As summer temperatures soar, air conditioning has become an essential part of many households. However, the comfort of a cool home often comes with a hefty price tag in the form of increased electricity bills. The good news is that there are effective strategies to minimize these costs without sacrificing comfort.
Here, our team at Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning explains how understanding your air conditioner’s operation and making smart choices can lead to major savings.
How Air Conditioners Work
Contrary to popular belief, air conditioners don’t generate cold air. Instead, they cool existing indoor air by passing it through an evaporator coil and recirculating it. This process differs from typical air coolers that use outside air. Understanding this fundamental operation is crucial for optimizing your air conditioner usage and reducing energy consumption.
The Impact of Thermostat Settings
Many people believe that setting a lower temperature will cool a room faster. However, this isn’t the case. Your air conditioner’s thermostat monitors the room temperature and instructs the compressor accordingly. Setting a lower temperature simply means the compressor runs longer which consumes more electricity.
Factors Affecting Air Conditioner Energy Consumption
Several factors influence how much electricity your air conditioner uses, including:
Indoor and outdoor temperature difference
Thermal insulation of your home
Air conditioner temperature setting
The larger the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors, the harder your air conditioner must work. Similarly, a well-insulated home requires less cooling which can lead to energy savings.
Smart Cooling Strategies
Utilize Ceiling Fans
Using ceiling fans in combination with your air conditioner can increase comfort while allowing you to set a higher temperature. This can lead to huge energy savings.
Avoid the ‘Quick Cool’ Trap
Many modern air conditioners come with a ‘Quick Cool’ feature that sets extremely low temperatures, often around 64 degrees Fahrenheit. While it might seem effective, it consumes excessive energy. Stick to a more moderate setting around 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal comfort and efficiency.
Understanding Older Air Conditioner Models
If you have an older air conditioner without a thermostat, it likely offers high, medium, and low cooling options. These settings adjust fan speeds but don’t control air temperature directly. While they impact comfort, they don’t affect efficiency.
Tips for Maximizing Air Conditioner Efficiency
Regularly clean or replace air filters.
Ensure proper insulation in your home.
Use curtains or blinds to block out sunlight during the hottest parts of the day.
Consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model if your current air conditioner is old.
Contact Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning for Professional Air Conditioning Services!
While these tips can help you save on air conditioning costs, professional maintenance is key to ensuring your system operates at peak efficiency. At Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning, our expert technicians can provide complete air conditioning services, from routine check-ups to energy-efficient upgrades.
Contact us today to schedule a service and start saving on your cooling costs this summer!
As temperatures drop, maintaining a warm and cozy home becomes a top priority for homeowners. While it’s tempting to simply crank up the thermostat, understanding the various types of home heating systems can lead to more efficient energy use and improved comfort.
In this blog, our team at Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning walks you through some of the most common heating systems found in modern homes.
Forced Air Furnaces
Forced air distribution systems, commonly known as furnaces, are the most prevalent type of home heating system. These systems use a blower fan to distribute heated air throughout the house via a network of ducts. The fuel sources for forced air furnaces can be either natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity. Their advantage is that they combine heating and cooling capabilities in one system.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps represent the latest advancement in home heating technology. They operate by extracting heat from the air outside and transferring it indoors through an air handler. Heat pumps can run on either natural gas or electricity. They’re a popular choice due to their ability to switch to air conditioning mode in summer.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems
A popular variant of heat pumps is the ductless mini-split system. These flexible units consist of a small outdoor compressor and indoor air handlers that can be placed in different rooms, allowing for precise temperature control in each space.
Boilers and Radiators
Often found in older homes and apartments, boiler systems circulate steam or hot water through pipes to radiator units throughout the house. They run on natural gas, propane, fuel oil, biodiesel blends, or electricity. Boilers and heaters are advantageous because they provide comfortable heat without drying out the air.
In-Floor Radiant Heating
Radiant systems offer even heat distribution by using plastic water tubing or electrical wiring installed beneath the floor. This type of heating is available through gas, propane, electricity, or solar hot water systems. They provide steady, even heat across the entire home.
Choosing the Right System for Your Home
When selecting a heating system, consider factors such as:
Your local climate
The size and layout of your home
Energy efficiency ratings
Installation and maintenance costs
Integration with existing HVAC components
Understanding these various heating options can help you make the best decision about your home’s comfort and energy use. Whether you’re building a new home, replacing an outdated system, or simply curious about your current setup, knowledge of these heating systems is valuable for any homeowner.
Schedule Heating and Cooling Services in Salem with Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning!
To ensure your home heating system is operating at peak efficiency, regular maintenance is essential. Our team of experienced professionals at Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning is ready to assist you with all your heating and cooling needs. From system inspections and tune-ups to repairs and new installations, we’re committed to keeping your home comfortable year-round.
Contact us today to schedule your heating system service in Salem, OR, today!
