How much does furnace repair cost?

How Much Does Furnace Repair Cost? A 2026 Price Guide

Finding a trusted furnace contractor partner can be problematic, since there are so many questions and too few answers available without an accompanying sales pitch. Plenty of technicians can complete maintenance and make repairs, but finding a trustworthy person that is affordable can be rather tricky. This makes confident decisions very difficult. On the other hand, a contractor can’t prescribe a cost for labor and parts for a furnace sight-unseen. One measure that can meet the needs for answers for homeowners without tying a technician to an unrealistic expectation is to provide a range of costs for maintenance and repairs.

Furnace Maintenance

Let’s start with the most fundamental task: furnace maintenance. Maintenance plans can begin with a one-time inspection and develop into an annual maintenance plan.

A basic furnace inspection should cost between $100 and $200
A comprehensive maintenance plan should cost between $150 and $300

Please remember that we are including a range for a reason. Each HVAC system is different, requires different maintenance requirements, and exact estimates are only available during the maintenance appointment.

Furnace Repair Labor Cost

The cost of labor can vary greatly, and for good reasons. Some projects are simple, and some projects are very complicated. Some furnaces are free-standing, and others are in very confined spaces. Expect that labor for electric furnaces costs differently than servicing natural gas-powered furnaces.

Labor for projects can range between $100 and $200
Labor costs for repairs on electric furnaces range between $100 and $300
Labor costs for repairs to natural gas furnaces range between $150 and $500
Labor costs for emergency calls—late at night, weekends, or in extreme temperatures—can vary since there are many determining factors.

Again, you will receive a comprehensive quote during your furnace repair appointment with your All Cool Furnace repair technician.

Furnace Repair Costs

The costs for repairs include the cost of labor and the cost of components and supplies. The cost of components varies greatly depending on brand, age of the system, and the availability of parts. The labor cost of repairs varies according to the time needed to make the repair. Therefore, we can give some generalizations about projects and give a range, based on our experience with such projects.

Thermostat repair costs range between $100 and $300, while replacement of a thermostat may cost upwards of $600, depending on the features of the thermostat.
Blower motor repairs range between $200 and $300, while replacement costs range between $500 and $900.
Some components are both expensive to replace and difficult to access; as you might imagine, replacement costs are higher for these projects. For example, replacing a heat exchanger for a natural gas furnace can exceed $1500.

This is a starting point: the exact cost of furnace repair labor and parts will be discussed during your furnace repair appointment.

When Furnace Repair is Not an Option: Furnace Replacement

The cost of replacing a furnace is very complex; it generally requires replacement of the air conditioning system as well. Some of the factors that determine replacement costs include:

The characteristics of the home: square footage, insulation quality, number of doors and windows, orientation of the home, etc. Our furnace installation technicians will offer a J-Load Calculation as a free estimate. The J-Load will determine the size of the furnace and air conditioner.
The type of system is also a factor in cost. Electric furnaces are less expensive and require less labor than natural gas systems.
Both furnaces and air conditioners have efficiency ratings. High-efficiency systems cost more than standard efficiency systems.

Be sure to request a J-Load Calculation from your All Cool Furnace repair technician. The more information you can gather, the more confident you will be in your decision if you need to replace your entire HVAC system.

Trustworthy Furnace Repair: Why All Cool Prioritizes Transparent Pricing

Don’t let a malfunctioning heater leave you in the cold when professional help is just a phone call away. Whether you are dealing with a minor component failure or need a comprehensive system diagnostic, our team provides transparent pricing and dependable furnace repair tailored to your budget. Contact All Cool AC & Heating today to speak with an expert technician and receive an honest quote on your furnace repair needs. Take the guesswork out of your home comfort by calling us at 281-238-9292 to schedule your service.

Call All Cool AC & Heating today at 281-238-9292 to schedule an appointment with our expert furnace repair technicians and ensure your furnace repair is handled quickly and professionally.

December 28, 2025December 28, 2025

What are the Top 5 Signs My Furnace Needs Professional Repair?

The Ultimate Guide to Furnace Repair Indicators

Natural gas is abundant in Texas: twenty-eight percent of the nation’s natural gas supply comes from Texas. With this ready and inexpensive energy source, it is no wonder that 35 percent of Texas residential furnaces are powered by natural gas. The technology that goes into standard furnaces pulls 80-83 percent of energy, while high-efficiency furnaces convert 90-98 percent of energy from natural gas. It is a clean-burning and efficient fuel.

