How to Control Static Electricity in a Home

Static electricity is a buildup of an electrical charge on an object such as a doorknob. When you touch that knob, an imbalance is created. The electrons jump from the object to your hand and deliver the unpleasant sensation we commonly refer to as static shock. On an occasional basis, this static is a nuisance, but frequent instances can affect the quality of your home life. Controlling Humidity Levels When the air in your home is dry, the buildup of static in a fixed location has nowhere to go. Air is dryer during winter, which is why static is more common during the colder months. The best solution to this is a humidifier. While a portable humidifier is viable, recommends whole-home humidifiers. These units distribute moisture throughout the home rather than just to specific zones. They also help improve indoor air quality and make your heating system run more efficiently. Careful Use of Houseplants offers many heating and cooling services throughout San Antonio and beyond. But not all solutions for static electricity have to be technology-based. Houseplants are mother nature’s humidifier. However, be careful not to overuse them or over-water them, which can lead to mold. Anti-Static Treatments Friction can...

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The Top Benefits of Product Warranties

A warranty can guarantee that a manufacturer will repair its product if it malfunctions within a stipulated time period. The duration depends on the product. Common warranties offered to buyers include coverage of 12 months, two years, and even the lifetime of the product. Even with the quality tests that manufacturers make on their products, there is still a chance that a mishap may happen. This is when a warranty comes in handy. At of San Antonio, we believe that warranties for HVAC systems have numerous benefits. Build Customer Trust in the Product Warranties give customers a sense of quality assurance that a product will work within a given timeframe. For instance, a system with a two-year warranty shows that the manufacturer is confident enough in their product to guarantee it for that length of time. This generates consumer trust. However, a product without a warranty doesn’t have that guarantee, so if a repair is needed, the consumer will be entirely responsible for the cost. Minimal Repair Costs Since HVAC warranties require that the manufacturer covers some, if not all, the cost of the repairs, there won’t be any need for you to spend hundreds of dollars when a repair...

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5 Questions to Choose the Right HVAC Contractor

You know you need to get your HVAC serviced, but how do you choose the right person for the job? Whether you’re scheduling an annual tune-up or in need of a repair, finding the right professional can be a challenge. If you don’t know how to pick the best company from the bunch, consider these five questions. Asking each one of these questions as you research your options will make it easier to figure out a company’s qualifications, services, and expertise. 1. Are They Licensed? The last thing you want is to hire an HVAC company that doesn’t have a license to operate. There are many small businesses that may do good work, but they do not have the official documentation required by the state. You can look up HVAC contractor license requirements in your state online, then compare the qualifications to potential professionals on their site or through a phone call. Additional certifications can help you be confident that the technicians working on your HVAC are qualified and up to date on industry knowledge. At , we employ skilled professionals who have both NATE and NCI certification. 2. Are They Insured? HVAC insurance protects both your home and the...

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Importance of Indoor Air Quality

When it starts to get cold outside, it’s time to keep the windows and doors of your home closed. At in San Antonio, TX, we understand that poor ventilation can cause air quality issues in your building. That’s why we’re ready to provide solutions. Having a clean furnace is important, so we offer comprehensive installation, repair, and maintenance services to ensure the air that comes out of your ducts is clean. We can also clean out your duct system and remove dirt and debris. As part of our commitment to our customers, we can offer advice on different options for air filters and purifiers. Steps Individuals Can Take There are many different ways that you could improve the air quality in your building during the cold winter months. Our professional services could reduce the particulates that you breathe so that you can have peace of mind. Our high level of experience allows us to personalize all of the services we offer. One of our professional technicians could: Install humidifiers or dehumidifiers Add additional air filters Seal leaks Install UV lights Adding living plants to your building could also help clean the air that you’re breathing. If you’ve discovered mold in...

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The Basics of Identifying Air Leaks in Your Home

The best way to beef up your home’s energy efficiency is to conduct a thorough check for air leaks. While it’s virtually impossible to cut off all sources of airflow between the outdoors and your home, you should try to seal off as many air leaks as possible. Here are three ways to identify air leaks in your home. 1. Look to Exterior Doors Without Weatherstrips or Tight Fits Your exterior doors will always allow air to come in from the outdoors. However, one good way to reduce the amount of air leakage around doors is to install weatherstrips and get better-fitting doors. 2. Hold a Lighter to Windows Windows are one of the most common sources of air leaks in homes around the San Antonio, Texas, area. A surefire way to identify air leaks in your home’s windows is to hold a lighter, match, or another flame to the seals around the edges of your windows. To get accurate readings, make sure all fans are off, as well as your home’s HVAC system. Next, simply hold the flame to the places where the window frames meet the walls. Carry the flame all the way around the frame for each...

