Emergency AC | AC Repair Katy

It pays to have a back-up plan. Do you have one for when you need AC repair in Katy and your technician can’t get there right away?

There is a way to have AC when your central unit has quit working. Go to your local home supply store and purchase a 6000 to 8000 Btu window air conditioner and store it in your shed or garage when not in use. Be sure it is stored in a location where items will not be tossed up against it potentially damaging it. You will be glad to have it when your central unit has quit working. It will cool one room such as a bedroom, or perhaps a living room.

You can make it an indoor adventure if you have young children. Use a couch and pallets for sleeping, for example. Provide games, movies if you have power and favorite foods. A cooler in the room will provide cold drinks and snacks to prevent so much traffic in and out of the room causing the loss of cold air.

Ensure you purchase a 110 volt window air conditioner to avoid having to have an electrician run wire and a plug for 220 volts. It will cool one room when you need AC repair in Katy and must wait for a technician.

Having an emergency AC unit can also be useful if you experience a power outage if you have a generator. It will enable you to cool a room, providing emergency AC when storms knock out power and create hot humid temperatures.

The 110 window units are relatively cheap, and compared to the cost of a motel room will in the long run save you money while providing a cool spot in the home during emergencies such as when the central AC has gone on the blink and you need AC repair in Katy.

You can use multiple window air conditioners in other rooms if you have the space to store them. You will simply need to ensure your generator has ample power and enough plugs if you intend to use it during power outages.

If the room you use it in doesn’t have a door, you can hang a blanket or comforter to assist in keeping the cold air in and it will actually work fairly well. The use of a fan will make it feel even cooler in the room, especially if it can be located near the air conditioner. Your thinking ahead of time will be greatly appreciated by your family.

Use the unit in a window that is shaded in the heat of the day if you have that option. This will greatly assist the window air conditioner in providing cold air and not having to work so hard.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning cares about your comfort. Our certified professionals provide repair, maintenance and installation of heating and air conditioning as well as other HVAC services to maintain your comfort. Don’t suffer the heat when you need AC repair in Katy, give our experts a call for prompt and efficient service.

Need Air Conditioning Repair? | AC Blowing Warm Air

We have come to depend upon our air conditioning to keep us comfortable during the summer. Unfortunately, finding the AC blowing warm air is a common occurrence, especially on aging units. There are several potential causes for AC blowing warm air. Before you call a technician there are a few things you can check and perhaps restore cooling.

Thermostat Settings

First, check your thermostat and ensure the fan is on “automatic” rather than “run”. Most of us at some time or another switch the fan to “run” to pull fresh air in an open window to air the house out or pull cool outside air in. For whatever reason, people do cut the AC to “off” and the fan to “run”. If it’s set to run, switch it back to “auto”. Then check the thermostat to ensure it is on “AC” or “Cooling” and not set to “off”.

Next check the temperature the thermostat is set on. If it is on 80 and the temperature in the house is 79 or lower the compressor will not kick on to cool, and if the fan is on “run”, you will be experiencing the AC blowing warm air. If you have a programmable thermostat and have experienced even a brief power outage, the settings may have reverted to the factory default and may require you to reset them to your desired temperature.

The second thing to check is the unit’s breaker in the homes electrical service box. It should be in the “on” position. If it is not, push it back to the on position, and lower the thermostat if the unit does not automatically come on. If this doesn’t correct the problem you will continue to experience the AC blowing warm air.

The third thing to check is the filter. An excessively dirty filter can cause the ac to improperly cool and potentially overheat and damage the compressor. If the filter is dirty change it. Unless your unit’s manufacturer, or the filters manufacturer specifies differently change your filters each month. If you have filters that require less frequent changes continue to check them once per month.

Next, check the inside cooling lines, if any, within the home. If your system is a split system the lines will be located in the air return (the panel where you change the filter). With the panel removed look at the copper lines, if they are frosted or iced over your unit is low on coolant due to a leak. This will require your HVAC technician to provide repairs and recharge the system with coolant. Until this is done you will continue to experience the AC blowing warm air only.

Visually check for water overflowing the condensate pan, there may be water in the bottom of the unit, look with a flashlight but do not touch any wires due to the risk of shock. You may note water leaking out onto the floor. If this is occurring water may have shorted a circuit out and caused it to throw a breaker either in the unit or in your homes electrical service panel.

