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How To Keep Pests Out of Your HVAC System This Summer

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 system, and some ways to help them from entering the unit or home.

Maintain the Area Around the Outdoor Compressor

Outdoor units are usually located in areas that don’t get much traffic, such as the side of the house — after all, you probably don’t want a compressor right up next to your outdoor dining area. This means that basic maintenance can often get overlooked. Overgrown weeds and brush provide habitat for insect and rodent pests. Regularly cut back any vegetation around the unit and make sure to thoroughly remove any spiderwebs.

Seal Up Ductwork

Everything from small black ants to rats can potentially access your HVAC system through unsealed, cracked, or otherwise broken ductwork. Your strategy for getting your system summer-ready should include a thorough inspection of ductwork to make sure it’s properly sealed and intact. Rodents in particular can cause significant damage to ductwork because they often make their nests in household walls using insulation materials.

Use External Air Vent Screens

Another popular way for pest to enter home interiors is to crawl in through the outdoor vents. If you don’t already have screens on these, now is the perfect time to have them installed. If your existing screens have any holes, rips, or tears in them, replace them now before pest populations begin to increase. Keep in mind that the average-sized mouse can squeeze through a hole as small as a nickel.

Clean or Change Air Filters

If your unit has a permanent air filter, make sure you keep it as clean as possible to discourage infestations by pests. If your system uses the disposable type, change them once a month during the summer. This not only helps keep pests at bay, you’ll have lower utility bills because dirty filters make systems work harder, resulting in more energy usage.
Also, scheduling regular air conditioning maintenance can help with all of these issues.

What Are Some Reasons To Have Your HVAC Serviced?

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 the life of your system. An appropriately maintained and serviced system can last upwards of 30 years and keep functioning at a high level. A poorly serviced system could require replacement as soon as 10-20 years. The longevity of your HVAC system often depends on how well you take care of it.

Reduced Utility Bills

Think about your HVAC system like a car or truck. A fully maintained vehicle generally enjoys good gas mileage. A poorly serviced one becomes a gas guzzler. The same holds true for machinery such as HVAC systems. Failing to service and maintain the unit can force it to work harder to achieve the cooling and heating demands placed on it. That means higher utility bills. No one saves money by skipping HVAC service.

Spend Less on Repairs

Under serviced HVAC systems are placed under an unusual strain to perform. They will eat up more energy and work harder. That puts pressure on the fundamental mechanical parts to handle heating and cooling tasks. In many ways, it’s like running a car with dirty oil. You are just asking for a breakdown. HVAC systems that are not adequately serviced experience increased repair calls and expensive parts replacements.

Improved Air Quality

Consider for a moment that your HVAC system is not only tasked with maintaining a comfortable temperature, it also circulates the very air you breathe. Service technicians not only examine and update the mechanical moving parts, they examine things such as dust accumulation and look for potential mold growths. When HVAC professionals do not have eyes on your system, you and your loved ones could be breathing in hazardous air-borne particles.

Peace of Mind

Anytime you have an essential quality of life item serviced, you breathe a sigh of relief. That’s because you don’t have to worry about unnecessary breakdowns or the negative impact it could have on you and your loved ones. Regularly scheduled HVAC service saves you money and gives you peace of mind. It’s really that simple.

What Are Some Common HVAC Emergencies?

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 of the list in the HomeServe Biannual State of the Home Survey. The top HVAC problem is either an issue with the heating or air conditioning system. In such a situation, 1 in 5 homeowners are forced to repair or replace the HVAC system. This type of emergency is closely followed by plumbing issues. A significant number of American households also report problems with a water heater that resulted in repair or replacement.

Those who have to get a new HVAC system may be dishing out between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on which brand they will select. Homeowners getting a new furnace, electronic baseboard heaters or other components will likely be spending around $1,000, depending on the area. HVAC labor costs should be factored in and is generally the highest of the costs when it comes to repair or replacement.

When the weather warms up, homeowners generally turn to their AC units to keep them cool and comfortable. Homeowners trying to get ahead of their regularly scheduled maintenance may want to use the off-season to make necessary repairs. Common air conditioner problems include:

Sensor problems
Improper drainage
Refrigerant leaks
Electrical control failure

Faulty installation and not maintaining an HVAC unit can lead to these issues and more. An emergency can often be avoided with attention to the various components of a system throughout the year.

What Are Some Benefits of HVAC Repair?

Homeowners often have to contend with rising energy costs. Repairing or replacement of an HVAC system can make a home more energy efficient and reduce long-term heating and cooling costs. Homeowners may also take steps to lower their energy bills by regularly changing HVAC unit filters and making adjustments to the thermostat. Occupants of older homes may want to check the ductwork to see if there are ways to improve energy efficiency, as older, leaking ducts may allow for a 50 percent or more loss of energy. New programmable thermostats are now available and may be adjusted remotely via a smartphone. A contractor will be able to advise on the tips and technologies available that may be used to lower a homeowner’s energy bill.

Homeowners may want to budget for regular maintenance and repair of their HVAC. The national average for repairing a furnace is $284, while cleaning ducts and vents are priced around $364. Making a planned and scheduled appointment may reduce costs for a homeowner as an emergency visit is generally more expensive for the them.

How to Finance HVAC Replacements and Repairs

Replacing or repairing air conditioning and heating systems can be expensive, even for moderate-income households. Making matters worse it is usually an unexpected expense that you have not budgeted for. When HVAC systems experience problems suddenly and require immediate attention it’s nice to know that you have financing options to help cover the cost to fix your air conditioning.

