How Do UV Light Indoor Air Quality Products Work?

April 19, 2021

UV lamps emit UVC radiation to disinfect nonporous surfaces, air, and water. For many years, UVC radiation has been used to reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria such as tuberculosis. Thanks to their ability to kill microorganisms, these lamps are referred to as germicidal lamps. What Determines the Effectiveness of UV Lamps? The ability of a lamp to destroy microorganisms has a few limitations. For starters, for a lamp to damage the coating of viruses and the DNA of other microorganisms, the organism has to be directly exposed to the light. The lamp needs to shine on the organisms to damage their coat or their DNA. Most of these units install in the HVAC system of your home where they clean air that flows over the coils or through the ducts. The duration of exposure also determines how effectively the lamp kills microorganisms. Most of the lamps used in homes are of low dose, and they may take longer to inactivate microorganisms. As such, the air needs to circulate through the HVAC system severally for the lamp to inactivate all the microbes. The wavelength of the UV light emitted also determines the effectiveness of the lamp. Short-wavelength light (UVC)...

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Are Modern Air Conditioners More Energy Efficient?

April 14, 2021

Your air conditioner is a crucial piece of equipment in your home. It regulates temperatures in your residence and keeps you cool and comfortable. However, an air conditioning system can consume a considerable amount of energy, especially if the unit is old and inefficient. In recent years, manufacturers have been working to optimize the efficiency of AC units. Here are some of the ways modern air conditioners are more efficient than their traditional counterparts. Modern Air Conditioners and Energy Efficiency Ratings SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. It quantifies the amount of energy your AC unit uses to cool your house. The higher the rating, the less energy your air conditioner is likely to consume. Even though they are often more expensive than older models, you can save by reducing your energy bills. The EPA minimum standard for a cooling system in Missouri is a 13 SEER rating. However, the number can go up to 25. The most energy-efficient systems today can attain ratings of 20 or more. Most homes still have cooling systems with a SEER rating of 10 or less. As the system ages, its efficiency goes down considerably. If your AC unit is older than a...

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6 Benefits of Geothermal Systems

June 2, 2020

When it comes to heating and cooling your home, technology has given us many options to choose from. In the opinion of , arguably one of the most unique and intriguing options is a geothermal system. These systems are wonderfully efficient and help to keep your O’Fallon, MO, home comfortable year-round. Since geothermal systems can be quite a significant investment, though, it’s important to understand the benefits you’ll receive before you commit to installing one in your home. To help you understand if a geothermal system is right for you, here are six perks that make a geothermal system worth considering. What Is a Geothermal System? Before we move any further, it’s important to understand just what a geothermal system is. A geothermal system uses a looped pipe that is placed deep in the ground underneath your home. Above ground, a compressor works to move fluid in this pipe down to a depth where the temperature stays at a constant 55 degrees year-round. This constant temperature is important because it is almost always warmer or cooler than 55 degrees above ground. In the summer, when it’s warmer than 55 degrees, your heat pump can remove heat from your home and...

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What to Look for in Your Heating Repair Company

February 2, 2019

Shopping around for a new heating repair company because you are new to the area or just need a fresh start? There are a handful of characteristics you should look out for to spot the top companies. Experience and Local Presence Choose a company with experience. was established in 1983 and has been providing heating repair services to O’Fallon residents for more than 35 years. It’s not just that we’re established, but we’re also experienced in the community. You know our company will be here for you. Licensing and Certification Your heating repair company should be fully licensed as required by the state and your local jurisdiction. Insurance and bonding are important as well, and a company should be proud of its certificates, such as certifications from North American Technician Excellence (NATE). Also, be on the lookout for a good Better Business Bureau rating. Customer Service Approach How does a company make you feel when you deal with them? A company that is truly committed to customer service will always be professional and respectful. The technicians will go above and beyond to ensure that you’re satisfied with the customer experience. Makes and Models Serviced Many heating repair companies are factory-authorized,...

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How to Choose the Right HVAC Contractor

January 18, 2019

An HVAC contractor plays a major role in determining how your heating system functions. This is the company you’ll rely on to fix your mechanical problems and install everything from important parts to an entire system. In addition, you’ll count on this resource for expert advice and routine maintenance. Considering the importance of this choice to your comfort and well-being, you’ll want to enlist a conscientious HVAC contractor, and you shouldn’t hire one without asking a few questions. Even though there may be many companies in your area, you should take some time to find the one that fits the bill. Experience With Different Heating Systems Different types of heating systems require different installation and maintenance practices. Therefore, the contractor you select should be versatile and capable of working on a variety of equipment. When technicians only know about one type of system, chances are they won’t properly understand something different. At , our personnel is trained to deal with all makes and models. Certification and Accreditation A heating contractor that is accredited and certified can be trusted to behave competently and professionally. Various organizations offer accreditation, and they require compliance and testing prior to granting it. Before you commit,...