Natural gas furnaces provide a warm, familiar comfort, and they are usually quicker to heat a home than electric heat, even with a lower blower motor speed.

Natural gas furnaces need special care and maintenance to ensure they function well and safe. After all, you are bringing a flammable gas into the home, and the combustion produces exhaust gases that can be deadly. Here are the leading indicators that your natural gas needs furnace repair.

Unusual noises at the beginning of a heating cycle could indicate you need to call for a furnace repair appointment.

A pop with a delayed start. Pilot lights were phased out at the beginning of this century. Newer systems have electric ignition systems. If the ignitor component gets covered in soot, it can be slow to respond to the call for ignition. In the meantime, the valve releases a second or two of extra natural gas. When ignition happens, it creates a mini explosion. The pop is not dangerous, but the concussion can damage the brittle cast iron of the burner assembly. A broken burner is dangerous, so do not ignore this malfunction.
Expanding air ducts. During the heating season, the sheet metal of air ducts will expand and contract gently during and after a heating cycle. If the noise is more than gentle, it generally indicates a restriction of airflow. That might be caused by a closed vent or a clogged air filter. If it is chronic noise, it may result from an oversized system.
Grinding noise. A furnace has very few moving parts, so metal-on-metal grinding can only have one source—the blower motor assembly. Grinding noise might indicate a broken fan, a loose motor mount, or the need for lubrication. This noise is not just annoying; it is the sound of active damage to the system.
When an electrical control mechanism is weak and failing, it can give off a loud buzzing noise. This noise will not go away and is a warning of imminent failure and immediate furnace repair.

How to Spot Inefficiencies and Know When You Need Furnace Repair

The thermostat is the ON/OFF switch for the furnace (and air conditioner). When the temperature drops below the desired temperature setting, a message is sent from the thermostat to the furnace to begin a heating cycle. When the temperature reaches the desired comfort level, the thermostat senses it and sends a message to end the cycle. If the thermostat malfunctions, the messages are not sent properly. This may indicate a failing battery, or the thermostat may require recalibration. The problem will not go away without a solution, so do not ignore it.
Slow or missed heating cycles may also indicate a dirty flame sensor indicator. A furnace system is complex by necessity. When the thermostat calls for heat, the valve opens, releasing gas, and immediately the burner assembly begins producing heat. The blower motor moves the heat (indirectly) into the home, and when the desired temperature is reached, the thermostat ends the heating cycle. The sensors surrounding the burning of natural gas must be precise and efficiently close the gas valve but keep the blower motor running to capture all the available heat. These sensors are susceptible to soot and dirt, and a dirty sensor may result in poor performance.

Don’t Delay Your Essential Furnace Repair

If you’ve noticed unusual popping sounds, grinding noises, or inconsistent heating cycles, your system is trying to tell you something. Ignoring these warning signs doesn’t just lead to higher energy bills—it can compromise the safety of your home and the integrity of your furnace’s most expensive components. Whether it’s a soot-covered ignitor or a failing blower motor, catching these issues early is the key to a warm and worry-free winter. Don’t wait for a total system failure or a safety hazard to develop. Call All Cool AC & Heating today at 281-238-9292 to schedule an appointment with our expert furnace repair technicians and ensure your furnace repair is handled quickly and professionally.

November 26, 2025

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

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!

November 18, 2025

Furnace Maintenance: Detailed Explanation of the Process

How Furnace Maintenance Protects Your Home and Health

This is the time of year to complete a routine checkup for a residential furnace; this is a responsible maintenance step for homeowners. Check-ups ensure that the furnace is prepared to function properly and efficiently all winter long. Maintenance often uncovers a weakening part that might create a breakdown. Maintenance is much preferred to experiencing a breakdown at the most inopportune time during a deep cold snap.

Furnace Maintenance might seem like a slight, even unnecessary, task. To fully appreciate the work provided by trained professionals, it might be useful to know what happens and why the maintenance tasks are important. So, what is involved in furnace maintenance?

There are three types of furnaces used in our region:

Natural gas-powered furnaces
Electric furnaces
Heat pumps

All three types of furnaces use some of the same components. Maintenance will inspect, clean, and test these components to enhance performance and efficiency. These parts include:

Electrical controls. Furnaces employ a complex network of sensors, switches, and control devices that detect temperature, turn various components on and off, and set limits for safe functioning. The current that flows through these control mechanisms ranges from 220 volts to 14 volts; needless to say, it is extremely important to know the difference between electrical currents.
The main ON/OFF switch is called the thermostat, that small control device attached to the wall. Thermostats are usually battery-powered, and the checkup will include changing the batteries.
A network of ducts transports the heated, conditioned air throughout the home and brings it back to the furnace for redistribution. A heater maintenance visit will include a general inspection of the visible ductwork to uncover glaring problems.