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 are accustomed to using credit for a number of purchases each month. One option to consider for such a significant purchase as HVAC repairs or replacement is acquiring a new credit card with a promotional 0 percent APR. Be aware, however, that you need to be able to pay off the balance within the promotional timeframe, or the credit card will revert to standard APR—charging significant interest on the remainder until it is paid in full. You also generally need to have a fairly good credit score to obtain low-interest or 0 percent credit cards.

If you are purchasing the HVAC unit yourself from a large home improvement store, you may also consider using their credit program. When you sign up for a credit card with a chain store, they sometimes offer incentives, such as a 0 percent APR for a period of time.

Is a Loan the Right Answer for You?

You also have the option of applying for a couple different types of loans. The first is a home equity loan, which is secured against your property, or by the deed to your mortgage loan. Home equity loans, which often are used by homeowners for improvement projects, typically come with lower interest rates than credit cards. On the other hand, personal loans—another financing option for projects that costs a few thousand dollars—do not have to be secured by your property, but they generally have higher interest rates. You can talk to a financial institution, including banks and credit unions, about taking out a personal loan.

Does the Service Provider Offer Financing?

Many contractors and HVAC manufacturers can offer payment plans or help you arrange financing through a lending agency with which they partner. This can be a beneficial option, particularly if you are familiar with the company and trust they will complete the work, even after being paid upfront by the lender. Regardless, make sure to read the fine print in the contract and compare the rates and fees to those associated with payment plan options. Residential and commercial customers should check with the company doing their HVAC installation or repairs to see what financing options are available through them.

Contact Service First

Contact us for an honest quote if you need to fix your air conditioning or plumbing. We serve customers in the greater New Braunfels and San Antonio, Texas area and have been in business for 25 years. We know unexpected costs can be a huge financial burden, so please let us know if you’d like to hear about our various payment plans and financing options.

How Important is the Thermostat in Your Home?

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 day, and it feels much warmer than that in your home. If the thermostat setting that’s used to keep you comfortable is no longer suitable, or you notice that your HVAC system is struggling to keep up, you may want to consider replacing your thermostat.

What Should I do if I Think My HVAC System Isn’t Working Properly?

Many homeowners mistakenly rush to thinking that the HVAC system is what’s in need of repair when temperatures in their home are no longer comfortable. However, before dropping a ton of cash to have your HVAC system repaired or replaced, there of some other things to check.

Check your weather stripping

All doors and windows leading out of your house will have weather stripping to help keep your home’s internal temperature unaffected by the outside temperature. This is another element that can wear out over time, and one of the less costly fixes. If you can see light coming in from around a closed door, you want to replace the weather stripping around it.

Check your filters

An AC filter that isn’t changed regularly will accumulate a ton of dust, making it much harder for air to pass through it. A clogged filter makes your HVAC system work much harder and less efficiently.

Check your thermostat

Make sure your thermostat is set to an appropriate temperature and that it is ‘turned on’, meaning that whatever powers your thermostat (electricity or batteries) is working properly.

If you have checked these things and your HVAC system is still struggling to work properly, it very well may be time to replace your thermostat.

What Type of Thermostat Should I Get?

Generally speaking, there are three types of thermostat, so make sure you choose the proper one for your home.

Mechanical Thermostats with Bimetallic Strips. This traditional type of thermostat has two sensors constructed of two different metals which expand and contract at different rates. Slight temperature changes trigger the two pieces of metal to change, opening and closing the circuit.

Mechanical Thermostats with Gas Bellows. These operate in a similar manner – gas-filled bellows react more quickly than metal strips – creating a quicker response to temperature changes.

Digital or Electronic Thermostat Sensors or ‘Smart Thermostats’. Smart thermostats can save homeowners money and help your home feel more comfortable. Following are some of the features of a ‘smart thermostat’ that allow you full control of your homes temperature:

Create weekly temperature schedules.
Wi-Fi controlled with a smartphone app.

Voice controlled through communication devices like Alexa, Echo or Dot.
Thermostat learns your schedule.
Sensors detect through your phone location to sense that you’re almost home.
Alerts you to rapidly dropping temperature within your house to help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.

If you’re ready to change out an old or malfunctioning thermostat, or just upgrade to a more efficient ‘smart thermostat’, make sure to call an experienced HVAC technician to ensure the work is done properly.

When was the Last Time You had Your Air Ducts Cleaned?

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 are some common reasons why this happens:

People smoke in the home.
Mold develops if you had a water leak in your house.
Dogs, cats, and other pets leave hair, dander, and odors.
Dust and other debris from a remodel get into the air ducts.
Ducts have rodents or insects

Since the inside of air ducts are not easily visible, a service provider should inspect them to look for mold and other issues. They may need to take a sample and have a lab determine if it’s mold or other substance. In some cases, if the air duct is wet or moldy, it may need to be removed and replaced. It’s also important to find out what’s causing mold, since if this issue is not addressed, mold can grow back and cause more health problems.

While you’re having your air ducts cleaned, a heating and cooling professional can also make sure they’re properly sealed and insulated. This is a great way to save money since your HVAC system will run more efficiently and not leak. According to energy.gov, the U.S. Department of Energy’s website, ducts that leak air can cause your utility bills go up by hundreds of dollars each year. This is why it’s so important to seal and insulate your ducts.

While minor duct repairs may be easy, it’s recommended to have a qualified professional seal and insulate ducts to make sure they’re correctly sealed with the right materials.