The cause of water leakage is generally a stopped up condensate drain. The condensate drain will lead to an outside source on the lawn. If no water drainage is evident this may further point to a stopped up condensate drain. The condensate drain attaches to the condensate pan which catches the water caused by the “sweating” of the coils in the cooling process. Another potential cause of excess water is the coils are in need of a good professional cleaning.

Some units have breakers on the inside of the air return. If yours has one and leaking water is not the potential problem check to see if it is in the “on” position. If not, press it to on. Other units will have a reset switch on the outside of the home somewhere near the exterior portion of your unit. There is generally a box with a reset switch near the unit on the wall or under an accessible deck. Either of these being tripped to “off” can be the cause of the AC blowing warm air.

If the unit is not running at all outside, and the breaker is “on” in the electrical service panel, visually inspect any wires you see leading from the unit to under the house. Do not handle them, if there is a break in the wire you could receive a serious shock that is potentially fatal. If you note damage to any insulation of the wires, or visible wires themselves a small animal may have chewed a wire through. This will require the services of a certified technician to repair.

Thrown breakers occasionally occur and can be related to problems in the electrical grid or other. If your unit is experiencing thrown breakers frequently it should be checked out to ensure the safety of the wiring involving the unit by a trained technician. Besides being an annoyance causing the AC to be blowing warm air, it is a potential hazard that could place you, your family and your home at risk.

There are many other possible causes of an AC blowing warm air and these will require the services of your technician to repair.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning will be happy to assist you when your AC is blowing warm air. We provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience.

Ductless Mini-Split System | Air Conditioning Installation

If your home already has a duct system installed a ductless system may not be right for you. But for those of you who have a new addition, are planning to build a new home or live in an older home that lacks space for ducts, the ductless mini-split system may be just the system you need and want for year round comfort. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s professionals will be happy to provide you with the heating and air conditioning installation of a mini-split system.

A ductless mini-split system is a heat pump system, this means the ductless system faces the same challenges of any heat pump when it comes to producing heat in extremely cold temperatures. It also has the same benefits of energy efficiency, reliability and comfort. Mini-splits contain two main components, the indoor air handling unit and the outdoor condensing unit.

Advantages of the Ductless Mini-Split System (Mini-Split)

One of the greatest advantages of the mini-split system is the ability to control separate temperatures in different parts of the house. You don’t have to heat or cool unused rooms and this will provide big savings on your energy costs, while reducing your homes carbon footprint.

If you are tired of the noisy, bulky, view blocking window AC you will love the quiet running ductless mini-split system. Mounted high on walls they are out of the eyes direct line, this slender system also provides an added security benefit. High out of reach, it requires only a very small hole to be cut in the wall during its heating and air conditioning installation to connect the indoor component to the outdoor component. Thieves can remove a window air conditioning unit and gain entry to your home, the mini-split system eliminates this risk.

The mini-split is an energy efficient system, partially due to the fact that there are no ducts to have to cool down or heat up and insulate. The fact remains they are even more energy efficient than conventional heat pumps and provides the reason for their growing popularity in heating and air conditioning installation.

The mini-split system can provide custom temperature control for each room containing an air handler. The air handlers are sleek and trim and can be installed on the wall or in the ceiling. A remote control will enable you to adjust the temperature.

Some persons find the indoor component unattractive. Each year the design is improving with sleeker, more attractive designs. The ceiling mount is a good alternative for those who find them unattractive. The technology continues to improve and provide the option of a ducted system using short ducts for the supply and return allowing the head to be hidden behind a drop ceiling. Even when installed in the ceiling using short ducts, the heating and air conditioning installation of the mini-split is still by far faster and easier than a traditional system.

Indoor Air Quality

The ductwork in forced air systems can be a source of indoor air pollution such as allergens, bacteria, dust and mold, dispersing these contaminants throughout the home via the duct system. Whereas, the interior units of ductless mini-split systems use advanced filtration to purify the air issuing from the air handling unit in each zone containing one. Some models can claim up to 99.9% of bacteria, viruses and other pollutants can be eliminated providing improved air quality.

Easy Maintenance

Mini-splits require minimal maintenance, only requiring a filter change with some having washable filters, and periodic maintenance by your heating and air conditioning technician to maintain performance and a long service life.

