In this special episode of the Today’s Homeowner Podcast, I’m talking with Darcy Lee, Senior Product Manager with American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning.
We’re celebrating Keep Your Cool Week and Darcy will give us expert advice to give your AC some TLC.
About American Standard
For those who are unaware, American Standard has been in the HVAC business for over 100 years! They stay true to their motto, “We hold a higher standard,” to bring the best-in-class residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to homes.
Darcy’s role as Senior Product Manager is to identify customer needs and bring them to the engineering department, who then designs solutions to meet those needs.
As Darcy says, “It all starts with the customer!”
Tips for Upgrading Your HVAC System
A homeowner looks at many things when upgrading an HVAC system. These things will be individual for each homeowner.
First, how old is your current equipment? Most AC units are designed to last roughly between 10 and 15 years. If this applies to you, you may want to ask yourself, “How much am I spending repairing my unit?” Repair costs can add up quickly!
Also, there may be an opportunity to replace an old unit that still works well — just to save on efficiency and lower your monthly expenses.
Our very own Chelsea Lipford Wolf recently upgraded to an American Standard system at her new home.
Chelsea’s old system seemed okay but had a SEER rating of 13 and her energy bills were a bit high. Chelsea did her homework and had an American Standard system installed where her SEER rating increased to 20. She’s seen significant savings in her energy bill, while her AC unit is quiet and is controlled via smartphone!
Did you know, on average, 55% of your utility bill goes toward keeping your home comfortable year-round?
Small Fixes to Keep Your System Running Smoothly
Want to keep your HVAC system in top shape?
First, the easiest thing a homeowner can do is change their filter and keep it clean. During the summer — while your unit runs more — try to change it once a month. Doing this will keep your air clean and produce less strain on your system.
Another thing homeowners can do is make sure your outdoor unit is able to breathe. Often we see people have plants around the unit. However, like people, your AC unit needs to breathe so it can operate to its fullest.
For more advanced homeowners, you can make sure the blades are running smoothly and clean the coil if you are able.
Make sure your unit is serviced annually as well. Tune-ups from a professional HVAC technician may cost $100 or so, but they’re well worth it.
HVAC techs can run diagnostics and make repairs that the average homeowner cannot, or should not, make.
Are You Ready to Upgrade?
As Chelsea did, do your homework if it’s time to upgrade your AC unit. Have an American Standard professional come out to see what type of unit you want or need.
For more information on American Standard systems click here.
For additional resources on HVAC maintenance, click here.
Listen to this special-edition Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!
