Author: Kevin

Why Dehumidify Your Home?

Written by Kevin on September 16, 2022. Posted in Allergies and Asthma.

Warm temperatures typically hold more moisture than colder temperatures, which is why humid summers in Foley can be uncomfortable. Your home should be an escape from high humidity, but sometimes it enters your home. If your home has high humidity, it can damage components inside your home and sacrifice your comfort. In this blog article, we will explain the downside of high humidity levels in your home and why you should dehumidify your home.

How High Humidity Can Affect Your Home

High humidity levels can risk the health of many aspects inside your home, which can result in costly repairs! Below are 5 effects humidity can have on your home.

Encourage mold and mildew growth
Cause wood floors and furniture to expand and warp
Damage tools, electronics, appliances, and important documents
Lead or intensify asthma conditions
Ruin paint and cause wallpaper to peel

Invest In A Dehumidifier!

Your air conditioning system works to remove humidity and moisture in the air. However, it’s sole purpose is to cool your home and may struggle to keep up if humidity levels are high. A dehumidifier can provide many benefits for your home while working to decrease humidity. Below we have listed 5 advantages that come with investing in a dehumidifier.

Increase Comfort
Improve Allergies
Lower Energy Bills
Prevent Musty Odors
Protect Household Items

Increase Comfort

Does your home feel muggy and uncomfortable? No matter how much you lower the temperature or utilize ceiling fans, nothing seems to improve your comfort. If this is your case, you likely have high humidity levels inside your home. A dehumidifier is an easy and quick fix to keep your home a comfortable oasis at all hours of the day.

Improve Allergies

Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air, which can improve allergies. Allergens such as mold, mildew, and dust mites thrive in moist environments. A dehumidifier can reduce mold and mildew growth and eliminate dust mites to keep you breathing easy!

Lower Energy Bills

Along with cooling your home, your air conditioner removes humidity and sends excess moisture through the drain line. If humidity levels are high, it could overwork your system and increase energy usage. Increased moisture could also cause a clog in your drain line. Both outcomes would increase monthly cooling costs. A dehumidifier works solely to remove moisture, which would take strain off of your AC unit and lower energy bills.

Prevent Musty Odors

The smell of your home should be fresh and clean, not musty and moldy. The musty odor is likely caused by mold and mildew spores growing because of the excess humidity. Once mold and mildew is removed, a dehumidifier will help prevent future growth leaving your home smelling musty.

Protect Household Items

Your home is at risk with high humidity levels. Humidity can cause structural and condensation problems and put components inside your home at risk. Your furniture, walls, electronics, paper documents, and wood will be protected from moisture and mold growth with the use of a dehumidifier.

If you are experiencing an uncomfortable and muggy feeling inside your home, we highly recommend installing a dehumidifier for the many benefits it offers. Your comfort is our top priority, which can be hard with high levels of moisture. Give us a call with any questions regarding humidity and air quality today!

Air Conditioning Myths

Written by Kevin on August 12, 2022. Posted in HVAC myths, Air Conditioner Repair.

Since air conditioning was invented in 1902, there have been many misconceptions developed over the years. DIY projects and unreliable internet information have led to expensive AC repairs and homeowners spending unnecessary money. We are here to separate the fact from fiction when it comes to air conditioning systems. In this blog, we will explore common air conditioning myths and provide truthful answers to help homeowners save money and remain comfortable in their home.

AC Myths, DEBUNKED!

Let us help set the record straight, below are 6 common air conditioning myths:

Bigger AC Systems Are Better.
Closed Vents Save Money.
Your Home Will Cool Faster On A Low Thermostat Setting.
Duct Tape Is Meant For Ductwork.
Thermostat Placement Does Not Matter.
Your AC Unit Does Not Need Preventative Maintenance.

Myth: Bigger AC Systems Are Better.

Bigger AC systems are not better for your home. Your air conditioner should be properly sized with many factors about your home considered. An oversized unit will not cool your home faster or increase energy efficiency. They actually do the opposite and use more energy to run, which raises your utility bills.

Myth: Closed Vents Save Money.

Closing air vents in vacant rooms will not save you money, but potentially cost you more. Air will relocate into your ducts if your vents are closed and could cause air duct leaks from the pressure. Air leaks lead to high bills and decreased efficiency ratings.

Myth: Your Home Will Cool Faster On A Low Thermostat Setting.

Your home will not cool faster just because of the low thermostat setting. Your air conditioner runs in cycles until it reaches the thermostat setting, which means it will take the same amount of time to cool no matter the thermostat setting. Altering your thermostat in hopes to cool your home quicker will only result in costly bills and an overworked air conditioner. If you want to feel cooler faster, consider utilizing your ceiling fan for a cool breeze.

