Air Conditioning Service

Tips to Save on Energy Costs

If you are looking for ways to lower your monthly energy bills, the following tips will go a long way in assisting you to reduce the energy usage in your home.

Use Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)

CFLs use 70-80 percent less electricity than traditional light bulbs and last 10-20 times longer than incandescent light bulbs. The only drawback to CFLs is that they contain a small amount of mercury and must be disposed of appropriately as you would some batteries and other items requiring special disposal.

LED Lighting

LED is the latest in lighting and is often the first choice for light fixtures that are difficult to reach. Whereas CFLs are 4 times more energy efficient than a standard 60 watt incandescent bulb, LEDs are ten times more energy efficient than the incandescent bulb. LED lighting has the advantage of providing brighter light and will outlast incandescent bulbs as well as CFL’s. An incandescent bulb will last around 1,000 hours, CFLs will last 8,000 to 10,000 hours, but the LED light bulb lasts from 30,000 to 50,000 hours.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimated that if the entire US exclusively used LED lighting over the next two decades, this could result in the cost of energy savings of a whopping $120 billion, while “reducing our electricity consumption for lighting by a quarter and reduce carbon emissions by 246 metric tons.”

The drawback to LEDs is first their cost, and the starkness of the light provided. In addition, LEDs don’t burn out in the same manner of other bulbs, they grow dimmer over time.

Turn Off Appliances and Lights

Turning off appliances when they are not in use can add up to energy savings. This includes small appliances, televisions and computers. Standby power usage of small appliances is eliminated when they are turned off.

Shutting off lights in unoccupied rooms can save on your power bill. To save even more open curtains and use natural sunlight rather than electric lights. In the winter time sunlight can reduce the amount heating needs to run.

For summer time savings e-film can prevent the suns heating up your home through windows, and cut down by up to 99% the amount of UV light entering your home.

Use the Microwave and a Toaster Oven

Cooking a single casserole dish that will fit into a microwave oven or toaster oven can save big on the energy bill. Save the big oven for when you are cooking multiple dishes.

Seal the Envelope

If your windows are allowing cold air to enter, caulk and seal them. For older windows with little or no insulating properties either replace them with energy star windows, or, if new windows aren’t in the budget, seal them with clear plastic film. Sunlight can still enter, but drafts will not.

Seal Cracks and Holes

The amount of energy lost through cracks and holes can be enormous as this causes your HVAC system to work harder to compensate.

• Check ductwork for loose tape, loose pipes and missing insulation.
• Seal around plumbing and cables that intrude through the floor or wall with expanding foam. • Inspect around exterior doors for missing or damaged gaskets and replace if necessary.
• When a fireplace is not in use close the flue. Don’t forget to have your chimney inspected and cleaned before winter begins!
• Energy Star Appliances. If you are purchasing new appliances choose Energy Star for the most energy efficient models available.
• Upgrade inadequate insulation. Significant heat loss during the winter and heat gain in the summer can occur due to insufficient insulation. While upgrading walls and floors can be a big job, in most houses, upgrading the attic insulation is a feasible DIY job that will save big. Recommendations have been updated and vary from R-30 to R-60. Online guides at www.energystar.gov can assist you in determining the amount recommended for the region in which you live.
• Use Low Flow Plumbing Fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom to save on water usage.
• Upgrade heating and air conditioning systems with Energy Star certified for the most savings. If your system is 10 years old or older or breaks down frequently, it is likely time for a new one. An Energy Star qualified system can provide energy tax credits for even larger savings.
• Renewable Energy is another means of saving money. An increased number of people each year are going with renewable energy alternatives. Many experts recommend choosing a geothermal energy system as the most cost effective and longest lasting HVAC system, if it is in the budget. The geothermal system while costing more initially will quickly pay for itself and outlasts any other.

Depending upon the area of the country that you live in, solar energy may be a beneficial energy alternative for your home. Passive solar offers assistance if not a solution and many uses of passive solar are inexpensive. They include using skylights to obtain lighting and heat and can utilize a shutter or shade to prevent heat gain in the summer. Window tinting can provide light while blocking heat as well. Other simple uses of passive solar are for example, dark colored rugs used to capture the suns heat in front of windows on sunny winter days.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s certified professionals provide reliable and expert service and repair, as well as heating and air conditioning installation in the Katy/Fort Worth areas. Your comfort is our number one goal.

Heating and Air Conditioning

Choosing a Generator for Power Outages

Until we experience an extended power outage most of us tend to take electricity for granted. A storm can interrupt our power supply for hours or even weeks in some cases. A home generator is more than just a convenience when extended power failures occur. Not only does a generator potentially power basics such as lights, refrigerator, freezer and alarm systems, but they can potentially power air conditioning and heat.

With the increased number of natural disasters and severe weather occurring in the U. S., an increasing number of homeowners are choosing to be prepared for potential power outages with the purchase of a generator.

Once you make the decision to purchase a generator, your decision will include the following factors:

• Your budget for a generator
• The size of generator needed
• Type of generator to be purchased
• The type of fuel that will power the generator
• Generator safety and security
• Size of the fuel tank

Generator sizes vary greatly, from being so small they will only operate a fan to whole house generators that connect to your homes power enabling your home to operate as usual.

There are two types of generators, portable and standby generators, and the differences in the two are large.

Portable Generators

The first consideration in choosing a generator is going to be your budget. Many homeowners opt for generators under $1,500. These are portable generators and provide limited but can provide essential service. Cost is directly related to the amount of power output.

When using a portable generator you must plug appliances into a subpanel located on the generator. A portable generator limits the number of appliances that you can plug in, with the majority having only 2-4 power outlets, and requires heavy duty extension cords leading from the appliance to the generator. You will also have to start the generator and refill it with fuel on a regular basis. On the plus side a portable generator doesn’t require an electrician to install the subpanel and costs considerably less than standby generators.