Try to contact at least three service providers to get written estimates for getting your ducts cleaned.
Check customer references to make sure the company does quality work.
Ask questions such as how many years they’ve been cleaning ducts and are they familiar with your HVAC system.

Looking for an HVAC professional in the San Antonio area?

Service First Air Conditioning and Heating has been serving the area for more than 20 years and they provide 24-hour emergency HVAC service and repairs, including air duct cleaning, repair and replacement.

What is the Best HVAC System to Serve Your Needs?

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, mold growth, and other contaminants in the castle you design.

For new homes, you need to select a unit that has sufficient capacity to heat or cool all enclosed areas efficiently. Within our climate zone in the greater San Antonio area, you will want to select a unit that has enough “tonnage” to keep your house comfortable. While a 2.5-ton unit is sufficient for a 1,400 square-foot home, it does not have the capacity to warm or cool a home that is 2,400 square feet. You will also need to consider the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), a rating of how efficiently a system cools a structure over a season.

When transitioning from design to construction, there are many important concerns that go beyond the unit’s tonnage and SEER rating. Consider the placement of windows. If you have large windows on the west side of the house that do not have Low-E glass, rooms on that side of the house will require additional capacity to maintain the same temperature during warm afternoons.

Early the planning process, work with professionals familiar with HVAC units and ductwork systems to select a system that is right for you.

Considerations for Remodeling Structures

The ever-growing popularity of interior design shows and house-flipping programs has led many people to consider home improvements. Small jobs such as enclosing or improving a patio or transforming a carport or garage into living spaces seem easier than ever with the resources available today. However, enclosing the additional square footage or replacing a window unit in a semi-improved space with HVAC service requires more than simply adding another vent and some ductwork.

Any remodeling job should include a consultation to make sure that the presently installed unit can handle the increased capacity. Even if you maintain the current square footage of the area serviced by your unit, moving or demolishing interior walls will affect the placement of vents to ensure that they continue to service all enclosed spaces efficiently.

This is an excellent time for a service call by professional technicians even if your current HVAC system has sufficient tonnage and an appropriate SEER rating. Depending on your remodeling plans, construction will stir up a lot of dust and may expose the ducts to pollutants that will linger long after the drywall receives its final coat of paint. Working with HVAC specialists throughout the planning and construction phases allows you to add both comfort and value as you improve your dwelling.

Should You Landscape the Area Around Your AC Unit?

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 don’t find you AC unit particularly unsightly, shading it with some type of tall foliage can improve its energy efficiency.

Tall evergreen shrubs and ornamental grasses are perfect landscaping plants to establish in front of condensers. They hide the unit from view, while also providing that crucial shading. Grasses, shrubs and small trees are available in countless varieties, so you’ll have no problem finding options that fit in with your yard’s design scheme and growing conditions.

One popular option for shading and concealing an outdoor AC unit is evergreen shrubs and trees. Why opt for evergreen shrubs and trees? Again, the benefits of year-round foliage are two-fold. You’ll have permanent visual screening around the condenser, because the branches don’t drop their leaves or needles. At the same time, that non-deciduous feature protects the AC unit from getting clogged. When it comes to tall grasses, choose the types that stay mostly upright during the winter, rather than flopping on the ground.

Spacing Considerations

You’ll avoid big problems by setting any landscape features at least 24 inches away from the condenser. That spacing gives your AC specialist plenty of room to get in there and maintain or repair the unit.

Even those non-planted objects that could theoretically be moved for repair — like container plants or small fencing — should sit a minimum of 24 inches away. Why? The ground unit needs proper air flow in order to work at peak efficiency.

Avoid the Dreaded Up-splash

Just as mulch protects garden plants from mud splatters after a heavy rainstorm, protective groundcover benefits an outdoor AC unit as well. Along with preventing drying mud from clogging filters, mulch also prevents sandy soils from flying into your unit on windy days.

Gravel and smooth rocks are classic ground cover choices around outdoor equipment. If you prefer plant-based mulch, use heavy, big pieces like bark chunks. Finely-shredded mulch and pine needles are light enough to go airborne during a storm, potentially clogging the AC equipment.

Use Moveable Screening if Storms are Common

Some areas are prone to severe weather outbreaks, making homeowners leery of planting small trees and shrubs near the house. If you feel the need to protect your condenser — and your home — by keeping foundation plantings to a minimum, consider portable solutions. Big containers filled with ferns, grasses or small shrubs can be moved away if heavy storms are brewing.

Likewise, a folding trellis can be pulled from the ground when the forecast is grim. (If you’re growing a lightweight vine on it, this becomes a bit more of a project than moving pots. But trellises are ideal if fierce storms are a rare but real threat.)

Whatever you choose, landscaping around your outdoor AC unit can be an easy way to improve the curb appeal of your home, as well as saving you some money on your energy bill and AC maintenance costs.

What Seasonal Thermostat Settings Can Save You the Most Money?

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 the efficiency of your HVAC system and reduce your energy costs going forward.

The Most Efficient Thermostat Settings

During the summer months, keeping your thermostat set at around 78 degrees Fahrenheit is the most efficient way to cool your home. And while 6 degrees may not seem like much of a difference, setting your thermostat to a cool 72 degrees could increase your energy consumption by nearly 50 percent. Thermostat settings in the mid-sixties could go so far as to double your monthly energy bills.

If 78 degrees is still just a bit too warm for you during the summer months, keep in mind that every little bit helps. You may want to start with your thermostat at 72 degrees and move up the temperature by a degree or two a day until you’ve hit a setting that’s comfortable for you, but still conserving your home’s energy usage.

