Author Archives: Libby Christiansen

Woman on couch next to a ductless air conditioning system | Keith Air Conditioning

How Does a Ductless Air Conditioner Contribute to Better Air Quality?

Did you know the air inside your home could be worse than the air outside your home? If you’re an allergy sufferer, sorry for the bad news. Thankfully, relief is on the way.

Air Quality Awareness Week 2018 is April 30-May 4, and this year’s theme is “Air Quality Where You Are.” The goal is to increase air quality awareness and inspire people to take steps, no matter how large or small, to reduce their contribution to air pollution. In the spirit of air quality awareness, here are four HVAC tips including information about emerging ductless air conditioning technology to improve your indoor air quality (IAQ).

  • Change your air filter regularly
    For allergy sufferers, changing your air filter is a simple step you can take to alleviate your symptoms and improve your indoor air quality. When your air filter is dirty, it restricts airflow, and your HVAC system has to work harder to trap airborne pollutants from your home’s indoor air – allergens, dust mites, pet dander, dead skin, mold, viruses and more. When your air filter is clean, it helps your HVAC system work properly, efficiently and safely while helping to keep your system and your ductwork clean. To alleviate your allergy symptoms, we recommend using a high-quality, high-efficiency air filter and replacing it once a month. If your unit uses washable air filters, clean them once a month during heavy use times. If you have pets or live in an area with a high pollen count, be especially mindful. Unsure if yours is disposable or washable? Call Keith Air Conditioning at 251-220-5630.
  • Use an air purifier
    Air purifiers bring relief for many allergy sufferers. How? Air purifiers help improve indoor air quality by neutralizing pollen, pet dander, bacteria, viruses, mold spores, smoke and chemical odors, so you breathe in clean air. Air purifiers come in many forms; consult with your NATE-certified HVAC professional to discuss whole house options, such as Media Air Cleaners or UltraViolet Air Purifiers for the ultimate benefit.
  • Have regular HVAC maintenance performed
    You should have your HVAC system professionally serviced twice a year (your air conditioner in the spring and your furnace in the fall), especially if you’re an allergy sufferer. If you use a heat pump, you should schedule service twice a year, prior to each season as well. Heat pumps rarely get a rest, like air conditioners and furnaces do and may experience more wear and tear. With an HVAC maintenance appointment, you ensure your system is working properly and efficiently and is clear of mold, mildew, dust and other contaminants affecting your indoor air quality.
  • Consider a ductless air conditioner
    Changing your air filter and using an air purifier traps airborne pollutants from your home’s indoor air. What if you could remove the hideout of these pollutants? A major benefit to a ductless air conditioner is no ductwork for pollutants to gather Instead, air conditioning comes through wall-mount air handlers connected to an outside unit. Without ducts, there is no place for the pollutants to build up, and allergens in your home’s air drop significantly. Ductless systems are quiet, energy-efficient and can save you money too.

For more information about the pros and cons of ductless systems, check out this blog post.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year. During Air Quality Awareness Week and every week, Keith Air Conditioning is your go-to resource for indoor air quality. We can assess your home’s indoor air quality needs and concerns, perform a maintenance check up on your HVAC system and answer all of your air filters, air purifiers and ductless systems questions. Contact us at 251-517-4437 to get started today.

Father and son camping in backyard | Air Conditioner | Keith Air Conditioning

Swap Pricey Vacation for a New Air Conditioner and a Staycation

No plans for summer travel? No problem! Too often, we forget about the wonderful recreational opportunities right in our own Alabama backyard. You can stay home this summer and still have fun locally. If you’re planning a staycation this summer, you’re saving some money because gas prices are predicted to rise again, according to petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan in the Wall Street Journal (April 9, 2018). What better investment could you make than investing in something the whole family can enjoy for months to come? An upgraded air conditioning system – that’s the ticket!

