AC Tune Up Saves Operating And Maintenance Expense

A properly maintained AC system will operate more efficiently and with fewer repairs than a neglected system. More efficiency translates to less money spent for maintaining your comfort. If you are mechanically inclined and electrically qualified, you can do much of your own AC tune up. Unless you are already qualified as a heating and air conditioning technician, there are a few areas in which it would be better for you to seek the assistance of an expert. You will have to decide for yourself how much you can do and when it's time to recruit the talents of a qualified technician.

The first and easiest AC tune up item is replacing the air filters. Filters are best replaced monthly for maximum efficiency. Even in the mild seasons when heating or cooling is not required very often. You should never go more than three months before changing filters. Dirty filters are one of the main reasons for poor efficiency in heating and cooling systems, and a major cause of mechanical failure.

Next on the AC tune up list is installing a programmable thermostat if you don't already have one. Then you need to learn how to program it correctly. Once they are set up, there's little that you have to do unless you have a change in life style. Programmable thermostats will adjust the temperature for the best efficiency and comfort whether you are sleeping, awake, or away at work. A properly utilized programmable thermostat could easily save you ten percent of your energy bill.

Additional items to address in your AC tune up would be in lubricating all indoor and outdoor fan motors, checking the security of all electrical connections, verifying the correct refrigerant charge, and checking the efficiency and safety of any combustion processes in your heating system. Most home owners and building owners aren't qualified to take care of all these items, and should utilize a qualified professional Aitkin HVAC service company.  If you would like assistance in performing your AC tune up in Aitkin, MN or the surrounding areas, click here.

A Few More Summer Air Conditioning Tips

We've helped you out with saving money while using your air conditioning unit, and we've also told you how to keep your air conditioner running. Now we're adding a few more tips for you to really get the most out of your AC in the summer heat.

For instance, it's important to know exactly how powerful your air conditioner is and how big the room is that it's located in. The power of an air conditioner is measured in BTUs, which stands for British Thermal Units. The higher the BTU, the more cool air an AC can pump out. Check out page 3 of this Energy Star document to see how many BTUs you'll need to cool a certain room size.

Another tip; did you know that running a ceiling fan in conjunction with the air conditioner can make you feel between 3 and 8 degrees cooler? Even better, an air conditioner can cost as little as a penny per hour to run, so you won't be breaking the bank by adding this feature to your air conditioned room.

Finally, if your air conditioning unit is 10 years old or more, you might be in a better position if you just completely replaced it. Newer AC units (the ones that are Energy Star compliant) can actually use 10% less energy than older air conditioners. The energy savings you experience could actually end up paying for the new unit over time.

Interested in having a new Aitkin MN air conditioner installed, or does your current AC need maintenance? Call Northern Air Plumbing and Heating today at (218) 927-6828.

Keeping your AC Running

Summer can be a tough time for your air conditioner. When the temperature shoots up, you put a lot more stress on the AC, which requires it to be in good shape. If it's not, it's possible you could experience a breakdown. There are 23 specific air conditioner problems that account for 93% of failures, but the good news is this; 16 of these problems can be prevented with proper maintenance.

• Changing your air filter every 1-3 months can go a long way in preventing long-term damage to your air conditioner.
• Keeping the area your AC is in clear of any debris can also help.
• Taking a look at your drain line to make sure it is draining moisture properly will help keep your AC running smooth, and prevent damage to your home's interior.

Above all, it's a good idea to call a professional HVAC company to do a checkup on your unit. Aitkin MN air conditioner specialists Northern Air would love to help! Give us a call today at (218) 927-6828.

Air Conditioning: Why Your A/C Is Freezing

Despite the high heat outside, the pipes on your air conditioner can freeze. When this happens, your air conditioning unit can experience issues that might cause it to not work properly.

The reason the pipes freeze is because the refrigerant temperature in the indoor coil is lower than the freezing point of water, and it shows when you see ice on the outside suction line. Usually, this is due to poor air flow through the evaporator coil, which is caused by dirt in either the:

1. Air Filter
2. Blower Wheel
3. Evaporator Coil
4. Ductwork

Another reason your pipes might be freezing is because of low refrigerant, but only consider this once you eliminate the four options above. 

