Category: Homeowner Tips

What You Need to Know About SEER2

Posted on by Airmasters Heating and Air Conditioning

Have you heard about the new SEER2 requirements but you’re not sure how or if they apply to you? Do you need a North Little Rock HVAC company to help you figure it all out?

Here at Airmasters AR Heating & Cooling, we have the experience and expertise you need. We can help you understand SEER2 and perform your SEER to SEER2 conversion if and when that becomes necessary. Here are the basics, and you can always call us to learn more.

2023 Changes in Regulations

north little rock HVAC company

When we talk about SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) and SEER2 ratings, we are referring to energy efficiency. Specifically, we are talking about the energy efficiency of HVAC equipment. Starting in January of 2023, all HVAC equipment that gets installed will need to have a SEER rating of 14 for residential systems or 15 for commercial systems. These are called SEER2 ratings, as previous legislation is referred to as SEER, even though they use the same rating system.

What is SEER2?

The SEER2 meaning is that your HVAC system will be more efficient. You won’t have to upgrade old equipment until it stops working or you choose to do so, but any new equipment installed will be more efficient. That’s it – it’s not any more complicated than that.

How Does SEER2 Change Life for Homeowners?

Homeowners may or may not see major changes after the implementation of these new SEER2 requirements. If your old system is relatively efficient, you may not see many changes. However, if you work with your North Little Rock heating and cooling company to upgrade a very old system, you may see significant changes.

Most notably, you are likely to save money on your energy bills each month. Collectively, homes using ACs or heat pumps should see between 2.5 and 12.2 billion dollars in savings over the next 30 years. That won’t all be yours, but some of it definitely will be.

SEER2 Changes by Region

Note that different areas of the US have slightly different requirements under SEER2. As your North Little Rock cooling and heating experts, we know these systems and regulations inside and out. We can tell you exactly what you need and help you find a system that qualifies under the new requirements.

Get SEER to SEER2 Conversion

Call us at Airmasters AR Heating & Cooling today with any questions you might have about the new SEER2 requirement or to schedule your SEER to SEER2 conversion. We’re your go-to North Little Rock HVAC company and have highly skilled HVAC technicians who are trained to understand SEER2 requirements so you don’t have to. Make your appointment today!

(501) 223-2665

How To Improve Indoor Air Quality In Your North Little Rock Home

Posted on by Airmasters Heating and Air Conditioning
Replacing an air filter in a home

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is lower than usual. It’s important to know what to do to help your indoor air quality at your home in North Little Rock. Here are a few steps you can take:

Upgrade Your Air Filters

Upgrade the level of filtration that your HVAC system offers. This is one step toward improved indoor air quality in North Little Rock that can make a huge difference. Make sure you are using an air filter with a high MERV rating. If the system can’t handle those filters, consider getting a new system.

Purchase Air Purifiers

Air purifiers offer a straightforward way to improve the indoor air quality where you live. You can purchase one that will clean all the air in the system, or you can buy them for individual rooms and areas. Make sure that you have enough purification power to clean all of the air in your residence and that the purifiers will remove the contaminants that most concern you.

Add Plants

Many people wonder, “Do plants improve indoor air quality?” and the answer is yes! Plants add oxygen to the space and freshen up any contaminants. It’s always good to have some greenery in your home for decor, but also to have a healthy inside environment.

If you need help with the indoor air quality at your home, contact us at Airmasters today. We’ll send out experts to analyze your needs, then get you the indoor air quality solutions you need.

(501) 223-2665

How to Reduce Allergens in Your Home

Posted on by Airmasters Heating and Air Conditioning
Replacing an air filter to improve indoor air quality.

Are you struggling with allergies even when you’re inside your house? Certain allergens easily penetrate your home and can cause major discomfort for allergy sufferers. There are a few things you can do to reduce the allergens inside your home.

Duct Cleaning

If your ducts are dusty or contain a lot of moisture, there’s a good chance that you have allergens in there somewhere. These can get sucked in by your heating and cooling system and then get stuck in the dust. Moist corners provide places where mold and mildew spores can grow, too.

Call us for duct cleaning in North Little Rock to get rid of these allergens and make your ducts a place where they are unlikely to take up residence again.

HEPA Air Filters

Our experts at Airmasters can let you know which HEPA-rated filter would be perfect for your house. You want the highest-rated one that your system can handle without working too hard or becoming inefficient. These filters catch more of the allergens that the system sucks in so they don’t infiltrate your home.

Duct Sealing

If allergies continue to be a problem, you may need to seal your ducts completely. This process closes up any small holes in your ducts so allergens cannot enter. The process also makes most HVAC systems significantly more efficient.

