Blog Day: April 10, 2025

As the cooler weather approaches, homeowners need to consider the importance of preparing their air conditioners for winter. This maintenance is essential even if you plan on not using them for the next few months.  Proper care extends the lifespan of your air conditioning unit and ensures its efficiency and readiness for when the warmer weather returns. Let’s explore the best practices to winterize your air conditioner to make sure it remains in optimal condition. Turn Off the Unit This step is the first thing to do before you clean your AC. Cutting off the power to the system will also prevent it from switching on during unusually warm winter days, which can be unnecessary and cause wear. Clean the System Before the cold season sets in, clear any accumulated debris, such as leaves and dirt, from around the unit to avoid blockages and possible damage. Additionally, trim any branches or bushes that have grown too close to your outdoor equipment. Ensure at least a few feet of clear space on every side for safety and efficiency. Change or Remove Dirt From the Air Filters Your air conditioner’s filter probably needs some attention after working hard throughout the summer to keep you cool. It’s recommended that most AC filters be cleaned or replaced once a year to enhance energy efficiency.  If it’s time to replace yours, install the new filter into the system right away, saving you the hassle when summer rolls around again. For those with a reusable filter, a rinse under running water and soaking it will ensure a thorough cleaning. Cover the Unit  To prepare your AC for winter, place a breathable material over the top of the outdoor unit to safeguard it against snow, ice, and debris. This method helps prevent moisture from building up, and it can be as straightforward as using a piece of plywood with a weight on top to secure it.  Set a Date for Professional Maintenance It’s crucial to perform regular seasonal maintenance to avoid potential issues and ensure your system is running at its best. Make a point to arrange for an end-of-season maintenance with a qualified HVAC technician. They can identify any possible concerns and prepare your unit for the upcoming winter. Choose Haha’s Heating and Cooling LLC Ready to ensure your air conditioner is set for the colder months ahead? Winterizing your AC is crucial, and there’s no better team to trust with this than Haha’s Heating and Cooling LLC in Gladstone, Missouri. Our skilled technicians are experts at preparing your system to ensure it’s in peak condition, saving you from potential issues when you need it the most. Contact us today to winterize your air conditioner and enjoy peace of mind all season long.

A cold house is hardly anyone’s preference during chilly weather. Your breath turning to mist as you enter a room is hardly welcoming, driving you to try anything to warm up your home quickly. Yet, a few practices might be hiking up your energy costs without you realizing it. Let’s explore some common mistakes made in heating homes, from running the heat continuously to ignoring heater maintenance, and how you can avoid them moving forward. Keeping the Heat on Constantly Apart from being costly, leaving the heat on when your house is empty also wears down your heating system. Turn off the thermostat when you go out, and consider installing a smart or programmable one to save on costs without sacrificing comfort. These thermostats can modify the temperature based on your set schedule and automatically warm up your home before you return. Turning Up the Heat While it might be tempting to raise the temperature higher than usual, keeping it steady or gradually increasing the heat as needed is much more effective at warming up your home. Instead of overworking your heating system for cold rooms, consider a portable space heater or install a ductless air handler for more efficient, zoned temperature control. Letting Heat Escape Allowing drafts into your home means losing heat. Examine every window and door for signs that they might require caulking, weather stripping, window film, or door sweeps. In some cases, particularly with single-pane windows, a complete replacement may be necessary. Moreover, if there’s rot, cracks, or damage present around the window’s jamb and casing, replacing the window frames is also needed. Closing Air Vents in Unused Rooms Shutting vents in empty spaces might seem like a way to save money, but this could actually cause problems with circulation and potentially lead to costly repairs. You could run into possible heating system issues, such as carbon monoxide leaks or damaged ductwork. Neglecting Heater Maintenance Like most systems with working components, your heating unit requires regular upkeep. Ensuring your equipment operates optimally can maximize efficiency and help avoid expensive repairs down the line. With regular check-ups, you can identify and address problems with your heater that cause increased bills. Contact Us for a Warmer and More Cost-Effective Home As the chill of winter draws near, ensuring your living space stays cozy and warm is more important than ever. Contact Haha’s Heating and Cooling LLC in Gladstone, Missouri to ensure your home heating system runs smoothly and efficiently all season long. Whether you need a routine check-up or emergency heating repair, our experienced technicians are here to help.