Easy to Install

To install a traditional forced air system in a new construction, older homes, a new addition or other location lacking heating and cooling, requires holes to be cut in walls and floors or ceilings and a duct system to be installed. A mini-split system only requires a three-inch hole in an exterior wall to connect the indoor handling unit and outdoor condensing unit. The mini-split requires less materials and time for heating and air conditioning installation.

Energy Star Rated

Models that are Energy Star qualified are available. While Rebates are determined by the federal, state and local governments and vary from year to year, purchasing an Energy Star qualified model always saves you money on energy. When rebates are available you can save even more by providing money back for your energy efficient heating and air conditioning installation.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning provides certified heating and air conditioning who are dedicated to providing exemplary service for all of your heating and cooling needs in the Katy and Plano regions. When you’re ready for a new heating and air conditioning installation give the dedicated experts at Cypress a call.

Noisy Air Conditioning | Air Conditioning Repair Plano, TX

Is your central air conditioner driving you up a wall with noise? Perhaps it is a neighbors unit rather than yours. Whether the noisy unit is your own or the neighbor’s next door, the loud noise that finds its way into your home can be deeply disturbing to many people. If your AC unit begins to make a loud noise when it didn’t previously, it is a good idea to have a Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning professional check it out before a noisy problem leads to a major malfunction. Give our experts a call for air conditioning repair in Plano, TX.

There are two reasons for noisy air conditioning units. First, it was manufactured that way, and second it has a problem. The first cause may or may not have a solution. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s certified professionals can provide the solution for your noisy air conditioner when the noise is due to problems such as the need for maintenance or air conditioning repair in Plano, TX.

Poor maintenance can cause a noisy air conditioner. Problems with fan motors and compressors can cause noise, as well as other moving parts and lack of lubricants. These problems can grow larger over time, and may even affect other components which is a good reason to schedule air conditioning repair in Plano, TX.

Routine maintenance will prevent many of the problems that may affect air conditioning systems, and a well-tuned unit will be less noisy, will last longer, as well as being more energy efficient saving you on energy dollars. Give our experienced and dedicated technicians a call today for air conditioning repair in Plano, TX.

If the noisy unit belongs to a neighbor, there isn’t a lot you can do on the neighbors end unless you offer to pay for your neighbors air conditioning repair in Plano, TX yourself. As previously stated, some units are just noisier than others from day one even if they are correctly installed and functioning properly.

Fortunately, there are solutions to outside noise entering your home besides a good pair of ear plugs. Poorly constructed windows with thin glazing can allow outside noise to enter the home. With thin glazing, even adding storm windows won’t stop the noise though they will help.

Window inserts are a product that is claimed to be very successful in blocking external noise. They do not require window replacement, and you don’t have to use them on every window of the home. You can simply add them to the side of your home where the noise is entering. Installment is typically easy, you just snap them in place.

Window inserts will increase energy efficiency by blocking drafts and heat, and some brands claim to be almost as effective as adding a double glazed window over your existing window. Even better they can block noise by as much as 70%. They are available by various manufacturers and offer a variety of features including UV block for even greater benefits such as virtually eliminating heat gain from sunlight filtering in and damage to furnishings.

If the noise is making its way through walls, you may want to have your insulation looked into. Your walls may be under-insulated, or even un-insulated. Just because your fairly new home is “supposed” to be insulated doesn’t mean it is. If retrofitting walls with insulation isn’t an alternative you may want to consider acoustical blankets on the affected walls, a form of soundproofing. Other options are a privacy wall to the property line on the affected side then adding an exterior sound blanket lining to it. Landscaping can help to a certain degree but it isn’t as effective as the other measures.

If a noisy air conditioner has got you down, call Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s expert technicians. We will inspect your unit and determine the cause of the noisy AC, and provide air conditioning repair in Plano, TX to restore your unit to its former quiet operation.

Ceiling Fans | Air Conditioning Katy, TX

Ceiling fans have been around for more than a century, and are an inexpensive means of supplementing your air conditioning in Katy, TX. Ceiling fans produce a breeze that evaporates moisture away from your skin. They don’t actually lower the temperature of a room, but they will make you feel several degrees cooler. By using a ceiling fan you can typically lower the AC thermostat by 4-7 degrees, saving you on the cost of cooling. Ceiling fans will assist your air conditioning in Katy, TX to increase your comfort.

Selecting the correct fan for your room is important to successfully increase your comfort. In the following we will discuss the factors to consider when buying a ceiling fan.