With regular maintenance and care, most air conditioners can last up to 10-15 years on average. To take good care of your air conditioner and prolong its life as long as you can, our top three recommendations are:

  1. Air filter vigilance – Change or clean (depending on the model) the air filter at least once a month for optimal efficiency and filtration.
  2. Regular maintenance – Schedule two maintenance appointments each year (AC in the spring, furnace in the fall or before each season if you have a heat pump) to have your unit cleaned and inspected for best performance and any repair needs.
  3. Maintenance plan – An HVAC maintenance plan with Keith Air comes with two maintenance appointments each year at a fixed price as well as priority repair service, emergency repair service, a 15 percent repair discount on all parts, a one-year guarantee and priority installation service.

Even with regular maintenance and care, sooner or later, your air conditioner will need repair service. Weigh the cost of the repair versus the cost of replacement, so you can decide what is best for your family and budget. (With a repair, find out how long the repair will last if you will likely need to have it repaired again for this issue and what will happen to your monthly energy bills.) Feel free to use this example next time your children complain about the pointlessness of math story problem homework.

Eventually, you’ll reach a point where pouring money into an older air conditioner isn’t worth it, and the benefits of a new unit (like greater efficiency, lower bills and safety) far outweigh the cost of a replacement. (When considering a replacement, find out how much you will save on your monthly energy bills and be sure you know what the warranty covers and for how long).

ENERGY STAR has a great list of telltale signs it’s time to replace your air conditioner, including the age of the unit, if your unit needs to be repaired often and if your energy bills are higher than they could be with an energy-efficient unit.

If you decide to replace your air conditioner and upgrade to a better unit, Keith Air offers financing options to support a steady household budget while helping you have a cool place to relax this summer. We offer:

  • Flexible financing with approved credit
  • Special interest financing and
  • 60 months special financing.

With financing through Wells Fargo, you can finance a new air conditioner installation with:

  • Convenient monthly payments
  • Flexible financing options
  • Everyday purchase convenience – all major credit cards accepted
  • Special terms promotional offers
  • An easy-to-use online bill payment option
  • In-store or online application

Contact Keith Air Conditioning at 251-517-4437 to schedule an appointment. We can assess your air conditioner and our NATE-certified professionals can offer recommendations for your next steps.

Rainy weather with condensation and water on window | Humidity | Air Conditioning | Keith Air Conditioning

How to Combat Humidity in Your Home

We all look forward to spring after a long winter, don’t we? However, one downside to the spring is a lot of rain often comes with it. Too much of anything is not a good thing, and the same goes for rain. Heavy rain and thunderstorms can lead to all sorts of problems for homeowners, from flooding and mold growth to humidity and overworked HVAC systems.

Humidity is uncomfortable, plain and simple. With high humidity, your home’s air feels damp. The amount of moisture in the air affects your perception of how cold or warm you feel and how much heating or cooling you need to feel comfortable. Because the air is exceptionally moist, you can run into issues with mold and mildew in your home, which affects your clothes, furniture, electronics and other possessions. Bugs and dust mites also love humid conditions. High humidity can even affect your health, and it makes your air conditioner work harder to keep your home cool too. Unfortunately, older, inefficient systems may not handle the demands well.

When it comes to humidity in your home, watch for:

  • Musty smells
  • Mold
  • Wet stains on the walls and ceilings from condensation
  • Recurring dampness in certain areas
  • A sticky or clammy feeling in the air
  • Cracking or flaking paint
  • Peeling wallpaper and/or
  • Windows with condensation or frost.

On the flip side, when the air in your home is too dry, you may notice wood floors shrinking, cracks in furniture and leather, static electricity, difficulty breathing and/or nosebleeds. You can become more susceptible to respiratory viruses when your nasal passages dry out, and your skin and lips will also feel dry.

The key is to fight humidity in your home. Low humidity means less moisture in your home and less of these issues. Air conditioning goes a long way in reducing your home’s level of humidity.

Another great option is installing a dehumidifier in your home. It removes excess moisture from your house and helps prevent mold and mildew growth.