Contact us at Airmasters today and ask for a consultation with one of our North Little Rock indoor air quality specialists. We’ll help you get rid of allergies so you can feel better at home ASAP.

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

Posted on by Airmasters Heating and Air Conditioning

Do you have a heat pump or are you interested in getting one? Understanding the basics of how your heater works can help you decide if heat pumps are right for you and your home. It can also help you decide when you need to call for professional repair or replacement for your unit. Keep reading to learn more for North Little Rock’s heat pump experts!

(501) 223-2665

Heat Pump Basics

A heat pump in North Little Rock

Heat pumps are electrical devices that get heat from one place and transfer it to another. They aren’t new technology and, in fact, similar devices are used in most air conditioners and refrigeration units. 

Heat pumps work by circulating a refrigerant through a cycle of evaporation and condensation. A refrigerant is anything that makes things colder. A compressor pumps this refrigerant back and forth between coils, called heat exchangers. 

In the first coil, the refrigerant evaporates at low pressure, absorbing heat from its surroundings. In the second coil, the refrigerant is compressed. It condenses, releasing the heat it just absorbed. 

Heat pump systems can work on either cooling or heating mode. Both refrigerators and air conditioners operate like this. The refrigerator is, at its most basic, an insulated box attached to a heat pump system. The evaporator side of things is inside the box, most often in the freezer. Heat gets absorbed here and transferred out of the box entirely, usually behind or underneath the unit. This is where the refrigerant condenses and releases that heat. An air conditioner works by absorbing heat inside the house and pumping it outside.

One exciting thing about heat pumps is that this cycle can be reversed. Thus, a heat pump system can give you all the climate control you need – both heating and cooling, all year long. Since the ground and air outside your home always have at least a little heat, the heat pump can work even on the coldest of winter days!

Heat pumps can use a couple of different sources. Most of them absorb heat from the air, but a few use heat in the ground or in ground water. These are called geothermal, geoexchange, or earth-energy heat pumps. Work with an expert to determine the right one for your home.

Interested in a Heat Pump System?

Are you ready for a heat pump installation or do you have questions about what would be best for you? Call us at Airmasters Heating & Air Conditioning today. Our experts will let you know which heat pumps would work for you and what it might take to install one soon.

(501) 223-2665

Save Money with a Smart Thermostat

Posted on by Airmasters Heating and Air Conditioning
Programmable thermostat in North Little Rock

Have you heard about the latest in thermostat technology? Smart thermostats have all sorts of features that can make your HVAC system work better for you while using less energy. These features also mean that you don’t have to spend as much time tinkering with the temperature settings to keep your home comfortable.

Money-saving features include:

  • The ability to change your thermostat from your smartphone. If you forget to turn it off or need it on earlier than usual, just send it a message.
  • The ability to learn your patterns. Some thermostats can learn when you tend to be home on which days. You can set them to change the temperature so it’s more comfortable when you’re home and not using as much energy when you’re gone. 
  • The ability to monitor temperatures in different locations around your house. If your current thermostat only has one sensor, chances are that that area is the right temperature but others in your home aren’t. Some smart thermostats allow the thermostat to gather data from more than one location before it decides whether the HVAC should be off or on. 

Combine these features to save significantly every year. If you feel like your energy costs are too high, this might make a huge difference. Call us at Airmasters Heating & Air Conditioning to find out more about smart thermostats or to get one installed soon. We’ll help you find the best one for you, then make sure it works well with your system, too. Additionally, if you need heating, cooling, or commercial HVAC services in the North Little Rock Area, we’re here to help. Make your appointment today!

(501) 223-2665

Protect Your HVAC System After a Storm

Posted on by support@witdelivers.com

Are you concerned about your HVAC system after recent storms? We don’t blame you! However, you don’t need to stress out. Here are a few things you can think about to make sure your HVAC system works well no matter how high the waters rise.

Regular Maintenance

hvac north little rock

One of the best ways to protect your HVAC system after a storm is to think about protecting it BEFORE the storm. Making sure your home is ready to withstand a flood at any time can go far towards keeping it working well when one comes.

Start by checking out the state of your gutters, especially those over or around your outdoor HVAC equipment. Make sure they are free of buildup and debris so water can flow through them, rather than getting stuck and pouring out of them. You’ll also want to make sure they don’t empty close to your HVAC equipment. If they do, get some drain extenders and change the water flow.

If your outdoor HVAC equipment is in a low-lying area, you may want to surround it with sandbags or use them to direct water flow away from the area. This can keep your unit from being submerged and requiring flooding repair in the storm’s wake. 

After the Storm

If you did your best but you think your HVAC system might have suffered anyway, don’t turn it on! This can cause shorts, fires, and more problems. Instead, call out an HVAC technician to evaluate it and let you know if it needs work before it can run well again. 