It’s also important to remember that cranking your air conditioner to its lowest possible setting to cool off a too-hot room won’t cool it down any more quickly than setting it at a more moderate temperature; your air conditioner is already working as hard as it can to cool the room, regardless of whether the thermostat is set to 65 or 75 degrees.

While winter months don’t usually present the same temperature extremes Texas experiences during the summer, the same lessons can apply. Instead of setting your heat to 78 degrees, keeping your thermostat set to the mid-to-high sixties can go a long way toward reducing your winter energy expenses.

Other Ways to Improve HVAC Efficiency

In addition to keeping a close eye on your thermostat, there are some other steps you can take to maximize HVAC efficiency while minimizing your monthly energy bills.

Install ceiling fans

If you don’t already have several ceiling fans spread throughout your home, there’s no better time to install some. These fans can take the place of your air conditioner or furnace on milder days, and use substantially less electricity than standard heating and cooling systems.

Replace your home’s air filter

Over time, the air filter that protects your HVAC system’s delicate electronic components can become clogged with dust and dirt. This requires your HVAC system to work much harder to generate hot and cool air and circulate it throughout your home. Cleaning or changing your air filter regularly can have an instant impact on your energy bills.

Make sure your thermostat is working properly

Thermostat sensors can wear out over time, leaving your HVAC system working overtime. If your home feels much cooler or warmer than the thermostat setting indicates, it may be time to replace it. A broken or worn out thermostat can lead to sky high energy bills, and often the cost of replacing a thermostat will ‘pay for itself’ in a short time.

By utilizing these simple upgrades, along with adjusting your thermostat to a more moderate setting, you can depend on significant savings on your energy bill over time.

Does Regular Air Conditioner Maintenance Really Save Money?

If just spending a little time, and maybe getting your hands a little dirty, were the key to saving money, would it be worth it to you? You can make your air conditioner last longer and work better by taking a few regular steps of maintenance. You may have to spend a little money on filters for your appliance, but your home should be more comfortable with these maintenance steps, and it will save you larger sums of money down the road.

Easy things to maintain on an air conditioner include the filters, coils, and fins. Evaluating and maintaining these things can help ensure that your air conditioner will work effectively and efficiently, and may even keep it from breaking down ensuring a longer ‘life’ of the appliance. Not maintaining these things can make it more expensive to operate, along with operating less efficiently, thus not keeping you and your family as comfortable as you could be.

Although it is recommended that a professional HVAC technician evaluate your air conditioner each year before it is used, there are things a homeowner can do relatively easily.

Air Conditioner Filters

When filters are not replaced periodically, they become clogged with dirt and other debris. It is estimated that replacing your air conditioner’s filter on a regular basis can reduce the energy consumption of the appliance from 5% to 15%.

Air Conditioner Coils

An air conditioner has an evaporator coil and condenser coil, both of which can collect dirt over their months and years of service. Even with regular replacement of the filter, the evaporator coil will collect dirt, dust, and mold. Just like filters, a dirty evaporator coil keeps the air conditioner from working efficiently. If your air conditioner isn’t producing cold air, or seems to be running weak, its evaporator coil may need a good cleaning. A rag can sometimes be sufficient to clean a dirty evaporator coil, but many cases will require an evaporator coil cleaning product, which come in an assortment of varieties and can be purchased easily, for not much money. There is some handy work that comes in accessing an AC unit’s evaporator coil, but the benefits to cleaning it are numerous and you can easily find instructions and tutorials online.

The outdoor condenser coil can also collect dirt from the environment. If there are trees, or if cut grass lands on it, this coil can also become clogged, restricting airflow. Even a dryer vent can send debris to the outdoor condenser coil, making it work less efficiently. It is recommended that you move potential suppliers of debris at least two feet from the coil, and to inspect and wash it each fall or spring. If your unit is fairly new or cleaned regularly, you may be able to just rinse it off with a high power water hose. In most cases though, it will require using a special condenser coil cleaner. These chemicals can be dangerous to work with, so it is important to read all of the manufacturer’s directions and warnings before hand.

Coil fins are made of aluminum and damage fairly easily. Bent fins act just like clogged filters and can significantly limit the unit’s air flow. Fortunately, most damaged coil fins can be straightened out using a fin comb, and these can be purchased easily and at a moderate cost.

Condensate drains are the tubes that help take waste water away from the air conditioner. Sometimes these drains, which are usually just plastic pipe, can become clogged with dirt, small insect nests, or other things. Make certain the drain pipe is aimed at a downward angle, and ensure water can flow. If not, replace the pipe, or force wire or something similar through it to ensure the pipe is not blocked.

These are not difficult steps to keep your air conditioner running efficiently. A few hours a couple of times a year, and you keep cool and make your appliance run better, and maybe last longer. If you don’t feel comfortable with the handy work or strong chemicals involved in maintaining your AC unit, Service First Air Conditioning & Heating offers custom maintenance plans for residential and commercial air conditioner units. Contact us today for a free estimate and let us help our skilled technicians help you get your AC unit in its best working order.

What Incentives Are Available For Energy-Efficient Texas Homeowners?

While Texas residents are no shrinking violets when it comes to handling high summer temperatures and humidity, even the most rugged homeowners are likely to eventually retreat into the climate-controlled indoors to beat the heat. But running an air conditioner for months at a time can be an expensive prospect; where can budget-conscious (and ecologically-conscious) Texas homeowners turn for assistance?

Fortunately, the establishment of a law requiring utility providers to meet certain efficiency goals has led to a dramatic increase in the number of rebate and incentive programs available to Texas consumers who wish to cut their energy consumption (and reduce their utility bills in the process).

