Customer Service

417.866.8257

Email

service@admechanical.com

Office Hours

Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

System Maintenance

Showing: 11 - 19 of 19 RESULTS

Tips to Combat Fall Allergens in Your Home

August is a busy time especially with kids, and sometimes parents, going back to school. With back to school shopping and getting back into a new routine it tends to throw us for a loop for a few days.

Once we are in the routine, it all seems “normal” again though. With the coming of the new routine, summer becomes a distant, but lovely, memory and we are into Fall.

Fall is truly beautiful in Missouri, but the season also has its own special issues. Ragweed and intensified airborne mold spores are the top allergens. Seventy-five percent of people who experience spring allergies are also allergic to Ragweed.

Here are some tips to help reduce and combat the allergens this fall.

Change Your Air Filter

This is the time to keep an eye on that air filter in your home. If someone in your home is sensitive to allergens, it’s a good idea to change it every month during the fall season.

Clean Heating and Air Unit

It’s important to check your heating and cooling coils, motor, and air handling units for dust and debris. This will help with reducing allergens and will also help with your unit’s efficiency. Clear out any grass clippings, leaf debris, etc. from under your furnace. This will discourage critters from building a nest.

Clean Your Gutters

Gutters are another place that can be a home for allergens. Leaf decay turns into mold. Cleaning your gutters out twice a year will help cut down on mold production. Use gloves and a mask while handling rotting leaves, the mold spores can get into the air and your lungs.

Store Your Garden Hoses

If you’re done watering flowers and your garden for the season, be sure to disconnect your hoses from your outdoor faucets and store them in your garage or shed. Making sure there’s no water collected in them to avoid mold production. This is also a good practice to avoid a busted water pipe if we experience a cold snap.

Clean Your Deck

To protect your decks from mold, give them a good power wash. Some houses may be power washed, too, just be careful and make sure the strength is turned down, so you don’t make your vinyl siding look like Swiss cheese.

We hope these tips help you transition easily from summer to fall. To help reduce allergens and keep your heating unit in tip-top shape, we encourage you to give our office a call to schedule your fall cleaning check. Regular cleaning checks extends the life of your unit and helps troubleshoot any issues with your unit before the harsh cold temps of winter arrive.

Are You Cool As a Cucumber?

Hope you are doing well as the first day of summer approaches.

We at A&D Mechanical are here to keep your home temps just where you want them—cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

But, you’re not always at home. And it’s HOT! Really hot!

We have some cool tricks for beating the summer heat when you are out and about.

Light & Loose

Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Long sleeves and pants are a great idea if you are outside for a long period. But remember loose-fitting sleeves and pants (think desert!). Also, opt for 100% cotton or linen as opposed to polyesters, nylons, or spandex.

Your #1 Fan

Carrying an old fashion fan around for those stifling moments is how our ancestors survived the heat! It’s not a bad idea to have one handy.

If you’re feeling techy, go for one of those small battery-powered fans attached to a water bottle that sprays a light mist. Those really feel great!

Make a Splash

Be sure to carry a water bottle with you everywhere during the summer months. Dehydration is the leading cause of overheating in the summertime.

Take it easy and sit down and grab a cold drink. Cooling your insides helps you feel relief from the blazing sun and keeps you hydrated. Avoid caffeinated drinks because sodas, ice coffees, and energy drinks dehydrate you.

Splash water on your forehead, behind your ears, on your wrists, neck, anywhere to help you physically cool off.

Put it on Ice

Freeze a bottle of water the night before and as it melts you’ll have cold water to drink. Plus, you’ll have a cold bottle to hold against your skin to help cool you off.

Keep a cold pack handy. You can make your own. NaturalLivingIdeas.com gave us the idea to mix one part rubbing alcohol with three parts water. Pour in a resealable zipper bag. Store in the freezer and it’s ready when you are. Just use it wrapped in a towel against your skin when needed. The pack will stay flexible even frozen. It will shape to your skin even when at sub-zero temps.

Keep it Light

Small, light meals are easier to digest in the heat compared to heavy protein type meals. When your body doesn’t have to work so hard to digest, it’ll help you stay a bit cooler.

We know you are busy and have a lot to get done but be sensible about your time outdoors. Our Missouri heat and humidity can make for some dangerous situations if you aren’t taking care of your body.

Remember, if your home A/C isn’t running as it should, be sure to give us a call, we can fix that!

But when out and about, use these tips we’ve shared, take it easy and keep cool as a cucumber!

What’s a trick you use to beat the summer heat? We’d love to hear from you. Feel free to connect with us via email or Facebook.

Helping you keep your cool!

Memorial Day is May 28th!

With all the wonderful things to celebrate in May, like Nurses Day, Mother’s Day, and graduations, Memorial Day is a super special one to us.