Gas-Powered Furnace Maintenance

These furnaces create heat by the combustion of natural gas. Natural gas is both flammable and explosive. Combustion produces both carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Both gases are lethal when introduced to the indoor air. For these reasons, it is vitally important to check the system for safety as well as efficiency.

The ignition system receives an electronic signal, calling for a heating/burning cycle. Old systems used a pilot light. New systems use an electronic ignition system to light the flame. Dirt and soot can interfere with proper ignition, so it needs to be carefully cleaned.
A burner assembly burns the natural gas in a chamber to collect the heat. Another product of the combustion of natural gas is water vapor. When water vapor contacts cast iron, rust will develop. The burner assembly needs to be inspected and cleaned for both safety and efficiency.
The combustion chamber is a heat exchange chamber that transfers the heat to an outer chamber. Rust is corrosive and can create openings in the heat exchanger and exhaust pipe, allowing exhaust to enter the home with disastrous consequences.

Preventive furnace maintenance of natural gas-powered furnaces is very important.

Electric Furnace Maintenance

These furnaces use electrical resistance to create heat. Current passes through a strong heating element and the element gets red hot—about 1,1000 Fahrenheit. Air is passed over the heating elements and blown into the home. Furnace maintenance includes inspection of the elements and controls.

Heat Pump Maintenance

Heat pump furnaces do not create heat; they simply move heat from outdoors. It is the air conditioner in reverse. Instead of moving heat inside the house to the outside, it moves heat from outside the house inside. This will only work efficiently until the outside air drops below 350, when it becomes harder to collect heat from outdoor air. Heat pumps use a heating element system as a backup. Maintenance for a heat pump includes:

Testing the refrigerant gas that makes heat transfer possible.
Cleaning and inspecting the outdoor condenser coil
Cleaning and inspecting the indoor evaporator coil

Boost Performance and Longevity with Regular Furnace Maintenance From All Cool AC & Heating

Don’t risk a breakdown in the freezing cold—ensure your home’s safety and comfort by scheduling your essential furnace maintenance today. The experts at All Cool AC and Heating are ready to inspect your system, enhance its efficiency, and prevent those costly winter surprises. Call All Cool AC & Heating now to book your appointment and prepare for a worry-free winter!

September 29, 2025September 29, 2025

What to Do About an 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.

October 20, 2023

Furnace Maintenance Checklist for this Winter

Furnace Maintenance Tips to Avoid Heater Problems

HVAC professionals always recommend furnace and air conditioner maintenance programs and, since we say it so often, it might sound like background noise to your life. Each day, a massive amount of information clamors for the attention of American homeowners. However, technicians perform a variety of furnace maintenance tasks that are vital to keeping your furnace running strong all year long and for years to come. Furnace Maintenance tasks may include:

Changing the Air Filter

This simple chore is essential since the furnace requires the movement of air: the entire volume of air should move through your furnace about every 2 minutes of a heating cycle. A clogged filter can leave you feeling a little chilly on cold days. It also creates stress on your entire heating system.

Check the Ductwork

Only a portion of the network of ducts will be visible after construction is completed. However, observation of the visible portion can tell us:

How clean or dirty the ducts are. This is mostly an air quality issue.
Potential leaks in the portion that is visible. Repairing any leak that can be observed will improve efficiency and comfort.

Clean the Blower Fan

The amount of dust that collects on moving parts is crazy—how often does the ceiling fan need to be cleaned? The blower motor is a cylindrical fan that is responsible for moving air during heating and cooling cycles. Dust reduces the efficiency of the fan and reduces the amount of air movement.

Check Electronics Thoroughly

A series of sensors measure your indoor environment and send messages to the furnace system. The most noticeable sensor is in the thermostat; it measures air temperature and sends a signal calling for a heating cycle as needed. The thermostat needs to be tested and calibrated as needed. Other sensors are located throughout the system, sensing flame or the presence of smoke or carbon monoxide. These essential sensors need to be cleaned and tested regularly.
Beyond the sensors, a complex network of electrical switches and controllers manage the energy needed to keep occupants warm and comfortable. When one of these components weakens, it creates a cascade of stress on other system components. Simple voltage tests can detect stress or weakness, ensuring a small problem does not develop into a large problem.
Another set of safety controllers prevents damage or injury should a problem create an overload or short-circuit.

