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What happens when I do not get my furnace maintained regularly?

Annual Furnace Maintenance

Don’t Skip Your Tune-Up: Why Annual Furnace Maintenance Is Non-Negotiable

How long has it been since your furnace was inspected and cleaned? Do you leave yourself a prompt to remind you to schedule preventative maintenance, or do you just ignore the recommendations from industry professionals? What can you expect from preventative maintenance? What can you expect from ignoring preventative maintenance? 

Your heating and cooling system consists of mechanical, electrical, and chemical components rolled together into one major building system. The closest thing to compare it to in our experience is an internal combustion vehicle, which is composed of electrical and chemical parts. We know what happens to a vehicle if maintenance is ignored; we can expect a short life with lots of problems. The same thing happens to a residential heating and cooling system when maintenance is ignored.

Mechanical Components Need Furnace Maintenance

  • The largest mechanical component in a heating system is the blower motor. The motor turns a massive fan that, 1) pulls all air from the home, through the ducts, into an air handler chamber, and 2) pushes the air back into the home. This happens quickly and often—a couple of heating (or cooling) cycles per hour. These fans are usually driven by a belt or chain; either is subject to wear and damage. That means that the blower motor is called into use more than 20,000 times annually under normal circumstances. It is hard to argue against maintaining such a hard-working motor.
  • Two smaller motors are also working just as hard in the outdoor condenser unit. One motor turns the condenser fan, and the other is a compressor motor, compressing the refrigerant gas to make the air conditioner and/or heat pump function. The consequences of these motors failing can be air conditioner failure and replacement. Ignoring maintenance can be expensive.

Electrical Components Need Furnace Maintenance

The electrical system that controls the heating and cooling system is quite complex and particularly vulnerable to the buildup of dirt from many sources.

  • Sensors detect heat in almost every phase of heating and cooling. The thermostat detects indoor temperature, yes, but other sensors detect temperature variations in the air handler chamber and other sections to ensure efficiency and safety.
  • The air filter is designed to clean the air in a home, but it also protects interior sections of the heating and cooling system from dust, dander, pollen, and other airborne contaminants. Letting this filter clog or fail will make the entire system work harder than necessary, putting stress on the electronics in particular and the whole system in general.
  • Normal use creates wear on all electrical parts. We are quite familiar with how use affects light bulbs. Even when a bulb does not get bumped or damaged, it still fails. Electrical components wear under normal conditions. A worn part creates stress on surrounding electronics. Maintenance detects these minute stress points, with recommendations for the replacement of minor parts while the problem is still minor. Delaying or ignoring these stresses can lead to larger stresses and more expensive replacements.

Chemical Components Need Furnace Maintenance

  • Both air conditioners and heat pump systems use manufactured gas that readily transports heat. Collectively, these gases are called refrigerants. A loss of refrigerant pressure will reduce heat pump efficiency and eventually lead to heat pump system failure.
  • Natural gas or propane furnaces ignite and burn gas in a system that must be carefully maintained to function properly and keep the occupants safe. Water vapor from the combustion will create rust. If rust creates an opening in the burner assembly, heat exchanger, or exhaust pipe, it can leak harmful exhaust gas into the home with disastrous consequences.

Maintaining each of these systems is extremely important for continued efficient furnace function.

Is Your Furnace Winter Ready? Schedule Your Preventive Furnace Maintenance Now

Don’t wait until a critical component fails—safeguard your home and health by investing in thorough furnace maintenance. Regular inspections are non-negotiable for detecting the small electrical, mechanical, or chemical stresses that lead to costly breakdowns and safety hazards. Protect your family and extend the life of your unit by contacting us today to schedule your essential preventative furnace maintenance appointment.

Call All Cool AC & Heating now to book your furnace maintenance appointment and prepare for a worry-free winter!

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How Often Should You Change Your AC Filter?

AC Filter

Stop Stressing Your HVAC: The Dangers of a Clogged AC Filter

Homeownership is a part of the American dream. However, homeownership also includes several regular maintenance tasks, that, if neglected, can result in disagreeable results. Gutters without guards need to be cleaned regularly to prevent clogged downspouts. Battery-powered devices (such as smoke detectors and thermostats) need the batteries replaced to make sure they function properly when called upon. One such simple maintenance task that should not be neglected is changing the air filter on the heating/cooling system.

