HVAC BLOG RESOURCES

The HVAC system is tasked with keeping your home comfortable is often a significant investment. Like any major appliance, it requires regular care to operate at its best. At Schomburg Heating and Cooling, we believe that preventive maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of your HVAC system, ensuring it runs efficiently and reliably year-round. Improved Efficiency and Lower Energy Bills: Regular maintenance helps your HVAC system run more efficiently. When components are clean and in good working order, the system doesn’t need to work as hard to heat or cool your home, which lowers energy bills and reduces environmental impact. Extended Equipment Lifespan: An HVAC system that is well-maintained experiences less wear and tear, reducing the likelihood of premature breakdowns. Regular check-ups can significantly extend the life of your system, delaying the need for costly replacements. Enhanced Air Quality: HVAC systems play crucial roles in maintaining indoor air quality. Routine maintenance can include cleaning or replacing air filters and cleaning ducts and vents, which helps to keep the air in your home clean and free from allergens and pollutants. Early Detection of Issues: Preventive maintenance allows for early detection of potential problems. Technicians can identify and address small issues before they escalate into major repairs, saving you time and money in the long run. Routine maintenance ensures the safe operation of your HVAC system. This is particularly important for systems that rely on gas or oil, as it helps prevent carbon monoxide leaks and other hazardous conditions. Join Our Comfort Club Today At Schomburg Heating and Cooling, we are committed to helping you get the most out of your HVAC system. Investing in regular preventive maintenance is the best way to ensure your system is efficient, safe, and reliable. Contact us today to learn more about our maintenance services and how we can help extend the life of your HVAC system. Don’t wait for a breakdown. Schedule your HVAC preventive maintenance with Schomburg Heating and Cooling today and enjoy peace of mind all year long.

As the chilly months approach, keeping our homes warm becomes a priority. While furnaces play a crucial role in this, it's vital to remember that safety is paramount when operating any heating system. At Schomburg Heating and Cooling, we're dedicated to keeping your home comfortably warm and ensuring it's safe. This blog post will cover essential furnace safety tips to help you enjoy a warm, risk-free winter season. Regular Maintenance and Inspection: The cornerstone of furnace safety is regular maintenance and inspection. An annual check-up by a professional technician can detect and fix potential issues like gas leaks, faulty wiring, or blocked vents before they become hazardous. This preventive approach not only ensures safety but can also extend the life of your furnace. Keep the Area Around the Furnace Clear: Clutter should never be stored near the furnace. Keep the area around your heating system clear of items like paper, cloth, and chemicals. A clutter-free space around the furnace minimizes the risk of fire. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be lethal. Since furnaces can produce CO, it's crucial to have carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home, particularly near sleeping areas. Test the detectors regularly and replace batteries as needed. Check Your Furnace Filter Regularly: A dirty or clogged furnace filter reduces efficiency and poses a fire risk. Check your furnace filters regularly and replace them as required. This simple step can significantly improve safety and operational efficiency. Ensure Proper Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial for safe furnace operation. Ensure that vents are not blocked by furniture, curtains, or other objects. Regularly inspect outdoor ducts to ensure they're clear from debris, snow, or ice. Be Aware of Unusual Noises or Smells: If you notice unusual noises like banging, whistling, or rattling from your furnace, or if you detect odd smells like burning or gas, shut off the unit immediately and call a professional. These could be signs of a serious problem. Contact Schomburg Heating & Cooling Today! Furnace safety is critical to home maintenance, especially during the colder months. By following these essential tips, you can ensure that your home remains a safe and warm haven. Remember, regular maintenance by qualified professionals like those at Schomburg Heating and Cooling is the best way to keep your furnace running safely and efficiently. Contact Schomburg Heating and Cooling today for professional furnace maintenance and safety inspections. Let us help you keep your home safe and warm this winter.

In today's world, where efficiency and convenience are paramount, homeowners are constantly seeking ways to improve their living experience while also being mindful of energy consumption and costs. Programmable thermostats are a remarkable innovation in this regard. At Schomburg Heating and Cooling, we know the impact of staying comfortable in your home while also keeping energy bills in check. In this blog, we'll explore the numerous benefits of programmable thermostats and why they might be the perfect addition to your home. Enhanced Comfort Control: Programmable thermostats allow you to tailor your home's heating and cooling schedule to your lifestyle. You can set different temperatures for different times of the day. For example, you might prefer a cooler temperature when asleep and a warmer setting when you're home and active. This personalized control ensures your home is always at your ideal comfort level. Energy and Cost Savings: The most significant advantages of programmable thermostats is the potential for energy savings. By automatically adjusting the temperature when you're not home or when you don't need as much heating or cooling, these thermostats reduce energy usage, which translates to lower utility bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its standard setting. Convenience and Ease of Use: Modern programmable thermostats offer incredible ease of use and convenience. Many models come with user-friendly interfaces, making setting and adjusting your heating and cooling schedule simple. Additionally, with advancements in technology, some thermostats can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, allowing you to adjust settings even when you're away from home. Reducing Wear and Tear on HVAC Systems: By maintaining consistent temperature settings, programmable thermostats help in reducing the constant cycling of your HVAC system. This not only conserves energy but also minimizes wear and tear on your system, potentially extending its lifespan and reducing the need for frequent repairs. Environmental Impact: Reducing energy consumption isn't just good for your wallet; it's also beneficial for the environment. By optimizing how and when your HVAC system operates, programmable thermostats contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production. Choose Parkville's Top HVAC Company Today! At Schomburg Heating and Cooling, we're committed to helping you find the best solutions for your home's heating and cooling needs. Programmable thermostats are a smart investment that offers comfort, convenience, and cost savings. If you're considering upgrading your thermostat or have questions about heating and cooling solutions, our team of experts is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can enhance the comfort and efficiency of your home. Ready to upgrade to a programmable thermostat or need more information? Contact Schomburg Heating and Cooling today!

It's about to get cold in KC! Here's a fall HVAC checklist to ensure your home is ready for cooler temperatures. Replace Your Air Filters Dirty HVAC filters can restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, and worsen indoor air quality. Buy a few extra air filters to have on hand. Replace the Batteries in Your Thermostat Has the battery icon been flashing on your thermostat? Make sure to replace your battery. Otherwise, you might wake up in a cold home. This may also be the right time to program your thermostat so you can reduce your energy usage when no one is home. Clean Your Vents and Registers You may be surprised by the dust and debris from these spaces. Also, make sure all your vents and registers are unobstructed. Have you had a professional ductwork cleaning? It might be worth considering. Test Your Heating System We know many of you wait as long as possible to turn on your furnace. However, you should complete a test run of your HVAC system to ensure it is operating as it should. Check for any unusual noises, odors, or performance issues. Change the Batteries in Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be produced by faulty heating systems. Also, how old are your carbon monoxide detectors? They need to be replaced periodically. Seal Your Windows and Doors Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal gaps and prevent heat loss. Have Your Chimney Inspected If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, schedule a chimney inspection and cleaning to ensure safe operation. Invest in a Generator Areas of KC are prone to power outages. Consider investing in a backup generator today to keep your HVAC system running during emergencies. You won't be able to find a generator in stock during a significant power outage. Replace the Batteries in Your Smoke Alarms Some people wait until the time changes to replace the batteries in their smoke alarms. Just so you know, the time changes on Sunday, November 5, 2023. Reverse the Direction of Your Ceiling Fans Your ceiling fan should be spinning clockwise at a low speed during the fall and winter. You should take time to clean the blades as you switch directions. Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-Up It's a good idea to have a licensed HVAC technician perform a thorough inspection and maintenance of your system. During your tune-up appointment, a technician can clean components, lubricate moving parts, and identify any potential issues. Schomburg Heating and Cooling will help you with your professional HVAC inspection. Even if we did not install your system, we are happy to help maintain it. We work on almost all brands of HVAC equipment. We can also answer any questions about air duct cleaning and air purification products. Give Schomburg Heating and Cooling a call today to schedule your maintenance appointment. We will make sure your furnace is running safely and efficiently. Schomburg Heating and Cooling serves St. Joe, the KC Northland, and surrounding communities.

What is a Ductless Mini Split? Why Might I Consider One? A ductless mini split or “mini split” is a heating and cooling system that doesn’t require the use of ducts to regulate the temperature in a room or a zone. And, unlike a window air conditioning unit, a ductless mini split doesn’t require a window. Keep reading to learn how a ductless mini-split works and why you might consider one for your home. What is a Ductless Mini Split? Ductless mini-splits have two main components: an indoor unit and an outdoor compressor/condenser unit. The indoor unit is installed in the room or area you want to cool or heat. It is typically mounted high on a wall and contains a fan to circulate the air. The outdoor unit on a mini-split system houses the compressor and condenser components. It is placed outside the building and is responsible for exchanging heat with the outside air. The outdoor unit connects to the indoor unit through refrigerant lines. During the summer, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air and releases it outside. During the winter, the process is reversed, and the system extracts heat from the outdoor air and transfers it to the room that needs warming. Why Might I Consider a Ductless Mini-Split? A ductless mini-split is the perfect solution for home additions or hard-to-regulate rooms, such as basements, garages, sunrooms, sheds, and home additions. This system is also a good option for older homes that lack reliable ductwork. Some homeowners with larger homes may use a ductless mini-split to regulate the temperature in the spaces they use the most. Here are some other benefits of ductless mini-splits and why you should consider using them in your home. Using mini-splits can reduce your heating and cooling bills. Homeowners will save energy by only adjusting the temperature in their most-used spaces. Also, ductless mini-splits are extremely energy efficient since there is no air loss within the ducts. Ductless mini-splits are easy to install. Installing ductwork in existing buildings can be complex and expensive. Ductless mini-splits are relatively easy for professionals to install and allow you to save money while still being able to regulate temperatures. Ductless mini-splits can improve the air quality of your home. Some mini-split models come with air filtration and purification options, helping to improve indoor air quality by removing allergens, dust, pet dander, and other airborne nuisances – as long as you periodically clean or replace your system’s filter. Are Ductless Mini-Splits Worth the Cost for Kansas City Homeowners? A ductless mini-split system can be a practical solution to increase energy efficiency and solve temperature regulation problems in tricky areas of your home. To learn more about ductless mini-split brands and installation costs, contact Schomburg Heating and Cooling . We offer single-zone or multi-zone systems and can also maintain your mini-split when we make periodic visits to check your other HVAC systems. Schomburg Heating and Cooling also offers ductless mini-split service and repair in the Kansas City Northland; St. Joseph, MO; and surrounding communities.

We know the Midwest can be downright brutal during the hot summer months. And even when fall officially begins in KC, we still have weeks of uncomfortable temperatures that sometimes last till mid-October. Cool Home Strategies Here are some ideas for keeping your home cool during those unbearable summer months. Cover your windows. Cover your east-facing windows in the morning and west-facing windows in the afternoon (or all of your windows if your home is unoccupied during the day). You may even utilize heavy blackout curtains if you have old, drafty windows. Remember to cover those privacy windows in the bathroom. Even though people can't see through them, the sunlight streaming in can certainly heat up your room. Your plants may not like this cool home strategy, but the people in your house will be able to sleep better in this cool, comfortable environment. Use ceiling fans. You can bump up your thermostat if you utilize ceiling fans. Make sure they are rotating in the correct direction. Ceiling fans in the Midwest should rotate counterclockwise during the summer. Avoid using major appliances during the heat of the day. Your oven, dishwasher, and clothes dryer use heat to cook your food, sanitize your dishes, and dry your clothes. Don't let them heat up the air temperature in your house too. Avoid using these appliances during the hottest part of the day. Some appliances allow you to schedule their usage to early in the morning. If you are not an early riser, you might want to figure out how to use those settings. Upgrade your windows. Consider replacing your windows if yours are old and leaky. Energy-efficient windows with low-E glass can keep your air conditioner from having to work so hard during the summer. Close the door. Your dad was right. Leaving your door open in the summer means you are "spending your hard-earned money cooling the outdoors." Keep the door closed to keep your house cooler. Schedule professional maintenance for your AC. If your AC struggles to keep up during July, August, and September, schedule a maintenance appointment with your local HVAC company. Schomburg Heating and Cooling is an excellent choice for those living in KC. If you own a home in the Kansas City Northland, consider joining the Schomburg Comfort Club. Our technicians will visit twice a year. During our visit in the late spring, we will complete the following: Check and replace air filters Inspect voltage and amperage to all motors on your AC unit Verify refrigerant charge is adequate and look for possible leaks Check belts and adjust the tension Lubricate all necessary parts Verify that the condensation drain is in the correct position Clean and adjust the thermostat Check all wiring for loose connections Test evaporator superheat We will look at the inside and outside unit – and answer any questions you have about air quality. Contact Schomburg Heating and Cooling today to schedule your AC maintenance appointment. We work on all makes and models.

Wouldn’t you rather spend your hard-earned money on something fun – instead of paying higher energy bills to keep your home cool? Of course you would! Here are some tips on how to save money on cooling costs this summer. Close your doors and windows. If you are reading an article about how to save on cooling costs, we know that you aren’t the person in your household who leaves the door open when you leave. Share this article with those who do – because you can save a lot in energy costs simply by closing the door when it’s hot outside. Turn on your ceiling fans. A ceiling fan can make a room feel six or seven degrees cooler. You may be able to increase the temperature on your thermostat by using a fan – of any type. Use energy-saving blinds or curtains. Energy-saving blinds and curtains can prevent heat from entering your home through small cracks around your windows. In addition, blinds or curtains will prevent sunlight from warming up your house. Avoid using the oven or clothes dryer during the hottest times of the day. You may also avoid using your dishwasher or other appliance that tends to heat up the surrounding area when the temps are at their highest. Use weather stripping to seal gaps. Caulking or weather stripping will help you eliminate drafts in your home. (Caulking around drafty windows will also help you save on heating costs during the winter!) Increase the temperature on your thermostat. If you find yourself putting on socks or a sweater at home in the middle of a summer day, consider increasing the temperature on your thermostat. Install a Smart Thermostat. Smart Thermostats are great for those who spend a lot of time away from their homes. You can manage the thermostat from your phone to make sure you come home to a comfortable house. Change your air filter. A dirty air filter can make it difficult for your AC to function. Replace your air filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Not only is this good for the health of your AC unit – but it can also make your system run more efficiently. Schedule regular maintenance. Call Schomburg Heating and Cooling to schedule an AC check for your KC home or business. Air conditioners that are professionally maintained are more efficient and last longer than ignored systems. We are happy to help you with your AC –whether you purchased your system from us or a competitor. Join the Schomburg Comfort Club. Comfort Club members receive two visits each year from highly-trained technicians. During your spring visit, our technicians will complete the following: Check and replace air filters Inspect voltage and amperage to all motors Verify refrigerant charge is adequate and look for possible leaks Check belts and adjust the tension Lubricate all necessary parts Verify that the condensation drain is in the correct position Clean and adjust the thermostat Check all wiring for loose connections Test evaporator superheat Answer any questions about how to reduce energy usage Contact Schomburg Heating and Cooling today by calling 816-238-0032 . We proudly serve home and business owners in the St. Joseph Mo Area!

While your local heating and cooling company would be happy to come out for an AC repair service call, you may be able to avoid this expense by troubleshooting the problem yourself. Here are some easy things you can try if your air conditioner isn’t functioning. DIY Air Conditioner Repair Tips Are things starting to heat up inside your home? Here are some things to check before you call your HVAC company. Reset your AC unit. It’s become a joke in the tech industry. If you call customer support for your computer, the first direction the technician will give you is to restart your device. The same thing goes for your AC unit. First, try turning it off and on at the thermostat. If that doesn’t work, you may need to look for instructions on resetting your specific unit. The reset process may include flipping the breaker off and pushing the reset button on the AC unit. Hopefully, you will immediately begin to hear the comforting hum of your AC fan and feel cool air coming through your registers after resetting your system. Examine your thermostat. If your AC isn’t functioning at all, examine your thermostat. You may notice that your thermostat has a blank display, which could indicate that it needs new batteries. If the thermostat is functioning, check the settings. For example, ensure the AC is on and that the temperature is set below the room temperature. Settings can get inadvertently changed if you have kids or a spouse that doesn’t understand the controls. Change your filter. Of course, it’s best if you change your filter consistently instead of waiting for problems to occur with your unit to change it. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on changing your filter. The lack of airflow caused by a clogged filter can cause your unit to “ice up” or become inefficient. Changing your filter may help this problem. Speaking of ice . . . Melt the ice on your AC unit. If your unit is iced up, it will not cool properly. If this occurs, change the settings so that only the fan blows. Then, let the ice melt on its own. Clean the outdoor unit. Your outside AC unit may need a good cleaning. Use a garden hose to carefully clean the fan blades and remove debris inside or near the unit. Examine your ductwork. If your AC is running, but you still feel uncomfortable in your home, make sure the ducts are open and unblocked. Schomburg Heating & Cooling is Happy to Help! If your AC isn’t functioning as it should, contact Schomburg Heating & Cooling. Even if we didn’t install your unit, we are happy to service it! We work on all major HVAC brands. Schomburg Heating & Cooling also does AC maintenance. Learn more about the benefits you’ll receive when you join our Comfort Club ! For AC repair in St. Joe, Weston, Platte City, and other Kansas City, Missouri communities, contact Schomburg Heating and Cooling.

Smart thermostats cost more than traditional thermostats. Are they worth the higher price? Here are some advantages to consider. Smart thermostats may reduce your energy usage. A report by Google Nest claims that homeowners will save 15 percent on cooling costs and 10 to 12 percent on heating costs while using their product. Other studies completed by other smart thermostat companies report similar results. If you could reduce your energy bills by 10% each month, how long would it take to cover the cost of purchasing and installing a smart thermostat? Of course, those calculations depend on your unique situation, but it’s something to consider as you decide whether to buy a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats will make your home more comfortable for you and your guests. It’s always been a common practice for homeowners to adjust their thermostats if they know they won’t be home for an extended period of time. However, the drawback of this energy-saving technique is that you’ll always come home to a house that is either too hot or too cold. You and your guests can come home to a comfortable environment if you use a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat will provide you with helpful information regarding your energy usage. Some smart thermostats allow you to create a home energy profile that tells you how your energy usage has changed over time. The thermostat may also recommend how adjusting your heating and cooling preferences could help you save even more money. Smart thermostats allow you to control your home’s temperature from remote locations. Did you forget to adjust your thermostat before you left for vacation? Of course, this won’t be an issue if you use a smart thermostat. But how often does this happen? More often than not, this remote feature will be used while you are inside your home. You can adjust the temperature from the comfort of your couch – without climbing a flight of stairs. This can be done from your smartphone or by voice command. This appeals to homeowners who don’t want to leave their comfortable cocoon on the couch – and those with mobility issues. Those who own rental units or vacation properties also utilize this feature to maintain a comfortable temperature for their tenants or visitors. Some smart thermostats have movement detectors. Sophisticated smart thermostats allow you to regulate the temperature in various rooms of your home according to usage. If you spend a lot of time in two or three rooms in your home while the rest of your home remains empty, this feature could dramatically alter your energy usage. Smart thermostats can work with other home systems. Do you have a humidifier or air purification system? Some smart thermostats give you one-touch control over all your home’s systems. Are you ready to install and utilize a smart thermostat in your home? Contact Schomburg Heating and Cooling. Kansas City, MO Homeowners: Contact Schomburg Heating and Cooling to Install a Smart Thermostat Schomburg Heating and Cooling is a full-service HVAC company that has served the Kansas City community since 1991. We will install and program your smart thermostat – and teach you how to use it. You’ll love having remote access and control of your HVAC system.