Is an Annual AC Tune-Up Really Necessary?

Just like any machine or mechanical system, air conditioning units require regular maintenance to ensure optimal functioning and a long life. Your San Antonio air conditioning and HVAC system expert MD Air Conditioning and Heating Inc. is here to provide AC repair, replacement, and regular maintenance as conditions warrant. Air conditioning systems contain interrelated parts and components that must all work together for optimal functioning of the unit. If even one of these components begins to falter or fail, it can affect the functioning of the entire system. That’s what makes regular maintenance in the form of an annual AC tune-up so important. AC components that undergo the most wear and tear (and require the most attention) include: Air Conditioner Filters Monitoring and replacing air conditioner filters are the most important maintenance step for air conditioning units. Dirty or clogged filters reduce airflow and efficiency. While some filters are reusable, others require replacement. In periods of high use, the filter may need to be addressed every one to two months. Air Conditioner Coils The condenser coil and evaporator coil of the air conditioner unit also collect dirt over time. While regular filter maintenance keeps these areas clean, eventually it will...

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The Different Careers in HVAC

If you are looking at career options, you can’t go wrong with HVAC. Jobs in this industry are currently in very high demand and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in this sector are expected to grow 15 percent between 2016-2026, a much faster than average rate. People interested in HVAC careers can consider the following options: Technician HVAC technicians do installations, troubleshooting, repairs, and inspections. As a part of their duties, HVAC techs also read and interpret blueprints for heating and cooling systems so they can perform installations and do the proper hookups to various components, such as air ducts and water lines. The tech job can encompass all aspects of HVAC installation and maintenance or workers may perform in specialized areas of HVAC. Engineer Career seekers interested in math, science, and design may find their destiny in creating and upgrading heating and cooling systems. HVAC engineers determine how systems are designed and may assist customers in finding HVAC solutions for their businesses or homes. CAD software knowledge is typically required. Pipefitter Pipefitters perform a variety of tasks in their daily routines. They work with pipes made of...

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How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

You might not think too much about the air you’re breathing inside your home, but it can seriously affect your health. Having poor air quality indoors can increase your risk of having health issues, especially if you have asthma or allergies. You can improve the indoor air quality in your San Antonio home by doing one or more of the following: Keep Humidity Under Control Having high humidity in your home can lead to mold growth, especially in dark, damp areas. Since some types of mold can cause severe health problems, it’s important to reduce the risk of mold growth. Having low humidity in your home makes the air too dry, which can cause you to have sinus problems and irritated, cracked skin. Keeping the humidity in your home at a healthy level prevents these problems from occurring. You can do this by running a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed and using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens. Get an Air Filter An air filtration system offers a convenient way to keep the air inside your home as clean as possible on an ongoing basis. These systems help get rid of pollutants and small particles that can build up inside...

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How Do I Know If My AC Needs Repair?

It is not difficult to know if your air conditioning unit requires maintenance, but sometimes inexperienced and inexpert individuals might wonder whether the system is in excellent condition or not. Although some homeowners might notice that their unit is showing signs of repair, they may not know who to contact to help them fix the issue before it gets worse. Keep in mind that you will need your air conditioner to keep your house cool throughout the summer. With regular servicing, your system is expected to function efficiently, but in case your unit shows signs of inefficiency, then it might need urgent repair. Here are some of the warning signs that will help you understand when it’s time to contact an AC professional. Poor Air Flow In case you notice poor air flow throughout your air conditioner unit vents, then, your system’s compressor may be having issues. When you also notice that some rooms in your house become warmer than others, then your ductwork could be experiencing problems. Over time, dust gets stuck in your AC vents. This not only obstructs the airflow but also presents health issues to your family. So, having your AC ducts cleaned restores the air...

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How To Reduce Energy Costs On Aging AC Units

It is important to understand that ACs, lose their efficiency with age. AC units that have been used for over ten years accumulate wear and tear that makes it difficult for them to function. To save on energy costs, consider the following: Do You Need To Replace Your AC units? With proper maintenance, AC units can last up to 20 years. If your system has been in use for more than ten years, you can use a high-efficiency system with Energy Star rating. It will be able to save you up to 20% yearly. However, if you have maintained your AC unit properly over the years, you can just do preventive maintenance and keep using it. Ducts And Filters Your AC units require well-functioning ducts and filters especially when they are old and their functioning is compromised. Any leaks in the duct can result in increased energy costs. Make sure that you have your ducts and filters checked regularly. Filters should be changed at least once every year.it is always a good idea to change them during spring or fall. Use A Ceiling Fan Even though ceiling fans do not really cool a room, they make it chill enough to...