The Energy Efficiency Rule

After the Texas legislature enacted a law to require electric Transmission and Distribution Utilities (TDUs) (or local utility providers) to meet certain efficiency goals, the state’s Public Utility Commission (PUC) established some procedures to govern the process. TDUs must now offer a variety of energy-efficiency programs to all customers in their service areas.

Despite these mandates, TDUs aren’t permitted to offer their efficiency services to end users (the consumer); therefore, they’ve contracted with third-party service providers who can perform these services on their behalf. Consumers will still be required to pay for equipment upgrades, like more energy-efficient HVAC systems, tank-less water heaters, and other appliances; however, rebates, warranties, and other benefits may be available at no added cost.

Programs Available

Each TDU is largely permitted to set its own standards on the types of incentive programs it will offer; because of this, the available programs can vary by service area. Some of the most popular statewide programs include:

Low-Income Efficiency Improvements

For households at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, high summer energy bills can be a budget killer. Programs targeted toward low-income Texas residents can encompass a variety of efficiency improvements, often beginning with an energy audit–a process through which certified technicians will inspect a home for air leaks, test outlets to identify energy-sucking appliances, and make recommendations to help homeowners reduce their energy usage going forward.

Residential Incentives

Even those who aren’t low-income can qualify for incentives to reduce energy bills. This can include peak load management programs, which allows the utility provider to cycle off a homeowner’s air conditioner for a few minutes during peak load hours in exchange for a credit on their next electricity bill. Often, this peak cycling will take place during the workday when a house is empty, helping unobtrusively reduce energy costs.

New Home Construction Incentives

Other incentives can include credits for energy-efficient housing construction, perfect for those who are planning to buy or build new and want to save money in the process. By outfitting a home with energy-efficient appliances or taking advantage of construction techniques that reduce heat absorption (like minimizing window space or adding extra insulation on the east- and west-facing sides of the house), builders can recoup these costs and pass them on to the consumer.

With the wide variety of efficiency benefits available for those at just about every income level and walk of life, Texas residents with an interest in efficiency are sure to find a fitting solution.

How Can Your AC Unit Can Help You Become More Environmentally Friendly?

Americans are increasingly aware of the effects that their actions have on the environment and are looking to make upgrades to their home that will boost its eco-friendliness. Since air conditioners account for almost half of all home energy use during the hot summer months, choosing the right AC unit can significant lessen your home’s impact on the environment–and, as a pleasant side effect, can dramatically lower your monthly energy bill at the same time. Moreover, an eco-friendly AC unit will cool your home just as well as any other unit, meaning that you don’t need to sacrifice comfort to do your part in protecting the planet. With that in mind, here are four tips to keep in mind as you look to make your home and AC system a little greener.

Opt for Units That Are Energy Star Labeled with a High SEER Rating

Replacing your old air conditioner with a new and more energy efficient unit is the quickest way to boost your home’s eco-friendliness. The Energy Star label provides helpful guidance for finding a green AC unit, as units with this label must meet certain government standards for overall energy efficiency. In addition, find out the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating for any unit that you are considering. While the federal minimum SEER rate is 13, the most efficient air conditioners on the market carry a rating of 25.

Pick the Correct Size System for Your Home

Bigger is always better, right? Not when it comes to air conditioners. An AC unit that is too big for your home will waste energy by running inefficiently and is more likely to wear out faster that a properly-sized unit. Too small isn’t any better; an inadequately-sized system will overwork itself trying to cool your home, leading to increased energy usage. Seek professional guidance if you need help determining the correct size for your home.

Install Programmable Thermostats

Whether you are upgrading to a new and more energy efficient AC unit or simply want to make your current air conditioner more environmentally friendly, a programmable thermostat can make a significant difference in your home’s energy usage. These devices allow you to turn your air conditioner off while you are away from home while programming it to automatically begin cooling in time for your return, thus dramatically cutting down on your energy usage without sacrificing comfort. Best of all, programmable thermostats are both affordable and easy to install.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

One of the most effective ways to boost the energy efficiency of your existing AC unit or to keep your new eco-friendly AC system in top shape is to schedule regular maintenance. At a minimum, you should have a professional HVAC contractor inspect and service your AC unit at least once a year.

Want to learn more about how you can use your AC unit to make your home more environmentally friendly? The team at Service First Air Conditioning & Heating can help. Just give us a call to schedule your appointment for a free estimate.

What Signs Should You Look for to Determine if Your Air Conditioner Needs Service?

With summer and hot weather right around the corner, having an air conditioning system that is functioning efficiently and providing your home with all of the cool air that it needs is critical. Taking the time to check and see if your air conditioning system is displaying signs that it may be in need of service, before the hottest months hit, is the best way to ensure that you don’t get stuck with an underperforming or completely broken air conditioner come July. With that in mind, here are six key symptoms that may indicate that your air conditioning system needs professional attention.

Lack of Cold Air

One of the biggest signs that your air conditioning system is in need of service is also the most obvious: your ac is not blowing cold air. If the air coming through your vents isn’t as cold as it normally is or simply isn’t cold at all, this could signal that your system needs a serious repair. A failing compressor or insufficient Freon could cause this lack of cold air, and both issues require professional help.

Weak Air Flow

If little air is coming through your vents even though you’ve set your air conditioning system to high, a couple of issues could be at fault. One possibility is a failing compressor. However, particularly if the weak air flow is isolated to only some of your home’s vents, the trouble could lie in the ducts themselves. Debris can build up within the ducts and vents, lowering air flow and potentially presenting a health risk. Getting your ducts professionally cleaned can resolve this issue.

