Today, most households seek ways to be more energy efficient in their daily lives.

Wasted energy output leads to higher utility bills and harm to the environment. That is why it is wise to invest in an HVAC unit that will help you conserve energy and live an energy-efficient lifestyle.

At Trust 1 Services, we are happy to serve Quincy and the Greater Boston community with top-notch HVAC installation and repair services. Our talented team is ready to help you become more energy efficient with a high-functioning heating and cooling system.

Here are 14 summer HVAC tips that will help you conserve energy and increase your HVAC efficiency.

1. Install a New System

One of the easiest ways to increase your energy consumption is to invest in a new, energy-efficient HVAC system. Modern heating and cooling systems are becoming more efficient each year.

Today’s high-SEER-rated HVAC units have automatic controls that continually monitor the temperature of your house. These features help you conserve a maximum amount of energy daily.

2. Retrofit an Old System

Alternatively, you can improve your current HVAC system by retrofitting it. Retrofitting is the process of modernizing an older system, increasing its productivity and efficiency.

It is wise to have a professional contractor like Trust 1 Services inspect your system before you install a new unit. Perhaps a couple of fixes can improve the HVAC efficiency of your home.

3. Invest in Insulation Improvements

Poor insulation is the culprit of many HVAC system inefficiencies. That is why it’s wise to ensure that your home has the proper insulation to get the most out of your heating and cooling system.

One of the purposes of insulation is to prevent air from escaping your home. With adequate insulation, your home will retain hot air in the winter and cool air in the summer.

4. Patch Duct Leaks

Similarly, if you have a duct leak, you will not get the most out of your HVAC’s cooling output.

Duct leaks can impede the flow of air between your home and outside. Any licensed and insured HVAC contractor can patch your duct leaks easily. Call us at Trust 1 Services if you need us.

5. Install Thermostats

Thermostats are a wise investment to increase the energy efficiency of your home.

It’s best to opt for a programmable thermostat that automates room temperature. These thermostats “understand” your energy conservation goals. Plus, they will turn on and off depending on the temperature conditions in your house.

6. Clean Air Filters

One thing that can get in the way of your HVAC unit’s efficiency is clogged air filters. This cluster of dust and dirt makes your cooling machine work harder than it needs to, which costs you money.

Cleaning your air filters is something you can do periodically and without professional assistance.

7. Utilize Curtains and Blinds

Something that most homeowners take for granted is the utilization of curtains and blinds. These items can keep your home energy-efficient. An action as simple as closing the blinds during sunny days can save you a lot of money on your energy bill.

Your goal for your home should be to rely on your HVAC machine as little as possible. On days with comfortable weather, it is wise to turn off your HVAC unit.

8. Keep Up With Maintenance

Many homeowners neglect routine HVAC maintenance procedures. If you do not take care of your heating or cooling system, it will become more inefficient with time.

Tasks like cleaning and replacing air filters, patching leaks, and cleaning your drain lines will help improve your energy efficiency.

9. Conserve Dryer and Oven Use

Another thing Boston homeowners should do to increase the efficiency of their HVAC units is to monitor their home appliance use.

Appliances like ovens and dryers can increase the temperature inside your home, causing you to run your air conditioner more often. Whenever possible, run your home appliances during the mildest parts of the day to lower your monthly energy bill.

10. Use Fans

When you run your heating or cooling system, you should take advantage of the fan settings in your unit.

Fans will help spread air more efficiently through your home. Running your HVAC system without a fan makes your heating and cooling unit work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

11. Trim Area Near Your Outdoor AC Unit

Every heating and cooling system has an indoor and outdoor machine that allows air to flow between your HVAC unit and outside. It is wise to keep the area around your outdoor AC unit neat and tidy, free from vines or branches from plants or bushes.

Plants, dirt, and other debris can interfere with your outdoor unit, causing blockages. Keeping this area well-maintained will help your cooling system run smoothly.

12. Clean Your Drain Lines

One of the best things you can do for your residential heating and cooling system is cleaning the drain line.

To accomplish this task, insert bleach in the line, and rinse it with a gallon of water. By cleaning your drain, you ensure that your basement will not flood, and you alleviate any threat of a blockage.

13. Watch Your Outdoor AC Unit’s Placement

An obvious thing many homeowners overlook is the placement of their outdoor unit. When you install your unit, you want to do so in the shadiest area possible.

If you set up your HVAC unit in a sunny part of your yard, your AC system will overheat and expend more energy. By placing your outdoor unit in a shadier region of your yard, you will see more consistent results.

14. Get Professional Ductwork

It is wise to hire a professional to perform ductwork installation on your home.

Ductwork impacts how well air can flow through your home. A Trust 1 Services technician can install ductwork to help your HVAC unit become more efficient.

Schedule an HVAC Installation Today from Trust 1 Services in Quincy

As you can see, your HVAC unit can save you a lot of money on your energy bills if you follow the above steps, ensuring that you are getting the most out of your heating and cooling system.