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Are Expensive Air Conditioning Filters Worth It?

Air conditioning filters are essential in filtering out dust, mold spores, fine dirt particles and bacteria and viruses. Dirt particles and particulates can jam up the ac system choking off the airflow leading to a decreased lifespan of the blower motor and expensive repairs. Your family’s health can be adversely affected by airborne pet dander, smoke, and contaminants especially for those with severe allergies, respiratory illnesses, asthma and hay fever. High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) air conditioning filters are more expensive than disposable spun fiberglass filters but are much more efficient at trapping those airborne entities which can make you and your family ill. HEPA Filters are More Expensive but Worth it Air filters remove various sized particles and particulates before the air flows through the blower and into the home. HEPA filters filter out fine particles and usually are free of maintenance twice as long as cheaper filters which only last for a few months. HEPA filters have a much higher minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) which means they are much more efficient at filtering particles with each pass through the system. For example, inexpensive spun fiberglass air conditioning filters have a MERV rating of from 1 to 4...

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How Do I Improve My Air Quality?

First, let us explain what causes air to become polluted and why it is essential to have good air quality. Air quality is the condition of the surrounding air. Pollution from manufacturing plants, cars, buses, trains, as well as natural sources such as volcanic eruptions and windstorms carrying sand and dirt degrade the quality of the air. The following will also degrade air quality: smoking, sprayed household cleaners, as well as pollen from indoor plants in addition to pet dander. Moisture in the air is detrimental to air quality for many reasons. Mold and mildew form when moisture is present. Add a family with health problems that include allergies or asthma and you have a severe problem. How does a dehumidifier help my air quality? We’re glad you asked. How Does Moisture Get into a House? Grade school science taught us water evaporates into the air. Lakes, rivers, streams, even puddles on the road contain water which will eventually enter the atmosphere. Evaporation now rides warm air streams until it finds a place to land. We open the front door only to find warm moist air entering our home. How Does This Have to do With Air Quality in My...

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What Are the Benefits of Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are energy efficient cooling and heating systems. Over the last few years, they have gained popularity in many households thanks to their efficiency. Here are some benefits of heat pumps: Energy efficient Heat pumps have high COP’s (Coefficient of performance); COP defines the amount of power a system uses to perform efficiently. To achieve 3 kilowatts of heating and cooling power, heat pumps use less than a kilowatt of energy. As such, their efficiency is about 300%. Lower carbon footprint Heat pumps use less combustion to generate heat meaning they have considerably fewer emissions. As such, they are a more eco-friendly heating option. Heat pumps are cost-effective Heat pump’s superior energy efficiency means they are more economical to use. Also, heat pumps are not fuel dependent hence they are not affected by global fuel price fluctuations. As such, you can easily budget for your energy costs every year. The installation costs shouldn’t limit you from having a heat pump installed in your home as the long-term advantages outweigh the short-term costs. Excellent air quality Heat pumps do not use combustion to heat spaces meaning they do not emit any smoke. As air circulates in the house, the pump’s filters...

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When Should You Replace Your AC?

Central air conditioning systems (ACs) are relatively expensive but important investments that homeowners need to make. Currently, many systems are designed to last for as long as 10 years, provided that they are properly maintained. A good AC unit should ideally be energy efficient and should maintain optimal comfort in all areas of the house. The AC system should reduce humidity during the summer months while at the same time lowering the temperatures to comfortable levels. But even with frequent maintenance, there will be a time when the system will no longer function as well as it used to. The following are signs that will tell you if it’s time to replace your AC unit: Age of Your Air Conditioning System The lifespan of an air conditioning unit is between 10 and 15 years. If the unit is close to 10 years or is older than this, you may need to start considering a replacement. Your heating and cooling costs should roughly account for about 44 percent of all your utility costs. In case you establish that you are paying more than this, then it means that the air conditioning unit is not as efficient as it needs to be....

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