Cooling Crisis? Steps to Take During an AC Emergency

If your AC suddenly stops working correctly, you might not need to call a technician right away. There are several troubleshooting steps you can safely perform to identify and fix simple issues. But if you come across electrical burning smells or visible water leaks, we suggest calling right away. Here’s a quick overview of easy-to-follow steps you can take before scheduling emergency AC repair. Check the Thermostat Settings The first thing you’ll want to check is the thermostat. There’s a chance someone accidentally changed the mode or raised the temperature setting. It must be set to “cool” and on a temperature colder than the room’s current temperature. Or maybe the batteries are dead — replacing them will ensure the thermostat has sufficient power to operate correctly. Look for Tripped Breakers Next, it’s time to check the circuit breaker panel for a tripped breaker. Keeping each breaker labeled with its corresponding appliance or room is the easiest way to quickly identify issues. If you notice the breaker connected to the AC isn’t in the ON position, you’ll need to reset it by switching it fully off and then back on. If it flips again, turn off the AC and call us....

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Should You Upgrade to a High-Efficiency AC?

The industry measures cooling efficiency with the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER2). The Department of Energy (DOE) sets regional SEER2 minimums for manufacturers. Brands also make ACs that outperform those baselines, and those are the high-efficiency models. Let’s explore whether it’s best to choose a standard model or a high-efficiency alternative. Environmental Impact Air conditioning is the number one contributor to the average U.S. household’s annual energy consumption. Choosing a high-efficiency AC will lower your household’s carbon footprint, which is better for the environment. Consider that selecting a 25 SEER2 system over a typical 13 SEER2 AC can reduce energy use by 60% or more. If cost isn’t a factor, you absolutely should choose a high-efficiency AC. That said, budget is a factor for most homeowners. Initial Cost High-efficiency models cost more because they have more sophisticated components. As an example, a typical AC has a blower that runs at a constant speed. A high-efficiency model, on the other hand, often has a variable-speed blower that ramps up and down. The price difference depends on many factors, including the brand and features. Still, you should expect to pay around 50% more as a starting point. Energy Incentives The average U.S....

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2025 HVAC Rebates for Texas Homeowners

Installing a new HVAC system is a significant investment. Thankfully, you can offset some of the costs with rebates. This year offers many opportunities for Texas homeowners to take advantage of rebates and tax credits. in San Antonio, TX wants to help our customers learn about the available rebates. The Inflation Reduction Act The Inflation Reduction Act, launched in 2022, introduced federal tax credits for making energy-efficient home improvements. The US government extended the act until 2032. You can claim up to 30% of your project cost with a cap of $2,000 for a new heat pump and up to $1,200 for other energy-efficient upgrades. This year, the eligibility requirements have been updated. To qualify, the installed heat pump must be ENERGY STAR rated as most efficient. You may be eligible for the tax credit for heating-dominated, cooling-dominated, or dual-fuel systems. State-Level Incentive Programs Texas homeowners can benefit from federal incentives and state-level programs. The Texas State Energy Conservation Office will launch two rebate programs in mid-2025. The state set aside $690 million for the program. HOMES Rebate Program The HOMES Rebate Program is a performance-based program that focuses on whole-house energy savings through retrofits that help achieve a measured...

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Using UV Lights to Improve HVAC Systems and Your Health

There are several indoor air quality issues that you may experience in your San Antonio, TX home. In addition to particulate matter like dust and pollen, your indoor air may contain different types of bacteria and viruses as well. Mold may even be present, which can be very dangerous for your health. There are several methods you can use to improve the quality of your indoor air. This includes UV light technology, which can protect your health as well as your HVAC system. What Is a UV Light? You probably know about UV rays coming from the sun. The types of UV rays that come from the sun are UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. UV-C functions on wavelengths between 100 and 280 nanometers. It can be very damaging to anything that is living when exposed to it in high enough doses. You can have a UV light installed onto your HVAC system to address any microorganisms that are present in your indoor air. As germs pass through this light, they will be damaged at a cellular level. This makes them harmless to the human body. Therefore, these germs can’t make you sick any longer. This is a great feature for the...

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The Hidden Costs of Neglecting HVAC Maintenance

Your HVAC system is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, but it’s also one of the easiest to ignore—until something goes wrong. Skipping regular maintenance might seem harmless, but over time, small issues can turn into expensive repairs. When your filters are packed with dust, your coils are covered in grime, and parts start wearing out, your system doesn’t just struggle—it slowly loses its efficiency. Next thing you know, your AC quits on the hottest day of the year, or your heat gives out just when you need it most. That’s why at in San Antonio, TX, we stress the importance of routine HVAC care to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently. Small Issues Lead to Big Repairs Your HVAC system is a workhorse, running almost daily to keep your home comfortable. But like any machine, wear and tear add up over time. A dirty air filter might not seem like a big deal, but when air can’t flow properly, your system has to work harder. That extra strain can lead to overheating or even cause components to burn out faster than they should. A worn-out belt might seem minor, but if left unchecked, it could trigger...

