Programmable Thermostat | Heating and Air Conditioning

You may not spend much thought on the thermostat your heating and air conditioning system uses in your home. However, current technology has made its way to thermostats, and provides numerous benefits that are well worth the change. The majority of non-programmable units will provide adequate temperature control, but upgrading to a programmable thermostat can provide you with some significant savings, as well as convenience.

A programmable thermostat provides a more consistent indoor temperature, as well as offering features that enable the heating and air conditioning system to operate less frequently, saving both energy and money.

In addition, a programmable thermostat offers you the ability to manage temperature adjustments, ensuring the temperature in your home is programmed to achieve the greatest savings. An example of this is programming the thermostat to a higher setting in the summer, while no one is home, and setting the thermostat to automatically adjust to a lower degree, cooling the home just before family members return home.

The benefits of a programmable thermostat are energy savings, improved comfort, added convenience and has the potential to extend the service life of your home’s heating and air conditioning system by eliminating unnecessary operation.

Features may vary specific to the manufacturer and model. Some models offer a vacation override, for example, while others may offer a keyboard lock to prevent unauthorized changes to the settings that you program.

An additional feature available on some models is the ability of the thermostat to automatically change between heating and cooling. This is especially beneficial during the spring and fall when cool nights and warm days will keep you resetting the manual thermostat.

Select a Model to Fit Your Schedule

Programmable thermostats typically offer four programming time slots per day. Select a model that will best suit your schedule. Options include:

• 7-day programming – Suitable for the active family with variable schedules.
• Weeklong programming – Excellent choice for the home where everyday schedules are routine.
• 5-2 programming – The ideal selection for the home that works a traditional work week and weekend schedule.
• 5-1-1 programming – Provides the flexibility needed for those whose weekend workdays experience variable scheduling.

If you have ever set the thermostat temperature, only to find a family member has changed it to allow the system to run more, a programmable thermostat will ensure a return to your temperature selection. A programmable thermostat will allow for short term changes, but reverts to the programmed settings after a short amount of time.

Smart Thermostats

Thermostats are now available that provide the benefits of wireless technology. Integrated with your Wi-Fi network, a smart thermostat enables you to program your thermostat with a computer or smartphone. It will also enable you to generate reports of energy usage. You can check your thermostat settings when you are away from home, and can maintain an improved control of your heating and air conditioning system’s use of energy.

The Nest thermostat brings a whole new meaning to “Smart Thermostats”. You set your thermostat to suit your comfort for a few days and nights. Within a week or less, the thermostat has learned your temperature preferences and will advise you that you no longer need to adjust the thermostat. The Nest contains a motion detector that senses when you are not at home, and adjusts the temperature to save energy. When you return home, it automatically disables the Away mode.

Once the Nest learns your habits, it takes care of managing your home’s environment, freeing you to do something other than worrying that you forgot to adjust the temperature before you left.

With so many options available, you may feel unsure of the programmable thermostat your home needs. Thermostats do need to be compatible with your heating and air conditioning for the proper function. The professionals of Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning can assist you with your selection of the ideal thermostat for your home, as well as for your heating and air conditioning system.

Central Air Conditioning | Air Conditioning Repair Plano, TX

Central air conditioners function by circulating cool air through a system of ducts and registers in the home. Air is circulated back to the central air conditioner through an air return. Central air conditioning provides a more uniform comfort in your home, and todays models are far more effective and efficient than older models. If your central AC is 10 years old or older, and is experiencing the need for frequent air conditioning repair in Plano, TX consider installing a new energy efficient model.

In addition to cooling air and distributing it throughout the home, air conditioners provide dehumidification of the incoming air. However, in extremely humid climates or in homes where the air conditioner is oversized, it may not achieve ideal dehumidification, and some homeowners opt for a whole house dehumidifier to improve comfort and reduce issues related to high humidity.

Types of Central Air Conditioners

There are two types of central air conditioners, the split-system unit or a packaged unit.

In the split-system central air conditioner, the outdoor unit contains the condenser and compressor, while the indoor cabinet houses the evaporator. In some split-system air conditioners, the indoor cabinet may also contain a furnace. The air conditioner’s evaporator coil is installed in the indoor cabinet or the main supply duct of the furnace. If your home has a furnace but no air conditioner, a split-system will be the most cost effective central air conditioner to install.

