WestAIR Heating & Cooling has been installing and servicing HVAC systems in Minnesota for more than 35 years, and we’ve seen what our harsh winters and frigid temperatures can do to heating and ventilation appliances. Without proper maintenance, you’re likely to experience costly breakdowns and high energy bills as your system struggles to keep up. So, with winter once again on its way, we’ve put together a list of helpful tips to prepare your HVAC system for the long, cold months ahead. Check out the following HVAC winterization tips to help you improve your home’s energy efficiency, avoid system emergencies, and save you money. DIY HVAC Winterization Check and Replace Air Filters: We recommend changing or cleaning your air filters once a month, but doing so before winter is especially important. Air filters can become clogged with dirt and particles over time, making your system work harder and raising your energy bills in the process. These clogs also reduce the indoor air quality in your home. WestAIR provides high-quality filters for a variety of humidifiers and air cleaners. Just make sure to turn your HVAC system off before changing filters. Clean Vents and Registers: Just like your air filters, vents and registers are prone to collecting dust and debris that can inhibit proper air circulation. Fortunately, they’re easy to clean with a vacuum cleaner or even a soft-bristled brush for more careful dust removal. Once again, turn your HVAC system off before cleaning vents. Optimize Your Thermostat: A properly programmed thermostat can go a long way toward lowering energy costs and maintaining a comfortable temperature all winter. Make sure the batteries are charged and the unit is functioning normally. We also recommend installing a smart thermostat , which allows you to program different temperatures for day and night as well as for different rooms in your home. Schedule Professional Maintenance Service Although you can take steps to winterize your HVAC system on your own, a professional inspection can identify and address further issues before they become major problems. You may notice some of these issues yourself and be unsure of how to deal with them; others, you may not notice at all. Rest assured that our technicians will make sure every component of your HVAC system is ready for winter. Here’s a checklist of items our team can take care of for you: Clean Furnace and Check Operation/Filter: We will remove soot, dust, and debris from your furnace and ensure proper functioning throughout the appliance. Clean Air Conditioner and Check Operation: We will remove dirt and dust from the indoor air handler, improving efficiency and airflow. Clean Outdoor Condenser and Check Refrigerant Charge: We will remove dirt, leaves, and other debris from the condenser coils and check refrigerant levels. Clean Air Exchange Filters and Core: We will remove dust and other contaminants and clean the core to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Check Radiant In-Floor Heating System : We will check the pressure of your in-floor heating system and make sure it is operating at maximum efficiency. Check Humidifier Filter and Drain Line: We can replace your filter if needed to prevent dry air and ensure comfortable humidity levels during the cold months ahead. Check Unit Heater Operation: We will ensure all components of your heater are functioning properly, including ignition, burner operation, and heat output. Clean Fireplace and Check Operation: We can remove soot and debris from your fireplace and make sure it’s safe to use, so you can stay warm by the fire all winter. Call WestAIR Today for More HVAC Winterization Tips Winter can wreak havoc on the unprepared HVAC system. But hopefully these HVAC winterization tips will come in handy, helping you prepare for the cold while saving money. To avoid emergency breakdowns and high energy costs, call our professional technicians for a full inspection and service.