You want to keep the humidity level in your home somewhere between 40% and 50%. By removing excess moisture in the air, you prevent mold, mildew, bacteria and dust, which helps with allergies and respiratory issues.

You can use a portable dehumidifier in various areas of the house where excess moisture is most common, such as bathrooms, basements and crawl spaces. Dehumidifiers have various capacities, including small capacity for smaller spaces, medium capacity for medium to large spaces and large capacity for excessively wet areas.

You can also have a whole-house dehumidifier installed and integrated with your home’s current HVAC system. These dehumidifiers work for spaces up to 3,000 square feet. You can tie into existing return ductwork or add a new return duct specifically for it. For homeowners who suffer from allergies or asthma, you might want to consider a whole-house dehumidifier to improve your comfort and indoor air quality.

If your home has humidity issues, contact Keith Air Conditioning at 251-517-4437 to discuss options, including which Carrier dehumidifier is best for your family and home. Concerned about the cost? We offer financing options through Wells Fargo Financial National Bank. If you have one and it’s underperforming, the NATE-certified technicians at Keith Air can repair or service any make or model.

Spring four leaf clovers | Hvac maintenance plan | Keith Air Conditioning

Stop Banking on Luck, Get an HVAC Maintenance Plan

When it comes to HVAC systems, some homeowners bank on luck, simply hoping their systems won’t run into any issues or need costly repairs. However, skipping regular maintenance of your HVAC system guarantees your luck will run out and neglect can lead to expensive repairs. If you don’t want to break your budget, play it smart by investing in an HVAC maintenance plan to catch little issues before they become expensive emergencies.

Through an HVAC maintenance plan with Keith Air Conditioning, you get two complete inspections each year for one low price. Homeowners love locking in a fixed cost! We recommend two inspections each year in order to inspect your air conditioner in the spring and inspect your furnace in the fall. If you use a heat pump, twice a year is recommended as well, because it runs year round and doesn’t get a break in between seasons.

During your scheduled appointment, one of our NATE-certified HVAC professionals will clean and inspect your HVAC system to determine if it’s in need of a repair. What’s NATE? It stands for North American Technician Excellence, and when an HVAC technician is NATE-certified, it means he or she have surpassed rigorous requirements for excellence in HVAC maintenance, repairs and installation of all types of HVAC systems.

Should you need a repair, your membership in the Keith Air plan will put you at the top of the priority list and you receive 24/7/365 emergency air conditioner and heating repair services when needed at no additional charge. You also receive a 15 percent repair discount on all parts and a one-year guarantee, plus priority service on the installation of a new system if ever needed.

HVAC systems are expensive, so investing in an HVAC maintenance plan is really an investment in the life of your system. When you have preventative HVAC maintenance done, your system will last longer and will run more efficiently. A properly serviced air conditioner can last approximately 14 years while a furnace can last 15-20 years.

Having an HVAC maintenance plan also means you don’t have to remember to schedule your maintenance appointments twice a year. We’re all busy people with busy personal and professional lives, so having pre-scheduled appointments takes one less thing off your list of things to remember to do.

Plus, with preventative HVAC maintenance, you’ll love the peace of mind you have, knowing your system has been taken care of, so you and your family aren’t at risk for an emergency situation. Aside from the discomfort of a system breakdown, a struggling or compromised system leaves you vulnerable to a house fire or at risk for a carbon monoxide leak. You also lower your energy bill when your HVAC system is running efficiently. When you know your HVAC system is working properly and efficiently, it ensures continual comfort and safety for your family.

Contact Keith Air Conditioning at 251-517-4437 to sign up for your HVAC maintenance plan and schedule your next HVAC maintenance appointment, so your system is good to go.

Allergy Season Ahead | Indoor Air Quality | Allergy | Allergies | Allergens

Spring has Sprung: 4 HVAC Tips for Allergy Season

Spring has sprung! While many people look forward to welcoming this season after a dreary winter, many do not. Why? Well, what else comes along with spring? Seasonal allergies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year. If you or one of your loved ones is counted among them, we have four tips for your HVAC system to help you through allergy season and improve your indoor air quality (IAQ).