In the packaged central air conditioning system, the evaporator, condenser, and compressor are all located in an outdoor cabinet. The air supply and return ducts provide a connection between the indoor cabinet and the outdoor packaged air conditioner. Packaged air conditioners may include or provide the option of electric heating coils or a natural gas furnace. This combination will enable the removal of any indoor furnace.

Some homeowners opt to install a new outdoor unit, but use the old indoor coil and evaporator. This action is highly discouraged. Equipment degrades with age, and when a new central AC is connected to the aging indoor portion, leaks are highly probable, and energy efficiency will be negatively impacted. In fact, you will not only have continuing air conditioning repair in Plano, TX, but it can reduce the new outdoor systems service life dramatically.

Choosing or Upgrading Your Central Air Conditioner

Central air conditioners are out of the way, quiet and can provide a high SEER for greater cost savings. If your current air conditioning is 10 years old, you can save as much as 40% by installing a new energy efficient central air conditioner. If your aging AC is already costing you with frequent air conditioning repair in Plano, TX, the costs of repair may be better placed in a new system

Using a reputable and experienced HVAC contractor is important in order to obtain the correct sizing and a proper installation of a central air conditioner. If improperly sized or installed, efficiency will suffer. When it comes to your home’s air conditioning, having a unit that is larger than is required will result in inadequate removal of humidity. Mold and mildew will become a problem, as well as discomfort.

On the other hand, having a system that is undersized will result in unnecessary wear and tear on the air conditioner, as it will work strenuously and be unable to adequately cool your home. This will result in a shortened service life, and premature air conditioning repair in Plano, TX. Other factors that can diminish efficiency are improper unit location, inadequate insulation in the home, and improperly sized or installed ductwork.

When purchasing a new air conditioning system, select a model with a high efficiency. Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) indicates the amount of energy needed to provide a specific cooling output. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label for central air conditioners with SEER ratings of 13 or greater, but higher SEER ratings are available and will provide even greater savings. Not only are Energy Star products more efficient, they are also more reliable with less breakdowns requiring air conditioning repair in Plano, TX

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning provides certified and experienced HVAC technicians for all of your heating and air conditioning , needs including prompt air conditioning repair in Plano, TX, and the Katy region. Thanks for visiting us.

Commercial Air Conditioning | Heating and Air Conditioning

Your business relies upon commercial air conditioning to keep your business and employees comfortable. That is why, it is important to use certified HVAC technicians who are well trained in commercial heating and air conditioning systems.

You can trust Cypress Heating & Air Conditioning when you need service to keep your business comfortable this summer. Whether you need installation, repair, or maintenance, we will provide professional and reliable service for you.

Commercial Air Conditioning Services

Routine maintenance helps to keep your business’ heating and air conditioning running efficiently with less worry of breakdowns. In many regions of the country, businesses must pay a much higher rate for electricity than residential customers. This is reason enough to keep your HVAC system tuned up to provide peak performance as energy efficient as is possible. The added benefit of routine maintenance is you can expect to receive a full service life from your commercial HVAC system.

The commercial ventilation system in your business delivers conditioned air to the various areas, and it doesn’t take a large leak to waste electricity and severely impact the system’s efficiency. In addition, the system will be forced to work harder to compensate for the imbalance in pressure. This can lead to premature wear on the air conditioning system and a shortened service life. You may be unaware of the loss of seals, but you will notice a large elevation in the electric bill. Professional duct sealing will prevent this problem. Commercial ventilation is far more complex than in residential systems. Ensure you use an HVAC technician, qualified for commercial HVAC systems.

Tips for Improved Efficiency in Your Business

• First and foremost is to ensure air filters are clean. A dirty filter restricts air-flow and causes stressful overwork on the commercial HVAC system. A dirty filter can lead to a breakdown and a short service life of the system. Filters are the key to keeping the system running efficiently.
• Buy Energy Star approved equipment and appliances. While Energy Star products may cost slightly more to purchase, the savings in energy use will assist you with your investment, and help to keep energy bills down in your place of business. There may be the added benefit of rebates and tax credits available on Energy Star purchases, availability of various products vary. Check for federal tax credits, state and local rebates and credits, as well as rebates from your utility provider.
• Don’t delay repair, it can cost you more in the long run. Operating a heating and air conditioning system in need of repair directly impacts the system’s ability to perform its job efficiently, increases the cost of operation and can cause further damage making repair more costly. With the compressor of some systems costing thousands of dollars to replace, routine maintenance is a fraction of the cost of replacing a compressor.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s certified HVAC technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience. When you need prompt heating and air conditioning services, we will be there.

