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5 Essential Tips to Keep Your Cool — All Summer Long

Look—we know you’re cool. There’s no debate on that. But can you keep your cool all summer long? Well, that depends on the condition of your AC system and what precautions you take around your home to ensure your comfort.

Here are five essential tips to keep your cool this season:

1. The Do’s and Don’ts of Doors and Windows

If you depend on an AC system to keep your home cool, you really don’t want to mess with opening outside doors or windows. The extreme indoor-versus-outdoor temperature differential will strain your poor AC and consume much more energy just to maintain temperature equilibrium.

Internal doors? That’s a different story. You’ll want to keep your internal doors open for a central air conditioning system to help allow air to move from room to room and cool the interior evenly. Now, if you’ve got zones set up with a heat pump mini split system, you can consider leaving doors closed to maintain individual room temperatures.

One more word about windows. Leaving blinds and curtains closed to keep the sun out can help your cooling system, too. It won’t compete with all that solar heat coming through the windows. We understand you and your houseplants might prefer some natural light, but we suggest at minimum leaving blinds and curtains closed on the sunny side of your home wherever it’s convenient.

2. Less Perspiration, More Insulation

We tend to think more about insulation during the colder months, but it also helps keep cool air inside during the summer. Keeping your wall, window frame and attic insultation in good condition will put a lot less strain on your AC system and help maintain that comfy, cool temperature without eating up too much energy. That goes for insulated panes on your windows, too!

3. Dirty Filters Are So Last Season

When was the last time you cleaned your air filter? We’re not judging. But ideally you should clean it every 90 days if you have a pet-free home, and as often as once every 60 days if you keep pets indoors. Folks with allergies or respiratory conditions and people living with lots of animals should consider changing their filter every 20 to 45 days.

Aside from air quality, replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by anywhere from 5 to 15 percent. That can have a profound effect on your system’s lifespan and your energy bills.

4. Join the Fan Club

When combined with an efficient air conditioning system, ceiling fans can help evenly distribute cool air throughout a room, allowing you to operate your air conditioner at a lower setting and help save money on energy bills over time. The downdraft also moves air across your skin, evaporating sweat and pushing away body heat, helping you keep your cool.

5. Maximize Efficiency!

Maybe the most important action you can take to keep yourself cool all summer is to upgrade to a more efficient cooling system. We specialize in installing Mitsubishi ductless heating and cooling systems that maximize comfort while minimizing energy consumption, keeping you at the perfect temperature all year round without breaking the bank.

Mitsubishi ductless systems are quick and easy to install. In most cases, our team can get installation done and your system up and running in a single day! These systems require only mounting capabilities and access to electricity. We can install mini-split solutions where one indoor unit is connected to an outdoor unit, or multi-split systems in which multiple indoor units connect to the single outdoor unit. Whichever way you go, you will have control over your internal temperature while keeping your energy bills—and carbon footprint—nice and low. And Mitsubishi ductless solutions can qualify for up to $10,000 in Mass Save rebates!

Are you interested in learning more? We’ll be happy to evaluate your home cooling needs and suggest just the right solution. Contact us today and let’s talk!

Posted in: Comfort

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Mitsubishi ductless air conditioning system

Monthly Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Mitsubishi Mini-Split System in Top Condition

You may have recently installed a Mitsubishi ductless mini-split system because of its optimal energy efficiency. But installation is just a start; for truly efficient operation, monthly maintenance is crucial. In this blog, we share valuable tips to help you keep your Mitsubishi mini-split system in peak condition.

Regular Maintenance & Cleaning Tips

To keep your system running with optimal performance, check the following components on a regular basis:

  • Air Filter: Inspect the air filter, and clean or replace it as needed. You can clean a dirty filter using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Wash heavily soiled filters with soap and warm water, ensuring they are thoroughly dry before reinstalling. A dirty filter can reduce efficiency and damage the compressor. Regular maintenance will improve airflow and indoor air quality.
  • Heat Exchanger: If the heat exchanger has not been cleaned recently, vacuum it with a large brush attachment in a vertical motion, following the fins. Use a narrow attachment to reach the narrow spaces above and below the fins.
  • Fan: Remove the indoor unit’s bottom cover and inspect the fan. If needed, vacuum the fan blades, fan motor and cooling coils. Wipe away visible dust with a dry cloth.
  • Condensate Pan and Drain Hose: Wipe moisture from the indoor unit’s condensate pan and ensure proper drainage through the drain hose. Use white vinegar to clear any standing water or blockages.
  • Outdoor Unit: Check the outdoor unit for accumulated dirt and debris, and spray it with a garden hose if needed. This promotes proper airflow and prevents performance issues.
  • Evaporator Coils: Inspect the evaporator coils for signs of corrosion. Corroded coils can impact cooling efficiency and may require replacement.
  • Condenser Coils: Similarly, inspect the condenser coils for corrosion on a monthly basis. Corroded coils can damage the compressor and affect overall system performance.
  • Refrigerant Levels: Regularly check refrigerant levels in your mini-split AC. Low levels may indicate a leak, leading to reduced cooling capacity and potential damage.

Contact Us for Your HVAC Needs

Remember to have your system professionally serviced at least once a year to ensure its efficient operation. At Girard Heating and Air Conditioning, we install and provide maintenance for Mitsubishi ductless HVAC systems that consistently exceed the expectations of our customers in Hampden, Hampshire, Berkshire and Franklin counties. We are Mitsubishi Diamond Elite certified contractors, which confirms our high level of technical prowess as well as our excellent customer service. Contact us today to schedule your Mitsubishi mini-split system maintenance.

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Claiming Your Rebate

Upgrading your HVAC system to a more energy-efficient option can seem daunting. We’re here to simplify the process by identifying the right solution and ensuring you don’t miss opportunities to cut costs. In this blog, we explain various available incentives and provide a step-by-step guide to claiming your rebate and maximizing your savings.
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The Girard Heating and Air Conditioning team standing in front of a company van

Celebrating 30 Years of Serving Western Massachusetts

A lot has changed since 1993. Gas no longer averages $1.11 a gallon, powerful computers now fit inside our pockets and almost every TV show, movie and song is available to stream on demand. Our business started that very same year, and while we’ve adapted to the evolving times, one thing has always stayed the same: our steadfast commitment to providing you with the highest-quality home cooling and heating solutions on the market.

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