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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Thermostatic Expansion Valve Defined

October 12, 2021

The air conditioning system in your home is very useful in regulating the temperature and airflow for comfortable living. Unknown to many homeowners, such systems have particular components that work together to give desired results. From the surface, it may not be easy to spot all the parts which perform various functions to make our homes comfortable. Even as you install your HVAC system, it is important to ensure that it is designed to contribute to energy efficiency. Understanding the Thermostatic Expansion Valve (TXV) In line with the minimum efficiency regulation, home equipment such as refrigerators must be designed to ensure energy efficiency and improve their performance. One device that forms part of the refrigerator and air conditioning systems is the thermostatic expansion valve (TXV). Its function is to control the flow of the refrigerant into the evaporator. It is crucial for air conditioning systems specialists to understand the design of the TXV and how it works. has qualified professionals ready to install and service Air Conditioning systems, including thermostatic expansion valves. As a precision device, the TXV is designed to boost the performance of the evaporator and prevent the escape of excess refrigerant into the compressor. In an air...

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The Most Common Home Heating Equipment Problems

September 15, 2021

While Houston may not be known for its cold winters, it certainly gets cold enough that a furnace or other heating equipment is essential to keeping you and your family warm. It is a terrible feeling to need the warmth only to have your furnace malfunction or not turn on at all. This can be a particularly common issue in an area where furnaces go unused for long periods and then are suddenly needed. With this in mind, let us consider the most common issues you are likely to experience with your furnace. Wear and Tear Due to Inadequate Maintenance Wear and tear is a catchall term that encompasses many of the subsequent problems listed, but it is an important consideration because it can be reduced with seasonal maintenance. The biggest mistake we see homeowners mistake is not scheduling an inspection and maintenance of their furnace in autumn. Such service is very affordable, and during the process, we will identify and correct the small issues before they become large and expensive problems. Many homeowners opt for a break-fix approach instead, but this strategy generally results in more out-of-pocket expenses. Malfunctioning Thermostat Although not really a furnace problem per se, malfunctioning...

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7 End of Summer Maintenance Tips

August 18, 2021

As the summer winds down, it’s time to give your cooling system some well-deserved TLC. Summers in Sugar Land, TX, are hard on your air conditioner, with scorching temperatures and high humidity levels. Your air conditioner has spent the last few months working hard to overcome these conditions and keep your home cool and comfortable. Before it’s retired for fall, your AC could use some maintenance. The experts at put together a list of end-of-summer maintenance tips for your AC. Follow these steps, and your system will be ready and raring to go for next summer! 1. Check Your Thermostat and Replace the Batteries This may come as a surprise, but your AC maintenance routine will start inside your house. Although it’s often overlooked as part of a home’s cooling system, the thermostat plays an integral part in your AC’s performance. If the thermostat isn’t working properly, it can’t communicate with your AC or heater. When this happens, your system may not be able to reach a comfortable temperature, or it may not turn on at all. Take a look at your thermostat to confirm that the programmed temperature matches the room temperature. While you’re here, swap out the old...

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11 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioner Noise

July 19, 2021

Having an AC that is not functioning optimally during summer is what every Texas resident would like to avoid. Loud noises are a sign that your AC is malfunctioning. A noisy AC may annoy you and also be a source of distraction. Fortunately, regardless of whether the noise is a loud screeching, a low humming, or a periodic banging, you can reduce the noise. Here are 11 ways you can quiet your noisy air conditioner. 1. Tighten Any Loose Screws If your AC suddenly started to produce a loud noise, check to see if there are any loose screws. At times, the screws holding your condenser may loosen up and cause the other parts of the AC or the condenser itself to shake or to rattle. This results in a loud whining noise, which is why maintenance is vital. During maintenance, the experts can point out such things and fix them before they cause any serious damage. 2. Check the Condenser and the Compressor The AC compressor refers to the part that circulates your refrigerant, and the condenser is the part that releases or collects the heat. These two parts are the main culprits of loud noises produced by your...

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