The generator should be located on a level surface outside, at least 12 ft. from the house. Don’t locate it under canopies, porches or carports, or inside the house or garage. It’s absolutely essential that the generator is located outside your home and especially away from doors and windows—your life could depend on it! Every year people die from carbon monoxide poisoning from gas or diesel fueled engines and this is due to improper location.

Most portable generators operate on gasoline or diesel fuel. They are located outside of your home and should not under any circumstances ever be operated within the home. The exhaust contains carbon monoxide and will quickly fill your home with this deadly gas. Operate only outside the home and away from any vents or any other means of the exhaust fumes entering the home. This includes doors or windows left slightly open to accommodate heavy duty extension cords leading to your appliances.

Determining the Size Generator You Need

First, estimate your power needs before shopping for a generator. Look for a label on each appliance that you want to power during an electrical outage. Labels may be located inside of the door on appliances or on the back of the appliance next to the wall.

Write down the item and how much wattage it uses according to the label. Include essential items such as refrigerators, freezers, and a well pump if you depend upon one for water and a sump pump if your basement could flood. Don’t forget to include necessary medical equipment for occupants requiring it such as oxygen concentrators. By using a microwave you can avoid the use of an oven. You can most likely get by without an air conditioner which requires a much bigger generator.

If you have a family member with heart or lung problems having an air conditioner is essential during hot weather and you may want to consider keeping a small window air conditioner for this person’s bedroom in the event of a power outage in the summer.

Once your list is complete, add the wattages of all appliances together, then multiply the number by 1.5. The extra wattage is needed by an appliance to startup. The resulting total will be the minimum wattage your generator will need.

Kohler offers a handy generator sizing calculator for a ball park figure of your generating requirements with the following link. It is important to realize this calculator is not a guarantee of the appropriate size which is best determined by professionals based upon your energy usage and the number, as well as type and age of appliances in the home.

By selecting the appropriate size generator you will avoid system shutdowns due to overloads. Overloads can damage appliances and will ensure the best performance and a longer service life of the generator. One example of an overload is by plugging in an appliance pulling higher wattage than the generator is manufactured to provide. It may result in tripped breakers on the generator and damaged appliances. Extension cords also must be of appropriate gauges; generally a minimum of 14 gauge minimum is required. Consult your generators manual for exact needs. The extension cords tag should list maximum wattage, and like any other overload, a cord that is overloaded can overheat and cause a fire.

The size of the fuel tank will affect how long a portable generator can operate before refueling is needed. Safe operation requires the generator be turned off and allowed to cool down before refueling. Smaller tanks may only run for a few hours, while larger tanks in general allow up to 10 hours of operation before refueling.

Finally, you must consider that a portable generator sitting outside is easily stolen. Chains have no resistance to bolt cutters and determined thieves.

Stand By Generators

Stand by generators start automatically during power outages and are powered by natural gas or propane. They are also often called “whole-house generators”. Prices vary dependent upon your region but can begin as low as $5,000 with installation.

This is the preferred choice if you frequently lose electricity such as in remote locations, extreme winter weather frequency and hurricane prone regions. Most standby generators are powerful enough to run a central air conditioner, kitchen appliances and other appliances simultaneously. They’re operation is quieter than portable generators and doesn’t require running cords or storing fuel in containers.

Propane generators will require a propane tank to be rented or purchased and located within your yard. The size of the tank will determine the length of operation provided before having the tank refilled.

Natural gas generators will run on a supply provided by your community natural gas supplier and is the most interruption free fuel supply to use. With any stand by generator you’ll need to have the generator, transfer switch and subpanel installed by a licensed and certified professional.

Cost of purchase and installation is the reason why many home owners choose a portable generator to operate necessary appliances only. The convenience and the ability of the standby generator to automatically switch to generator power in outages are the most frequent reasons for homeowners to choose the stand by generator when the budget allows.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning wants to ensure your family’s comfort and safety and provides this article as a courtesy to those who are considering the purchase of a generator. When you have made your decision to purchase a generator please make your requests to the home center retailer, authorized dealer or manufacturer, to obtain a list of licensed, certified and authorized professional installers of your new generator product in your area.

Heating and Air Conditioning

Preventing the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Preventative Maintenance and Safety First

Having a bi-annual inspection performed on your heating and air conditioning system will not only extend the units service life, save energy by maintaining peak performance, but it can ensure your families safety. This is especially important when a gas furnace is your homes source of heat, or other appliances are used that burn fossil fuels.

Due to improper operation and age, rust can form inside a furnace leading to elevated levels of carbon monoxide in your home. The combustion of gas creates water vapor and in an improperly operating furnace this vapor is not properly exhausted through the flue leading to rust on the flue and heat exchanger. This places you and your family at extreme risk ofcarbon monoxide poisoning and death.

Small cracks and holes that develop in the heat exchanger can create risk to your family. This situation requires immediate repair or replacement. The furnace must be disabled, and cannot be operated until the problem is addressed.

Infrequent changing of air filters can lead to dirt buildup in the heat exchanger, causing overheating and can lead to damage that may result in CO leakage into your home as well. Proper maintenance of the HVAC system is important for all of these reasons, the extended life of the unit, reduced energy use by maintaining peak performance and for the safety of the homes occupants.

Other Carbon Monoxide Hazards in the Home

Dryers can develop lint build up creating a fire hazard. A gas dryer has the additional hazard of CO emissions being vented into the home if the vent pipe is plugged with lint or debris. Clean the filter after each use and provide routine cleaning underneath the dryer as well as the complete cleaning of the vent pipe.

