Common Heating and Cooling Myths

Posted on: October 26th, 2016 by tcg_admin No Comments

If you are like us, you have probably heard plenty of do it yourself advice when it comes to effectively heating or cooling your space. While some tips are spot on, others are very misleading and can actually end up costing you money in the long term.

Check out these common heating and cooling myths, debunked!

Myth 1: Closing off your vents will save you money on your heating bill.

We really aren’t sure where this folk tale came from, but no, blocking your vents will certainly not save you money. In fact, doing this can throw your system’s natural rhythm out of balance, which could even lead to damaging your heating equipment. The most energy efficient practice is to achieve even heat distribution throughout your home. This requires leaving all vents unobscured.

Myth 2: Leaving a ceiling fan on all the time will cool the room, even when you are not in it.

While the use of ceiling fans can have several benefits, lowering the temperature of a room no one is in is not one of them. Ceiling fans work to circulate the air in the room, which causes your skin to feel cool. While this does make you feel cooler, it does not actually lower the temperature of the room itself. Tricky!

Myth 3: The higher I set my thermostat, the more quickly my room will heat.

Even though it may ease your mind to crank the heat up when you come in from the cold, your furnace will deliver heat at the same rate consistently. The best thing to do is to set your thermostat to the desired temperature and be patient. Setting your thermostat higher than needed actually wastes more energy, because you will likely have to turn the heat down later once your body temperature comes up.

At Action Air, we pride ourselves on offering our customers honest, high quality service. Give us a call at 931-647-8525 today or visit us online to learn more about scheduling a service or routine maintenance appointment. One of our qualified technicians will be glad to address any of your heating & cooling needs!

Source:
Horizon Services Inc.

How will I know when to change my air filter?

Posted on: September 21st, 2016 by tcg_admin 2 Comments

One of the most common issues people have with their HVAC is an obstructed air filter.

Luckily, a dirty filter is an AC issue that can be easily addressed! There are many problems that may be symptomatic of a filter in need of changing. There is no complicated formula when it comes to changing your home’s air filter. When your air filter looks dingy and dirty – change it. It really is as simple as that.

Use these tips to know when it’s time for a filter change!

1) Help yourself: Remember to check & change your filters.

This tip may sound silly, but the simple act of remembering to check your filters can help prevent airflow problems down the road. Some people find it helpful to write the date on which a filter was installed on the filter’s edge. Whether or not you choose to do this, try setting yourself a reminder on your phone’s calendar or writing it down on the calendar you keep in your home. When to change your filter depends on many factors, like how large your space is, how many occupants there are, if pets live inside the building, etc. For the average home without pets, it’s recommended to change your filters roughly every 3 months.

2) Know your type: Record the type of filter you have.

There are several different type of filters on the market. Which one you choose will depend on your air quality needs, budget, the priority you place on energy efficiency, etc. Economy panel filters come in packs and are fairly inexpensive at first glance. However, these types of filters tend to only catch larger particles and you will likely find yourself needing to replace them more often. Although they cost a bit more money, an investment in a pleated filter can last up to 6 months, catching up to 60% more debris than an economy filter. For those with more advanced air quality needs, HEPA filters can be purchased at a higher cost but, depending on the environment they may not need to be changed as often.

3) Tis the season: Keep the time of year in mind.

Was the summer unseasonably hot this year or the winter unusually harsh? These factors can make your HVAC system work overtime, resulting in the need for a filter change sooner.

If you are experiencing problems with your HVAC system, checking the quality of your air filter is a great place to start. Checking your filters once a month is a good rule of thumb to help keep you in the habit! If you find that a more serious issue is occurring, contact us at Action Air in Clarksville, TN. Schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable technicians. They will be able to address any issues you may be having. When you need action, call Action Air!

Sources:

Service Experts

Comfort Guard

Common AC Issues in the Hot Tennessee Summer

Posted on: August 15th, 2016 by tcg_admin No Comments

Warmer temperatures mean HVAC systems are working overtime, which may result in some common problems.

The summertime really heats up, especially here in the south! Humidity and high temps can send us all looking for indoor comfort. Dealing with AC issues in the heat of the summer can be a nightmare, so it’s important to know what to look for in order to spot problems early. Below, you will find a short list of common air conditioning issues that may occur as the summer rolls on.

Common Air Conditioner Issues:

1) Leaking Refrigerant

Your air conditioner desperately needs refrigerant to work properly. Once your AC system is installed, the refrigerant that comes with it should last for the lifetime of your unit. However, if a leak in the line occurs, you will rapidly notice changes in the performance of your air conditioner. The whole cycle breaks down without refrigerant to absorb heat from within your home and release it outside. If you notice that your air conditioner is leaking fluid, call Action Air for help as soon as possible.

2) AC No Longer Cools Like it Did

If you are like us, being hot inside in the summer is not an option. That means you have likely been running your AC more often than usual. If your HVAC system is cooling your home, but is not blowing cool air as strongly as it did at the beginning of the summer, it might be time to check your air filter. A simple air flow issue could be the culprit and changing your filters may make all the difference! If you suspect something more serious is happening, set up a visit from one of our experienced technicians.

