Keeping you Cool this Summer should be a Breeze

Get your AC ready before Summer

Fall and winter maintenance tasks will help protect your home from the cold weather elements while saving you money on heating costs, but there are maintenance projects you should also complete in the spring or early summer. The thought of a scorching hot, humid summer without working air conditioning is a nightmare scenario for some people, and a reality for many others. Follow these instructions to ensure your air conditioner will be running smoothly by the time those humid summer days hit:

Shut off the power

Safety first! Before performing maintenance on your air conditioner, you’ll need to shut the power completely off to avoid the dangers of electricity and the unit’s moving parts. Turn off the power at your main breaker box, and look for an exterior shut-off box near the unit itself.

Remove debris

Using a screwdriver or wrench, remove the fan cage on the exterior condenser/compressor from the top of the unit. By hand, or with a wet/dry vacuum, clean leaves and other debris from the interior.

Clean the fins

Using a garden hose with a strong stream setting, spray through the fins from the inside out to blast any built up dirt or debris from between them. Never use a pressure washer, since the pressure can damage the fins.

Straighten the fins

Carefully straighten any bent fins using a butter knife or commercially available fin-straightening tool. Be gentle so that the tubing embedded within the fins is not damaged. Straight fins means increased efficiency due to optimal airflow.

Clean around the unit

Once you’ve finished cleaning the unit itself from the inside out, tidy up around the unit. Rake away leaves and debris and cut back any vegetation at least two feet in all directions

Change the filter. The filter in your HVAC system should be changed twice a year - once before the heating season begins and another before cooling season.

Schedule maintenance

While the above steps will help your AC stay in top shape, some maintenance items should only be performed by a trained HVAC technician. Ideally, this maintenance should be done by a professional once a year, either in the spring or fall.

Routine, professional maintenance does cost money up front, but will save you in the long run from having to fix bigger issues that may arise. Let Wheeler’s Heating & Air Conditioning perform maintenance or repair on your AC unit, or even replace your old unit for a more efficient system that can save you money each month. We provide top AC repair in Ozark at more affordable rates than our competitors. Contact us today! Call 414-839-9240 or visit us at http://www.wheelerheatingandair.com/.

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!

 

Do You Need Humidifiers, Dehumidifiers, or Both?

With winter upon us, many people notice drier indoor air. They may experience cracked skin, chapped lips, dry eyes, and sinus pain. Cold air is unable to retain much moisture to begin with, but heating the air through an HVAC system only makes it drier. Many households operate humidifiers during this time, but if moisture levels become too high in winter, you may experience window condensation and an increase of mold and mildew spores. It’s important for both comfort and health to strike the right balance in a home’s humidity level year-round.

Recommended Relative Humidity

Moisture levels in your home are measured by relative humidity (RH). A hygrometer is a relatively inexpensive, small instrument that can be easily purchased at most hardware and home merchandise stores. Hygrometers come in both analog and digital models. Some include thermometers, measuring the temperature of a given room as well as humidity, and some even feature alarms that sound when the humidity is outside a comfortable range.

Indoor air should ideally have a relative humidity level somewhere between 30-50%. In winter, the level may need to be around 40% or below to avoid window condensation and mold growth.

Humidifiers

Humidifiers add moisture to the air, usually by propelling a fine mist into the air. In winter, if the humidity level in a home falls below 30%, you or your family may experience some of the physical symptoms above. You may also notice static electricity, or the wood and leather in your home becoming dry and susceptible to cracks. Drier air feels colder, as well, so bringing up the humidity level can make you feel warmer in winter. Humidity levels can vary from room to room, so be sure to measure each room individually, and identify which rooms will benefit from a humidifier.    

Too much humidity, however, is problematic. When using humidifiers, make sure the relative humidity in each room stays within the comfort range. Heavy moisture in the air can cause a buildup of mold and dust mites, exacerbating allergy symptoms. Signs of too much moisture in the home include damp stains, blistering paint, visible mold growth, the presence of a musty or stale odor, and window condensation. If you notice signs of high humidity around your home, or consistently see high readings on your hygrometer, you may need a dehumidifier. 

Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers pull moisture out of the air, often by collecting the water from the air in a tank. It is important to change the tank daily to prevent mildew and bacteria from growing. If your home measures over 50-60% humidity, a dehumidifier will bring the level back down into a more comfortable, healthy range.   

Because humidity levels vary so much throughout the year, and even from room to room, many people choose to use both, depending on the season. Some households run a humidifier in winter, and a dehumidifier in a damp basement, for example, or in spring or fall, when the air conditioner isn’t running. If you don’t run your HVAC system very often in summer, you may choose to run a dehumidifier for comfort, or to reduce moisture in certain areas of the house.  

At Wheeler’s Heating and Air Conditioning, we care about your home’s indoor air quality. Serving the Ozarks, we are a family-owned and operated business providing residential indoor air quality products, as well as furnace, heat pump, and air conditioner repair and installation. Please visit our site or call (417) 839-9240 today to find out more!

Stay Warm this Winter: The 3 main types of attic insulation

Winter is upon us, and insulation is on the minds of many homeowners right now. With most American households seeing a rise in energy bills at this time of year, and of course, wanting to maximize home comfort, HVAC contractors get a lot of questions about heating efficiency during this time. Attic insulation is an important part of winterizing a home and increasing its warmth.

Energystar.gov estimates that 9 out of 10 attics are under-insulated. When you think about how cold air sinks and warmer air rises, it makes sense that your attic insulation is one of the first places to look if your heating bills are high and your home feels drafty and cold. Insulation can either be added by a professional contractor, or on a do-it-yourself basis. Be sure never to cover recessed lighting or vents with insulation. For more tips on laying your own attic insulation, see here.

