How to Save on Your AC Bill

how to save on your ac bill - Twin Cities

How to Save on Your AC Bill

Summertime is a great time to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. If you live in Minneapolis, MN, you know how hot summers can get. So, if you’re like many of us, you’ll be enjoying your time indoors where there’s air conditioning. Unfortunately, summertime means a higher air conditioning bill. As Minnesota’s #1 Home Service Provider, our St. Paul air conditioning techs are sharing tips on how to save on your AC bill this summer. Read the article below to learn how you could be lowering your air conditioning bill and maintaining a comfortable home environment during the summer. 
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Turn Off Your AC At Night

One of our go-to recommendations when customers ask us, “how to save on our AC bill?” is AC use at night. This money-saving strategy is as obvious as day and night! Turn on your air conditioning during the day and turn it off at night. The evening air is naturally cooler, so switch off the air conditioning and open a window to take advantage of this. You might even get a mild breeze to keep you cool if you notice a breeze. Open windows or doors on all sides of your home to let it in.

how to save on your ac bill - Twin Cities MN

Program Your Thermostat 

Every degree counts when it comes to lowering your summer air conditioning expense and conserving energy. Setting your thermostat to a reasonable setting that won’t make your unit work too hard while still making you feel comfortable is one of the most energy-efficient things you can do. As a general rule, you should set the thermostat between 71-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that for every degree of cooling you can do without, you save money on your energy bill. In the summer, avoid making it overly cool. Setting your thermostat one degree warmer than usual will save you up to ten percent on your energy bills. As a general rule, don’t set the thermostat lower than 8 degrees below the outdoor temperature. Consider a thermostat with a built-in timer to assist lower your energy bill by not only controlling the temperature but also the hours of operation for best energy efficiency. Furthermore, it makes sense to have a system that does it automatically so you can set it and forget it. 

Close Your Blinds

Shade, shade, and more shade. Grab it however you can, and it will help your home stay cooler. As a result, your air conditioning system won’t have to work so hard to cool your home. The first step is to keep your blinds, curtains, drapes, and awnings drawn and closed. Keep that glorious sunlight outside with blinds, roller blinds, plantation shutters, or lined curtains. Light-colored backings for blinds and drapes will also help reflect sun heat for windows that face the sun.  By closing windows, blinds, shutters, or drapes, you may keep hot air and sun rays out, reducing the need for your air conditioner to work constantly to maintain the ideal temperature. If your windows have good blinds, heat absorption can be dramatically decreased. Even tinted windows can prevent part of the sun’s heat from entering your air-conditioned refuge, allowing your unit to work less hard.  Our friends at Specialized AV, a smart home automation company, recommend incorporating smart blinds. You won’t have to worry about opening or closing your blinds again. Just set the schedule, and you’re good to go!

Air Conditioning Maintenance

Here’s another great way to save money on your air conditioning bill this summer. To maintain optimum efficiency, ensure that your air conditioning equipment is serviced on a regular basis and that the HVAC filter is either replaced or cleaned. Any air conditioning equipment that has a dirty filter has to work harder, which means more electricity and greater energy expenses! It’s important to get your annual air conditioning maintenance done by a professional heating and cooling company. They will ensure that everything is working properly.  Now that you know a few tips on how to save on your AC bill, you can start saving today! Contact McQuillan Bros today to schedule your next HVAC service! 
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Preparing for Summer: AC Inspection

preparing for summer: ac inspection Twin Cities MN

Preparing for Summer: AC Inspection

Have you noticed that your air conditioning unit isn’t performing as well as it should? Many Twin Cities homeowners start to notice their HVAC system acting up at this time of year. If your air conditioner hasn’t been properly maintained, you should contact McQuillan Bros for an air conditioning maintenance service. Doing so will keep you at peace of mind for when the Minnesota heat hits. Below, we discuss preparing for summer: AC inspection addition. 
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Preparing for Summer: AC Inspection

The Best HVAC Company 

The first step to making sure your home is fully equipped for summer is finding the best HVAC company around. McQuillan Bros has been known as Minnesota’s Orignal Home Service Provider since 1883. When you call McQuillan Bros for any home service, you know you’re getting the best service possible. Our team is fully accredited to provide service you and your family can rely on. No upsells or gimmicks with McQuillan Bros. 