Myth: Duct Tape Is Meant For Ductwork.

Contrary to the name, duct tape is not meant for your ducts in your home. Many believe duct tape is a good fix to air leaks, however, duct tape can not withstand the temperature changes inside your ducts and will not hold for long. Give us a call if you suspect air leaks in your ductwork and we can provide a long term solution.

Myth: Thermostat Placement Does Not Matter.

Many do not know that the placement of your thermostat is very important to your cooling system. Factors such as direct sunlight, windows, and doors can allow your thermostat to take inaccurate temperature readings and not effectively cool your home. It is best to place your thermostat in a central location on an interior wall.

Myth: Your AC Unit Does Not Need Preventative Maintenance.

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it, right? Wrong! Your air conditioner should have maintenance check ups twice a year, in the spring and fall. Just because something it’s visibly wrong, doesn’t mean there isn’t an internal problem. Your Anchor Air technician can help detect and fix problems before they become costly ones with AC preventative maintenance. Don’t run your air conditioner until it breaks down, call us now to schedule your fall preventative maintenance!

Consider the truth we provided if you have been practicing some of these common air conditioning myths. We are here to debunk the myths to prevent homeowners from using them in the future. To ensure your comfort and a healthy air conditioning system, remember the truths from this article. Your AC unit and bank account will thank you for saving money and energy!

How To Stay Cool When The AC Goes Out

Written by Kevin on July 29, 2022. Posted in Air Conditioner Repair.

Everything needs to be repaired from time to time, such as your car, roof, and air conditioner. Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever, but we can help ensure your air conditioner is repaired in a timely manner to get your home cool and comfortable once again. While your Anchor Air technician identifies the air conditioning repair and comes to a solution, how do you stay cool in the meantime? In this article, we will describe 7 tips to stay comfortable and beat the Alabama heat.

7 Ways To Stay Cool

Your air conditioner is working hard in the summer to keep up with the harsh temperatures, which is why air conditioning repairs are more likely in the summer and winter. Check out these tricks to stay comfortable while your Anchor Air technician fixes your air conditioning unit!

Wear Cooling Clothing
Avoid Using Heat Generating Appliances
Utilize Fans
Cover Windows
Stay Hydrated
Take A Cool Shower
Find Another Spot To Hangout

Wear Cooling Clothing

We recommend wearing lightweight, breathable clothing while your AC isn’t working. For example, fabrics such as cotton allow air circulation, and light colored fabric is said to reflect light and heat.

Avoid Using Heating Generating Appliances

While your air conditioner is broken, try to avoid using heat-generating appliances such as your dryer, dishwasher, and oven. These appliances create unnecessary heat and will add to your indoor temperature. Instead, try to eat ready to go or refrigerated meals.

Utilize Fans

Did you know your ceiling fans have a certain setting for summer? Make sure your ceiling fan is rotating clockwise to push down a cool breeze on your skin. To change the setting, look for a switch below the fan blades. We also recommend utilizing box fans, but only utilizing both box and ceiling fans while someone is in the room. Ceiling fans do not change the temperature. The breeze they create makes it feel like a cooler temperature on your skin.

Cover Windows

Although the sunlight peeking through your blinds is nice, be sure to keep your blind and curtains shut if your air conditioner is off. The sun allows heat to enter through the sun rays, which will increase the temperature inside your home.

Stay Hydrated

This is one of the most important tips if your air conditioner is broken! Not only is staying hydrated good for your health, but will also keep you cool and refreshed. Grab a cold drink, utilize your fans, and relax while your Anchor Air technician has you covered.

Take A Cool Shower

The heat can be extremely uncomfortable, so for an immediate cool down we recommend taking a cold shower. This will help battle the temperature in your home and keep your skin feeling cool for a while after.

Find Another Spot To Hangout

If possible, find another spot to hang out while your air conditioner is being repaired. Use a friend’s pool, go to the mall or public library, or do a summer activity. Foley and surrounding areas have many public, air-conditioned areas for you to visit and stay cool this summer.

We understand a broken air conditioner is uncomfortable and frustrating. At Anchor Air, we can help repair your air conditioner quickly and efficiently to ensure your comfort. Give us a call for any air conditioning services this summer in Foley!

Why Is My AC Not Blowing Cold Air?

Written by Kevin on June 23, 2022. Posted in Air Conditioner Repair.

Vents Blowing Warm Air?

There is nothing worse than coming home to find your air conditioner blowing warm air. When the temperature is 3 digits outside, you need a reliable cooling system to keep you comfortable. In this blog we will answer the common homeowner question of “Why is my AC not blowing cold air?” and provide solutions to help get your air conditioner working properly!

There are many reasons why your air conditioner is distributing the muggy, warm Alabama air into your home. One of our trained technicians can help identify the problem and quickly get your home comfortable once again.

Your thermostat may be having issues.

If you notice your air conditioner blowing warm air, first check the thermostat settings. If your thermostat seems to be powered off, it may need a new set of batteries. If on, the thermostat should be set to cool and read a comfortable temperature. Best case scenario, someone changed your setting or temperature and you can go back to your air conditioner blowing cool air in no time. Unfortunately life doesn’t always work like that, so if everything seems to be working with your thermostat move to our next tip!

Your refrigerant levels may be low.

Refrigerant is critical to producing cool air in your home. It is likely the levels are low due to a leak, which can cause many other problems than just blowing warm air. If this is your issue, your air conditioner will continue to try to keep up with your temperature setting and blow warm air. We recommend contacting your Anchor Air technician to assist with this problem.

Your drain may be clogged.

Along with keeping you cool, your air conditioner is also tasked with dehumidifying your air. The moisture collected from your air goes out a drain pipe typically located near your outdoor unit. To check if your drain line is clogged, start with removing any visible debris. Deeper clogs can be removed by shop or wet vacuums or calling your Anchor Air technician!

Your condenser unit may be blocked.

Your outdoor unit is referred to as a condenser. Debris such as grass clippings, leaves, and branches can harm your air conditioner’s ability to function properly. Dirt and debris can cause your unit to overwork itself or produce a problem like blowing warm air. We recommend clearing any removable debris and carefully washing away the dirt with a hose, but to ensure it is done correctly give us a call.

Your air filter may be dirty.

Your air conditioner relies heavily on a clean air filter. A dirty or clogged air filter could be the source of many problems, not just blowing warm air. A dirty air filter harms airflow and makes it harder for your system to push cool air through. To keep your air cool and avoid a breakdown, change your air filter every 90 days or sooner depending on indoor pets.

Your evaporator coil may be frozen.

Much like the human body, all of the parts to your air conditioning system work together to keep you comfortable. If your evaporator coil is frozen and causing your unit to produce warm air, it could be due to a dirty air filter or clogged drain lines. Accessing your evaporator coil is a difficult process and best handled by an Anchor Air technician.

Give us a call at (251) 216-2622 if you notice your air conditioner is not blowing cold air. We are here to make sure you stay cool and comfortable in the Alabama heat this summer!

4 Devices To Improve Allergies

Written by Kevin on June 16, 2022. Posted in Allergies and Asthma.

Did you know the air in your home could be affecting your health? According to Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, in humid climates such as occurs in the southern states, biological air pollutants such as animal dander, dust mites, and other allergens affect your health and allergies more than any other indoor pollutant. The university further goes on to suggest that biological air pollutants are best eliminated through the use of systems that can provide clean fresh air. These systems may include humidifiers, purifiers, filters and dehumidifiers. In this blog, we will explain how indoor systems can improve allergies and keep you and other residents healthy!

Humidifiers

Depending on which climate you live in, your home may require a humidifier or dehumidifier. Both can be beneficial for your health in the correct setting. Humidifiers add moisture to the air to prevent dryness for many parts of the body, such as skin, nose, throat, and lips. Using a humidifier can soothe irritation and inflammation caused by allergens in the air. Specific allergies this system can be beneficial to are nasal congestion and mucus production. Although humidifiers do not remove the allergens in your air, it can help reduce the symptoms you may be enduring.

Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers do the exact opposite of a humidifier. Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air. This system is important in humid climates because it can dry excessively moist areas where some allergens grow and thrive, such as mold, mildew, and dust mites. These allergens can flare allergies and be dangerous for your health. Although it does not remove allergens from the air, it can prevent more from forming.

Purifiers

Air purifiers can help reduce allergies and improve health by removing unwanted particles. This portable device uses a filter and fan to intake and remove particles and produce clean air back into the room. This process improves allergies as the purifier cycle continuously increases indoor air quality. An air purifier could be a smart investment to improve the air you are breathing in your home and your health.

Filters

Much like an air purifier, an air filter’s job is to remove allergens and particles from the air. Air filters trap pollutants, which results in allergy relief. There are different types of air filters with different minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) ratings. The higher the rating, the more particles the filter will catch. However, a higher rating can affect your air conditioner and increase your energy bills, so consult your Anchor Air technician to determine the best air filter for your health and AC system. It is important to note that air filters should be changed every 90 days or sooner if you have indoor pets. A clogged air filter will cause your allergies to flare, so it is important for your health to maintain a clean filter.

Our main concern is keeping our clients healthy and comfortable. If you struggle with allergies, consider investing in one of these systems. Give us a call with any questions, we are here to help you breathe easy.