When to Repair & When to Replace an HVAC Unit

Summer in Ohio can bring the heat—and the high energy bills. If you're like most homeowners, running your air conditioner nonstop isn't exactly friendly to your wallet. But the good news is, there are simple ways to stay cool and save money at the same time. Here are our top tips to lower your electric bill this summer without breaking a sweat. 1. Schedule an AC Tune-Up Your air conditioner works hard in the summer, so give it the TLC it deserves. A professional AC tune-up helps your system run more efficiently, catch problems early, and avoid costly breakdowns. A clean, well-maintained system uses less energy—and that means lower bills. 2. Set Your Thermostat Wisely Every degree counts. Setting your thermostat just 2–3 degrees higher can make a big difference on your electric bill. Aim for 75–78°F when you're home and 82–85°F when you're away. Want to save even more? Consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat to automate those savings. 3. Keep Filters Clean Dirty filters restrict airflow and make your system work harder. Change your air filters at least every 1–3 months—more often if you have pets or allergies. It's a small task that can lead to big savings. 4. Use Ceiling Fans Correctly Ceiling fans don’t cool the air—they move it. But the breeze makes you feel cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat a few degrees. Just make sure your fans are set to spin counterclockwise in the summer. 5. Seal Leaky Windows and Doors Cool air sneaking out of your home is like money flying out the window. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal gaps around doors and windows. It’s one of the easiest DIY upgrades you can do to keep the cool air in and the hot air out. 6. Close Curtains During the Day Sunlight streaming through your windows can quickly heat up your home. Keep blinds and curtains closed during peak sun hours—especially on south- and west-facing windows. Better yet, use blackout curtains for extra insulation. 7. Avoid Heat-Building Activities Midday Try to run the dishwasher, oven, or dryer in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler outside. These appliances generate heat that forces your AC to work harder. Cooking outdoors on the grill is a great alternative too! 8. Consider an AC Upgrade If your system is over 12–15 years old, it might be time for a high-efficiency upgrade. New systems use less energy and cool your home more effectively. The upfront investment can pay off quickly in lower energy bills and fewer repairs. If you are in need of service on your current AC system please give us a call and we'd be glad to begin the process of evaluating your needs along with your budget and coming up with a plan for your heating, cooling & air quality needs. Wooster: (330) 263.0013 Ashland: (419) 289.1616 Mt. Eaton (330) 359.7114

Prepare your AC for Ohio's summer heat with Alpine Heating & Cooling’s tips to ensure efficient cooling and avoid breakdowns.

Help Us... Help Others !!! For the entire month of June for each Share this post gets on our social media accounts we will donate $20 (Up to $1,000.00 Total) to Farmers & Hunters Feeding the Hungry. To learn more about this great program and the great work they are doing in our area check out the link below: https://feedingthehungry.org/ . . #helpushelpothers #endhunger #supportlocal

Big Changes Are Coming to Your AC: Meet R-454B (And Say Goodbye to R-410A) If you're like most homeowners, you probably don’t think about what’s inside your air conditioner—until it stops working on a hot day. But starting in 2025, there's a big change coming to what cools your home behind the scenes, and it’s called R-454B . So what is R-454B? And why should you care? Don’t worry—we’re breaking it down in plain English (no tech talk allowed). ❄️ Out with the Old: R-410A For the last couple of decades, most home air conditioners have used a refrigerant called R-410A . This is the refrigerant that helps your AC pull heat out of your home and keep things nice and cool. But here’s the problem: R-410A isn’t great for the environment. It’s got a high global warming potential —meaning it contributes to climate change. So, just like we phased out older harmful refrigerants (remember Freon?), now it’s R-410A’s turn to retire. 🌎 In with the New: R-454B Enter R-454B —the cooler, greener cousin of R-410A. This new refrigerant is becoming the industry standard starting in 2025 . Here’s why it’s a big deal: ✅ It’s way better for the planet. It has about 75% less environmental impact than R-410A. ✅ It still keeps you cool. It works very similarly to R-410A, so no worries there. ⚠️ It’s mildly flammable , but before you panic—this is only an issue if someone is doing something really wrong. When handled properly by trained pros, it’s totally safe. 🏡 What This Means for You If your AC is getting up there in age (10+ years old), and you're thinking about replacing it soon, your next unit will probably use R-454B . Here’s what you need to know: 🔧 You can’t just put R-454B into your current system. It’s not a “drop-in” refrigerant. So if your AC still uses R-410A, it’ll need to be replaced—not just refilled. 💰 New systems may cost a bit more at first. Because they’re built differently to work with the new refrigerant, prices could be slightly higher. But they’ll also be more energy efficient , which could save you money in the long run. 🧰 Our Techs will be trained for this. We are already learning the ins and outs of R-454B, so you’ll be in good hands. 🤔 Should I Replace My AC Now? Not necessarily! If your current AC is working fine, there’s no need to panic or rush into anything. But if: Your system is more than 10 years old You’re facing expensive repairs You want to upgrade to a more eco-friendly, efficient unit ...then 2025 is a great time to consider the switch. 🎉 Final Thoughts You don’t need to become an HVAC expert to stay cool. Just know that R-454B is the future , and it’s here to help your home stay comfortable while being kinder to the planet. Got questions? Reach out to your local HVAC pros (like us!) and we’ll walk you through your options. No pressure—just honest advice. Our team at Alpine is glad to assist. Serving Wooster, OH, Ashland, OH and surrounding communities since 1993, we are a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor working with a variety of heating , cooling , refrigeration & plumbing systems.  If you are in need of service on your current AC system please give us a call and we'd be glad to begin the process of evaluating your needs along with your budget and coming up with a plan for your heating, cooling & air quality needs. Wooster: (330) 263.0013 Ashland: (419) 289.1616 Mt. Eaton (330) 359.7114

Summer heat waves are no joke, and the last thing you want is to be stuck with a broken AC when temperatures spike. At Alpine Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Refrigeration we’re already seeing signs of a hotter-than-usual season — and that means your system needs to be ready now , not later. A quick AC check today can save you from a costly emergency tomorrow. Our trained technicians will make sure your unit is clean, efficient, and ready to keep your home cool when you need it most. To help you stay ahead of the heat, we offer two affordable Service Agreements designed with your comfort in mind: 🔧 Base Service Agreement — $100/year One Preventative Maintenance Visit System Check & Cleaning Voltage, Gas Pressure & Airflow Checks 1" Filter Replacement (if applicable) 10% Off Labor & Materials Priority Service + No After-Hours Fees 🌟 Elevated Service Agreement — $179/year Spring & Fall Maintenance Visits All the checks and cleanings in the Base Plan 1" Filter Replacement (if applicable) 10% Off Labor & Materials Priority Service + No After-Hours Fees 🚨 Limited to homes within 25 miles of our Alpine location. Avoid the panic call. Schedule your AC tune-up or sign up for a Service Agreement today, and enjoy a worry-free, cool summer ahead.Our team at Alpine is glad to assist. Serving Wooster, OH, and surrounding communities since 1993, we are a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor working with a variety of heating , cooling , refrigeration & plumbing systems. If you are in need of service on your current AC system please give us a call and we'd be glad to begin the process of evaluating your needs along with your budget and coming up with a plan for your heating, cooling & air quality needs. Wooster: (330) 263.0013 Ashland: (419) 289.1616 Mt. Eaton (330) 359.7114

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