7 Benefits of a Ductless AC System – St. Louis Mini Split AC

October 29, 2017

If you are considering a ductless system for your office or commercial space, talk to our St. Louis HVAC experts now. Sometimes, the ductwork in a building ruins the aesthetic appeal. A ductless option is available for people who want to have an aesthetic HVAC system and an elegant and smart looking space. In this article, we will discuss the top benefits of installing a ductless air conditioning system in your commercial building. Free From Dust A ductless AC is beneficial for all commercial activities which can be hindered due to dust. For instance, a layer of dust can deter the customers and bring down the sales of a furniture store, a home decor business, or an art gallery. In this system, there are no ducts where the dust can accumulate and spread all over the place. Multiple Cooling Zones A ductless AC is an ideal choice for spaces that have many rooms that require different levels of heating and cooling. For instance, in a restaurant, the heating and cooling requirements are different for the kitchen where the chefs work with hot stoves and grills, where the customers sit and dine and where the food is stored. The zoned system...

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Deciding to Refit or Replace Your R22 Air Conditioner

October 4, 2017

We will answer your questions about the R22 phase-out and will help you decide which is the best decision for you and your family. Air conditioners that take R22 refrigerant, are being phased out and this type of refrigerant will not be available after January 1, 2020. If you are a business owner who relies on this type of system or a homeowner that uses it to keep your home cool, it is time to decide whether to refit or replace your air conditioner. R22 refrigerant is being replaced with the safer EPA-compliant R410A type. You have to either decide now to refit or replace your existing unit or be forced to do so after 2020 when R22 refrigerant is no longer available. R22 refrigerant, or Freon, has been used in air conditioning systems for a long time. However, due to its reclassification as a danger to the environment, the US Environmental Protection Agency has placed restrictions on its manufacture as well as a mandate to phase it out completely by 2020. Making a Decision While 2020 may seem like a few years away, the impact of the phase-out is already being felt. The price of refrigerant is soaring. So...

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Things to Do When an Air Conditioner Freezes

September 28, 2017

Having regular maintenance performed on your HVAC system will save you money in the long run. Whenever you notice any signs of frost or ice in your air conditioner or find that the unit is not performing properly, take immediate action. It is important to nip it in the bud otherwise it may damage the walls, floors, and ceilings. If the issue is ignored for too long it may lead to compressor failure. You may have to pay for expensive repairs or buy a new one. Here are some helpful tips on dealing with this type of issue. Common Reasons Why Air Conditioners Freeze Diminished Airflow – This can happen due to a clogged filter or a broken fan. If the fan runs sluggishly or does not turn on, the unit may freeze because when the fan does not work properly sufficient air does not flow over the coils and they become excessively cold. Obstructed Drain Line – There may be some obstruction in the drain line. Refrigerant Leak – The chemical which runs in the AC coil and changes the pressure and temperature to remove heat is known as the refrigerant. If there is a leak, the pressure may...

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4 Ways to Enhance Your Air Conditioner’s Ability to Cool Things Down

September 21, 2017

Having regular maintenance on your AC is essential for keeping costs low as well as extending the life of your HVAC system. Summertime can be extremely taxing on your air conditioner and your wallet. The best way to make sure that you are minimizing the damage to both is to make sure that you are doing everything possible to make your air conditioning run as efficiently and as smoothly as possible. There are things that you can do to enhance the way that your air conditioner runs that cost very little, but can have a profitable return. Replace Your Thermostat If you have a traditional thermostat, then you aren’t using your HVAC system as efficiently as you should. New smart thermostats are the best way to manage the temperature and conditions inside your home. They have better sensors than traditional thermostats to communicate with your units; they even consult local weather forecasts. It is estimated that upgrading to a smart thermostat can save you as much as ten percent off of your overall energy bill a year. Make Sure Your filters are Clean When your HVAC filters get dirty or clogged, they decrease the flow of air and increase the...

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Mold Prevention and Treatment – St. Louis Commercial HVAC

August 15, 2017

Mold prevention and treatment are important steps to keeping employees happy and healthy. Mold infestation is extremely problematic for HVAC systems. Mold spores have been known to cause a large amount of property damage. Moreover, in workplace establishments, it can lead to significant health hazard to workers. Mold spreads quickly and can cause those who are allergic to have serious reactions. However, clearing a mold infestation is not an impossible task. Why HVAC Systems are Susceptible to Mold HVAC systems are susceptible to mold growth. Part of the cause is the constant presence of moisture which makes it a very conducive environment for fungus and mold. The fight against mold is more really a fight against chronically humid, moisture-laden, and damp areas in the house. Therefore the HVAC system proves to be one of the most favorable locations for breeding mold infestations. In particular, one can find mold accumulation and growth in the following places: In and around condensation drain pans On cooling coils Inside the interiors of the duct work On humidifying equipment On cooling towers On dehumidifying equipment On return-air plenums Outdoor air intakes On screens, grills and air filters that are clogged with dirt and debris It...

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How to Prevent Air Conditioner Failure?

August 3, 2017

The last thing you want is for your air conditioner to fail on a hot summer day in St. Louis. The last thing any homeowner would want on a hot summer day in St. Louis is an air conditioner that does not work. It is important that all HVAC owners understand the reasons for air conditioning unit failure and know the measures that can help prevent it altogether. While a number of issues can crop up and lead to HVAC unit failures, they are all preventable and very easy to put into practice. The most common reasons are irregular or lack of service and maintenance of the HVAC unit, incorrect installation, and improper care of the AC unit and its components. To ensure that such issues do not lead to an HVAC unit failure, HVAC owners should put the following into regular practice. Ensure Proper Installation Poor installation of an HVAC unit can cause it to overwork and this leads to failure. Poor installation could include poorly planned installations, for example, placement of HVAC unit, vents, and ducts in a way where optimized cooling does not take place and renders the ability of the HVAC to condition the air, ineffective....

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Why is My Air Conditioner is Making a Hissing Noise?

July 31, 2017

It may be a sign of a refrigerant leak and needs to be serviced as soon as possible. If your air conditioner is making a hissing noise or a bubbling sound, it can be rather worrying. But don’t panic. In this article, we will explain what it is and what you should do about it… The most likely cause of these noises is a refrigerant leak from your AC unit. It is the refrigerant that makes the warm air cold, which is sent out into your home to lower the temperature. So, it is vital to the effective running of your AC system. When refrigerant leaks from the system, not only will your AC unit be unable to cool your home properly, but it can also cause further damage to your system, so it must be sorted out as soon as possible. Signs of a Refrigerant Leak We’ve already mentioned the hissing or bubbling noises that occur due to refrigerant leak, but there are other signs to look out for as well. You are likely to find that it takes a long time for your home to become cool when you turn on your AC unit. It might become cool...

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What to do About Spores and Mildew in Your HVAC System

July 22, 2017

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,...

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Is It Normal for a Central Air Conditioner to Run Constantly?

July 19, 2017

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...

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Should I Replace the Furnace and the AC at the Same Time?

July 9, 2017

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...

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