Reducing AC Costs | AC Repair Katy

In this article we continue with part 2 of reducing the workload on the home’s air conditioning system, thereby increasing your comfort, reducing AC costs for your home, while reducing wear on the system, as well as the frequency of AC repair in Katy.

Attic, Floor and Wall Insulation

Numerous American homes are deficient in insulation. This doesn’t mean a home was built substandard. It is merely a reflection in the change of insulating guidelines. As environmental change continues to occur, numerous regions of our nation are experiencing colder winters and hotter summers, making the need for adequate insulation more important than ever.

A general guideline for attic insulation is if you can see the ceiling rafters, your attic is under-insulated, and is costing you money on energy costs. In addition, the additional strain upon the air conditioning system is causing increased wear as it must run more often. The correct level of insulation in your home will increase comfort, reduce energy costs, as well as reducing the wear that will lead to an increased frequency of AC repair in Katy.

While insulating most attics presents no problems, insulating the walls in an existing home is an entirely different matter. Unless you are remodeling and opening up the walls, it is a project with varying results. Some homes achieve the needed insulation without a hitch, while others end up with gaps and little or no benefit.

If you live in a lovely, but cold un-insulated older home and can afford it, having the old siding removed down to the walls is the best means of insulating them.

Today it is recommended for floors with a crawl space underneath, or unconditioned basement space to be insulated as well.

Ceilings

The ceiling may be a source of air intrusion around light fixtures. Expanding foam is a good product for sealing these holes up. Properly Insulating and Sealing Ductwork

If your duct work is located in an unconditioned space it should be properly insulated and sealed to prevent the loss of heating and cooling. Most ductwork is sealed with aluminum tape when installed (duct tape should not be used on ductwork). The tape is incredibly resistant to environmental factors, but can loosen, allowing the conditioned air within to escape. This loss of conditioned air will elevate energy costs, and increase the workload on the HVAC system, reducing its service life and increasing the need for more frequent AC repair in Katy.

Other Air Intrusions

Air intrusions may occur around any cables, water lines, drain pipes and vents. Expanding foam is a great product to seal all but those which are hot, such as a furnace flue, chimney or gas water heater flue. These require a special high temperature sealant to avoid the risk of a fire.

Kitchen and bathroom vent fans are a potential source of significant air intrusion. Replace them with a more efficient model to save energy dollars as well as to prevent stress on your HVAC system resulting in the increased need for AC repair in Katy.

Attic Ventilation

Attic ventilation enables the hot air in the attic to escape or to be removed. Ventilation can be passive as in vents, or active as with an attic fan. If heat from the attic is heating up your home, an attic fan is the best choice for reducing its effect in the living space. Select a model with oil ports to enable frequent oiling of the motor for the longest service life. Attic heat is one of the most common causes of an unnecessary workload on air conditioning, that results in an increase in the number of AC repair in Katy.

Keep the area surrounding your outside air conditioning unit free of overgrown grass, weeds or any other objects that may impair its airflow. The lack of airflow will overload the unit and damage it, creating the need for AC repair in Katy.

We hope you found this article to be informative. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning is just a phone call away for all of your heating and air conditioning needs, including AC repair in Katy. Thanks for visiting us online.

Reducing AC Costs | Air Conditioning Repair Katy

You can reduce the workload on your air conditioning system, as well as the cost of operating it by utilizing the following tips. As a result of implementing these tips, you will receive the additional benefit of increased comfort, as well as reducing the need for air conditioning repair in Katy. Your home will be cooler and more comfortable and will cost you less on energy bills year round. This article contains Part 1 of reducing AC costs.

The cooling load is the amount of heat to be removed from a home by the air conditioner to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature during a worst case scenario of extreme heat, as well as during typical summer temperatures.