  • Change your air filter on a regular basis
    If you suffer from allergies, changing your air filter is one of the easiest things you can do to alleviate your symptoms and improve your indoor air quality. A clean air filter helps your HVAC system work properly, efficiently and safely while helping keep your system and ductwork clean. A dirty air filter restricts airflow and makes your HVAC system work harder, which means it is harder to trap airborne pollutants from your home’s indoor air –  dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, viruses and more. Yuck! We recommend using a high-quality, high-efficiency air filter and replacing it once a month to alleviate your allergy symptoms. (For a washable air filter, clean it monthly during heavy use times).
  • Use an air purifier
    Many allergy sufferers find relief by using air purifiers. They help improve indoor air quality by neutralizing pollen, pet dander, viruses, bacteria, mold spores, smoke and chemical odors, so you breathe in cleaner air. Your options include a stand-alone unit from a home improvement store or you can install a whole house purifier to cleanse your air more thoroughly. Call Keith Air to discuss which is best for you.
  • Regularly clean your home
    Mom was right – a clean home means clean air. Vacuuming, dusting, mopping and washing laundry all help remove allergens we track into our homes each day, from our shoes to our pets. Further, improve your home’s indoor air quality by using natural or fragrance-free products when cleaning. Keep your windows and doors shut to prevent outdoor allergens from entering. Clean your air vents and grilles for better airflow and less dust in your air. Turn off your HVAC system first, then remove any dirty vent covers or grilles and use a soft cloth, duster, brush or vacuum hose to clean them.
  • Schedule HVAC maintenance appointments regularly
    We recommend having your HVAC system professionally serviced twice a year, especially if you’re an allergy sufferer. Make sure your system is working as efficiently as possible and is clear of mold, mildew, dust and other contaminants affecting your indoor air quality. You can consult your Keith Air HVAC professional if they recommend having your ducts cleaned to further improve your indoor air quality.

These four tips are good for all homeowners to follow, and they are especially critical for those battling seasonal allergies. For more tips on improving indoor air quality, check out this information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Your home’s indoor air quality is important to us! Keith Air Conditioning can assess your home’s indoor air quality, discuss air filters and air purifiers with you, perform a maintenance check up on your HVAC system and conduct duct cleaning if needed. Contact us at 251-517-4437 for more information and to get started today.

Seer Rating for Air conditioning units | Keith Air Conditioning

How the SEER Rating Affects Your Bottom Line

Have you ever wondered what a SEER rating is and how it affects you? Learn more about this energy efficiency rating and how it pertains to your house and your budget.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and it rates the efficiency of central air conditioners. “SEER indicates the relative amount of energy needed to provide a specific cooling output,” according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Specifically, it is the ratio of the cooling output over a typical cooling season divided by the energy consumed in watt-hours. This average is calculated over an entire cooling season using a constant indoor temperature and a variety of outdoor temperatures (ranging from the 60s to the 100s).

The U.S. Department of Energy says many older systems have SEER ratings of 6 or less. However, today’s air conditioners can have SEER ratings ranging from as low as 13 to as high as 25. Some states also have minimum SEER rating requirements; for example, Alabama’s minimum SEER requirement is 14.

The SEER rating also varies because it is a maximum efficiency rating, meaning the unit’s rating can be as high as whatever the SEER rating is; it doesn’t mean it’s always the same SEER rating. It is your unit’s maximum potential and can vary based on if you change the temperature in your home frequently or if the outdoor temperatures vary widely during the day, such as hot during the day and cooler at night.

In theory, the higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the air conditioner performs. The more energy efficient it is, the more you can potentially save on your energy bill. For example, if your current air conditioner unit’s SEER rating is 9 and you upgrade to a unit with a SEER rating of 13, the amount of power consumption could be reduced by 30% (1 – 9/13) and could save you up to a few hundred dollars a year.

Several factors go into the potential energy consumption and savings, including the type of HVAC system you have, what state you live in and the weather there during the year, the size of your home, your ductwork, how much shade your home gets, if you have a basement or slab, the color of your roof and more. Whew! That’s quite a list. You must consider all of these questions and do your research when deciding what SEER rating is best for your home. Don’t worry, the HVAC professionals at Keith Air Conditioning can help you with this.

Another way to determine energy efficiency is the EER rating or Energy Efficiency Ratio. The difference with EER is it calculates a room air conditioner unit’s efficiency and is calculated using a constant temperature and controlled environment, unlike SEER which accounts for seasonal variations. Some experts say the EER rating is a more accurate way to rate energy efficiency. Why? Because how a SEER-rated air conditioner works in the heat of summer in one part of the country will vary from how it performs in another part of the country with a different climate and weather conditions.

EER uses 95 degrees as the constant outdoor temperature, 80 degrees as the constant indoor temperature and 50% humidity. Because EER is a constant, objective standard, you can use it to compare two air conditioners without needing to worry about seasonal changes. (If you’re looking to buy a new air conditioner, check out our three tips.)

Keith Air Conditioning is here to help you sort through SEER and EER ratings and help you decide what is best for your home. Contact us at 251-517-4437 to talk through your questions today.

New home and HVAC systems | Keith Air Conditioning

Thinking about Selling Your Home? What You Need to Know

Are you thinking about selling your home? If so, is the condition of your HVAC system helping or hurting your chance of a sale? If it is in need of a repair or even replacement, what should you do? To determine your best course of action, here’s what you need to know about your HVAC system before listing your home for resale.

When you’re selling your home, it’s important to think through and make wise decisions before spending money on any renovations or upgrades to the home. You want to get the most bang for your buck!

When it comes to your HVAC system, if any components (thermostat, air conditioner, furnace and their related parts) are reaching the end of their life, you could consider updating the necessary components to maintain your family’s comfort level while still living in the home, keep energy bills in order and maintain the value of the home when selling.

The best way to determine the condition of your HVAC system is to schedule a maintenance appointment. When the HVAC professional cleans and inspects your system, he or she can inform you about your system’s condition and the expected lifespan of the components. Then you can make an informed decision about repairing or replacing anything before you sell your home.

Upgrades made to your home have various outcomes on the home’s value. Some upgrades increase the value of the home by the full amount of the upgrade cost. Others increase the home’s value by a portion of the amount spent to upgrade while others are simply maintenance type of upgrades.

Let’s look at installing a new furnace, for example. The average cost of a new furnace can be anywhere between $2,500 to $6,000 installed. Most buyers looking for a new home simply expect to find the furnace in good and safe working order. If your home is inspected and the furnace is advanced in age, a recommendation to replace it will likely be noted in the inspection report. Not replacing it could prevent some buyers from making an offer on your house or they may ask you to lower your asking price.

Something else to consider is the type of buyer. If your home has been renovated and features many improvements but the HVAC system is old, it will stick out to a potential buyer more because your home is one needing work vs. one move-in ready. However, if your home is a fixer-upper and needs work in several areas, then an old HVAC system won’t be as much of a concern to buyers looking to make a lot of changes.

Even though updating the HVAC system may or may not significantly increase your home’s value, it has several benefits. If a buyer is looking a similar home with a new system, they could easily choose the other house. Eliminating it as a factor. It makes your home as attractive as possible to buyers as well as helps lower your energy bills while you’re still living there. Some homeowners decide to replace their HVAC system a few years before they plan to sell, so they can take advantage of having the new system for a while and then when the time comes to sell, the home still has a relatively new system for the next owners. You could also take advantage of federal tax credits and rebates as well as rebates offered by utility companies and manufacturers.

There are many areas to think through and decisions to make when selling your home, and your HVAC system is an important one. Keith Air Conditioning can inspect your HVAC system and give a professional assessment on its current condition and the expected lifespan of the components, so you can make an informed decision about repairing or replacing it before you sell your home. Contact us at 251-517-4437 to discuss your questions and schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment.

