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8 Steps to Preparing Your HVAC System for Long Vacation Trips

November 18, 2022

Are you planning on taking a vacation this year? If so, you’ll need to take some steps to prepare your HVAC system for the extended period that you will not use it. Many homeowners don’t realize that their HVAC system needs to be adequately prepared for lengthy absences, so they come home to a sweltering house or an icy cold one. If you’re planning on being away from home for a long time, follow these eight simple steps to help prepare your HVAC system for long-term absence. 1. Check Your Air Filter and Change It If Necessary Most homeowners don’t think much about their air filters unless there’s a problem with their HVAC system. However, regularly checking and changing your air filter is integral to running your system smoothly. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause your system to work harder, leading to higher energy bills and premature wear and tear. In addition, a dirty filter can allow dust and other allergens to circulate through your home, potentially jeopardizing your family’s health. By contrast, a fresh air filter will help your system to run more efficiently and keep your home free of harmful particles. For these reasons, checking...

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Taking on Unpredictable Texas Weather With Smart HVAC Practices

September 12, 2022

As the seasons begin to change in Houston, the one thing you can be sure of over the next several months is constantly changing weather. To ensure your home stays comfortable at all times in any weather condition, it’s vital to make sure your HVAC system is always ready to go. Rather than reacting to changing weather conditions and risking a system failure, it’s best to care for your system every day and ensure that all of its settings are up to date. Instead of guessing what you should do to make all this happen, the pros at offer these suggestions for smooth system operation during changing weather conditions. Optimize Your Thermostat If you want to save energy and protect your HVAC system throughout the year, it’s important to optimize your thermostat. Since you might need the air conditioner during the day and the furnace at night, try using a thermostat that can automatically engage either system so you aren’t left feeling too hot or too cold. Programmable and smart thermostats tend to be the best choices for homeowners looking to get the most out of their HVAC systems. That’s because these thermostats let you select specific temperatures for different...

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How Effective Are HVAC Air Scrubbers?

August 18, 2022

Contrary to popular belief, standard HVAC air filters aren’t really designed to protect human health. Instead, air filters are primarily intended to prevent dirt, pollen, dust, and other airborne particulates from coating internal HVAC components and affecting overall system functioning. Although investing in an HVAC air filter with a high maximum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating can improve the indoor air quality (IAQ) in your Houston, Texas home, it isn’t guaranteed to create the cleanest and safest indoor air possible. Having an HVAC air scrubber installed is a far more effective way to limit the presence of harmful pathogens, chemical contaminants, and unpleasant odors. Read on to find out why. What Is an HVAC Air Scrubber? An HVAC air scrubber is an optional addition to HVAC ducting that can seamlessly support a standard or upgraded HVAC air filter. Unlike even some of the most advanced HVAC air filters, air scrubbers are capable of removing ultra-fine particulates. These are airborne contaminants that normally pass through HVAC filters and get circulated throughout general living spaces. Although air scrubbers are often considered a second and more effective form of air filtration, they’re actually designed to do far more than simply sift contaminants out....

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What Are SEER Ratings and What Do They Mean for Your AC?

July 18, 2022

The summers in Sugar Land can be absolutely brutal due to the high temperatures and extreme humidity, and this can make it a nightmare if you don’t have working air conditioning in your home. When shopping for a new air conditioner, your primary goal is surely to find a unit that can effectively keep your home cool. That being said, you probably also want to know how much you can expect to pay in energy costs, and this will be determined by both the size and energy efficiency of the unit. The energy efficiency of central air conditioners, ductless mini-split ACs and heat pumps is measured using the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating scale, and here is a handy guide to help you understand exactly what these SEER numbers mean and how they are calculated. What Is SEER? SEER is a rating scale that is designed to estimate approximately how much energy a central air conditioner or other cooling unit will use on average over the course of the entire summer. Measuring the energy efficiency of furnaces and heating equipment is simple as the unit will always function at exactly the same efficiency level as long as it is...

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Understanding the Differences Between MERV and HEPA Filters

June 13, 2022

Your HVAC system’s air filter plays an extremely important role in the life and health of the system. Specifically, the filter works to trap airborne particles to prevent them from getting inside the system and potentially damaging its various components. There are also more highly rated filters that can help to improve indoor air quality by filtering out many airborne allergens, germs, and pollutants. With this in mind, here is everything you need to know about the differences between MERV and HEPA filters to ensure you can easily choose the best filter for your home’s HVAC system. The MERV Rating System Explained Most HVAC air filters are rated in terms of efficiency using the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) scale. This system measures how efficiently the filter can trap particles ranging in size from 10 down to 0.3 microns. Each filter is tested to determine the percentage of particles of varying sizes that it can trap and then assigned a rating based on the results. At the lowest end of the scale are MERV 1 to MERV 4 filters, which can only trap around 20% of the largest particles between 3 and 10 microns. On the highest end of the...