A gas stove should have a blue flame. The presence of a yellow flame indicates the need for cleaning of the affected components or of adjustments being required Have a professional inspect and correct the problem.

Have gas water heaters inspected and serviced annually by a professional. This will extend the water heaters life, maintain peak performance and prevent conditions that can lead to higher levels of carbon monoxide in the home.

Attached Garages

Attached garages are a risk most homeowners never consider as a potential source of significant CO gas entering the home. If you routinely run a vehicles engine in the garage open the garage door, or install adequate exhaust fans to vent the carbon monoxide outside while car engines run. Recommendations for locating a carbon monoxide detector near the door to an attached garage vary from 10 to 15 ft. Opening the garage door before cranking the vehicle will allow for ventilation and reducing the amounts of CO that can enter a door being opened to the home.

Check weather stripping around the access door entering the home and ensure it is tight and secure, not allowing CO laden exhaust fumes to enter the home. Cracked brick or motor, siding or gaps in the wood of the wall between house and garage can potentially allow CO to enter into the home. Seal any cracks or gaps appropriately with caulking or expanding foam.

Safety 101

Other factors that can provide fire hazards as well as elevations in a home’s carbon monoxide levels can be easily prevented. In the following we will look at risk factors, some of which many people never even consider until it is too late.

• Never operate a charcoal or gas grill inside the home. In like manner, gas operated camp stoves release carbon monoxide and should only be used outside of the home in open air and away from any flammable source.
• Clogged chimneys can not only cause a house fire but can spill CO gas into the home. Even if only partially blocked CO gas can enter into the home. This can be one cause an otherwise unexplained alarming of a CO detector. Have the chimney inspected each year and cleaned professionally.
• Never leave gas or diesel fueled machinery running outside the home near a potential vent entry source into the home such as a chimney, a wall vent, a fresh air exchange, an open window or door, roof vents or any other potential entry into the home. This includes lawn mowers and generators. Each year people die from operating generators inside the home during power outages. Place the generator outside the home in open air, preferably a minimum of 12 feet from the home and do not locate it near any potential avenues of the exhaust entering into the home.
• Use only vented space heaters indoors and always operate the exhaust fan over the stove when cooking.
• If you use a wood stove for heat, whether exclusively or as back up emergency heat, purchase only those that meet EPA emission standards and provide routine inspection to ensure proper operation is maintained. Catalytic convertors can clog, and fairly rapidly with the use of green ‘unseasoned’ wood or the use of wood inappropriate for heating fires such as pine for example. Only use them with an approved metal pad underneath, triple wall pipe and maintain a safe distance between the wood heater and walls. Never locate furniture or combustibles near them. This includes an appropriate clearance of combustible material overhead such as when located in a fireplace. Ensure that appropriate clearance is established to prevent the overheating of objects such as a wooden mantle.

If you require assistance Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning will be happy to help you in the choice and installation of carbon monoxide detectors or the inspection of potential sources of deadly carbon monoxide in your home.

Our certified and experienced HVAC technicians will be happy to provide an inspection and service to your heating and air conditioning system to ensure proper and safe function. Service agreements are available, and should you need a new heating and air conditioning installation, financing options is available to fit almost any budget.

We understand emergencies seldom occur at convenient times, and this is why we provide 24 hour emergency service, 7 days a week for your convenience.

Don’t risk your family’s safety; give the professionals at Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning a call, we will be happy to assist you.

Heating and Air Conditioning

Recognizing Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a life threatening condition caused by exposure to carbon monoxide – a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. When you breathe carbon monoxide into your lungs, the air the oxygen in the hemoglobin of your red blood cells with carbon monoxide. This prevents oxygen from reaching your tissues and organs leading to devastating tissue damage and can lead to death.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by inhaling combustion fumes produced by appliances and other devices that generate carbon monoxide as a by-product of the combustion process, such as those that burn gas or other petroleum products, wood and other fuels. The danger occurs when too much carbon monoxide accumulates in a poorly ventilated space.

The signs of carbon monoxide poisoning can be subtle often going unrecognized until it is too late. The condition is a life-threatening medical emergency and requires prompt attention for anyone who may have carbon monoxide poisoning.

Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include:

• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Dull headache
• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting
• Weakness

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be especially dangerous for people who are sleeping or intoxicated as the potentially fatal fumes can overcome a person without their ever waking up.

When to See a Doctor

If you suspect you have been exposed to carbon monoxide, get into fresh air immediately and seek emergency medical care. If possible, open windows and doors on the way out of the house but do not risk loss of consciousness in doing so if all family members are accounted for and already removed into fresh air.

Symptoms can vary dependent upon the amount of Carbon Monoxide gas breathed and range from minor fatigue to death. The more carbon monoxide breathed in, the worse the symptoms will be.

In low concentrations just above average amounts Carbon Monoxide can cause you to feel weak and short of breath. In the presence of a heart condition chest pains may be experienced.

In moderate concentrations the higher levels of Carbon Monoxide can cause blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, impaired coordination, nausea, vomiting and you may experience coughing and muscle pain.

With high concentrations of carbon monoxide loss of consciousness and death occur. For those who survive high levels of CO permanent injury may occur with damage to body organs and the brain.

If you experience any of these symptoms but feel better when you go out, it is highly possible that you have dangerous levels of carbon monoxide or other dangerous pollutants building up in your home.

How to Detect Carbon Monoxide

As Carbon Monoxide is odorless, tasteless and invisible the only means of detecting it is with Carbon Monoxide detectors that will alarm when levels reach a specific level in the area. They are available in any home improvement store.

