Summer weather in the Twin Cities means higher electric bills as your A/C system works hard to keep the heat and humidity at bay. However, with a few simple changes in the way you manage your indoor environment over the summer, you can beat the heat without busting the budget. Here are some tips that can help you keep your summer energy bills within reason this year:

If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner for your Twin Cities area home, you’ll likely be exposed to A/C SEER numbers early in the process. But don’t let your eyes glaze over at what seem like incomprehensible numbers; a basic understanding of A/C SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) numbers will help you select the best cooling system for both home comfort and energy costs. 

When the U.S. signed the Montreal Protocol in 1988, the federal EPA established a timeline for the phase-out of R-22 refrigerant. We’ve reached the point where R-22 refrigerant supplies have decreased and the price in 2013 is getting even higher. As supplies diminish, the cost of replenishing older air conditioning systems that use it will continue to rise.

High-efficiency air conditioners are a great way to save money during the summer cooling season. However, several installation factors can undermine their efficiency. Their seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is determined through laboratory tests in which they’re operated under ideal conditions, and steps should be taken during air conditioner installation to ensure your air conditioner will experience similar operating conditions.

If your cooling equipment has been giving you trouble lately, you may be faced with choosing between repairs and a full-blown air conditioner replacement. To eliminate any guesswork from your decision, here are three clear-cut signs that an air conditioner replacement is necessary. 

Is only one component of your split air-conditioning system giving you trouble? The idea of replacing just the ailing unit may seem like the most cost-effective solution, but it likely will only lead to trouble. By taking the time to learn why split air-conditioning systems must be carefully matched, you will avoid a lot of stress, and save money in the long run.

Most people familiar with the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry know about NATE certification. As a consumer, hiring a technician with North American Technician Excellence (NATE) training and certification means you’re getting the best in the business. Here’s why NATE certification should be a top priority when choosing an HVAC contractor.

The air quality inside your home is influenced by several things. Dust, mold, humidity and airborne contaminants degrade the quality of air you breathe and can cause a variety of health problems. Asthma, allergies and chronic upper-respiratory infections are just a few of the problems you and your family may experience when your home’s air quality begins to diminish. You can do small things in your home that will create dramatic improvements in the quality of your home’s air.

Now that winter’s behind us in the Twin Cities area, it might not be a bad time to consider your furnace’s performance over the recent winter. You’ll have more time to mull over whether an upgrade makes sense from the standpoint of efficiency and performance. If you come to the conclusion that it does, consider a new high-efficiency condensing furnace. Given the length and severity of Minnesota winters, condensing furnaces deserve serious attention because they offer some of the highest energy efficiency available. These furnaces are similar to other kinds of forced-air heating systems, but they differ in their ability to extract nearly all the potential heat from the fuel.

If you’re new to the area, or have recently transitioned from renter to buyer, it’s important to find a reputable HVAC contractor you can trust. The process of hiring an HVAC contractor goes more smoothly when you know what questions to ask.

Here is a short list of questions that can help you determine the best contractor for your needs, as well as who has the most prompt and friendly customer service.