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The Importance of Testing for Carbon Monoxide Leaks During the Winter

Although you’ve almost certainly heard how dangerous carbon monoxide can be, you might not know that there is an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced when carbon-containing fuels such as gasoline, natural gas, wood, or charcoal burn incompletely due to a lack of oxygen. It’s often emitted by things like combustion engines and incinerators, but it can also be produced by a faulty HVAC system. It is fatal in large doses, and since it’s both colorless and odorless, it is often known as the “silent killer.” Having carbon monoxide detectors in your home will help protect you and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning, but you should also have your home regularly tested for carbon monoxide leaks by an AC and furnace service professional. Here are a couple of reasons why this should be done during the winter or before the winter. Relying More on Your Furnace and Other Appliances It gets cold during the winter even in San Antonio, and it stands to reason that you’re more likely to rely on your furnace to keep warm in your home. This is all well and good if...

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How to Reduce Heating Costs During San Antonio’s Mild Winters

Winters in San Antonio, TX, can often be mild when compared with other snowier parts of the country. For those cold snaps where temperatures drop, residents of Alamo City rely on heating systems that keep their homes comfortable. However, rising energy costs can make it challenging to maintain that warmth without overspending. Fortunately, with a few strategic moves, you can reduce your heating bills while keeping your home cozy. Let’s explore 8 practical tips to help you save money this winter without sacrificing comfort. 1. Automatically Adjust Your Temperature If you don’t already have one, consider investing in a programmable or smart thermostat. These modern devices eliminate the need for manual adjustments, consistently maintaining your desired temperature and allowing for easy scheduling. The Department of Energy estimates that most households can save over 10% on heating costs annually by programming their thermostats. It recommends lowering your temperature by 7-10 degrees for at least eight hours a day. Ideal times to turn down your thermostat include overnight while your family sleeps and during the day when everyone is at work or school. If your system is zoned, take full advantage of this feature. Zoned HVAC systems let you set independent temperatures...

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Furnace Pressure Switches Explained: Learn the Basics

The furnace pressure switch ensures your heating system runs safely and effectively. Without it, harmful gases like carbon monoxide could linger instead of being expelled properly. If you’ve ever wondered what keeps your furnace in check or what might be causing it to shut down unexpectedly, the pressure switch is often at the heart of it. What Is a Furnace Pressure Switch? A furnace pressure switch is a small but critical component in modern heating systems. Its principal function is to serve as a safety device. The pressure switch, located near the draft inducer motor, checks the airflow through the system to ensure the furnace’s opening system is working properly. If the pressure switch detects inadequate airflow or an obstruction, it shuts off the system to avoid dangerous operation. This mechanism is fundamental because your furnace relies on proper venting to remove harmful gases like carbon monoxide. Without a functioning pressure switch, these gases could linger in your home, creating a serious safety hazard. The pressure switch is also important for the safety of your family and the life of your heating system because it keeps the furnace’s parts from getting damaged by poor airflow. How Does a Furnace Pressure...

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Why You Need a Professional for Heat Pump Installation

Upgrading your home’s heating system to a heat pump is a great choice for energy efficiency and environmental reasons. Heat pumps provide heating and cooling, making them a great choice for year-round comfort. When choosing a new heat pump system, hiring a professional HVAC technician is imperative to ensure your new system is installed safely, reliably, and efficiently. What Is a Heat Pump? Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling using natural resources to curb energy consumption. During the winter months, your heat pump pulls cold air out of your home, replacing it with heat drawn from the ground and created during the system’s operation. In the summer, the heat pump pulls hot air out of the house and replaces it with cold air drawn from the ground, which is created using refrigerant. Heat pump systems consist of an outdoor unit that connects to the indoor fan unit. Specialized Knowledge and Skills Our trained technicians know all about heat pumps, how they work, and how to install them best. This knowledge ensures that your new pump fits your home comfort needs and is precisely placed, securely connected, and safe for home heating and cooling. Without this advanced knowledge, you could...

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Top 8 Advantages of Hiring a NATE-Certified HVAC Technician

NATE stands for North American Technical Excellence. It’s a nonprofit trade organization that sets standards for the HVAC industry. That includes technicians who specialize in residential and commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. The organization also educates, trains, coaches, and certifies technicians. Statistics show that technicians with NATE certification remain in the industry longer and are more likely to be successful in their careers. 1. Certification of an HVAC Company Achieving and maintaining NATE certification is neither simple nor inexpensive. Despite that, most HVAC contractors prefer NATE-certified technicians. Many contractors are even willing to help new hires achieve certification as a part of their onboarding. The investment is well worth it. It gives customers peace of mind. NATE certification results in lower turnover and technician-related losses. It can facilitate achieving and maintaining other certifications. Certification can also make it easier to get more robust coverage and insurance premium discounts. 2. Many Manufacturers Require NATE Certification Manufacturers don’t have direct control over who installs and services their systems. They do often exert some control by incentivizing you to choose certain technicians. One way they do this is through tiered warranties. If you purchase a Trane system, for instance, you won’t...

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