Edited June 4th, 2021

This is a common question from customers during the sizzling summer days of July and August, why is my AC constantly running but not cooling? Let’s talk about what may be happening and what you can do to feel more comfortable.

When temperatures reach 95 degrees outside, your air conditioner is going to run about 22 to 23 hours each day. Plus, all air conditioner systems are designed to provide a 20-degree temperature difference. This means if it’s 95 degrees outside, your air conditioner system is designed to keep the indoor temperature at 75 degrees.

Tips if Your Air Conditioner is Running But Not Cooling Your House

• Change your AC filter monthly. We constantly remind homeowners, but a dirty filter can restrict airflow into the system and decrease its efficiency.

• Close the curtains. Keep window blinds and curtains — especially on the south and west sides of the house — closed during the day to prevent direct sunlight from heating up your home.

• Turn on your thermostat’s fan function. This function allows the fan on your HVAC unit to run continuously and keeps the air moving in a home, helping to regulate temperature and humidity levels.

• Don’t turn up the thermostat. During periods of high humidity or extreme temperatures, we recommend you do not set the thermostat back while you’re not home. The system will have to work harder to catch up and to reduce the humidity and temperature levels in the home. Program your thermostat to maintain a realistic, consistent temperature in the home 24 hours a day.

• Use ceiling fans to cool down rooms. Ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air down onto you.

• Check if you have dirty condenser coils. If they are dirty or have dirt buildup between the coils, the best way to keep the coils in your HVAC system clean is to schedule regular preventative maintenance. When one of our service technicians comes to your home to clean and inspect your HVAC system, they will also inspect and clean the evaporator and condenser coils. These coils are hard to access, so cleaning them is a job that should be handled by a trained service technician.

• It’s important to recognize the limits of an air conditioner. If it’s 100 degrees out, your air conditioner is just not designed to keep your home temperature at a cool 69 degrees. By following these tips, you should be able to maintain a comfortable and realistic home temperature.

If these simple tips don’t do the trick, and your air conditioner is struggling to cool your home, you may have a problem that requires AC repair service. Contact our HVAC technicians at Bell Brothers to fix your AC that is constantly running.

Updated: June 30, 2025

AC repair tips are essential once the hot and humid summer weather rolls in. While it’s great to enjoy hiking, cycling, farmers markets, and outdoor concerts, sometimes you just want to stay cool inside.

This time of year, we can experience extended periods of hot and humid weather. When temperatures reach 95 degrees outside your air conditioner is going to run about 22 to 23 hours each day. Now that’s a major workout! So, to ensure your air conditioner is working at peak performance and keeping you and your family cool on those sizzling summer nights, here are several tips to help avoid ac repair despair.

Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips

• First and foremost, change the air conditioner filter on your system every month. A dirty filter can restrict air flow into the system and decrease its efficiency.
• Trim any vegetation near your air conditioner unit. When it gets hot outside, plants and bushes can restrict air flow around the air conditioner unit making it work harder to keep you cool inside.
• Peek at the ac condenser coils. If they are dirty you should rinse the coils with water from a garden hose. If the dirt build-up between the coils is excessive, it's best to have a service technician clean the coils.
• Give your air conditioner a break by adjusting the thermostat up a degree or two. This can also help you save on energy costs without it causing you to be uncomfortable.
• Regular, preventive hvac maintenance on your home heating and cooling system is the best way to guarantee peak performance — and protect against potentially expensive issues down the road. A complete inspection by a trained service technician twice a year will give you peace of mind that your systems are running at optimal safety and efficiency.

AC Not Cooling? Before Calling a Technician, Here's What to Do!

Should your air conditioner stop working, check these items before calling your service technician, these quick AC repair tips might help you avoid a service call altogether:

• Check the HVAC breaker box, and see if the breaker is tripped. If you reset the breaker and it trips again, please contact your service technician as this is the sign of a larger issue with your system.
• Most furnaces have a light switch on or near the furnace. Sometimes we can accidentally switch the power off to the unit. Just flip the switch on, and you are back in business.
• Make sure your thermostat has a fresh set of batteries. Sometimes weak batteries can impact the performance of your thermostat.

If these simple AC repair tips don’t do the trick, then contact us today. Our service technicians are on call 24 hours a day.