Advantages of Air Conditioning Inspection

At McQuillan Bros, we understand the importance of being vigilant in the maintenance of your HVAC system better than anyone. Our HVAC techs will conduct a complete air conditioner inspection to determine the cause of any AC problems you’re experiencing. We will quickly find a solution for you and help you weigh out your options – air conditioning repair or air conditioning replacement.  With our AC inspection services, you’ll receive a detailed report from our licensed HVAC tech after we test the following components of your AC system:
  • Levels of refrigerant are tested
  • Voltage and amperage draw is monitored
  • Examining system’s drains
  • Component adjustments
  • Full HVAC system cleaning
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If any air conditioning issues are discovered during your air conditioner inspection, our HVAC techs will recommend the necessary steps. An HVAC system that isn’t running to its full potential will end up costing you more in the long run, say our friends at Gilmore, an HVAC company that offers the best air conditioning services in Sacramento. As a full-service air conditioning company, we provide high-quality AC  systems, fully stocked vehicles, and comprehensive services to fix or replace your air conditioning system as required. Keep your family cool and comfortable this summer, contact McQuillan Bros for an AC inspection today.
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Energy Saving Tips for Your AC unit

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Energy Saving Tips for Your AC Unit

A well functioning AC unit is an essential part of enjoying the comfort of your house. You probably already know that running the AC all day long can cost a pretty penny. In this article, our St Paul air conditioning technicians share energy saving tips for your AC unit. 

Stay on Top of Your AC Maintenance

Many St. Paul homeowners undergo AC maintenance every quarter. Air conditioning maintenance is recommended because it helps prevent problems from arising and increases your unit’s lifespan. 
Any St. Paul air conditioning company will tell you that an old AC unit that goes without maintenance is more likely to drive up your energy bills. This is usually because the unit has to work twice as hard to produce cool air. Like a car, you must stay on top of maintenance if you don’t want it to break down. If your AC unit is making noises or your energy bills are higher than normal, contact the best AC company in St. Paul. Our HVAC technicians will assess the problem and find you the best solution. If it turns out that you need an air conditioning replacement, we’ll give you a free estimate so you can make an informed decision. 

Use a Fan 

Running your AC unit all day can be costly. You can cut down on the amount of energy spent by using a fan. A simple ceiling fan can reduce ambient temperatures inside your home by up to 10 degrees while only using 10% of the energy used by the AC. 
Currently, technology allows you to install a smart fan that can be operated through an app on your phone. This allows you to schedule their activity, set the speed, and eventually cut down on the amount of money you spend on your energy bills. 

Close the Blinds 

It might only seem natural to open up your windows when the temperatures get too hot. However, this only allows the sun to heat up your thermostat. A heated thermostat will keep your AC system on, which leads to more energy wastage. Closing the blinds and insulating your windows makes it easier to keep the sun out of your home and the cool air in. 

Place the Thermostat on the Right Wall 

Our friends at Gilmore Heating and Air, an air conditioning company in Placerville, agree that your thermostat’s location is important in determining how well your AC unit works. It allows the AC to come on when the temperatures rise and turn off when the temperatures reduce. Therefore, it is important for you to find a wall with the least interference for your thermostat. Place it away from any heat source such as the sun. If you need help relocating your thermostat or have any questions, you can always give McQuillan Bros a call!

Contact an HVAC Company in MN

Your AC unit is what makes the Minneapolis heatwaves a lot less hot. Therefore, it helps make sure that your AC unit is in its best condition. You can trust McQuillan Bros to provide you with the best HVAC service in St Paul, MN. Contact us today to learn more. 

One Hot Room: Why is One Room Always Hotter?

One Hot Room - McQuillan Bros

One Hot Room: Why is One Room Always Hotter?

At McQuillan Bros, we often receive calls from St. Paul and Twin Peaks, MN homeowners complaining that they have one room that is hotter than others. So, why is one room always hotter? As our HVAC St. Paul MN technicians explain why you might be experiencing one hot room in the house. 

Possible Culprit #1: Undersized HVAC Equipment

Before any air conditioning system is installed, a technician performs a heat load calculation. This evaluation is necessary for choosing the correct AC unit size for the home.
However, the heat load in the home often changes as the years roll by, and this can cause a previously appropriate HVAC system to be too small for the new demand placed upon it. For example, when you install additional appliances that generate heat, the added heat load may tip the balance of the AC unit from correctly sized to undersized.
You have a number of options to consider if a plumbing and heating St. Paul MN professional finds that the HVAC system is undersized. These include using ceiling fans, limiting heat-generating appliances, sealing all doors and windows, or even replacing the inadequate HVAC system with a correctly sized one.

Possible Culprit #2: Warm Air Rising Naturally

Our experienced professionals at McQuillan Bros explain that for multi-level homes, it isn’t uncommon for the entire upper floor to be hotter than the rooms downstairs. This happens largely because the denser, cool air sinks to the lowest level of the home. Heat tends to rise to the top.
One hot room is common in Minneapolis. St. Paul HVAC technicians suggest that you improve the attic insulation, install a ventilation fan within the attic, adjust the vents and dampers. In the most extreme circumstances, install an HVAC system dedicated to serving the upper floor of your home. Before you install an additional air conditioning system, consult McQuillan Bros so that we recommend the best course of action.

