Home Comfort Resolutions for 2020

December 10, 2019

The EPA estimates that the average American can reduce his or her monthly bill by as much as 15 percent with some simple strategies. in Houston provides a full range of home comfort services and encourages all homeowners to make New Year’s resolutions toward that end. Commit to Seasonal Tune-Ups Avoid the break-fix approach to your HVAC equipment. The biggest and easiest change homeowners can make is embracing seasonal tune-ups. Such service is not only relatively inexpensive but goes a long way toward avoiding major repairs. You may even be able to save more with a maintenance program. Embrace a Smart Approach If you do not yet have a smart thermostat, invest in one. Even if you have a programmable unit, consider upgrading to a smart device. Learn how to use it. Use the information it provides you. Establish temperature blocks throughout your day so that you can save even more. Schedule Air Duct Cleaning Air duct cleaning is another important service that many homeowners overlook. However, air ducts are crucial to the efficient and effective operation of your heating and air conditioning. Duct cleaning is an opportunity to inspect your ducts. It also helps foster a much cleaner living...

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What Thermostat Temperature is Best for the Winter?

December 2, 2019

In the Houston area, we rarely deal with frigid temperatures as they do up north. However, the winter months do bring colder weather, especially in the evenings. At , we want to make sure that our clients are comfortable throughout the year. When you are smart about your thermostat settings, you can save money while not compromising on home comfort. Is Anybody Home? The Department of Energy suggests that the ideal home temperature is 68 degrees in the winter. This is normally a temperature where you can be comfortable without overtaxing your system. Keep in mind, this is the temperature setting when people are home. If everyone goes to work or school during the day, it is fine to let the temperature drift downward by as much as 10 degrees. The less time your system is working, the more savings you will see on your utility bill. Keeping Comfy at Night Although the evenings are the coldest period in our area, they are also a time when you can let the temperature drift downward. Most people find that they sleep better when it is a little cooler. Also, once you are covered in a few extra blankets and a comforter,...

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Tips for Maintaining Your Winter Indoor Air Quality

November 25, 2019

In the winter, it can be challenging to maintain indoor air quality. Insulation and protective sealants prevent the circulation of fresh air. When this happens, it isn’t unusual for pollutants and allergens to accumulate. These pollutants contribute to fatigue, headaches and dizziness. The good news is you don’t have to suffer through poor indoor air quality. Here are a few tips for maintaining your winter indoor air quality. Remove the Dust There are many things that cause dust to accumulate. This includes pet dander, fibers, insect parts, ashes, pollen and fungi. When these particles are present, they can impact the indoor air quality. Get rid of the dust by vacuuming your home with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter. Clean your home using nontoxic cleaning products that are specifically designed to eliminate dust particles. , which serves residents of Houston and the surrounding areas, now offers the Air Scrubber Plus, which is designed to clean the air and surfaces of a home. Change Your Air Filters When was the last time that you changed your air filters? If it has been more than three months, it’s time to change them. Dirty air filters decrease the air quality during the...

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5 Signs You Need a Heating System Replacement

November 18, 2019

The technicians at understand the lifestyle of a heating system. We’re here to expertly install new units. Our team can also maintain and repair a system so that it runs season after season. We may be the first ones to suggest that it’s time for a replacement. The signs of a failing system may be right in front of you. 1. Increased Fuel Use As heating systems age, they become less efficient. We can mitigate some of the effects of age through annual maintenance, but there is only so much we can do. As the system loses efficiency, it will use more fuel each month. 2. Constant Operation You expect your heating system to cycle on and off throughout the heating season to keep a constant temperature in your home. One of the signs of an aging system is that it has to burn longer to reach the temperature you need. It may feel like the unit is constantly in operation. Not only does this increase your utility bills, but the wear and tear also increases the risk of system failure. 3. Multiple Repairs There is always a chance that a part will fail on your furnace. Our technicians are...

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How to Cut Heating Costs This Winter

November 12, 2019

The weather in Greater Houston can get surprisingly chilly during the winter. In addition to hot chocolate and cozy blankets, this means higher utility bills. The good news is you don’t have to wreck your budget to keep warm this winter. Here are a few simple ways you can cut heating costs during the cold months. Locate and Seal Drafts From windows to doors, drafts can come from multiple sources. Drafts cause warm air to escape from your home. They could contribute to a 30% increase in your heating bill. Cover all windows with plastic and window treatments. Use caulk to fill open spaces in your fireplace and corners. Install a New Programmable Thermostat Running your heating system all day will drastically increase your energy bill. If you’re constantly forgetting to adjust your thermostat, install a replacement that’s programmable. You can program your thermostat to turn off at certain times during the day or night. Reduce the Temperature on Your Water Heater You can save money when you reduce the temperature on your water heater. Reducing the temperature on your hot water heater by 20 degrees can slash as much as 10% off your energy bill. Schedule Maintenance Services for...