Carbon Monoxide detectors are available in various configurations, those that can be hardwired into your homes wiring, battery operated and those that plug into a wall outlet with or without battery backup. Battery backup is preferred along with the detector that is hardwired into the home, or plugged into a wall outlet. During a power outage an electrical Carbon Monoxide detector will not provide for your family’s safety without a backup power source such as a battery. A battery powered only type unit will not operate if the battery is bad. Provide monthly checks that the battery in each detector is good as Carbon Monoxide detectors use more power than smoke alarms and batteries will require more frequent replacement.

Carbon Monoxide detectors are available that utilize strobe lights as well as a siren allowing those with a hearing deficiency to potentially be warned by a strobe light when high levels of Carbon Monoxide occur.

Carbon monoxide detectors are available to detect lower levels of Carbon Monoxide that normally wouldn’t bother a healthy individual. This is especially important for persons with health problems who are more sensitive and at risk of lower levels of carbon monoxide exposure.

Carbon Monoxide detectors that are hardwired into the homes wiring often have the feature of providing a record of Carbon Monoxide levels. This may be helpful in determining if there is a problem with a gas appliances or the gas furnace when it operates. If you note the Carbon Monoxide level climbs when the gas furnace runs it is certainly indicative that you need to call an HVAC professional immediately to have this potentially deadly problem repaired. This is especially important with older gas appliances or gas furnace. Once a problem occurs it is very likely to get worse and can occur in seconds, potentially lethal Carbon Monoxide gas is the home is a problem requiring immediate attention and should not be delayed at all, for any amount of time.

Where to Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon Monoxide is a gas lighter than air, so place detectors at eye level or higher. Ideally Carbon Monoxide detectors should be placed on each level of the home, and within 12-15 feet of each bedroom. If you have to make a choice with only one detector locate it by the master bedroom as those who are exposed to deadly Carbon Monoxide do not always wake up, dying in their sleep.

If you use Carbon Monoxide detectors that are battery operated or utilize battery backup place them where they are easy to access for replacing batteries.

To minimize false alarms locate Carbon Monoxide detectors 12 to 15 feet from gas appliances and furnaces as small amounts of Carbon Monoxide are released when a gas appliance is turned on. Do not locate them in high humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. For kitchens with gas appliances locate them just outside of it to prevent the interference of humidity from impairing the detectors function.

When the Alarm is Set Off

Make sure all occupants and pets leave the home. If any person feels any abnormal symptoms call 911. The fire department will provide any required medical services and inspect your home for high levels of carbon monoxide.

If elevated levels are not present and the alarm is repeatedly going off it may be time to replace it. Most Carbon Monoxide detectors are made to only last 2 to 7 years.

Preventative Maintenance

Having an bi-annual inspection performed on your HVAC system will not only extend the units service life, save energy usage by maintaining peak performance, but it can ensure your families safety. This is especially important when a gas furnace is your homes source of heat.

Due to improper operation and age rust can form inside a furnace leading to elevated levels of carbon monoxide in your home. The combustion of gas creates water vapor and in an improperly operating furnace this vapor is not exhausted through the flue leading to rust on the flue and heat exchanger. This places you and your family at extreme risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and death.Small cracks and holes that develop in the heat exchanger can create risk to your family, this situation requires immediate repair, replacement or of the furnace being disabled from operation until the problem is addressed.

Infrequent changing of air filters can lead to dirt buildup in the heat exchanger, causing overheating and can lead to damage that may result in Carbon Monoxide leakage into your home.

Other Carbon Monoxide Hazards in the Home

Gas dryers like any dryer can develop lint build up creating a fire hazard. A gas dryer has the additional hazard of Carbon Monoxide emissions being vented into the home if the vent pipe is plugged with lint.

A gas stove should have a blue flame. If the flame becomes yellow it requires cleaning or adjustments.

Have gas water heaters maintenance by a professional annually. This will extend the tanks life, maintain peak performance and prevent conditions that can lead to higher levels of carbon monoxide in the home.

Attached Garages

Attached garages are a risk most homeowners never consider as a potential source of significant Carbon Monoxide gas entering the home. If you routinely let the engine run in the garage open the garage door. Recommendations for locating a Carbon Monoxide detector near the door to an attached garage vary from 10 to 15 ft. Opening the garage door before cranking the vehicle will allow for ventilation and reducing the amounts of Carbon Monoxide that enter an opening door.

Check weather stripping around the access door entering the home and ensure it is tight and secure, not allowing Carbon Monoxide laden exhaust fumes to enter the home. Cracked brick or motor, siding or gaps in the wood of the wall between house and garage can potentially allow Carbon Monoxide to enter into the home. Seal any cracks or gaps appropriately.

Remember, never operate a charcoal grill inside the home. In like manner, gas operated camp stoves release carbon monoxide. Use them outside of the home and away from any flammable source.

Clogged chimney can not only cause a house fire but can spill Carbon Monoxide gas into the home. Even if only partially blocked Carbon Monoxide gas can enter into the home. This can cause unexplained setting off of a Carbon Monoxide detector.

Never leave gas or diesel running machinery to run outside the home near a potential vent source into the home such as a chimney, a wall vent, a fresh air exchange, an open window or door, roof vents or any other potential entry into the home. This includes lawn mowers and generators. Each year people die from operating generators inside the home during power outages. Place the generator outside the home, preferably a minimum of 12 feet from the home and do not locate it near any vent potential sources of the exhaust entering into the home.

Use only vented space heaters indoors and always operate the exhaust fan over the stove when cooking.

If you use a wood stove only use those that meet EPA emission standards and provide routine inspection to ensure proper operation is maintained. Catalytic convertors can clog, and fairly rapidly with the use of green ‘unseasoned’ wood, or the use of wood inappropriate for heating fires.