3) AC is Running but Does Not Feel Cool

If you can tell that your AC unit is running, but the air coming from the vent does not feel cool, the first thing you should do is check your thermostat. If the thermostat is set to your prefered temperature the next step will be to check if your condenser is obstructed. If neither of these are the culprit, you could be dealing with a faulty compressor or an incorrect amount of refrigerant. Contact an experienced professional for assistance if this is the case.

Air conditioning problems can be a real downer, but there is no reason to let them ruin your summer! If you are experiencing these or other issues and need help, contact us at Action Air today! Give us a call at 931-647-8525 or send us a general inquiry online. Remember, when you need action, call Action Air!

Sources:

Enlighten Me

Angie’s List

Western Sales & Service Inc.

My cooling bill is out of control!

Posted on: July 12th, 2016 by tcg_admin No Comments

Cooling costs can really burn you in the summer.

Here are some tips to help keep your bill as low as the temperature inside!

As the summer wears on, temperatures continue to rise, especially in the south! Many people are left with the tough choice of picking which one is more comfortable: the state of your bank account, or the temperature inside your home/business. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to reduce cooling costs in the summer. Check out this list of helpful tips!

1. Leave the sun outside

Everyone enjoys the extra hours of sunlight in the summer, but not when the sun’s rays are raising your cooling bill. Keep the sun outside where it belongs by covering your windows with blinds or curtains. This simple trick can help you save big time when cooling your home!

2. Cool down your cooking

Your oven puts off lots of heat! This can really heat up the place, especially in a small space. Opt for meals prepared in a crockpot or microwave in the summer. Try grilling out or even better, try some refreshingly cool and healthy summer salad options!

3. Switch on a fan

Air circulation is key to maintaining low temperatures inside your home or business. Using a ceiling fan in conjunction with your air conditioner can help accomplish this, while also lowering your cooling costs! Using a ceiling fan can even allow you to raise the temperature on your thermostat a couple of degrees without leaving you uncomfortably warm.

4. Make sure your AC Unit is well maintained

You know what they say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Stop AC problems before they start by making sure your hvac unit is properly maintained. Give us a call at Action Air and one of our experienced technicians would be glad to pay you a service visit!

Contact us at our office in Clarksville, TN for help keeping your home or office cool this summer. Schedule an appointment to have an Action Air professional visit you for maintenance and repairs alike. At Action Air we have certified service technicians, qualified installers, and a knowledgeable sales staff. When You Need Action, Call Action Air!

Sources:

US News & World Report

NEA Member Benefits

My AC isn’t cooling like it used to – help!

Posted on: June 15th, 2016 by tcg_admin 1 Comment

When your air conditioning isn’t cooling at its usual rate, it can be frustrating.

As temperatures continue to rise, it is important that your AC do its job by adequately keeping you cool. We all know how hot Tennessee summers can get! If your air conditioning isn’t keeping your home or office as cool as it used to, there are a couple of things that might be going wrong. Below you will find a list of common AC issues and what you can do to check them.

A) Check For Airflow Problems Inside

AC that isn’t running as it should is likely the result of a simple disruption to airflow. The best place to check for this issue is the return. Can you remember the last time you changed your air filters? A clogged filter could be the culprit.

B) Check for Airflow Problems Outside

If all is well inside your home, turn your attention outdoors. Your unit should ideally have about two feet of space around it. Do your best to clear any debris (including tall grass and weeds) that may have accumulated around your HVAC system that may be keeping your unit from functioning properly.

C) Check Your Thermostat Settings

Many thermostats offer both an “auto” and an “on” setting. Depending on which you are used to, accidentally switching the thermostat to a different setting can make it seem as though your AC is not working correctly. The “auto” setting typically turns your blower off and on automatically based on the observed temperature of the room. “On” will allow your fan to run constantly. An “on” setting is typically reserved for spaces with special filtration systems installed as part of their HVAC system.

D) Consider Ductwork Issues

Airflow can also be disrupted by an issue with your ductwork. If your ductwork is bent, cracked, etc. it cannot properly deliver and distribute air into your home, thus keeping it cool. An inspection may be needed to determine any ductwork issues and resolve the problem you are experiencing with your HVAC.

These are just a few of the common reasons that your AC might not be working the way you are accustomed to. If you can’t find the issue, or think something more serious may be going on, contact us at our office in Clarksville, TN. We can set up an appointment to have an Action Air professional visit your home. They will be able to perform routine maintenance in order to keep your system running efficiently and also advise on other areas where your HVAC system may be having an issue. At Action Air we have certified service technicians, qualified installers, and a knowledgeable sales staff. When You Need Action, Call Action Air!

Action Air – Serving Tennessee & Kentucky - Action Air specializes in residential, commercial and industrial HVAC repairs and installations. Serving the Clarksville & Hopkinsville area since 1979.

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