Month: October 2014

Weatherize Your Home | Heating and Air Conditioning

When you weatherize your home stops air leaks, and helps to increase your comfort by providing a more consistently stable temperature. Air infiltration and the escape of conditioned air is a significant source of the loss of energy. The infiltration of outside air increases the system’s need to run and consequently the wear on your homes heating and air conditioning system.

Weatherizing the home doesn’t cost a lot, though the savings realized can be significant. Use the following simple, inexpensive tips to reduce energy consumption and save on heating and air conditioning costs, and reduce wear and tear on your HVAC system, while increasing the home’s comfort level.

Insulate outlets and light switches

Installing electrical outlet foam sealers to outlets and switches will block the infiltration of outdoor air. Air leaks from basements and attics can travel through interior walls, creating drafts from plate covers. Remove the plate cover and check for unsealed spaces around the outlet box. Use expanding spray foam insulating product to fill open areas around the exterior perimeter of the outlet or a light switch box, do not use inside the box.

Weatherstrip Doors

Ill-fitting or unsealed doors can cause significant air infiltration and loss of conditioned air. Inspect your door from inside the home when the sun is shining on it, if you can see daylight it needs some attention.

First, ensure hinges, door knobs and strike plates are tight. These determine how tightly a door closes.

Inspect the door sweep at the bottom of the door; if it is worn, cracked or warped replace it. Use the same criteria to inspect the weatherstripping around the doors and replace if necessary.

Weatherstrip Windows

Inspect windows and replace worn weather stripping. One often overlooked area affecting windows is the gaps behind the window casings. Home builders often fail to insulate the space surrounding windows when they are installed. Inspection and insulation will require removing the casing and may result in damage to casings. If you are willing to risk it, use caution and go slowly to reduce damage. Be aware it may result in damage to wall paint. Expanding spray foam sealer is an easy and effective solution to gaps around windows.

One method of tightening windows and reducing drafts is to close and lock them which create a tighter seal.

Replace dryer vent

Dryer vents can be a source of cold air entering. If the vent is merely a grill replace it with a grill that will close such as the shutter style. You should be aware that lint can rapidly build up causing the shutters to remain open. Make it a habit to inspect it monthly and clean as necessary.

Roof vents

Some homes utilize open exhaust vents on the roof, which can result in air infiltration, especially when the HVAC system runs. These vents are found on the ventilation pipe for a stove hood range or bathroom exhaust fans. Consider having vents with flaps installed for these ventilation pipes. They open when the fan runs, and remain closed when they do not. This prevents incoming air infiltration or conditioned air losses, which can be a significant source of air leaks. Self-sealing vents will reduce your energy costs and the wear on the heating and air conditioning system.

Seal Holes

Inspect intrusions such as around plumbing under sinks, tubs, showers and the dryer vent. Seal gaps surrounding pipes with expanding spray foam insulation or caulking.

Remember, when the heating and air conditioning system runs, the system pulls air toward the return (where the filter is located), this can result in increased air filtration when the system runs. In the winter this allows cold air to enter which then must be heated by the furnace. On the other hand, during the summer it pulls hot, humid air in which must be cooled by the air conditioner and dehumidified.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning is here to serve your heating and air conditioning needs. For further advice on how to weatherize your home give us a call. For professional repair, maintenance or heating and air conditioning installation, call to schedule service, our certified HVAC technicians are ready to take your call.

Repair or Replace HVAC | Air Conditioning Repair Plano, TX

The majority of homeowners won’t replace aging heating and air conditioning equipment until it fails completely, or requires overly frequent repair. Manufacturers of heating and air conditioning equipment and the U. S. Department of Energy recommends automatic replacement at approximately 10 to 15 years for AC systems and 15 to 20 years for a furnace. When your homes HVAC is worn and requires frequent service, and you have to decide whether to repair or replace the HVAC , or if you are growing weary of providing frequent heating and air conditioning repair in Plano, TX, read on.

Automatic replacement provides the benefits of increased reliability and increased energy efficiency. Energy efficiency factors are periodically updated, requiring increased efficiency from manufacturers. Those that provide the greatest energy efficiency and reliability earn Energy Star approval, and provide potential tax, credit and rebate incentives for homeowners who purchase them.

For the majority of homeowners, being alert to signs of a failing HVAC system will provide the opportunity to schedule a new installation, rather than risk being at the mercy of the temperature when an unreliable and worn HVAC system requires replacement, or yet another heating or air conditioning repair in Plano, TX.