Many homeowners rely on their HVAC systems to provide much-needed warmth during winter. However, like any other home appliance, heating units are susceptible to wear and tear. They can and do fail, often when we need them the most. This reality underscores the importance of being aware of common heater problems and understanding when it might be time for heater repair. In this article, we cover some of the typical issues that can arise with your heating system. We aim to help you be better prepared and know what to expect when it’s time to use it this winter. Furnace Fails to IgniteAs soon as activated, your unit should start heating once the thermostat’s set temperature is reached. The process begins with the thermostat signaling the ignition system to start the burners. If it fails, however, your home won’t get the necessary heat. Some potential reasons for this issue include a malfunctioning ignitor, dirty electronic ignition, or damaged light switch. The Heating System Won’t Activate Homeowners often worry that a malfunction indicates their furnace or heat pump is failing. However, this concern doesn’t always signal a significant problem. Occasionally, minor issues can stop the unit from turning on, such as the thermostat or the equipment itself not receiving power, or the blower compartment door being open. Cool Air Blows From Vents If your system is blowing cold air when it should be heating, several problems could be causing it. Issues can include improper blower fan configurations, a failing ignition system, significant leaks in the ductwork, or a shortage of fuel. Furnace Emits a Burning Odor You might notice a burnt smell when you first turn on your furnace for the season. This scent is typically due to a slight accumulation of dust burning off within the system. However, if this odor persists beyond the initial few hours of use, it could signal problems such as clogged air filters, electrical wiring complications, or an overheating motor. The Heating Equipment Short CyclesTypically, a furnace should operate in cycles lasting between 10 and 15 minutes each. However, if you notice that it turns on and then shuts down again after only a few minutes or seconds, it is short cycling. This problem can be due to factors such as inadequate airflow, a blocked fuel line, or a faulty flame sensor. No or Low Airflow From VentsWhen your system isn’t providing sufficient heat to all areas of your house, problems with airflow might be to blame. Several factors can restrict airflow, such as shut vent registers, blockages within the ductwork, and clogged furnace filters. Warm Up Your Winter With Expert Heater Repair If your HVAC system is showing any of the signs mentioned, contact us at Haha’s Heating and Cooling LLC in Gladstone, Missouri. We’re dedicated to ensuring your home remains cozy all winter long. With our commitment to client satisfaction and exceptional service, your comfort is in good hands.

Purchasing and installing a new air conditioner or heat pump can be a significant investment. Thankfully, many HVAC service providers offer maintenance plans to help avoid those expenses. The programs may appear unnecessary to some, but the advantages significantly outweigh the costs. With consistent maintenance, you can ensure that your HVAC system operates at peak efficiency, prolong its service life, and ultimately enjoy cost savings over time. Let’s explore convincing arguments in favor of the value provided by HVAC maintenance plans. Boosted Performance and Energy SavingsKeeping your HVAC system in top condition ensures it runs as efficiently as possible. This approach lowers energy usage and reduces utility bills. Consequently, it helps decrease your environmental impact, making your living space both comfortable and eco-conscious. Prolonged Lifespan and DependabilityThere’s hardly anything more aggravating and costlier than a heater or air conditioner failing or requiring an early replacement. Through consistent upkeep, you can dramatically lower the chance of encountering these problems. Maintaining your HVAC system extends its durability and dependability. Guaranteed Warranty ValidationAnnual maintenance is often necessary to keep your heating and air conditioning systems’ manufacturer warranties valid. Investing in an HVAC maintenance plan can help you comply with these requirements and assure you that your equipment is in good condition. Reduced ExpensesThrough regular maintenance, minor issues can be detected and resolved before they turn into major, expensive problems. Moreover, many HVAC maintenance plans provide discounts on parts and repairs, further lowering the overall cost. Enhanced Indoor Air QualityA poorly maintained HVAC system can become a home for mold, bacteria, and various pollutants, which can then spread across your living spaces. Routine upkeep is essential to prevent this. Your plan should include cleaning or changing air filters, checking the ductwork, and making sure all parts are clear of dust and particles. Such maintenance enhances the quality of air and promotes a healthier home environment for you and your family. Invest in Our Preventive Maintenance Plans TodayReady to give your HVAC system the professional care it deserves? Secure a maintenance plan with Haha’s Heating and Cooling LLC in Gladstone, Missouri to guarantee a cozy and healthier atmosphere in your home without breaking the bank. You can trust us to help you enjoy the tranquility that comes from knowing your heating and cooling needs are expertly managed. Contact us today for comprehensive HVAC inspections and ensure your system operates smoothly year-round.