How Dirty is Indoor Air?

The air inside our home seems so very clean. You do not realize how many airborne particles are floating around inside until the late afternoon light shines through the window and illuminates the dust particles. The sources of most particles are quite simple and unavoidable:

  • Most indoor dust particles are skin cells from human and animal inhabitants that naturally flake off.
  • Wind and motion stir up fine dirt particles that find a way indoors.
  • Pollen follows us indoors or is generated by household plants.
  • Exhaust from various sources brings both gas and particulate matter also collect indoors. That includes exhaust from outdoor sources (internal combustion engines and industrial activities) and indoor activities (candles and tobacco smoke).

It seems that indoor air is not as clean as it seems. Air filters provide a vital service to ensure our homes are healthy spaces to live.

Why Change the AC Filter?

Air filters are very efficient, removing most airborne particles. Since the entire volume of air passes through an air filter several times per heating or cooling cycle, the airborne particles quickly coat the filter surface. When the collection builds up, the clogged air filter reduces the amount of air that can pass through the filter. Both heating and cooling functions require vast amounts of air movement through the air handler cabinet. Restricting airflow creates tremendous stress on the blower motor and the electrical control mechanisms that direct the comfort cycles. The result of ignoring a clogged filter is similar to driving a car with the emergency brake on.

How Often Should the AC Filter Be Changed?

Each home is unique, and each family is unique.

  • Some homes are located near pollution sources with exponentially more airborne particles than most homes, like dirt roads or active construction sites.
  • Some family members have asthma, allergies, or breathing difficulties and need more frequent filter changes.

A very general rule of thumb is to change the filter every three months/four times per year, but your home might require more frequent changes. Purchase adequate filters for a year and schedule prompts on a family calendar or phone app. Use whatever makes sense to you:

  • The official change of seasons
  • Birthdays or holidays, or
  • Any other pneumatic device that will remind you of this important maintenance task.

Beyond the AC Filter: Schedule Maintenance to Check for Hidden HVAC Damage

You can handle the AC filter replacement, but don’t ignore the hidden damage a clogged filter may have already caused your system. Protect your expensive HVAC equipment from premature failure by scheduling a professional maintenance appointment today. Our expert technicians will inspect your unit for stress and ensure all components are running smoothly and efficiently. Call us now to book the vital service your system needs for long-term health.

Schedule your next AC maintenance appointment with All Cool AC & Heating today to take advantage the long-term rewards of a well-maintained system.

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Katy Texas AC Maintenance Explained

Katy Texas AC Maintenance Explained

How Often Should AC Maintenance Be Done?

After a lengthy summer, with plenty of hot, humid days and nights, fall is upon us. The temperatures will finally cool off a bit, so for the next few months, the mild temps and drier air will create a mild reprieve for your air conditioning system. The demand for this vital system decreases radically. This is an excellent time to complete some much-deserved preventative AC maintenance for the air conditioner.

A lot is said about AC maintenance. However, the majority of conversations originate from individuals who provide AC maintenance services. Is this conversation self-serving or a public service? Actually, the conversation arises from technicians with decades of experience in the heating and cooling industry, and they know the difference regular AC maintenance makes.

How Routine AC Maintenance Delivers Lower Energy Bills

  • AC Maintenance measurably improves the efficiency of an air conditioning system; most air conditioners are 5% more efficient annually with regular maintenance.
  • This efficiency can be measured in a way that really matters—lower energy bills each month.
  • A well-maintained system keeps indoor air quality measurably cleaner, making the air healthier and the home less dusty.
  • Regular AC maintenance adds years of serviceability to a system; maintained systems generally last 5 years longer than those without maintenance.

How Often is AC Maintenance Really Necessary? The Honest Answer from the Experts

Each year, for the benefit of customers, air conditioner technicians remind homeowners to maintain their systems, and those who heed the message reap the benefits.