Signs that it’s Time to Replace a System

Furnace

The heat exchanger in a gas furnace transfers the heat from the gas burners to the air that circulates through the system. When a heat exchanger or the burner develops cracks or holes, replacement of the furnace is needed.

Signs potentially indicating a bad heat exchanger include an exhaust odor and soot around heat registers in the home or surrounding the furnace itself. If you see water and/or corrosion is noted in the unit, have a qualified HVAC technician to inspect the furnace. A breach in the heat exchanger allows exhaust gases to mix with the system’s circulated air and can result in the presence of deadly carbon monoxide in the home. All homes using any type of gas appliance should have carbon monoxide detectors. If your CO2 detector(s) are alarming during the winter, have the furnace inspected immediately.

Air Conditioners

Central AC systems generally don’t last as long as furnaces will. A common sign that it’s time to replace your AC is an increased frequency of air conditioning repair in Plano, TX. The requirement for repair more than once in during the cooling season may be an indication of wear or damage to the AC system. Damage to additional components may occur when heating, or air conditioning repair in Plano, TX is delayed, when maintenance is neglected or when the failure of one component results in damage to other parts.

Worn HVAC systems typically experience reduced efficiency and provide poor performance, one of the reasons behind the industry’s recommendation for automatic replacement near the end of its expected service life.

Unusual and excessive noise may be an indication of a loose component, or a sign that the system needs to be replaced. Reduced efficiency may be indicated by unexplained rising costs of operation, such as an elevated power or gas bill. Another sign is poor performance. For example, when the air conditioner isn’t cooling your home as well as it once did, this could be a sign of worn components no longer able to function as they once did. Failure to provide the recommended periodic maintenance will shorten the service life of any HVAC system.

Compare Costs

The heating and air conditioning system is the biggest user of energy in your home. Therefore, the cost of operating it’s an important factor in determining when to replace it. For example, if the costs of air conditioning repair in Plano, TX on a 7 year old system will be approximately half the price of a new unit, should you repair or replace?

If you repair, you’ll have a system that may or may not continue to operate for an additional 7 years, before requiring replacement. On the other hand, by replacing now, you can achieve a more energy-efficient unit that will save on energy bills over the next 7 years or longer with less risk of requiring further air conditioning repair in Plano, TX, meaning you stand to save more on the cost of energy and repair in the long run.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning offers experienced and certified HVAC technicians for professional heating and air conditioning repair in Plano, TX, maintenance and installation. Our technicians maintain current certification for the industry’s continually changing technology, providing proficient and accurate service. Maintaining industry standards isn’t our only goal, we strive to exceed in all categories, standards of the industry, customer service and satisfaction and your expectations. Call now to schedule service, or to repair or replace the HVAC system, we will be glad to assist you. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning serves Plano, Katy and the surrounding areas.

Heat Pump | AC Repair Katy

If your energy costs are rising with the speed of the national debt, and your aging HVAC is plaguing you with consistent furnace and AC repair in Katy, the installation of a new heat pump may provide the solution you need.

Heat pumps don’t generate heat, they move it, and can generate up to four times the amount of energy they consume. This process makes them an energy efficient and environmentally friendly choice for your home for heating, cooling and for producing hot water in some models. Heat pumps operate cleanly, providing a solution for persons with allergies, asthma and other respiratory issues. The heat pump, when used with a high grade filter becomes even more effective for providing cleaner air inside the home.

Emerging new technologies continue to enhance the benefits of a heat pump, providing comfort, energy efficiency and improved performance and reliability. If your aging HVAC system is requiring more heating and AC repair in Katy than it should, an Energy Star certified heat pump can pay for itself in energy savings, and may provide rebates or tax credits.

Older heat pumps once provided a constant output regardless of the need. Today’s technology provides two-speed or variable speed compressors that allow heat pumps to operate close to the required heating or cooling capacity. This adds up to significant savings on the amount of electricity used.

Variable speed fan motors are also available, providing further energy savings and reducing noise when the fan operates at lower speeds.

An additional energy saving feature available for select heat pumps is a desuperheater. A desuperheater is an accessory for a heat pump that allows excess heat generated during the heat pump cooling mode to heat hot water for the home during the summer by moving water over a heat exchanger. A heat pump equipped with a desuperheater heats water 2 to 3 times more efficiently than an ordinary electric water heater, providing up to 60 percent of a home’s hot water during the summer season.