The factors that influence your home’s cooling load are as follows:

• Glass doors
• Windows
• Sunlight entering windows, skylights, or glass doors
• Exterior walls
• Partitions (that separate spaces of different temperatures)
• A rooms ceilings located under the attic
• Roofs
• Floors over an open crawl space
• Air infiltration around doors, and windows, vent pipes, unsealed intrusions (such as pipes)
• The number of persons in the home
• Appliances
• Lights
• Ductwork located in an unconditioned space that is not insulated or unsealed

A number of homeowners feel their homes are adequately sealed. Unfortunately, the reality is that a majority of homes experience numerous sources of heat gain from air leaks around windows, doors, attic entry and other gaps. Furthermore, window heat gain and the lack of adequate insulation add to the cooling load and cause unnecessary elevation of the electric bill, as well as increased wear and tear on your AC system, necessitating the need for increased air conditioning repair in Katy.

These issues can be eliminated through sealing air intrusions, increasing insulation and the routine maintenance and service of your air conditioner.

Various materials are available for sealing air intrusions throughout the home and include caulking, weather stripping, expanding foam and other products. These products are low cost, and provide benefits that far exceed the initial cost.

Insufficient insulation allows excessive heat gain to enter the home from the roof and hot attic, inefficient windows, and heat gain through under-insulated walls. A thermography scan will reveal specific heat gain and loss issues, and will enable you to add insulation where it is needed for the greatest cost effectiveness.

Providing routine maintenance to the air conditioning system will keep components operating at peak performance, which reduces the workload on the system and prevents premature failure of the components, while reducing the need for air conditioning repair in Katy.

The single most important action a homeowner can take in caring for the air conditioning system is changing the filter routinely. A dirty and clogged filter causes premature wear and will substantially increase the systems use of electricity. Furthermore, a dirty filter can lead to the failure of components which require air conditioning repair in Katy. Filters are available in different grades, ensure you use a type of filter recommended for your system.

If you have questions regarding the appropriate filter for your system ask your HVAC technician or your systems manufacturer.

Let’s take a look at how you can address some of these issues while reducing the workload on the AC resulting in a more comfortable home, improved energy efficiency and a reduction in wear and tear on the AC resulting in the need for less air conditioning repair in Katy.

Glass Doors and Windows

Glass is a poor insulator, and windows are one of the common factors leading to heat gain, and the increased workload on the AC. This workload directly correlates to premature wear and the need for increased air conditioning repair in Katyunless you have energy efficient windows some action is required to reduce their impact of heat gain and loss. The preferred choice is to have energy efficient windows installed. Not every homeowner can afford this option and you do have lower cost alternatives.

The next option is to install UV/heat blocking window film. Simple film available from home supply stores will stop heat gain from the sun. Higher grades of window film are available that are thicker and easier to handle. Some even claim to be the equivalent of adding a two pane insulated window. They all work great to block heat gain and some offer UV filtration as well.

The drawback to these products is cost, though they are significantly lower in cost than new energy efficient windows. You can purchase it for as little as $30 that will cover approximately 5 windows. The product can also be applied to glass doors and works just as effectively. Window film preserves a view, while blocking heat gain almost entirely. The products perform amazingly well, and are probably right up there with increased insulation in reducing AC workload, preventing the wear of its components and subsequently reducing the need for air conditioning repair in Katy.

The third option is the use of drapes. Though not as efficient as window film it will help. For the best effectiveness use white or light colored drapes.

The second action you can provide with your homes windows and doors is to seal air intrusions. Around doors ensure the gaskets are intact, remain pliable for a tight seal and don’t allow gaps in the seal. Check your door with a damp hand to detect air intrusion, and view it when the sun shines on it. If you daylight is visible around the door, it is in need of sealing.

Feel around windows for air intrusions, and if your windows are leaking air into or out of your home, use caulking, or other products to seal the leaks. Homes are frequently built with a lack of insulation around the window frame. Removing the wooden casings on the wall surrounding windows is the only way to correct this lapse in carpentry.

Unsealed windows and doors allow hot air to enter the home, especially when the AC runs. These air leaks increase the load on the system, leading to air conditioning repair in Katy.

In Part 2 of this series, we will continue our overview of improving your homes envelope to reduce both the cost of cooling your home, while reducing the workload on your AC to improve its efficiency, performance and reduce the wear that leads to air conditioning repair in Katy.

