Mesaba Heating & Air Conditioning Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

Don’t Forget Your AC Maintenance!

Monday, June 10th, 2024
smiling-HVAC-technician-working-on-an-air-conditioner

Your air conditioner is a complex machine with a lot of components. It worked hard all last summer keeping your home cool. Then it sat around all winter, disused and collecting dust. Now you want it to start working hard again? It deserves some love! More importantly, you just won’t get the performance you’re hoping for if you don’t take care of your air conditioner.

This means you need to get professional maintenance. You’ll want to schedule that right away, before the summer gets any hotter, if you haven’t done it already. It might be the most important thing you do this spring, with the widest-ranging benefits. Why is it so important to have AC maintenance done every single year? There are several reasons, and we’re happy to explain them.

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Clear Benefits of a Duct Cleaning Appointment

Monday, August 21st, 2023
Technician performing air duct cleaning by removing debris from a large HVAC duct system.

It’s been around fifty years since the majority of new homes started to be constructed with ductwork for central air conditioning. Some homes that age still have that original ductwork! Even when ductwork isn’t half a century old, it can be a little mysterious. You can’t see inside of it, and even the outsides of the ducts are usually tucked in out-of-the-way places you don’t look at very often. How can you tell what’s going on in your ductwork? With a little help from a professional AC maintenance check, you can get a clear view and a fresh start.

What are the key benefits of professional air duct cleaning services?

Professional air duct cleaning improves indoor air quality by removing dust, mold spores, pet dander, and allergens, helping reduce allergy symptoms. It boosts HVAC efficiency and lowers energy bills by restoring airflow, prevents unpleasant odors and fire hazards caused by dust buildup, and prolongs HVAC system lifespan.

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What Does the SEER2 Rating Mean?

Monday, July 24th, 2023
person-calculating-money-saved-by-making-their-home-more-efficient

If you’ve seen the terms SEER and SEER2, or heard about air conditioner efficiency requirements changing, you might have some questions. How are these ratings calculated? What’s the difference between SEER and SEER2? Why were the standards changed? What makes an air conditioner more efficient? We’ve got some answers for you. 

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Stay Cool This Summer with 5 Tips

Monday, July 10th, 2023
person-relaxing-in-a-cool-and-comfortable-home

Electricity is expensive, and new air conditioners are, too. For the next few months, you’re going to need to keep your home cool. How can you keep your bills down, your air conditioner in good condition, and your home as cool and comfortable as possible? Follow these 5 recommendations.

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Our Guide to Choosing Your Next AC

Monday, June 26th, 2023
New air conditioning units ready for AC installation on a white background.

Welcome to summer, a season of gorgeous weather, outdoor fun, and… suddenly being aware of just how well or poorly your air conditioner is working. Many folks are just now thinking about the condition of their AC unit and having concerns about whether they might need to get a new one before the summer is out. If AC replacement is on the horizon for you, there are a lot of options available. You should consider all these possibilities before making your choice, especially when evaluating efficient options for AC replacement.

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What Noises CAN Your AC Make?

Monday, June 12th, 2023
person-listening-to-the-sounds-their-air-conditioner-makes

We all know that a funny noise can indicate a problem with a complex system, whether that’s a car, dishwasher, furnace, or your air conditioner. But sometimes it can be hard to tell whether a sound might mean something is wrong or if it is a perfectly normal noise that you shouldn’t worry about. While it’s good to know what AC noises mean it’s time to call for repairs, it’s also good to know what noises are just the sound of normal operation. Here’s a rundown of the sounds that a perfectly-happy air conditioner might make while it’s running smoothly.

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Is It Time to Replace or Repair?

Monday, May 1st, 2023
Old and dirty outdoor AC unit in need of repair or replacement.

Spring might be slow to warm up in Minnesota, and there might be some snowy setbacks, but we’re really getting there, folks. And with springtime comes the task of getting ready for summer. Is your air conditioner ready for another season of keeping you and your home comfortable and cool? Or do you have some doubts? This is the perfect time to consider whether you should have a problematic air conditioner repaired, or whether it’s time for a new one.

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Tips for Maintaining a Heat Pump

Monday, April 17th, 2023
heat-pump-indoor-and-outdoor-units

Proper heat pump maintenance is crucial for keeping your system reliable and efficient. Regularly cleaning or replacing indoor air filters and keeping outdoor coils free of debris help maintain proper airflow and prevent issues that can restrict airflow, which can otherwise reduce system efficiency and cause your system to work harder. These basic maintenance tasks help prevent breakdowns and keep your heat pump running smoothly and ensure your system is running smoothly. Simple pump maintenance tasks, including basic maintenance tasks that homeowners can perform, go a long way toward keeping your system operating at its best and maintaining system efficiency as a benefit of regular maintenance.

If you have a heat pump, it’s likely that you’re delighted with it. They are great systems for many reasons. But like any complex appliance, things can go wrong on occasion. How can you avoid having problems crop up with your heat pump just when you need it most in the summer heat? By properly maintaining it.

What heat pump maintenance can homeowners do between professional tune-ups?

  • Clean, dry, and reinstall the indoor air filter monthly during heavy use, or replace it if disposable.
  • Check the outdoor unit often and clear away leaves, snow, and debris so airflow is not blocked.
  • Trim plants back to keep clear space around the outdoor unit.
  • Rinse dirty outdoor coils gently with a regular garden hose, avoid high pressure spray.
  • Check the drain line and condensate area to help prevent clogs and water issues.
  • Schedule professional heat pump tune ups twice a year since the system runs year-round for heating and cooling.

Introduction to Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are innovative heating and cooling systems that offer homeowners a reliable and cost-effective way to maintain a comfortable indoor environment year-round. Unlike traditional systems that generate heat by burning fuel, heat pumps work by transferring heat from one place to another, extracting warmth from the outside air during the winter and removing heat from your home in the summer. This method of heat transfer makes heat pumps an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly choice for both heating and cooling.

A well maintained heat pump can provide efficient heating and cooling for 15 years or more, making it a smart long-term investment. Proper heat pump maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance and to maximize the system’s lifespan. Simple pump maintenance tasks, such as cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the outdoor coils free of debris, help prevent breakdowns and keep your heat pump running smoothly. Most systems only need a few minutes of maintenance and care per month. By staying on top of regular maintenance, you can enjoy consistent comfort, lower energy bills, and peace of mind knowing your system is operating at its best.

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Your Air Conditioner Shouldn’t Be Making These Noises

Monday, March 20th, 2023
Concerned woman holding hand to ear, listening for unusual noises possibly indicating AC repair needs.

Unfortunately, no air conditioner will ever operate completely silently. But there are good noises and bad noises, and it’s important to recognize when a sound from your air conditioner is a signal that something is wrong. The good noises are simple and consistent: the compressor makes a humming sound during cooling cycles, and you can also hear the fan whirring. What air conditioner noises are a sign of trouble and should have you calling for repairs right away? Here are some things to keep an ear out for.

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Your New AC Selection Guide

Monday, August 22nd, 2022
Thoughtful man in glasses considering options for air conditioning installation.

If you’re thinking about replacing your air conditioner, you’ve probably realized that there are a wide variety of systems designed to cool your home. How can you know which one is best?

Well, it’s not so much a matter of one air conditioning method being truly better than another. It’s more a matter of determining which options work best for your unique home and for your personal needs. A helpful professional in air conditioning installation in Eveleth, MN can assess those things with you and provide expert guidance as you make your choice. But in the meantime, it may help to have a clearer sense of what your options are, especially if you’re weighing whether it’s time to replace or repair your current system.

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