Energy Star requirements continue to promote innovative products and new technologies that save energy and add increased reliability. Today’s Energy Star qualified equipment will be significantly more energy efficient and reliable than a system just 5 years old. When an aging system becomes unreliable, requiring frequent heating and AC repair in Katy, it is worth considering applying the money for repair to a new energy efficient system.

If you are considering the installation of a new HVAC system vs. continued heating and AC repair in Katy, Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning offers energy efficient Carrier products to enhance your home’s comfort and provide reliability for years to come.

Accurate sizing is an important consideration for heat pump installation. Factors such as the size of the home, number and type of windows, insulation, climate, even the number of people living in the household are considered. Incredibly, inaccurate sizing is one of the most common problems in the HVAC industry. When you use Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning for your installation, you can rely upon our certified technicians providing an accurately sized system for your home.

We will be glad to assist you in the decision of replacing your homes HVAC system or whether to provide heating and AC repair in Katy on your existing system.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning provides certified and experienced heating and air conditioning technicians dedicated to your family’s comfort.

Our reliable, professional’s offer new heating and air conditioning installation, and heating and AC repair in Katy. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas. We are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.

Duct Maintenance | Air Conditioning Repair Katy

Indoor air quality is frequently worse than the outdoor air. The EPA estimates that indoor air pollution can be as much as five times worse than pollution levels outdoors. This is bad news for those who suffer from allergies or asthma. If your home is experiencing bad air quality, give us a call for duct maintenance and/or heating and air conditioning repair in Katy.

An energy efficient home is built to reduce air infiltration and the escape of conditioned air. While energy efficiency is good for saving on the costs of heating and air conditioning, it prevents any fresh air from entering and can worsen air quality and increase the health concerns for the occupants, especially those with health problems.

It seems to be one of those situations where you can’t win for losing. However, there is a solution to improve the air quality, while maintaining comfort and energy efficiency. The first step is to ensure your home’s HVAC ductwork is clean, insulated, sealed and intact. Maintenance of the duct system is a task that will improve air quality and efficiency. With winter just around the corner a good time to take care of this chore is now before the temperature drops.

Clean Ducts

Cleaning inside the ducts is only required when and if necessary. Ducts will require prompt cleaning if you detect mold, signs of vermin or insects inside the ductwork. Contact a pest control expert if needed, and have the ducts thoroughly cleaned. Otherwise, the health hazards and effects will worsen for those with asthma, allergies and other respiratory issues.

Seal Ducts

The duct system can leak air, allowing conditioned air out, and potentially contaminated air in, due the loosening of seals, holes in the duct or separation of duct pipes. The duct system is more than simply a delivery of air. There are several factors involved in duct design and installation requiring a specific size that is compatible with the home’s HVAC system. Holes, loose seals or pipes all will affect the balance of the entire system.

As a consequence, the HVAC system can be overworked, increasing wear resulting in increased heating and air conditioning repair in Katy and a reduced life-span of the system. Furthermore, elevated energy bills with reduced efficiency and performance will occur. An example of the potential for adverse effects upon air quality is best understood by a duct system beneath a home with a crawlspace. Leaky ducts can result in potentially stale air and dust from beneath the home being introduced into the home, and into the HVAC system potentially requiring it to be professionally cleaned.

When you will be providing the inspection of ducts yourself, use the following tips:

Ductwork often runs through tight spaces such as a crawlspace, making the location of leaks, and often their repair, difficult. To make it easier to locate leak sources, turn the HVAC fan on the thermostat to the “On” rather than automatic. This will cause the fan to run until you return it to automatic, assisting you to find leaks while inspecting the ducts.

If you find areas requiring resealing, turn off the HVAC fan and apply mastic sealant, metal tape, or aerosol sealant to repair any leaks. Loose pipe connections should be reconnected and sealed. Damaged ductwork will affect the system pressure, as well as cause leaks. Replacement of damaged ductwork should only be provided by a certified HVAC technician to provide heating and air conditioning repair in Katy.

Give us a call to schedule a certified, professional HVAC technician to provide heating and air conditioning repair in Katy of your home’s ductwork.