When it comes to weather, in Minnesota, we live in a state of extremes. That’s why we rely on our homes to provide an oasis of clean air and cozy temperatures all year long. And WestAIR Heating & Cooling has you covered. Read on to learn more about the HVAC services and solutions we offer as your local source for total indoor air comfort. Home Heating Solutions The snowy and bitterly cold winters make reliable, efficient heating systems vital to our comfort, health, and safety. WestAIR offers a full range of solutions, and our expert technicians will help you find the perfect fit for your home and provide professional installation. High-efficiency furnaces warm your entire home in the most cost-effective way, leading to lower energy bills. Additionally, qualifying systems allow you to claim a federal tax credit . Radiant floor heating provide heat from the ground up instead of via forced air through vents, which eliminates air loss in ductwork. This also means dust and allergens aren’t being blown into the home and decreasing air quality. Gas fireplaces allow you to add beauty as well as comfort. Our experienced technicians will help you choose the right model, style, and finishing touches to optimize performance and ultimately boost your home’s value. Unit/garage heaters let you use your garage for more than parking. By keeping the space warm, it can be used for year-round storage, social and recreational activities, hobbies, and more. Home Cooling Solutions While our air is extremely cold and dry, the summers are full of heat and humidity. But don’t worry—we provide the same level of experience and expertise when it comes to home cooling solutions. High-efficiency air conditioning (A/C) systems deliver cost-effective cooling while also helping maintain proper humidity levels. And just like the furnaces mentioned above, many will qualify you for a federal tax credit . Ductless mini-split A/C systems require no ductwork, making them ideal for homes/spaces where adding ducts is impractical or too expensive. They can also provide heating as well as cooling. HVAC Efficiency and Indoor Air Quality Solutions Indoor air quality (IAQ) affects comfort as well as overall health. Rely on WestAIR to help ensure the air inside your home is both clean and cozy. Air exchangers help remove stale, unhealthy indoor air while simultaneously providing fresh, pre-filtered outdoor air. Air cleaners do just what the name implies: They clean the air by trapping harmful airborne particles before they can pollute the home and be breathed in by you and your loved ones. Whole house humidifiers maintain relative humidity levels, helping avoid dry-air issues such as dry skin, cracking/warping of furniture and wood, and inefficient heating. Programmable/setback thermostats allow you to pre-set temperature and humidity settings for multiple days. This allows you to maintain cost-effective comfort without constantly having to adjust the thermostat. Automatic zoning systems separate your home into zones that can be individually controlled. That way, you don’t have to waste energy and money heating/cooling areas that are rarely used. Ultraviolet (UV) light air purification systems work in conjunction with your current HVAC to eliminate viruses, bacteria, mold, and other harmful airborne pathogens for improved IAQ. HVAC Maintenance Services As your local source for all things HVAC, WestAIR also provides a full range of professional maintenance services: Annual/Routine Maintenance Duct Cleaning Inspection and Repair/Replacement Replacement Air Filters Your home should be a private escape from the extremes of Minnesota weather. We’re here to help make the best decision for you and your home, as well as ensure your systems run at peak performance and efficiency. Contact WestAIR today to learn more about our HVAC services and solutions for total indoor air comfort.
Heading south for the winter isn’t just for the birds anymore. During the winter season, the Florida population increases by more than 5 percent due to snowbirds. When it is time to pack up and head south, you should think about the ways you can keep your house, yard, and belongings safe. Let WestAIR Heating & Cooling walk you through our 2023 snowbird checklist. Winterize Your Home It is safe to say that heading south for the winter is a dream, but you shouldn’t have nightmares about things that could go wrong with your Midwestern home. You should bask in the sun, enjoy the weather, and love life. If you plan to leave your house vacant for a few months, we want to give you a few tips on how to winterize your home . Turn off your water supply. Remove all food from your pantry so you won’t find new critters roaming around. Make sure to keep your house temperature at 55°F or warmer. You can install a smart thermostat to control the temperature of your house from your phone. Unplug all electronics and appliances. Have your heating system serviced by WestAIR Heating & Cooling . Indoor Cleaning Your house contains a lot of prized valuables and treasures. Tidying up indoors and performing routine maintenance will help deter criminals and keep your house safe. To prevent fires, make sure all fire alarms are working and have new batteries. Check to make sure all your windows and outside doors are locked and draw the shades. Arrange for someone to regularly come over and check on the house. We also recommend fully cleaning your house, removing all food, and emptying all garbage cans. You don’t need indoor trespassers, either (rats, spiders, etc.). Outdoor Maintenance Outdoor maintenance matters just as much as indoor maintenance. To keep your house safe, we suggest installing Wi-Fi-enabled smart cameras . These cameras will catch any suspicious activity and send an alert straight to your smartphone. You can also install a motion sensing floodlight to discourage potential criminals. Some other outdoor maintenance we suggest is to have a snow removal company plow and shovel for you. You should also clean and bring in any outdoor furniture. Make sure to drain all pipes, faucets, and outdoor hoses to prevent the water in them from freezing and expanding. Tell the Neighbors Communicating with family, neighbors, and friends is important when snowbirding. In order for your home to stay safe and intact, you should have a few people watching over it. Smart cameras work wonders, but not when you are thousands of miles away. Neighbors can watch for suspicious activity and pick up any mail or packages delivered while you are away. Family or friends can perform weekly checks to make sure the inside of your house is secure and tidy. There are many positives to being a snowbird. For example, sunlight and warm weather can help improve your lung and heart health . There is no need to worry about straining your body while shoveling or snowplowing during a snowstorm. The warm weather helps to get you outside and spend time doing activities you love, such as walking, biking, and running. You also get the chance to explore a new town, try new things, and immerse yourself in a different culture. If you follow our 2023 snowbird checklist, you won’t need to worry when you’re away because your house, yard, and belongings will be safe and sound. We can also help keep your home safe — by making sure your heating system is in great working condition. If you are looking to have your heating system serviced or for more snowbird tips, feel free to contact WestAIR Heating & Cooling .
The weather is heating up here in Minnesota. Have you given your cooling system a test run yet? Doing so allows you to address any issues before the hot and humid summer days arrive. But how will you know if you need a repair or a replacement? Read on to learn about six signs you need a new air conditioner. Frequent Repairs and Old Age According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) , central air conditioners typically last about 15-20 years . And while occasional repairs are to be expected, having to do so frequently means you likely need a replacement. If your AC is around 15 years old and/or needs multiple service calls during the cooling season, it may be time to forget the repair bills and invest in a new cooling system . Strange Odors and/or Sounds Your AC shouldn’t be silent, but be on alert for certain noises that point to a problem: Loud grinding, squealing, or scraping noises could indicate a faulty belt, which can damage other parts if unaddressed. Frequent cycling (system turning on/off) could be caused by an improperly sized unit, a leaky ventilation system, or issues with the evaporator coils. Additionally, the air pushed out by the system should not offend your nostrils. Don’t ignore strange odors when your AC is on: Burning smells may be due to burned-out wiring or other issues with the unit’s internal pieces, which could lead to an electrical fire. Foul, rotten egg smells could indicate a gas leak that poses a serious health and safety hazard for you and your family. Musty smells could mean moisture is escaping into your ductwork and creating health risks. If you notice any of these issues, contact WestAIR ASAP to investigate and resolve the issue to keep your household safe. Moisture Buildup On/Around Condenser Unit Your AC will naturally produce some condensation, but liquids should never leak from the unit. Pooling water may be caused by a blocked or busted condensation tube and is a less serious issue. However, the refrigerant the system uses to cool the air is poisonous. Contact our expert HVAC technicians immediately if you notice any liquids on or around the condenser unit. Excess Indoor Humidity Speaking of moisture, a properly functioning cooling system should help maintain proper indoor humidity levels. If your home feels excessively humid, that’s a sign that your AC is failing and may need to be replaced. Weak, Warm, and/or Uneven Air Distribution Air conditioners should supply your entire home with cool, evenly distributed air. Warm air could be caused by a problem with the compressor or restricted airflow. If you notice uneven or weak air distribution from your vents, you may need to change/clean your filter or clean your ductwork to clear a blockage. You should schedule a professional inspection from an HVAC specialist to diagnose the exact cause and discuss the ideal solution to these problems. Higher Energy Bills Higher energy bills are to be expected as we increase the demand on our HVAC system during the cooling months. But if your bills seem to spike unreasonably, it’s likely that your AC isn’t operating efficiently and needs to be repaired or replaced. Rely on WestAIR Heating & Cooling for AC Repair and Replacement As we prepare for the hot and humid summer days ahead, now’s the time to ensure your AC is ready. Keep an eye out for these signs you need a new air conditioner when testing your system before the cooling season is in full swing. If you notice any issues, the local HVAC experts at WestAIR are here to help. Contact us to learn more and schedule service .