Gas System Furnace Maintenance

It is extremely important to regularly inspect your gas supply line and connections to prevent damage, injury, and death.
The gas pressure needs to be checked at the manifold to ensure adequate flow to the burner.
The most delicate part of a gas-powered system is the ignition/pilot light assembly. A pilot light should burn blue, with a hint of yellow at the base. This indicates complete combustion.
A flame sensor can accumulate soot and dust, interfering with burner ignition.
Rust and soot can develop on the pilot light and burner assembly and need to be cleaned away for good performance.
The heat exchanger and flue pipe need to be cleaned and inspected for damage regularly. Rust can weaken the walls of these structures, allowing carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide to leak into the home.

General Observations

Furnace Maintenance inspections will also test furnace function by measuring temperature changes during a heating cycle; these measurements will be taken from various spaces to ensure proper the system is heating efficiently.

Leave Furnace Maintenance and Repair to the Experts!

Schedule your furnace maintenance consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified furnace maintenance and heater repair technicians put their experience to work for you.

October 10, 2023

Why Furnace Repair is Not a DIY Project

Why You Should Leave Furnace Repair to the Experts

Many homeowners are pleased to do small jobs around the house but would not consider tackling projects outside their comfort zone. Other homeowners have a pioneering spirit and a penchant for frugality. They consider new challenges exciting. With a host of tutorial videos and several chains of home improvement centers, their independent, do-it-yourself attitude can push the limits.

Some home improvement projects should be left to professionals and making furnace repairs falls into this category.

Home furnaces are an integral building system that keeps the family comfortable, healthy, and safe. The components are complex, and may include:

Electrical sensors and controls
Refrigerant gas technology, the same gas used during the cooling season, and
Natural gas

There are a multitude of manufacturers, with several generations of innovation, so the chances of finding the right tutorial and the corresponding part for specific repairs are quite slim. So many things can go wrong . . .

Potential Electrical Hazards

The wiring that sends messages between the thermostat and furnace components carries 14 volts. The wiring that activates the heating element carries 220 volts. Other wires carry 120 volts. Someone accidentally contacting any of these wires will be shocked, but one better know the difference, since the resulting shock will be very different.

Accidentally crossing the wires can also develop a fire hazard. There is no substitute for proper training and experience when repairing furnaces.

Potential Gas Hazards

Being prepared to repair any furnace on the market requires familiarity with at least three gases, and rarely will homeowners have the necessary training to handle all three.

Some furnace units use a heat pump component, which utilizes the same refrigerant gas (commonly referred to as Freon) as the air conditioning process. The air conditioning process is reversed, bringing heat from the outside indoors.
Some units use natural gas or propane as fuel to warm a home. Service requires knowledge of gas supply and there can be no mistakes with these explosive gases. A leak is serious, potentially leading to asphyxiation and an explosive fire.
The burners for gas furnaces need careful cleaning and inspection. The ignition source and mixture with oxygen must be precise and getting it right can be extremely frustrating.
Don’t forget the exhaust from burning natural gas. This gas enters a heat exchange chamber, and the radiant heat warms the air which eventually warms the home.

A portion of the exhaust is steam which causes rust to form on the walls of the heat exchanger; the heat exchanger must be inspected regularly. If the exhaust leaks into the home, the colorless, odorless carbon monoxide will asphyxiate occupants.

A video tutorial cannot cover the vocational furnace repair training and years of experience. Call a professional technician to service and repair your furnace this heating season.

Leave Furnace Repair to the Experts!

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

December 15, 2022December 15, 2022

Energy Efficient Heating Tips for Winter

Energy Efficient Heating Tips for Homeowners

When the utility bill arrives, there is often a quick twinge of panic and a desire to find Energy Efficient Heating methods to result in energy lower costs. Oh, and if we could find some Energy Efficient Heating hacks that cost absolutely nothing, that would be even better! Well, hang on, because we have a few real Energy Efficient Heating tips. You might not be able to use them all, but see how many will help.

Energy Efficient Heating: Solar Energy Hacks. The sun delivers 10,000 times more energy to the earth than the amount of energy that people use. If you stand in front of a window on a cold, sunny day and you will appreciate passive solar gain. Capturing a portion of the sun’s energy inside your home will save you money.