If you require assistance Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning will be happy to assist you in the choice and installation of carbon monoxide detectors.

Our certified and experienced HVAC technicians will be happy to provide an inspection and service to your heating and cooling system to ensure proper and safe function. Service agreements are available and should you need a new heating and air conditioning installation financing options is available to fit your budget.

We understand emergencies seldom occur at convenient times, that is why we provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience. Give our professionals a call, we will be happy to assist you.

Heating and Air Conditioning Installation

The Risk of Using Space Heaters

Space heaters can be electric or gas, while electric space heaters are the most commonly used.

Electric space heaters are used in many homes and are costly to use. Electric space heaters use a very high electric current to heat electric coils and then blow air across them to warm the air. The typical electric space heater used to heat a small room costs on average about 30 cents per hour to operate depending upon the cost of electricity in your area. Compared to a modern central heating system which heats an entire home for the same cost, the cost of an electric space heater is extremely high for such a small space.

Space heaters are well known for being the frequent cause of house fires as well as the death of home occupants. Depending upon the manufacturer, they generally require keeping objects 3 to 6 feet away from the heater. This includes walls, carpet and rugs, a factor few people think about.

Space heaters can also cause house fires by overloading the wiring within a home. Possible signs that an electric space heater are overloading the homes circuits and potentially causing the homes electric wiring to overheat are tripped circuit breakers and plugs that no longer work.

The pilot flame of gas space heaters can go out when gas pressure falls, or components fail. Safety mechanisms that prevent gas from escaping when the flame goes out are more likely to fail in a cheaply made gas space heater than in a whole house furnace. In addition, gas space heaters do not have the flu that a furnace does. The flu is a pipe that allows dangerous carbon monoxide emissions to be exhausted to the outside, putting families who use gas or other fossil fuel space heaters at risk of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. The majority of gas space heaters have no means of exhausting the carbon monoxide outside of the home placing your family at risk.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas created from the burning of any fossil fuel including natural gas, kerosene, propane, charcoal and the wood burning fireplace to name a few.

If your home uses any fossil fuel for heating, cooking or heating the hot water heater install carbon monoxide detectors.

The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, chest pain and confusion and can result in loss of consciousness and death. Persons who are sleeping when levels become toxic can die without ever experiencing symptoms.

Don’t risk your family’s safety with dangerous space heaters. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning has partnered with Wells Fargo Financial National Bank offering flexible financing options in order to provide the energy efficient heating and air conditioning installation you need, while assuring a safer system for the life and comfort of your home and family.

Give our certified experts a call today and let us ensure a safe and comfortable home for you and your family with a new heating and air conditioning installation.

Heating and Air Conditioning

The Future is Now

The technology of heating and air conditioning continues to advance in order to meet the increasing demand for increased energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

Wi-Fi Thermostat

Wi-Fi thermostats provide the advantage of changing the thermostat settings when away from home. They can also be programmed to learn and remember the homeowner’s preferred settings and adjust the temperature accordingly. They greatly increase energy efficiency versus using old thermostat technology.

DEVap Air Conditioning

Desiccant-Enhanced Evaporative Air Conditioner was developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and is estimated to reduce energy use by 40-90 percent. No coolant is required by this system. At the present time DEVap is primarily used in commercial applications with growing interest in the residential sector due to its energy efficiency and low operating cost.

HVAC Smart Chips

Installing an HVAC Smart Chip into a heating and air conditioning system can save 15% on heating and cooling costs. The HVAC Smart Chip extends the fan’s running time by up to 8 minutes, increasing the system’s energy efficiency. The return on the investment of the HVAC Smart Chip is within twelve months and continues to save for years to come.

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Geothermal heat pumps transfer heat to and from the ground, taking advantage of the moderate temperatures in the ground to boost energy efficiency and reduce heating and air conditioning costs. This system utilizes extensive loops buried under ground that are hooked to a geothermal heat pump acting as both a furnace and air conditioner.

Solar Roofing or Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV)

Photovoltaic cells capture sunlight and transform it into electricity. Photovoltaic power is produced as direct current (DC) electricity. As homes use alternating current (AC) electricity an inverter must be used with the system in order to convert the DC electricity into AC electricity for use in a building. BIPV can be used to replace conventional materials in the roof, skylights or facades.

Zero Energy Buildings (ZEB)

A Zero Energy Building is a building that has greatly reduced energy requirements using energy efficient technologies, the remaining requirement for further energy is supplied by utilizing renewable technology such as photovoltaic, solar hot water, wind energy, hydroelectric and biofuels. ZEB are connected to an electrical grid where excess energy produced is fed back into the electric grid, or stored into onsite energy storage. Feeding excess energy into the electrical utility grid has the benefit of offsetting energy usage when the building requires more energy than it can produce. A ZEB produces as much energy as it uses, making a Zero Energy Building, as well as Zero Energy Home Building an attractive choice.

With the growing cost of utility bills, alternative solutions are drawing increased interest from businesses as well as the residential sector. With technologies continuing to develop and improve, energy efficiency is becoming more available, and in some cases more affordable for homeowners and businesses alike.

With so much at stake we can expect to see new energy alternatives continue to develop as the demand increases. Wi-Fi thermostats are a growing market, as well as geothermal heat pumps which can pay for themselves in a reasonable amount of time, and will outlast any traditional system. For this reason more homeowners are turning to them than ever before.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning experts care about your comfort. When you require a new heating and air conditioning installation our experts will provide the correct system for you and your home that will provide the greatest comfort, efficiency and reliability. Based upon a precise home analysis for your needs, Cypress’s professionals will provide the information you need to choose the most energy efficient system, as well as the best option for your budget requirements.

