AC

How To Know When Your AC Filter Needs Replacing

July 12, 2023 by Jose Campos

Maintaining clean and efficient air conditioning is essential for a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. One crucial aspect of AC maintenance is regularly replacing the air filter. Over time, air filters become dirty and clogged, hindering the system’s performance and potentially leading to issues. In this blog post, Morrison Plumbing, a trusted HVAC service provider in Collinsville, IL, will guide you through the signs that indicate your AC filter needs replacing. By recognizing these indicators, you can ensure proper airflow, energy efficiency, and improved air quality in your home.

Reduced Airflow

One of the most apparent signs that your AC filter needs replacing is reduced airflow from your vents. If you notice weak airflow or a lack of cool air circulating throughout your home, it may be due to a clogged filter. As the filter accumulates dust, dirt, and debris, it obstructs the airflow, causing reduced efficiency in your AC system. Replacing the filter can help restore proper airflow and enhance the cooling capacity of your air conditioner. If you notice reduced airflow and you think there might be another problem, consult with our AC experts at Morrison Plumbing and take advantage of our quality AC maintenance services.

Increased Energy Consumption

A dirty and clogged air filter forces your AC system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This extra strain on the system leads to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. If you’ve noticed a sudden spike in your energy costs without a significant change in usage, a dirty filter might be the culprit. By regularly replacing the filter, you can optimize the energy efficiency of your air conditioner and save on your monthly bills.

Dust Buildup

Take a close look at the surfaces in your home, especially near the vents. If you notice excessive dust buildup on furniture, countertops, or shelves, it may indicate a dirty air filter. A clogged filter fails to capture dust and other particles effectively, allowing them to circulate and settle on surfaces. By replacing the filter regularly, you can reduce dust accumulation and increase the overall cleanliness of your home. Don’t hesitate to improve the air quality of your home.

Allergy or Respiratory Issues

A neglected air filter can worsen indoor air quality, triggering allergies or respiratory issues. As the filter becomes clogged, it fails to capture allergens, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles effectively. This can lead to increased allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes. If you or your family members are experiencing unexplained allergy or respiratory discomfort, it’s worth checking the condition of your AC filter and replacing it if necessary.

Unpleasant Odors

A dirty filter can contribute to unpleasant odors in your home. When the filter becomes clogged with contaminants, mold, or bacteria, it can emit a musty or stale smell as the air passes through it. If you notice a lingering odor in your home, particularly when the AC is running, it may be time to replace the filter. Don’t just try to mask the odors with air freshener—this is a problem that needs to be dealt with at the source. A fresh filter will help improve indoor air quality and eliminate unwanted odors.

Visual Inspection

Performing a visual inspection of your AC filter is a simple yet effective way to determine if it needs replacing. If the filter appears visibly dirty, clogged, or discolored, it’s a clear indication that it has reached the end of its lifespan. A clean filter should have a light color, allowing air to pass through it easily. Regularly checking and replacing the filter based on its condition will help keep your AC system running smoothly. If you want expert eyes on your system, contact Morrison Plumbing. We can offer thorough inspection services and professional solutions to improve the functionality of your AC system.

Call Our Experts Today!

Regularly replacing your AC filter is crucial for maintaining optimal performance, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality. Signs such as reduced airflow, increased energy consumption, dust buildup, allergy symptoms, unpleasant odors, and a visibly dirty filter all indicate that it’s time for a replacement. By addressing these indicators promptly, you can ensure proper airflow, extend the lifespan of your HVAC system, and enjoy the cleanest air possible. When you want professional services for your air conditioner, call Morrison Plumbing in Collinsville, IL, at (618) 202-5181. We’re available 24/7 to assist our valued customers.

Get Ready for Spring with These HVAC Maintenance Tips

March 8, 2023 by Jose Campos

The best time to call an HVAC repair technician for an annual system tune-up is in the spring. If you wait until the first hot day, you risk running an inefficient AC unit and having to wait longer for service because everyone else will want their systems checked as well. At Morrison Plumbing, our HVAC technicians will inspect the refrigerant level and ensure that all belts, blowers, and motors are in good working order. In addition, the technician will clean the fins and coils. So, make HVAC maintenance a priority on your spring-cleaning list, and contact Morrison Plumbing to make an appointment soon rather than later.

Clean Outdoor Condenser

Our professional technicians advise homeowners to take on the outdoor chores on the first sunny day of spring when it is comfortable to be outside. If you chose to cover it for the winter, start by uncovering your outdoor unit. The condenser is the unit that sits outside and looks like an air conditioner. If you didn’t cover it, the unit could be considerably dirty after a long winter. Clear any dirt or leaves stuck in the grates or the condenser base with a broom or brush.

Clear Away Vegetation or Debris

It is important to allow enough space for your condenser unit to breathe, so keep shrubs and bushes away from it. You don’t want your plants to be too close to your unit. Remove any encroaching vegetation about 2 feet away from the unit so it has plenty of space to function properly.