Wikipedia says “Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, (this year it is May 28th). It was formerly known as Decoration Day and commemorates all men and women who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season.”

For us, Memorial Day is not only a way to honor those who died in military service, but also to remember those family and friends who passed before us. It takes us literally to our forefathers. It helps us connect to our roots, not only with surnames but a little history about when they lived and where they lived. It seems fewer people mark the holiday in this way.

Memorial Day was first observed in 1868, when a Union general announced that fallen Civil War soldiers’ graves should be decorated on May 30th. It did not become a federal holiday until 1971.

Did you know there are special flag observances for the day? It is to be flown at half-mast, as in mourning, until noon, then raising it fully for the remainder of the day.

Memorial Day weekend is also the unofficial kickoff to summer. Many people see it as the first time for float trips, swimming, camping trips, or vacations.

However you choose to celebrate, we hope there’s a time you’ll remember those that fought for this country.

Veterans, we thank you and honor your service to this country! When calling for services, be sure to ask us about our Veteran discounts.

So how will you be celebrating Memorial Day? We would like to hear your plans and ideas, feel free to connect with us via email or Facebook.

Other Notable Dates in May
May 9: National Receptionist’s Day
May 11: Military Spouse Appreciation Day
May 13: Mother’s Day
May 20: National Rescue Dog Day
May 24: Brother’s Day

Our rescue babies, Foxie & Lexie.

How Spring Cleaning Can Save You $$$!

 

Will spring roar in like a lion and out like a lamb this year? We can only hope that we don’t end up with the spring floods we had last year. We hope you are enjoying the budding trees and sprouting blooms.

Now is the perfect time to schedule your A/C Spring Check Up.

Why? Because the fluctuating and moderate temperatures in March allow us to make sure your system is running before the heat of the summer kicks in. Checkups help extend the life of your system, keeping everything in tip-top shape, which in the long-run saves you thousands.

It’s a good idea to do them twice a year, both in the fall and in the spring. That way you’re not without heat in the winter or A/C in the summer and your systems are running efficiently!

Running at top efficiency is also going to keep your heating and cooling bills lower. Like changing the oil in your car, if you neglect to do the task, soon your engine oil is sludgy and your engine won’t run efficiently.

With regular checkups, in the long run, you will have fewer repairs! There will be fewer times you will have emergencies. Think about it, if there was a simple belt issue that could have been caught during a checkup there would be fewer panicked worries about how to cover the cost of replacing the entire system.

Let’s talk safety. Checkups are important to catch possible safety concerns. A crack in the heat exchanger can release carbon monoxide, silently poisoning your air. Even a short circuit can lead to a fire if it goes unchecked.

Here is a brief breakdown of some of the things we do when we perform a check of your system.

  • Check the thermostat: Our tech makes sure the thermostat is calibrated correctly to ensure comfort in every season.
  • Tighten electrical connections: Loose connections are dangerous and can cause improper operation that shortens the equipment’s lifespan.
  • Lubricate all moving parts: Lack of lubrication causes high amounts of friction in the system. This can cause it to overheat and break down.
  • Inspect the condensate drain: Over time sludge or algae can form in the drain pipe and create a blockage. During times of high usage, the drain pan may overflow and cause water damage to the equipment or your home.
  • Check system controls: The start cycle, operation, and shut-off sequence should occur in a particular fashion. Our technician will check the controls to make sure everything is operating safely and properly.
  • Clean and adjust the blower: Issues with the blower can decrease equipment efficiency by up to 15 percent.
  • Clean the evaporator and condenser coils (cooling specific): Soiled coils slowly decrease efficiency and make the equipment run longer.
  • Check refrigerant charge (cooling specific): If the air conditioner was charged too high at installation, you could be paying much more than necessary to cool your home.
  • Check fuel line connections (heating specific): Poor gas or oil connections are a fire hazard. They can also cause health problems if fumes are able to escape into your home. Tightening the connections ensures safe operation.
  • Inspect the gas pressure, burner combustion and heat exchanger (heating specific): Incorrect pressure, a dirty burner or a cracked heat exchanger can result in improper burner operation.

You too can do a few things on your own to increase efficiency and extend the life of your unit.

  • Change the air filter every month. Some units have an indicator light that tells you when the filter is beginning to become clogged and blocking airflow.
  • Remove debris from around the outdoor unit.
  • Hose down the outdoor unit when dirt begins to accumulate on it.
  • Trim back foliage to at least 18 inches from the outdoor unit.
  • Keep supply and return registers unblocked by drapes, rugs or furniture.

These simple steps can help you save money, not to mention saving wear and tear on your system. We would love the opportunity to extend the life of your A/C unit by doing your Spring Check Up! Give us a call today.