 

One of the questions we get all the time — why is furnace and AC maintenance so expensive? Chuck is here to explain why regular maintenance is important - just like changing the oil in your car - and how it might actually save you money in the end.

Don’t Be Duped: 5 Tips For Owning Your Furnace Repair

Furnace repair scams are more common than most homeowners realize, especially during the tail end of Iowa’s harsh winter months. With just a few bitter cold spells left, you might be hoping your furnace can hold on a little longer. But then, during a sudden temperature drop, your heating system takes a dive. You know you need a repair, and fast, but how can you be sure the company you call won’t take advantage of the situation?

1. Watch Out for Furnace Repair Scams with “Too Good to Be True” Pricing

A quick internet search will pull up a handful of HVAC repair companies. Some will try to differentiate themselves with a low trip-charge fee to inspect your system. The savings may calm your nerves, that is, until you get the final bill. Often, these companies make up the difference with unexpected labor or parts charges, a hallmark of many furnace repair scams. Instead, look for companies that use a standardized pricing system. That way, you know you're not getting the short end of the stick.

2. Look for a Licensed HVAC Technician

Did you know that not every HVAC company requires its technicians to be licensed? Even years of experience in the business doesn't equate to the accreditation of holding an apprenticeship, journeyman's, or master's license. Holding a license means the technician must complete continuing education courses and abide by a universal set of standards. If you're unsure of the technician's credentials at all, feel free to ask for their license and registration.

3. Demand Data from Your Furnace Technician

If your technician is spending more time trying to convince you to purchase new equipment rather than troubleshooting the problem, that's a red flag. In this day and age, there are tools to measure just about everything, combustion, airflow, electrical consumption, voltages, you name it. So, if you're being told you need to overhaul your heating system, ask for the analytics to back it up. There are always anomalies, like an electrical failure, that may be tough to measure and diagnose at first. However, these types of repairs shouldn't require you to replace your system.

4. Don’t Be Bullied by HVAC Scare Tactics

In a pinch, technicians may try to use scare tactics to pressure you into buying new equipment. While situations like carbon monoxide poisoning and heat exchanger failure are very serious, the technician's claims should always be rooted in fact. If you're ever unsure, conduct some of your own research. Reputable organizations like the Air Conditioning Contractors of America are a great resource for homeowners seeking unbiased guidance. Protecting yourself from scare tactics is one of the best ways to avoid falling for furnace repair scams.

5. Go With the HVAC Warranty

The last thing you want is to shell out money for a repair only to have it break again one or two years down the road. Do yourself a favor, look for companies who offer repair warranties. Some companies may even cover the cost of poor repairs from previous homeowners. It never hurts to check! And, like any other major decision, feel free to seek out a second opinion. No one company will have all the answers, and you don't want to be left out in the cold.

It’s unfortunate that some companies may try to capitalize on you during a time of need, which is why furnace repair scams are more common than you might think. Knowing what to watch for helps protect your family, your finances, and your peace of mind. That’s why at Bell Brothers, we take service personally. It’s simple, we treat our customers how we’d like to be treated.

Updated: September 29th, 2022

Fall is a busy time of year for many of us. In between football games and soccer matches, families are planning weekend outings to the local pumpkin patch and helping their kids find the perfect Halloween costume. As the calendar fills up, it’s easy to overlook scheduling a furnace inspection before the cold winter weather arrives.

You might be thinking, “I don’t need my furnace checked, I had that done last year,” but yearly routine maintenance is important because it ensures your furnace is working properly and safely. No one wants to have their furnace breakdown during the first snowstorm of the season.

One of the main concerns for your furnace is dust. Since many furnaces aren’t used for six months out of the year, dust accumulates inside the furnace and prevents it from working at peak performance. Maintenance by a trained HVAC service technician ensures your system doesn’t get bogged down and is working efficiently. If not properly cleaned every year, your system could be losing up to 40 percent of efficiency!

While most maintenance needs to be performed by a trained technician, there are steps you can take to prepare for winter.

Change Your Furnace Filter

Changing your furnace filter regularly is the No. 1 thing homeowners can do to maintain their furnace. Standard 1-inch disposable filters should be changed monthly while high efficiency air cleaners can be changed less often — every three to four months. There are filters that last six months, but check with your HVAC professional for more information.