Spring officially began on March 20 and despite some chilly days and “surprise” snowfall, cooling season is on its way. You may be ready for the shift, but is your air conditioner? Use these spring HVAC reminders and tips to help prepare your system for the hot summer days ahead. Cleaning Tips Around the Home Whether you’ve already finished your spring cleaning or have yet to bust out the rubber gloves, don’t forget to incorporate your HVAC system into your routine: Dust and disinfect floors and hard surfaces around the home. Keeping them clean helps prevent dirt, allergens, and other airborne particles from getting inside your ductwork. Clear debris buildup from exhaust fans. After making sure the power is off, wash with soapy water and use a toothbrush to clean dirt and debris off the fan blades. Clean windows, blinds, and curtains. That way you can let in fresh air and sunlight without a producing a cloud of built-up dust whenever you open them. Dust the blades of your ceiling fans. Similarly, you don’t want dust to fly all over whenever you turn the fan on. And remember to run fans counterclockwise in the summer to blow air straight down and create a windchill effect. Clean the grills of floor registers and air vents. Use a vacuum to remove collected dust and debris. For a deeper clean, remove the vent, scrub the individual grill spaces with a rag and butter knife, and then rinse with warm soapy water. Have your Ductwork Professionally Cleaned While regular dusting, mopping, vacuuming, and cleaning of the vents and registers helps minimize the amount of debris that gets into your ductwork, there’s no way to prevent it entirely. Duct cleaning helps prevent dust, pollen, and other harmful particles from accumulating and impacting the health of your HVAC system and indoor air quality . Seal the Home Don’t let the cool air your HVAC system produces go to waste. Check windows, doors, and exterior walls for cracks and seams that could let indoor air escape and hot, humid outdoor air sneak in. Seal them with caulk to help maintain efficient cooling . …but Provide Proper Ventilation Providing fresh air and adequate ventilation are vital to maintaining indoor air quality . Open windows on nice days for natural ventilation and air flow. Consider installing an air exchanger that simultaneously removes stale, recycled indoor air while supplying fresh, filtered air from outside. Test the System & Schedule Preventative Maintenance Don’t wait for the first hot, humid day of the year to test your air conditioner. Turn the system on now to check for any issues, and schedule annual preventative maintenance with the local HVAC experts at WestAIR to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and safety. With Minnesota’s unpredictable weather, spring can feel like little more than a brief break between the last snowfall and the first hot, humid day of summer. Don’t let the window sneak by without giving your home’s air conditioner some much needed TLC! Use these spring HVAC reminders to help ensure your system is ready to keep your home cool and cozy all season long. For all your heating and cooling needs, trust the knowledgeable, experienced HVAC professionals at WestAIR . Contact us to learn more about our services .
