What You Need To Know Before Replacing Your AC Unit?

Your AC unit works tirelessly all summer to ensure a comfortable indoor environment. If you are a homeowner, there are a few things you need to know about how an air conditioning system works. How long have you had your AC unit in your home? If it is 10 or 15 years old, it might be time to start thinking about replacing your AC system.

Here are a few things you should consider first:

• Should you replace all parts of an HVAC System? Yes. A mismatched system may not deliver the energy efficiency or performance you need. Therefore it is best to replace a heating system at the same time you replace an AC unit.
• Should you invest in programmable thermostats? Programmable thermostats allow you to program your settings to automatically adjust heating and cooling levels.
•  What is SEER rating? Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is the measurement of system efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy requires HVAC systems have a minimum rating of 13. However, the higher the SEER rating the more money you will save on operational costs.
• Do you care about comfort, energy costs or the environment? Today’s energy efficient units combine superior comfort for your home while saving money.
• Should you repair or replace your AC unit? If your system is over 10 years old, there’s a chance that it is not energy efficient. An energy efficient unit will help you save anywhere upwards to 30% on your energy bill.
• Who should you call? Professional HVAC technicians have experience doing the job right the first time. Before setting up an appointment, make sure they are certified, licensed and insured. 

A new air conditioning system can save you time and money by working more efficiently. If you have any questions about replacing your current air conditioning unit or would like to speak with a professional about your options, contact Blue Flame Heating & Air Conditioning. Our professionals have years of experience in both residential and commercial air conditioning including installation, replacement, repair and maintenance.

To schedule your free estimate, give us a call at 509-536-0186.

4 Money Saving HVAC Tips for Summer

During the hot summer weather, it’s more important than ever to have a comfortable home environment to cool down. Summer is the time of year when your AC unit works tirelessly to combat the heat. One of the easiest and most efficient ways to keep your HVAC system running smoothly is with preventative maintenance. In order to save money and energy, try these simple steps!

Programmable Thermostat:

Saving energy is as simple as utilizing a programmable thermostat. “Smart” thermostats allow you to program your settings to automatically adjust heating and cooling levels. This is more energy efficient and will save you money in the long run.

Change Air Filters:

Replacing your air filter regularly is a simple and cost-effective way to avoid costly repairs. A filter clogged with dust or pet dander makes the unit work harder to heat and cool your home. Having a clean filter allows air to circulate more freely through the system, saving you energy costs and reducing your bill.

Clean Outside Unit:

Do you have plants growing around your air conditioning unit? After a long winter, your outdoor unit is likely in need of some TLC. Remove any excess plants, dirt and debris on and around your AC unit that may be interfering with the ability to function. We recommend at least a foot of space cleared around the unit for maximum efficiency.

Call a Professional:

While it’s easy to give your HVAC system a once-over, a professional will be able to thoroughly check all parts of a unit to ensure it is running at peak efficiency. Professional technicians know when a filter should be changed, how to clean an evaporator coil and the repairs necessary to keep your home cool.

If you need assistance with preventative maintenance or have a cooling emergency, Blue Flame Heating and Air Conditioning LLC is here to help! We are fully licensed and insured to provide you with a range of commercial/residential HVAC services. Give our trained technicians a call at 509-536-0186 to discuss your cooling needs!

Spring Energy Savings Tips

Springtime in the Spokane area can bring with it sunny warm days and cool crisp evenings. This often means fluctuating temperatures as Mother Nature gets ready for summer. Keeping up with the ebb and flow of irregular temperature shifts can lead to energy inefficiencies.  Here are seven tips to save money on energy costs in the spring months:

1. Open the windows – One of the benefits of spring is that the hot days of summer, that often require air conditioning, have not yet arrived. Opening the windows allows you to bring the spring air into your house to create pleasant cross ventilation in your home. These breezes will naturally warm or cool your home and keep your surroundings comfortable.
2. Service your air conditioner – Although the spring months do not generally require air conditioning, they are the perfect time to give your unit a check-up to be prepared for the warm summer temperatures ahead. A properly running air conditioner combined with clean air filters can reduce energy consumption by up to 15 percent.  
3. Turn on ceiling fans – Like cross ventilation from open windows, ceiling fans use minimal energy and can also help to circulate comfortable air flow throughout your house.
4. Keep the oven off – Spring is the perfect time to grill in the great outdoors. In addition to enjoying a delicious meal, you will have the added benefit of keeping the warm air caused by cooking out of your home.
5. Let the sunshine in – Open up your shades and allow natural light to spill into your home. Sunny days mean you can use a minimal amount artificial lighting sources.
6. Close the blinds – On those unseasonably warm days, closing window treatments can actually keep your home cooler. Consider looking into energy efficient window treatments that can save money in both warm and cold temperatures.
7. Seal up the holes – Cold winter temperatures can cause your home to expand and contract. Take some time to examine the exterior of your house for any gaps that could cause air leaks. Use caulking to close up these holes to keep your home properly sealed.

Contact the experts at Blue Flame Heating and Air Conditioning for even more energy saving ideas and don’t forget to schedule your annual air conditioning servicing!