Changing your furnace filter is simple, and in just a few minutes your home’s HVAC system receives several benefits.

• The furnace and air conditioning coil are protected from dirt build-up on the filter, which can cause your system to lose efficiency and make the coil freeze up.
• The indoor air quality is improved and allergens are reduced because all the air in your home passes through the furnace filter. Disposing of used filters removes the trapped dirt, pollen and allergens from your home.
• Changing the filter will help prevent furnace shutdowns. A clogged filter can cause your furnace to stop working because it completely restricts airflow.

Lastly, don’t overwork your system by setting the desired temperature too high. The perfect indoor environment in the winter is 72 degrees and 35 percent relative humidity. If you’re turning the thermostat up, that means your humidity could be too low. Using a humidifier to raise the humidity to 35 percent provides a comfortable living environment at a temperature of 72 degrees.

Taking these steps will help ensure your home stays warm and cozy all winter long, so the only thing you have to worry about is stocking the cupboard with enough hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Updated: February 27th, 2025

How to Improve HVAC Energy Efficiency Before Colder Days Arrive

As winter approaches in Des Moines and the surrounding Midwest, homeowners must confirm that their HVAC systems operate at peak efficiency. Iowa winters bring frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall, and freezing winds, making a well-functioning heating system essential for home comfort.

However, an inefficient HVAC system can lead to higher energy bills, reduced indoor comfort, and costly emergency repairs when it is overworked. Proper HVAC maintenance helps homeowners reduce heating costs, extend the lifespan of their heating systems, and improve indoor air quality.

At Bell Brothers, we specialize in HVAC energy efficiency solutions. We provide expert tune-ups, preventative maintenance, and energy-saving upgrades to help homeowners stay warm while minimizing energy waste. Following these seven energy efficiency tips, you can keep your home comfortable and lower your winter utility bills before the coldest days arrive.

Learn more: Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer and Winter

7 Ways to Improve Your Home’s HVAC Energy Efficiency

1. Schedule a Professional HVAC Inspection

A professional HVAC inspection verifies that your system is running smoothly before winter sets in. A licensed HVAC technician will inspect essential components, including:

• Heat exchanger: A cracked heat exchanger can lead to carbon monoxide leaks, posing serious health risks.
• Blower motor: Dust buildup or malfunctioning parts can reduce efficiency and airflow.
• Electrical connections: Loose or damaged connections can lead to power failures or system breakdowns.

Scheduling an annual HVAC inspection helps catch minor problems before they become major repairs. Regular maintenance prevents costly emergency breakdowns, ensuring your furnace or heat pump can handle the demands of an Iowa winter.

Schedule your HVAC maintenance appointment now to keep your system running efficiently this winter.

2. Replace or Clean Furnace Filters

Your furnace filter is critical in maintaining airflow and indoor air quality. A clogged or dirty filter forces your HVAC system to work harder, consuming more energy and reducing overall efficiency. To maximize performance:

• Replace disposable filters every 1-3 months.
• Clean reusable filters regularly to remove dust and debris.
• To improve air quality and HVAC performance, consider upgrading to high-efficiency filters (HEPA or MERV 13+).

A clean filter reduces energy waste, improves air circulation, and helps extend the lifespan of your HVAC system. For more essential maintenance tips, check out our guide on the importance of HVAC maintenance and how it keeps your system running efficiently year-round.

3. Check & Seal Ductwork for Air Leaks

Did you know that up to 30% of heated air can be lost due to leaky ductwork? Cracks, holes, and poorly sealed joints allow warm air to escape, forcing your system to work harder to maintain indoor comfort.

To improve efficiency:

• Inspect ducts for visible gaps, holes, or disconnected sections.
• Seal leaks with metal tape or mastic sealant (avoid duct tape, which degrades over time).
• Insulate exposed ducts in unheated areas like basements, attics, or crawl spaces.

Sealing and insulating ductwork ensures more heated air reaches your living spaces, reducing energy waste and heating costs.

4. Optimize Thermostat Settings

A properly programmed thermostat can lead to significant energy savings without sacrificing comfort. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends:

• Setting your thermostat to 68°F while awake.
• Lowering the temperature by 7-10°F at night or when away for extra savings.
• Upgrading to a smart thermostat to automate temperature adjustments.

