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The Difference Between HVAC and AC Systems

March 18, 2019

An air conditioning unit and an HVAC system are two different ways to cool your home. Many homeowners do not know exactly what separates the two systems. It also doesn’t help that some home builders and contractors use these terms interchangeably. Here are the differences between the two systems. What Is an AC System? AC stands for air conditioning. This system is used to cool down the air in your home. People will use the term “AC” for any type of unit that takes the air and conditions it. There are units that can cool and heat air, but these systems are not very common. For most homes, the AC unit cools the air to a comfortable temperature. If the system pulls air through a series of ductworks, that unit is called an HVAC system. What Is an HVAC System? HVAC is a big term that covers a few types of air systems. The term HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. This system can both heat and cool your home. You can already see how it is confused with an AC unit. In this system, it uses ductwork to pull moisture out from your home. The air conditioner,...

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5 Benefits of a Precision AC Tune-up

March 8, 2019

Keeping your home’s air conditioning system properly maintained can provide you with many benefits. For example, you can expect a healthier environment and save on your energy bills. Here are just five benefits you can receive when you get regular precision tune-ups on your home AC system. 1. Extend the Life of Your AC System By getting regular precision tune-ups, your AC system does not have to work as hard to keep your home cool. When the system is running at peak performance, it operates easier and can help prolong the life of your air conditioning system. 2. Prevent Breakdowns When the AC system is operating efficiently, it helps to prevent the unit from breaking down at the most inconvenient times. Without regular maintenance, the system can get clogged up, or wires can become worn, making it harder to run properly. This can eventually result in the system running sluggishly or breaking down altogether. 3. Reduce Energy Bills Air conditioning systems that are running at peak performance do not have to use as much energy. This helps to reduce your energy bill. The savings that you receive from your energy bill can often go a long way in helping to...

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9 Reasons to Choose a Professional Heating Company

March 1, 2019

Many people like to take on do-it-yourself projects around the home. If you are not trained in heating repair, you should not tackle these repairs by yourself. These repairs should only be handled by a professional technician. A DIY project can end up costing you time and more money in the long run. If you are still not convinced, here are a few reasons why you should leave a repair to the professionals. Fewer Safety Concerns Professional technicians lessen the safety concerns associated with heating repair in general. Their special training ensures they know the right process to follow to keep themselves, you, and your home safe. Heating systems either have combustible fuel or have a significant electrical draw. In either case, getting into the system without knowing how to approach it safely can have serious consequences. Protected Warranty One of the most important reasons to choose a professional heating company is to protect your system’s warranty. Manufacturers want to protect their systems from breaking down due to improper training. As such, one term of keeping the warranty valid stipulates that only qualified HVAC professionals work on the system. Letting anyone do something more than replacing the filter may void...

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5 Sounds You Don’t Want to Hear From Your HVAC System

February 28, 2019

A properly functioning HVAC unit is relatively quiet and rarely makes strange sounds. When your unit starts to produce some unnatural noises, it could be a clear signal that there is a problem. What your unit needs is the attention of an HVAC system expert. Once you learn these sounds, you’ll know when your equipment requires professional attention. 1. Squealing Squealing noises come from the blower motor, and they are an indication of a bad bearing or belt. You will be lucky if it is the latter since the belt costs less to repair. A bad belt normally shows signs of cracks and needs to be replaced before it breaks. If it does, the blower will stop turning. If the belt is fine, the squealing noises can be eliminated by adding a lubricant. 2. Rattling or Banging Noises These sounds come from the blower fan or motor, and they indicate that a part is loose. The part should be immediately repaired or replaced before it breaks down completely. Once you hear a rattling or banging noise, shut down the unit and call a professional for service. 3. Repeated Clicking Sounds Although clicking sounds are normal when turning your unit on...

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Every Home Can Benefit From a Humidifier

February 18, 2019

Is low humidity a problem in your home? It is an issue for many homeowners, and there are a number of great reasons for every home to have a whole-house humidifier or room-based humidifiers installed. Lower Energy Costs in Houston has many clients throughout the region who want to lower their energy costs. We often recommend humidifiers as a tool that many people overlook. Relative humidity makes a difference in how you perceive temperature. With a proper humidity level, you can lower the thermostat at least several degrees and perhaps even more. That can make a significant difference over a season. Greater Comfort Your home will feel warmer at lower temperatures. A humidifier makes it easier to get to the desired temperature. The temperature throughout the home will feel more evenly distributed. In addition, humidification makes it easier to breathe and helps avoid dry skin and other winter-related inconveniences. Better Health It is not just about comfort; it is also about your health. A humidifier can make a big difference for people who suffer from allergies, asthma or other breathing issues. Doctors often recommend humidifiers for this very reason. Additionally, germs don’t flourish as well in the moist air, which...