Possible Culprit #3: Leaky Ductwork

Over time, the sealing on the ductwork in your home can deteriorate. If this deterioration is particularly pronounced in the ducts leading to a specific room, you may notice that the temperature there will be hotter than in the rest of the house.
Before you jump to any conclusions in this regard, invite our St. Paul air conditioning repair professionals. We will quickly identify any leaks and seal them. While sealing or insulating ducts isn’t a guarantee that the hotter room will now be more comfortable, the overall performance of the HVAC system will benefit when the leaky ducts are fixed.

Possible Culprit #4: Inappropriate Thermostat Placement

Another common reason for a room that is too hot is the poor location of the thermostat. While many homeowners may think that the HVAC system has temperature sensors located throughout a home, the truth is that the system relies on just a single sensor found inside the thermostat.
For that reason, any thermostat placed in a wrong location, such as near a window or a heat source, will send inaccurate data to the system. Ultimately, making one or more rooms in the home hotter than the rest.
It is therefore imperative that you contact McQuillan Bros. Our professionals will examine your thermostat and adjust the location if needed. 

Possible Culprit #5: Overdue Adjustments on Vents and Dampers

The HVAC system of your home may have become unbalanced and the dampers, as well as the vents, now need to be adjusted to address the imbalance. Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, an AC company in Sacramento, adds that most cases of unbalanced systems arise when a room is being used for something different.
For example, if you converted a bedroom into an office, it’s likely that the new space is generating more heat due to the computer wires. If you try to adjust the dampers and vents on your own and no change happens, call an HVAC company in St. Paul, MN professional for help.

Still Unsure About Your Hot Room?

Each home is unique, so we recommend calling an air conditioning professional. At McQuillan Bros, our trained HVAC technicians will quickly inspect the ac system and identify all points of weakness contributing to the uneven cooling. We will provide you with cost-effective solutions, regardless if you need an air conditioning repair or an air conditioning replacement.

Pros and Cons of Ductless AC Systems

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Pros and Cons of Ductless AC Systems

Are you considering a ductless mini-split system to cool your home or business premises? The air conditioning experts at McQuillan Bros in St. Paul MN say the suitability of these systems varies from person to person. So, the HVAC experts at McQuillan Bros explore the pros and cons of ductless AC systems to help you make an informed decision.

The Pros of Ductless AC Systems

Energy Efficiency

Homes with ducted central air conditioning systems lose about 25% of the energy they use to inefficiencies in the network of ducts. Heat loss may be due to limited insulation, duct leaks, etc.
Additionally, further energy efficiency stems from the way ductless ACs regulate the working of their compressors. These components slow down or speed up based on the present need, unlike the compressors of central air conditioning systems that cycle on and off, thereby using a lot of energy during the startup phase of the unit.

Easy to Install

Since ductless AC units don’t require a network of ducts, it is a lot easier to install these systems in homes and business premises. For example, your ac technician may only need to drill a small hole through an exterior wall. This work can be completed in a few hours, unlike a central air conditioning system that requires a week or more to install.

Less Noisy

Another key benefit of having a ductless air conditioning system in your home is that the days of a noisy AC will be no more. The advanced features and compact design of ductless ACs make them with barely a sound. The unit will also be less visible than your old central AC unit.

Longer System Life

We mentioned earlier that ductless air conditioning units work by slowing down or speeding up the compressor as conditions change in your home. This mode of operation doesn’t wear out the system in the same way as the stop-start-stop cycling. This longer service life means that you will get even more value from your investment in the system.

The Cons of Ductless Air Conditioning Systems

High Upfront Cost

One of the biggest possible drawbacks of ductless air conditioning systems is the high upfront cost a customer has to incur to acquire a unit. For example, air conditioning St. Paul technicians say that it isn’t uncommon for a homeowner to spend double or even triple on a ductless system for the entire home in comparison to what a similarly sized central air conditioning system would have cost.
However, the superior efficiency of ductless systems means that you will save more on energy bills. So, the upfront cost shouldn’t really put you off unless your technician from McQuillan Bros recommends otherwise.

Strict Maintenance Requirements

Although all HVAC units need to follow maintenance recommendations in order to ensure the longevity of the unit, ductless mini splits require a little more maintenance.
The Sacramento HVAC professionals at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing add that it is required that you clean the air filters on a monthly basis. This is because ductless ACs are less forgiving when this basic task is neglected. The high cost of correcting the defects which may result when proper maintenance isn’t done can put off some potential customers.

Limited Design Options

Some people may also find fault with the limited color options (beige or white) in which these units come. However, as more manufacturers come on board, air conditioning replacement MN experts say variety will follow and each customer will find what suits them.