 

How to keep your Valentine cozy in this crazy MO weather

How do you keep your Valentine cozy when in this crazy Missouri weather it’s HOT one minute…COLD the next? Your sweetheart isn’t the only one who needs tender loving care during this season, so does your HVAC system!

Your HVAC system may think you’re crazy running the heat all night, then the next morning, turning on the A/C.

Missouri is no stranger to fluctuating temperatures. Just a couple of weeks ago we went from -6 degrees to 70 in the matter of a couple of days. Then the crazy Missouri weather topped it off with tornadoes in January!

These highs and lows can make your head spin!

While it’s not “bad” on your system to run the heat and A/C in the same day, there are a couple of key things to remember to keep it running for the long haul.

First, ease into the new temp. Maybe adjust your preferred temperature gradually…the goal is to not overtax the system. Making too big of a jump in temp can lead to technical issues and be a big strain on your HVAC system.

Second, wait five minutes between switching from heat to air (or vice versa). Switching too quickly can fry your circuit board or blow a fuse.

Lastly, because Missouri will always have crazy weather, we can’t stress enough the importance of routine maintenance. Avoiding checkups to your HVAC system can greatly shorten the life of your system and even lead to serious dangers. Dust, dirt, and debris inside the unit can lead to house fires if left to build up. Worn out wiring and lack of insulation around wiring can also be dangerous.

Routine checkups can greatly increase the lifespan of your system while providing you with the security you need to know you and your loved ones are safe.

Whether you’ve lived in Missouri all your life, ten years, or just ten days, you will have noticed it can be coat weather in the morning and shorts weather in the afternoon. That’s not likely to change, so investing a little in routine maintenance will really give you peace of mind.

Which reminds us, we offer the Peace of Mind Service Plan.

The Peace of Mind plan is NOT an insurance policy or a warranty plan. It is a service membership exclusively offered by A&D Mechanical Services. Consider us your personal maintenance team!

For just a low monthly membership, repairs and maintenance on covered units will be made. Parts needed for repair are included in the plan and if there is a total failure of your covered equipment, we will replace the unit. NO OTHER PLAN DOES THAT!

We appreciate you as our customer and are wishing you a warm Valentine’s Day and hope you don’t have to flip from heat to A/C several times in one day!

Know what time it is?

September is a lovely time in the Ozarks! The days are warm, but the nights get cool. The leaves start to turn gold, amber, fiery red, and pumpkin orange. People gather for bonfires, football games, fall canoe trips, and hiking. The days get shorter and that nip in the air reminds us that winter is around the corner.

Yes, it’s that time of year again. September is the perfect time to schedule your fall systems cleaning check with us to inspect your heating elements and make sure they are ready for this year’s winter.

There is quite a bit to check with your heating and plumbing before winter comes along, such as:

  • Moving parts and belts, including electrical connections
  • The blower and vents for leaks
  • The pilot light and burner
  • Wiring for any damage
  • Hoses and drainage systems
  • Gas pressure
  • The heat exchanger for any corrosion
  • Carbon monoxide testing
  • Filters that haven’t been replaced recently

We all recognize that investing in routine maintenance for your vehicle increases the life of that vehicle, it’s the same with your heating/cooling unit. The lack of routine maintenance can lead to safety issues. Make sure your heating unit is in tip-top shape now, while the temps are mild! Once you give us a call to schedule your Fall Check Up, we will make sure everything is ready for the winter months!

A&D recently celebrated its seventh birthday and could not have done that without our customers – we appreciate you! We’re here to serve you and you keep your home comfy. Remember, you can reach us at 417-866-8257.

Spring Cleaning Time!

As we head into the summer months, we suggest you schedule your Spring Clean Check-up for your A/C unit. May is the perfect time to make certain your unit is in working order. You don’t want to get caught in a heat wave without A/C!

You’re smart by ensuring your heating and air units are checked out regularly (twice a year). It not only prolongs the life of your equipment by at least seven years and spots little problems before they become big expenses, but did you know it could also save your life?

Lately, the news has been filled with stories about carbon monoxide leaks killing people. Just last month dozens were sickened and one child died from a carbon monoxide leak in a pool heater. A father and his seven children were found dead inside a Maryland home. In Alaska, a teen was killed and seven others hospitalized from the carbon monoxide buildup caused by a boiler in the garage.

We hate to hear these stories because we know that often these tragedies could have been prevented with a simple check two or three times a year by a professional.

You see, with education and preventative maintenance, these deaths most likely would not have happened. Hearing these stories really pulls at our heart-strings and we certainly don’t want anything like that to happen, because there is a high probability of prevention. Whether you call us or have another professional checking out your furnace or plumbing, ask them to check your fuel-fired systems (including appliances) for leaks.