Uneven Cooling Throughout Your Home

If some rooms in your home are too cold while other areas of your house remain at the proper temperature, this uneven cooling could signal an issue. However, in this case, the problem likely lies with your thermostat rather than with your actual air conditioning unit.

Unexplained Moisture Around Your System

Pools of leaking fluid around your air conditioning unit could indicate a couple of problems. A water leak might be an indication that the drain tube that carries away condensation is broken or blocked. On the other hand, if the fluid is refrigerant, the problem is quite serious; such leaks can present serious health hazards and should receive professional attention from an expert immediately.

Odd Sounds

You may find that your air conditioning system makes any number of unusual sounds when turned on. Grinding, grating or squealing noises all indicate underlying issues, and failing to take heed of this sign can lead to more serious issues. Squealing might indicate that a belt has dislocated or that your system needs lubrication, while grinding can signal broken motor bearings.

Bad Odors

Unsurprisingly, foul odors wafting from your air conditioning system’s vents can be a sign of an issue within the system. Often, pungent odors are a sign of corroded wire insulation, while a musty smell could mean that mold has crept into your unit or ducts.

With summer weather already upon us, go ahead and take the time to thoroughly check for signs that your air conditioning unit may need servicing. If you find anything that concerns you, or don’t feel confident in properly appraising your AC unit yourself, give Service First AC & Heating a call at (210) 521-1500.

Beat the Summer Heat while Saving Money on Your Electricity Bill

If you live in a hot and humid climate like the great state of Texas, you may not always look forward to the summer weather, and those often sky high summer electric bills. Summertime electric bills can get obnoxiously high as the temperature rises outside because your AC units has to work longer and harder to keep you cool inside. Fortunately, there are some effective ways to cut down on your air conditioning costs while still keeping your house cool this summer. Make these tips part of your daily routine and reduce the chances of having to call your local San Antonio tx ac company for repairs.

1. Replace Dirty Filters

A dirty filter, either in your vent cover or at your AC unit, will slow down airflow throughout your house. This means that your air conditioning must work harder and longer to cool down the house. Simply replacing dirty filters with new versions can make a big difference in cooling efficiency – and it will also help you capture more pollen and dust brought in on the summer air. Make sure that you pick a filter size that matches your current filter.

2. Program Your Thermostat Higher in the Middle of the Day

With today’s programmable thermostats, there’s no excuse to not program how your thermostat should shift throughout the day. The important point to remember is that you and your kids spend most of your time in the house in the morning and in the evening. In the middle of the day, set your thermostat at least a few degrees higher, because it’s less likely anyone will be inside, and you can give your AC a break. When people are at home, program your thermostat to switch on around 77 degrees – this will help keep you cool while saving as much money as possible. If you have an older home with an outdated thermostat, it’s time to invest in a new model. Many of the modern thermostats can even be programed remotely using an app on your smart phone. The ability to program the temperature will have it paying for itself in no time.

3. Take Advantage of Natural Ventilation in the Evening

If you have a two-story home, there’s an old but effective trick to help cool it down. Keep your downstairs windows closed, but open up the upstairs windows. Since heat rises, your upstairs windows will draw out the hot air, meaning your air conditioning system won’t have to work as hard. This type of natural ventilations is commonly referred to as the ‘Chimney Effect’.

4. Check Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping are those felt pieces along the edges of your windows and doors. They help seal air inside your home when windows and doors are shut – otherwise, tiny cracks exist that allow heat to seep inside, and that hard-earned cool air to slip out. Before summer gets going, check the weatherstripping around all the openings in your home. If you find any that are missing or ragged, go ahead and have them replaced. The money spent will be more than made up for on your electric bill when summer heat is at its worst, and your AC isn’t working twice as hard to keep the cool air inside.

5. Use Your Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are interesting cooling devices, because they don’t actually lower the temperature. Ceiling fans work by circulating the air and evaporating moisture- so you will feel much cooler, even though the room temperature hasn’t budged. That’s good news for your air conditioner! You can push the thermostat up a couple degrees while continuing to stay cool under the ceiling fan, meaning your AC unit won’t have to work as hard.

6. Switching to Energy Efficient Lighting

Lighting really does make a difference in home temperature. Incandescent bulbs produce a large amount of heat when they are turned on, and that heat spreads throughout the room over time. Switch to fluorescent or LED lighting options, and remember to keep lights off when you don’t need them. By switching to a more energy efficient light bulb, you will save money on your electric bill in more ways than one.

Following these useful tips will have you seeing instant results in your average summer electricity costs.

5 Ways to Save on Your Home Heating Bill

Many homeowners dread cold weather and the high heating bills that can accompany the winter months as their furnaces are forced to work overtime. Luckily, lowering your heating bill can be as simple as taking a look around your home and performing some easy do-it-yourself repairs to help relieve the work your furnace needs to do. Here are five quick, inexpensive fixes can add up to big savings on your home heating bill.

Replace old weatherstripping

If the weatherstripping around your windows and doors is worn out, you may find that your house has gotten a bit drafty. Old, torn weatherstripping is responsible for up to 12 percent of a home’s total loss of heat; these cold air drafts prompt many homeowners to crank up the heat, wasting energy. Even if you don’t touch the thermostat, though, your furnace will need to work harder to combat the inflow of cold air. To avoid this issue, aim to replace your weatherstripping every few years.

