Our technicians can improve the indoor air quality in your home, so your family can breathe easily. Unfortunately, mildew and spores is a common problem with HVAC systems. It’s a potential health problem and it can also cause issues with your system. It’s very important to deal with the problem as soon as you discover it. At Scott-Lee Heating Company, our experienced technicians can help improve the indoor air quality in your home. HVAC Systems – The Perfect Breeding Ground The problem is, that HVAC systems are the perfect breeding ground for mildew and spores. They are hard to spot, and so it is likely the first thing you’ll notice is that you or someone in your household becomes ill. It can be pretty dangerous if anyone suffers from allergies or asthma. A cold you can’t get rid of, or symptoms that appear like asthma are signs to watch out for. For anyone particularly vulnerable, such as babies, the elderly, or anyone suffering from respiratory problems, spores in the air can sometimes be life-threatening. Another Early Warning Sign Another sign to look out for is a musty smell. A clear system will never have this smell. If you notice it,...
View Article
Some increase in activity is not surprising during the summer months. However, in some cases constant running could be a cause for concern. A central air conditioning system that runs constantly can be cause for concern. It’s important to determine whether this is a normal occurrence or if there is a problem with the system. Some increase in activity is not surprising during the summer months. The air temperature is hotter outside and so the system needs to work harder in order to get the air to the desired temperature. In that respect, it is normal for the air conditioning system to run with fewer on/off cycles. In fact, smaller cycles can be advantageous. It’s good for dehumidifying the home and it can help increase the life span of your system as there is less stopping and starting. If the home is achieving the correct temperature and the occupants feel it is comfortable, and the bills are at a similar level to previous years, then there is likely no cause for concern. However, if the temperature is not desirable, if the AC unit literally never stops running and the thermostat never reaches the set temperature, then this is a sign...
View Article
If one of your systems breaks, it may be time to replace both your air conditioner and furnace. What do you do if either your AC or furnace is broken? You replace the broken one and leave the other one because it’s fine. Right? However, it might make sense to replace both systems at the same time. Here are a few things to consider if you find yourself in this situation. The first step is to ask the advice of your St Louis HVAC technician. Upon inspection, an experienced technician may discern that your system is not actually broken. If they can fix the system then this may give you some extra time to consider your options or to save up for a replacement that you will eventually need. Replacing Your HVAC System If the technician does suggest that you need a replacement, then it is time to check out the rest of your system and check to see how it is working. Does it work as well as it should? What are your energy bills like? Do they seem to be too high? You should also think about the age of your system. On average, an AC unit will...
View Article
Some minor maintenance a homeowner can do themselves, but most HVAC issues should be left to an experienced technician. There are some parts of your HVAC system that you can fix yourself. For instance, changing an air filter yourself is pretty simple. However, some tasks could be potentially dangerous, so it’s important to know which tasks you can safely undertake yourself and which you need to leave to the professionals. Electrical Problems HVAC systems conduct high amounts of electricity. An unqualified person who tries to fix electrical issues, is putting themselves at risk of being electrocuted. And not only can this person personally dangerous, it can also damage your system if you meddle with it. If you have any concerns that your HVAC system has developed an electrical issue, it is very important to call an experienced St. Louis HVAC technician. Keeping the Unit Clean Outside One job you can do, that could save you time and money later, is to ensure that the outside unit is free from debris such as twigs and leaves. Sweeping your yard regularly is a great habit to get into. Cleaning the Coil Fins While cleaning the coil fins may seem like an easy...
View Article
If you have a leak in your AC unit, a Scott-Lee Comfort Specialist will be happy to help resolve the issue. It is very important for homeowners to have a little knowledge about their air conditioning unit. Having a clear idea of what is normal and what is not, is helpful when determining what the problem is and when it’s time to contact a trained and qualified St. Louis HVAC technician for repairs. The most common cause of worry for homeowners is water leaks from the air conditioner. Often, one can see a small pool of water collecting near a condensate drain pipe or outside the HVAC unit. These small amounts of water are normal. Water near a condensate drain pipe often collects due to humidity. At the same time, water pooling near the outside of the HVAC unit is also no concern for worry, as this could result from water recycling that takes place within the HVAC unit. However, a homeowner should have a cause for concern if these small amounts of water increase and the leaks are persistent. Such leaks can result in permanent damage of the HVAC system. Here are some of the common known causes of...