Insulate

Insulation will help to conserve the conditioned air produced by the HVAC system year round. Consequently, energy consumption will be reduced, along with unnecessary wear and tear on the HVAC system, reducing the need for heating and air conditioning repair in Katy. It is especially beneficial to insulate duct running through the attic or the crawlspace. Select the appropriate R-value insulation for your homes location for the greatest effectiveness.

Tune-up

Have you had your furnace tuned-up for the winter? Give us a call, our reliable experts will inspect, clean, tune-up and provide any necessary heating and air conditioning repair in Katy. Annual maintenance ensures the system is running at its peak efficiency.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning offers certified professionals providing duct maintenance and repair, heating and air conditioning repair in Katy, maintenance and installation. When you want service you can depend upon, and professionals you can trust, call Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas.

Space Heaters | Air Conditioning Installation

Numerous homeowner’s utilize electric space heaters during the winter, which pose serious risks to the safety of family members. The average electric space heater costs approximately 30 cents per hour to operate depending upon the cost of electricity. In comparison, a modern central HVAC system heats the entire home for the same cost or less. In the long run, cost effectiveness, efficiency and safety are best provided by a central heating and air conditioning installation.

Space heaters may utilize electricity, gas or other fossil fuels, with electric heaters being the most common. Electric space heaters use an extremely high electric current to heat the electric coils, and blowing air across them to warm the air and the space.

It is a known fact that space heaters are a common cause of house fires. Depending upon the manufacturer, they generally require that heaters be located 3 to 6 feet away from objects. This includes walls, carpet and rugs, with few people considering these, thinking only of furniture, curtains and similar objects.

Furthermore, electric space heaters can cause house fires by overloading the electrical wiring within a home. Potential clues that an electric space heater is overloading the home’s circuits and potentially causing the electric wiring to overheat are thrown circuit breakers and electrical outlets that no longer work. If this is occurring in your home, lives may be at risk. Call us today to discuss how Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning can assist you with central heating and air conditioning installation.

Gas or other fossil fueled space heaters pose their own hazards. The pilot flame of gas space heaters may go out when gas pressure falls, or components fail. Safety features are more likely to fail in a cheaply made gas space heater than in a furnace or other HVAC system. Gas space heaters also pose a fire risk. The appliances owner’s manual provides the best guide for determining the required distance between the heaters and objects.

Furthermore, gas space heaters rarely have the ventilation flue that a furnace requires. The flue is a pipe through which dangerous carbon monoxide emissions are exhausted to the outside of the home. The lack of a flue places families who utilize fossil fueled space heaters at extreme risk of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas occurring as a consequence of the burning of fossil fuels including natural gas, kerosene, propane, charcoal and the wood burning fireplace or heater, for example.

Installing carbon monoxide detectors is highly recommended for homes using fossil fuel for heating, cooking or the hot water heater. Even with properly vented appliances, these detectors may save lives if a component fails. The risks posed by fossil fueled space heaters is significantly greater than with central heating and air conditioning installation. Nevertheless, these detectors are insurance that can save lives.

Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, chest pain and confusion and it can result in loss of consciousness and death. Persons sleeping when levels become toxic can die without ever being aware of symptoms. This is why carbon monoxide detectors are recommended near bedrooms, with at least one on each floor.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning has partnered with Wells Fargo Financial National Bank to offer flexible financing options. Financing can provide you with an energy efficient system, and a financing plan to fit almost any budget. Call today to apply for flexible financing of a new heating and air conditioning installation ensuring a safer system for the life and comfort of your family and home.

Call Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning a today for a new heating and air conditioning installation. Our HVAC technicians are experienced and certified professionals trained to accurately configure the system your home requires for an energy efficient heating and air conditioning installation.

Air Conditioning Repair | AC Blowing Warm Air

The air conditioning remains in use during overly warm fall days. When the AC breaks down during what may well be the last warm days of fall don’t panic. The cause may a simple one that you can correct yourself. You had planned to have a new unit installed next spring, and are reluctant to pay for air conditioning repair. After all, the money could go towards a new system. Try the following tips before calling for repair:

When the AC is blowing warm air, check out the following before calling for repair:

First, check the fan setting. If the fan is sitting in the ON or RUN position rather than AUTO, the fan will run continuously, blowing warm air unless the compressor kicks on.
Check the thermostat and ensure it is in the COOL position. Next, check the temperature of the room and the selected temperature. The selected temperature must be lower than the inside temperature reading for the AC to cut on. If the thermostat says the inside temperature is 84 degrees F; the air conditioner will not cut on with the thermostat set at 85 degrees or above.
Check to ensure all air registers are open. Do not block registers or the air return. Ensure the area around them remains clear to allow proper air flow.
Check the filter, a dirty filter can prevent airflow to the system, reducing its efficiency and 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. On average, filters should be changed monthly unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
Check the home electrical service panel; all circuit breakers should be in the ON position. If the AC breaker is off, flip the switch back to ON and check for AC operation.
The condenser is the portion of the system located outside of the home. There should be a disconnect switch located near the unit in a box mounted nearby on the house. Ensure it is in the ON position. Listen for the fan running on the central unit. If ice is visible you will require air conditioning repair. For proper operation and to prevent potential damage, the condenser should not be blocked by vegetation or other objects.
Split systems may have a breaker located inside the units air handler within the home. If applicable to the HVAC system in your home, ensure it’s in the ON position. Be cautious of wiring due to the risk of electrical shock. If ice is present on the refrigerant lines you will require a certified HVAC technician for repair.
Tripped electrical breakers can be a cause of the AC blowing warm air. The loss of refrigerant is also potential cause of the AC blowing warm air.

Once you have provided these steps, if the AC is blowing warm air, it will require repair by a certified technician. Routine annual maintenance of the AC system, or bi-annual maintenance for heating and air conditioning systems during the spring and the fall, along with routine filter changes is the most effective action a homeowner can provide in preventing breakdowns.

When replacement seems to be your best option, Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning can assist you with financing available through Wells Fargo Financial.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning provides prompt and professional heating and air conditioning service. When the AC is blowing warm air call our certified HVAC professionals for air conditioning repair or installation. You can rely upon us for your comfort.

Air Filters | Air Conditioning, Katy, TX

You depend upon your home’s heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX to provide year-round comfort. The air filters purpose is to protect the system from dust and dirt, which creates wear from friction when a dirty filter allows it to enter the system. The wear and tear will shorten the service life of your HVAC system, and will negatively impact its efficiency and performance. Changing the air filter on a routine basis will help to ensure the longevity of the system, and maintain your comfort and indoor air quality.

Using the appropriate filter for your heating and air conditioning system is important to receive the best performance. Filters are not all created equal, and an improved filter quality isn’t always the best thing for your specific system. There are various grades of air filters, and some work better than others. However, a superior filter may be denser than your system can draw air through. If this occurs, your system may be damaged due to the strain placed upon it in its efforts to draw air. If you are uncertain of the appropriate filter to use in your heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX, contact the manufacturer or give us a call.

Once the dust and debris have accumulated to a certain point the filter becomes ineffective, and can even block airflow, and allow damaging dust to enter into the HVAC system and your home. The best way to prevent a failed air filter, ensure cleaner air, and enhance the HVAC system’s longevity is to routinely change the air filter for your air conditioning in Katy, TX.

How often the filter should be changed will depend upon the amount of dust and debris that collects, and the type of filter it is. The air filter should be checked every month. Choose a day, such as the 1st for example, for filter check day. Many filters require changing every month, such as the cheap blue filters. Others are good for 90 days depending upon certain conditions that may apply. If any of the following affect your household more frequent changes may be required:

A family member with allergies or asthma.
Pets in the household.
The use of a fireplace or a wood heater.
The presence of a lot of dust and/or pollen.
Being located on an active farm where activities stir up excessive dust.
Having a smoker in the home.

If any of these conditions are relevant to your household, check the filter every 2 weeks and change as required but no less than once per month for the best performance of your air conditioning in Katy, TX.

Utilize the following tips for improving performance:

Ensure the filter is inserted correctly. There should be an arrow indicating which way the filter should be located in the air return for appropriate filtration.
Do not clean disposable filters, dispose of them once they are soiled, or if they become wet. A wet filter in the air return without explanation may indicate a problem. Contact your Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning certified technician for repair to the air conditioning in Katy, TX.Only permanent filters can be cleaned and remain effective and efficient. Do not risk mold forming within the system by reinserting a wet or damp permanent filter, let reusable filters dry completely before reinserting it.

When you have a problem with your heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX, give us a call to schedule service. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning offers experienced and certified technicians to provide maintenance, heating and air conditioning installation, as well as heating and air conditioning repair in Katy. We serve Katy and the surrounding areas. Call the certified experts you can rely upon for honesty, integrity and expertise.

