal heat pump, air-source heat pumps are also an excellent option. Choose a heat pump with a variable-speed motor and compressor to optimize the unit’s efficiency. Furnaces Furnaces built 30 years ago usually topped out at 70% annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings. Today’s furnaces reach up to 98% AFUE. Replacing an old gas furnace with a new one could lower your home heating costs by as much as 30%. New furnaces are also compatible with smart thermostats, which make it easy to automate temperature changes and save even more money on heating costs when you’re not...

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Signs Your AC Was Damaged in a Storm

August 10, 2021

Extreme weather conditions can damage your AC unit. It’s usually easy to notice when a storm has damaged your unit, but some problems might not be as instantly noticeable. Noticing storm damage to your AC system early enough allows you to get a prompt fix before total equipment failure. Here are a few signs to look out for after a storm. Burning Electrical Smell A burning electrical smell is one of the first signs of damage in any electrical appliance. If you notice a foul smell of electrical burning, it is best to treat it as a warning sign of damage to your AC equipment. It is highly advisable to turn off the air conditioner as soon as you notice the smell and call in the AC repair experts for an immediate assessment. Strange Noises One of the reasons your AC is emitting strange noises is the lodging of debris and sand particles in the unit. After a stormy season, it is recommended to inspect and clean up your outdoor AC unit. This is because strong winds can blow debris into your AC, which may destroy crucial components. You could end up with twisted or cracked fan blades. Reduced Cooling...

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