What is involved in maintaining an air conditioner? Regular AC maintenance includes three main tasks—cleaning, inspecting, and testing.

  • The primary purpose of an air filter is to clean the air, and it cleans the air very efficiently. To ensure the air filter performs well, it needs to be cleaned or replaced at least quarterly. A preventative maintenance visit will include replacing the filter and a reminder to the homeowner to schedule regular replacement every three months.
  • Two coils facilitate the transfer of heat, the process that we recognize as air conditioning. A major requirement for these coils to function is that they are kept clean, but dirt, dust, pollen, and yard debris threaten to gum up the coils. The outdoor coil, the condenser, can be cleaned with a garden hose. The indoor coil, the evaporator, is found in the air handler closet. It can be cleaned with a spray bottle filled with a cleaning solution. However, damaging either of these coil sets can be detrimental to your HVAC system. Cleaning should be left to the professional to protect your system components.
  • A visual inspection is made of the entire system. This often catches obvious issues, such as a worn or cracked belt in the blower motor assembly, a loose electrical connection, or other evidence of wear. Drain pan and drain lines are inspected for water build-up or clogs.
  • Extensive testing will be completed, using specialty tools and training. The refrigerant gas must be maintained within a narrow pressure range to affect cooling. The refrigerant is transported through a network of tubes, flowing inside and outside, and through both coils. The smallest of nicks or flaws will release this gas into the atmosphere. This is not good for the system or the environment.
  • An air conditioner is controlled by a complex electrical network of sensors and controllers. The current passing through wires may carry as little as 14 volts or as much as 220 volts. Testing takes the proper equipment and training. Finding and replacing a weakened control mechanism can keep a small issue from becoming a major problem.

Spring and Fall: The Best Times You Need to Schedule AC Maintenance

Ultimately, scheduling professional AC maintenance twice a year—ideally in the spring and fall—is the single most effective way to protect your investment, ensuring maximum efficiency and cleaner indoor air. This routine commitment to cleaning, inspection, and testing not only lowers your monthly energy bills but also significantly adds years of reliable service to your air conditioning unit. Don’t wait for a breakdown; schedule your next appointment with All Cool AC & Heating today to reap the long-term rewards of a well-maintained system.

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What to Do About an AC Refrigerant Leaks

AC Refrigerant Leaks

Don’t Ignore an AC Refrigerant Leak: Your System Depends on It

As summer winds down and the cooler weather approaches, the trusty air conditioner continues to perform the tasks of cooling, cleaning, moving, and dehumidifying indoor air. However, if an air conditioner’s performance is declining, it should cause a homeowner to take notice and call for an AC maintenance technician to inspect the system. 

Air conditioning systems do not use fuel; they use a manufactured gas, designed to readily transfer heat, deemed a refrigerant or coolant gas. An air conditioner requires a static amount of refrigerant gas to cool the space properly. When the gas pressure decreases, the system tries to continue the cooling process without the proper refrigerant gas. When the air conditioner tries so very hard with inadequate pressure, it will cause crucial components to overheat and fail. This damage is usually very expensive, leading to the replacement of the entire air conditioner system.

AC Refrigerant Leaks? Here’s Why You Need a Pro

What causes a loss of refrigerant pressure? A weakness in the network of tubes that house and transport gas will occasionally result in a minute pinhole, but just enough for the gas to leak away. Since the gas is always under pressure, even a very small hole will release all of the refrigerant gas. Leaks often develop in the weakest portion of the system:

  • Joints between portions of tubing
  • The two major coils, where tubes are bent at 900 angles repeatedly

AC Refrigerant Leaks can also occur whenever the system’s tubing is damaged by contact or movement.

AC Refrigerant Leaks can be very difficult to locate and correct.

  • The leaks are usually very tiny holes, leaking minute amounts of gas. Gas will continue to leak even when the air conditioner is not running, since the gas remains under pressure at all times.
  • When the gas has completely leaked away, it is nearly impossible to locate the source of the leak. Often, additional refrigerant will need to be added to find the leak, knowing the gas will be leaking away.
  • The entire system will need to be checked, both indoor and outdoor components. Some of these components are difficult to reach.

