Welter My Shelter Air Tips

Troubleshooting Central Air Conditioner Problems

From the State Fair, to one of the remaining Twins (or St. Paul Saints) home stands, Minnesotans are busy soaking in the final sultry days and nights of summer.

And, after a long day at work or play, returning home to a cool, dry house is a refreshing as a dip in the lake. Conversely, coming home to a noisy – or worse, completely silent – air conditioner is as frustrating as the ‘Closed’ sign staked outside my favorite beach at Nokomis.

Three Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips Ensuring Twin Cities’ Summer Survival

Summer heat and humidity is no longer set to arrive in the Twin Cities, it’s officially here.  And with summer heat and humidity, a properly working central air conditioning system is a necessity to keep your home cool, dry, and comfortable.

Below, we’ve provided three tips to ensure your central air conditioner remains in full-working order  throughout the season:

1. Provide good air flow to outdoor equipment. In our spring central air conditioner checklist, we suggested trimming shrubbery to increase accessibility to your unit.  During the summer, it’s important to ensure leaves and debris are kept clear of your unit on a regular basis.  The U.S. Department of Energy recommends at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides and 5 feet on the top. 

Save Money & Protect The Environment With Energy-Efficient Furnaces & Air Conditioners

As our long winter of white seems to be safely behind us, Minneapolis/St. Paul residents are undoubtedly pleased to see green in the flowers and leaves all around the Twin Cities.

Along with the green of spring, comes the reminder that summer heat is quickly approaching.  And no matter how green it gets, a new winter is seemingly always just around the corner.  Should now be the time to install an energy-efficient air conditioner or furnace?

By replacing older air conditioners and furnaces with more energy-efficient models, homeowners across the Twin Cities can lower monthly bills while helping to protect the environment.

5 Tips For Choosing a Whole-House Air Cleaner to Fight Springtime Allergies

For Minneapolis and St. Paul residents, springtime has arrived – and for many, that means the start of allergy season.

As many as one in five Americans suffer from allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Many allergen sufferers have found relief by installing whole-house air cleaners in their homes. Adding a purifier to your allergy prevention plan can help you consistently and constantly maintain clean air in your home by capturing and removing airborne allergens.

Check out the top five ways whole-house air cleaners can ward off allergy symptoms all spring long:

Central Air Conditioner Spring Checklist

A central air conditioner, in good working order, is one of the best ways to beat the heat and humidity that accompany Minnesota summers.

And while Minneapolis and St. Paul residents may be thinking more “spring fever” than “heat wave,” there is no better time than spring to ensure your AC is up to the ensuing challenge.  Remember, AC specialists are busiest in the summer.

This spring, think summer, by completing this quick central air conditioner maintenance checklist.  If unsure how to complete any of the items below, contact a central AC professional for help.

5 Must-Read Gas Furnace Maintenance Tips

The last thing Minneapolis and St. Paul residents want during the frosty Minnesota winter is to find themselves without heat.

An annual inspection by a professional can help ensure your furnace is in good working order during the winter months. A home heating expert can provide gas furnace maintenance and service on the filter, blower motor, vents, pilot light, burner, breakers, wiring and more.

You can also help ensure your family is safe and sound – and warm – by following these 5 gas furnace maintenance tips:

Can An Air Cleaner Improve Your Family’s Health This Winter?

During cold and flu season and throughout the year, families in the Twin Cities are exposed to viruses that circulate in the air they breathe indoors, so taking measures to prevent illness makes good sense. Getting a flu shot, eliminating germs on surfaces, washing hands, and covering your mouth and nose are all important steps to avoid getting colds and the flu. But many people are still susceptible to the viruses in the air they breathe at home.

Helpful Hints for Troubleshooting Gas Furnace Problems

Winter is in high gear throughout the Twin Cities. The last thing Minnesota residents need is an ineffective furnace. Gas furnace problems are not only annoying, but potentially dangerous as well.

Make sure your gas furnace keeps your family warm and comfortable all winter long by following our advice below for troubleshooting gas furnace problems:

Problem: My home furnace isn’t producing enough heat.

Solution: Unfortunately, this problem is a common one, especially considering the heat necessary to stay warm in negative temperatures. It might be a matter of a dirty air filter that needs to be replaced. Or, your gas burner could be dirty or needing adjustment. In that case, contact a heating expert to adjust the burners.

Is Your Home’s Gas Furnace Efficient?

High home heating bills – they’re an unfortunate but common reality for Minneapolis residents each winter.

With a rise in natural gas costs playing the role of the villain, an inefficient gas furnace is a worthy collaborator, costing some homeowners as much as 40% in additional heating costs. With older furnaces, heat can be wasted through the exhaust.  This makes the furnace itself warm, but leaves it unable to produce usable heat.

But just how do you know if it’s time to replace your current unit with a new, more energy-efficient gas furnace?

Eliminate Indoor Dry Air This Winter with a Whole-Home Humidifier

Keep your family comfy and cozy this winter with a whole-home humidifier.

Keep your family comfy and cozy this winter with a whole-home humidifier.

With winter fast approaching, it’s only a matter of time before homeowners and renters in Minneapolis, and throughout Minnesota, start to crank up their furnaces to escape the dropping temperatures outdoors.

While furnaces provide much-needed warmth, they can also lead to severe indoor dry air – causing irritation and discomfort for family members and potentially damaging your home.

The solution? Whole-home humidifiers, which return moisture to the heated air to increase comfort levels and protect a home’s finishes.

Check out the top 5 benefits of whole-home humidifiers: