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5 Tips for Preparing Your AC for the Summer Season

Air Controls • April 9, 2024

As the days grow longer and warmer, it's time to start thinking about getting your home ready for the hotter temperatures of summer. One important aspect of summer preparation is ensuring your air conditioning system is up to the task of keeping you cool and comfortable during the hot months ahead. At Air Controls, we can complete AC maintenance in Bozeman that will help to keep your home optimally cool when hot weather arrives. Here’s a look at five tips for preparing your AC for summer.


Schedule a Professional Maintenance Check-Up

Before the summer heat sets in, it's wise to have a professional HVAC technician inspect and service your air conditioning system. A thorough inspection can identify any potential issues— such as worn-out parts, refrigerant leaks, or clogged filters—and address them before they escalate into major problems. 


Clean/Replace Air Filters

Clogged or dirty air filters can restrict airflow, reduce cooling efficiency, and strain your air conditioning system. It's recommended to inspect your air filters monthly and clean or replace them as needed, especially before the start of the summer season. Clean filters enable proper airflow, improve indoor air quality, and help your AC operate more efficiently, ultimately saving energy and lowering utility bills.


Clear the Area Around Outdoor Unit

Your air conditioner's outdoor unit requires proper airflow to function efficiently. Overgrown vegetation, debris, or clutter around the outdoor unit can obstruct airflow and hinder its performance. Before summer arrives, trim any vegetation encroaching on the unit. Maintain a clearance of at least two feet around the unit to enable adequate airflow and optimal operation.


Check and Seal Air Ducts

Leaky air ducts can result in cooled air escaping before it reaches its intended destination, leading to energy waste and uneven cooling throughout your home. Inspect your air ducts for signs of leaks, such as visible gaps or cracks, and seal them as needed.


Adjust Thermostat Settings

Optimizing your thermostat settings can help you save energy and improve comfort during the summer months. Consider investing in a programmable or smart thermostat that allows you to set temperature schedules based on your daily routine. This will help to prevent energy waste.


HVAC Service in Bozeman

When you need HVAC service in Bozeman and the surrounding area, contact Air Controls at (406) 587-6292. Our local HVAC company can expertly handle your home’s heating and cooling needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment! 


By Air Controls December 10, 2024
As temperatures drop, heating costs can climb, straining your household budget. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to reduce your heat bill without sacrificing comfort. From improving insulation to keeping up with HVAC maintenance, these methods can help you stay warm while saving reducing your heat bill. At Air Controls, we provide HVAC maintenance in Bozeman that optimizes your heating system’s efficiency, in turn lowering your heating expenses. Here’s a look at four tips for decreasing your heat bill. Improve Your Home’s Insulation Proper insulation is one of the most effective ways to reduce heating costs. Poorly insulated walls, attics, and floors allow warm air to escape, forcing your heating system to work harder. Upgrading your home’s insulation or sealing gaps around windows and doors can significantly improve energy-efficiency. By keeping warm air in and cold air out, you reduce the need for constant heating. Use a Programmable Thermostat A programmable thermostat allows you to customize your heating schedule based on your daily routine. By setting the temperature lower when you’re away or asleep and raising it when you’re home, you can save energy without compromising comfort. While there are some upfront costs with installing a programmable thermostat, you can achieve savings over time. Use Energy-Efficient Window Treatments Windows are a common source of heat loss, especially in older homes. Installing energy-efficient window treatments like thermal curtains or insulated shades can help retain heat. During the day, open south-facing curtains to let in natural sunlight and close them at night to trap the heat. This simple step can make a noticeable difference in your home’s warmth and your energy costs. Maintain Your Heating System A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently and uses less energy. Regularly servicing your furnace or heat pump ensures that it operates at peak performance. Tasks like cleaning or replacing filters, inspecting ducts for leaks, and ensuring proper airflow can all contribute to reduced energy consumption and lower heating bills. Heating System Service in Bozeman, MT If you need HVAC service in Bozeman and the surrounding area, contact Air Controls at (406) 587-6292. Our local HVAC company can expertly take care of your home’s heating and cooling needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!
By Air Controls November 7, 2024
Your furnace plays a crucial role in keeping your home comfortable and warm during the colder months, but when it starts showing signs of trouble, it’s best not to ignore them. Catching furnace issues early can help prevent breakdowns, improve efficiency, and even extend the life of the unit. At Air Controls, we provide expert furnace repair in the greater Bozeman area. Here are five common signs of a furnace problem. Unusual Noises Furnaces generally make some noise when running, but if you start hearing unusual sounds—like banging, rattling, or squealing—it’s often a sign of trouble. These noises can indicate anything from loose components to a failing blower motor or ignition problems. If you hear strange sounds, it’s best to call a technician to identify the problem before it worsens. Uneven Heating or Cold Spots If you notice that some rooms are warmer than others or that certain areas are consistently cold, it could point to an issue with your furnace. Uneven heating often results from problems like clogged air filters, leaky ducts, or an aging furnace struggling to distribute heat properly. Increased Heating Bills A sudden spike in your heating bills, despite using your furnace the same way as usual, is another red flag. When a furnace isn’t operating efficiently, it has to work harder to heat your home, using more energy in the process. Dirty filters, old parts, or general wear and tear can all lead to inefficiency, and a professional inspection can help diagnose the specific issue. Frequent Cycling If your furnace is frequently turning on and off, it’s experiencing what’s known as “short cycling.” This issue can arise from several causes, including a malfunctioning thermostat. Short cycling is not only hard on your furnace, but it also prevents your home from reaching the desired temperature, causing discomfort and wasted energy. Yellow Pilot Light A healthy pilot light on a gas furnace should burn blue. If it’s burning yellow, this could indicate a ventilation problem or even the presence of carbon monoxide—a colorless, odorless, and potentially dangerous gas. If you see a yellow flame, it’s crucial to have a technician inspect your furnace to ensure safe and proper operation. Furnace Repair in Bozeman, MT If you need heating system service in Bozeman and the surrounding area, contact Air Controls at (406) 587-6292. Our nearby HVAC company can expertly handle your home’s heating and cooling needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!
By Air Controls October 8, 2024
As the colder months approach, ensuring your home’s heating system is in top condition is essential for both comfort and safety. While it may be tempting to wait until you actually need to keep the heat on, scheduling professional maintenance before winter arrives can save you from headaches and costly repairs. At Air Controls, we provide expert HVAC maintenance in the greater Bozeman area. Here are four important reasons to get your heating system professionally serviced before winter comes. Improve Energy-Efficiency A heating system that is well-maintained operates at peak efficiency, which means it uses less energy to heat your home. Dust buildup, dirty filters, and worn components force the system to work harder, increasing your energy consumption. During a maintenance visit, a technician will clean and inspect all components, ensuring your system runs as efficiently as possible. Prevent Breakdowns One of the worst scenarios during the winter is your heating system failing on a freezing night. Professional maintenance allows a technician to catch minor issues—like worn belts or clogged filters—before they escalate into significant repairs. By addressing these problems early, you’ll reduce the risk of your system breaking down when you need it the most, saving you from costly emergencies. Extend the Lifespan of Your Heating System Heating systems are a significant investment, so extending their lifespan should be a priority. Regular maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and helps prevent wear and tear on critical components. By ensuring that your heating system is functioning optimally, you help maximize its lifespan, delaying the need for a costly replacement. Safe Operation Heating systems can pose safety risks if not properly maintained. Issues such as gas leaks, carbon monoxide emissions, and electrical malfunctions can be hazardous for your home and family. During a professional inspection, technicians will check for any signs of leaks, faulty wiring, or other potential dangers. Regular maintenance helps ensure that your heating system operates safely, giving you peace of mind throughout the winter. Heating System Maintenance in Bozeman, MT When you need heating system service in Bozeman and the surrounding area, contact Air Controls at (406) 587-6292. Our local HVAC company can expertly handle your home’s heating and cooling needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!
By Air Controls September 10, 2024
At Air Controls, it’s our mission to earn our customers’ satisfaction by doing top-quality HVAC work at fair rates, all while providing attentive service. No matter how big or small the job, our team will work diligently to complete it to the highest standards. And we’re grateful when our customers offer feedback about their experiences with us. Here’s a look at some of our recent customer reviews. “They've serviced and maintained our furnace and air conditioning. Service people are great, and no worries having them in my home! We've used them for 18 years. They've kept everything running and working well. Nice people! No worries for me!” —Linda L. “Air Controls Bozeman Inc. installed a new central air conditioner with heat pump. Getting the quote was easy working with Shawn. He understood what I wanted and came out the first day of installation to make sure we were all on the same page. Jeff and Joe did the new install, equipment, the very important duct work and cut all the vents and returns. They were very respectful, clean and did an excellent job! They were very conscious about keeping everything clean and the only way you would know they were here is that I have an awesome HVAC system that wasn't here 3 days ago. I highly recommend Air Controls Bozeman Inc. because they did a great job.” —Daniel S. “I was extremely pleased with my experience with your service on my furnace in April 2024. My service technician, Robert Camburn, was wonderful! I will certainly recommend Air Controls to my Association President and the 48 units in my townhome community for your stellar quality, integrity and honesty. Thank you with much gratitude.” —Annette Y. “Shawn and crew took short time to redirect vent in accordance with both city code and local HOA requirements. Good job, once again, as they have done more than one project for me over the years. Looking forward to using them again.” —SC Builder HVAC Service in Bozeman, MT For HVAC service in Bozeman and the surrounding area, contact Air Controls at (406) 587-6292. Our nearbyHVAC company can expertly handle your heating and cooling needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!
By Air Controls August 21, 2024
Indoor air quality plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy living environment. Poor air quality can lead to various health issues, including allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to improve the air quality in your home. At Air Controls, we can help you enhance your home’s air quality. Here are four tips to help you breathe easier and enjoy a healthier home. Regularly Replace Air Filters One of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your home’s air quality is by regularly replacing the air filters in your HVAC system. Over the seasons, these filters can become clogged with dust, pollen, pet dander, and other pollutants, reducing their effectiveness. By replacing them every 1-3 months, depending on your usage and the presence of pets or allergies, you can help ensure that your HVAC system is circulating clean air throughout your home. Install an Indoor Air Quality System At Air Controls, we offer the installation of Healthy Climate air purification and filtration systems that work with existing central air systems. This can meaningfully reduce dust, allergens, and other airborne contaminants. Keep Your Home Clean and Dust Regularly Regular cleaning can significantly reduce the amount of dust, allergens, and pollutants in your home. Dust surfaces, vacuum carpets, and mop floors frequently to minimize the buildup of contaminants. Pay special attention to areas where dust tends to accumulate, such as curtains, blinds, and upholstery. Using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can further enhance your efforts by trapping small particles that would otherwise be recirculated into the air. Ventilation Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining good air quality. Regularly opening windows and doors can help fresh air circulate throughout your home and reduce the concentration of indoor pollutants. Also, make sure your HVAC system is properly ventilated to support consistent air exchange. HVAC Service in Bozeman, MT For residential HVAC service in Bozeman and the surrounding area, contact Air Controls at (406) 587-6292. Our local HVAC company can expertly handle your heating and cooling needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!
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