If you haven’t had your AC serviced and tuned-up for the summer, give Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s certified experts a call today. We are available for your air conditioning installation, air conditioning repair in Katy, maintenance and all of your HVAC needs. Thanks for visiting our site.

Air Conditioning Capacity | Air Conditioning Katy, TX

Homeowner’s often think of air conditioning capacity in terms of tonnage, such as a 3 ton unit, for example. One ton equals 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTU’s or Btu’s); therefore, a four ton system has 48,000 BTU’s. A common misconception regarding capacity is that bigger is better, and in the following we will discuss why correctly sized equipment is important for air conditioning in Katy, TX.

Homeowners often think that having greater capacity than required air conditioning in Katy, TX will provide a more comfortable home since it brings the inside temperature more quickly, but this is not the case. The size of equipment required will provide a comfortable temperature on the hottest summer day, but if your air conditioning in Katy, TX provides too much cooling, your air conditioning can do more harm than good.

An air conditioning system provides two functions. First, the cooling of your home by removing heat and the second is to remove humidity. Each time the air conditioner runs it is also removing humidity from the air. This is the water draining from the condensate pain to the outside of the home.

This is due to the ability of hot air to retain more moisture than cooler air. In the air conditioning system, as warm, moist air from inside the home is pulled through the air return and moves over the cold evaporator, the moisture condenses on the coil, where it drops onto the evaporator pan and drains out of the house through the condensation line to the home’s exterior.

An air conditioner cools the home by the removal of heat faster than it can reduce the humidity. This means the system has to run longer in order to remove moisture from the air. It is a critical function, without time to remove the moisture your home feels sticky, and warmer than it actually is. Even worse, if an adequate amount of humidity is not removed mold and mildew can become an issue in your home.

This is the reason it is important to have properly sized air conditioning in Katy, TX. A system that is too large will cool too quickly and shut off, without removing adequate moisture from the air. A system that provides adequate cooling and controls moisture will obtain a humidity level in the range of 50 percent or lower.

Air conditioning in the past was unable to measure humidity or control run time for optimum humidity control. Today’s technology provides a more flexible means of humidity control by adapting run time to the time required to remove humidity. In other words, older systems may control temperature and humidity when the outdoor temperature is 95, but may be running too little to remove adequate humidity when the temperature is 85, for example.

Dual stage, or variable stage equipment will operate at a low as well as a high speed, or at a speed in between in the case of variable speed equipment, meaning that this type of air conditioning in Katy, TX will provide a comfortable environment with less humidity.

In addition, two-stage or variable speed equipment will provide the added benefit of saving you money by reducing your electric bill since less energy is required at lower capacities. These systems of air conditioning in Katy, TX are ideal for the regions of the hot and humid southern states.

In summary, an appropriately sized system, with the added benefit of a dual or variable speed system will provide the optimum comfort with humidity control of your home. A system that is larger than you need create a negative impact upon your comfort, just as a system that is undersized will be overworked, and will experience a shortened service life, as well as being unable to cool the home adequately during hotter weather.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s highly trained and experienced HVAC technicians will ensure that your home receives the correct size required. There are numerous factors involved in selecting the appropriate size system. Square footage of the home is only one factor, the direction faced, number, size and type of windows are another factor, the degree of insulation and other considerations are factored in to establish the correctly sized of air conditioning in Katy, TX that your home requires. Give us a call, we will provide the professional installation you desire for the ultimate comfort in your home.

Air Conditioning Facts & Tips | Air Conditioning Service

If your air conditioning system isn’t maintaining your home’s comfort this summer, give us a call for professional air conditioning service. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning professionals will determine the cause. Perhaps you’re closing off vents in unused rooms and your system performance seems to have suffered. If so, read on and you will understand why this common practice is detrimental to your system and comfort.

Myths and misinformation regarding heating and air conditioning are common, and may be costing you money. Let’s take a look at some of the most common:

Myth #1. Ceiling fans will cool your home

This is not true. Ceiling fans won’t reduce the temperature of a room by even a single degree. What a ceiling fan can do is to cool your skin by circulating air in the space, making you feel more comfortable. Use them when you are home in the rooms you occupy.