Providing prompt and professional heating and air conditioning services, Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning wants to keep you and your family comfortable year round with a healthy, energy efficient home.

Heating and Air Conditioning Tips

Duct Cleaning and Air Quality in the Home

When it comes to getting the best performance and the most energy efficiency possible out of your heating and cooling system, regular maintenance is the most inexpensive solution. Regular servicing by your HVAC contractor and changing the furnace and ac filter are the two most effective means of saving money and extending the service life of your HVAC system. Having your system inspected annually can also save lives. Faulty heating systems can cause toxic carbon monoxide to accumulate in the home and can result in death.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a product of combustion, produced when fossil fuels are burned, from cigarette smoke, and from human respiration. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and highly toxic.In a properly maintained heating system carbon monoxide will be vented outdoors through a chimney or exhaust pipe, and does not pose a risk to home occupants. In a poorly installed and maintained heating system it can be deadly.

A potential red flag of heating trouble may be the sudden excessive levels of moisture in the home, as water vapor is also produced by the combustion of fossil fuels. Other factors can cause this, but if your home uses fossil fuel and excessive moisture is present, servicing can not only increase your heating systems efficiency but potentially save lives. All homes using fossil fuels for heating should have carbon monoxide detectors installed in order to protect family members from deadly carbon monoxide.

When homeowners look for ways to save on energy costs, one factor often overlooked is the duct system. According to the U. S. Department of energy an estimated 66 percent of U. S. homes have leaky ducts used in heating and air conditioning systems. When ducts are located in attic and crawlspaces leaky ducts can account for 20 percent or more of energy losses in a home’s heating and air conditioning system according to the Department of Energy.

If the duct system in your home is visible in a crawlspace, attic, or basement you can check the ducts with a simple inspection. Inspect duct joints and ensure they are properly sealed with foil backed tape. If you find your duct joints are sealed with fabric backed duct tape replace it with foil backed duct tape. Fabric backed duct tape deteriorates over time and will eventually turn loose. Humidity, moisture and heat promotes a rapid deterioration of fabric backed duct tape, whereas foil backed duct tape when applied securely will stand the test of time to these factors.

Check for loose duct joints, as these will reduce air flow to registers and rooms increasing energy costs and reducing comfort. A room that is overly hot in the summer, or cold in the winter lacking a cause (large, un-insulated south or north facing windows for example), may be a sign of a loose or disconnected joint of duct.

Remove registers (grilles) and inspect where the duct pipe meets the wall or floor. If duct tape is not securely attached replace it with foil backed duct tape applied firmly. Ensure that you are applying it to a clean dirt and dust free surface for the best adhesion.

Other factors that can cause ducts to perform poorly are unsealed access holes. Holes are generally cut into ducts to provide access for cleaning and must be sealed afterward. This is one example as to why it is important to always use a certified HVAC contractor that uses ANSI/ACCA standards. A simple one inch hole can cause inadequate airflow to reach a room. A certified HVAC contractor will always seal the holes created for a thorough duct cleaning.

Government agencies are lately claiming dirty ducts do not affect air quality, but anyone who suffers from allergies to dust, or has breathing problems will say differently. Ducts located in floors are especially vulnerable to pet hair, dirt, dust and grime accumulation. Just as the floor gets dirty, some of that dirt will end up in duct systems that are located in the floor, and the systems air flow will be unable to effectively discharge all of it out of vents. Filters protect your HVAC system from the damaging effects of dusty air. If you tend to forget to change the filter as recommended your HVAC systems service life will be shortened and efficiency reduced. Never run your system without a filter, if you tend to do so your ducts will likely be in need of a professional cleaning as well as coils and other components of the system.

Remodeling without turning off the HVAC system and covering vents and air return registers will result in potentially damaging debris in the system as well as in the ducts. If your home has undergone dusty remodeling or if it has been 10 years or more since your ducts were cleaned it may be a good idea to have them inspected and cleaned if necessary. A professional cleaning involves using a small camera to inspect the duct system for dirt and debris. The image is displayed upon a monitor and in most cases can be recorded for the homeowner to see the results.

A good sign that your duct system may be in need of cleaning is an increase of dust deposits in the home.

Finally, when you schedule a professional duct cleaning secure a contractor who follows the procedures as outlined in ANSI/ACCA Standards for HVAC cleanliness. Do not allow ‘friends’ not in the industry to provide this service for you. Ducts can be damaged in the process, and especially by persons not trained in the field.

Naturally you want your home to be a healthy place for your family. At Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning, we can help your family to breathe easier. We specialize in indoor air quality services such as duct cleaning as well as others.

Our experienced and certified specialists will provide a thorough inspection of your home’s air intake sources and ventilation. We offer professional air filtration system upgrades to your home to eliminate dust and other pollutants from the home environment.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning provides on-time service and reliable technicians for all of your heating and air conditioning service, repair and installation needs. We service residential as well as commercial clients in Katy and the surrounding areas. Whether you require heating or ac repair, are upgrading your existing system or need a completely new heating or air conditioning installation, our certified professionals expertly handle the job from start to finish. Your satisfaction and comfort is always our goal.

Give the professionals at Cypress a call today for all of your heating and air conditioning needs, we will be happy to help you.

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Heating and Air Conditioning, Katy, Texas

Tips for Cleaner Indoor Air

UV Light Germicidal Systems

Installing UV lights to remove harmful microorganisms from your indoor air will help to provide good indoor air quality. To maintain maximum performance homeowners need to know how often the bulbs in ultraviolet light germicidal systems should be replaced.