Once the leak has been found and sealed, the whole system will be vacuumed completely to remove the air, various gases, and any other substance that made its way into the tube network. The vacuum will remain in place for a given time as a final pressure check; if a leak remains, the vacuum will be broken, allowing air into the system. The whole process will need to be repeated until all of the leaks have been sealed.

Refrigerants are not environmentally friendly, so it is important to find leaks and fix them quickly. Since they pose a threat to the ozone, the US Environmental Protection Agency is continuously seeking better, more friendly refrigerant gases. Over the last few decades, the EPA has changed the acceptable formulas for residential air conditioning systems.

  • Certain gases have been discontinued and have not been manufactured for several years. The gas for these systems is very scarce, may not be available, and the available gas for these systems is extremely expensive.
  • Certain gases have been discontinued and are no longer being manufactured, but a supply remains available. Refrigerant for these systems may be available, and the gas will be expensive.
  • All refrigerant gases are expensive and should not be allowed to escape into the environment if possible.

If your air conditioner is performing poorly, do not delay. Call us for service to test the refrigerant level. It could save your system from failure, save you money in repairs, and help preserve the environment.

Why an All Cool AC & Heating Professional is a Must for an AC Refrigerant Leak

Addressing an AC refrigerant leak quickly is crucial to prevent expensive damage to your system and protect the environment. Because these leaks are difficult to locate and fix, a professional All Cool AC & Heating technician is required to properly seal the leak and recharge the refrigerant. Don’t delay—call for service to save your system from failure and avoid costly repairs.

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Your Essential Fall AC Maintenance Checklist

Fall AC Maintenance

Don’t Wait for a Breakdown: The Case for Fall AC Maintenance

As Summer ends, it brings several very familiar and welcome occasions:

  • The beginning of the school year: buying school supplies, meeting new teachers, and taking those “first day in a new grade” pictures for the scrapbook.
  • Friday night lights!!
  • Saturday College Football.
  • The promise of cooler temperatures and lower humidity. The summer was great; everyone loves summer. But Fall has its own pleasures, and everyone looks forward to its arrival.

After months of dealing with the extreme heat and humidity of Summer, this is also a great time to give your air conditioner a much-needed AC maintenance visit, a Fall reset.

Why recommend AC maintenance at the tail-end of summer?

  • The AC components have worked hard all summer long. If there are noticeable weaknesses in the air conditioner’s performance, they will be detected now.
  • An AC maintenance appointment now will prepare it for the cooling season next year.
  • If you have a heat pump, these same components will continue to perform through most of the winter heating season as well.

This hard-working system needs regular AC maintenance to function at peak efficiency. Air conditioner repairs and replacements slow down during the Fall months, so the AC maintenance schedule is less congested.

Clean, Check, Change

AC maintenance tasks may vary, but the most common tasks fall under three categories.

Cleaning

The air filter, so important to indoor air quality and air conditioner function, is a good starting place. If it has been a while since you last changed your filter, expect to hear some encouragement to change the filter at least quarterly.

  • While checking the air filter, if the vents appear to be excessively dusty, our AC maintenance technician may recommend that they be cleaned. (Most air conditioning contractors do not clean vents.)
  • The outdoor condenser unit needs to be cleaned annually. The condenser walls are composed of a vast network of tubes with very thin fins of aluminum. The tubes and fins are designed to dissipate the heat collected inside into the outdoor environment. A large, central fan pulls copious amounts of air through the network to cool them. Sticky pollen, dust, and yard debris get pulled onto and into the network, making the condenser work much harder than it should. A good cleaning with a garden hose washes this collection away.
  • A similar network of tubes is found inside the air conditioner cabinet. This network is called the evaporator coil, and it exposes the hot air from the house to the cold of the refrigerant. Since the air is humid and the evaporator coil is cold, the coil stays wet from the condensation that collects on it. Dust that bypasses the filter will collect here as well, making the evaporator coil work harder. The drain pan that collects the condensation and the drain line that carries it away will also be cleaned and flushed.

Checking

  • The refrigerant pressure level will be checked. A loss in pressure is serious, since it indicates a leak. Loss of refrigerant will bring cooling to a halt and can cause serious damage to expensive components.
  • Electronic controls and sensors will be checked for performance. Constant use creates wear, and this is normal. Common wear patterns happen, so a technician will know where to look first.
  • The thermostat will also be checked. Most thermostats are programmable, but many homeowners do not know how to make scheduled temperature changes. A technician will check thermostat settings and answer questions concerning programming temperature changes.
  • The overall performance of the air conditioning system will also be checked. An air conditioner should provide a minimum temperature change during a cooling cycle. A cooling cycle should achieve the desired temperature change within an acceptable time.

Change

If the cleaning and checking uncover a problem or deficiency, the technician will recommend replacing failing parts before they fail altogether.

Let All Cool Give Your HVAC System the All Clear with Fall AC Maintenance

As summer ends, your AC unit deserves a reset and a professional AC maintenance tune-up to ensure it’s in top condition. This simple AC maintenance call with All Cool AC & Heating can save you from a costly repair down the line and guarantee your comfort for next year. Don’t wait for a breakdown to schedule service—get ahead of the game and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained HVAC system.

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Spring AC Maintenance Checklist

AC Maintenance

Essential Spring AC Maintenance Tips

Springtime is an important time for air conditioning system maintenance.

  • The furnace equipment is now dormant until it is called up in late fall, that is, unless your system uses a heat pump. Heat pumps use the same equipment for heating and cooling.
  • During the early spring, the temperatures are mild, so air conditioning equipment is relatively idle, an ideal time for air conditioning maintenance.
  • When the temperatures begin to soar, the calls for repairs and replacement of air conditioning systems rise as well. Springtime is an ideal time for scheduling a maintenance call with your HVAC professional.

In the meantime, here are some maintenance steps you can take on your own.

Change the Air Filter

Pollen is at its highest during the early spring; trees, flowers, flowering trees, and grass are all releasing pollen at the same time. The pollen count is enough to trigger sinus problems with or without allergies. A springtime air filter change can help everyone breathe easier. The filter should be changed at least every three months, more frequently if necessary.

Air filters work tirelessly to clean the air, removing pollen, dust, dander, and more. However, when the trapped particles completely cover the filter, it begins to restrict proper airflow. The very best air conditioning technology cannot function properly without adequate airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The outdoor portion of the air conditioner is called the condenser unit. The walls appear to be solid, but the walls are actually a network of tubes, designed to allow considerable airflow between. A central fan pulls air through the tubes, but it also pulls pollen, dust, and all kinds of debris. Pollen is sticky. It sticks to the tubes and fins, and the pollen tends to collect anything other small particles it encounters.

Cleaning the pollen and debris from the condenser is an easy DIY project. Remove the screws around the cover of the condenser and use a garden hose to gently wash away the collected particles. Wash the tubes until the water flows clear, then replace the covers.

Should the pollen and dust continue to coat the condenser, this makes the air conditioner work MUCH harder and it can lead to some serious repair bills. This is a simple task that can be completed with a few tools and a little bit of time.

Change Batteries

The thermostat is the ON/OFF switch for your air conditioner. It is a very small computer with sensors and switches that control a whole, complicated building system. This small computer is powered by common household batteries, and the batteries need to be changed. Matter of fact, there are several small sensors/switches in the home that run on batteries, including smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Find a time in the spring and change all of your batteries at once.

Schedule Professional AC Maintenance

These are DIY tasks that can be completed by a homeowner. There are plenty of air conditioner maintenance tasks that need to be completed but cannot be completed by a homeowner. They take special equipment and the training to use it properly. Professional technicians test and clean:

  • The refrigerant level
  • Electrical controls and switches, some with high-voltage 
  • Functional performance of the air conditioner

Springtime is an excellent time to schedule AC maintenance.

Don’t Wait for the Heat: Spring is Key for AC Maintenance

All Cool AC & Heating AC maintenance professionals can assist with your HVAC repair and AC maintenance needs. Schedule your service appointment by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified AC maintenance technicians put their experience to work for you.

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Air Conditioning Maintenance Myths Explained

Katy Air Conditioning Maintenance

Katy Air Conditioning Maintenance Truths for All Homeowners

In the absence of knowledge, sometimes we just assume. When the assumption gets passed on, it becomes a myth and is easily transmitted. Here are a few Katy Air Conditioning Maintenance myths that are still being bandied about and the reality that dispels them.

Shutting the Air Conditioner Off during Vacations Saves Energy/Money

It sounds correct. Should the system run while the home is unoccupied? The myth is built on the assumption that air conditioning is primarily about comfort. Turning the system off for an extended period leads to:

  • A crucial function of air conditioning is removing humidity from the indoor air. When the relative humidity exceeds 65%, surfaces feel sticky. The added humidity will ruin painted and finished surfaces, causing peeling and discoloration. In addition, the added humidity will encourage mold and mildew to bloom. The infestation is dangerous and can be very difficult to remove.
  • Another function is ventilation—moving and cleaning the air. Returning from vacation to a smelly, hot house will not be the welcome greeting.
  • An air conditioner does not just cool the air, it also cools the walls, the flooring, the furniture, etc. Returning the house to the desired temperature requires significant energy. Keeping the whole house cool is much more efficient than restoring it to the desired temperature.

Instead of turning the air conditioner off, turn the thermostat up; setting the temp at 78 to 80 degrees will call for enough cooling cycle to remove humidity and keep the air moving. Returning the house to the desired temperature is much easier this way.

*A related myth is that closing the vents in an unused room will save energy. The air conditioner will still attempt to cool that space by forcing air around the door. It will also make that room unhealthy.

Bigger is Better/Smaller is Superior

Being extravagant or frugal when replacing an air conditioner might seem to make sense, but these approaches will not produce the desired results.

  • A larger-than-necessary air conditioner will cool a space too quickly, creating short, but frequent cooling cycles. Not only does it cause excessive wear on the electronics, but the short cooling cycle does not adequately remove humidity.
  • A smaller-than-necessary air conditioner will run longer than it should and struggle to cool the space during periods of extreme heat. It puts unnecessary stress on the components and uses more energy than necessary.
  • Air conditioning technicians will complete a load calculation study to determine the proper “size” air conditioner. This ensures the system will function properly and efficiently for the maximum length of time. The technician will gather information concerning square footage, ceiling heights, size and number of doors/windows, and insulation materials. This helps determine the cooling that is needed by each unique home.

Air Conditioners Function Well Without Maintenance

There is never a doubt that vehicles of any size or type need periodic maintenance. The same is true of cooking and laundry appliances. Why do homeowners believe that a complex heat and air conditioning system can perform efficiently without regular maintenance?

  • Air conditioners employ electronic controls, gas chemistry, and mechanical components to perform precise activities within well-designed controls. These processes need adjustments and testing.
  • The environment is filled with contaminants that stick to surfaces and block the energy transfer necessary for indoor air conditioning.
  • The system components are so interdependent that stress or failure in one necessary part spreads the stress to other parts.

Katy Air Conditioning Maintenance is tricky!

Let us help keep you cool this summer. Schedule your Katy Air Conditioning Maintenance consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified Katy Air Conditioning Maintenance technicians put their experience to work for you.

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3 HVAC Maintenance Tips to Improve Efficiency

3 HVAC Maintenance Tips to Improve Efficiency

3 HVAC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

Air conditioning is such a comfort during the long, hot summertime. All winter long, we look forward to summer fun in the sun. However, since the heat and humidity are so relentless, we seek relief whenever we go inside. Air conditioning has become so essential to our summer. It would be nice to find ways to enhance the air conditioning experience. Here are a few suggestions to enhance your HVAC Maintenance experience.

1 Keep the Heat Outside and the Cool Inside

This seems like a no-brainer, but to do it well it takes intentional actions.

  • The quality of insulation will become very evident during times of extreme temperatures—both hot and cold temperatures. Getting into the attic to add insulation during triple-digit or single-digit temperatures is not a wise decision. However, preparing for extreme temps while the temps are mild is a wise decision.
  • Windows transfer a tremendous amount of energy in the form of heat into the home. Sunlight is not the problem; it is the accompanying infrared energy that creates the heat. Floor and furniture surfaces are heated and retain the heat. Additionally, heat passes through glass readily, heating the inside air. Keep blinds and drapes closed during the midday period, opening them in the mornings and evenings to enjoy the natural light.

2 Keep the Thermostat Steady

It is tempting to use the thermostat inside like the fan switch on our car’s air conditioner, turning it up when you enter and down when the temperature drops. That might work in the small confines of a car, but it doesn’t work for a home air conditioner.

  • When the thermostat is set at 740 and the temperature rises to 750, the thermostat instructs the air conditioner to begin cooling the air. The cooling cycle may last for 5 to 10 minutes if it is functioning normally. Dropping the thermostat to 640 will also instruct the air conditioner to begin cooling the air. It will also take 5 to 10 minutes or so—not a minute less. Dropping the thermostat setting does not cool the space faster, but it does put tremendous stress on the air conditioner.
  • A better approach is to schedule the temperature setting, including any changes you might desire, and let the air conditioner do its job. If your family has a steady summertime schedule—leaving and returning at regular intervals—temperature changes can be programmed to coincide with the schedule. Program temperatures change and do not alter the schedule.

3 Schedule Filter Changes and HVAC Maintenance

Homeowners can enhance their air conditioner system by keeping it clean. Change the air filter regularly to keep indoor air clean and ensure a free flow of air. Scheduling annual preventative maintenance increases the performance of air conditioners and uncovers small problems before they become big problems.

We Specialize in HVAC Maintenance to Reduce Your Utility Bills

Schedule your free HVAC Maintenance consultation by calling AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified HVAC Maintenance technicians put their experience to work for you.

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AC Maintenance Katy Tx: The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

AC Maintenance Katy Tx

AC Maintenance Katy Tx: The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

There are two awesome things about autumn in Houston: football and cooler fall weather. In the spring, everyone seems to long for the summer heat and all of the outdoor activities we can only do in the summer. But after a few months of intense heat, the heat seems to lose its appeal–the heat of summer can be very long. By this time of the year, we look forward to cooler weather, when air conditioning is not necessary.

Actually, the fall is a perfect time to have your residential air conditioner serviced. During the heat of the summer, air conditioning technicians are extremely busy handling repairs and replacements. As the weather cools, the pressure is off of both your AC system and the technicians who complete preventative maintenance. Scheduling an annual maintenance visit yields quite an advantage for your home.

Standard Preventative Maintenance for AC Maintenance Katy Tx

Our air conditioning technicians have the training and experience necessary to maintain modern air conditioning systems. Our trained professionals will locate components that require attention with equipment designed to monitor and measure performance. Our maintenance program includes:

  • Clean the dust from the condenser coil outdoors and check the refrigerant gas
  • Clean the evaporator coil and make sure the drain line is clear
  • Clean the blower fins as needed
  • Check and calibrate electrical component parts in the cabinet
  • Inspect and calibrate the thermostat as needed
  • Check the supply vents and return air registers, making sure they are uncovered
  • Measure the cooling performance to make sure it functions properly

Preventative maintenance ensures your system will be ready for the cooling season next spring

Why Perform AC Maintenance Katy Tx?

As an investment.

For most Americans, a home purchase is the largest investment they will make. Your air conditioning system is vital to making your home healthy and comfortable. You change the oil in your car. Schedule maintenance on your AC unit.

Better performance.

Cleaning and caring for your air conditioner will ensure it functions properly; your system is designed to both cool the air and remove moisture.

Energy Savings for AC Maintenance Katy Tx

Making sure your air conditioner is functioning well makes sure it runs efficiently, saving energy with each cooling cycle. Of course, saving energy also saves money on each utility bill; saving energy is also healthy for the environment. Way to go!

Reducing repairs and prolonging the usefulness

Keeping existing component parts is usually preferred to paying to replace parts prematurely. By inspecting and maintaining these expensive parts regularly, you extend usefulness—sometimes by 5 or 10 years. Extending the life of your air conditioner puts off replacement. When the time comes to replace your air conditioner, you can do it knowing you did everything you could to spend money wisely.

Peace of mind

When you maintain your air conditioner in the fall you have the satisfaction of knowing your system is primed and ready for the next cooling season. In late spring, you can slide the thermostat control to cool with confidence that your system is ready for the heat of the coming summer.

Have questions about AC Maintenance Katy Tx? We can help!

Schedule your free AC Maintenance Katy Tx consultation by calling AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

 

 

 

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New AC Installation FAQs

New AC Installation: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

New AC Installation: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

If you find yourself needing a new New AC Installation, a.k.a., your HVAC system, you have some exciting choices about features that will impact comfort and health for many years to come. Most well-maintained HVAC systems last 20-25 years, so expect to keep this system around for a while. In order to prepare you for this important decision, here is some basic information to help you.

New AC Installation: Two Basic Systems

While it has been around for decades internationally, the mini-split ductless air conditioner system is gaining traction over central heating/air systems in the U.S. Here is a short description of the two types of systems.

  • The biggest difference between the two systems is . . . ducts. Ductless systems provide both heating and cooling using very similar technology, but the delivery system is via a wall-mounted unit instead of floor vents. These wall units are quieter than a central air system. Each room has a separate thermostat, allowing for zone heating and cooling. These systems are very energy efficient and can save money each month. They are especially useful when adding rooms or renovating older homes without existing ducts. Since mini-split systems use heat pump technology, they struggle to produce heat when the temperature drops below 320
  • Traditional central heat/air systems are good, efficient systems and can be found in most homes in the U.S. Typical central systems will have component parts indoors and outdoors. The blower motors on central systems move a lot of air—the entire volume of your home circulates every few minutes. While the air is moving, it filters well. One system can cover large areas, but creating zones is usually not possible. Central heat will use heat pump technology, just like the mini-split system. However, an auxiliary heat source, either electric or natural gas, handles low temperatures.

New AC Installation Proper Sizing and Ratings

Both mini-split and central systems are sized using the same method. A technician will complete a load calculation to determine size; square footage, insulation type, window and door openings, and other factors that are entered into an algorithm. The heating need is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) and air conditioning is measured in tonnage. Larger numbers are not better or worse, they just measure the need. An important fact: for a number of reasons your new system might not match the size of your old system.

Ratings measure the efficiency of heating and cooling functions. The basic information on New AC Installation ratings is:

  • Air conditioner efficiency is measured in SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The minimum SEER rating is 13 and the (current) maximum rating is 22: in order to qualify as EPA Energy Star, the SEER rating must be 14.5. Energy efficiency will cost more upfront and be repaid for lower bills over time.
  • The amount of energy lost by electric furnaces is negligible, so they are considered 100% efficient. Gas furnaces receive an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating that measures the percentage of fuel energy successfully captured for indoor heat. Watch for AFUE ratings between 90 and 98(%). Again, energy efficiency costs more with the purchase but is recouped with lower utility bills.

Features to Explore

The basic technology for heating and air conditioning has been around since the 1960s, but engineers keep improving system components. Some improvements to watch for include:

  • Blower motor technology. Mini-split systems have very small quiet blower motors and room occupants might not notice the noise. Central systems have larger motors and in the past, the noise was very noticeable. New technology includes variable speeds and whisper-quiet technology.
  • Air Filters. Mini-split systems may come with washable air filters and save money on the cost of replacing filters over the years. Watch for systems with better air filtration: look for a MERV rating on available filters—the higher the number the better.
  • UV Lights. Ultraviolet light will neutralize organic airborne particles, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, bacteria, and viruses. This is a definite plus.
  • New thermostats allow you to schedule regular temperature changes. This adds comfort and helps save on the energy bill. Programmable thermostats allow you to set the schedule and forget it. Smart thermostats include a phone app that allows you to make changes on the move.

Are you researching a New AC Installation? We can help!

Schedule your free New AC Installation consultation by calling AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

New AC Installation: What You Need to Know Before You Buy