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HVAC Systems and How They Work

February 9, 2019

One of the most commonly misunderstood household terms is “HVAC.” While most people are aware of the connection between an HVAC system and their home’s heating and air conditioning, few understand exactly what comprises the system or how the system operates. Simply stated, the HVAC system serves the function of regulating the heating, cooling and humidity levels of a single room or an entire building. The letters in the convenient acronym represent the words “heating,” “ventilation,” and “air conditioning.” Types of Heating and Cooling Systems There are several types of HVAC systems. The most common is the split system. The name is derived from the fact that part of the equipment, the air handler or furnace, is located indoors and part of it, the air conditioner or heat pump, is outside. This is what a homeowner normally thinks of as central heat and air. A slight variation of this is the hybrid split system. This type is becoming increasingly common. Hybrid split systems feature an electric hybrid heating system, which can ultimately lower heating costs. A packaged system consists of contained heating and air unit that is located within the house. This type of unit is preferable for use in...

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Can Air Filters be Recycled?

January 26, 2019

Air filters are an essential part of the air blower that works with a heat pump, air conditioner or furnace. When our technicians at install or perform maintenance on heating and cooling systems, we always check the air filter. When considering which type of air filter to use, whether or not the product is recyclable may be important to you. We offer these tips to help you decide. Single-Use Air Filters Single-use air filters are commonly used in today’s heating and cooling systems. Single-use is about 30 to 60 days of continuous operation for these air filters. They consist of a large cardboard frame and an insert. The insert is made up of a folded panel. The panel contains fiberglass or polyester fibers. Cardboard is recyclable. Some communities have specialized facilities for recycling polyester fibers. Fiberglass cannot be recycled. In order to recycle any parts of a single-use air filter, you would have to dismantle it. Dismantling it would expose you to the allergens and dirt, so it’s best to throw these filters away. Reusable Air Filters Reusable air filters can be washed and reused. If a single-use air filter is like a paper napkin, a reusable air filter is...

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Choosing the Right HVAC Contractor for You and Your Home

January 16, 2019

has been serving Houston and the surrounding areas since 1969. We are a full-service HVAC company that handles everything from new installations to maintenance and minor repairs. We even offer a Gold Club that helps our clients save significantly over the long term. Excellence in customer service is everything to us. Not every company takes the same approach, however. There are certain steps that you should take to ensure that you’re treated well and that you get excellent value for your money. Seek an Established Contractor When hiring an HVAC contractor or any contractor, it’s in your best interest to choose companies that are well-established in their communities. You get can get burned by a fly-by-night outfit. On the other hand, you can have confidence that a company serving Houston for five decades is going to stand by its work and be there for you even after you’ve paid. How Well-Regarded Is the Contractor? How well respected is the contractor with your neighbors and even online? Look to associations as well. We’re proud to be an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau and to have maintained an A+ rating. also has an excellent track record on Angie’s List and...

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Is Low Humidity a Problem in Your Home?

January 6, 2019

If your family members don’t want to get near you during the wintertime because they are worried about getting a shock from static electricity, it’s just one of many signs that the humidity in your home is too low. Low humidity can cause minor health problems like chapped lips and dry skin and larger ones such as nosebleeds and coughing. It can also warp wood floorboards, create cracks in wood molding or furniture and more. In short, especially with the dry winter air in Rosenberg and surrounding areas, low humidity can be a definite aggravation. Why the Humidity Is Lower in Winter Warm air holds more moisture than cold, and that’s the basic reason why air is dryer in the winter than in the summer. The winter air that is coming in from outside the home is dry and cold, and even the warm air that the furnace creates is dry. The little moisture that exists is quickly absorbed, leaving you with an uncomfortable home, and you’re stuck with the same air because you can’t open up a door or window to recirculate air the way you can in the summer. Whole-House Humidifiers If low humidity is an issue in...

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Heat Pump vs. Furnace

December 20, 2018

Here at Custom Comfort Air, we’re happy to provide Houston and surrounding cities, not only with high-quality climate control systems and service but also with expert advice for homeowners trying to choose heating and cooling options. One question that item comes up is, “Should I put in a furnace or a heat pump?” Let’s take a look at the consideration that goes into making that particular choice. One-Way vs. Two-Way The first thing you must consider is the fact that a furnace is a one-way system, meaning that it can only warm your home; it can’t cool it. A heat pump, which uses outside air and an electric heating element to regulate temperature, can provide both cooling and warming. On the other hand, if your home is already equipped with air conditioning units, you might need only a one-way addition rather than a two-way, all-in-one solution. Climate Furnaces are better at coping with temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat pumps are weak below this cutoff, but their ability to cool you down make them an attractive choice for our part of Texas, where sub-40 temperatures are rare and heat is the big enemy. Costs A traditional gas-powered furnace will typically...

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