How to Combat Common Irritants When Heating Your Home

While the temperatures continue to drop outside, it’s only natural to want the temperatures inside to rise. As winter continues, we tend to do whatever it takes to stay warm and comfortable whenever we’re indoors, and that often means setting our thermostats to a higher than normal internal temperature.

Sounds like a flawless plan, right? When you’re cold, simply turn up the heat in your home or office, and you have what it takes to beat winter! Well, not exactly. When the weather inside becomes even just a few degrees warmer than normal, that temperature fluctuation can have drastic consequences on you and your body.

Here are a few common irritants that often come with turning up the heat in your home.

Use a Humidifier

Although your home’s heating system will bring needed comfort from the bitter cold, that doesn’t mean the price you have to pay is allergies and dry skin. Why does this happen? The higher the temperatures, the less moisture there is in the air, and that often leads to cracked lips, irritated skin, and even the occasional sore throat.

This is where a humidifier in your home will help significantly. Humidifiers will deliver the necessary moisture needed in the air, all without sacrificing the cozy feeling you’re looking for.

Try a Space Heater

While space heaters are a great option to create warmth in your home without turning on the furnace, we highly recommend you use one without a fan. Fans in space heaters can easily circulate excess dirt and dust in your home.

Instead, go for a micathermic heater or an infrared space heater. Micathermic heaters are quiet, efficient, and heat indoor rooms evenly without fans. Infrared heaters, which use energy waves to transfer heat directly onto people or objects, are great for warming areas directly in front of the heating unit.

While it may feel good to turn the temperature up in your home this winter, proceed with caution. The more you know about how heating can lead to dry skin and allergens, the more you can do to not only combat those potential issues and stay cozy and healthy all season long. For more information on how you can heat your home safely, trust your friends and experts at Wheeler Heating and Air. Reach us today at 417-839-9240 or at wheelerheatingandair@gmail.com.

Your Furnace Broke: What you can do to Stay Warm

You wake up inside your own home and see your breath, you run to the thermostat and see that it is forty degrees in your house and the thermostat says the furnace is on. Instead of panicking and spending money at a hotel, use this guide to stay warm.

First, call Wheelers Heating and Air Conditioning.  We are available 24/7, and there is not an extra fee for after hours, holidays, or weekends. Then concentrate on getting yourself warm.

• Wearing thin layers under your sweater and then your coat will trap in extra heat.

• Eat and drink hot food and drinks; this will keep your internal temperature warm.

• Use a hair dryer for parts of your body that will not warm up.

• Move around, do jumping jacks, run in place.

• Wrap in extra blankets, especially if you have an electric one.

Now that you are warm and you need to keep moving, work on getting your house warm again.

• Make sure your storm windows and main windows are shut properly. You may want to add plastic to them for extra protection.

• Is it a sunny day? Open the drapes and let the sun in during the day.

• Close your drapes at night to keep the heat in that specific room.

• Check for drafts near doorways. Use a towel and block the bottom of the door. You can also seal your doors with weather stripping.

• Shut all doors to unused rooms. Doing this will stop the air from circulating as much, which will reduce heat loss.

• Seal the heater vents, that way when the furnace does turn on, you can heat the main rooms that you are living in first.

• Turn on the lights. Up to 95% of the light bulb's energy is heat.

• Light candles around the room you are staying in, they are a heat source.

• Do you have a fireplace? Light a fire and try to stay in that room the most.

Now that you have contacted Wheelers Heating & Air Conditioning at 417-839-9240, you can also email us at wheelerheatingandair@gmail.com to schedule a free home estimate. We pay attention to every detail, and we want you and your family to stay warm throughout the year.

Sources:

www.home.bt.com

www.wheelerheatingandair.com

www.ricksheatingandcooling.com

www.shiptons.com

Keeping Your Home Warm all Winter Long

Fall is in the air in Missouri. A sure sign that winter is not far behind, bringing cold temperatures that try to seep into your home. Keeping your home warm in the winter can be difficult and expensive. Knowing some tricks could save you big on energy costs.

