Ways to Reduce Your AC Bills and Save Money

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Reduce Your AC Bills

It would be great if you could constantly keep your air conditioning unit switched on, especially during the summer. Though you might be tempted to do so, you still need to consider how your AC usage can affect your electrical bills. Still, there are energy-saving practices you can do when you keep your cooling system running in your home. Here are several tips you can consider to save money on air conditioning bills:

Keep Your House Comfortable

When using the AC unit, always keep doors and windows shut. Opening your windows at night lets humidity into your house and requires your A/C to work harder to remove the humidity drawn in through your windows. Apply weather strips on these openings to prevent hot, humid air from being pulled into your house.

Set Your Thermostat at 78 °F

The ideal energy-saving temperature depends on the climate of where you live. You can lower your electricity consumption by owning a set-back style thermostat. An optimum setting for most climates for the thermostat is 78 °F when you are at home. If you have a set-back stat, you can have it set-back (warmer) a few degrees when you aren’t home. Too large of a set-back will require the A/C to work too hard to drop the temperature down when you return home.

Avoid Adding Extra Heat to Your Home

Refrain from using the stove, oven, dishwasher, and iron to maintain a low indoor temperature. Cook your food with the microwave or outdoor grill. It would also be advisable to wash dishes manually. Ideally, it would be better to utilize these appliances in the evening when it’s cooler instead of in the middle of the day. Also, turn off computers, televisions, and other electrical devices when you don’t use them.

Use a Fan When the AC Is On

An efficient method of decreasing energy consumption is by setting your fan to the “ON” position on the stat, instead of the “AUTO” position. You won’t have to keep lowering the temperature in the house because the fan makes the air cooler. Also, a portable fan can distribute cooler feeling air to all parts of the room.

Hire an HVAC Professional for AC Cleaning and Maintenance
Ducts and vents accumulate dust particles over time, making your AC unit consume more electricity when cooling the room. This can shorten your cooling system’s lifespan and increases its chance of malfunctioning and needing repair. Avoid these issues and save money on air conditioning costs by scheduling a Power Vac Duct Cleaning and also having regular AC cleaning and maintenance.

If you want to hire a skilled HVAC technician in Wichita, KS to perform these tasks for your device, contact Roth Heating & Air. Get in touch with us to learn more about our residential AC services.

How Often Should You Change Your Air Conditioner Filters?

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How Often Should You Change Your Air Conditioner Filters?

Changing your air conditioning filters is one of the best ways to prolong the lifespan of your AC and promote clean indoor air quality. So, how often should you get them changed? Read on to find out how frequently you should get an air filter replacement.

How Often Should You Have Them Changed?

Typically, you should get your air conditioning filters changed every three months. However, there are other factors to consider when it comes to how frequently you should replace them.

  • Pets – Whenever your furry friends shed, their fur can get inside the air filters and clog them up. Because of this, it’s best to get them changed every two months. When the seasons transition, pets tend to shed more. So, make sure to get an air filter replacement when the seasons change, from winter to spring or summer to fall.
  • Children – If there are infants or children at home, you need to provide them with protection by keeping your air quality clean. Allergens and pollutants in the air can affect the development of their lungs, brain, and immune system. Have your filter changed every 2 or 3 months.
  • Allergies – Poor indoor air quality can also be harmful to people who have allergies. To prevent the circulation of allergens around your home, get your air filter changed every six weeks.

How Can You Tell That You Need a New Filter?

Perhaps, there are times when you forget to keep track of your air filter replacement schedule. One simple trick to tell when it’s time to have it changed is to hold it up to a light source. If you see light passing through, this signifies that they’re still clean. However, if no light passes through, this indicates that your filter is too dirty and it’s time to get a new one.

What Happens if You Don’t Get Them Changed?

Over time, dust and debris will build up and clog your filter. This will affect your air conditioning system as it will need to work harder to function properly. This can also result in excessive energy consumption and an increase in your electricity bills. Most importantly, this will compromise your safety as the contaminants from your filters will circulate in the air.