• Select the correct size ceiling fan for the room. Ceiling fan ranges in size from 24 to 84 inches wide. Select the largest fan that can be installed in the room and still maintain at least 18 inches between the fan and walls, cabinets or doors. This provides adequate air flow. A larger fan will move more air than a smaller fan at a lower speed.
• Select a fan with an adequate blade pitch to achieve maximum air movement. The greater the pitch the more air it will move.
• The minimum distance between the fan blades and the ceiling is 8-10 inches. The greater the distance between ceiling and blades the greater an air flow you will obtain.
• Ceiling fan’s weighing over 35 pounds will require additional support. The outlet box must be rated for ceiling fan use and support the fans weight.
• Install the ceiling fan in the best location. For square rooms mount the fan dead center of the ceiling. Rectangular rooms typically require two fans.
• Rooms with ceilings that are 8 feet or higher are best suited for a fan. Ceilings that are lower than this presents a safety risk and require the use of flush mount ceiling fans. Even then, tall persons can strike the light kit if not the blades.
• Select a fan with a reverse blade function, also called a direction switch.

Use a 52 to 60 inch-diameter fan for a room that is 250-300 square feet. Rooms that are larger than 300 sq. ft. will require a 62-84 inch blade span.

Set the fan direction switch according to the season. In the summer you need the fan to force the air up (blades should turn counterclockwise), while in winter you want the fan to force the warm air down (blades should turn clockwise). The direction switch is a small slide switch on the fan. Let the blades completely stop before reversing the direction.

By circulating the air in a room, a ceiling fan can assist with even distribution of heated air in the winter. The old saying is heat rises and cold falls is true. A ceiling fan circulating on its winter function in the low mode will help to keep the warm air down where you are. In the summer mode it simply provides a breeze that will assist you in staying cool, and enable you raise the thermostat of your air conditioning in Katy, TX.

A good brand of ceiling fan will cost you $200 and up and will have a 10-20 warranty. However, you can watch for sales and clearances where good fans are often priced 50% off.

Using Other Fans

Ceiling fans will not pull air into the home through an open window, a box type fan or attic fan will provide this function when outside temperatures are cool enough. A typical box fan will only cool the room it is in, while an attic fan will pull hot air out of the house, and cool air in through open windows or doors, allowing you to shut off your air conditioning in Katy, TX when outdoor temperatures allow

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning cares about your comfort. If you haven’t had your air conditioning in Katy, TX inspected and tuned-up for the summer yet, give us a call today to schedule an appointment. Whether you need maintenance, ac repair in Katy or new air conditioning installation Cypress’s certified experts are just a phone call away for all of your air conditioning in Katy, TX needs.

Carrier Dehumidifier| Heating and Air Conditioning

Muggy hot humid summers are simply a part of life for many regions of the United States. For persons with heart and lung problems and a host of other disorders, humidity makes the heat not only hard to take but it can be downright deadly. For a healthy environment in these regions, dehumidification is necessary to control moisture and make your home a healthier and more comfortable place to be. You may be wondering how to tell if you need to have a Carrier dehumidifier installed. If any one of the following sounds like your home, you may need a whole-house dehumidifier added to your heating and air conditioning system.

• Rooms that smell musty or seem stuffy.
• If floors seem sticky or damp.
• If you have dust mites. The EPA recommends keeping your home’s relative humidity between 30-50% to prevent dust mite infestations. Utilizing the 50% level will provide the most energy efficient use of a dehumidifier.
• If you have wood floors, molding and trim or furniture warping or rotting.
• If you find yourself sweating in your home even when temperatures are normal.
• If you have sticky skin in the summer or damp clammy skin in the winter.
• If you have an insect infestation.
• If you have you noticed condensation on windows, mirrors, glass doors, cold drinks or pipes.

Excess moisture in the home can lead to mold and mildew and will aggravate health problems in those with asthma, allergies, lung problems and other health conditions. Some molds can make even healthy people sick. Excess humidity also promotes the growth of bacteria in the home. Simply stated, excess humidity can make you sick.

Your home’s heating and air conditioning system provides some dehumidification as a by-product of cooling. This is what you are seeing exit your home through the condensate drain to the outside. However, air conditioning’s primary objective is to control temperature, and when humidity gets high it can’t control the excess humidity.