You may even want to consider replacing it rather than HVAC repair, especially if it was partially or entirely submerged when flood waters rose. If you choose to go this route, the experts from Airmasters can help you choose the best new unit for you.

Your ducts can also be affected by storms and flooding. If your home suffers damage near ductwork, make sure the ducts are intact and don’t have debris or mold/mildew growth inside of them before you use your system again. If you’re not sure, call for help to avoid illness, allergies, and asthma problems and improve your indoor air quality at home.

Call Airmasters for HVAC Help in North Little Rock

At Airmasters, our North Little Rock HVAC technicians are experienced in dealing with the aftermath floods can leave behind. We’ll get your HVAC repair completed as soon as possible, and even help you with other flooding repair, so you can get your home back to normal. Call to make your appointment today!

A Homeowner’s Guide to Getting Your Little Rock AC Ready For Summer

Posted on by support@witdelivers.com

Summer is coming! You may be ready for it, but is your air conditioner ready to take on the task of cooling your home through another long summer? Make sure it’s as ready as it can be by preparing it for the task. If you are too busy or you’re not sure how to do something, give us a call. At Airmasters, we’ll make sure your air conditioning in Little Rock or the surrounding area is in top shape and is ready to work for you this year.

(501) 223-2665

The Benefits of Little Rock AC Maintenanceac maintenance north little rock ar

Wondering why preemptive Little Rock AC maintenance is essential? There are many reasons why you should stay on top of maintenance efforts for your air conditioning system. Here are just a few of the benefits that you gain from having it tuned up regularly:

  • Save energy. An air conditioning contractor can tune up and calibrate your system to make the AC run efficiently. Then, it won’t use as much energy to achieve the same results of cooling down your home.
  • Save money. When you aren’t using as much energy on your air conditioner, your utility bills will be lower each month.
  • Avoid costly air conditioning repairs. If an AC technician is inspecting your system while doing maintenance, they can see problems headed your way. We will make sure you know about them so you can fix them before they become catastrophic issues.
  • Stay cooler at home. Air conditioning maintenance can help your AC get your home to cooler temperatures than you’ve experienced before. It can also help you avoid hot zones that sometimes occur.
ac maintenance in north little rock

Change Your Filter

Sure, you hear this all the time, but you hear it because it’s true. Changing the air filter can do a lot to help your AC run better. When the filter gets dirty, your AC has to work extra hard to do its job. This means that it experiences extra wear and tear throughout the unit and that the motor may get tired faster. Changing your air filter is easy and straightforward and goes far toward extending the longevity of your unit.

Clean Your Condenser Coils

These are located in the AC unit itself. You know that big box outside your house? That’s it. Take off the side panels or the top panel – whatever is easiest on your unit – and remove any dust or debris that has gathered on the coils inside. This keeps air flowing smoothly through the unit so it can work efficiently all summer long.

Check Your Coolant Lines

These are the lines that run between your home and the air conditioner. They are usually covered with insulating foam or tape. If you see cracks or gaps in that insulation, replace it. That way, the coolant that runs through the lines will stay as cold as possible, making your AC run as efficiently as possible. You can buy whatever type of insulation you choose at your local hardware store.

Check Your Concrete Slab

Your AC unit should be sitting on a flat concrete slab outside your house. Make sure that slab hasn’t shifted with all of winter’s freezing and cooling. This expands and contracts the ground and can throw the slab off balance. If it’s not flat, your unit won’t run as efficiently. Don’t worry, though. These are usually easy to shift back into place. Pry the slab up with wood or metal, then scoop dirt or rocks under it. Lower it back down and make sure it’s level. Do this as often as necessary to keep it flat.

Inspect the Wiring You Can See

There is wiring between your home and the air conditioning unit. This should be in good condition, without cracks in the plastic coating or any other problems. If something seems off, call in a professional to fix it before you turn on your AC.

Airmasters’ Little Rock AC Maintenance Process

Keeping your Little Rock air conditioning unit is in great shape isn’t hard. It just takes a few minutes of your time, or a few minutes of ours. Our AC system maintenance process is thorough. Our expert technicians will walk you through each step of the examination of your entire HVAC system, change your filter, provide air duct cleaning in Little Rock to ensure it is free of dust, debris, and anything else that could hamper its efficiency. Then we test each part to make sure everything is running as it should before we leave your home.

Once it’s been checked, you can feel confident turning it on and using it all summer long. If you’re not confident that you can adequately check your air conditioning unit, or think you need AC repairs in Little Rock or the surrounding areas, give us a call today. We’ll send out one of our expert Little Rock HVAC technicians to repair, replace, or provide maintenance for your air conditioning in Little Rock and get your cooling system working for you ASAP!

(501) 223-2665