WestAIR Heating & Cooling has been installing and servicing HVAC systems in Minnesota for more than 35 years, and we’ve seen what our harsh winters and frigid temperatures can do to heating and ventilation appliances. Without proper maintenance, you’re likely to experience costly breakdowns and high energy bills as your system struggles to keep up. So, with winter once again on its way, we’ve put together a list of helpful tips to prepare your HVAC system for the long, cold months ahead. Check out the following HVAC winterization tips to help you improve your home’s energy efficiency, avoid system emergencies, and save you money. DIY HVAC Winterization Check and Replace Air Filters: We recommend changing or cleaning your air filters once a month, but doing so before winter is especially important. Air filters can become clogged with dirt and particles over time, making your system work harder and raising your energy bills in the process. These clogs also reduce the indoor air quality in your home. WestAIR provides high-quality filters for a variety of humidifiers and air cleaners. Just make sure to turn your HVAC system off before changing filters. Clean Vents and Registers: Just like your air filters, vents and registers are prone to collecting dust and debris that can inhibit proper air circulation. Fortunately, they’re easy to clean with a vacuum cleaner or even a soft-bristled brush for more careful dust removal. Once again, turn your HVAC system off before cleaning vents. Optimize Your Thermostat: A properly programmed thermostat can go a long way toward lowering energy costs and maintaining a comfortable temperature all winter. Make sure the batteries are charged and the unit is functioning normally. We also recommend installing a smart thermostat , which allows you to program different temperatures for day and night as well as for different rooms in your home. Schedule Professional Maintenance Service Although you can take steps to winterize your HVAC system on your own, a professional inspection can identify and address further issues before they become major problems. You may notice some of these issues yourself and be unsure of how to deal with them; others, you may not notice at all. Rest assured that our technicians will make sure every component of your HVAC system is ready for winter. Here’s a checklist of items our team can take care of for you: Clean Furnace and Check Operation/Filter: We will remove soot, dust, and debris from your furnace and ensure proper functioning throughout the appliance. Clean Air Conditioner and Check Operation: We will remove dirt and dust from the indoor air handler, improving efficiency and airflow. Clean Outdoor Condenser and Check Refrigerant Charge: We will remove dirt, leaves, and other debris from the condenser coils and check refrigerant levels. Clean Air Exchange Filters and Core: We will remove dust and other contaminants and clean the core to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Check Radiant In-Floor Heating System : We will check the pressure of your in-floor heating system and make sure it is operating at maximum efficiency. Check Humidifier Filter and Drain Line: We can replace your filter if needed to prevent dry air and ensure comfortable humidity levels during the cold months ahead. Check Unit Heater Operation: We will ensure all components of your heater are functioning properly, including ignition, burner operation, and heat output. Clean Fireplace and Check Operation: We can remove soot and debris from your fireplace and make sure it’s safe to use, so you can stay warm by the fire all winter. Call WestAIR Today for More HVAC Winterization Tips Winter can wreak havoc on the unprepared HVAC system. But hopefully these HVAC winterization tips will come in handy, helping you prepare for the cold while saving money. To avoid emergency breakdowns and high energy costs, call our professional technicians for a full inspection and service.
On average, Americans spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors . That means maintaining good indoor air quality , or IAQ, is absolutely critical for staying in good health. Poor IAQ can cause and exacerbate a variety of health issues, including headaches, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Fortunately, modern technology has introduced several new ways to improve indoor air quality. With the addition of a couple of easy strategies that anyone can do, you’ll be breathing clean air in your home all year round. Install an Air Exchanger Modern homes are well-sealed and insulated to preserve temperature and energy efficiency, but this does have a downside. A tightly sealed home keeps fresh outdoor air out, while trapping stale indoor air inside. An air exchanger remedies this by delivering clean, filtered outdoor air to your home while exhausting indoor air, contaminants, and excess humidity. At WestAIR , we proudly install the Lifebreath® Ventilation System, which provides a continuous flow of air to prevent stagnation, reduce humidity, and expel gaseous pollutants. Install an Air Cleaner Indoor air tends to be much more polluted than outdoor air, often containing copious amounts of dust, pollen, spores, and other particles. An air cleaner traps dust and other irritating particles, allowing the newly cleaned air to circulate throughout your home. We provide and install AprilAire ® non-electronic and electronic air cleaners, both of which trap particles effectively and efficiently. In fact, AprilAire air cleaners trap 98 percent of visible airborne dust and other large particles while permanently capturing at least 97 percent of airborne pollen-sized particles. Install a Whole House Humidifier While not as much of an issue during the