It seems like every day there is a new smart home device coming out and recently there has been a lot of attention paid to smart home thermostats. Everyone is looking for a way to save money and some people might be surprised to know that heating and cooling contribute to about half of the home's overall energy costs. For those looking for ways to lower their utility bills, heating and cooling are good places to start. The next step in controlling the temperature of a home is the smart thermostat. There are several benefits of these smart … [Read more...]

If you're like most modern homeowners, you probably already know that one of the essential keys to keeping your air conditioning system up and running throughout the summer is to have it serviced by a professional before the warm season begins in earnest. Although this is an excellent way to get the summer of to a great start, it's also important to consider other aspects of HVAC maintenance that may not be quite so obvious. For instance, homeowners should also think about the potential havoc that pests can introduce to their air conditioning … [Read more...]

The polar vortex sent a cold snap deep into Texas, but people living in the area know that triple-digit heat will be back during the summer months. Those types of highs and lows can play havoc on even the best HVAC. If you haven’t had your system serviced recently, it’s imperative that you call an experienced technician ASAP. Here are five reasons why regularly scheduled maintenance and repair are a priority. Extended Lifespan Among the primary reasons that regularly scheduled service is important is the fact that it will likely extend … [Read more...]

Some homeowners will be ill-prepared to pay for emergency HVAC repair. Such an emergency can come when least expected and 25 percent of Americans have not allotted the savings needed to cover the costs of such a repair. With colder temperatures sweeping many parts of the United States, no one needs an issue with their HVAC system.  So, it’s good to know what some signs are and what to look for when having problems with your heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit. What Are Some HVAC Emergencies? HVAC home emergencies are at the top … [Read more...]

Replacing or repairing air conditioning and heating systems can be expensive, even for moderate-income households. The expense often comes as an unexpected one when HVAC systems abruptly experience an issue that requires immediate attention. If you find yourself in urgent need of repairing, upgrading or replacing an HVAC system, but you do not have the savings or are able to pay out-of-pocket, keep in mind there are a number of financing options available for people in various situations Are Credit Cards a Viable Answer? Most people … [Read more...]

Many people don’t realize the importance that a thermostat plays for a comfortable temperature in their home.  When the AC or heater don’t seem to be working right, it is often the last thing people think to check.  Like anything else, your thermostat can wear out over time, making your HVAC system unable to properly heat and cool your home. One of the first signs that your thermostat might be failing is not feeling like it is heating or cooling to the temperature you’ve set it at.  For example, if you set it to 70 degrees on a warm summer … [Read more...]

Over time, the air ducts in your home can get full of dust, mold, dander, and other contaminants. If you or someone in your family has allergies or a respiratory condition, this can cause serious health issues. By regularly cleaning air ducts, as well as coils and fans, your HVAC system will work more efficiently and use less energy — and help you save money with lower utility bills. You can also avoid expensive repair bills and help your system last longer. In some cases, you may need to have your air ducts cleaned more frequently. Here … [Read more...]

Whether you are planning new construction, enclosing a small area of the home such as a patio, or preparing for a major remodel, an important step in your planning and design involves assessing your HVAC system. Considerations for New Construction As you imagine your dream home, think of the air conditioning system as the 'lungs' that circulate and refresh air throughout the dwelling. Although less glamorous than a quartz-countertop kitchen island or spacious master suite, a well-planned HVAC system is essential to curb moisture accumulation, … [Read more...]

Screening your outdoor air conditioning condenser with plants is not only a great way to hide the unit from public view, but the right landscaping can actually make the AC work more efficiently -- if you do it right! Hide & Shade Tall landscaping plants do double-duty by hiding your outdoor air-conditioning unit from view, while also shading it from a sometimes-overbearing sun. With the hot summer sun beating down directly onto it, an outdoor condenser has to work harder to cool off, thus driving up your electric bill.  So even if you … [Read more...]

Keeping your home’s thermostat set to a cool 65 degrees once the outside temperature hits three digits may feel nice at the time, but you’ll likely overheat at the sight of that month’s electricity bill. By that same token, cranking up the heat to 80 when it gets chilly outside may quickly warm up your home, but is also likely to cause your energy bills to skyrocket. What are the most efficient thermostat settings for all four seasons? By making some adjustments to your thermostat, along with a couple of other modifications, you can improve … [Read more...]