Winter sun is low in the sky during the winter and high in the sky in the summer. A low sun pours more sunlight into your home on winter days.
The sun allowed inside warms the flooring, the furniture, and the walls. This energy radiates into the air in your home, raising the temperature by as much as 15⁰ on a sunny day.
Windows are the key to solar gain. New double-paned windows trap heat in the space between glass panes and that costs nothing. Open the drapes and blinds during the day on South-facing windows between 9 am and 3 pm on sunny days. Close the drapes and blinds after the sun sets to reduce the amount of heat escaping into the cold, dark night.

Energy Efficient Heating: Fan Hacks. To maximize solar gain, move the free solar heat with ceiling fans. The wintertime setting for ceiling fans turns the fan in a clockwise rotation; this pulls air up and pushes the warm air toward the outside of the room, and potentially into other areas of the house. Set the fan at the lowest speed and move this air around. Also, use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans sparingly. The air being pulled outside is warm, air—the kind of air you are trying to keep indoors.

Energy Efficient Heating: Thermostat Hacks. The thermostat is a switch that turns the heat on or off based on a pre-determined temperature setting. All but the oldest thermostats are programmable; that is, you can program the switch to change the temperature on a timed schedule. How does that help?

Be slow to switch the heat (or AC) on at the season change. Develop a little tolerance for a cooler temperature setting. Set the temperature at the lowest comfortable setting for your family.
The EPA has demonstrated that if you lower your thermostat setting by 7 to 10 degrees for a minimum of 8 hours, you will save 10% on your heating bill.¹ That does not cost a thing and you enter the scheduled changes only one time.
There are two ideal times to program a reduction in temperature for 8 hours: overnight, while everyone is sleeping, and during the day, while the whole family is away from home. Try a few different schedules to see which works for your family.

Energy Efficient Heating: Appliance Hacks. Some of your household appliances create significant heat for cleaning and cooking. Wash dishes and clothes later in the day to fully appreciate the heat they generate. Exhaust the hot, moist air produced by showers during the summer, but retain it in the winter as much as possible. Cook and bake to your heart’s content on cold days; exhaust only the most disagreeable cooking odors.

Energy Efficient Heating: Maintenance Hacks. Make sure to follow your manufacturer’s user guides concerning regularly scheduled preventative maintenance visits; annual maintenance is usually the guideline. Be sure to change your air filter regularly, at least every three months. These steps keep your HVAC system functioning efficiently and this saves you money.

Have questions about Energy Efficient Heating? We can help!

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

¹ https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/programmable-thermostats#:~:text=Thermostat%20Operation&text=You%20can%20easily%20save%20energy,asleep%20or%20away%20from%20home

December 14, 2022December 14, 2022

Furnace Maintenance: 6 Tips to Energy Savings

Energy Efficiency Requires Furnace Maintenance

Whoa! Energy costs are way up and paying your heating bill this winter is tough, with a capital T! If only there were some low-cost or no-cost options to lower that nagging utility bill. Here are a few things to try:

Make sure you change your air filter regularly. The air filter constantly cleans airborne particles from your home’s indoor air. Air filters tend to be very effective, so the dust builds up rather quickly. However, once the filter is clogged, it restricts airflow. That seems like a small thing, but heating and air conditioning depends upon good airflow.
Speaking of good airflow, check all of the supply vents and return air registers to make sure they are not covered. Occasionally a drape or piece of furniture gets moved and covers the opening.
If you have a fireplace, make sure the damper is closed when not in use. Remember, heat rises and when it is open heat is escaping from your home.
Learn to appreciate solar gain and begin a habit of opening and closing window treatments to heat your home. Opening the drapes and blinds on the south side of your home during sunny days can warm your home by 10⁰ Be sure to close them after the sun goes down since they can prevent heat loss.
Use the existing ceiling fans in your home to enhance your comfort. The wintertime setting for ceiling fans is clockwise; this draws air up and pushes the warm air trapped in the ceiling out and down. For your comfort, keep the fan on the lowest setting.
Pay attention to your thermostat and learn how to program it for energy/cash savings. Newer thermostats are either programmable or have smart capabilities, with a cell phone app to customize your programming. Find agreeable times with your family members to lower the thermostat for several hours. Ideal times for lowering the temp include while everyone is asleep or away at work or school. Reducing the temperature by 6 or 80 for at least eight hours per day will make a discernable dent in your utility bill.

Don’t forget that you are also heating water; check the temperature setting on your hot water heater to make sure it is not set too high.

Whenever possible, take the opportunity to add insulation, caulk, and weather stripping to prevent heat loss.
Schedule a routine preventative Furnace Maintenance visit with an HVAC professional annually. Keeping the system clean and in proper repair will ensure your furnace is functioning at peak efficiency. This does reduce costs as much as possible.

Have questions about Furnace Maintenance? We can help!

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

November 23, 2021

Heater Efficiency: Warming Your Home Naturally

Increase Heater Efficiency By Tapping Natural Resources

As winter approaches days grow shorter and the temperatures will be cooler for a few months: it happens every year like clockwork. However, we have seen the cost of fuels increase at an unexpected clip this year; energy costs for heating are projected to be higher than this time last year. Before an increase in heating causes you to break out into a sweat and your blood pressure rise, let’s look at some Heater Efficiency tips you can implement to make your home more comfortable with little to no cost.

Since it has been a few years since your last Physical Science class, let me remind you of this principle about the physics of energy. Heat always moves towards cold. Scientists will state it differently, but for practical purposes the statement is true. When you remember this principle, consider all of the adjustments you can make to keep your home warmer and to increase your heater efficiency this winter.

Heater Efficiency: Learn How to Keep Your Heat

Since you have already paid to heat your home, it is in your best interest to keep that warmth from moving to the cold outdoors.

Fireplaces lend an atmosphere of warmth and beauty, especially during winter holidays. A fireplace might also come in handy when an ice storm takes out electricity for an extended period. However, unmodified fireplaces are energy hogs and if used day-in and day-out, result in a less comfortable home and high energy costs.
A roaring fire pushes more than 20,000 cubic feet of hot air and gases through the chimney every hour. That air must be replaced, and your home will draw outside (cold) air through every opening available to replace the lost air. The result is cold, drafty rooms away from the fireplace.
If you make your fireplace a normal source of heat, make energy-efficient modifications to keep your home comfortable. Make sure to keep the fireplace flue closed when it is not in use. If open, it is a channel for warm inside air to move to the cold outdoors, the equivalent to leaving a 48” square window open.
Insulation and weather-stripping is the MOST efficient measure to prevent the movement of warm air to the cold outside. You have heard the old adage “warm air rises.” It is true. Do a quick check of your attic insulation with a ruler or tape measure.
Expect 10 to 12” of insulation evenly spread across the surface. If insulation is deficient, adding insulation will improve comfort and efficiency. Make sure that the attic opening is properly sealed.
Improved building materials and techniques result in energy-efficient wall construction, but age and settling can create gaps for air to move freely. Here are some things to inspect:
- Windows and doors can allow air to freely move. Caulk and weather-stripping are quite effective. When you feel a cold draft coming in, know that an equal volume of warm air is leaving the building envelope.
- Put your hand near electrical outlets. If you feel a draft, faceplate insulation is available to reduce the amount of air movement.

Practical Steps to Increase Heater Efficiency

Solar gain is free! Glass is a poor insulator and allows heat to travel from the warm side to the cold side reducing your heater efficiency. Solar gain is radiant energy coming from the sun, even on cold winter days.
- Open the curtains during sunny days on the south side of the house. While the sun appears to move from east to west, it will always shine on the south side during the winter months. Plenty of heat will radiate through the windows, moving inside, even when it is cold. It makes the space cheery and bright. Be sure to protect sensitive materials from UV light.
- Once the sun sets, close curtains and drapes to prevent the warm indoor air from traveling outdoors.
Take note of appliances and activities that warm your home. Appliances that clean typically also generate heat. Adjusting your schedule slightly can contribute warmth at the right time.
Use the clothes washer, dryer, and dishwasher during cold, evening hours and take advantage of the residual heat from these processes. If you prefer not to hear the noise, set a timer to begin cycles as the family is getting ready for bed.
Remember that baking and cooking will contribute substantial heat during the winter months. Plan accordingly, but NEVER use unvented gas appliances as a heat source.
Consider skipping the bathroom exhaust vent during showers to keep warm, moist air indoors instead of sending it outside. Indoor air tends to be drier during the winter months, so that might be a bonus.
Learn to use ceiling fans appropriately for the season to improve heater efficiency. Look for the switch on each ceiling fan that changes the direction of the blades. Which way should it turn? Simply remember—cool down/warm up. Warm air moves up and is trapped near the ceiling. A slow setting with the blades moving in a clockwise motion will pull cold air up and push warm air down.

Need help with improving your heater efficiency?

Let us know how we can help with your furnace and heater efficiency, call AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.