How do you stop the pipes from freezing?

1. If it's because of low refrigerant, have your air conditioning company recharge it. 
2. If there are leaking lines, then you'll need to have those fixed. 
3. Have your air filter, blower wheel, evaporator coil and/or ductwork cleaned out. 
4. Regularly change your air filter, at least on an annual basis. 
5. You may have to have the blower replaced if it's not running at the correct speed. 

Need help figuring out your problem? Call Aitkin MN Air Conditioner repair company Northern Air Plumbing & Heating today at 218-927-6828.

Money Saving Air Conditioner Tips

Summer officially starts next month, which means hotter temperatures are going to make their way into the Aitkin MN region. While many welcome the summer season, those who have to pay the electric bill every month may not be as excited; an air conditioner can increase your energy usage, after all, which then increases the amount you have to pay the electric company. Luckily, there are a few tips you can use to cut down on the amount of energy your air conditioner consumes.

Regular maintenance and service.
Keep the number of an air conditioner service specialist handy (perhaps Northern Air?) and have your air conditioner checked out regularly. If your A/C is running at a less-than-optimal level, it could be consuming way more energy than a healthy system.

Clean your air conditioner.
Be sure to keep your system clean, and change any filters on your air conditioner. A clean-running system is a happy one, and won't spike up your electric bill as much as an A/C that's performance is being affected by dirt, debris, and other interference.

Replace your windows.
Do you have single pane windows in your home? Now might be the time to replace those. They're more drafty and less energy efficient than double paned windows, and force your air conditioner to work harder than it should have to in order to keep your home at a cool, consistent temperature.

Interested in having your existing air conditioner checked out, or a new one installed in your Aitkin home? Get in touch with Northern Air Plumbing & Heating at (218) 927-6828.

Plumbing: Preventing Winter Plumbing Issues

Safeguarding your plumbing against the winter can save thousands on possible repair costs. Here are the four most common plumbing issues we run into, and ways to prevent them from occurring.

Under the sink

Many homes have the kitchen sink installed on the outside wall. While you get a lovely view, you also may get frozen water lines. Insulating your pipes is the first precaution you should take to prevent pipe freezes. Also, keep your cabinet doors open so warm air can flow inside, thus preventing pipes from freezing.

Frozen pipes

During the winter, experts suggest over 1 million pipes freeze and burst. The No. 1 cause is a lack of insulation, but improper insulation can cause exposed pipes to freeze during the cold months.

Cold showers

An unexpected cold shower is a sure way to catch the flu. A lack of hot water in your water heater can be the result of one or two things: a faulty part or low temperature settings. While you can raise the temperature, replacing the part should be done by a professional Crosby MN plumber.

What to Do in a Plumbing Crisis

If you're having a plumbing emergency, the first thing to do is to ask yourself, "Do I need an emergency plumber?" There are many jobs that require an expert plumber, like a toilet backing up or a new pipe being installed, but then there are jobs that require an emergency plumber, like water running nonstop from a faucet or a toilet flooding your home.

Before contacting any plumber, the first thing to do is to turn off the water or the water line, if you can. Doing so will halt further water damage, and also stop the water flow. Once this is done, survey the area. If the problem was an overflowing toilet, you should be fine until the morning or next business day, so long as you don't flush.

However, if the crisis cannot be put off, be prepared before you contact an emergency plumber, and be ready to have information available and to answer questions. Try to identify the problems as closely as you can. The more specifics and details you provide, the better the plumber will be able to assist you by gauging the emergency and the cost of repairs.

If you don't have a preferred Crosby MN plumber, call several. This way, you can obtain several quotes, as there can be significant price differences. Ask for quote of the service call, as some may charge for just coming to your home, even if no work is done. Try to obtain an estimate for the total cost. Some will not want to give one over the phone, as they may rather assess the situation first. But, you might be able to get a rough estimate and get an idea of the price.