Raise exterior door thresholds

You may notice a strip of daylight seeping in from underneath your front door–and if daylight is seeping in, your home’s warm air is also leaking out. Luckily, fixing this problem is quick and easy. The height of many door thresholds can be adjusted by simply tightening a few screws. Be careful not to raise the threshold too high, though; if your front door scraps against the threshold when you open and close it, the door’s weatherstripping will wear out faster.

Upgrade your thermostat

Replacing an old thermostat can mean lots of savings on your heating bill. Choosing a programmable thermostat will allow you to have the temperature in your home turned down during certain hours every day, without you having to remember to do it. Whether it’s when you’re away from home, or while asleep in bed, having your thermostat adjust the temperature by 5 to 10 degrees can mean substantial savings to you. Some of the newest generations can even be controlled by an app on your smart phone. No more coming home from vacation to realize that you left your heat running at a cozy temperature, with no one there to enjoy it, thus running up your monthly heating bill.

Fill in any exterior wall holes

Your home’s pipes, electrical cables and gas lines all have to pass through your exterior walls somewhere, and often the spaces around these holes are filled in with caulk. The only problem is that caulk will eventually peel and crack as it ages, creating more gaps for cold air seepage. Check for any caulk that needs to be replaced and fill in any holes with a more durable expanding foam.

Use plastic film to cover your windows

Even if your windows have new weatherstripping preventing leaks around the edges, the glass of your windows is also a major source for heat loss. Limit this loss by covering the glass of your windows and sliding doors with transparent plastic film during cold weather months.

As you can see, with just a little bit of work and a few inexpensive materials, you can significantly reduce your heating bill, which will add up to big savings over time.

For additional ways to save money while maintaining ideal indoor temperatures, see the following post:

Beat the Summer Heat while Saving on your Electricity Bill

Is Your Home’s Heating System Ready for Cold Weather?

The cold weather fronts of the new year are approaching quickly, so it’s time to make sure that your heating and cooling system is prepared to keep your home comfortable for you and your family. At Service First Air Conditioning and Heating, we help our customers keep their furnaces running properly over the holidays and throughout the winter. Below are some of the best tips we have for keeping your heating and cooling system functional at this chilly time of year.

Replace Your Air Filter

The air filter in your HVAC system needs to be replaced about every three months to prevent it from being clogged. However, many homeowners don’t keep up with this schedule, and some homeowners never replace their HVAC filters. Failure to change the air filter can reduce the efficiency of your furnace and air conditioner, forcing both appliances to work harder than necessary in order to heat and cool your home. For the best possible air quality, many home and business owners are turning to HEPA air filters. If you haven’t swapped the air filter in your HVAC system since this summer or earlier, now is the time.

The old air filter will be located in a slot near the return air duct. To remove it, turn off your furnace then slide the air filter out of its compartment. Take the filter to the hardware store or home improvement center, then buy a replacement that matches the original. Put the new air filter into the slot, then turn on your furnace again.

Clean Your Ducts

Air ducts can get pretty dirty with time. When this happens, your HVAC system circulates dirty air through your home. This can reduce your indoor air quality and make problems for people with allergies. If you haven’t cleaned your air ducts in a long time, you can check the status of your air ducts by opening a vent and looking inside. If the inside of the ducts looks very dirty and dusty, contact an HVAC repair company to have your ducts assessed.

Test the System Before Guests Arrive

If it’s been warm enough in your home to live without the furnace, you may not be aware of any problems that the furnace is experiencing until you try to use it. Test the system by turning it on, and let the furnace run for a short while. Smell the air for any odors being emitted from the unit, and then walk around the house checking all vents to ensure they’re open and unobstructed.

Before your next holiday party, contact an HVAC repair service in your area .Your HVAC company can tell you whether or not your furnace is in need of repair or if it should make it through the holidays without a problem. Doing this will help you avoid holiday home heating disasters, making your holiday season less stressful and more fun. To get your home’s HVAC system tuned up in San Antonio, TX, contact Service First Air Conditioning and Heating. We offer residential and commercial maintenance plans that will keep your air conditioner and heating units working at their highest level, so that you can avoid any costly surprises down the road.

Save Money with Regular Air Conditioner Maintenance

Although it is recommended that a professional HVAC technician evaluate your air conditioner each year before it is used, there are things a homeowner can do relatively easily.

Air Conditioner Filters

Air Conditioner Coils

Summer Heat Stifles Texas: Which AC Units Can Lower Your Electricity Costs?

Cities across Texas have seen above-average temps over recent weeks due to a heat dome sitting over the state, leading many to crank up their air conditions. Many people in Texas, especially in Austin and San Antonio, are facing much higher electric bills because of this, explains Nicole Rosales of KVUE in Austin. Fortunately, there is something that can be done about these increased costs.

Consider a Newer, More Energy-Efficient Air Conditioner.

The Energy Star program was created to reduce carbon footprints and increase the energy efficiency of most homes, and nearly all new air conditioners have some sort of Energy Star rating. Newer, high Energy Star-rated air conditioners use the most advanced technologies to enhance performance and require the least amount of electricity to function. More importantly, many of these newer air conditioners include automated systems to notify users of maintenance or repair problems, which helps keep the unit functioning properly when used throughout the year’s hottest months.

What Air Conditioners Are the Most Energy-Efficient?

Lowering the thermostat of your older model AC can increase your electric bill by up to 4 percent. However, Energy Star-certified air conditioners use up to 8-percent less energy than other models. However, most new units have some sort of Energy Star Rating, so selecting the best, most efficient model can be confusing.