Get an Air Filter Replacement With Roth Heating & Air
Are you looking for an air filter replacement in Wichita, KS? Contact Roth Heating & Air. We offer maintenance plans that will keep you on track with your air filter changing schedule. Call us today to learn more about our services and other AC products.

Heat Pumps vs. Air Conditioners: Which One Should You Get?

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Heat Pumps vs. Air Conditioners: Which One Should You Get?

It may be time to buy a new cooling system. Both an air conditioner and a heat pump will make a good choice. However, you may ask yourself this: which one will work better for my home? Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between heat pumps vs. air conditioners to help you decide on which to purchase.

What Makes Them Similar?

A heat pump and an air conditioner are both used as cooling systems. The two units absorb heat from indoors and move it outside. This is what brings down the temperature inside your home.

What Makes Them Different?

Although they both provide you with cool air, a heat pump is the only one between the two that can also give you warmth. It has a switch you can flip to change from cooling to heating mode. A heat pump gets warm air from the outdoors, even if it’s cold outside, and brings it indoors. The hot air is then released to bring the temperature up inside your home.

Which One Should You Get?

You may be wondering about other factors that can affect your purchase. Here are other things that you can consider when it comes to getting a heat pump or air conditioner:

  • Cost of Expenses – Generally, a heat pump has a higher upfront cost. This is because it provides you with more functions compared to an AC.

 

  • Energy-Efficiency – This can be judged by Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings. Both a heat pump and air conditioner have units that rank high, which means that they are both energy-efficient. However, energy consumption can also depend on your location. For example, if you live in an area that experiences extremely cold winters, your heat pump will need to work harder to get hot air from outside to indoors.

 

  • Longevity – Air conditioners typically have a longer life span than heat pumps. This is because AC units are normally used during warm seasons only. On the other hand, since heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling, they tend to be utilized all year round.

Get Heating and AC Assistance With Roth Heating & Air

After reading about heat pumps vs. air conditioners, have you decided on which unit works better for you? If you haven’t yet, our team at Roth Heating & Air can help you with that. Just give us a call, so we can assist you in picking out the right HVAC system for your home. You can also browse our store for heat pump and AC products that you may need.

What To Know About Finding Your Optimal Sleep Temperature

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Optimal Sleep Temperature

Did you know that temperature is one of the biggest factors that affects the quality of your sleep? So, if you find yourself tossing and turning in bed at night, this can be because your room is either too hot or too cold. Read on to find out how to achieve your optimal sleep temperature. Also, learn about the advantages of sleeping at the right level of coolness.

What Is the Best Sleep Temperature?

Ideally, your optimal sleep temperature should be at 65°F. This is because, throughout the day, your body goes through a circadian rhythm. This is when your body’s internal temperature cools down by bringing out heat from your body. At night, you may notice that your hands and feet may feel a bit hotter. This is because warmth is shed out from your body through the expansion of blood vessels in your skin.

What Happens When It’s Too Hot or Cold?

When your room is not at its ideal temperature, this can make you restless. When you’re uneasy, this can disrupt Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. This is important in helping you feel well-rested and energetic when you wake up. REM sleep also promotes healthy brain development. The better sleep quality you have, the more you’ll be able to retain memories and other information.

How Can You Achieve Your Ideal Sleep Temperature?

One of the best ways to achieve your desired room temperature is to install a smart thermostat. Doing so will allow you to schedule when you want your room to cool down. Through the thermostat’s advanced technology, this device can detect when there’s a movement going on around your room. When it begins to sense that the movement is dying down, it can automatically start to cool down your room.

Through this thermostat, you can also conveniently control the room temperature from your smartphone or tablet. All you need to do is to download an app and adjust the settings as needed.

