Prescription Heating & Cooling's Blog Posts

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot? 5 Ways to Beat the Heat & Save Money this Summer

| | Heating and Cooling, HVAC, Tips

Summer is most definitely in full swing. And, with record high temperatures looming, you may be feeling the heat. As an HVAC contractor serving Inver Grove Heights and the surrounding neighborhoods, we can think of several tips to help you beat the heat besides cranking up your air conditioner. Here are a few ideas on how to stay nice and cool this summer, including air conditioning tips that can benefit both your sanity and your wallet.

Close the Curtains and Drapes

During the day, especially when the sun is shining, close all of the curtains and drapes. There are even special thermal curtains you can buy and hang up that will help block out some of the sun’s heat. Also make sure that you keep all windows closed and do not open doors that lead outside unless it is absolutely necessary.

Ventilation And Air Filtration Systems

Change Those Air Filters

Your air filter for your air conditioner should be cleaned or replaced every one to three months depending on your usage. Cleaning or replacing your air filters on something of a schedule is another means of improving the functionality of your system. An HVAC contractor will be able to clean and change these filters for you as well.

Get a Programmable Thermostat

Investing in a programmable thermostat is a great way to save energy as well as the cost of that potential energy. You simply program your thermostat to run at certain times or when temperatures reach certain points within the home. These free up time for you as well as ensure your air conditioning is running as efficiently as possible even when you’re not at home.

Keep Those Vents Open

Make sure you keep all of your air conditioning registers open, not closed, even in rooms you do not use a lot. The only registers we suggest that you keep closed would be in the lower levels of your home such as a basement or crawlspace. Contrary to popular belief, closing off registers does not help lower your electric bill.

Avoid Heat-Makers

Avoid using appliances that produce more heat within the home. For example, when you cook food, try to use your microwave instead of your oven. Or, go outside and have a barbeque!

We hope you find these summer suggestions helpful! And, no matter what, it always helps to enlist the expertise of your local, trusted HVAC contractor. Prescription Heating & Cooling is well-versed in all things heating and cooling. So, if it seems your air conditioning isn’t running as efficiently as it should, do not hesitate to give us a call! You should never have to endure a hot house due to a malfunctioning cooling system.

Do you need a professional HVAC contractor servicing Inver Grove Heights and the surrounding areas? Call Prescription Heating & Cooling at 651-767-2737 or you can contact us for a Free Estimate on New Installations.

Summer Solutions: Popular Air Conditioning Questions

| | Air Conditioning, Cooling

At Prescription Heating & Cooling, we get our fair share of questions about air conditioning, how it works and how to care for cooling systems. If you are tackling a home remodeling project, the warmer spring months are a great time of year to make vital improvements. And, one of the most common home improvement projects we help with is installing and repairing air conditioning. At Prescription Heating & Cooling we specialize in air conditioning for Stillwater and the surrounding areas and have learned a thing or two about these systems and what to expect. And since it’s the summer, we thought we would take the time to answer some of the most popular questions we get about air conditioning.

air conditioning

Is it alright to install central air conditioning systems any time of the year?
The experts at Prescription Heating & Cooling can install central AC any time of the year except for the coldest of winter months.

How does air conditioning work?
Air conditioning takes the heat in your home and removes it. The air is drawn into your home’s ductwork through the return air system. Refrigerant (in a liquid state) is pumped from your air conditioner’s condenser into the evaporator coil. As the refrigerant passes through the inside of the coil, warm air from your home’s inside area passes over the outside of the coil. The refrigerant within the evaporator boils off and absorbs the heat from the air.

From there, the refrigerant is pulled back to the condenser where (in a vapor state) it is condensed back into liquid form and releases the heat to the outside air.

How can I save money on air conditioning bills this summer?
A programmable thermostat, if you don’t already have one, it is a great way to ensure you are getting the most out of your air conditioning. Having one installed will allow you to set the temperature in your home to either go up or down depending on what time of day it is. This way, your air conditioning won’t be running when you don’t need it.

How do I know if my air conditioning is running efficiently?
Having your air conditioning inspected is a great way to ensure everything is running properly. And, the best thing you can do is make sure to change the filters on a regular basis.

How do I know what size air conditioner to get for my home?
There are a few things an HVAC company like Prescription Heating & Cooling will do to install the right size air conditioner in your home. We will take measurements and factor in how many windows and doors your home has. We will also take into account the type and quality of insulation that your home has.

Still have questions about air conditioning in your Stillwater home? Call Prescription Heating & Cooling at 651-767-2737 or you can contact us to get a Free Estimate on a New Installation.

Air Conditioner Repair for Increased Efficiency this Summer

| | Air Conditioning, Cooling, Prescription Heating & Cooling

Hot summer nights are on their way! If you haven’t fired up the old air conditioner yet, the time will come before you know it. And, with the potential for our summer to bring high temperatures on a daily basis, there is a very good chance that your air conditioner will be used quite consistently. With all this upcoming usage, it can be a good idea to consider air conditioner repair for your Maplewood home before the heat hits. Energy bills can soar as high as the temperatures and thorough air conditioner repair or maintenance can avoid inefficiencies and make sure your system is running as well as it should be. We at Prescription Heating & Cooling would like to offer you some tips to help keep your air conditioner running as smoothly as possible this summer:

air conditioner repair

Clean and Clear Debris

Start by cleaning leaves and debris out of the base of the condenser and make sure the drain holes at the bottom are clear. The compressor and condenser coil are housed within the outdoor unit. No matter how well screened or vented the coil is, it is always vulnerable to the accumulation of bits of dirt, grass, leaves and tree fallings. When these unwelcome guests enter the housing, they tend to lead to problems. Make a little effort to keep the area around the outdoor unit as clean and clear of debris as possible. Then tighten any loose mounting bolts and, if the fan motor has oil ports, put a few drops of lightweight high grade turbine oil for lubrication. If you are unsure about how to perform any of this, call Prescription Heating & Cooling for expert air conditioner repair.

Check, Clean and Replace Your Air Filters

This is the easiest and most important step in preparing your air conditioner for summer. The air filter for your air conditioner should be discarded and replaced every one to three months. The job of an air filter is to capture any dirt, dust or particles that can enter your unit or system; and clogging is common. A clogged air filter restricts the air flow in your air conditioners or central air system, leading to further problems or breakdowns like the inability to cool or icing up. Cleaning or replacing your air filters on a regular schedule is a great way of improving the functionality of your system. You can even help avoid air conditioner repair down the line by regularly replacing your air filters.

Test Your System

First, turn the thermostat to off. Then, turn on the power at both the disconnect box and at the main panel. Last, switch the thermostat back on and set to cool. If you notice anything abnormal, you may require air conditioner repair. An HVAC expert from Prescription Heating & Cooling can take a look at your system and determine what needs to be done.

For more information on air conditioner repair in the Maplewood area, Call Prescription Heating & Cooling at 651-767-2737 or Contact Us for a free estimate on your new installation.

Preparing Your HVAC System for Spring

| | Heating and Cooling, HVAC, Prescription Heating & Cooling

March 20th marked the first day of spring, and it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to prepare your heating and air conditioning for the months ahead. While you may think it’s a bit early, the beginning of spring is a great time to start. From having your furnace inspected for next year, to replacing your air filter; there are many things you can do to prepare your system. We specialize in heating and air conditioning in Woodbury and surrounding areas and can help you get all of your HVAC ducks in a row before summer hits. Here are some tips from professional HVAC contractors to help prepare your heating and air conditioning systems for spring and in turn, the months to follow.

heating and air conditioning

Furnace Inspection

While it may not seem like it, spring is actually a great time of year to have your furnace inspected. After a winter of hard work, your heating system could use a little TLC. And, spring and warmer weather will give you the time to provide the necessary inspection and maintenance work it needs. Preparing ahead of time means you won’t be caught in a pinch next winter. Here are some great maintenance tasks to consider for your heating system:

  • Motor, filter and fan cleaning
  • Check for leaks
  • Duct cleaning
  • Overall moving part inspection
  • And more

The professionals at Prescription Heating & Cooling are prepared to inspect your furnace and ensure that it’s up and running for next year.

Check Your Efficiency: Air Filters & Duct Work

This spring, have your air conditioning filter replaced. This can improve your air quality and efficiency. And, be sure to check your air filter every 30 days during the summer. Have your heating and air conditioning specialist also check for leaks this spring. Having any leaks in your ductwork repaired will increase your system’s efficiency. This will help your heating and air conditioning to better cool and heat your home and help you save you money.

Schedule a Tune-Up

When it comes to heating and air conditioning, it is important to schedule preventative maintenance. Simply give us a call and we can make sure your system is running efficiently for the spring and summer; making it less likely to break down on a hot day.

Upgrade Your System

Is it time for an HVAC upgrade? Having your old system replaced by a newer, more efficient one could save you money on your heating and air conditioning bills. Don’t have a programmable thermostat? Have one installed and you can possibly lower your heating and air conditioning bills; set the temperature to run less when you’re not there and save some energy!

For more information on heating and air conditioning in Woodbury, call Prescription Heating & Cooling at 651-767-2737 or you can contact us for a Free Estimate on New Installations.

Warning Signs Your HVAC System May Need Repair

| | Cooling, Heating, HVAC, Tips

As a trusted HVAC company in Roseville, we know all too well the warning signs of a malfunctioning heating and/or cooling system. If not properly installed by professionals like the ones at Prescription Heating & Cooling, you may need repairs sooner than you think. Just because your HVAC system is working, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s working well. There are many warning signs your heating or cooling could be giving you to let you know it’s broken, wasn’t installed correctly, or is in need of repair. Our team of HVAC experts can successfully diagnose the source of your heating and cooling troubles and get your system on the road to recovery. In the meantime, here are some warning signs to look out for and tips to keep in mind:

  1. From the beginning, make sure you choose a professional HVAC company and have the right system for your home installed. You won’t want a system that’s too big or too small for your home. And, an HVAC company like ours can help you find the right fit. We will come to your home or business and take measurements, perform some calculations, and speak with you about your specific wants and needs. Then, we will recommend the heating and/or cooling system that will work best for you. HVAC company
  2. Make sure you are monitoring your utility bills during both the summer and winter. If there is an unusual spike, that’s another sign that your HVAC system isn’t working as efficiently as it should. Additionally, if you notice an increase in your bill over years, it may be necessary to upgrade to a newer, more efficient system. Call an HVAC company like ours and we can help you assess what you need.
  3. Have you been hearing any unusual noises coming from your heating system? Don’t ignore it any longer! This can be one of the first clues your HVAC system isn’t working properly and possibly lead to a larger, more serious problem. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact a professional HVAC company. Our experienced team of technicians can help find the source and begin repairs.
  4. This may seem obvious, but no heating or cooling is a definite sign you will need to contact a HVAC company. Our team can help you from the very first sign of trouble. If you’re lacking heat, it is an emergency, especially in the coldest months of winter. We are available 24/7 for emergency situations and our friendly, professional staff will be at your home or business to assist in no time.

Are you in need of a reliable HVAC company in Roseville? Contact us today by calling 651-767-2737 or Contact us Online.