Do A Quick Inspection

At Morrison Plumbing, we also advise performing a quick inspection of your unit. You should be able to tell for yourself if anything is problematic. If the fins are cracked or bent, or the AC unit is leaning to one side or the other, you should have one of our HVAC contractors perform an AC maintenance examination and replace or repair any broken parts.

Remove the Grate and Clean the Inside

Before cleaning the inside of the air conditioner, turn off the power. You can clean the inside of the unit with a brush or a vacuum attachment. If there is caked-on dirt, use a garden hose to clean it off the fins. If those approaches don’t work and you want a professionally thorough clean, contact our experts at Morrison Plumbing.

Clean Your Maintenance Room

Your maintenance room where your units are stored can get dusty and dirty if left unattended. Sweep or vacuum around your furnace and HVAC system to collect any dust and debris. The maintenance room may not be on your usual vacuum route, but it’s worth giving it a pass every now and then to keep dirt and debris out of your system. Before cleaning, make sure no storage boxes are blocking vents or registers by moving them as needed.

Change Your Filters

Changing filters is quick and easy, but also a valuable process that should be completed regularly. You can save this indoor project for a cold or rainy day if you’d like. Air cannot pass through a dirty air filter, so we advise you to check them monthly and replace them if they appear dirty. Changing furnace filters on a regular basis will help keep the system running smoothly. Mold, gasses, and even viruses can be caught in HVAC filters, so do not skip this important step!

Install a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats learn your household’s routine and adjust your indoor temperature automatically, saving energy and lowering your heating and cooling bills. You can look for smart thermostat rebates in your area or talk to our experts for superior advice on what products would be best for your home.

Consult with our expert technicians at Morrison Plumbing for guidance on getting your home ready for spring and the warmer months ahead. Every homeowner wants to have a comfortable house all year round, so you have to make the necessary adjustments when the seasons change. Is your HVAC unit ready for spring? Call our staff now at (618) 414-3437 to find out how we can serve you and improve your household so it’s ready for whatever the weather throws its way.

How to Tell When Your A/C Unit Needs to be Replaced

August 15, 2021 by cmpdigital

There may come a time when you – as a homeowner or business owner – may need to replace your air conditioning unit. Whether that is because it has reached the end of its life cycle or it is cheaper than paying for expensive repairs, there are many reasons why people need to replace an existing A/C unit. So, when do you know when you need to replace your air conditioner? Listed below are four ways that tell you when your A/C unit needs to be replaced. Morrison Plumbing offers air conditioning installation and replacement services for the Metro East, Illinois area. If your air conditioner needs to be replaced, call our experts at [hls_phone_number] for dependable A/C replacement services.

Your A/C Unit is Over 10 Years Old

Like most appliances, your AC unit has a limited life cycle. Most well-maintained air conditioners will last anywhere from 10-12 years. Over time you will start to notice your AC unit is not working as nice as it once did and that it requires repairs more frequently. If you are noticing that you require more and more repair services for your air conditioner, it is probably more cost-effective to replace your unit with a new one. If you know your AC unit is over 10 years old, contact the team at Morrison Plumbing and a professional expert will walk you through the steps of getting a new air conditioner installed to replace your older unit.

You’re Facing Expensive Repairs

A calculator showing the expensive price of A/C repairs compared to affordable air conditioning replacements in Metro East, Illinois.

With a unit that is requiring expensive repairs, it is best to consider the cost of a replacement and compare the two prices to see if a repair is worth the time and money. Sometimes choosing to replace your AC unit can save you time and money in the long run. At Morrison Plumbing, we can help you find the best solution for your situation. As experienced professionals, our team can help you find a new air conditioning unit that won’t leave you stressed about needing expensive repairs all of the time. Call our office today and one of our team members can answer any questions you have and assist you in finding the best option.

Your Air Conditioning Uses R-22 Freon

Does your A/C unit use R-22 Freon? This popular refrigerant was phased out by the federal government at the beginning of 2020 and although it can still be added to your air conditioner system, it is very costly. Add that onto expensive repairs and you’re spending more money than needed. By choosing to replace your A/C unit from one that uses R-22 Freon to a current unit that uses R410A refrigerant you are saving your wallet from expensive maintenance and repair services. If you are wanting to choose an eco-friendlier option, our team at Morrison Plumbing can assist you in finding the best unit for your home. Call Morrison Plumbing for your air conditioning replacement needs.

You’re Noticing It Is Harder to Keep Your Home Cool

Mom and daughter sitting in front of a fan because it is hard to keep their home cool because of an A/C unit that needs to be replaced in Metro East, IL

Are you noticing that your home is not staying as cool as it once did? Is it hard to keep your home or business cool during the hotter months? If that is the case for you, then your A/C unit needs to be replaced. As our air conditioner units age, they begin to not have the power to cool your home like they once did. These signs can also mean that you may not have the correct sized A/C unit for your home. Regardless we encourage you to contact our team at Morrison Plumbing if you are noticing it is hard to keep your home cool so that we can guide you in the right direction. Our team will assess your current air conditioning unit and help find the best replacement unit that will work perfectly in your home or office.

AC