View Article
Scott-Lee Heating will help improve the comfort level of your home environment this summer. In the hot summer months, the last thing one wants is for the air conditioner to blow warm air and make the inside of the home as unpleasant as the weather outside. Hot or warm air from the air conditioner can be a reason for concern and should be checked. There are many reasons that could cause the air conditioner to blow warm air, of which some can be easy to address. However, some others need professional help and troubleshooting at the hands of a trained, qualified and experienced St. Louis HVAC technician. Top Reasons Your AC Isn’t Cooling Properly (Quick Checks You Can Do) When your air conditioner is running but only pushing warm air, it’s frustrating and usually a sign of underlying issues. Before waiting or guessing, do a few quick inspections—some problems you can spot or temporarily mitigate yourself, while others need professional diagnosis to avoid further damage. Dirty or clogged air filter: Restricted airflow leads to coil freezing or inefficient heat exchange, causing warm output. Replacing or cleaning the filter is one of the fastest fixes. Incorrect thermostat settings or malfunction: If...
View Article
It seems like a simple thing, but many struggle to keep their homes at an ideal temperature. Do you have trouble ensuring that your home is always at the right temperature for you? Not too hot in summer, but not too chilly in winter? It seems like such a simple thing, but many of us really do struggle to make our homes comfortable. Ideally, the temperature should be such that you simply don’t think about it, it’s just at the right level. However, this can be hard to achieve, and even harder to achieve without spending a fortune on heating and cooling! We’ve taken some tips from St Louis HVAC experts and put them together to give you the ultimate guide to keeping your home at your ideal temperature all year round! Setting your Thermostat During the Day in Summer Many of us have our thermostats set at 74 degrees. If you do, try changing it to 78 degrees instead. By doing this, you can save a massive 12% on your cooling! If you still feel too warm, then run a ceiling fan. These are great because they are inexpensive to run, but they make your home feel around 4...
View Article
We have skilled technicians able to maintain, repair, or replace almost any brand of HVAC equipment. A new HVAC system is quite a big investment. While you can do all your research and consult with your St Louis HVAC technician to ensure the system you buy is great quality and gets good reviews from other users, like any other electric appliance or device, things can still go wrong. So it’s important to know that you are covered in case of such an eventuality. What is an HVAC Warranty? When you purchase your HVAC system, you should check that it comes with some sort of guarantee or warranty. You should also check how long it is for. An HVAC warranty will cover you if your system turns out to have a faulty part. It gives you peace of mind that if your system breaks down within a certain time frame, you won’t have to pay the bill to replace it as it will be replaced or repaired by the manufacturer. Apart from the warranty on the HVAC system itself, you may also be offered a warranty by your St Louis HVAC technician. This means that if there is a problem with...
View Article
Air filters help your HVAC system run more efficiently and filter out allergens too. As any St Louis HVAC technician will tell you, air filters have a variety of functions. They keep the dust away from the internal workings of your HVAC system and so help it to run efficiently and have a longer life. But they also filter out a wide range of allergens too. HVAC filtration has even been found to be more effective at combating allergens than portable HEPA units. This is important news for anyone who suffers from allergies! Different Levels of Filtration Available MERV 1-4 :: This is the cheapest type of filtration with the most basic of filtering. This will filter general household dust such as skin cells. It will also filter clothing lint, dust mites, and pollen. While it is basic filtration, anyone suffering from hay fever should notice a reduction in their symptoms when using this type of filtration system. Additionally, it can be a benefit to anyone with asthma due to the fact that it filters out dust mites. Around half of the people with asthma have an allergy to dust mites. MERV 5-8 :: The next level of filtration is...
View Article
Turning up your AC when you’re gone is a better alternative to turning it off. When summer hits its peak, we are all going to rely on our air conditioners to keep us cool and comfortable. However, one question that is always on every homeowner’s mind is how they can save on energy bills. You may wonder if turning off the air conditioner when leaving your house could be of any help. It may make sense not to cool your home, or waste energy when you’re not there. However, the cost of cooling down your home once you do get back does not make that method cost-effective. In addition, keeping the air off when it’s hot and humid actually has adverse effects on your house itself. Turn Up Instead of Off However, there is a better way to save. Turn up your thermostat instead of turning the AC off. Ideally set the temperature up by approximately 7 degrees while you are away. You might like to know how this helps help. Turning up thermostat aids in the following ways: Protect your home from molds and bug infestations Keeps you comfortable Saves you money Protect Your Home from Molds and Bug...
View Article
