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(707) 539-4533 |  Sonoma Napa and Marin Counties

Air Conditioning St HelenaSt Helena is well known for having a temperate climate with reasonably cool winters, but that doesn’t mean you’ll never need air conditioning if you live there. In fact, air conditioning in St Helena is a necessity for getting through the hot summers that afflict many of San Francisco’s Northern suburbs each year. Still, there are those of you who might be wondering about the cost-effectiveness and convenience of installing an appliance that you’ll only use for part of the year. That being the case, we’ve put together a list of the pros and cons of using air conditioning in the St Helena area, so that you can decide for yourself whether it’s a viable investment.

Pro: energy efficient systems can keep you cool while saving you money

Some people see HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) as being potential money wasters, but that concept has become antiquated due to the rise of new technology including high-efficiency filters and programmable thermostats. High-efficiency filters improve the air quality of your home, which increases the efficiency of your air conditioner and reduces your utility bill. Likewise, programmable thermostats allow you to control the degree to which you cool different areas of your home, even being precise enough to monitor individual rooms. This means that you won’t have to waste energy—or money—cooling any parts of the building that you’re not using on a regular basis.

Con: a poorly maintained HVAC system can become a waste of money

HVAC may be more energy efficient than ever before, but this applies only when they’re running properly. If an HVAC system is experiencing mechanical trouble or leakage, it can drive your energy bills through the roof. Refrigerant leaks are one frequent problem with air conditioners, which can force your system to work harder than it needs to and pose a threat to the environment in the process. Other common problems include malfunctioning of the electronic components (like the thermostat), and sensor failures. The biggest cause of operational trouble with any air conditioner, however, is simply improper usage. This is easily corrected, and many of the other problems can be quickly fixed or prevented with routine maintenance.

Con: HVAC systems can be very expensive to replace

If your HVAC system is neglected for too long, it may become damaged beyond repair. In this case, the unit will either have to be replaced, or you’ll have to do without one—although the costs of replacing an entire HVAC system for a home may not be as high as you may think. If you have an HVAC system in your home already or decide to invest in one, it’s an investment that you’ll need to protect.

Pro: Service for HVAC systems is easy to find

You don’t have to worry about your unit becoming inefficient if you take the necessary steps to maintain it in good condition. One of the best ways to do this is to hire a technician to perform routine maintenance on your system, and fortunately, there are a variety of companies providing service for air conditioning units in St Helena. They’ll frequently take care of more difficult tasks, like inspecting your refrigerant lines and testing your condenser.

Pro: You can do a lot of maintenance all by yourself

Hiring a professional to help you with preventative maintenance for your air conditioner can be a wonderful way to make sure it always stays energy-efficient, but there are also some things you can do on your own to help it run properly. For example, you might want to perform a quick check on the area surrounding your outdoor unit each weekend to make sure that there are no sticks, leaves or other debris within two feet of it. You can also replace the battery in your carbon monoxide detector once a year.

Nobody can tell you whether an air conditioner is right for your building in St Helena, but there are plenty of reasons to acquire one. With more options than ever before for maintaining energy efficiency, HVAC systems can easily be used to keep you cool without spending a fortune on cooling areas you don’t use. However, bear in mind that every piece of sophisticated technology requires proper care to function well and that air conditioners are no exception. If you decide to use air conditioning in St Helena, you’ll need to ensure that you can care adequately for your unit. Fortunately, even professional maintenance can be easy to find and relatively affordable—especially when weighed against the cost of a new system. Make your decision accordingly, and remember to keep a cool head. Contact us for more information.