This is where a Carrier whole house dehumidifier comes in, solving the excess moisture problems. Humidity makes the temperature feel hotter than it really is, and when you make the AC run more because you are uncomfortable, you really just add cool to clammy. Removing the excess humidity enables you to run the ac less, saving on energy and maximizing on comfort.

A whole house dehumidifier is typically installed to augment your homes heating and air conditioning system and monitors your home with automatic sensors and provides humidity control. They operate quietly and maintenance is as simple as cleaning the filter. A dehumidifier also provides the benefit of fresh air ventilation assisting with indoor air pollution.

Whole House or Portables

Excess humidity isn’t confined to one room of your house. Portable dehumidifiers only operate in one area, not your entire home, and take up part of your living space. Portable dehumidifiers also require buckets that collect the water from the humidity removed within your home, these buckets must be emptied, sometimes as much as several times a day. A whole house dehumidifier augmenting the homes heating and air conditioning system is relatively care free. No dumping or rolling it around, and best of all it controls humidity throughout the entire home.

Excess indoor humidity provides an environment where mold and mildew thrive—ruining carpets, furniture and windows due to condensation build-up. A Whole House Dehumidifier helps to protect your home and its contents by removing excess moisture from the indoor air whenever it rises to an inappropriate and potentially harmful level. It automatically senses the humidity level and removes the excess moisture operating in conjunction with your heating and air conditioning system.

Controlling the humidity levels in your home is very important for the health of you and your family, as well as the structural integrity of the home. For further information on improving your homes comfort level and reducing indoor humidity, or to have a Carrier whole house dehumidifier installed to work with your homes heating and air conditioning system, give the comfort experts at Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning a call.

Repair or Replace | Air Conditioning Installation

When your homes air conditioning in Katy experiences frequent breakdowns, you may find yourself wondering if you should continue to provide the frequent repairs or if you should simply opt for a new air conditioning installation. This guide can help you make the decision to repair or replace.

If your system is more than 10 years old it may be of more benefit to decide for a new air conditioning installation. Age diminishes efficiency and contributes to frequent break downs. Newer models will have greater energy efficiency and will provide features for greater comfort as well as reliability. ENERGY STAR approved systems provide the most energy savings, and may qualify for rebates or other incentives. If frequent breakdowns of your current system are occurring and the electric bill is unacceptable, selecting a new ENERGY STAR unit will provide you with the greatest energy savings.

If some rooms are too hot or too cold you may have problems with your ducts, inadequate insulation, or inadequate sealing. Inspect the ducts to ensure the joints are sealed and the ducts insulated. Duct problems can cause the HVAC system to overwork, reducing efficiency, increasing energy costs and causing unnecessary wear on the system. If the ducts appear to be in good shape and correct size, it is very possible that the current air conditioning unit is at the end of its service life and may a new air conditioning installation.

If you’re experiencing more dust than usual or increased humidity your air conditioner may be operating poorly. Having the wrong size system, a badly performing system or leaky duct work can cause these problems. An increase in dust without other explanation (as in high pollen conditions) may be a sign that your ducts need cleaning. Ducts should be cleaned every 10 years or as needed.

Locate the energy star rating on your equipment: If the rating is less than 5 replace it. The higher the rating the more energy efficient your air conditioner will be, and the lower your electric bill.

A new energy efficient model and a well-insulated home will reduce your energy costs. The money you save may very well pay for your new air conditioning installation in a reasonable amount of time.

It’s important to ensure you receive the correctly sized equipment for air conditioning installation. Having a larger air conditioner than you need won’t cool better and will cost you more. A unit that is too large will cycle more frequently and run less with each cycle, never achieving peak efficiency. It will be unable to remove humidity from the air during the short cycles, and the humidity will make it feel warmer. Undersized equipment will run too long trying to cool the home, greatly increasing energy costs and over burdening the system resulting in a shortened service life.

If you have added insulation, new energy star windows, and sealed air leaks, your system requirement may be smaller than your current sized unit. On the other hand, if you have added a new addition this may change your system sizing needs as well.

Your air conditioning technician will assess the following to determine the correct size requirement for your air conditioning installation: floor area, level of insulation and type and size of windows. The technician will determine this by providing the following:

• Measuring for the square footage of your home.
• Measuring for the square footage of windows and doors and noting the direction in which they face.
• Assess the attic insulation to estimate the insulating value.
• Check the basement or crawl space to estimate the floor insulating value.
• Check the walls if possible, to estimate the insulating value.
• Check ducts for leaks and estimate insulation value and determine if what is present is adequate.
• Note the number of appliances that contribute to heat in the home.
• Assess the fireplace, if any, for air leakage.
• Assess the number of bedrooms for fresh air requirements.
• Note the temperature you typically keep your home.