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What is Geothermal Heating?

December 27, 2018

Are you looking for a way to decrease your heating bills this winter? Hoff Heating & AC is proud to offer the greater O’Fallon, MO area with full-service geothermal heating equipment and services. Now is the perfect time to learn more about this cost-effective option that is also great for the environment! How Can Geothermal Heating Help to Improve Your Home? This heating technique harnesses the warmth of the sun and will immediately decrease your heating bills by 30% to 60% while decreasing the impact that you and your family have on the environment. Simply put, a geothermal system taps into the warm underground temperatures that remain close to a constant 50 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. If you dig about six feet underground you will find a nearly constant ambient temperature. A geothermal system takes advantage of these warm temperature levels by distributing a water-based solution through a closed-loop system that can provide the air and water heating in your home. Additionally, this process is also able to tackle cooling your home with the same device! Easy Maintenance and Upkeep These systems are easy to maintain and are incredibly effective once installation is complete. The closed-loop system will be...

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What to Look for In An Air Conditioning Company

February 7, 2017

For most of us, a house represents the largest financial investment we’ll ever make. That means finding a company to handle your AC needs is of utmost importance, as well. The company you pick will be your partner in choosing and maintaining your home’s HVAC unit, which has consequences you might not have thought about. Since cooling and heating can account for almost half of a typical homeowner’s energy costs, making the right decision can have an impact on your financial well-being, in addition to the comfort of you and your family. For years, people in have trusted for their HVAC needs. We’ve assembled a list of things to consider when you’re looking for a company to trust with your air conditioning needs. It pays to seek out a firm with that gets consistently good reviews. Do you homework and see what the Better Business Bureau has to say, and check for consumer reviews on Yelp and other sites that post real-life feedback on local companies. An HVAC company should hire technicians who are certified by North American Technician Excellence. A NATE certification signifies a firm believes in hiring employees who are knowledgeable and know their stuff. Ask friends, neighbors...

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Should I Continue Repairing My AC Unit?

February 7, 2017

For most of us, a house represents the largest financial investment we’ll ever make. That means finding a company to handle your AC needs is of utmost importance, as well. The company you pick will be your partner in choosing and maintaining your home’s HVAC unit, which has consequences you might not have thought about. Since cooling and heating can account for almost half of a typical homeowner’s energy costs, making the right decision can have an impact on your financial well-being, in addition to the comfort of you and your family. For years, people in have trusted for their HVAC needs. We’ve assembled a list of things to consider when you’re looking for a company to trust with your air conditioning needs. It pays to seek out a firm with that gets consistently good reviews. Do you homework and see what the Better Business Bureau has to say, and check for consumer reviews on Yelp and other sites that post real-life feedback on local companies. An HVAC company should hire technicians who are certified by North American Technician Excellence. A NATE certification signifies a firm believes in hiring employees who are knowledgeable and know their stuff. Ask friends, neighbors...

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Tips: Keeping Upper Levels Cool In The Summer Heat

July 30, 2015

Summer makes the air conditioner your  home’s best friend. Those of us who have a two- or three-story home know that heat rises and as a result, keeping the upstairs cool is a special challenge. Unless you have a zoned cooling system, fiddling with the thermostat is not going to keep the upstairs cool without over-cooling the finished basement and main floor. Here are a few tips to help you when you are trying to balance out your cooling needs. 1) Check your windows for leaks. If you have single-pane glass, you might consider using coating systems available at your local hardware store to help keep the solar heat outside in the summer. If you chose not to apply coating, keep your drapes and shades drawn to block direct sunlight. No one wants to live in the dark, so choose a light color for your drapes. 2) Your ability to keep the upstairs cool also means managing the heat in your attic. Your attic should have proper insulation, especially on the floor, and the soffit vents should be clear so the excess heat in the attic can escape. Try using ridge vents since they create a better airflow. Air leaks between...

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What To Do If Your Air Conditioner Is Not Operating Properly

July 18, 2015

It can be quite alarming to discover that one’s home cooling system is not functioning precisely as it ought to. However, before contacting a member of our team to schedule professional air conditioning repairs , there are a few things that you can check on your own. We are, of course, more than happy to handle any AC repairs that you may need. Double-checking that there is no obvious cause of your problem which can easily be righted, though, can help to avoid unnecessary service calls. If you find that there is no simple fix to your problem, then, by all means, contact a member of our staff immediately. Hoff Htg. & Air Conditioning will complete any necessary repairs promptly. 1) Check that power to the unit is on. This may sound obvious, but it is possible that a tripped breaker is behind your “broken” air conditioner. You don’t need a technician to help you reset it if this is the case. 2) Clean or change dirty air filters. You may not think that a dirty air filter is that serious of a problem. You’d be wrong in believing so, though. You see, dirty or clogged air filters can leave...

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