How to Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

The HVAC system in your San Antonio home uses a considerable amount of energy to keep it comfortable. In fact, heating and cooling generally use the largest amount of electricity compared to appliances, lighting and other electrical items in homes. You can make your home more energy-efficient with some HVAC tips. Change Your Air Filter Regularly Leaving your air filter in your HVAC system for months at a time means that it gets dirty and affects airflow. This causes your HVAC system to come on more often and work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Replacing the air filter every few months or more often helps your HVAC system work more efficiently. You should check it once a month and change it if you have pets in your home since it’s likely to be covered with pet dander, along with dust and other debris. Install a New Thermostat If you still have a manual thermostat, you can make your home more energy-efficient by replacing it with a smart or programmable one. With these thermostats, you don’t have to remember to adjust the temperature settings, such as at night or before you leave the house for the day....

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Does Rain Damage My Heating System Over Time?

If you live in San Antonio, TX then you know it doesn’t rain that much. In fact, it rains less than half of what the rest of the nation experiences on average in precipitation. But like the saying goes: when it rains, it pours. Can that rain damage your heating system over time? Here’s what you should know about the rain and your heating system. The Impact of Rain on Your Heating System The rain comes and the rain goes in San Antonio, Texas. Averaging about 40 inches per year, can that rain over time negatively affect your HVAC system? Generally speaking: no. HVAC systems today are designed to withstand rain and other environmental conditions. Older units installed in older homes, however, were not as well-designed and as well-built to withstand rainfall over time. That said, if these heating systems are that old, it’s probably time to upgrade to a newer system anyway. On the other hand, rain can actually be good. The rain can cool the coils of the HVAC system and wash away the dirt that collects there. That said, rain is not unproblematic. The Impact of Rain-related Weather on Your Heating System Though the rain itself may...

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What Does it Mean to be a Factory Authorized Dealer?

For many professions, it is a necessity for corporations to obtain certification from a reputable organization. This reputable organization may be a major manufacturer, environmental protection agency, or even a government agency. Certification tells consumers that the organization is compliant with national standards. Accordingly, consumers tend to expect high-quality products and services from companies with a certification. In the HVAC industry, many businesses are striving to achieve the Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer designation. Dealers with this designation are permitted to use the “Authorized Dealer” logo on their websites and advertisements. Despite how difficult it is to achieve this designation, many consumers are not aware of what it means to be a factory authorized dealer. Here is some information about what it means to be a factory authorized dealer. Who Can Get this Certification? In the United States, there are thousands of HVAC companies. However, of these companies, only five percent are factory-authorized. In order to become factory-authorized, HVAC contractors and dealers who sell HVAC equipment need to meet the strict requirements established by Bryant Corporation, which is an industry leader in cooling and heating solutions. The requirements for the factory authorized dealer designation are as follows: Professional Competence The company...

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Do I Need an Air Cleaner?

If you have found yourself on this page, you are probably asking yourself questions like: Do I require an air cleaner? Is an air cleaner worth it? Do air purifiers actually work? Most people find themselves in a dilemma when it comes to purchasing an air cleaner. However, taking time to know its importance can help you make an informed decision. Does an Air Cleaner Work? Before buying an air cleaner for your home, it is best to know if air purifiers really work. Did you know that the air quality in most homes is five times more polluted compared to the air outside? Well, this is true, and the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States has even confirmed it. The common causes of this pollution are poor ventilation, bacteria, allergens, mold spores, and chemicals in household cleaners. Air cleaners/purifiers are usually fitted with a HEPA filter that sucks and traps 99.97% of particles that are as tiny as 0.3 microns (this includes many bacteria, most allergens, and some viruses). Other purifiers are fitted with an Ionic generator that emits negatively charged ions that can strike toxins from the air. No matter what kind of air cleaner you purchase,...

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Is an Annual AC Tune-Up Really Necessary?

Just like any machine or mechanical system, air conditioning units require regular maintenance to ensure optimal functioning and a long life. Your San Antonio air conditioning and HVAC system expert MD Air Conditioning and Heating Inc. is here to provide AC repair, replacement, and regular maintenance as conditions warrant. Air conditioning systems contain interrelated parts and components that must all work together for optimal functioning of the unit. If even one of these components begins to falter or fail, it can affect the functioning of the entire system. That’s what makes regular maintenance in the form of an annual AC tune-up so important. AC components that undergo the most wear and tear (and require the most attention) include: Air Conditioner Filters Monitoring and replacing air conditioner filters are the most important maintenance step for air conditioning units. Dirty or clogged filters reduce airflow and efficiency. While some filters are reusable, others require replacement. In periods of high use, the filter may need to be addressed every one to two months. Air Conditioner Coils The condenser coil and evaporator coil of the air conditioner unit also collect dirt over time. While regular filter maintenance keeps these areas clean, eventually it will...

