We have talked about the importance of air quality a handful of times now. It is so important! The proper filter type can improve your indoor air quality tremendously. That is where MERV rating comes in. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Report Value. The rating can range from one to sixteen. Some ratings even go to twenty but those are more rare and not normally used in households. The higher the number, the better it is.

To break it down even more, MERV measures the smallest particle that the filter can block. Before further explanation, a strand of human hair is about fifty microns in diameter.

MERV ratings one to six are on the lower end but do block contaminants that are ten microns and bigger. MERV ratings seven to thirteen can remove contaminants from mold spores, mildew spores, and even smoke particles. There are a few harmful bacteria types that it can block as well. Because of everything that can be blocked from filters rated like this, this is the minimum rating recommended.

We do have a limited supply of filters at the office. If you are unable to find your filter at the store or online, we would be happy to help you. We also have options for washable and electrostatic filters as well. These types of filter are able to be cleaned and used over and over instead of having to throw them away. They are more environmentally friendly!

Is your system on the fritz for the umpteenth time? Or is your system out of warranty and the repair will be extremely costly? If you’ve said yes to either of those questions, you may want to take some other things into consideration as it relates to changing out your system instead of just putting a Band-Aid on it and fixing it for the time-being. Repairing your system is not always guaranteed to fix your system – anything can happen during the repair process. For example, the technician may find another issue on another part during the repair process.

There are a few things you should consider in the repair or replace thought process.

To start with, how old is your system? Keep in mind that if you live beach side, your system will not last as long. The Department of Energy states that the average lifespan of a unit is between fifteen and twenty years old. If you live in the vicinity of salt water, the lifespan of your unit will be less. If you have a system that is over ten years old and you are having major issues with it, think about replacing it instead of repairing it. Once it is that old, you do not know for sure how long the repair will even last.

We are going to go back to hold old your system is…if it has the old refrigerant (R-22) in it, keep in mind that after the year 2020, you will not be able to purchase that refrigerant. The last several years, the Freon has been phased out. Newer systems have R-410a refrigerant since it is more environmentally friendly.

In the past, we mentioned your energy bill increasing. If your system is on the older side and your technician says there is nothing wrong with it, your system is not as efficient. Especially when compared to how efficient it could be. The newer systems are built to be incredibly efficient and save you money.

When our technician or Comfort Specialist is at your house, we would be happy to give you a repair VS replace price option. We can also go over, in person, the benefits of each option.

If you’ve been a customer of ours for quite some time, you have probably heard this from us already. It can’t hurt to remind you again, especially if you do not have a bi-yearly maintenance agreement with us. We encourage you to get on a plan with us. Please give us a call and we will discuss your options with you.

As part of the maintenance, our technician will inform you if they detect an issue with your unit. The issue may be one that you will see in a few months if you do not fix the issue; for example, a capacitor that may be about to rust. Some issues may be more severe. Meaning, if you fix an issue early on that could turn into a major repair, you will be in good shape! You will also potentially be saving a great deal of money.

If your system is on the decline, in any capacity, there is a chance that your system is working harder in order to cool off to your desired temperature. Your system may seem like it’s functioning properly because it is getting cool enough in your home, but there is a chance it is taking a lot for our system to get to that desired temperature. Your energy bill will reflect this. If you have noticed an increase in your energy bill, especially if it’s a large increase, bring this up to the technician who is performing your maintenance.

Most importantly (to some!) by having a semi-annual maintenance, you will help ensure that your family stays comfortable, especially during the hot, summer months. This is extremely important – especially if you have a baby or elderly person in your home.

If you are not already on the schedule for a maintenance, be sure to give us a call! If it has been quite some time that you have received one, do not delay. Your system will thank you for it.

There are some things to keep in mind that have to do with keeping your air conditioning unit running efficiently. This is particularly important in the summer season when you need all the cool air you can get. Keep in mind that at the event your system isn’t running how you feel it should, give us a call right away!

To begin with, keeping up with your semi annual maintenances is very important, not only for your unit but also to keep up with any warranties you have on your unit. With keeping up with your maintenance, our technician will bring anything to your attention that comes up that is concerning. A regular maintenance also helps to maximize the lifetime of your system. Also, it will be less likely (although can still happen) that your system will unexpectedly stop working.

Low indoor air is not only bad for your system, but also for your health! We have a range of options, at all different price ranges, to positively impact your indoor air quality. Those times of coughing and sneezing year round or a house that is too humid for your liking can be in the past. If this is something that interests you, we would be happy to schedule a no-cost estimate to go over your options with you.

Using ceiling fans to your advantage can also help your system run more efficiently and help you feel more comfortable! Even though the fan is not lowering the temperature, it helps to circulate the cool air your system is producing, around your house.

These tips may seem to be simple but they are very important in keeping you comfortable and your system running as well as it can.

If you have any questions in regards to anything that was mentioned or would like to book a call, one of our helpful agents would be happy to help!