Get Automated Thermostats From Roth Heating & Air

Are you looking for home automation AC thermostats? Contact our team at Roth Heating & Air. We offer these products to commercial and residential clients to help you achieve your optimal sleep temperature every night. Have a well-rested evening by installing our air conditioning thermostats today.

Your HVAC Maintenance Checklist

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HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Here’s an HVAC maintenance checklist that you can use to keep your heating and cooling systems up and running more efficiently. Following this will help prolong your units’ lifespan and keep them working efficiently.

  1. Change the Air Filters

If your HVAC systems are constantly in use, dirt and other debris will eventually get caught in the air filters. When there’s too much accumulation of these, it can make the filters clogged. The general rule is to have them changed every 30 to 90 days. Doing this will ensure that your systems produce clean air and the right amount of airflow.

  1. Clear Out Debris Around Outdoor HVAC Systems

Aside from getting inside your units, debris such as pollen, twigs, and leaves can also accumulate around and on top of your outdoor HVAC systems. You can quickly fix this by clearing this debris from around your AC. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that the parameters are clean within two feet of your AC units and heat pumps. This will help them pull in and release air much more smoothly.

  1. Inspect Refrigerant Lines

You can find two copper lines connecting your outdoor units to your indoor evaporator coil; these are your refrigerant lines. At least once a month, it’s essential to check them out for any signs of tear or leakages. When these are damaged, your HVAC unit won’t be able to produce enough heat or cool air into your home. In this case, you’ll need to call a skilled technician to have them replaced properly.

  1. Shut Off the Furnace’s Humidifier’s Water Supply

You should turn off the water supply to your furnace’s humidifier during the summer. Use it only in the colder seasons, like fall and winter. Your air conditioner works to pull the humidity out of your house, so adding humidity back in with the humidifier while your AC is running will cause added strain on your AC as well as your pocketbook.

Get a Maintenance Plan with Roth Heating & Air
After following this HVAC maintenance checklist, it’s best to contact professional technicians for further inspection and expert repair. They will have your systems checked for other potential issues and provide you with solutions that a regular homeowner may not be able to execute.

For HVAC maintenance and repair, contact Roth Heating & Air. Our team of professional technicians can provide you with a maintenance plan to ensure that you’re on schedule when it comes to taking care of your heating and cooling systems. Give us a call today to learn more about our services.

Common Air Conditioner Problems and Their Solutions

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common air conditioner problems

An air conditioning malfunction can be such an inconvenience, especially if it’s a hot day. To ensure that you know what to do when it happens, read on to learn about common air conditioner problems and solutions.

Your AC Does Not Turn On
When your AC no longer turns on, the thermostat’s batteries can be an issue. For dead batteries, you can switch them out with new ones. However, batteries that still have juice in them can be used.

Browse through your thermostat manual to learn how to double-check its settings. Make sure that it’s turned on to cooling mode. You can also try resetting the circuit breaker if it is tripped.

Your AC Doesn’t Blow Cold Air
You may experience switching your air conditioner on and after a while, notice that it hasn’t cooled off your room yet. This can be due to a dirty air filter. To fix it, you should have it cleaned every two weeks or switched out every two months.

Your AC Leaks
Every homeowner has probably experienced a leaking air conditioner. This happens when your drains are clogged with too many algae or fungi buildup. You can fix this by making your own cleaning solutions at home.

One example is to pour a few ounces of vinegar inside the drain line. The vinegar acts as an agent that kills the algae and fungi inside. If it doesn’t work, you can also use a vacuum to unclog the drain.

Reach Out to Experts for Best Results
The best way to fix common air conditioner problems is to get help from professionals. You may think that AC repair can be costly; however, regular maintenance is important to prevent your air conditioning system from breaking down.

If you’re interested in learning more about air conditioner problems and solutions, browse through our page at Roth Heating & Air. Our team also provides residential and commercial services to clients in Wichita, Kansas. Give us a call today, and we’ll make sure to effectively repair any issues your air conditioning unit is experiencing.