Our goal at Trust 1 Services, your reliable HVAC contractor in Quincy, MA, is to make every Boston area household as energy-efficient as possible.

We are happy to talk with you about how our HVAC services can help you live a more energy-efficient lifestyle. To improve your HVAC efficiency, call us at Trust 1 Services at (617) 826-8611 for an initial consultation and quote—or for 24/7 emergency services.

It’s the age-old question you face with your vehicle, electronic devices, and appliances when they start to show signs of wear—should you repair them or replace them? An old-fashioned list of pros and cons is a good start in many of these scenarios. If you’re deciding the fate of your air conditioner unit, you can skip the list and consult with the honest and helpful HVAC contractors at Trust 1 Services in Quincy, MA.

Repair or Replace the Air Conditioner: Factors to Consider

You can always toss a coin to decide whether to repair or replace your air conditioner, but as a smart, savvy homeowner, we’re guessing in-depth research and planning is more your style. Consider the following factors when looking at your options.

Repair Cost

Our service technicians will provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate for air conditioner repair in Quincy, MA. Don’t make any decisions until you complete this step so that you have all the information you need.

Replacement Cost

The average cost of replacing an AC unit varies widely but generally falls between $5,000 and $12,000. HomeAdvisor reports the average cost of replacing an AC unit in the Boston area as approximately $7,500. Factors that affect the cost of your air conditioner unit replacement include:

• Brand
• Type (central, ductless, geothermal, window, portable)
• Size of unit
• Ductwork requirements

Call Trust 1 Services to consult with an expert about the potential cost of your air conditioner replacement. We also offer affordable payment plans for AC replacement.

Cost Impact Over Time

With a new air conditioning unit, your utility bills will decrease. This reduction happens because newer units are almost always more efficient than older ones. The technology and research behind home heating and cooling systems continue to evolve, much like other technology. Manufacturing companies find ways to make their machines work smarter, not harder, which equals more energy efficiency.

When you consider the cost of the initial installation of a new air conditioner, you must also try to estimate cost savings monthly. With a more efficient unit, it’s like you are paying yourself back in installments.

Your Budget

Perhaps you can’t purchase a new air conditioner unit today, but with a free estimate from Trust 1 Services, you can set up a plan to save up for the amount you need. In the meantime, performing regular maintenance on your home’s cooling system will help to keep things running smoothly.

Age of Unit

Air conditioner units, in general, will last anywhere from 15 to 25 years. So if your existing AC is already in that range, it is smart to find out the cost of installing a new unit. However, if your AC is 15 years old and you think you can get ten more years out of it, you can choose to put off installation. So what impacts the lifespan of your air conditioner?

Right off the bat, the different types of air conditioners have various life expectancies. The primary types of air conditioning systems that are most prevalent are:

• Central AC
• Ductless Mini-Split AC
• Geothermal AC
• Window AC

A central air conditioning system has a 15-20 years life expectancy and a geothermal system 25 years or longer. A ductless system has a life expectancy of approximately 20 years with proper care and maintenance. You can expect your window AC unit to keep cooling for about ten years.

Proper care and maintenance are the primary determining factors of how long these AC units stick around are the same across the board.

How Long You Plan To Stay in Your Home

If you plan to sell your home in six months, perhaps a repair will suit your needs just fine. But you may have to knock down your listing price to account for the buyer’s need to replace the unit not long after purchasing the home. Alternatively, installing a new HVAC system or air conditioning unit before listing your home can be a great selling point to attract buyers and get more money for your home.

Health Benefits

Air conditioners that aren’t running well do not contribute to healthy air in your home. Installing a new AC means better air quality and likely less sound pollution, as newer models are quieter than their predecessors.

Peace of Mind

You can’t put a price on peace of mind. When the highly skilled contractors at Trust 1 Services install a brand new air conditioner unit, you can enjoy the serenity that comes along with knowing your AC will last for years to come.

If you bypass replacing your unit and opt to repair it instead, you may find yourself waiting for the next thing to go wrong every time the cooling system begins to run.

The Cost of Doing Nothing

Doing nothing to mend your faltering AC may seem like the cost-saving option upfront. But invariably, it will cost you considerably in the long run. A problem that may have been a simple fix will expand on itself until a significant failure of your air conditioner occurs.

A no-risk estimate from our Trust 1 Services team is a great place to start when weighing your options. Our HVAC contractors can help fill in some of the budgeting blanks in your comparison conversation.

Air Conditioning Repair in Quincy, MA

You can do some repairs yourself as a homeowner, but if you experience any of the following, you should call the AC pros at Trust 1 Services for help:

• Frequent cycling
• High humidity levels
• Mold growth
• Strange sounds or odors

We are the trusted Quincy AC repair company you can count on for top-quality service.

Trust 1 Services Can Help You Make the Right Choice

As you struggle with a raging internal debate to repair or replace, your air conditioner grows another day older. If you have trouble deciding the next best step, give us a call at Trust 1 Services in Quincy, MA, at 617-468-3913. Our expert knowledge and pressure-free consultation will give you all the information you need to make your ultimate decision.