Furnace Tune-Up in Katy | Air Conditioning Service

Providing the annual heating and air conditioning service to your home’s HVAC system system is one of the two most important actions a homeowner can take to ensure the longest service life possible of the system. Now that fall has arrived, and winter approaches, it is time to schedule an inspection and furnace tune-up in Katy.

You may think because the HVAC system was tuned-up last fall that it should be fine for this year. However, tune-ups are not the only reason for annual heating and air conditioning service. For example, a gas furnace can develop deposits due to combustion that not only reduce the performance and efficiency, but can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide gas to accumulate in your home. In other words, the system needs to be cleaned and inspected to ensure safe and efficient operation each year.

There are numerous benefits and reasons for annual heating and air conditioning service with inspection and tune-up. Let’s have a look at them:

The inspection can identify components that are weakening or not functioning as they should. If not addressed with repair or replacement, they can leave your family without heat during the cold winter.
Inspection will identify if the burner has developed dangerous holes, cracks or if it requires cleaning. These conditions single or together can present life threatening, health and safety issues.
Inspection can identify an electrical problem or a fan motor in need of lubrication to prevent it from locking up, or even starting a fire.
The flues are how a gas operated furnace ventilates deadly carbon monoxide to the outside of the home. A partially clogged flue can place your family at risk. An inspection will identify if the flue needs to be cleaned.
Properly maintained HVAC equipment will last longer, and by identifying problems early, can prevent more costly repairs from developing.
Equipment that receives annual heating and air conditioning service runs more efficiently, saving you money on the cost of operation, while maintaining comfort.
Numerous manufacturers require routine maintenance to maintain the factory warranty.

Furnace Issues and Warning Signs

While a furnace won’t always give warning signs of impending problems, there are some signs to be aware of:

A pure blue flame is a normal ignition flame in a gas furnace. If the flame appears yellow, orange or red, contact your HVAC provider. The pure blue color indicates know the furnace is receiving the correct mixture of oxygen and gas. Prompt attention is required if the flame is not blue.
Unusual odors and sounds are a warning of the need for repair or replacement in gas or electrical furnaces. Some odor is expected when a furnace has been unused over the summer months due to the collection of dust on the burner. Dust should burn off fairly quickly. Examples of unusual odors to be aware of are burning wire or insulation smells and burning oil smells. If you detect unusual odors, shut the furnace off immediately and call your HVAC technician for heating and air conditioning service.
An aging furnace is more vulnerable to frequent breakdown and complete failure. Routine maintenance can help to extend the service life of a furnace, but eventually the furnace will fail and require replacement. When keeping an old furnace going requires frequent repair, you would do better to consider investing the continued repair costs into a new and reliable furnace.
Thermostats will also eventually become worn and fail. Signs of thermostat issues are a system that runs too often, or too little and failing to maintain a consistent temperature in your home.

The second most important action a homeowner can provide to their homes heating and air conditioning is to inspect and/or clean or change the filter monthly. Not all filters will require a monthly change, but filters should be checked each month to ensure proper operation and efficiency. Proper care or change will depend upon the type of filter used.

If you haven’t already called for fall heating and air conditioning service on your HVAC system give Cypress a call. Our certified and experienced HVAC technicians will provide the inspection and furnace tune-up in Katy that you need, to ensure the safe and efficient operation of your home’s furnace.

Winter Emergency Preparedness | Heating and Air Conditioning

Although it’s too soon to tell the specifics, according to long range forecasters’ conditions are setting up for a repeat of last winter with one notable change. The presence of a weak El Nino could set up heavier snowfall in some areas by strengthening the Gulf Stream. Before winter arrives, schedule a tune-up of your heating and air conditioning system. In the following, tips for winter emergency preparedness are discussed, both at home when a power outage leaves you without the use of your heating and air conditioning system, and on the road.

During extreme cold, power failures and icy road conditions can occur. The southern states aren’t used to extreme winters, and last winter caught many people off guard, both in their homes without the use of their heating and air conditioning system, and stranded in their automobiles on highways for days. It’s better to prepare and not need it, than to be caught in the cold.

Home Preparedness

Exposure to cold can lead to life threatening hypothermia and other life threatening conditions when a power outage leaves you without the use of your home’s heating and air conditioning system. While anyone is susceptible, infants and the elderly are especially vulnerable. Begin to prepare now by stocking up.