A professional will calculate these factors, so ensure your contractor is licensed, and insured. Sizing is the most common mistake made during air conditioning installation. A reputable heating and air conditioning contractor will use the ACCA/ANSI Manual or computer software that considers all of these factors, including proper size duct for a correct sizing of your home’s needs for air conditioning installation.

Have your system checked and serviced bi-annually each year in order to provide the best efficiency, greatest comfort and extension of the unit’s service life. Small problems caught early can prevent larger, more expensive problems from developing.

Ultimately, your HVAC contractor is the best judge of your current systems condition and is the best source for advise as to whether you should repair or invest in a new energy efficient air conditioning installation for your home. Give the qualified professionals at Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning a call, we will be happy to assist you.

Troubleshooting | Air Conditioning Repair, Katy, TX

Air conditioning makes our lives so much more comfortable, and it is almost unthinkable to imagine our lives without it. It not only provides a comfortable environment, but reduces humidity and helps to clean the air in homes and businesses. Higher humidity makes it feel hotter, it also makes it harder for those with heart and respiratory problems to breathe. For these and other seriously ill persons, air conditioning can mean the difference between life and death. When it breaks down, the need for air conditioning repair in Katy for these persons becomes a potentially life threatening emergency. With the climate warming and temperatures often reaching dangerous levels in many areas, repair isn’t an option, but a necessity for any of us.

Before calling a technician for repair there are a few things you should try:

• First, make sure your thermostat is set in the COOL position and that the temperature is set lower than the inside temperature readout. If the inside temperature is less than the set temperature the air conditioner will not cut on to cool. Next, check the fan switch to ensure it is on AUTO. If the fan is set to ON, turn it back to AUTO. The ON function causes the fan to run whether or not the compressor is pumping cool air at the time. Being set to ON rather than AUTO may explain why the ac is blowing warm air part of the time. With the fan on auto, and the thermostat on cool try turning the temperature down.
• Next, check your air registers and make sure they are all open. Never block registers or the air return. Keep the area around them clear.
• Check to ensure that your air conditioner is receiving power. Open the inside electrical panel; all circuit breakers should be in the ON position. Your air conditioner breaker panel should be labeled, you can flip it to off and then back on to ensure the breaker is on.
• If your air conditioner still isn’t operating check the exterior central air conditioning unit. There will be a disconnect switch typically located near the unit in a grey box mounted nearby. This switch is a common cause of a central unit to shut off. If you are uncertain of the proper switch, don’t hesitate to call Cypress’s certified HVAC technicians when you need air conditioning repair in Katy.

Common Issues Requiring an Air Conditioning Technician

• If your air conditioning unit is low of refrigerant you will find your ac blowing warm air. The coil and other components freeze over and if the coils are inside the home you will see what looks like frost on them. This is a sign your unit has a leak and has lost coolant. This will require a technician for air conditioning repair in Katy to repair the leak and recharge the unit with refrigerant. Furthermore, a leak not repaired can result in the failure of the compressor, a very expensive component to replace. Some leaks are easy to locate as those at loose fittings, otherwise the technician may have to provide leak detection services to locate the leak and provide air conditioning repair in Katy.
• An additional common issue that will require air conditioning repair in Katy is the primary motor starter which contains contacts much like the points in an automobiles ignition. Over time they will wear out and fail. One sign of a potential problem related to this common problem is when the compressor won’t shut off. If this occurs you will need to flip to AC breaker to off in the homes main service panel to prevent the compressor from burning out.
• The worst thing that can happen to your air conditioner is for the compressor to burn out. Compressor failure can occur due to age, failure of another component causing damage, or even lightning can damage it along with other factors. A compressor is a major expense, and can be over $2,000 for the compressor alone, plus the other costs to provide air conditioning repair in Katy.
• Most new system connections are now welded to prevent leaks from occurring. Older systems, especially before 2006 were connected with fittings that can vibrate loose with leaks resulting. When a refrigerant leak occurs it must be repaired, otherwise the leak will continue and cooling will once again fail.