Every year, Energy Star releases a list of the most energy-efficient air conditioners. For 2016, the Coleman Echelon Series™, the Daikin LV and Quaternity Series, the Lennox SL18XC1 and SC20 Series ranked among the highest of Energy Star-Certified units. Meanwhile, the top performers were the LG LAU Series and the Lennox XP25 Series. The full breakdown of the best Energy Star-rated air conditioner models and makes are available online at Energystar.gov.

What Else Can You Do About High Operating Costs of Your Air Conditioner?

Sometimes, even recently installed air conditioners can lose their efficiency. This is often due to poor maintenance. In some cases, using your AC for extended periods, much like you may have been doing in the scorching heat of recent weeks, can cause the unit to become extra dirty, extra fast. Most importantly, dirty coils and filters or clogged drain lines can significantly affect the performance of your AC. Fortunately, repair or maintenance may be able to restore your AC to a more energy-efficient state, especially if your air conditioner is relatively new.

If you’ve noticed your air conditioner doesn’t seem to be helping the heat, your unit could be in need of maintenance, repair or replacement. To learn more about energy-efficient replacement or maintenance options for your existing AC, contact Service First Air Conditioning online or by calling (210) 521-1500 today.

Efficient Use of Your Heating and Cooling System Will Save Money

Saving money on utility bills is a matter of learning to efficiently use your appliances, including your HVAC system. By cultivating habits of conservation such as setting your thermostat to a milder temperature, particularly when your home is empty, you’re likely to be impressed by how much you could lower your energy consumption. Wise use of a programmable thermostat can be one of your most powerful tools to keep you comfortable while you are home, and save you money when you’re not. For larger homes, closing vents to rooms that are infrequently used is also helpful.

The Proper Way to Program a Thermostat

Wise use is the key to using your programmable thermostat to lower HVAC costs by up to 15% per year. Frequent adjustments or “fiddling” with the thermostat can actually end up costing you more money, so set up a program that meets your family’s needs and leave it alone. Many programmable thermostats have a weekday and weekend setting, while some give you up to seven different daily program patterns for families with erratic schedules. Follow these basic principles when programming your device:

Set the default winter temperature to 68 degrees for anytime you are awake in your home. For summer cooling, use 78 degrees as a starting point.
For each heating day your home will be empty for 8 hours or more, set the device to lower the temperature of your home by 10 to 15 degrees, starting 20 to 30 minutes before you leave the house until 20 to 30 minutes before your expected return time to allow the house to return to a comfortable temperature.
During the summer season, program your thermostat to turn the A/C off 20-30 minutes before you leave and have it kick back on 30 minutes before your return.
To save money while you sleep, program your device down to 60 degrees beginning an hour before you go to bed and have it warm the house back up 30 minutes before you awaken during cooler months of the year. When running the A/C, if you prefer a cooler home while you sleep, you’ll be pleased to learn that the evening hours are actually a very efficient time to use your A/C, so feel free to turn it down to 72 degrees while you slumber.

If your home isn’t currently equipped with a programmable thermostat, you can have one installed by a thermostat installation professional at reasonable costs.

More Energy Saving Ideas

If you live in a large home where some of the rooms are infrequently used, closing the vents and doors in those rooms is an excellent way to reduce energy costs. Make sure you have good weather stripping around all of your doors, and consider upgrading older windows if yours don’t have energy efficient, double pane glass. And during those times of the year when the weather is perfect outside, turn off the heater or A/C and open up the windows! You’ll love the feeling of fresh air while saving money at the same time.

Cultivate a Mindset of Conservation

Overall, saving money on utility costs is really about cultivating a mindset towards energy conservation. For more great tips and products to help you reduce your bills even further, contact the professionals at Service First Air Conditioning and Heating today.

Top 3 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

If you think that improving air quality is limited to the outdoors, you could be overlooking an important source of contamination. Did you know that the quality of the indoor air where you spend a great deal of time, such as your home, could be poor enough to affect your health? In fact, according to research by reliable sources like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the levels of pollution indoors could be as much as 100 times greater than the pollution outside. Following are some helpful hints in keeping your indoor air as clean as possible.

1. Keep the humidity low

Given the climate in San Antonia, it can be difficult to keep humidity levels low inside your home. When they get too high, though, mold and dust mites can thrive and lead to an increase in allergic reactions. Aim to keep the humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent by running your air conditioner during the warm months. Using a dehumidifier is also an effective way of keeping the humidity low in your home, while also controlling allergens like pollen and dust. Use exhaust fans — or try venting warm air out through an open window — when you are bathing, cooking, or running your dishwasher.

2. Tackle the floors

A great deal of chemicals — not to mention dirt and dust — find their way into your home via your family’s shoes. Make sure that you sweep, vacuum, and mop on a regular basis. When vacuuming, use a model with a strong suction and a HEPA filter, to trap the dust and debris inside. Mopping after you sweep or vacuum picks up the fine matter left behind. Try to stop such pollutant-laden dirt from making it inside your home in the first place, by making use of doormats and encouraging family members to shed their shoes as they enter.

3. Install an air purification system

An air purification system provides a whole house solution to the problem of poor indoor air quality. By utilizing components such as air cleaners, HEPA air filters, zoned comfort control, air purification and more, you can have customized solutions at your fingertips that allow you to improve the quality of the air in your entire house. By effectively removing the containments in the air before they can reach your home, an air purification system pays for itself again and again, in terms of improved health and peace of mind.

Service First Air Conditioning & Heating is an expert in providing San Antonio homeowners with superior solutions for improving the quality of the air inside their homes. Contact them today to schedule an appointment.