Smart thermostats learn your habits and adjust settings automatically, helping homeowners optimize HVAC performance while reducing energy costs.

5. Clear the Area Around Outdoor Units

If your home relies on a heat pump, keeping the outdoor unit clear of obstructions for optimal airflow is important.

• Maintain at least two feet of clearance around the unit.
• Remove leaves, snow, and debris to prevent overheating.
• Check for ice buildup during freezing temperatures, which can reduce efficiency.

A heat pump that has unrestricted airflow operates more efficiently, reducing strain on the system and lowering winter utility bills and helping with hvac energy efficiency.

6. Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Safety

A well-maintained furnace should never produce unsafe carbon monoxide (CO) levels, but an aging or faulty system could pose a silent but deadly risk. Protect your household by:

• Installing carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms and living areas.
• Testing detectors monthly and replacing batteries once a year.
• Replacing old detectors every 5-7 years for continued protection.

CO poisoning is a serious risk during the winter months, especially in tightly sealed homes. Regular HVAC maintenance helps prevent CO leaks, keeping your home safe and warm.

7. Improve Home Insulation & Weather Stripping

Even the most efficient heating system won’t perform well if your home is poorly insulated. Heat loss through windows, doors, and walls forces your furnace to work overtime, increasing energy costs.

• Seal gaps around windows and doors with weather stripping or caulk.
• Upgrade insulation in attics, basements, and crawl spaces to reduce heat loss.
• Use thermal curtains or window insulation kits to block drafts and retain heat.

Better insulation helps your home maintain a stable indoor temperature, reducing the workload on your HVAC system and lowering your heating bills.

The Benefits of an Energy-Efficient HVAC System

Investing in HVAC energy efficiency offers a range of benefits:

• Lower Utility Bills: Reducing energy waste leads to lower heating costs.
• Improved Indoor Air Quality: Clean filters and sealed ducts help prevent dust, allergens, and pollutants from circulating in your home.
• Extended HVAC System Lifespan: Preventative maintenance reduces strain on your system, helping it last longer and perform better.

Reduced Environmental Impact: An energy-efficient HVAC system lowers your carbon footprint, making your home more eco-friendly.

Schedule an Energy Efficiency Tune-Up with Bell Brothers

Scheduling an annual HVAC inspection helps catch minor problems before they become major repairs. However, if you’re experiencing a heating system failure or urgent issue, Bell Brothers offers 24/7 emergency heating and cooling services to restore comfort to your home as quickly as possible.

Our preventative HVAC maintenance allows homeowners to avoid costly breakdowns, improve home comfort, and save on winter heating costs. Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch service and energy-efficient solutions to keep Des Moines homes warm all season.

Are You Ready to Save on Energy Bills and Stay Warm All Winter?

Improve your home's HVAC energy efficiency today with Bell Brothers' expert services. Schedule your HVAC maintenance appointment now and make certain your heating system is ready for the coldest days ahead. Don't wait for the first freeze—call Bell Brothers today to schedule your HVAC tune-up and enjoy a warm, efficient, and cost-effective home this winter!

Why a Winter Furnace Tune Up is Essential in Iowa

Winter furnace tune up season is here, and Iowans are breaking out their favorite football team’s apparel, sweaters and pumpkin-flavored treats. That can only mean one thing. Fall is here.

Sometimes the beautiful weather and changing leaves make it difficult to remember winter is just around the corner. But autumn is the best time to get your furnace system in shape for freezing temperatures, before they arrive. Follow the advice below to ensure your home will be warm and cozy all winter long.

Let us do the hard work for you

Want to be sure your furnace is ready for winter? Sign up for an annual maintenance program. These plans are designed to keep your systems working at peak efficiency all year long.

If you participate in one of our annual maintenance programs, a Bell Brothers professional will inspect your heating and cooling system every fall and identify any potential issues that could impact its performance in the coming winter months. Annual maintenance can extend the life of your equipment, save you time and money, and deliver up to 40 percent savings in energy efficiency. Bell Brothers offers emergency HVAC services in Des Moines, contact us today.

Testing, testing. 1, 2, 3.

