Advantage Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC

3 Signs You May Need to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Like most appliances, air conditioners lose their ability to function efficiently over time, which often leads to higher energy bills, inconsistent temperatures, and poor indoor air quality. If your air conditioner exhibits one of the following signs, it may be time for a new unit: 

1. Your Air Conditioner Is Past its Life Expectancy
   Some well-maintained systems last longer than others, but according to EnergyStar.gov, it’s time to replace your air conditioner if it’s more than 10 years old. Anything installed in the 1990s is considered old and obsolete.

1. Your Electric Bills Are Higher Than Before
   As an air conditioner ages, it becomes less energy-efficient, requiring more electricity to sustain the same output. If your summer utility bills are higher than they used to be, your air conditioner could be to blame. Replacing your air conditioner with a new one will vastly improve your cooling system’s energy efficiency and save you money each month.

1. Your Air Conditioner Doesn't Work As Well As It Used To
   Malfunctioning air conditioners maintain temperatures inconsistently and can increase humidity levels, making your home less comfortable to live in. If your air conditioner works harder than it used to cool your house—or fails to reach the thermostat setting at all—your unit could be on its last legs. In addition, if you notice an uncomfortable increase in humidity when you turn on your air conditioner, schedule an appointment with a service technician, as the moisture coming out of your vents could signal mold growth in the unit.

The certified HVAC technicians at Advantage Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC can replace your old air conditioner with a newer, more energy-efficient model. An Energy Star-certified air conditioner can cut your cooling costs by 30% and will keep your home more comfortable all summer long. For more information about our air conditioning services, call (971) 239-4157 or contact Advantage online. 

How to Get Your Air Conditioning Ready for Spring and Summer

The outdoor temperature is rising steadily, meaning you’ll need to use your air conditioner again. To make sure it works well all spring and summer, take some time to check your cooler’s filters, coolant lines, coils, and condenser for signs of trouble. Here are some tips for maintaining your air conditioner:

1. Check Air Filters
   You should replace your air conditioner’s filters at least once every three months to prevent reduced airflow and clogs from dirt build-up. When replacing disposable filters, make sure you have the right size and type of replacement filter. You can ask your HVAC service provider which filters to use if you’re unsure. If you have a reusable filter, read your unit’s instruction manual for directions on cleaning it.

1. Inspect Coolant Lines
   Your air conditioner’s coolant lines deliver coolant to the different working parts of the unit. They are often covered with foam insulation to protect them from weather and prevent energy loss. Inspect the lines for signs of worn insulation, leaks, and other air conditioning problems—if any are spotted, arrange to have them repaired.

1. Examine Coils
   Wind can blow dirt and debris into your air conditioner during the off-season. Coils clogged with dirt restrict the amount of airflow in the unit, reducing your air conditioner’s efficiency. To reach the coils for cleaning, shut off power to the unit and remove the side and top panels. The panels may be heavy and attached to wiring, so be extremely careful. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, call an air conditioning service technician. 

1. Brush off the Condenser
   Your condenser unit may also have collected dirt and debris while not in use. Remove any leaves and other foreign objects you find to prevent them from entering your air conditioning system.
    

To have your air conditioner serviced by an experienced and certified HVAC technician, contact Advantage Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC. For 20 years, we’ve earned a reputation of excellence from Salem to Portland. Call us today at (971) 239-4157 for more information.

How to Change an Air Conditioner Filter

Your air conditioner’s filter prevents dust, spores, and other particles from entering your home. In order to do its job effectively, the filter must be changed several times each year.

In this video, home repair specialist Tim Gipson explains how to remove and replace an air conditioning filter. He demonstrates how to release the grille, remove the air filter, and insert a new filter correctly. Tim suggests replacing your filter at least once every three months for maximum efficiency.

For quality air conditioner installation and repairs, contact Advantage Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC at (971) 239-4157. We have been helping Oregon homeowners stay comfortable for over two decades.

To Learn More About Home Heating And Cooling, Take Advantage of the Resources Below

The following links can help you explore the benefits of a zonal heating system for your home and provide additional information about what to seek in a quality heating maintenance contract. Contact Advantage Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC at (971) 239-4157 for further information.

• This article from HowStuffWorks.com can help you understand the basics of heating and cooling maintenance.

• HVAC efficiency and regular maintenance go hand in hand. Learn about some things you can do at home to keep your system efficient on EnergyStar.gov.

• DailyGreen.com can help you button up your home against winter for greater heating efficiency.

• When you are ready to replace your old heating system with something new, such as a zonal system, read this article from EnergySavers.gov.

Read this page from FamilyHandyman.com to get a few ideas of what you should look for in a quality contractor.

What to Look for in a Heating Maintenance Contract

Properly maintaining your heating system is the key to keeping it running smoothly and efficiently. A heating maintenance contract can offer you several advantages over a normal services appointment, and the right contract can be invaluable when you need repairs. When you choose Advantage Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC, you’ll enjoy the following benefits of our maintenance contract.

Discounts
The cost of maintenance is small compared to what you may pay to replace a broken HVAC unit, and you can save even more when you enter a service contract. Our satisfied customers enjoy 15% discounts on repairs; they also get priority status over other service calls. In the event that our technicians need to devote extra time to maintenance or repairs, you will not be charged for overtime.

Emergency Services
Few things are worse than being without heating on a freezing winter’s day or facing a scorching afternoon with no AC. When you need repairs, you need them fast. With Advantage Heating & Air Conditioning’s maintenance contract, we offer 24/7 emergency services. You can also expect one-day replacement for parts and units.

Trained Technicians
We’ve been a reliable HVAC contractor for Oregon residents for over 20 years and are known to deliver personalized service to our many satisfied customers. Homeowners keep coming back to Advantage Heating & Air Conditioning because our trained technicians are highly skilled, friendly, and dedicated to fixing your HVAC problem quickly and professionally.

Transferable Services
A transferable maintenance contract can be a huge boost when you want to sell your home. You can transfer coverage to your new home, or you can use the comprehensive contract as a selling point to attract potential buyers.

Advantage Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC provides maintenance contracts that include thorough 22-point inspections of your heating system. We can tailor your contract to include only the components you request as well. We only provide the highest level of service and superior equipment for our customers. Contact Advantage Heating & Air Conditioning at (971) 239-4157, or visit our website to learn more about our heating maintenance contracts.