September 19, 2023
With the cooling season in full swing down here in Hampton Roads, many homeowners in the area are relying on their air conditioners to keep them comfortable with late summer heat waves. But what if your air conditioner isn’t performing well enough and you can’t stay cool in your own home?
At Russell’s, your comfort is one of our top priorities. We can help you beat the heat with our comprehensive services.
Energy-Savings Tips to Stay Cool
Sometimes replacing your air conditioner may be the most efficient and cost-effective way to stay cool and comfortable (more on that later), but there are several steps you can take before it gets to that point.
Attic Insulation Upgrades
When temperatures rise, your first instinct is probably just to crank your AC to keep cool. However, if your home is under insulated, lower thermostat settings will only provide temporary relief. Attic insulation helps to slow the transfer of heat between the living spaces of your home and the outdoors—both increasing your comfort and lowering your year-round energy bills.
AC Maintenance
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your cooling system running smoothly—it’s also the best way to diagnose small problems before they become bigger issues. With maintenance, you can prevent costly air conditioner repair and ensure it’s operating at peak performance.
Russell’s makes maintenance easy with our comprehensive Maintenance Plans. Get our award-winning service, annual tune-ups, discounts on repairs, and more by signing up. We offer several plans and payment options to fit any budget and give you peace of mind.
Mini Split Heat Pumps for Supplemental Conditioning
If you’re only having trouble staying cool in certain areas of your home—like an upstairs bedroom—ductless mini split heat pumps can be a great solution. Mini splits don’t require connecting to your central duct system and are powered by electricity to bring both heating and cooling to certain “zones” throughout your home.
How to Know When It’s Time for AC Replacement
The decision between repairing or replacing your air conditioner is a difficult one to make, but here are some signs that your AC is on its way out.
Your AC’s Age
While air conditioners can last around 15-20 years, they usually start to lose their efficiency after about a decade. If your AC is having problems and it’s over the 10 year mark, it may be time for a replacement.
Your Energy Bills
When your cooling bills start to skyrocket without an increase in your usage or rates, that’s normally a sign that your system is in need of repairs or simply getting old and inefficient.
Constant Repairs
If you’ve had extensive repairs to your system recently and need them again—or if the cost of repairs are 50% or more of the cost of a new AC—replacing the system can save you money and headaches.
Air Conditioning Options From Russell’s
If you’re ready for a new cooling system, the team at Russell’s can help find the right replacement for your home, with expert sizing and installation. We can even help you find applicable rebates and incentives to make your cooling upgrade more affordable.
High-Efficiency Air Conditioners - Today’s air conditioners are much more efficient than their older counterparts, saving you money on your cooling bills.
Heat Pumps - These all-electric HVAC systems can both heat and cool your home and connect to your central ductwork.
Mini Split Heat Pumps - While they can be added to your home for supplemental conditioning, mini splits can also be a whole-home replacement for your AC and furnace.
Geothermal HVAC Systems - While a more expensive option, geothermal heat pumps are some of the most efficient HVAC systems on the market today, using stable underground temperatures to transfer heat in or out of your home.
Russell’s: Your Hampton Roads Cooling Experts
Regardless of what cooling option is best for your home, you can count on Russell’s for all of your HVAC and home efficiency needs. With over 45 years of experience, our team can find solutions that increase your comfort, lower your energy bills, and fit your budget.