Decoding Your AC Unit’s Distress Signals: Repair or Replacement?
As a homeowner, maintaining your air conditioning system is pivotal for comfort and energy efficiency. But even with regular maintenance, there comes a time when your AC unit may require repair or replacement. Recognizing the signs early can save you from unexpected breakdowns and expensive emergency repairs.
Our team at Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning in Salem, Oregon, explores the key indicators that your AC unit might need professional repair or a complete replacement.
How Old is Your AC Unit?
One of the primary factors to consider when assessing your AC’s health is its age. Modern air conditioning units typically last between 15-20 years, while older models may have a lifespan of 10-12 years. If your system is approaching or has surpassed this age range, it’s a good decision to start planning for a replacement.
There are several factors that can influence your AC’s longevity, including its regular maintenance history, how often it’s used, the local climate conditioning, and proper sizing for your home. Even if your older unit is still functioning, it’s worth noting that as AC units age, replacement parts may become rare to find or disappear off the market completely. This can make repairs increasingly difficult and expensive over time.
Signs You Need AC Unit Repair or Replacement
Rising Energy Bills
Have you noticed a steady increase in your energy bills despite consistent usage patterns? This could be a telltale sign that your AC is losing efficiency. As air conditioners age or develop issues, they often have to work harder to maintain the right temperature which can result in higher energy consumption. While a single spike in your energy bill isn’t a reason to be alarmed, a consistent upward trend might indicate that your AC is struggling. In such cases, investing in a new, energy-efficient model could lead to huge savings in the long run.
Frequent Breakdowns
If you find yourself calling for AC unit repairs more often than usual, it might be time to consider a replacement. While occasional maintenance is normal, frequent breakdowns can be a sign of systemic issues or an aging unit. Here are a few questions to ask:
Are you scheduling repairs multiple times per cold season?
Has your AC warranty expired and left you to cover the full cost of repairs?
Are repair costs adding up to a big portion of a new unit’s price?
At a certain point, the total cost of repairs could end up costing more than replacing the entire unit itself. So, it’s important to ask yourself these questions to save on unnecessary costs.
Uneven Cooling and Airflow Issues
If your home cooling unevenly, this could indicate problems with your AC unit’s ability to distribute air well. Weak airflow from your vents is another red flag that shouldn’t be ignored. These issues can stem from various problems which include a failing compressor, blocked or leaky ductwork, clogged air filters, or frozen evaporator coils. While some of these problems can be resolved with repairs, consistent airflow issues might signal that your system is no longer capable of meeting your home’s cooling needs.
Strange Noises and Odors
Your air conditioner should operate quietly and efficiently. If you start hearing unusual sounds like grinding, squealing, or scraping, it’s time to call in a professional. These noises could indicate serious issues such as loose or damaged belts, motor problems, or electrical malfunctions. Strange odors coming from your AC unit are also cause for concern. A musty smell might indicate mold growth in your unit or ductwork, while a burning odor could signal an electrical problem. Both scenarios require immediate attention to prevent health risks and potential damage to your system.
The R-22 Freon Factor
If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it likely uses R-22 Freon as a refrigerant. The production and import of R-22 have been phased out due to its harmful environmental impact. While you can continue to use an R-22 system, any repairs requiring refrigerant recharges will become very expensive and difficult to perform. If your AC uses R-22 and needs repairs, it could be more cost-effective to replace it with a newer model that uses environmentally friendly refrigerants.
Humidity Concerns
An efficient air conditioning system should help control indoor humidity levels. If you’re noticing increased moisture or a clammy feeling in your home while the AC is running, it could indicate that your unit is no longer able to dehumidify the air properly. Not only is excessive humidity extremely uncomfortable for your home, but it can also lead to mold growth and other moisture-related problems. In these scenarios, upgrading to a more efficient system with better humidity control features might be necessary.
Visible Signs of Wear and Tear
Sometimes, the need for repair or replacement is right in front of your eyes. Keep an eye out for water leaks around the unit, ice formation on refrigerant lines, visible rust or corrosion, and damage to the outdoor unit from weather or debris, as these are major signs that your AC unit needs attention. While some of these issues can be taken care of with repairs, extensive damage or multiple problems might indicate that replacement is the wiser decision.
Get AC Unit Repair or Replacement in Salem, Oregon with Us!
Recognizing the signs that your AC unit needs attention is important for maintaining a comfortable home. Whether you’re dealing with an aging unit, experiencing frequent breakdowns, or noticing a decline in performance, our experts at Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning are here to help.
Our team of experienced HVAC professionals can assess your system, provide honest recommendations, and offer top-quality repair or replacement services. Don’t wait for a complete breakdown to have your AC issues checked.
Contact Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning today for reliable AC unit solutions in Salem, Oregon, and the surrounding areas. Let us help you stay cool and comfortable all summer long!