• Programmable thermostat – These handy devices keep your house toasty warm, just when you need it. Set your thermostat to warm up just before you wake and turn down when you head to bed. If you work outside the home, program it to turn down when you are away and warm up when you are heading home. Many of these smart devices can even been synced to your smartphone so you can adjust the heat remotely.
• Let the sun shine in – Let Mother Nature do her part to keep your home warm. When the sun is shining, open up the curtains and heat your rooms naturally. Even when it is bitter cold outside, the sun’s rays can warm your home a few degrees.
• Curtains – If you have rooms that don’t get sunshine during the day, close the curtains. Curtains serve as a blanket for your windows, keeping the cold temperatures out. In addition, close your drapes in the evening when your home loses heat.   
• Watch your fire – Unless a fireplace is tied into your heating system as in the case of a water heated home, it can actually make your home colder. A fireplace that is too close to the thermostat can turn the heat off, making other areas of the home very cold. In addition, be sure your fireplace has doors to keep some of the warm air from escaping up the chimney. Finally, when the fireplace is not in use, be sure the flue is closed.
• Reveres fans – Most ceiling fans are designed to go in two directions. On direction sucks warm air off the floor, cooling the house, while the other pushes warm air off the ceiling and back down to the floor. Be sure your ceiling fan is operating in a clockwise direction to move as much warm air as possible back to your living areas.
• Clear the vents – If you have furniture near heating vents, move them away so the air is able to circulate freely.

Not sure if your furnace is ready? Contact Wheeler Heating and Air Conditioning before old man winter comes to visit.

Properly Start your Furnace Before this Holiday Season

Are you starting to feel a chill in the air? Are you waiting for someone else in your house to turn on the furnace? After this article, you will be able to turn on your furnace with confidence and ease.

Before you do anything, you’ll need to perform a few easy maintenance steps:

• Change the batteries on the thermostat.
• Check the batteries on both the smoke detector and the carbon monoxide detector.
• Clean out any of the dust and debris that has collected during the off-months from your filter and blower system.
• Clean the dust and debris from the air vents by using a vacuum. Try using extensions to get as deep as you can in the ductwork.
• Make sure you have a good seal around any windows and doors. Drafty openings can lead to inefficiencies.  
• Don’t forget to schedule a fall maintenance check with your local HVAC provider, Wheeler Heating & Cooling.

Starting your Furnace

Electric Furnace:

There are two locations.

The first location is your circuit box. There should be a switch labeled for your furnace and or HVAC system. Flip that to the “ON” position.

The second location is the furnace switch, it is usually on your furnace or next to it. Reference your furnace manual to find the exact location, each furnace is made differently. Switch that to the “ON” position. You should be heating your home within a matter of minutes.

Gas Furnace:

The pilot light will need to be turned on. Every furnace will be a little different when it comes to the pilot light, so consult the manual or search online for your furnace's specific make. When you Identify the switch, hold it down and you will hear a clicking sound. A flame will appear, success! Your furnace is turned on. You can feel confident starting the furnace and stay warm this winter season.

Are you not feeling warm throughout your home,  or you do not see your thermostat temperature moving up? Please give Wheeler Heating & Cooling a call at 417-839-9240. We have 24-hour emergency services. We also service natural gas, propane, and electric furnaces.

Sources:

www.hvactips-and-tricks.com

www.wheelerheatingandcooling.com

www.airductors.net

Types of Air Conditioners and Which One is Right for Your Home

Not all air conditioners are created equal. Some are better for residential areas while others fair better in a commercial setting. Knowing what type of air conditioning system works best for your environment will save you a lot of time and money.

There are 4 different, basic kinds of air conditioners for homes and businesses.

1. Window air conditioner - The Spruce states that it’s technically a unitary conditioner. This means that it is a self-contained air conditioning unit that sits in a window. If there wasn’t a window, it would still need some kind of hole to the outside world. This limits not only the space you can use this type of air conditioner but also limits the amount of space that can be cooled as the unit is centralized to one area.
2. Split air conditioner -This is a ductless system or a “packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC).” The split system is like the name, it’s split into two parts, usually far away from each other. Tubes that are refrigerated connect to both units. The condensing unit sits on the outside of your house and has a compressor, condenser and a condenser fan. The interior of your house will have the other half of the system, which contains the evaporator unit, the fan, expansion valve, and evaporator coil.
3. Portable air conditioner - A mobile, self-contained air conditioning system. You can put this unit where ever you want! This one unit air conditioning system releases heat with a hose vent. However, it’s a lot noisier and won’t release as much heat or cold air.
4. Central air conditioning - This is one of the most effective cooling solutions for your home; however, it’s also the most expensive. It’s quiet and gets the job done if you choose the right sized unit. The size of your home highly affects the size of unit you need. Like the split system, it's made of two different units, one inside and one outside, using refrigerant tubing.

Wheeler’s Heating and Air Conditioning is a family owned and ran business. We will provide quality service in whatever we do, to treat you just like family! We are available 24/7 and will never charge you an extra fee for after hours, holidays, or weekends. We also offer free in-home estimates and pay attention to the details.  Wheeler's Heating and Air Conditioning is a company you can trust. We provide installation and repair of air conditioning units. It’s important to know all the different kinds of systems before installing and choosing what’s right for you!

Stop by Wheeler’s Heating and Air Conditioning today! For more information visit our website at wheelerheatingandair.com or give us a call at 417-839-9240

When is it Time to Replace your Air Conditioner?

When it comes to your air conditioner, it’s often a case of “there’s more than meets the eye.” On the outside, your system may seem to appear and be functioning the way it always does. But you never know if there are hidden threats and malfunctions that are lurking below the surface. And when it comes to a problem with your air conditioning system, no matter how insignificant an issue may seem, it may have big consequences on  your wallet. 

We at Wheeler’s Heating and Air Conditioning know that just because we have an expert eye, and can spot an issue with an air conditioning system easily, doesn’t mean our customers can. We want to make sure that we address any potential problems with your system quickly and efficiently. 

Not sure if your air conditioner is still operating in the highest quality condition?  We are here to help! Until we can pay you a visit in person and take a look at your unit first hand, here are a few common warning signs and questions you can be aware of. This is what our expert team most often gets asked when it comes to air conditioners and when a repair or replacement may be needed. 

1.  How old is my air conditioner?

One of the biggest warning signs that you may be in need of a new air conditioner is its age. Even though a typical, well-maintained air conditioner on average lasts around 15 years, we’d recommend that if your air conditioner is older than 10 years old, you consider replacing it sooner rather than later.

2.  Are you satisfied with the temperature of your home?

If you have a hard time maintaining a comfortable, cool temperature in your home, especially during these warm summer months, that is a good warning sign that you may be in need of a new air conditioner.

3.  When was the last time your air conditioner broke down?

If it seems that your air conditioner is never working properly working of frequently stops working altogether, a replacement system is highly recommended. Think of it this way; small, frequent repair costs add up to one large cost, so isn’t it logical to just replace your system and have no future repairs?

4.  Is your air conditioner energy efficient?

Pay attention to the SEER rating on your air conditioner, or the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The lower the rating, the higher cost for you when it comes to monthly energy bills and future repairs. We recommend your SEER rating be a minimum of 13.

If any of these warning signs are relevant to your home’s air conditioner, don’t wait to call your expert team at Wheeler’s Heating and Air Conditioning! Trust us to make sure your system is in proper working order during these summer months and beyond. Call us today at 417-839-9240 or email us at wheelerheatingandair@gmail.com to schedule an upcoming inspection.

Stay Cool with these Summer AC Tips

Summer is here, days are longer, the kids are out of school, and the mercury is starting to climb - all  sure signs that air conditioning season is back upon us. Whether your AC unit is brand new or if it’s seen a few summers, there are things every homeowner can do to ensure that your AC keeps running smoothly and cost-effectively, year after year. 

 

Professional Maintenance is Key

 

Each spring, schedule a routine maintenance appointment with a reputable HVAC specialist. At this appointment, filters will be checked and changed, evaporator coils and the condenser will be cleaned, and refrigerant levels will be checked. If necessary, additional refrigerant will be added. Mud, dirt, and debris that have accumulated over the winter and can clog the condenser will be cleaned out, drain lines will be cleared, and the air conditioner will be checked for safety. Your HVAC specialist will also check your thermostat at this time to ensure that all of your controls are working properly and that your AC unit is as energy efficient as possible.