Myth #2. Close the register vents in rooms not being used to save money on the cost of cooling

This isn’t true. In fact, this practice can be damaging your HVAC system. Modern forced air systems have a balanced pressure load throughout the home. Closing vents off will affect how it operates, throwing the pressure load off balance and forcing the system to work harder. This can result in premature wear and tear on the system, resulting in a reduced life expectancy of the system, and an increased frequency of breakdowns. Leave the registers open, unblocked and let your system do its job.

Myth #3. Heat pumps are unreliable, don’t last long and will drive your utility bills out of sight

This is not true. While energy efficiency and reliability will vary between brands, heat pumps have become more energy efficient as required by law. Energy factors like SEER and reliability are regulated to minimum stands for Energy Star Qualifying products. For the greatest energy efficiency, reliability and extended heating and air conditioning service from your HVAC system, choose an Energy Star qualified product.

Also, keep in mind to select a reputable and experienced professional for heating and air conditioning installation. The most common associated problems with HVAC systems is due to improper installation, improperly sized equipment, as well as a lack of heating and air conditioning service and preventative maintenance.

Money Saving HVAC Upgrades

The HVAC industry is involved in advancing the technology with energy solutions and improved reliability. The following are some of the latest technologies that can assist your home in being more efficient, while providing reliable heating and air conditioning service.

Digital Thermostats

Digital thermostats enable you to program your system to automatically reduce the indoor temperature during the winter when no one is home. The digital thermostat will also turn the heat up just in time for family members to arrive in a warm home. On the other hand, during the cooling season, a digital thermostat enables you to turn the thermostat up while family members are away, and lowering it in time for you to arrive to a cool and comfortable home. Some models even enable the thermostat to be adjusted remotely, from a computer or smart phone, for example.

Seal Ducts

The EPA estimates a fifth of conditioned air is lost due to leaks in the ducts. Our technicians use the latest technology to locate leaks in your system. Once located, they seal the leaks for the greatest efficiency from your system. A sealed system not only operates more efficiently, it also reduces undue strain upon the system. Sealing the ducts provides one more element to ensure reliable heating and air conditioning service from your system.

The Advantages of a Heat Pump

• A heat pump is located outside of the home, providing a system that is much quieter.
• With coils, compressor and other components located outside within the heat pump cabinet, there is no risk of condensate overflowing the evaporator pan and causing damage to your home.
• The heat pump is one of the most efficient systems available. The electric heat pump does not generate heat from fossil fuels to warm the home in the winter. By extracting heat from outdoor air and heat generated by compressed refrigerant, the heat pump provides efficient heat for homes in the winter. By reversing this process cold air is provided for air conditioning in the summer.
• Electric heat pumps operate cleanly. There is no combustion of fossil fuels, eliminating the risk of carbon monoxide from heating in the home, and providing a clean running system for a healthier, cleaner home. By selecting an Energy Star heat pump, you save money on energy costs, receive a system with proven reliability and performance, and reduce your household’s impact on the environment.
• The purchase of an Energy Star heat pump may entitle you to federal, state, local rebates or tax credits.

Cypress is a preferred HVAC provider of heating and air conditioning service, installation, maintenance and ac repair in Katy. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning provides highly trained and certified heating and air conditioning technicians, who receive ongoing continuing education. You are assured of receiving an experienced technician who is up-to-date on the latest HVAC technology, recommended heating and air conditioning service techniques and repair.

The EPA estimates that 50% of HVAC systems are of improper size for the home in which they are installed. In addition, installations are often incorrectly provided, resulting in lost efficiency and a reduction in reliability. When you consider the cost of heating and air conditioning systems, you want the most you can receive from the system. This is why it is essential to ensure you receive a qualified and experienced installer who utilizes industry guidelines for selection of a system and installment.

Finally, ensure your HVAC system receives routine maintenance for reliable and long lasting heating and air conditioning service from your system.

When you use Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning you are assured of receiving this, with a professionally installed system and top rated Carrier system. We stand behind our products and our services. When you require air conditioning service you can trust this summer, give us a call.

Troubleshooting AC | AC Blowing Warm Air

Air conditioning has become such an essential part of our life that it is hard to endure the sweltering summer heat when they fail. Often, the cause is simple, and just as simply fixed. Let’s look at some common causes of an ac blowing warm air that you can correct on your own.

1. Check the thermostat. You burned the eggs this morning, and not only turned on the stove vent fan, but switched the fan to “on” enabling the HVAC system fan to clear out the smoke. When the fan runs and the air conditioning compressor is not, the air being blown out will not be cooled. However, this won’t prevent the compressor from starting, and your home shouldn’t be hot. Go to the next step.
2. On the thermostat, ensure it is set to “cool”, and not “off” or “heat” either of which will prevent the compressor from running, and cooling the home.
3. Next, check the temperature the thermostat is set on. If it is set to cut on at 78 degrees, and it is 77 degrees or less in the home, the compressor will not start. But if the fan is in the “on” position, the fan will run blowing room temperature air. Lower the temperature below the displayed indoor temperature. If the system doesn’t cut on and cool, and the ac is blowing warm air, go to the next step.
4. Check the AC breaker in your homes electrical service panel. If it is in the “off” position, push it back to on. The breaker should be labeled on the door list. Check for cooling. If none, and the ac is blowing warm air, check the outside condenser unit to see if the fan is running.
5. Most air conditioners have a breaker in the system. The breaker for the outside condenser unit should be mounted in a service box near the condenser unit, (most, but not all have the exterior breaker). Check the breaker within this box and ensure it is on. If it was not, once you flip it to on, the outside portion should run. Check inside the home for cooling.
6. If you still have no cooling and have a split system, check the breaker on the inside portion of the system (the air handler). It may look like a light switch toggle. Turn it to “on”. If your ac is blowing warm air after this, you will need to call your HVAC technician for air conditioning service.
7. Check the filter. While a clogged filter may not be the immediate cause of the lack of cooling, it can lead to overheating of the system and cause a breaker to be thrown. It can also cause dirty coils which can lead to a lack of cooling.

An annual inspection of your air conditioning is recommended. The advantages of detecting problems early before they become major problems can’t be stressed enough. A service call and a little oil are less costly than the loss of a major component. An annual “tune-up” may not only identify problems before they leave you sweltering in the heat with the ac blowing warm air, it will also ensure the system is operating at peak performance for the most effective and efficient cooling possible.

Buy Energy Star approved HVAC equipment. Selecting an HVAC system that is Energy Star rated not only assures you of a more energy efficient system and lower utility bills, but ensures you have purchased a more reliable system with less malfunctions and breakdowns.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning take pride in providing service you can depend upon. We want your repeat business, and use our expertise to provide professional service to each and every job. We know customer satisfaction is the key to success, and we have been a member of the BBB since 1984 with an A+ rating. Give us a call when your AC is blowing warm air or for other heating and air conditioning problems. Thanks for visiting Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning.

Whole House Dehumidifier | Heating and Air Conditioning

While they are operating, air conditioners provide dehumidification to a certain degree. While this improves your indoor air quality and comfort, when excessive humidity occurs, your home can feel damp and uncomfortable. You can improve the comfort and air quality of your home by installing a whole house dehumidifier from Cypress onto your heating and air conditioning system.

The Benefits of a Whole House Dehumidifier

There are numerous benefits to having a whole house dehumidifier installed with your air conditioning system:

Allergy Symptoms & Health Effects

You don’t have to have a mold problem to be exposed to mold, as mold spores are everywhere in the air. An increased humidity can cause mold to grow and a dehumidifier will curb its growth in your home, as well as in your air conditioning system.

Dust mites are another irritation to allergies that also thrive in humid environments. Dust mites don’t drink water; they absorb it from the air. With a low humidity in the home, dust mites can’t survive.

High humidity makes even those without allergies feel bad. This is due to relative humidity. For example, a temperature of 80 degrees feels like 80 degrees with a relative humidity of 30%. However, after a rain when the relative humidity increases to 80% with a temperature of 90 degrees, it can feel like 112 degrees! Our body cools us down with perspiration and its evaporation. When humidity levels are high it takes longer for evaporation to occur, making us feel hotter. Increased dehumidification during times of high humidity will make us more comfortable, as well as reducing allergens that thrive in moist, humid air.

Increased humidity can increase the emissions of gaseous chemicals into the indoor air. Manufactured wood products containing formaldehyde based glues will release an increase of formaldehyde into the air. Plastic floor products containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can also release chemicals when used on a damp concrete slab. A dehumidifier installed in conjunction with the heating and air conditioning system will help to reduce the release of these dangerous chemicals, providing healthier indoor air for the home.

Energy Savings

Because moisture in the air makes you feel warmer, the removal of excess humidity makes you feel cooler, without lowering the thermostat. The ability to run the air conditioner at a higher temperature due to the removal of excess moisture will save you money on the utility bill, while staying comfortably cool.

Additional Benefits of Whole House Dehumidification

Dehumidifiers turn off when the correct level of humidity is reached. Additional benefits of controlled humidity installed in conjunction with your heating and air conditioning system are as follows:

• Condensation upon pipes, walls and windows is eliminated
• Musty odors will be eliminated
• Water staining from condensation will end

Whole House Dehumidifier vs. Portable Dehumidifiers

Whole house dehumidifiers are built into the home’s forced air heating and air conditioning system. A whole house dehumidifier uses your duct system to pull air from all of your home’s rooms, removing the excess moisture and returning drier air to each room. A portable dehumidifier is unable to do this, providing dehumidification to one room only.

Installation

The installation of a whole house dehumidifier must be provided by a trained HVAC technician, and is not a DIY project. Improper installation can result in negative effects to the HVAC system as well as its performance, resulting in spotty cooling and an elevated utility bill. The professionals at Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning will provide a professional installation of a whole house dehumidifier for your home. If you are considering a dehumidifier installation in conjunction with your heating and air conditioning system, give us a call for further information, we will be glad to answer your questions and assist you.

Replacing AC | Air Conditioning Installation

The Decision to Repair or Replace an Air Conditioner

The general guidelines regarding the decision to repair or replace an air conditioner are its age, maintenance history and the repair estimate. If the system is more than 10 years old, with a history of frequent repairs, and poor maintenance and service have been provided, replacement may be the best option. If the repair estimate is half or greater the cost of a new model, replacement with a new air conditioning installation will be the most logical solution. Today’s central air conditioners are by far more energy efficient than the average 10 year old system at the end of its service life.

Air Conditioning and Energy Efficiency

The efficiency rating of an air conditioner is important to consider in Texas. Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and high-efficiency central A/Cs and heat pumps start with a SEER of 16. The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient the unit will be. Installing a SEER 16 or higher air conditioner will save you tremendously through the years. Higher-efficiency air conditioning systems provide exceptional comfort with a better distribution of cooling and better dehumidification. When you are purchasing a new air conditioning system, select the most energy efficient model your budget will tolerate for air conditioning installation.

Your new central air conditioning system will provide the best performance, and the greatest energy savings with an energy efficient home. An energy audit may reveal areas that could use an update, such as sealing air leaks and boosting insulation.

Home-efficiency upgrades may affect your cooling need. For example, prior to upgrades your home may have required a 3 ton air conditioner, whereas after upgrades your home may require a 2.5 ton air conditioner. In return, this will decrease not only your energy costs, but will likely decrease the cost of the unit as well, or enable you to purchase a higher grade model with more features for air conditioning installation.

Receiving the correct size of air conditioner for your home depends upon a number of factors such as how many people live in the home, the home’s square footage, type and number of windows and the direction they face, the amount of insulation, the amount of sunlight the home receives, the home’s location and other considerations. The initial determination of these factors is important, as an undersized unit will run too often and provide inefficient cooling, whereas an oversized unit will not run long enough to remove adequate humidity, resulting in humidity issues and an uncomfortable home. When you use Cypress Heating and Air, you are ensured of a professional air conditioning installation from start to finish.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning provides certified and experienced HVAC technicians. Our technicians have the expertise to ensure you receive the correct size system for your home, correctly installed for the best performance and comfort, with a number of options to fit almost any budget.

With our line of Carrier products you receive the nation’s top rated heating and air conditioning systems for reliability, as well as energy efficiency. Our dedicated technicians provide heating and air conditioning repair in Katy, service and maintenance as well as new air conditioning installation for your home in Katy and the surrounding regions. We provide 24 hour emergency services for your comfort. Thanks for visiting Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning.