Monthly Archives: March 2024

The Benefits of Regular HVAC Filter Replacement: Improving Air Quality and Efficiency

man replacing HVAC air filter

Why Should I Replace My HVAC Air Filter?

Regular HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) filter replacement is crucial for maintaining optimal air quality and system efficiency in your home. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to replace your filter every three months. It’s especially important to do so before you start running the air conditioner in the summer. This ensures that all the pollen that has accumulated during spring is cleared away. Changing your air filter is pretty simple, but if you prefer to let a professional do it, call Mission Critical Comfort Solutions for HVAC air filter replacement in Bonaire and Warner Robins, GA. Below are some reasons to call 478-960-5825 to schedule your appointment today.

  1. Improved Air Quality:
    • HVAC filters trap dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other airborne particles, preventing them from circulating throughout your home.
    • Regular filter replacement ensures that the filter remains effective in capturing pollutants, thus improving indoor air quality and reducing respiratory issues such as allergies and asthma.
  2. Enhanced HVAC Efficiency:
    • A clean air filter allows air to flow freely through the HVAC system, reducing strain on the fan motor and other components.
    • Improved airflow helps the system operate more efficiently, leading to lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills.
    • A clogged or dirty filter can cause the HVAC system to work harder to maintain desired temperatures, resulting in increased wear and tear and potential breakdowns.
  3. Extended HVAC Lifespan:
    • By regularly replacing the air filter, you reduce the workload on the HVAC system, which can help extend its lifespan.
    • Decreased strain on components such as the blower motor and compressor can prevent premature wear and potential costly repairs or replacements.
  4. Consistent Comfort:
    • A clean filter allows the HVAC system to distribute heated or cooled air evenly throughout your home, ensuring consistent comfort in every room.
    • Restricted airflow due to a dirty filter can lead to uneven heating or cooling, causing some areas of your home to feel warmer or cooler than others.
  5. Energy Savings:
    • According to the U.S. Department of Energy, regularly replacing dirty air filters can lower energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
    • Improved HVAC efficiency resulting from clean filters reduces the amount of energy required to heat or cool your home, leading to potential long-term cost savings on utility bills.
  6. Reduced Maintenance Costs:
    • Regular filter replacement can help prevent costly repairs or system malfunctions caused by dirty filters.
    • Dirty filters can lead to issues such as frozen coils, overheating, and reduced airflow, all of which can result in expensive repairs if not addressed promptly.

Call Your Local HVAC Professionals in Bonaire and Warner Robins, GA

To maximize the benefits of regular HVAC filter replacement, it’s essential to follow manufacturer recommendations for filter replacement frequency and choose high-quality filters appropriate for your system and indoor air quality needs. Additionally, scheduling routine HVAC maintenance with a qualified technician can help ensure that your system operates efficiently and effectively year-round.

What Is Considered an AC Emergency?

finger adjusting a thermostat

Is a broken air conditioner an emergency?

The Bonaire and Robin Warners, Georgia areas are beautiful parts of the state, but they can endure hot, humid summer weather. And that means when your air conditioning isn’t working, it often requires emergency AC repair service. Keeping that in mind, when exactly do you need to reach out for emergency services?

At what temperature are you experiencing an HVAC emergency?

An HVAC emergency is when the heating and air conditioning system is malfunctioning, or completely quits working when the temperatures are at a dangerous point. What temperature is considered an emergency during the summer? For a residential structure, an outdoor temperature of 90 degrees would be considered a temperature level to request an emergency AC repair service call. 

What should you do if your AC breaks at night?

When the air conditioner quits working during the day, calling for an emergency AC repair service won’t cost any more than a normal service visit. However, during the night, when the air conditioning quits working, you can avoid an emergency AC repair service call by keeping cool with these methods: 

  • The Freezer 

No, we don’t mean stand in front of the freezer with the door open until your emergency AC repair service technician arrives. But you can put your bedding in plastic and put it in the freezer before going to bed. This will give you cooled sheets for the night. 

  • Open Windows

By opening the windows once all the cooled air has dissipated, you’ll have improved air circulation. Be sure to close them and the curtains as the sun starts to rise until your emergency AC repair service is completed. 

  • Cross-Breeze

Now is the time to get out the portable fans, both tabletop and floor models. Place them in front of open windows and this can create a cross breeze in each room.  Putting a bowl full of ice in front of the fans will make the air blowing across cooler too, and along with the ceiling fans, you’ll have a strong wind-chill effect as you wait to call for an emergency AC repair service.

  • Limit Appliance Use

Avoid turning on the clothes dryer, cooking stove, or oven while waiting on your emergency AC repair service. This will generate excessive heat, adding to an already uncomfortable situation. Now is the best time to barbeque! 

  • Keep Low 

Remember in science when you learned heat rises? If you have a two-story home, have every sleep down on the lowest level until your emergency AC repair service is completed. 

How can I cool my house during the day with a broken air conditioner? 

It’s bad if the air conditioning quits working during the middle of the night, but it isn’t any better during the day either. You can follow the same tips we listed above to keep cool along with the following additional tips during the day until your emergency AC repair service technician arrives: 

  • The Freezer: During the day, wrap wet towels in plastic and place them in the freezer. Using ice packs on your forehead and around your neck will keep your body temperature cool. 
  • Lighting: Keep the lights and other electronics off during the day if you’re not using them, including computers and television. 
  • Keep Hydrated: Make sure everyone in the house is hydrated with cold water to keep their body temperature down. 
  • Light-Colored Clothing: Wearing light-colored clothing will keep your body cooler, just as it does when outside in the sun. 
  • Cold Baths and Showers: Taking cold baths or showers can lower the body temperature quickly. 

What is a good temperature to keep the air conditioner at to lower the energy bill?

Professional HVAC experts, along with the government, recommend setting the air conditioner at 78°F during the summer. This will keep the occupants in the house cool without a strain on the air conditioning system. 

Are there any indications the air conditioning system is about to go out? 

As a homeowner, you have many responsibilities, including paying attention to the main components, like the air conditioning. To avoid needing emergency AC repair service, when you notice any of these four things, schedule a regular service call immediately.  The problem could be addressed and repaired before it becomes an emergency: 

  1. Warm air coming out of the vents.
  2. You hear banging or clicking sounds. 
  3. A musty odor comes out of the vents with the cooled air. 
  4. The electric bill has increased more than usual. 

Keep Your Cool! 

With routine maintenance by you and annual check-ups and inspections by a professional HVAC service technician, you will have less chance of needing emergency AC repair services. If you’re having repeated service calls, emergency, or non-emergency, depending on the age of your HVAC system, it may be time to replace the unit. When repairs cost 25% or more than a new unit, it is probably time to purchase a new unit. And remember, if you do find yourself experiencing a need for emergency AC repair in Bonaire, Georgia you can always reach out to our team of professionals. Give us a call at 478-960-5825.