 

Improve AC Performance During the Summer

 

Once summer is here, there are many things that you can do to help your AC perform better and more efficiently. Sun beaming through the windows is a sure way to force your AC to work harder, so be sure to keep curtains closed during the daylight hours. Reduce heat from other sources by turning lights off when not in use and scheduling “hot” chores such as laundry and cooking for the cooler hours of the day. Keep ceiling fans on and, in rooms without a fan, use inexpensive portable fans to circulate the air. If you have rooms in your home that aren’t used on a regular basis (like a guest room), turn those AC vents to the off position and close the door. 

 

Your air conditioner filter is responsible for allowing air to flow freely from your air conditioning unit. Because the filter traps particles before allowing the cool air into your home, over time it will get clogged and efficiency will be compromised. Avoid this by changing your AC filter monthly during the summer months while it is in use. Installing a programmable thermostat allows you to control your AC usage by increasing the temperature when no one is home, and restoring a comfortable temperature when people are at home. Programmable thermostats are a great way to save money on your energy bill without sacrificing comfort. 

 

At Wheeler’s Heating and Air Conditioning, we specialize in air conditioner maintenance and repair. Visit us online today, or give us a call at 417-839-9240. 

Plants: The Solution to Indoor Air Pollution

The Problem

 

According to The National Center for Biotechnology Information, the average person spends 90% of their time indoors. And that means you need to make sure that you are living in a healthy breathing environment to prevent illness and indoor air pollution. To begin detoxifying your air, it’s best to start by giving each room in your house proper ventilation. Poor ventilation can create bad air conditions and eventually make you sick with a disease called  "sick building syndrome," which can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and eye, ear, and nose irritation, as stated by greatist.com. Upholstery or coverings, furniture, and manufactured cleaning products could be contaminating your air and releasing toxic compounds. After those products release air pollution, the toxic compounds stay in the air if the area is poorly ventilated. 

 

The Solution 

 

Indoor air pollutants come from common household objects and poor ventilation. These pollutants are a risk to the environment and your overall personal health. Luckily, according to NASA, indoor plants have become the solution. The National Center for Biotechnology Information calls indoor plants, “nature’s life support system.” The basic plant photosynthesis process removes toxins from air and soil, along with carbon dioxide, like they do outside. So, it makes sense that healthy air starts with plants. 

Plants That are Easy to Manage

 

Here’s a list created by greatist.com on the best indoor plants that are easy to take care of and will help remove toxic compounds from the air:

 

1. Garden Mum
2. Spider Plant
3. Dracaena 
4. Ficus/Weeping Fig
5. Peace Lily
6. Boston Fern
7. Snake Plant
8. Bamboo Palm
9. Aloe Vera 

 

With these plants you can easily make your living environment have a healthier breathing atmosphere for your lungs. An easy solution of having indoor plants can prevent long term problems that could result in chronic diseases like asthma. 

 

Wheeler’s Heating and Air Conditioning is all about the air being released into your home and we want to make sure you are living in a healthy, safe, environment. With our wide range of air quality products, we can help fight indoor air pollution in your home today! Along with air quality control, we provide other services such as installation of new air conditioner and furnaces. We can repair electric heat, gas furnaces, and air to air heat pumps. For more information visit our website at http://www.wheelerheatingandair.com/. Or give us a call at ​417-839-9240! 

Spring is Here - Is your Air Conditioner Ready?

Spring is in the air here in Ozark region of Missouri. While the heat of summer seems like it is a long way off, it will be here sooner than you think. Making sure your air conditioner is ready for summer is important if you want to enjoy cool comfort when the heat and humidity hit. Giving your AC a spring check up should be at the top of your to-do list.

 

What a Check up might include

 

• Full system inspection – A diagnostic test of the entire AC unit should be conducted to ensure that all parts are working effectively.
• Cleaning of any dirt or other build up on the coils  – Leaves from the fall and dirt and debris over the winter can get into the coils and can reduce efficiency.
• Lubrication of moving parts – Just like any other piece of machinery, your air conditioner has a lot of moving parts that must be properly lubricated to move efficiently.
• Air filter replacement – A clogged air filter can reduce airflow and burn out the motor in the AC unit. Additionally, it can blow dirt throughout your entire ventilation system.
• Thermostat controls and wiring – Be sure that the controls and wiring is in good shape to maintain efficiency of your AC unit.
• Condenser Cleaning – Remove debris and ensure that your condenser
  is ready for the demands constant use during the warm summer months.

 

While it might seem like a check up for your air conditioner is an added and unnecessary expense, taking the time to properly care for small things now could save you big money in the future. And, with the warm weather here in Missouri, it could also spare you several days of discomfort waiting for repairs on an AC unit that has suffered a break down or needs to be completely replaced.

 

To be sure that your home is ready for the upcoming heat and humidity of the summer months, a springtime air conditioning system check up is essential. Contact the experts at Wheeler’s Heating and Air Conditioning and ask about our spring cleaning special to prepare your AC unit for summer.

Get More For Your Money: Why Newer, More Efficient Equipment Pays Off

Not sure what to spend your tax return on this year? Why not consider upgrading your current heating and cooling system to an energy-tax-credit-eligible system. New equipment can allow you to reap the benefits of a more efficient unit, lower monthly energy bills, and yearly tax credits.

Consider the Savings

The tax credit makes it a little easier to do what you most likely will have to do anyway. By upgrading your HVAC system to energy-efficient units, you can cut your utility costs, on average, by 20% or $200 annually. Although the initial cost may be more than you’d like to spend, it is a wise investment. The savings will pay off over time - and you can feel good about increasing your comfort level at home and lowering your household’s drain on non-renewable fossil fuels. Meanwhile, you will increase the resale value of your home by replacing your old equipment. 

Do Your Homework

Not all heating and cooling systems are created equal. An Energy Star sticker doesn’t automatically qualify you for tax credits. You can go to the Energy Star website, but please note that at anytime the annual fuel utilization efficiency ratings (AFUE) can be updated. The better way to find tax credit eligible systems is to ask your HVAC Contractor, as they will be aware of the most current standards. To verify tax credit eligibility, ask your HVAC contractor to provide the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement for the equipment you plan to purchase. 

Look for Rebates

Your state or local utility company may offer rebates or incentives for replacing your old HVAC system. If they both offer promotions, submit for the pair and relish in savings on your new equipment. You can also review any current rebate offers from the leading HVAC manufacturers, such as Trane, Carrier, and Lennox.

Go Ahead and File

File Tax Form 5695 with your tax return along with the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement. You cannot file without the MCS, so it is imperative that you have this document along. Pay attention to detail on the tax form, as it can be confusing.

If you are struggling with the idea of whether or not to replace your current HVAC system, keep in mind the overall savings and comfort that come with it. You may find you will save enough in energy costs to easily justify the cost. Spring is a great time to have your new system installed, when HVAC contractors aren't as busy. 

To learn more about upgrading to a more efficient heating and cooling system, please visit Wheeler’s Heating & Air Conditioning website or call 417-839-9240. 

A Spring Cleaning is in Need for Your Home and Appliances

Do you have a case of the “winter blues?” If yes, you are certainly not alone—it happens to countless people around this time of year. When February strikes, it seems that winter has not only lasted far too long, but that it will never end. Be assured that the end of winter is approaching quicker than you realize which means spring is thankfully around the corner!

With the arrival of spring, a multitude of challenges can present themselves in the form of harmful pollens. We are all too familiar with allergies and how they personally impact us. There are fortunately ways to combat allergies, and it often starts with the condition of your home. While keeping a clean home is always crucial, it is especially essential in the spring season to help minimize your allergy symptoms.  The best visible ways to clean your home and keep it in top condition are to scrub and disinfect products and materials where pollen can easily attach. These would include your home’s carpets, floors, and draperies. And don’t forget to pay attention to your home’s appliances—they also must be cleaned to help prevent your allergy symptoms!

A clean house is just the start to helping you fight allergies in the coming months. Not only is a thorough cleaning of your home’s floors, carpets, and draperies a strong strategy, but you must also carefully consider the condition of the air in your home. That’s where your friends and experts at Wheeler’s Heating and Air Conditioning come into the picture! Known for our reliable and affordable service, our team can expertly examine and repair your air pumps, air heat pumps, gas furnaces, and electric heating systems to get you safely through spring. On top of that, we are also proud to offer a wide variety of indoor air quality products. And the best part of all? All of these outstanding service offerings begin with a free in-home estimate!

Count on us to get you through the spring season! Be sure to contact Wheeler’s Heating and Air Conditioning for all of your Heating and Cooling repair needs! Give us a call 417-839-9240!