Blower Fan | Keith Air Conditioning

7 Reasons Why Your Blower Fan is the Issue

Is your HVAC system running, but you do not feel any warm air coming through your vents? The blower fan may be the issue. Blower fans are critical to HVAC systems. They push hot or cold air throughout your ductwork and the house, so if they stop working, it needs to be addressed as soon as possible. There are a number of reasons why the blower fan may have an issue, including bad belts, capacitors and motors. Here are seven things to consider:

  1. Is there power to the indoor unit?
    Make sure the power switch or circuit breaker is not off. These can be located in a few places, such as on the unit itself, on a wall or your main breaker panel.
  2. Is your air filter blocked?
    You do not want a dirty, clogged air filter. Turn on the fan and see if you feel air coming out of the vents.
  3. Do you see ice?
    In air conditioning mode, check the indoor unit for ice around the evaporator coil and refrigerant lines. If the fan is not working, the coil could freeze. With a frozen coil, air will not pass through until the ice melts. You should shut off the air conditioning immediately.
  4. How old is the belt?
    Over time with a belt-driven blower motor, the belt will wear out, crack or break altogether.
  5. Did the fan relay go bad?
    When the fan relay (which powers the fan) goes bad, the fan will no longer work.
  6. Is it the capacitor?
    When a capacitor is weak, shorted or has gone bad, the motor will not run.
  7. Is it the motor itself?
    The bearings can seize up, or the motor just goes bad over time.

Homeowners can resolve issues #1 and #2 (the power and the air filter), but the rest of the issues listed above will require a professional HVAC technician’s expertise.

When it comes to the life of your HVAC system and needing repairs, you might want to consider investing in an HVAC maintenance plan with Keith Air Conditioning which provides two complete inspections each year for one low price. This is perfect to schedule one for the air conditioner in the spring and one for the furnace in the fall. One of our NATE-certified HVAC technicians (North American Technician Excellence) will work on your HVAC system. The NATE certification means the HVAC technician has surpassed rigorous requirements for excellence in HVAC maintenance, repairs and installation of all types of HVAC systems. If you need a repair, you will be at the top of our priority list, and you can receive 24/7/365 emergency air conditioner and heating repair services at no additional charge when needed. You also get a 15 percent repair discount on all parts, a one-year guarantee and priority service on the installation of a new system if ever needed. Read more about our maintenance plans.

If you have reason to believe your blower fan is not working, contact Keith Air Conditioning at 251-517-4437 to schedule an appointment with one of our HVAC technicians. For more home heating tips, check out this article from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Indoor Air Quality | Keith Air Conditioning

5 Ways Your HVAC System can Prevent Sickness

We recommend taking care of your HVAC system for so many reasons, but did you know one of the reasons is to prevent sickness? Believe it or not, your house may be making you sick! Here are five ways you can care for your HVAC system (and your family!) to prevent sickness this winter and spring.