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How to Protect Your HVAC System From Texas Storms

May 19, 2022

The average Texas Storm can take a toll on your home. These storms can lead to high winds, heavy rains, and hail in some instances. When these events occur, they disrupt the routine life we’re all accustomed to and can cause significant damage to HVAC systems. Therefore, you need to take appropriate precautions to prevent damage not only to your home but to your HVAC system. To help you make it through the storm season safely and with the least amount of damage to your HVAC system, we have gathered some information that will serve as a helpful guide. While every storm is different, the following tips will help you better handle the worst weather that Texas storms can throw at you year-round. Keep Your HVAC System Covered One of the best ways to protect your HVAC system is to look out for the units that are exposed to extreme weather. Everything from rain and snow to wind can cause considerable damage to the outdoor units of your system, and covering them is your first line of defense. By covering the unit, you will prevent debris like hail, dirt, twigs, and leaves from getting in the vents or air ducts...

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What Happens When Professionals Visit to Repair Your HVAC System?

April 15, 2022

A home’s HVAC unit plays a significant role in ensuring the temperature remains comfortable throughout the year. This creates a conducive living environment for the family members regardless of the season. However, it can be quite frustrating when the system malfunctions, especially when needed. For instance, when the AC unit breaks down during summer or the furnace malfunctions during winter. Fortunately, HVAC technicians can diagnose and fix any issue your HVAC may have, regardless of its magnitude. Typically, the cost and time duration of the repair depends on its degree of faultiness. As a homeowner, you are likely eager to know what happens during an HVAC repair. Here are some of the activities that take place. Diagnosis of the Problem Diagnosis of the issue is usually the first step to successfully initiating a repair process. Luckily, seeking help from a reputable company can help you to accurately detect your HVAC issues based on their worker’s experience and availability of appropriate equipment. As soon as you note any issue with your HVAC problem, including foul odors or unusual sounds, contact a technician immediately. When a technician arrives at your residence, they first enquire about noticeable symptoms. This gives them a clue...

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Tips for Cleaning Your Furnace and Heat Pump

January 13, 2022

Your furnace or heat pump can accumulate dirt and grime on its components in the course of its operation. Regular cleaning is essential for upholding the system’s performance. Here are some tips on how to clean your furnace or heat pump. Take Precautions Before Cleaning For both a furnace and heat pump, you will first need to shut off the power supply. Shut off the unit, and shut down the switch in the breaker box. For an oil or a gas furnace, you will also need to shut off the fuel supply. Test the unit to confirm that it is off. Next, ensure that there is clearance around the unit. Clear dry leaves and twigs away from outdoor components, and be sure that there are no boxes or furniture around any indoor components. If in the course of your cleaning you spot leakages or loose wires from the furnace or heat pump, it is best to stop and call a certified technician. Cleaning a damaged heating system can be dangerous to you and your home. Cleaning Outdoor Components To clean a furnace’s outdoor parts, start by removing the outer metal casing using a flathead screwdriver. Clean the outdoor unit with...

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Ways You Can Determine the Energy Efficiency of Your Heater

December 14, 2021

When it comes to heating and cooling your home, efficiency is the name of the game. Your home heater is very likely one of the most expensive appliances to operate every month. If you have a heater or want to buy a new one, you might want to check out this blog post for answers on how to evaluate the energy efficiency of your heater before making any decisions! Read on, and you’ll be able to determine your efficiency needs, so you can avoid paying more than you have to. Three Crucial Steps The energy efficiency of your heater will depend on a few things. First, it marks how much heat the unit puts out per unit time. In other words, how quickly does it get a room to the desired temperature? Second, it depends on the amount of power absorbed from electricity and natural gas to produce that heat. Third, it depends on any extra features the heater may have that will enhance overall energy efficiency. When determining the energy efficiency of your unit, here is what you should check: Energy Efficiency Rating An Energy Star rating is like a badge of honor for heating and cooling products. An...

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Your Home Heating Emergency Action Guide

November 20, 2021

Whether you’re returning from running errands or from working long hours, nothing beats the feeling of coming home to warmth and comfort. Your home is your haven and the place where important life events happen. While you’re making cherished memories, your home heating system quietly works in the background to keep your family comfortable. When your heating system stops working in the middle of winter, you lose this sense of comfort. Living without a working heating system is also hazardous to your health. When you’re without heat, you need to act quickly. Our team has prepared the following guide to help you during a home heating emergency. Home Heating Basics While suddenly losing your heat can be stressful, panic won’t help the situation. The first thing you need to do is remain calm. Sometimes, there are simple solutions to heating issues. Perhaps your pilot light needs to be relit, or your electronic ignition needs to be restarted. Either of these fixes can restore your system within minutes if you’ve found the cause of the problem. Relight Your Pilot Light If you have an older gas furnace, you have a pilot light. Open the access panel and see if it is...

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