Air Conditioners: Things You May Not Have Known

November 12, 2024

Though air conditioners are a major part of modern life, they hold many secrets few people know about.


Luckily, our team at Alpine Aire, LLC is ready to spill the beans.


Air conditioners have come a long way since they were first invented. Present-day AC units use 30 to 50 percent less electricity to create the same amount of cooling as their 1970s predecessors, according to the US Department of Energy (DOE). Advances in the past 10 years have been significant. In fact, by switching out your decade-old AC, you could subtract 20 to 40 percent from your utility bill.


But wait—we’ve compiled even more fun facts! If Jeopardy! ever makes “Cooling” a category, and you’re a contestant, we want to help you answer with confidence. You’ll make your friends back in Washington proud.


Read further to learn six staggering secrets about air conditioners.

Your AC Does Not Create Cool Air

AC units pull heat and humidity out of the air, flushing it out through the outdoor condenser and condensate drain. Your AC cools down your Leavenworth home by subtracting hot air—it doesn’t actually add anything.

Who Invented the Air Conditioner?

In 1902, New York engineer Willis Carrier drew up plans for a humidity control device. For years, Carrier was pining for a way to control indoor climate. Then, one day on a foggy train ride through Pittsburg, an idea came to him: he could subtract humidity from air by moving it through water to make fog.

We Need Our AC for More Than Just Home Comfort

Refrigerators, computers, modern shopping centers, and countless other everyday luxuries would not be possible without Carrier’s invention. The ability to control indoor climate changed the game, paving the way for generations to come.

Your AC Is Great for Indoor Air Quality

Less humidity means less mold and mildew, which can trigger respiratory symptoms for allergic residents. Your central air system also contains a static air filter, which catches irritants like dust, debris, pollen, and dander. Because of these features, running your AC can improve indoor air quality (IAQ).

You Need to Change Your Air Filter!

Remember to change your filter every 90 days or so—or clean it once a month if you have a ductless system. Over time, dust particles clump and begin to stifle airflow. This can make your equipment overwork itself, leading to higher utility bills and even damage overtime. A bit of diligence goes a long way.

Seasonal Maintenance Is a Must

Give your AC some TLC. With the hustle and bustle of summertime, many homeowners forget to schedule their seasonal maintenance visits. During a maintenance call, one of our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) specialists can identify hidden issues and correct them before they turn into costly repairs. You’ll greatly reduce the risk of a breakdown on a sweltering summer’s day.

Need Cooling Service? Call Alpine Aire, LLC

Located in Leavenworth, WA, we have a team of HVAC experts ready to meet your heating and cooling needs. To set up an installation, repair, or maintenance visit, call 509-662-6846 or simply request service online.

What Are Zone Control Systems?

November 12, 2024
Some like it hot! Others, not so much. If you have a large home with multiple stories or a large household with family members who prefer different temperatures, consider installing a zone control system. A zone control system—or zoning—only provides the necessary cooling or heating that each zone in your Washington home needs at the time. It not only adds to the comfort level of your home but can also lower your energy bills. At Alpine Aire, we always look for ways to improve the comfort, health, and safety of homes and businesses in Wenatchee and surrounding areas. Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is a significant purchase—a big part of our job is to help ensure you get the maximum value from this investment.

AC and Allergies

November 12, 2024
Summertime is the season for rest and relaxation—except when pollen decides to crash your party. If you’re afflicted with seasonal allergies, you’re not alone. As many as 60 million Americans have allergic rhinitis part-time or year-round, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Luckily, a perfect antidote is already installed in your Washington home. A well-maintained air conditioner can boost your indoor air quality (IAQ), reducing symptoms. Your AC has a filter that catches airborne irritants like dust, pollen, dander. It also balances humidity and provides ventilation, reducing the likelihood of mold growth. Looking for additional methods to stop allergens from inhabiting your home? Alpine Aire, LLC has a team of home comfort experts ready to find the perfect solution for your lifestyle. Make your home a sanctuary—spend less time restocking your tissues and more time doing what you love. Call us for a free consultation today. 

SEER––What Does It Mean?

November 12, 2024
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This universal rating system helps you determine the efficiency of your Washington air conditioning (AC) unit or heat pump. It’s quite similar to miles per gallon—the higher a car’s MPG, the more efficient the car. Similarly, the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the heating or cooling system. The number comes from dividing the total amount of heat removed from your home by the total amount of energy consumed. Check the yellow EnergyGuide® sticker on your air conditioner. Does it have a SEER rating of 10 or lower? If so, you may want to consider upgrading. Modern air conditioners use much less energy. In fact, federal law requires a rating of 14 or higher for air conditioning units manufactured in 2015 and onward. Had your AC for 15 years or longer? Instead of shelling out money for the next repair, consider replacing your unit with a high-efficiency model. You could reduce energy costs up to 50 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Looking to upgrade your comfort? Alpine Aire, LLC is pleased to give you an accurate estimate on your new AC, heat pump, furnace, or boiler. Additionally, some high-efficiency models come with generous tax rebates. You can count on our team to find the best savings for you.

How to Reduce Dust in Your Home

November 12, 2024
Don’t let your home be another one that bites the dust. Everyone has it, and nobody wants it. In reality, dust is no laughing matter, no matter the setting. It’s easy to see how it can affect the indoor air quality (IAQ) of your Wenatchee home. At Alpine Aire, LLC, we know how important clean indoor air quality is for your home. Our team specializes in offering whole-house solutions to keep you and your loved ones healthy, comfortable, and safe throughout the year. 

Preparing Your HVAC System for the Fall

November 12, 2024
As the saying goes, “Time and tide wait for no one.” Whether you’re prepared or not, the summer months and warmer weather are gone, moving aside for fall and cooler temps. That means here in Leavenworth you need to think about preparing your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for fall maintenance. Maintaining your heating and cooling equipment ensures it’ll run smoothly the way it should when you need it. Investing your time and money in these seasonal maintenance tasks goes a long way to protect both your Washington home and your HVAC investment, including your wallet. Well-running systems are more energy efficient, so they end up costing you less to run all season long.
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