Five Furnace Problems That Need Emergency Repair

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man fixing the screw

You wouldn’t want to go through winter without a working furnace. Having one is an excellent way to keep yourself warm and comfortable when it’s freezing cold. However, these heating system systems can unexpectedly break down. Read on to learn about some warning signs that you could be having a furnace emergency.

1. Randomly Switches Off

You might have experienced switching your furnace on only for it to turn back off after a few minutes. When this happens, it could be caused by a dirty air filter, rusted flame sensor, or malfunctioning thermostat. If you notice your furnace acting up, it’s best to contact professional technicians. They will be able to identify the source of the problem and fix it accordingly.

2. Loud Noises

Furnaces aren’t supposed to be loud. When turned on, they should barely make any noise. Sounds such as loud rattling or grinding are signs of an emergency furnace situation. This usually happens when your furnace is old.

3. No Warm Air

A furnace’s main purpose is to keep your place warm by blowing hot air. It’s a major problem when it does the exact opposite by blowing out cool air or no air at all. This can happen due to a blockage in the vent or an outdated blower motor.

4. Funky Smells

Most furnaces are fueled by natural gas that does not have an odor. When you smell something foul, such as rotten eggs or sewer, from your furnace, this could be a sign that you have a gas leakage. When this happens, turn your furnace off as soon as possible and have the professionals attend to your problem.

5. A Yellow Pilot Light

A furnace mainly has a blue pilot light with only the tip of the flame being yellow. When it is any other color, this could indicate carbon monoxide leakage. This can cause serious health hazards if it doesn’t get fixed immediately by technicians.

HVAC Repair Services With Roth Heating & Air
The best way to prevent these serious situations from happening is to have regular maintenance. At Roth Heating and Air, our team will be there for you even before a furnace emergency happens. Learn more about our maintenance plans by browsing through our site. We serve commercial and residential clients in Wichita, Kansas.

Common HVAC Issues and Tips on How To Solve Them

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View of HVAC

Occasionally, your HVAC systems malfunction. Read on to learn about tips on solving common furnace, air conditioning, and heat pump problems.

Furnace Problems
Furnace is one of the most popular heating systems in every American home. Learn about what common furnace problems homeowners experience and what they can do when their furnace malfunctions.

Randomly Switches Off
You might have experienced your furnace working for a short amount of time only to switch it off. This is caused by overheating from a limited or clogged air flow. To fix this, you can get your filter replaced. If this doesn’t work, it’s recommended to contact professionals to fix this switch.

Does Not Turn On
If there are moments your furnace randomly switches off, there are also times they do not turn on. This can be easily fixed in two ways. Either switch on the furnace flip in the breaker box or adjust the thermostat as needed. If these don’t work, contact professional technicians to help you.

Air Conditioning Problems
Homeowners tend to overuse their cooling system, especially during the summer. Learn about how to deal with common air conditioning problems.

Faulty Thermostat
Have you ever experienced turning your AC on, but the room still feels warm? This could have been caused by defects in your thermostat. The solution to this depends on the root cause of your issue. Some reasons include unsecured wires or screws, dead batteries, or a spread of corrosion.

Water Leakage
This is an issue every air conditioning owner has most likely experienced. If you have an indoor AC, a clogged drain, or a broken condensate pump can cause water leakage.

If your problem is the drain, you can unclog it by using a vacuum or pouring vinegar to wash out the bacteria buildup. Though if your pump is damaged, it’s advisable to call technicians to have it replaced and installed.

Heat Pump Problems
Learn about what to do when common heat pump problems happen.

Weird Noises
One of the most common problems for an HVAC system is rattling noise. It can signal that your heat pump has loose parts and needs tightening or has a serious problem that requires a technician. If these parts cannot be easily screwed on your own, contact professionals for help.

Incorrect Cycles
You might notice that your heat pump doesn’t turn on and off as it should. When this happens, this can be because of a malfunctioning thermostat or a clogged filter. You can either adjust the thermostat or get your filter cleaned, depending on the issue.