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The Different Careers in HVAC

If you are looking at career options, you can’t go wrong with HVAC. Jobs in this industry are currently in very high demand and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in this sector are expected to grow 15 percent between 2016-2026, a much faster than average rate. People interested in HVAC careers can consider the following options: Technician HVAC technicians do installations, troubleshooting, repairs, and inspections. As a part of their duties, HVAC techs also read and interpret blueprints for heating and cooling systems so they can perform installations and do the proper hookups to various components, such as air ducts and water lines. The tech job can encompass all aspects of HVAC installation and maintenance or workers may perform in specialized areas of HVAC. Engineer Career seekers interested in math, science, and design may find their destiny in creating and upgrading heating and cooling systems. HVAC engineers determine how systems are designed and may assist customers in finding HVAC solutions for their businesses or homes. CAD software knowledge is typically required. Pipefitter Pipefitters perform a variety of tasks in their daily routines. They work with pipes made of...

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How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

You might not think too much about the air you’re breathing inside your home, but it can seriously affect your health. Having poor air quality indoors can increase your risk of having health issues, especially if you have asthma or allergies. You can improve the indoor air quality in your San Antonio home by doing one or more of the following: Keep Humidity Under Control Having high humidity in your home can lead to mold growth, especially in dark, damp areas. Since some types of mold can cause severe health problems, it’s important to reduce the risk of mold growth. Having low humidity in your home makes the air too dry, which can cause you to have sinus problems and irritated, cracked skin. Keeping the humidity in your home at a healthy level prevents these problems from occurring. You can do this by running a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed and using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens. Get an Air Filter An air filtration system offers a convenient way to keep the air inside your home as clean as possible on an ongoing basis. These systems help get rid of pollutants and small particles that can build up inside...

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How Do I Know If My AC Needs Repair?

It is not difficult to know if your air conditioning unit requires maintenance, but sometimes inexperienced and inexpert individuals might wonder whether the system is in excellent condition or not. Although some homeowners might notice that their unit is showing signs of repair, they may not know who to contact to help them fix the issue before it gets worse. Keep in mind that you will need your air conditioner to keep your house cool throughout the summer. With regular servicing, your system is expected to function efficiently, but in case your unit shows signs of inefficiency, then it might need urgent repair. Here are some of the warning signs that will help you understand when it’s time to contact an AC professional. Poor Air Flow In case you notice poor air flow throughout your air conditioner unit vents, then, your system’s compressor may be having issues. When you also notice that some rooms in your house become warmer than others, then your ductwork could be experiencing problems. Over time, dust gets stuck in your AC vents. This not only obstructs the airflow but also presents health issues to your family. So, having your AC ducts cleaned restores the air...

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How To Reduce Energy Costs On Aging AC Units

It is important to understand that ACs, lose their efficiency with age. AC units that have been used for over ten years accumulate wear and tear that makes it difficult for them to function. To save on energy costs, consider the following: Do You Need To Replace Your AC units? With proper maintenance, AC units can last up to 20 years. If your system has been in use for more than ten years, you can use a high-efficiency system with Energy Star rating. It will be able to save you up to 20% yearly. However, if you have maintained your AC unit properly over the years, you can just do preventive maintenance and keep using it. Ducts And Filters Your AC units require well-functioning ducts and filters especially when they are old and their functioning is compromised. Any leaks in the duct can result in increased energy costs. Make sure that you have your ducts and filters checked regularly. Filters should be changed at least once every year.it is always a good idea to change them during spring or fall. Use A Ceiling Fan Even though ceiling fans do not really cool a room, they make it chill enough to...

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Are Expensive Air Conditioning Filters Worth It?

Air conditioning filters are essential in filtering out dust, mold spores, fine dirt particles and bacteria and viruses. Dirt particles and particulates can jam up the ac system choking off the airflow leading to a decreased lifespan of the blower motor and expensive repairs. Your family’s health can be adversely affected by airborne pet dander, smoke, and contaminants especially for those with severe allergies, respiratory illnesses, asthma and hay fever. High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) air conditioning filters are more expensive than disposable spun fiberglass filters but are much more efficient at trapping those airborne entities which can make you and your family ill. HEPA Filters are More Expensive but Worth it Air filters remove various sized particles and particulates before the air flows through the blower and into the home. HEPA filters filter out fine particles and usually are free of maintenance twice as long as cheaper filters which only last for a few months. HEPA filters have a much higher minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) which means they are much more efficient at filtering particles with each pass through the system. For example, inexpensive spun fiberglass air conditioning filters have a MERV rating of from 1 to 4...

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