How often should you change your HVAC System’s filter?

You need to prioritize changing your HVAC filter to maintain proper system function. A fresh filter ensures that clean air enters your home and that the air conditioning system works properly.

Replacing your filter regularly and practicing proper HVAC system maintenance gives you an easy way to prevent future repairs. Unfortunately, repairing or replacing your air conditioning unit can be expensive and time-consuming. Changing your HVAC system’s filter takes only a few minutes and can extend the life of your unit.

If you want to learn how often to change HVAC filters, you can find the answer below.

Importance of Changing Your Filter

Your filter has the responsibility of capturing dust and other particles that could affect the air quality in your home. The irritating debris sticks to the filter so that the HVAC system can release fresh, clean air.

Over time, the dust and debris collected by the filter build up, making it difficult for your air conditioner to release clean air. When this happens, you run into more issues. Regularly changing your filter has several benefits.

• Avoid high energy bills. Your HVAC system works by cooling or heating the room to a designated temperature. With a clogged filter, your unit has to work hard to meet the required temperature, resulting in higher energy bills.
• Prevent system failure. As the debris continues to build up, your HVAC is more likely to break or malfunction. Replacing your filters regularly costs much less than hiring a technician to repair or replace the unit.
• Improve air quality. A dirty filter prevents the air conditioning unit from releasing fresh air. The purpose of the filter is to trap the irritating particles while releasing fresh air into the room. A clogged filter cannot function properly, affecting the overall air quality in your home.

Changing the air conditioning filter is essential to avoid future problems. This simple step can help you avoid paying for expensive repairs in the future. Most technicians recommend changing the air filter every three months.

How To Change Your Filter

Ready to change your filter? Follow these simple steps when replacing your old air conditioning filter.

1. Locate your filter.
You can find most air handlers in the attic, basement, or utility closet. You can also locate the filter on the return duct.

2. Choose the right filter.
Filters come in a variety of sizes. You can find the dimensions printed on the sides of your old filter. Otherwise, you can measure your current filter’s length, width, and depth with a measuring tape or ruler.

3. Turn Off your HVAC system.
Find the power switch on your unit to turn it off. You can also turn the power off through the circuit breaker. This makes it easier to change the filter.

4. Remove the air filter cover.
The location of the air filter cover, or grille, depends on where the filter is. Filters in your system’s air handler will be in the access panel, which may require screwdrivers to remove. Grilles on return duct filters are secured by a simple latch.

5. Replace the old filter with the new one.
Airflow arrows indicate the position that you should place the new filter in. Simply take out the old, dirty filter and secure the new one in place.

6. Return the Cover
Once you install the new filter, replace the cover or grille. Turn the power back on after securing the grille and breathe in the fresh air.

Factors That Determine the Lifespan of Your Filter

Although technicians recommend changing most filters every three months, not every filter performs the same. Consider these factors that affect how often to change HVAC filters.

• The size of your home—Larger homes require more air. Air conditioning filters in larger houses will likely need a replacement more frequently than those in smaller ones.
• The frequency of use of your HVAC system—The more often you use your air conditioner, the more regularly you will have to replace the filters. Homes that reside in mild climates will require HVAC filter changes much less than those that rely heavily on AC or heat.
• Your home’s air quality—Homes with more residents or pets will typically require more frequent filter changes. The filters remove the hair, dust, and dirt to improve the air quality in your home. Having more particles in the air for your HVAC to collect means replacing a filter with a fresh one more often.

When To Replace Your Filter

Knowing when to replace your filter is an important step in HVAC system maintenance. Let’s review some signs that indicate a need for a new filter.

• Your energy bills start to increase.
• Your air conditioning unit has a reduced airflow.
• The HVAC system is not producing cool enough air.
• You notice more dust in the air.
• The AC unit feels hot.
• You can see dust or dirt on the grille and filter.

Trust 1 HVAC Services

Even if you practice good HVAC unit maintenance, you can’t always avoid system issues. You should reach out to your local HVAC technician when you notice you still have problems even after replacing the filter.

The following signs represent a few of the most common indications that your system requires professional attention:

• Your system is not cooling or heating properly.
• Strange noises are coming from the HVAC unit.
• The air quality in your home fails to improve.
• Your air conditioner overheats.

Whatever concerns you have, the experts at Trust 1 Services are ready to help. Our professionals have the training and experience to restore your HVAC system and prevent further issues. If you still have questions about how often to change HVAC filters, let our technicians help.

We understand the importance of having a functional HVAC unit. You rely on the system to maintain appropriate air quality and comfortable temperatures. When your system malfunctions, let the trained professionals at Trust 1 Services restore your HVAC unit in Quincy, MA.

You can’t always predict when your system will malfunction. That’s why we are available 24/7 for emergency services.

For quality HVAC services, call the Trust 1 Service experts today at 617-826-8611.