Contact Roth Heating and Air for HVAC System Solutions
With more than 60 years of experience in the industry, Roth Heating and Air is the technician company for you. We offer commercial and residential services in Wichita, Kansas. Contact us for solutions to all your heating and cooling problems.

Reasons to Hire a Professional Heating and Cooling Service

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Professional Heating and Cooling Service

An HVAC system is one of the biggest investments that people have when building a home. So, when it comes to maintaining this system, one should not rely on just anyone to provide maintenance and repairs. It would be best to hire a professional heating and cooling contractor for your HVAC.

There are many benefits to hiring a licensed heating and AC company. Read on to learn about why you should work with one.

They are highly skilled in their field.
Hiring a professional and certified contractor will help you be assured that you are working with a team of highly skilled technicians knowledgeable in HVAC systems. To be certified, they have to meet the standards set by the Kansas Registrar of Contractors. They have to pass an exam to show their knowledge of their field.

Many companies like Roth Heating & Air make their employees undergo rigorous training to hone their skills and update their knowledge of the repair, cleaning, and installation procedures. This helps them keep their standard of superior service.

They can help you save money.
Hiring a nonprofessional technician may seem like an excellent way to save money. But in the end, it may cost you more. If the HVAC problems are not properly addressed at the onset, they may worsen and need even more expensive repairs.

A professional contractor has enough skill and experience to get the job done right the first time. They also have warranties for their work, which can cover expenses if ever more repairs are needed. They can also spot potential problems in your system and prevent them from occurring, helping you save money on future repairs.

They have all the necessary tools.
HVAC systems often require specialized tools for maintenance and repairs. If a homeowner wants to fix their heating and cooling network on their own, they may have to purchase various types of equipment in the process.

Meanwhile, professional HVAC companies have a wide array of equipment and supplies at their disposal. They have all the tools they need to properly address whatever problem your system may have.

Call a Professional HVAC Contractor
Do you need reliable heating and AC service in Wichita? Get in touch with the Roth Heating & Air team today and enjoy the benefits of working with a professional HVAC company.

Different Services Offered by a Heating and Air Conditioning Company

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Do you need the assistance of an HVAC company like Roth Heating & Air? There are many heating and cooling services that a typical contractor will offer. Being more familiar with what they provide can help you figure out when you should hire one. Read on to learn more about some of the services of an HVAC contractor.

Setup or Installation
An essential furnace and AC service that a contractor provides is to install HVAC equipment. This service includes planning the placement and installing the network of ducts for centralized HVAC systems. A professional contractor knows all the proper installation protocols for each kind of heating and cooling system. They can help ensure you have the optimal setup for your space.

System Replacement
HVAC companies also offer replacement services, which are great if your HVAC is old. These services involve taking out all the outdated and irreparable components of your heating and AC system and putting in new equipment. This is a great way to keep your HVAC system updated with the latest technology.

Installing a replacement system also involves evaluating how much load an HVAC can carry to maintain the temperature in your space. Roth Heating & Air offers a heating and cooling load analysis for replacement systems at no obligation or cost to clients.

Maintenance and Cleaning
A company that provides heating and cooling services often offers a complete maintenance regimen for all types of HVACs. The contractor will go over the entire system and check each part to make sure everything is in good shape. This service includes some of the following procedures:

  • Looking for refrigerant leaks
  • Checking refrigerant levels
  • Tightening electrical connections
  • Lubrication of parts
  • Clearing drain lines
  • Inspecting controls
  • Calibrating the thermostat

Cleaning is an essential part of maintenance since dirt and grime can reduce its efficiency. So, a professional contractor also cleans the HVAC equipment and ductwork and change or wash the system filters.

Call Roth Heating & Air Today!
Roth Heating & Air provides various residential and commercial services for heating and cooling. Get in touch with our team today to learn more about what our company has to offer. We provide our heating and AC services 7 days a week.