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Understanding Airflow in Your Home

October 21, 2019

If you want an efficient system, you need to know about airflow. Airflow is essential for your home. It keeps your system balanced and healthy. Here are a few things to know about the way air moves throughout your home. Why Is Airflow Important? You need proper airflow to maintain a well-balanced system. Air needs to balance between low and high pressure. If there is any type of gap or pathway, air will flow toward those areas. In some cases, these gaps can cause leaks in your system. If you want to have effective airflow, you need to maintain a system that eliminates even small gaps. What Is Balanced Airflow? If air is removed from your system and not added back, you can be causing problems for your unit. This type of pressure is known as negative airflow. In most homes, you need a balanced airflow to keep your system in proper operation. If you are experiencing problems in your Houston home, will help you find the issue causing it. What Causes Problems With Your Air? There are several reasons for improper airflow in your home. Damaged ductwork is one of the main culprits of this issue. You want to...

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AC Dangers: What You Should Never Do

October 10, 2019

If you have an air conditioning unit, you want it to operate for years to come. As a homeowner, you need to provide a high level of care for your system. Problems can occur due to overuse or damaged parts. Here are a few mistakes that can cause damage to your AC system. Choosing the Wrong Sized System When you are searching for the right AC system, you need to find the correct size. Many people believe a large system will cool down a home faster than a smaller unit. Unfortunately, this can lead to higher energy bills and changes in temperature. An undersized air conditioning unit can also cause issues for your house. These units will have to work harder to cool your home, leading to unexpected repair bills in the future. If you are having trouble finding the right unit in Houston, call today. Incorrect Thermostat Temperature When you need to cool your home, your first instinct is probably to crank down the thermostat. However, you want to keep your thermostat at a set temperature during the day. When you lower the temperature in your home, you are using more energy to cool your house. Not Changing the...

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Best Dusting Techniques & Products to Improve Your IAQ

October 1, 2019

The particulates in your home can lead to many dangers. Dust, pollen, pet dander, and bacteria may all be detrimental to your health. Indoor air quality tends to be worse in the winter when doors and windows are open less. Therefore, dusting improperly can cause particles to go airborne and get inhaled. Thankfully, there are ways to keep the air in your home as clean as possible. Use Microfiber Cloths When you’re dusting, you want the cloth you’re using to pick up as much dust as possible instead of sending it into the air. Lambswool and electrostatic dusters are great choices for dusting products. Be sure to dust carefully as rush jobs could release a lot of particulates into the air. Dust From the Top Down When you’re dusting shelves, work from top to bottom. As you dust up high, some of the particles will end up falling down. As you work your way down, you’ll have more opportunities to pick up this dust and get rid of it. Cover Upholstery With Slipcovers When you’re dusting, put a slipcover over any upholstery. This will keep any airborne dust from settling on places where it could be difficult to remove. Clean...

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4 Signs of a Broken AC Motor

September 24, 2019

The motor in your air conditioner is a vital component that determines how well your home is cooled during the spring and summer seasons. Although the part is meant to be durable and long-lasting, it can still break down from time to time. Here are a few main signs to look for if you suspect your AC motor is broken. 1. No Cold Airflow You may quickly notice that there’s a lack of cold airflow in your home, which can make it uncomfortable to spend time in during the day. Put your hands close to the vents when the air conditioner is operating to determine if cold or warm air is flowing out. 2. Weird Noises Weird noises commonly develop when an AC motor breaks, which will be noticeable when the appliance is turned on each time. You may hear rattling, buzzing and humming noises, which often comes from the condenser unit. Malfunctioning motor blades may also be the cause of the unusual sounds. Grinding sounds also mean that the bearings on the motor have become damaged. 3. AC Fan Continues to Run In some cases, the AC fan continues to run without shutting off even when you attempt to...

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How to Measure Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

September 14, 2019

Having an energy-efficient home can keep you comfortable in the summer and winter without creating big energy bills. There are many ways that heated or cooled air can be lost from your building. Several fairly simple steps can be taken by any homeowner to measure their home’s energy efficiency, but professional assistance is required to perform a comprehensive energy audit. Check Your Home for Leaks There are many places where cool or warm air can escape from your residence and cause you to lose energy. Taking a lit candle and moving it around places that might be leaking can expose moving air. If you see the candle flicker, you can then isolate the leak. Places to inspect include the frames around doors and windows, electrical outlets, and light switches and the baseboards along the walls. Examine Your Insulation Not having the proper insulation in your home can allow large amounts of hot or cold air to be lost. Check your attic to make sure that the most important areas have adequate insulation. Have Professionals Perform an Energy Audit The best way to find all the air leaks in your home is to hire professionals to perform an energy audit. They...

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