When Are Ductless AC Systems Highly Recommended?

Ductless air conditioning units are the clear favorites in the following circumstances:

  • Home additions, such as when you build an extra bedroom or sunroom on your home.
  • When you downsize the AC system, for example when you want to cut the air conditioning to rooms that are no longer in use (once kids go to college, for example).
  • Addressing conflicting/multiple needs within the home. For instance, if one person prefers less cooling at night while other people want the temperature really low, a ductless system can effortlessly address those zoning needs.
  • Retrofitting ACs in buildings without existing ductwork.
  • Addressing cooling or heating shortcomings in particular sections of a property (one hot room)

Everyone’s heating and colling preferences are different, which is why you should contact McQuillan Bros for professional HVAC advice. Our HVAC techs will access your HVAC needs and recommend the best HVAC systems for your Twin Peaks or St. Paul MN home. Interested in saving on the best HVAC services in Minneapolis, check out our Home Care Club.

When It’s Time to Upgrade Your AC Unit

When it's time to upgrade your ac unit - Mcquillan Bros

5 Signs That It’s Time to Upgrade Your AC Unit

A working AC is vital to keeping your St. Paul MN home comfortable, especially during the hotter months of the year. Some families get so used to their AC that they keep using it long after it has reached the time when it needs to be replaced. So, how can you know when the unit in your Twin Peaks’ home is due for an ac replacement? The plumbing and air conditioning experts at McQuillan Bros point out the following signs that suggest when it’s time to upgrade your ac unit. 

Spiraling Energy Bills

One of the earliest signs that you may notice when your air conditioner needs to be upgraded is that your energy bill is higher than usual. HVAC St. Paul MN technicians point out that if you are experiencing a spike in energy use without a change in routine, your AC unit is most likely acting up.
As HVAC systems grow older, they have a tendency to consume more and more power even if you are meticulous in maintaining those systems.
However, before you kick your old AC system to the curb, give McQuillan Bros a call. One of our experienced technicians will perform a thorough AC inspection. From there, our HVAC techs can help you make an informed decision without giving you the hard sell.

Abnormal Noises

Many St. Paul air conditioning repair calls that we respond to have something to do with weird noises. These are generally due to a component that has loosened or needs to be replaced. However, abnormal noises also become increasingly common as an HVAC system gets older.
When you hear these unusual noises coming from your AC, contact McQuillan Bros immediately. One of our highly skilled technicians will identify the problem and solution on-site. McQuillan Bros is committed to providing honest and professional advice. We have a no-gimmick, upfront pricing that applies to each and every job.  You can always count on McQuillan Bros for the best air conditioning repair and replacement services in Twin Peaks.

Long-Running Time

If the AC was correctly sized for your St. Paul MN home, its running time shouldn’t suddenly become longer than it was before. Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, an HVAC company in Placerville, add that longer running times indicate that something is wrong with the unit, or it has aged so much that it is struggling to circulate enough air to keep the home cool. 
Many times, the blower motor or defective coils may be to blame for this increased running time. An air conditioning repair can quickly fix these problems in your Twin Peaks home. During your free AC estimate, our HVAC techs will let you know if your home would benefit more from an AC repair or an AC replacement.

Frequent Repairs

You may also suspect that your air conditioner needs to be replaced if you’re constantly needing an AC repair. 
Regardless of how reliable your AC has been in the past, like all appliances, its components start wearing out and failing. You may, therefore, find that the motor is repaired one week, the condenser breaks down a month later, and a few weeks later, you have to perform another repair on the system.
In such a case, it is best to find an air conditioning replacement expert in Minnesota so that you can upgrade to a more reliable and efficient air conditioner. If your commercial or residential AC system is broken, contact McQuillan Bros for a 24/7 emergency service. Our service techs will fix the problem in no time.

Old Age

The frequent repairs mentioned above are usually linked to air conditioning systems that have been in use for long and are now nearing the end of their service life. 
In most cases, HVAC systems will work reliably for about ten years, but some can exceed this timeline if they were properly maintained by your St. Paul air conditioning service technician.
After ten years in service, the performance of your AC is likely declining. Additionally, components may start failing, and you will start needing AC repair more frequently. This is your cue to plan and replace your AC unit before the repair costs get too high.
Unsure about if it’s time to upgrade your ac unit? If your air condition unit is struggling to keep up with the Minnesota heatwave, turn to McQuillan Bros, the best HVAC company in Minneapolis, for a free AC estimate. Our HVAC professionals are always happy to help, and we are prepared to work with all major brands and models. Our experienced technicians will assess the condition of your AC and repair what is repairable, or advise you to replace the unit if the cost of the repairs isn’t justifiable. Contact us today