summer, our long cold seasons in Minnesota drastically reduce the moisture in the air in our homes. This dry air causes many adverse health effects, including nose, throat, and skin discomfort. Dry air can even damage wood framing and harm expensive electronics. A humidifier forces dry air through its water panel evaporator, adding moisture to your air and keeping your home at proper humidity levels. At WestAIR, we provide and install AprilAire and Honeywell® humidifiers, both of which have proven to be effective solutions to dry air. Install a UV Light Air Purifier This type of purifier produces UV rays that break through an organism’s cell wall to sufficiently damage or destroy its DNA, rendering it unable to reproduce. This is particularly effective at removing airborne pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, mold, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We are proud to be an authorized installer of BreatheCLEAN™ UV air purification systems , which install easily into your existing ductwork. The BreatheCLEAN features two 36-watt bulbs that destroy nearly all airborne disease-causing organisms. Take Advantage of Natural Ventilation One of the easiest ways to improve indoor air quality is to open up your home to outdoor air. Keep your windows and doors open when the weather is nice to allow air to cycle through. Try to do this for at least 10 minutes every day, even in the winter. During the summer, you can open your windows but keep the blinds partially closed to benefit from the fresh air without increasing heat gain from the sun. Reduce Pollutants at Their Sources The most direct way to combat indoor air pollution is by tackling them at their sources. This can be as simple as vacuuming and dusting regularly and refraining from smoking inside your home. If your home has insulation containing asbestos, seal off that area. The American Lung Association also recommends using safer cleaning alternatives when cleaning your home , such as soap and water, vinegar, and baking soda. Protect Your Home with WestAIR Stale indoor air poses many risks to your health. But with these six ways to improve indoor air quality, your home will be full of clean, fresh air. The professionals at WestAir Heating & Cooling have the experience and know-how to recommend and install the best air cleaning devices in your home so that you can have peace of mind. Call us at 763.498.8071 or visit our contact page to make an appointment.
WestAIR Heating & Cooling has been helping Minnesotans keep their homes cool, clean, and energy-efficient for over 35 years. With rising summer temperatures already impacting the Twin Cities, we want to provide some tips for staying comfortable while keeping your air conditioning bill low all season long. Keep reading to explore how to save money on air conditioning. Be Smart with Your Thermostat Your thermostat has the most direct effect on your energy costs this summer, and it’s also the most controllable factor in the cooling equation. Be strategic when adjusting its settings! Find the warmest temperature that you are comfortable with during the day and avoid setting it any lower than that. The Department of Energy recommends 78°F, but this depends on your personal preference. You may want to invest in a programmable or smart thermostat to make temperature management even easier. These devices allow you to set schedules for automatic adjustments throughout the day. For instance, you can program higher temperatures for when you’re sleeping or away at work for the day. A smart thermostat lets you fine-tune the temperature for specific rooms and even provides remote access from your smartphone. Optimize Your Air Conditioner Taking good care of your A/C unit is also key to keeping your home energy- and cost-efficient. Follow the manufacturer’s routine maintenance directions and make sure your entire system is checked twice a year by a qualified technician . A representative from WestAIR can identify problems early and keep your A/C unit running at peak performance. Remember to check your air filters regularly, too. Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing your system to work harder and use more energy. To avoid this, clean permanent filters with mild detergent every 30 to 60 days, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Replaceable 1″ filters should also be changed every 30 to 60 days, while air cleaner filters can be swapped out annually. Contact WestAIR if you require assistance checking or cleaning your filters. Keep the Heat Out The more you can prevent heat from entering your home, the less your A/C will have to work to keep it cool. You have several easy and practical ways to do this. First, close the shades and curtains on sunny windows during the day. You could also invest in blackout curtains in bedrooms, which block significant amounts of heat and light. But don’t be afraid to draw back those curtains and open a window or two when it cools off in the evening. Just remember to close them again when outdoor temperatures rise. You also want to make sure your home is sealed off and insulated, so that the cool air from your A/C won’t escape and hot air from outside won’t seep in. Check for gaps around windows and doors and repair them with weather stripping. Older windows may even have small cracks, meaning you might want to replace them entirely. Stay Cool with WestAIR Outdoor temperatures may be rising, but you don’t have to break the bank to stay comfortable. At WestAIR Heating & Cooling , we are dedicated to making sure you have access to clean air and comfortable temperatures all year long. Contact us to schedule a professional tune-up or discuss installing a new, high-efficiency air conditioner for your home.