Benefits of New Air Conditioners vs. Older Air Conditioners

May 2, 2019

You may think that your current air conditioner is working just fine. However, it might be costing you a lot more to run than you think. Don’t forget about the cost increases that you’re going to see as it ages. If your equipment is more than 10 to 15 years old, planning a replacement is recommended. A new system often comes with outstanding installation and workmanship guarantees. Answering the following questions about your existing air conditioner may help you decide if a replacement is necessary. Is It Using Environmentally-Friendly Refrigerant? If your AC system uses R-22 refrigerant, you’re in for a surprise. R-22 has been phased out of the supply chain because it contains chlorine, which damages our atmosphere. It’s no longer made and finding it is becoming increasingly more difficult. Whether you want to update your air conditioner or not, you’ll eventually be forced to make the change. R-410A is the new industry standard for air conditioning refrigerants. Does the SEER Rating Measure Up? Today’s AC units have energy-efficiency ratings that will make you want to update your system. You can tell how efficient a unit is before you install it by checking the SEER rating. SEER stands for...

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3 Tips for Lower Energy Bills

April 20, 2019

Controlling the temperature of your home can be quite an expense. In the Rosenberg, TX, area, the warm summers are especially hard on energy bills. By using energy more efficiently, you can lower your monthly bills and enjoy affordable comfort. Here are three tips for lower energy bills. 1. Update Your Thermostat Modern thermostats can do far more than simply adjust the temperature. A programmable thermostat allows you to plan for home comfort. You can make sure that you will not be heating or cooling an empty home. Smart thermostats can even learn your home comfort habits. If your home comfort systems run half an hour less each day, that is 15 hours of energy savings each month. 2. Be Smart About Zones Breaking your home into heating and cooling zones can make a big difference in your energy bill. You can control the comfort of a single floor or room rather than cooling unused space. This is especially helpful if you have a larger house with rooms that are only occasionally in use. You can focus on the temperature of the living areas in the daytime and the bedrooms at night. 3. Update Your System While a new heating...

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Can You Trust Your HVAC Repair Company?

April 10, 2019

Has your comfort control system broken down? It’s difficult for folks living in Rosenberg or the surrounding Houston area to be without a working HVAC system. If you require heating or an air conditioning repair, then you’ll want to find a reliable company to serve you, like . Here are some guidelines to follow when selecting a repair team. Find Out if the Company Is Licensed A licensed business has been approved by the state or local government to operate as an HVAC company. This means it has correctly responded to a particular list of requirements. These requirements may include proof of liability insurance, skill testing, and documentation of a formal apprenticeship. Licensed companies are responsible for the work they do inside your home. You can verify licensing by checking with your state’s small business licensing department. Check for Credentials Qualified technicians are typically proud of their certifications and the work they leave behind. Brand-name manufacturers provide HVAC technicians with repair and installation training for their products. Carrier, Trane, and Lennox are just a few of the manufacturers offering certifications for technicians. However, if you have an older unit that’s no longer made, you’re not out of luck. Most repair...

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Is Static Electricity a Problem in Your Home?

April 1, 2019

The static buildup in your indoor environment can be an annoying and even painful problem. If you live in the Greater Houston area, you can control the static electricity in your home. Here’s what you need to know about the static accumulating around you. What Causes Static Electricity? Electricity is all around us and forms an electrical circuit that can include humans. This natural circuit happens between the ground you walk on, the air you move in, and Earth’s outer atmosphere. You become part of that circuit as you move around and interact with your environment every day. Materials, such as metal and carpet, can build up an imbalance of electrical charges. This stockpile of electricity waits for an appropriate conduit that will make the charge move away or dissipate. When you walk across a floor, you become the conduit for the release, and now you carry the charge. The next object you touch causes that painful static spark to happen because the charge is dispersing away from you. Moisture Is the Answer The drier the air is inside your home, the worse the issue becomes with indoor air quality. Increasing the moisture in the air helps dampen the problem....

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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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