Keeping your family healthy by providing cleaner air is the main reason for installation of these systems. Air can contain microorganisms such as bacteria, mold spores, viruses and other contaminants can be detrimental to your health, especially for those who suffer from asthma, allergies or other chronic respiratory problems.

Most microorganisms are susceptible to ultraviolet radiation which will kill them. UV lights are typically installed in the duct system where the air is treated as it moves through them, or they are installed to treat the condensate pan and indoor coil where moisture accumulates and can create a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.

The location of UV lights will determine how often the bulbs are changed. UV lights that are located within the ducts should be changed once a year. When located to treat the indoor coil and condensate pan to treat mold and bacteria, they should be good for their maximum life span of two years. UV light bulbs used beyond three years may lead to excessive power consumption of the ballast which can cause overheating of the power supply and lamp causing system failure and reduced effectiveness. Do not use UV bulbs beyond three years, if you cannot replace the bulb(s) before this time turn the system off or disconnect the power supply.

Over time UV light bulbs lose effectiveness, about 15% per year. Remember to never look directly at the lamps, turn the system off before changing bulbs. Dispose of properly according to local and state environmental laws effecting fluorescent lamps containing a small amount of mercury.

The Benefits of HEPA Filters

High Efficiency Particulate Air or HEPA are 99.7% effective at removing airborne particles 0.3 microns or above. HEPA filters capture particles through the use of a diffusion filter. A pre-filter is required to capture large particles to prevent them from blocking air flow through the HEPA filter.

HEPA technology is especially useful in removing allergen particles that are circulated through the HVAC system such as pollen, mold and other harmful contaminates. This may help to reduces colds, allergies and asthma attacks. HEPA filters must be replaced every three to five years. Wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after removing a HEPA filter as the filter captures many viruses and bacteria. Humidity above 90% relative humidity can adversely affect a HEPA filter. Turn off the filtration system during periods of high humidity.

HEPA filters are one of the most affordable air purifying systems available, but have other costs associated with a HEPA filter system such as replacing the filters every 3-5 years, and increased electrical usage. While HEPA filters alone will not provide completely purified air, they are a good value for cleaner air in your home and a viable part of a clean air system.

For those family members who require clean air due to chronic health problems, keeping a clean house is a necessity. Dusting, vacuuming and cleaning with safe chemical free products can be a matter of life and death for a respiratory patient. HEPA filters are a good choice for these patients who depend upon clean air. HEPA filters do not give off ozone unlike some air filters, and ozone is a lung irritant.

Clean Ducts

Not all ducts require cleaning, but if it has been 10 years or more since the ductwork in your home has been clean it is a good idea to have it checked. Remodeling can especially cause dirty ducts and a home vacuum cleaner simply cannot reach the full duct system. Ducts located in floors are especially vulnerable to become dirty due to tracked in dirt, dust, lint, pet hair and dander and other contaminants.

New carpet can release formaldehyde and other noxious chemicals. For those with chronic lung problems wood floors are best and leave off rugs which trap dirt and dust.

Use an exhaust fan over the stove that ventilates to the outside. Some exhaust fans simply recirculate air through a filter over the stove. These filters are generally very poor quality, succeeding in filtering nothing more than catching airborne grease.

Schedule Routine Maintenance on the HVAC System

A properly functioning air conditioning system removes humidity in the air making breathing easier. By scheduling routine service and maintenance on your heating and air conditioning system you can avoid most break downs and extend the service life of the system. Refer to your systems manufacturer’s recommendation but the minimal service should be an annual inspection and maintenance, though a bi-annual maintenance call is generally recommended in the spring and fall to ensure the best operation and the least breakdowns. No one likes to turn on the central air only to find the ac blowing warm air on a 95 degree day. Routine maintenance can prevent most breakdowns and keep you and your family comfortable year round.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning takes your comfort to heart. When you require heating or air conditioning repair in Plano or the Katy, TX region call Cypress’s specialists. Our certified technicians will provide prompt and dependable professional service for all of your heating and air conditioning needs.

Heating and Air Conditioning, Katy, TX

Digital Thermostats Save You Money

Are you looking for a heating and air conditioning specialist in Katy, Texas? If so you need look no further than the knowledgeable professionals at Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning.

Most homes have a thermostat that works in conjunction with the heating and cooling system to regulate the homes temperature. They do eventually wear out, and have to be replaced. If your HVAC system seems to always be running too much or too little, your thermostat may need replacement. Frequent trips up and down during the night to adjust a system that never runs as it should are especially annoying. The next time you forget to adjust your manual thermostat just think of the money you can save over time with a programmable thermostat. With the cost of energy being on the rise, it is feasible that your new programmable digital thermostat will quickly pay for itself while keeping your home more comfortable.

Thermostat Types

There are basically 5 types of thermostats to choose from. You will need to ensure that you choose the correct type of thermostat for your heating and air conditioning system.

1. Learning Thermostats

   Learning thermostats learn user’s habits and program themselves, creating a schedule based on your preferences They can turn themselves down when you’re away, guide you to energy-efficient settings and provide monthly energy reports. These thermostats connect to your home Wi-Fi network and can be monitored, set and managed remotely over Wi-Fi from a computer, smartphone or tablet. Best of all, they save you 20-30 % on your energy bill!

2. Remote Energy Management

   A remote energy management thermostat allows you to set, program and monitor your heating and air conditioning system from a computer, smartphone or tablet. Sends text message or email alerts when adjustments are made, when filter change is needed or maintenance is scheduled. The thermostat connects through a hub (sold separately) to your home broadband network, providing access over Wi-Fi from anywhere. Reduces energy consumption by up to 15 %.

