Why and How to Keep Unit Cool

Don't Make it Work So Hard

Extend the life of your AC system by keeping blinds or shades down during the day; you can also install awnings to shield south-facing windows from intense sun. Consider running the AC in conjunction with floor or ceiling fans to circulate cooled air more effectively.

Keep your Condenser & Compressor free of obstructions.

A central AC system's air compressor and condenser are usually located outside the house, close to your foundation. It works best when there's about 24 inches of clear space in all directions, so get rid of nearby shrubs, tall grass, leaves, and hanging branches. Install condensers or window units on the north or east side of your house, or build a screen to shield them from the sun. Putting them in direct sunlight reduces their efficiency by as much as 10 percent.

Why and How to Use a Timer

There's no need to blast the AC while you're away. For central units, install a programmable thermostat that lets you set higher temps when you're gone and cooler temps when you're home. Newer window units have built-in timers and adjustable thermostats, or you can buy a timer at any home store for $10 to $20; just make sure it matches your device's voltage. Unless you're going on vacation, don't shut off the system; otherwise, the air compressor will need to work harder to cool your house later.

Why and How to Fix Duct Leaks

Ducts can lose up to 30 percent of airflow through leaks. Find leaks using the old "smoke trick": For window units, light a stick of incense and hold it where the unit and the window frame meet; for central AC, hold the stick near duct connections. If the smoke blows around, you've got leakage. For ductwork, use foil tape to seal small gaps and duct mastic for larger ones; for window AC units, stuff foam between the device and the window frame, taping as needed. 

AC Tune Up

Summer will be here before we know it...is your AC ready? 

Contact us today to schedule service for your cooling system

636-240-8383 

15 Interesting HVAC Facts

We hope you enjoy these 15 interesting facts about your heating, ventilation & air conditioning (HVAC) system.

• In 80 AD China, an artisan named Ding Huan created a 10-foot wide rotary fan. It was comprised of 7 connected wheels. A single person could power the device by simply turning a crank. The primitive air conditioner cooled an entire hall of people.
• Air conditioning does not cool a house down. Rather, it removes heat from the house.
• The Romans were the first to utilize any type of warm-air heating system.
• John Gorrie, the father of refrigeration and air conditioning, was a medical doctor. In 1842 he developed a machine to make ice to create cool air for his patients. (He was living in Florida at the time.) He thought his ice-making machine could be used to cool down homes and other buildings. In 1851 he received a patent for his idea, but died penniless three years later after losing his financial backing.
• Air conditioning’s development gave a big boost to the movie industry. Before A/C, movie theaters got rather hot in the summertime.
• Packard was the first automobile manufacturer to use air conditioners in their cars. This practice started in 1936.
• Geothermal power can drill into the Earth’s crust and extract natural heat coming from the Earth’s core. The deepest geothermal well built to this point is called the Kola Superdeep Borehole. It is used for research and goes seven miles below the Earth’s surface.
• The first steam-heating system install occurred in England. That way the Governor of the Bank of England could grow his grapes in cooler temperatures.
• Besides giving you a cooler home, an air conditioner helps clean the air in your home. Air is drawn through return air ducts and passes through an air filter that removes items such as dust, dander and lint from the home’s atmosphere. The cleaned up air then comes back through the home.
• The item that changes resistance as heat temperatures change is called a thermistor. The thermistor alerts the thermostat to adjust itself to the right temperature.
• Since 1960, more than 50 percent of America’s economic growth can be attributed to air conditioning units in the southern and western parts of the country. It is now possible to live there year-round and work year-long in comfort.
• The gold standard of the HVAC world is the Air Standard. This means that air must be 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) with a 36% relative humidity at 14.7 psia (pounds per square inch absolute.) It’s not easy getting to that state.
• Geothermal power is definitely efficient. It drills down deep enough to extract warm thermal energy that is easy to cool and also easy to heat. This saves energy that would be used to balance warm and cold temperatures.
• Before air conditioning became common, many businesses and government office took two month long summer vacations.
• Michael Faraday, in 1820, first conceived of the modern concept of air conditioning. He discovered that compressed and liquefied ammonia could chill the air when it was allowed to evaporate. 

 For more facts on HVAC or to schedule a service, call Sierra Mechanical today. 636-240-8383

Did you know...

Movie theaters were one of the first public places to have air conditioning.

Professional HVAC Services

At Sierra Mechanical Services Inc. we know that having the right people on the job is just as important as choosing the best equipment. Our York trained professionals provide you with top quality equipment, skilled installation and an expert analysis of your comfort needs. Our recommendations will fit your budget and lifestyle needs. We're particularly proud of providing heating and air-conditioning systems that have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal. It's one more assurance that, when you choose York products and our specialized technicians, you're choosing quality.

Energy Saving Tip:

Save energy by keeping your air conditioner out of the sun. Locate the unit out of direct sunlight and avoid the south and west sides of the house. Placing the air conditioner in direct sunlight causes it to work harder to cool your home.

Sierra Mechanical Services Inc.

The focus at Sierra Mechanical Services Inc. for complete customer satisfaction on every job means we believe in offering products that we know will give our customers the performance and reliability we would require for our own homes.