There are three main types of attic insulation: roll-on, blown-in, and spray foam. Before adding any type of insulation, be sure to plug or seal any areas of air leakage. Putting insulation over a hole or crack in the attic space will compromise its performance.

• Roll-on insulation: This is generally the easiest type of insulation to put in yourself, but it isn’t necessarily the most efficient. Rolls of this kind of insulation usually come in fiberglass material. Rolls are pre-cut and don’t require special machinery to install. Roll-on installation is also good for covering large or long areas of the attic, but the downside is that it doesn’t conform perfectly to irregularly-shaped areas.
• Blown-in: This form of insulation comes in small pieces, which makes it the best choice for filling in gaps, small spaces, and difficult-to-reach areas. It is applied with a machine that blows the material--usually cellulose or fiberglass--into the attic space through a large hose. It can also be applied over existing insulation.   
• Spray foam: Spray foam can be the warmest option if applied correctly, but it can also be the most expensive. If applied too thick or too thin, spray foam insulation isn’t as efficient as blown-in or roll-on. As the name implies, this form of insulation involves spraying a coating of foam directly to the ceiling and walls of the attic. Spray foam, however, is a great option for sealing around vents, doors, and other drafty spots.

Wheeler’s Heating and Air Conditioning is a family-owned and operated business providing furnace, heat pump, and air conditioner service and repair in Ozark, Missouri. Visit our site or call (417) 839-9240 today to find out more. Follow our blog for more tips on how to improve your indoor air quality and maximize your home’s heating and cooling efficiency!

Ceiling Fan Operation Through the Seasons

Ceiling fans circulate the air in a room, adding to temperature comfort and a reduced need for usage of air conditioning or heating units. Depending on the season, there are tips for maximizing ceiling fan operation so that you get all the comfort and efficiency your fan can offer.

Ceiling Fan Rotation: Counterclockwise Versus Clockwise

Determine ceiling fan direction by standing under the fan and looking up. If the blades are moving counterclockwise, the fan is moving in a forward direction. In the summer, a ceiling fan should run in this direction. In winter, the direction should be switched so that it moves clockwise (backwards). The mechanics of this seasonal rule are as follows:

• Counterclockwise: This direction forces air straight downward, creating a wind chill effect that cools the room below.
• Clockwise: By changing the direction of the fan to clockwise, or backwards, the rotation creates an updraft of room air. Hot air rises naturally, so the goal is to push warm air gently back down into the room without creating the wind chill effect. This direction circulates warm air outwards so that it doesn’t blow straight down.

Ceiling Fan Speeds

Have you ever wondered why ceiling fans feature so many different speeds? In the summer when you need to cool off, high speed rotation offers the most “wind chill” effect. In winter, lower speeds in the reverse direction allow the warmer air to move away from the ceiling, down and out towards the rest of the room, without the wind chill effect created by excessive, downward air circulation.

Why, then, is the ceiling fan still able to run at a high speed in the clockwise direction? There are some instances where you might want to create the wind chill effect in reverse rotation. One example includes those who sleep under the ceiling fan who want to cool the room but not have the cold air blowing directly on them. For rooms where a table that is set up directly under a ceiling fan, it might be more comfortable to cool the room using the clockwise rotation in high speed, rather than eating or playing cards or board games with the cold air blowing straight down on the table.

Ceiling Fan Troubleshooting

If your fan isn’t creating the directional effects you want, the blades may be too flat to make a seasonal difference. You also might need a fan with a more powerful motor, or more speeds. The bottom line is that you should be able to feel cool air blowing downward on you in summer when you stand under the fan. If you don’t, it’s time to troubleshoot.

Wheeler’s Heating and Air Conditioning is a family-owned and operated business providing furnace, heat pump, and air conditioner service and repair in Ozark, Missouri. We offer the most affordable rates around, as well as emergency service at no up-charge for after hours or holiday work. Visit our site or call (417) 839-9240 today to find out more!

Understanding Smart Home Technologies

Today’s home technologies provide homeowners with a plethora of conveniences.  From ensuring your thermostat is set at the touch of a button from a remote location to lighting your home right when you need it, these devices are designed to save time and money. Here is a peek at five smart home technologies you might want to consider adding to your house.

1.     Smart thermostats – These handy devices ensure your thermostat is properly programmed no matter where you are. They quickly learn your preferences and adjust their settings accordingly to ensure your home is at the optimal temperature at any time of day. If your needs change, you can manually adjust the settings quickly and conveniently from your Smartphone.

2.     Smart vent - Keep the temperature of your rooms consistent and reduce hot or cold spots with a vent that opens and closes based on what it senses in the environment.

3.     Window air-conditioning – The smart window air conditioner redefines what you thought you knew about window A/C units. Like other smart devices it can be set using a Smartphone application and can actually determine how far you are from home and set the temperature to be just right by the time you walk through the door. It also can sync with your utility bill and offer money saving advice based on your energy usage.

4.     Connected LED remote light bulbs – Using the power of your Smartphone, a connected light bulb allows the homeowner to turn on their lights before they walk through the door or turn them off while they are away. Combine this technology with the fact that the bulb is LED and it adds up energy savings and a longer lasting light source.

5.     Personal assistant – Much like Apple’s Siri, personal assistant technology is coming to the home technology market. Brands such as Amazon’s Echo allow homeowners to get the information they need by simply asking their smart assistant. The device can answer questions about the weather, play in home music and are becoming increasing more adaptable to other smart technologies. 

At Wheeler's Heating & Air Conditioning we provide our customer with HVAC technologies to help keep their home comfortable and help them save money. If you have questions about which HVAC technology is right for you, call us today!