It’s hard to tell if your furnace is having issues unless you turn it on. And, if you wait until that 20-degree day in November, you might be left out in the cold. On a cool morning this fall, switch your thermostat over to the heat setting and test how your furnace is performing. If you hear any strange sounds, notice the vents aren’t releasing warm air or the temperature never reaches what you selected on the thermostat, it’s time to call in a professional to investigate. A simple 10-minute test now could save you from a freezing house this winter.

Breathe easy.

Winter furnace tune up reminder: It’s easy to neglect the vents in our homes, but they are vitally important to your comfort level. This fall, check all the vents around your house to ensure they are free of obstructions. Even simple things like furniture and bedding can block vents and prevent them from properly circulating warm air throughout your house. When vents are blocked, your furnace has to work harder than necessary to heat your home, resulting in higher energy bills.

Keep cold air out and hot air in.

As outdoor temperatures begin to fall, pay attention to any drafts or cold air leaks you notice near your windows and doors. Not only will these gaps cause higher energy bills, but they make your furnace work harder than it would normally. This can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your system and can even shorten its lifespan. If you do identify any air leaks, make sure to seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.

Schedule Your Winter Furnace Tune Up or Installation

A winter furnace tune up is one of the simplest ways to keep your home warm and efficient all season long. Regular maintenance can extend your system’s lifespan and help you avoid costly breakdowns during Iowa’s coldest months.

If your furnace is older or struggling to keep up even after a tune up, Bell Brothers can also help with professional furnace installation to ensure your home stays comfortable for years to come. Schedule your winter furnace tune up or installation service today and get ahead of the cold.

Updated: August 2nd, 2024

Understanding Fall Allergies & the Importance of Indoor Air Quality

 

Indoor air quality becomes even more important during the fall season, when allergens like ragweed, mold, and dust mites reach their peak. While it’s common to hear complaints about allergy symptoms in the spring, fall allergies are just as real — and often just as miserable.

Ragweed is the biggest offender this time of year — about 75 percent of people allergic to spring plants also react to ragweed in the fall. Meanwhile, mold spores thrive in damp outdoor environments like leaf piles, and dust mites accumulate indoors as we close up our homes for cooler weather. These hidden irritants can turn your home into a hotbed of allergy symptoms during September and October.

1. Keep your windows closed.

Fall temperatures and breezy evenings might tempt you to open your windows, but doing so can invite ragweed pollen and other allergens into your home. Before you enjoy that crisp autumn air, remember what it feels like to endure a full day of sneezing and congestion.

The most effective way to maintain indoor air quality during the fall season is to keep your windows closed. This helps block allergens from entering and keeps your HVAC system from circulating contaminated air.

That said, no one expects you to stay indoors all season. But as the weather cools and you naturally spend more time inside, it’s crucial to keep a clean living environment. Regular vacuuming, dusting, and laundering of linens are simple ways to reduce allergens in your home and limit allergic reactions.

2. Try a dehumidifier for relief.

Dust mites and mold thrive in moist, humid environments. If you are experiencing humidity control issues in your home, a dehumidifier can help you find a good balance and reduce your indoor allergy symptoms during the fall.

3. Change and/or upgrade your furnace air filter.

If you can’t remember the last time you changed your furnacefilter, the first thing you should do when you finish reading this post is go change it. We talk a lot about the benefits of changing your furnace filter, but that’s only because a clean filter is imperative to a functioning heating and cooling system.

Have you changed your filter recently and are still struggling with severe fall allergy symptoms? It might be time to upgrade to a high-efficiency filter. Upgrading to high-efficiency furnace air filters is one of the most affordable ways to improve your indoor air quality during allergy season. These filters collect more dirt, dust, mold, and pollen than standard filters — a crucial step in reducing fall allergies — especially if you change them monthly as directed.

4. Invest in indoor air quality solutions.

Feel like you’ve tried everything to deal with your allergies? You might benefit from installing a home air cleaner — a solution that works with your existing heating and cooling system to improve the air quality of your home.

We recommend the Dynamic Air Cleaner, which can remove up to 95 percent of particles like dust, dirt, mold and pollen from the air in your home. The result is much cleaner, purer air and more relief during the peak of allergy season.

You’ve heard the saying “heat rises” a thousand times. Turns out, it’s true. And it can affect how comfortable you are in your home. Watch this video for some tips on keeping the temperature consistent throughout your whole house — especially upstairs.

Head over to our Facebook page to watch the whole video.