  • Change your air filter regularly
    Changing your air filter on a regular basis is one of the easiest ways you can take care of your HVAC system and your family’s health Not only does a clean air filter help your HVAC system keep working properly, efficiently and safely, but a clean air filter helps keep your HVAC system and ductwork clean. When your air filter is dirty, it restricts airflow and causes your HVAC system to work harder. When it’s working harder, it is also harder to trap airborne pollutants from your home’s indoor air – pollutants like viruses, allergens, dust mites, dead skin, mold, pet dander and more. We recommend investing in a high-quality air filter and replacing it once a month for optimal efficiency and filtration.  If you use a washable air filter, clean it once a month during times of heavy use.
  • Clean your air vents and grilles
    When your air vents and grilles are clean, you have better airflow and cleaner air moving throughout your house. Simply turn off your HVAC system and walk around your home to see which vents and grilles need to be cleaned. You might see a dusty grille or an air vent with pet hair on it. Whatever the case may be, remove the dirty vent cover or grille and use a vacuum, soft cloth, duster or brush to clean it. If you wash it with soap and water, be sure you completely dry it afterward before putting it back in place.
  • Consider a professional duct cleaning
    Just like dirty air filters, vents or grilles, dirty air ducts lower the indoor air quality of your home and prevent your HVAC system from running most efficiently. To ensure proper duct cleaning and no damage is done to your air ducts, we recommend hiring a professional HVAC service like Keith Air Conditioning to perform this service instead of trying to do it yourself. Check out this blog post for more on how our duct cleaning works.
  • Consider an air purifier
    Air purifiers help improve indoor air quality by neutralizing viruses, bacteria, mold spores, pollen, smoke, pet dander and chemical odors. With those pollutants neutralized, you have clean air to breathe. Check out the selection of air purifiers at a home improvement store to see which is right for your home, or you can even have one installed in your home by an HVAC professional.
  • Schedule a maintenance appointment
    Make sure your HVAC system is working properly, efficiently and safely with regularly-scheduled maintenance appointments. Our HVAC technician will thoroughly clean the unit and inspect it to make sure no repairs are needed. A clean unit helps with clean air in your home.

Preventing illness in your home has a lot to do with taking good care of your HVAC system, so your indoor air quality is as clean and healthy as it can be. Check out the “Care for Your Air” guide from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for even more information on indoor air quality.

Keith Air Conditioning can assess your home’s indoor air quality, talk with you about air filters and air purifiers, service your HVAC system and perform duct cleaning if needed. Contact us at 251-517-4437 to get started today.

Woman spring cleaning | Keith Air Conditioning

4 HVAC Tips for Spring Cleaning

As winter comes to a close, it is time for spring cleaning! From dusting, vacuuming and mopping to washing windows, cleaning surfaces of all kinds, getting organized and donating old clothes, you will love starting fresh for springtime and the feeling of satisfaction you’ll have at the end of all the hard work. As you put together your to-do list, add these four items to help your HVAC system run longer and efficiently.

  • Change your air filter
    Air filters help keep your HVAC system and ductwork clean, plus they improve indoor air quality by trapping airborne particles like allergens and dust. We recommend replacing your air filter once a month for peak efficiency and filtration, or if you use a washable air filter, clean it once a month during heavy use periods. This is especially important if you live in a high pollen count area.
  • Keep windows and doors closed
    We know homeowners love to open their windows and doors in the spring to let the fresh air in. But the air isn’t so fresh. Opening windows and doors brings in outdoor allergens into your home and is especially rough for those who suffer from asthma or allergies. Keeping them closed also increases your HVAC system’s efficiency and costs you less money because air conditioning is not flowing right out of your house.
  • Buy an air purifier
    Along with high-quality air filters and your HVAC system, an air purifier helps improve your indoor air quality by neutralizing airborne allergens and other pollutants in your home. Check out the selection of air purifiers at any local home improvement store or talk to one of our HVAC technicians about installing one in your home.
  • Schedule a maintenance appointment
    We always recommend a maintenance appointment for your air conditioner in the spring. Your air conditioner works hard to keep your home cool when it is hot outside, so it is critical to take good care of it. When an air conditioner has been well taken care of, it can last around 14 years. During your maintenance appointment, the HVAC technician will clean and inspect the unit, noting any repair needs.. Consider investing in an HVAC maintenance plan with Keith Air Conditioning to make annual maintenance simple.

Bonus:
All the spring cleaning you are already going to do will benefit your HVAC system automatically! Cleaning your home regularly, including dusting, vacuuming, mopping and washing laundry, is a good way to remove allergens that we track in every day on our shoes, clothes, jackets, pets and more. Your air filter will still do its job of trapping airborne pollutants, but regular cleaning will give it a little less work to do.

For even more information on indoor air quality, check out the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) “Care for Your Air” guide.

Start fresh this spring and make sure HVAC maintenance is part of your spring cleaning to-do list. Contact Keith Air Conditioning at 251-517-4437 to schedule a maintenance appointment or to sign up for an HVAC maintenance plan.