Is there anything worse than opening your electric bill on a hot summer day? The spike in cost is often due to your air conditioner running non-stop. Cooling your home is costly. The good news? You can take control. This guide gives you simple ways to lower those AC bills. Let’s dive in and save some money! Understanding Your AC System and Energy Consumption Air conditioners cool your home by moving heat outside. This process uses a lot of electricity. It’s important to know how your AC works to lower your energy use. What impacts how much energy you are using? Types of AC Systems and Efficiency Ratings Central AC cools your whole house using ducts. Window units cool a single room. Ductless mini-splits target specific areas. Each type has a SEER rating. SEER measures cooling efficiency. Higher SEER ratings mean more energy savings. Look for Energy Star certified models. They use less energy. Factors Affecting AC Energy Usage Thermostat settings matter a lot. The lower the temperature, the more energy your AC uses. Insulation plays a big role, too. Poor insulation lets heat in, making your AC work harder. Home size and climate also impact energy use. Larger homes in hotter climates need more cooling power. Calculate Your Current AC Energy Usage Want to know how much energy your AC sucks up? You can estimate it! Find your AC unit’s wattage. This is on the unit or in its manual. Then, track how many hours it runs each day. Multiply wattage by hours used. Divide by 1000 to get kilowatt-hours (kWh). Finally, multiply kWh by your electricity rate. Your utility bill has this figure. Formula: (Wattage x Hours Used) / 1000 x Electricity Rate = Daily Cost This calculation gives you a rough idea. It helps you see how much each degree of cooling costs you. Simple & Effective Thermostat Strategies Your thermostat is your AC’s control center. Small changes here can equal big savings. Adjust it wisely. Optimize Thermostat Settings for Savings Set your thermostat to the highest comfortable temperature. The Department of Energy recommends 78°F when you’re home. Bump it up to 82°F or 85°F when you’re away. Energy-saving modes are useful. They automatically adjust the temperature to save energy. Smart thermostats learn your habits. Then, they create a custom schedule for you. The Power of Scheduling Programming your thermostat is a game-changer. Set it to automatically adjust when you’re not home. Cool the house just before you return. Many smart thermostats have this feature. Schedule it and forget it. Short Term Thermostat Adjustments Going out for a few hours? Raise the thermostat a few degrees before you leave. Lower it when you’re about to come back. This stops wasting energy on an empty house. Even a few degrees makes a difference. Home Improvements for AC Efficiency Home improvements can greatly reduce your AC’s workload. Seal up your house. Keep the cool air in. Seal Air Leaks and Improve Insulation Air leaks let cool air escape and warm air in. Seal them with caulk. Focus on windows and doors. Weather stripping also helps. Insulation is key. Add insulation to your attic and walls. Good insulation keeps heat out in the summer and in during winter. Window Treatments to Block Sunlight Sunlight heats up your home. Close blinds and curtains during the day. Solar films can block sunlight while letting light in. These simple fixes reduce heat gain. That means your AC won’t have to work as hard. The Benefits of a Smart Home Smart home devices improve energy use. Smart blinds automatically adjust based on the sun. Smart thermostats learn your routine. These devices reduce energy waste. It really is worth it. AC Maintenance and Optimization Regular maintenance keeps your AC running efficiently. Don’t skip these simple tasks. It can keep your bill low. Regular AC Maintenance Tasks Change your AC filter every 1-3 months. Dirty filters restrict airflow. This makes your AC work harder. Clean the AC coils regularly. Dust and debris reduce efficiency. Schedule professional servicing once a year. A technician can spot and fix problems early. Upgrade to a More Efficient AC System Is your AC old? Is it struggling to keep up? It might be time for a new one. New ACs are much more energy-efficient. Look for high SEER ratings. While it’s a big investment, the savings add up over time. Smart AC Usage Habits Use fans to circulate air. Fans make you feel cooler. They let you set the thermostat higher. Avoid heat-generating activities during peak hours. Try to cook and do laundry in the morning or evening. These small adjustments can lower energy use. Leveraging Energy Company Programs and Incentives Energy companies offer programs that help you save. Look into these. They can lower your costs even more. Rebates and Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Upgrades Check for rebates on energy-efficient appliances. Both local and federal governments offer incentives. They make upgrades more affordable. These programs often include ACs, insulation, and windows. Energy Audits to Identify Savings Opportunities An energy audit finds where you’re wasting energy. Professionals assess your home. They suggest ways to improve efficiency. Some utility companies offer free or discounted audits. Conclusion Keeping your AC bill low takes effort. Start with thermostat adjustments. Improve your home’s insulation. Maintain your AC system. Take advantage of energy company programs. Small changes can lead to big savings. Start today to lower your energy bill and enjoy a more comfortable home.