Testing for carbon monoxide usually takes as little as 3 minutes. If you don’t have one, we recommend installing a carbon monoxide detector. But just because you have a carbon monoxide detector installed doesn’t mean they last forever. The detecting components lose effectiveness after about 5 years and may not detect the carbon monoxide any longer.

Since you cannot see, hear, taste or smell carbon monoxide, a routine check is a small thing that really could save you and your family’s life. Be aware of symptoms like headaches, drowsiness, dizziness and confusion. Take precautionary measures to see if it could be something in your home that is making you sick.

We Offer Peace of Mind

We are happy to schedule your Spring Cleaning Check, but have you heard about our Peace of Mind Plan? Becoming a Peace of Mind member awards you the usual semi-annual cleaning checks on your heating and air conditioning units plus so much more! We handle the little things to keep your units and your plumbing in tip-top shape for a low monthly payment.

Often, little problems are ignored out of fear of how much it would cost to repair. Then, when that little problem develops into a HUGE mess our pocketbook really suffers! Peace of Mind members aren’t concerned by a confusing warranty for certain items in their home, but rather are assured with constant care of their heating, plumbing and air conditioning systems. Instead of hearing a clank, then hoping and praying that it won’t turn into something major, they are perfectly comfortable in calling us immediately to check things out because it’s included in their plan.

Peace of Mind is perfect for single parents, the elderly, or any busy homeowner. If you own your home, you owe it to yourself to have Peace of Mind.

Remember, a few simple steps and planning can help you prevent major trouble down the road and will be much easier on your pocketbook.

We wish you happy spring cleaning! Looking forward to hearing from you.

Happy spring cleaning!

Do You Spring Clean Your Home?

Most of us do. Something about spring inspires us! We throw open those curtains, see that gorgeous sunshine and all the “new” sprouts and buds, and have an urge to deep clean our homes. Maybe it’s because of feeling cooped up all winter. Or, maybe it’s just wanting to see out of a clean window!

As you are enjoying spring, it’s also time to schedule your Spring Clean Check-up for your A/C unit. Spring is the perfect time to make certain your unit is in working order before the heat of summer arrives.

Why is a check-up of your A/C unit important?

You check and clean your vacuum, right? If you don’t empty the dust and dander from the bag or tray, it will start throwing it back into the air. You clean the brushes so it will pick up the debris better. You even clean the filters, so it can do a better job. In short, you do a few preventative measures to make your vacuum work efficiently and prolong its life.

Well, checking and maintaining your A/C unit is similar. You cannot expect your air conditioner to do a good job if it’s full of dust, has leaks, or even clogs. Did you know that just 1/4-inch of dirt build-up can cause your unit to lose up to 30% of its efficiency?

Our Spring Clean Check-up is a great way to stay on top of your A/C unit maintenance. No one wants to let little things turn into giant catastrophes. This is one way to help ensure your A/C doesn’t die on the hottest day of the year!

Your check-up includes a refrigerant level check, cleaning, and monitoring done by one of our professionals and usually takes about one hour. It is a relatively quick and easy process, yet one, that if done properly and consistently, can catch little issues before they become HUGE issues. This also saves you BIG money, when you catch things before they become an emergency.

There are always a few things you can do to help keep your A/C in tip-top shape yourself:

  • clean out any leaf or grass debris from under or around the unit
  • clean the grill of leaf matter
  • change your inside filters – if your family has serious allergies it is recommended to do so every month
  • make sure your unit is level – this may not sound like much, but an out-of-level condenser unit can cause the compressor within to fail earlier than a level condenser
  • check your carbon monoxide detectors. Any gas fired application needs routine maintenance. 

We offer Peace of Mind

We would be happy to schedule your Spring Cleaning Check, but have you heard about our Peace of Mind Plan? Becoming a Peace of Mind member awards you the usual semi-annual cleaning checks on your heating and air conditioning units plus so much more! We handle the little things like what is listed above and work to keep your units and your plumbing in tip-top shape for a low monthly payment.

The Peace of Mind Plan is perfect if you don’t want to shell out upwards of $3,000 for a new condenser, or $5,000+ for a new A/C unit. There’s no other plan like it. It’s not a warranty plan. It’s a plan that helps keep all your heating, plumbing and air systems running smoothly including replacement of your unit should it break down beyond repair (terms and conditions apply). We help protect your largest investment, your home.

Peace of Mind is perfect for single parents, the elderly, or the busy homeowner. Instead of hearing a clank in your unit, then hoping and praying that it won’t turn into something major, you’ll be comfortable in calling us immediately to check things out because it’s included in your plan. If you own your home, you owe it to yourself to have peace of mind.

Remember, a few simple steps and planning ahead can help you prevent major trouble down the road and be much easier on your pocketbook.

Happy spring cleaning!