8 Affordable Air Conditioning Efficiency Tips

Air Conditioning Efficiency Tips to Reduce Utility Bills

According to the Department of Energy, conditioning the air in your home, both heating and cooling takes the largest single percentage of your energy bill—between 48 and 52% of the total bill. With the long cooling months right around the corner, here are 8 no-cost methods of reducing your AC costs.

Clean around the AC condenser unit outside. Since the fan is pulling air through the aluminum fins, it is suctioning leaves, grass clippings, and debris between the fins. Use a hose and clean the fins thoroughly to keep the unit from overheating.
Vacuum clean the indoor vents and move anything that might cover the vents. Open vents allow the free flow of that “oh so nice” air right where you need it. Covered vents restrict airflow and create hot spots.
Program your thermostat if possible. It might take a little time for you to program, but it can make a big difference. Here’s how:
1. Department of Energy estimates a 1% savings per degree for an 8-hour span. If you turn the AC temp UP 5 degrees for eight hours, you will save 5% of the cooling cost for the day.
2. If you program your thermostat to increase the temperature in your home while it is vacant during work hours, you can achieve these cost savings without feeling it at all. Schedule the AC to cool it off on your drive home. (The same savings holds true during heating months as well.)
Keep lamps, TVs, and other heat-producing appliances 3’ away from your thermostat. The heat of the device will give the thermostat a false reading, keeping the AC unit on longer.
Close your blinds and curtains during the heat of each summer day. The summer sun warms the house and drives the AC cost way up. When you arrive home from work, open the curtains and enjoy the less harsh evening rays.
Clear the drain lines coming from the evaporator coil and pan. This is on the inside, at the AC/furnace unit, a hose or PVC line running to a drain. Pour a cup of bleach in the line and chase it with a gallon of water to remove debris and organic matter. This avoids the water overflowing from the pan and leaking from the unit.
Avoid using heating-producing appliances, such as the dryer, oven, and dishwasher during the heat of the day. Wait until the evening hours, when the AC unit has less of a load and can handle the rise in temperature.
If your home has uninsulated ductwork in unconditioned spaces, such as attics or crawlspaces, insulating the ducts will be a very low-cost/very effective cost-saving measure.

Money-saving tips don’t always require spending a lot of money when it comes to your HVAC system.

Want more information about Air Conditioning Efficiency? We Can Help!

If you are considering to better your Air Conditioning Efficiency, call us at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

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November 30, 2020November 30, 2020

6 HVAC Efficiency Tips for this Fall

HVAC Efficiency Tips

Inefficient HVAC systems not only compromise your comfort level, they hurt you financially. Keeping your HVAC system operating at its highest level will improve your home’s indoor temperatures, and it will also save you money.

Here are a few HVAC efficiency tips to keep your home’s comfort level at its best.

HVAC Efficiency: Keep Evaporator and Condenser Coils Clean

Dirt and debris accumulate around your condenser and evaporator coils. This build-up will decrease your systems’ ability to transfer heat and its cooling ability. Cleaning these components on a regular basis will keep your system running efficiently.

HVAC Efficiency: Replace Your Air Filters

Clogged or dirty AC filters will restrict the airflow of your unit. Fixing a disruption to airflow can create a great increase in energy efficiency. We strongly recommend changing your air filter every 30-90 days depending on the filter rating.

HVAC Efficiency: Poor HVAC Maintenance

Most homeowners neglect proper HVAC maintenance. Since your system components are stowed away and hidden, they have a tendency to become, “out of sight and out of mind.” Your AC and heating system efficiency can decrease by five percent per year.

To prevent further wear and tear, and to prolong the life of your HVAC system, we recommend you schedule regular maintenance.

HVAC Efficiency: Compromised Ductwork

Damaged or worn ductwork can certainly cause inefficient heating and cooling. Air leaking out of your ductwork into your attic will definitely cause poor performance and higher utility bills. A thorough inspection of your ductwork by an experienced technician can save you a great deal of money.

HVAC Efficiency: Aging HVAC Systems

If you notice decreased efficiency in your A/C even with proper maintenance, it may be the case that your unit is simply nearing the end of its lifespan. Most air conditioners can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, so a replacement may be in order if your unit is older than that.

How Do You Test Your HVAC Efficiency and Performance

On a day that is above 80 degrees, allow your AC unit to run for at least 15 minutes consistently. Place a thermometer on a supply register closest to the unit and let it sit for 5 minutes. Repeat the process at a return vent.

An efficient HVAC system cools air 14 to 20 degrees from the temperature that it entered your system. If your HVAC system is not able to do this, its performance and efficiency are at best problematic. If this is the case, you should contact us immediately to schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment.

Want more information about HVAC Efficiency? We Can Help!

If you are considering preventative HVAC system maintenance services to better your HVAC Efficiency, call us at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

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September 25, 2020September 28, 2020

All Cool A/C’s Vice President Honored as Top Forty Under 40!

Residential Air Conditioning and Heating Specialist

Cody Bellamy, Vice President

Cody Bellamy’s career HVAC goals can be summed up into three items: happy employees, superior customer service, and community outreach. The vice president of All Cool A/C & Heating takes those items very seriously. “I am a firm believer that happy employees are productive employees, which is why I strive to create and maintain a culture in our company that makes our employees excited to come to work each day,” Bellamy said.

“I also want to change the negative preconceived stigma customers have with HVAC contractors by providing exceptional customer service. This means timely service by well-trained technicians at an affordable price as well as being sympathetic to their needs and providing honest evaluations of a customer’s options to see what makes the most sense for them and their family.”

“It is also very important to me to give back to the community, not only monetarily but also with our time as a company,” he continued.

Click to Download the Full Article

Bellamy received his Texas Class A State contractor’s license on his very first attempt at the young age of As the company’s vice president, he oversees sales, accounting, customer service, equipment purchasing, software implementation, and advertising. He has helped grow the company from five employees to 17 while doubling the annual revenue.

“As a father of three, I hope to inspire my children with my hard work, honesty, and dedication to my craft, just as my father did for me,” he said.

September 16, 2020September 16, 2020

3 Reasons Why Winter HVAC Repairs Should Be Addressed Immediately

3 Reasons Why Winter HVAC Repair Should Be Addressed Immediately

Repairs to your HVAC system are not something that you want to delay. The longer you delay these repairs, the more costly they can become. Scheduling your HVAC repair early in the fall can provide you with the best appointment times. As we get further into winter, there will be fewer available appointment times.

Avoid Costly HVAC Repairs

If your HVAC system has shown any signs of wear and tear, you will want to address that repair as soon as possible. Minor problems with your HVAC system can lead to major repairs if left unaddressed. Neglected repairs can even lead to the replacement of an entire HVAC system if the component damage becomes too extensive. Waiting for your HVAC system to fail can cause your repair to be delayed if the repair technician’s appointments are already booked, or multiple components become impacted.

Reduce Your Exposure and Risk to Emergency Repairs

Emergency repairs can be very costly. Many HVAC repair companies increase appointment fees for after-hours or weekend appointments. You will want to avoid these unnecessary charges by scheduling your repair at the first sign of a problem. Don’t put your self at the mercy of a total system failure, when the timing is beyond your control.

Increase Your HVAC System’s Lifespan

Neglecting regular maintenance or timely HVAC repairs can shorten the lifespan of your HVAC equipment. Regular maintenance will keep components operating at their highest level and will identify potential problems before they become more serious. Without these services, your air conditioning equipment might need to be replaced sooner than you expected.

Need HVAC Repair before Winter? We Can Help!

Summer is nearly over. You need to make sure your furnace is ready for winter, call us at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

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July 20, 2020July 20, 2020

Smart Thermostat 101

What is a smart thermostat?

Your HVAC system thermostat regulates the temperature setting for your air conditioning, furnace, or heat pump. Thermostats are connected directly to your HVAC system. A smart thermostat allows you to control your home’s HVAC system remotely and will “learn” your habits to efficiently keep your home regulated.

Certain apps also allow you to remotely control your wireless thermostat even when you’re not home.

Why choose an interactive thermostat?

One of the biggest benefits of an interactive thermostat is energy savings. Your smart thermostat allows you to program your home’s temperature to match your schedule. You will consume less energy by efficiently setting your thermostat and allowing your HVAC system to work smarter, not harder.

Your smart thermostat can also adjust indoor temperatures based on the outside temperature to help you regulate energy usage. Interactive temperature setting by your thermostat will take away the worry of having to remember if you adjusted temperature settings while you are away.

Smart thermostats allow you to adjust temperatures from anywhere, anytime. If you want to turn down your AC before you arrive, you can do that. If you notice a warm/cold front while you are on vacation, you can make the adjustment as necessary.

Advanced Benefits of a Smart Thermostat

Wireless smart thermostats go above and beyond the features of a programmable model to deliver an effortless indoor comfort experience. With a wireless thermostat, you’ll get:

Easy Programming: A smart thermostat learns your habits and behaviors, schedule, and preferences to keep you comfortable without the need to adjust the temperature setting.

Wi-Fi Connectivity: You can control your thermostat and your home’s temperature settings from your mobile device or desktop computer.

Energy Consumption Reporting: Your smart thermostat compiles data regarding your energy consumption so you can fine-tune your HVAC system to maximize your energy savings.

Repair and Maintenance Alerts: Smart thermostats will alert you to upcoming system maintenance and can also alert you to any improperly functioning systems.

What Savings Should I Expect

While actual savings will vary from home to home based on factors such as temperature preferences and energy costs, installing a smart thermostat offers the potential for significant savings.

According to ENERGY STAR, the correct use of a programmable thermostat will save you approximately $180 per year. The determining factor is if the programmable thermostat is used correctly or not.

Many interactive thermostat manufacturers offer online savings calculators which can help you determine your potential savings based on the area in which you live. Smart thermostats will cost more and can cost more to install than a manual thermostat.

The energy savings achieved by smart thermostat usage will allow the equipment to pay for itself over time.

If you currently have a manual thermostat, upgrading to a “smart stat” is certainly going to be worth it because of the energy savings it helps you achieve by taking system adjustments out of your hands.

Interested in energy-efficient HVAC solutions?

If you are experiencing a noticeable decrease in the functioning and efficiency of your HVAC system, you need to call us at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email. The longer you ignore or put off making the call, the most costly the repair can be.

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July 20, 2020July 20, 2020

4 Energy Efficient HVAC Tips

Top Energy Efficient HVAC Four Reasons Your Energy Bill is too High

Summer is here! Temperatures outside are in triple digits some days, and homeowners are beginning to see their energy bills increase. It is important to learn what factors will cause your bill to go up, and what can lower your utility bill while keeping your home cool.

What Non Energy Efficient HVAC habits increase your cooling bill?

There are several factors that can increase your summer cooling bill, and here is how to combat them.

Energy Efficient HVAC Thermostat Control

As the summer heats up, we want it cool inside our home. Many homeowners set their thermostats lower than normal to make up for the high temperature. Depending on the difference between the outside temperature and indoor temperature, your air conditioning system might work overtime to keep up with the demands of the summertime heat.

Increased Laundry

Summertime tends to mean an increase in the number of clothes that we wear. This will result in having to do more laundry, and constantly running the dryer will also increase your energy or cooling bill.

Poorly Insulated Homes

Many older homes are not properly insulated. Losing your cool air through poorly sealed doors and windows and improperly insulated walls or attic spaces will increase your electricity usage. Your HVAC system will end up running longer and under more pressure with poor insulation. A significantly increased utility bill can be an easy way to identify poor insulation in your home.

Inefficient Air Conditioning System

Another large increase to your utility bill can be a poorly functioning or improperly installed system. Modern air conditioning systems are more efficient by design, but it is crucial to maintain an HVAC system to ensure its proper function.

Energy Efficient HVAC Ways to Lower Your Cooling Bill

There are a few steps that you can take to lower your utility bill and reduce your energy consumption.

Set Your Thermostat to a Higher Temperature

While this may not be the most comfortable decision, increasing your thermostat setting a few degrees may not be a noticeable change to your comfort level. These few degrees can add up to a 5-10% decrease in your utility bills.

Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

Manual thermostats allow your system to cycle at all hours of the day and night to keep your home at the desired temperature. A smart thermostat “learns” your habits to keep your home at the desirable setting which will lower your utility consumption. A smart thermostat will adjust the temperature setting when you are away to help reduce the cost of your cooling bill since you are only using the air conditioning when you need it instead of heating or cooling an empty house.

Increase Your Home’s Insulation to Increase Energy Efficient HVAC

Increasing the amount of attic insulation and replacing damaged weather stripping can drastically reduce your home’s energy usage. Attic insulation is relatively affordable and can be a DIY weekend project.

Proper Energy Efficient HVAC / Air Conditioning System Maintenance

Proper maintenance prevents your air conditioning system from overworking. It is recommended that your air conditioning system serviced twice a year, once before summer and again in the fall before winter. During your maintenance appointment, one of our HVAC technicians will inspect all HVAC components to ensure proper function and indicate any potential replacement required.

Need Energy Efficient HVAC Maintenance or Repair?

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July 2, 2020July 2, 2020

Summer HVAC Maintenance Tips

HVAC Maintenance Tips

Summertime means summer cookouts, pool parties, and outdoor living, and your HVAC system must be operating at its best to keep your family and guests comfortable – not to mention keep your home at a safe temperature when outdoor temperatures skyrocket throughout the summer!

Proper HVAC maintenance tips provide you with the care you need to know for your air conditioning system throughout the summer.

Summertime HVAC Maintenance Steps

Change Your HVAC Filter

Inspect your air filter. When your HVAC systems are working at their hardest, your air filter should be inspected monthly and replaced more frequently to keep the filter free from dust and debris build-up. You may be required to change the filter more frequently during the summer, so we recommend having replacement filters readily available.

Inspect Your Registers and Vents

Inspect your air returns, registers, and vents to make sure that there are no blockages or that they are not closed. These HVAC components should never be blocked by furniture or any other obstructions that restrict airflow.

Remove any furniture, carpets or rugs, and any other items from blocking vents and registers. Confirm that all vent louvers are open to ensure proper function. Proper vent HVAC maintenance promotes efficient cooling during the heat of the summer.

Inspect Your Outdoor Equipment

Thoroughly inspect your outdoor HVAC components. Clean grass clippings, leaves, branches, and yard debris from gathering around the HVAC unit. Keep away any vegetation that has grown near or that could interfere with the HVAC system. Keep any outdoor furniture or décor from crowding the outdoor components to ensure proper airflow in and around the unit.

Condensation Drainage System

Inspect your HVAC system’s drip pan and condensation drain lines for clogs or extra build-up that can cause overflows or leaking. In addition to leaking that will damage your home, clogged drain lines can grow mold and algae that can become more serious if left neglected. Clogged drain lines can cause your HVAC system to malfunction, and cause water damage. Frozen coils are a common result of clogs in the condensate system.

Plan Your HVAC Maintenance Ahead of Time

It is better to be safe than sorry! Planning your HVAC maintenance ahead of time can reduce time and energy wasted by a poorly function HVAC system. As summertime repairs heat up, supplies can become limited. Air filters may be in short supply making it difficult to perform routine HVAC maintenance. Remember that during the summer months, HVAC maintenance and repair calls can increase over 200% making it difficult to schedule a timely repair appointment.

Need HVAC Maintenance or Air Conditioning Repair?

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May 29, 2020May 29, 2020

A/C Tune Up Maintenance Tips To Save Money This Summer

A/C Tune Up, HVAC Maintenance , air conditioning system maintenance

Maintenance Tips To Save Money on Your Summer Air Conditioning Bill

Here are some easy maintenance tips to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently. A smooth-running A/C system can reduce your utility bill. Rather than letting cabin fever get the best of you during this global crisis, make good use of your time by conducting HVAC maintenance that will save money on your summer utility bills. Your Family and Pets Need Fresh Air, All Summer Long!

Limit the Amount of Sun that Enters Your Home

Window coverings are a great way to block the intense heat of the summer sun. Installing window coverings that are designed to reduce radiant heat can reduce your home from heating up in the hot’s part of the day. Covering your skylights or any window in rooms facing the West can reduce energy consumption. Landscaping that shields south and west-facing walls and windows can help prevent your home from heating up from the summer sun. Window screens and tint can be a great solution for large windows that let sun heat up rooms on the Southwest side of your home.

Conduct a Proper Vent Inspection

Regular vent inspection can reduce air conditioning strain. Keep your vents free from being blocked. Allow plenty of airflow in and around vents and returns. Complete or partial blockages can put excess strain on your air conditioning system.

Clean Your Outdoor Condenser

During the winter leaves, branches and debris can gather around this vital component to your HVAC system. The condenser is not only a vital component, but it is also the most expensive component. Shrubs, plants, and trees can also grow in and around your air conditioner condenser. With appropriate regular spot checks & maintenance, you should expect more than a decade of use from this important piece of equipment.

Evaluate Your Thermostat Placement

Your thermostat determines how often your HVAC system turns on and off. If your thermostat is affected by sources of heat, it could be detecting inaccurate temperatures. Household items like lamps and direct sunlight can prematurely turn your system on inappropriately. Also note that the lower your thermostat setting, the more energy your system will consume. For every degree below 78 degrees, you increase your energy consumption by 8%.

A/C Tune Up and Preventative Maintenance

We have outlined a few tips to reduce summertime energy consumption by your HVAC system. In addition to visual inspection of your unit, preventative maintenance is a key step to reducing summertime utility bills. Schedule your A/C tune up appointment before the summer heats up to avoid delays in scheduling and help mitigate costly repairs.

April 13, 2020April 22, 2020

Indoor Air Quality: How Spring Affects Our Air Quality

Spring has sprung! Pollen, mold, mildew, and dust are circulating in our air making for extremely poor indoor quality. If not maintained, these Springtime pollutants can have a big negative effect on you and your family’s health.

Indoor Air Quality Adverse Effects

– Itchy Eyes
– Congestion
– Body Aches
– Runny Nose
– Coughing
– Sneezing
– Fatigue
– Headache
– Dry Skin

Allergens such as pollen are in abundance in Spring and the leading cause of congestion and allergy flare ups. One of the reasons this contaminants flourishes during Spring is our tendency to “air out” our homes by opening the windows. This allows the pollen allergens to have full access to our sinuses.

Spring showers leaves dampness and moisture where mold and mildew find easy conditions to grow rapidly.

Throughout the entire year, your HVAC system pulls dust and debris into your ductwork settling to be recirculated as your air conditioning system works. This cycle of circling the dust in and out of the house will continue until the ducts are thoroughly cleaned. During Spring, outdoor pollutants and allergies have your sinuses and breathing labored, additional dust and debris from your ductwork can send your health spiraling downward.

What is the Roll of Your HVAC Systems for Healthy Indoor Air Quality?

Your heating and air conditioning systems filters and cleans your indoor air, maintains humidity levels, and provides comfortable temperatures. If properly maintained, HVAC systems will help filter that springtime pollen out of your home and will minimize the risk of mold growth by monitoring humidity levels.

Your HVAC Air Filter is a Crucial Component to Indoor Air Quality

A common problem for many homeowners is your AC unit “freezing up.” This is when your HVAC system is overworked. Its effectiveness becomes compromised and electricity usage can increase drastically.

Leading Causes of A/C Freeze Ups

Your HVAC evaporator coil drops too low, your system will begin to ice up. Hot airflow has become obstructed. Rather than moving hotter air from your home, the evaporator’s coils begin the transference of ice-cold air. Such an occurrence is an example of poor system airflow.

Here are the leading causes of poor airflow:

– Clogged or dirty air filters
– Lack of refrigerant level
– Curtain/drapery/furniture obstructions for air returns
– Dirty or clogged coils
– Poorly functioning or malfunctioning system fans

Repair It Now or It Will Cost You

If you notice that your HVAC system is performing poorly, running excessively, your utility bill skyrockets, noises or smells are coming from your air conditioning unit, call for service immediately. Fixing an air conditioning system quickly as issues are noticed, will reduce expensive repair down the road.

April 13, 2020April 22, 2020

5 Reasons To Change HVAC Filters Frequently

5 Reasons You Should Change HVAC Filters More Frequently

Your air conditioning system’s air filter is designed to protect the system from debris and dust build up. Your HVAC system’s efficiency will become labored if its filter becomes clogged and your indoor air quality will become compromised.

For the average homeowner, how often should you change your HVAC filter and why should you change it regularly.

Why change HVAC filters?

#1 Part of System Maintenance to Prevent Costly Repair

Your HVAC system air filter keeps debris and dust from building up on or around your air conditioning system components. As dust and debris enter your A/C system, it begins to coat motors, fan blades, belts, and pulleys. This build up increases friction and will keep your system from running efficiently causing the air conditioner to run longer. If neglected, the heavy burden on your air conditioning system components will break down. Over time, the increased wear and tear causes parts to fail prematurely.

Your HVAC system needs free flowing air for it to be effective. If your filters are clogged with debris and duct, the flow is compromised. This improper airflow can cause your coils to seize up or overheat your compressor. If this happens, you are looking at very costly repairs that could have been avoided.

Changing your air conditioners air filter is an inexpensive maintenance task that can prevent expensive damage to your HVAC system.

#2 Reduce Your Utility Bills

Reducing your energy consumption is great for the planet and it saves you money.

An HVAC system with a dirty air filter requires more power to provide the same cool temperature. The system is required to run longer and work harder to maintain the same desired comfort level. Changing your HVAC filter regularly allows your system to consume less electricity and perform more efficiently.

#3 Increase the Lifespan of Your Equipment

Replacing your HVAC system is expensive. However, it saves you money and you can increase the longevity of your air conditioning system. The longer your air conditioning system performs at optimal levels, the longer your A/C system will last. Taking care of your HVAC system, which includes changing the filters regularly, will extend the life of your system.

#4 Limit the Amount of Dust in Your Home

Replacing your HVAC filter means less cleaning. A clogged filter means more dust in your ductwork. More dust in your ductwork means the more dust that is circulated throughout your home. Having a clean air filter will reduce dust that is in the air in your home.

#5 Reduced Pollutant and Allergens

Inexpensive paper filters are not designed to remove harmful contaminants from your home’s air. HEPA air filters remove pet dander, pollen, mildew, mold, bacteria, and viruses. HEPA air filters are comprised of densely packed glass fibers. The better quality HEPA filters filter 99% of pollen, dust, and smoke particles. When choosing a HEPA filter, make sure the MERV rating is 10 or higher.

Living in a home with poor air quality can lead to health complications. Change your filter and change it with a HEPA air filter.

How often should you change HVAC filters?

In general, we recommend changing HVAC filters at least every couple of months. However, that depends on your system and your environment. We have had customers that need to change filters every couple of weeks due to high levels of contaminants in the air. Homeowners with more pets may also need to change their filter more often due to pet dander.