These issues are but a few of the most common, and having your air conditioning system inspected, cleaned and tuned up each spring can catch these problems early. This translates to your avoiding a breakdown in 98 degree temperatures and 90 % humidity. It is a wise investment as it prevents repeated service calls for components that go out.

If lightning has caused damage to your air conditioning contact your homeowners insurance to file a claim as it is likely to be covered to some degree if not completely.

If these tips fail to restore air conditioning operation call Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s dedicated technicians for air conditioning repair in Katy. Keep in mind routine tune-ups and inspections along with changing the filter are the best action you can take towards preventing breakdowns.

We offer tune-ups, maintenance and repairs to keep your air conditioning system at peak performance, and provide emergency service for your convenience 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Cypress’s certified professionals are always there for you when you require air conditioning repair in Katy.

Digital Thermostats | Air Conditioning Service

As temperatures rise and the air conditioning begins its summer job of keeping the home comfortable, you may be looking for ways to stay cooler and save electricity. One very effective means of helping to keep the electric bill down while maintaining a consistent temperature is to install a digital thermostat. If you haven’t already scheduled your routine pre-summer air conditioning service now would be a great time to take care of both.

A thermostat works in conjunction with the heating and cooling system to regulate the homes temperature. They will wear out over time, and have to be replaced. If the HVAC system in your home seems to always be running too much or too little, your thermostat may need replacement. Our certified comfort specialists will be happy to provide the air conditioning service of installing the new thermostat you need.

A digital thermostat will provide a consistent temperature and if programmable can enable you to regulate the temperature even when you can’t be there. A programmable digital thermostat will quickly pay for itself while keeping your home comfortable and continue to save you money. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning professionals are happy to provide this installation or any other air conditioning service that you require.

Thermostat Types

There are 5 types of thermostats to select from. You will need to ensure that you select a thermostat that will work with your heating and air conditioning system. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s certified experts will be happy to provide an assessment of your system to determine which thermostat(s) are compatible. Give us a call and we’ll be happy to provide this air conditioning service, and get you on your way to greater comfort and saving money.

Digital Non-Programmable Thermostat

A digital non-programmable thermostat requires the user to manually adjust settings as desired.

Some digital thermostats automatically change from heating to cooling or vice versa during the spring and fall when temperature swings of cool nights and hot days occur. This is a convenience you will greatly appreciate!

Learning Thermostats

Learning thermostats remember a user’s habits and program themselves, creating a schedule based on your prior preferences. These thermostats turn themselves down when you’re away, guide you to energy-efficient settings and provides you with monthly reports telling you how much energy you have used and what affects it the most. When humidity is low it feels cooler, and these thermostats are capable of reducing ac run time in response to lower humidity. Learning thermostats connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network and can be monitored, set and managed remotely over Wi-Fi from a computer, smartphone or tablet. They work with most HVAC systems, including humidification, dehumidification and dual-fuel. Best of all, they can save you 20-30 % on energy usage.

Manual Thermostat

A non-programmable thermostat requires the user to manually adjust the temperature. Manual thermostats are not as accurate as digital ones, and can’t be programed. Programmable Thermostat

A programmable digital thermostat provides the most efficient use of your system by automatically adjusting the temperature through¬out the day to the specification your program in. The thermostat automatically maintains a comfortable temperature, adjusting it when you’re away or asleep to save energy, and adjusting it for a comfortable home temperature when you, or other family members come home.

Touch screen thermostats are easier to program and allow you to program up to a seven day schedule. As previously noted, models that automatically switch between heating and cooling as needed are an even bigger advantage.

A programmable thermostat is a good way to conserve energy and save money. Give our comfort specialists a call for air conditioning service to install a new energy saving thermostat before the hot days of summer arrive.

Most experts agree that 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer is the ideal energy saving temperature for the seasons. In the winter at night and when everyone is away from the home, 65 degrees saves even more money.

Remote Energy Management

A remote energy management thermostat enables you to monitor, set, and program your heating and air conditioning system from a computer, smartphone or tablet. It will send text messages or email alerts when adjustments are performed, when the filter needs changing or when maintenance is due. The thermostat connects through a hub to your home network, providing access through Wi-Fi from anywhere. This thermostat will reduce energy consumption by up to 15 %. If you’d like to get a jump on reducing summer electrical costs give our experienced technicians a call for air conditioning service, and have them install a money saving thermostat for your system.