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Ways to Lower Your Winter Heating Bills

Winter heating bills can be a strain on your budget even though they are a necessary expense. To save money on heating your home, your furnace needs to run less frequently and more efficiently. Here are some tips that will keep your house warm at a lower price. Upgrade Your Thermostat A modern thermostat can reduce your heating bill by as much as 20%. New smart thermostats can be programmed to keep your house comfortable when people are home and cooler when it is empty. Some thermostats can even learn your heating habits over time, giving you that much more control over your costs. When the furnace is off an extra 10 minutes each day, you will have over an hour of savings every week. Seal Your Home Cracks and gaps allow cold air to creep into your home, forcing your heating system to work harder. As the heating season begins, you will want to search your home for any drafty places. Fill the leaks you find around doors or windows. Use a draft stopper at the bottom of your doors, especially those that are not used frequently. If you are able to take on a larger project, adding insulation...

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Choosing the Best Heating Company

If you’ve moved into a new home or are seeking an alternative to your current HVAC contractor, then there are a lot of options out there. Choosing the best heating company for your circumstances may seem a bit daunting at times. With that in mind, here are some points to consider that can make this process simpler and more streamlined. Make Your Choice Based on Long-Term Results You’ll always need to keep your property comfortable. Therefore, it makes sense to find a company that can guarantee long-term satisfaction. At in San Antonio, we not only install heating equipment, but we can also service and maintain it. Our company can be there for you throughout the life of your heating system to ensure excellent value over the long-term. Our crew can also assist with energy efficiency and indoor air quality in order to help you maximize your heating investment. The Qualities of a Good Heating Company A company that wants to earn your business will: Come prepared Be respectful and professional Offer free estimates for installations Have the proper licenses and certifications The Value of Being Experienced and Established Look for an HVAC company that offers experience. How long a company...

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How Often Are Heating System Replacements Needed?

While you may have a good idea of when you are supposed to replace other equipment in your house, knowing when it’s time for a new heating system may be more difficult. This lack of information stems from the fact that these systems are complicated. In addition to that, they vary in quality and may have different lifespans depending on the specific unit. Usually, the manufacturer will tell you how long they will last, but that is based on their assessment and not the conditions in your house. Heating Equipment Reliability and Maintenance Regardless of the make or model, all heating systems require annual maintenance. During maintenance, all parts are checked to ensure that they are working optimally. Usually, a system that is functioning optimally will last longer than a unit that is working harder than it needs to. With annual maintenance, you can expect a quality heating system to last anywhere from 10-20 years. Handling Repair Needs Extends the Life of Your System Another factor that is likely to affect heating system durability is the usage. Some people do not repair their systems when they show signs of breaking down. For instance, as long as the house is warm,...

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Finding the Best Heating System for Your Home

Heating your house, especially during the coldest months of the year, is essential. To be sure of the best heating, you have to buy the right systems. There are many systems available, but you need to be sure of what they can do. If you have decided to replace your home heating unit, consider these factors when buying a new one. Choose an Energy-Efficient Heating System Getting a heating system is not only about making your home warm and cozy. It’s also important to ensure that as you enjoy the warmth, you also keep energy costs low. It will not be a good idea to spend more than you should on these systems when other options can help you pay less over time. Always check the energy rating to know if the system you are thinking about buying is the right fit for your home and budget. Compatibility With Your Home Connections Unless you are considering a total overhaul, you should look for a system that is compatible with your existing home connections. Maybe you want to use your old air duct with the new installation or you want to connect it to the old energy supply. If you do...

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Warning Signs You Need Furnace Repair

Typically, furnaces are able to last for many years and require only minimal maintenance. Nevertheless, there may come times when your furnace needs to be repaired in order for it to continue operating safely and efficiently. Below, we’ll take a look at a few warning signs to watch for that indicate your furnace needs repairs. Increased Heating Bills If you notice that your heating bill has increased by a significant amount for no explainable reason, it may be that your furnace is no longer operating efficiently and needs to be repaired or replaced. Having a furnace that drives up your heating bill is a sign that your furnace may have serious problems. Repairs may be able to fix it, but an abnormally high heating bill often indicates that your furnace needs to be replaced. Noises Coming From Your Furnace If your furnace is squeaking or making popping noises, it could be that the furnace is damaged and needs to be repaired. Pay careful attention to any unusual sounds that your furnace makes and be sure to have it checked out if it is making noises. The Furnace is Blowing Cold Air If you feel cold air coming off of your...

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