3. Programmable Thermostat

   A programmable thermostat makes the most efficient use of your system by automatically adjusting the temperature through­out the day. You program the thermostat to your preferred temperature at different times of the day and night and the thermostat automatically maintains a comfortable temperature, adjusting it when your away or asleep to save energy, and raising it for a comfortable home temperature when family members come home. The newer touch screen thermostats are easier to program and allow you to program up to a seven day schedule. Models are available with back up batteries for power outages, and those that automatically switch from heat to cooling are an even bigger plus when choosing a new thermostat. Provides up to 15% energy savings by reducing the temperature when you are away on heating alone. Not recommended for heat pump systems though new models are becoming available that are created for heat pumps.

4. Digital Non-Programmable Thermostat

   A non-programmable thermostat requiring the user to manually adjust settings as desired, provides the convenience of an easy-to-read LCD display.

5. Manual Thermostat

   A non-programmable thermostat requiring the user to manually adjust the temperature as desired. Manual thermostats are not as accurate as digital ones, and can’t be programed to fit a family’s individual schedule.

6. Programmable Thermostat

   A programmable thermostat is the best way to conserve energy and save money. Most experts agree that 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer is the ideal temperature for the seasons. In the winter, at night and when everyone is away from the house as with work and school, 65 degrees saves even more money.

7. Digital thermostats

   A digital thermostat can automatically change over from heating to cooling or vice versa during the spring and fall when temperature swings of cool nights and hot days occur. With a digital thermostat your house need never be too hot or cold.

   Expect to spend from $20 to $300. Installing a digital thermostat is a DIY project for anyone with basic DIY skills if you follow all directions. If however, you are not comfortable with installing it yourself and prefer the expertise of an expert, our heating and air conditioning professionals at Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning will be happy to provide a professional installation for you.

At Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning your comfort and safety is number one concern. Give us a call and let us show you how we can help to keep your heating and air conditioning system in Katy, Texas at its peak performance.

Heating and Air Conditioning Installation

HVAC-The Decision to Repair or Replace

When your homes heating and air conditioning system begins to experience frequent problems, the following information can help you to decide whether to upgrade to a new system, or correct the problems affecting your current HVAC system.

First, if your system is more than 10 years old consider a new one. Age can affect efficiency causing it to diminish with time, and age contributes to more frequent break downs. Newer models will have improved energy efficiency and new features to increase your comfort. An ENERGY STAR qualified system will provide the most energy savings, and may qualify you for a rebate or tax deduction. If break downs occur frequently as well as your energy usage is rising, choose a new ENERGY STAR model for the greatest energy savings.

Next, if some rooms are too hot or too cold you may have problems with your ducts, inadequate insulation, or inadequate sealing. Check ducts for the joints being sealed and the ductwork for being insulated. Check any location where wire, pipes or duct exits the walls, basement or foundation. With the exception of a hot flue use latex expanding foam or caulk to seal holes. Duct problems and inadequate sealing cause your HVAC system to overwork reducing efficiency and increasing energy costs. If all of these factors look good, it is very possible that your old systems operation is degrading and needs repairs or replacement.

Third, if you are experiencing more dust than is normal or increased humidity your HVAC system may be poorly operating. Having the wrong size system, a poorly functioning system or leaky duct work can cause these problems. Dirty ducts can cause an excess of dust and should be cleaned every 10 years or more often as needed.

Know the energy star rating of your equipment: If your equipment rating is less than 5 replace it. Go to www.energystar.gov for an analysis of your home. The higher the rating the more energy efficient it is.

A new energy efficient model coupled with a well-insulated and properly sealed home will reduce energy costs. The money you save may very pay for your new HVAC system. An energy efficient central air unit alone can save you a bundle on energy usage when compared to a 20 year old model.

Choose the correct sized equipment: Having a bigger system than you need won’t save you money; it may even cost you more. A bigger unit will cycle more often, never reaching its peak efficiency. It will be unable to remove humidity from the air, and in the summer months humidity will make it feel warmer.

The size system needed need may be different than your old system. If you have added insulation, new energy star windows, and sealed air leaks your system requirement may be smaller. If you have a new addition this will change your system needs as well.

Your HVAC contractor will need to gather the following information about your home in order to determine an accurate size for a new heating and air conditioning installation: floor area, level of insulation and type and size of windows. He will do this by performing the following:

• Measure the square footage of your home
• Measure the square footage of windows and doors and note the direction in which they face
• Examine attic insulation to estimate the insulating value
• Check the basement or crawl space to estimate the value of the floor insulation
• If possible, look into the walls to estimate the value of the insulation
• Check the duct system for leaks and estimate insulation value needed vs. what is present
• Note the number of appliances
• Note the presence of any air leakage from a fireplace
• Note the number of bedrooms for fresh air needs
• Note the temperature you plan to keep your home

A professional will calculate these factors, so be careful that your contractor is licensed, and insured. Sizing is the most common mistake according to national surveys. Many installers simply replace the same size as your old system without considering changes made to your home, if it was the proper size to begin with or the increased efficiency of new systems. A reputable heating and air conditioning contractor will use an ACCA/ANSI Manual or computer software that takes all the above and other factors into consideration, including proper size duct.

Choose a high efficiency Energy Star rated system for the best value and the least impact upon the environment.

If your system is not ten years old or older and in a good, reliable condition, you may want to upgrade your home by sealing it, installing energy efficient windows and doors, and adding insulation.

Have your system checked and serviced bi-annually each year. The old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure certainly does apply to your homes heating and air conditioning system. Small problems can quickly escalate to larger, more expensive problems.

If you’re still in doubt, your HVAC contractor can advise you as to whether you should correct any problems with your current HVAC system, or invest in a new energy efficient heating and air conditioning installation for your home. Give the experts at Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning a call, we will be happy to assist you. Financing is available for your convenience.