Installing a digital thermostat is fairly easy if you follow the directions. If you prefer the expertise of an HVAC specialist to provide installation, the experienced technicians at Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning will provide a professional installation for you. If your system is due for a spring tune-up, we can install a new thermostat that provides a greater energy efficiency at the time of your spring air conditioning service.

At Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning your comfort, safety and satisfaction is our primary goal. Our certified heating and cooling specialists are always ready to provide prompt and professional heating or air conditioning service. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for your emergencies.

Carrier Heat Pumps | Heating and Air Conditioning

When you are looking for a new heating and air conditioning system there are many factors to consider, and energy efficiency is at the top of almost everyone’s list. The Carrier Infinity Series Heat Pump with Greenspeed Intelligence 25VNAO is the most highly rated heat pump by almost everyone’s standards. In 2012 this system earned the ENERGY STAR^® most efficient qualification. This system is top-of-the-line among Carrier heat pumps and has a SEER of 20.5 and an HSPF of 13. When you want the best energy efficiency, top performance and greatest service reliability the Infinity Heat Pump with Greenspeed Intelligence is the choice for your new heating and air conditioning system.

Your Carrier Greenspeed Intelligence system with its variable speed capacity control provides optimal heating capacity when the outdoor temperature drops. In the cooling mode, lower speed operation provides enhanced comfort and dehumidification. Variable speed technology will provide better humidity control than older systems lacking it.

All Carrier systems use Puron refrigerant which is an economically sound product. It won’t harm the ozone should a leak occur and provides a low lifetime service cost. Greenspeed Intelligence provides active monitoring of critical systems.

The system utilizes a crankcase heater to keep the lubricant warm during the off cycle. This improves the compressor lubrication on restart and minimizes the chance of sluggish liquid that may occur during winter.

The Carrier Infinity Greenspeed 25VNAO heat pump provides a variable speed compressor enabling it to deliver the exact amount of heating or cooling needed for perfectly balanced temperature in the home. It delivers from 25% to 100% in increments of 1% for precise delivery. Carrier utilizes a system of measures to provide quieter operation when the compressor operates. This model utilizes a top rated Infinity thermostat with various models available, including WI-FI, allowing you to operate the heating and air conditioning system when away from home.

No heating and air conditioning system operates maintenance free. As a homeowner, to extend service life, provide the greatest comfort and energy efficiency the following maintenance and practice by the homeowner is recommended.

• Don’t block floor, wall or ceiling vents. Restricted air flow will reduce the system’s energy efficiency and its lifespan. Keep drapes, toys, furniture or other items from blocking vents.
• Don’t block or cover the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit requires unrestricted airflow. Don’t cover it, place any object near it or allow grass, weeds, plants or grass clippings to accumulate on the sides or top of the outdoor unit. There must be at least a twelve inch minimum clearance between the unit and plants or other objects.
• Keep the filter clean. This is one of the most important provisions the homeowner can provide to keep your heating and air conditioning system at peak performance and provide for an extended service life. A clogged air filter will increase operating costs and shorten the unit’s service life. Ensure the filter is properly installed.
• Make it a habit to routinely check the condensate drain. The heat pump removes humidity from the air to provide a more comfortable environment during the summer season. Water that accumulates on the coil will trickle into a condensate pan and out the condensate drain. Occasionally check on the drain to ensure it is not stopped up, as a clogged drain can result in leakage of water from the unit. Homes in an extremely dry environment will have limited drainage.
• If you live on the sea coast any heating and air conditioning system will generally require more maintenance due to the corrosive effects of the salty air. The Carrier system is made of galvanized metal and top performing paint, but you still will need to take the extra precaution of washing all exposed surfaces and the outdoor coil every 3 months. Your installer will be happy to provide the information you require, and you have the option of having your HVAC technician to provide regularly scheduled cleaning and inspection for you.
• Routine maintenance from your dealer should be provided by a certified technician to ensure optimal performance and extended service life.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning provides certified heating and air conditioning technicians with the attributes of experience, expertise and ongoing continuing education in order to remain current as new technologies are developed. Unlike many heating and air conditioning companies, we only provide for your heating and air conditioning needs. This enables us to dedicate our focus to the specialization of our industry, to your comfort and your satisfaction.

We strive to provide prompt and efficient service with a swift resolution of your systems problems and/or the installation of a new heating and air conditioning systems. We appreciate your trusting us with your family’s comfort and look forward to serving you.