Home Emergency Supplies:

During extreme cold first on the list is back-up heat.
When power outages occur your home’s heating and air conditioning system won’t operate. If you have a fireplace or wood stove you will need an adequate supply of dry firewood and kindling. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned now to ensure adequate draft, and prevent fires.
Other forms of heat: Remember, heaters burning fossil fuels without ventilation can expose your family to deadly carbon monoxide. Be prepared to crack a window, and have a battery operated carbon monoxide detector in the room to warn when levels rise.
An electric space heater with automatic shut-off and non-glowing elements can be useful in temperatures too cold for your homes heating and air conditioning system to operate properly.
Have extra blankets.
Matches
First aid kit
Flashlights or other battery-powered lights and ample batteries or a car charger.
Multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher
Non-electric can opener
Snow shovel
Rock Salt
Individual Necessities: diapers, extra baby formula, medication, extra oxygen
Non-perishable foods requiring no refrigeration or cooking. Examples are bread, crackers, and canned foods. Keep extra baby food and formula on hand.
Extra food for pets.
Bottled water or water stored in clean containers. Reserve at least 5 gallons per person in the event pipes freeze and/or burst. Store extra for flushing toilets, it doesn’t have to be clean, but should be labeled to distinguish it from drinking water.
Insulate pipes.
Don’t use barbeque grill or camp style heaters, lanterns or stoves indoors, deadly carbon monoxide can quickly fill the home. Emergency Car Kit

Winter travel can be rough on the car, and when travelers become stranded on the road in winter weather, being prepared can be the difference between life and death.

Prepare Your Car

Check the tires and ensure chains will fit before winter arrives. Keep a check on air pressure during the cold season.
Take your car in for a check-up before winter arrives. You don’t want to wait until a storm is imminent to ensure your battery has enough cold cranking amps. A check-up will ensure that belts, hoses, radiator, brakes, wipers, heater/defroster and lights are in good condition.
Keep the fuel tank full. During the winter storms of 2013 thousands of motorists were stranded on icy roads for days before help arrived when a winter system moved in early. When fuel ran out, they were left without heat. Remember to crack a window to allow fresh air in, and potentially deadly carbon monoxide out if you are caught in this situation.

Keep in the Car

A winter survival kit in each vehicle containing: flashlight, blanket (one for each person), snacks, water, gloves, hat, boots, first-aid kit.
Most medications can’t be stored in freezing temperature. Carry enough in your purse or in a pocket for a week. Even if you are rescued, it may be some time before you can go home.
Toilet Tissue and a warm coat as you are likely to have to walk some distance. Have shoes suitable for walking in snow and ice in the car and extra socks.
Cell phone charger
Emergency foil backed blankets which are easily stored in a glove box and/or blankets.
A bottle warmer for the cigarette lighter, which can double up to heat water for instant coffee, hot cocoa and instant dried soups.

Prepare an emergency pack. When snow or winter storms are possible place it in the car. It should contain a minimum of:

Baby formula, a large package of diapers and baby wipes.
Baby food and a spoon. The packaged kind will not risk glass shards if frozen.
Bottled water.
Instant dehydrated soups, instant coffee or tea. Non-perishable foods that don’t require heating.

We hope you found this guide to winter emergency preparedness useful. Give Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning a call to schedule a fall inspection and tune-up of your heating and air conditioning system. Our certified HVAC technicians will ensure your HVAC is prepared for winter. In addition, our experienced technicians provide reliable HVAC repair, and installation for your home’s heating and air conditioning. For service you can rely upon, call Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning.

Programmable Thermostat | Heating and Air Conditioning

This time of the year a conventional thermostat can be both a source of aggravation, and a cause of discomfort and elevated energy bills. That is due to the see-saw effect of temperatures experienced during the fall and spring season. The days are often warm enough to require air conditioning, while the nights are cool enough to require heat. Now, you no longer have to make those extra steps to the thermostat to control your heating and air conditioning function. You can be in control of your home’s temperature with a pre-set programmed schedule.

Thankfully, there is a solution in a programmable thermostat with the capacity to change itself automatically for cool nights and hot days. It isn’t uncommon for homeowner’s to forget to adjust the thermostat before leaving for work, resulting in an overly warm home upon your return.

A programmable thermostat will provide more than just convenience, it will save you money when you are installing a new heating and air conditioning system, the two combined will add up to significant savings on energy costs.

Heat pump owners used to be left out of the benefits of convenient, money saving programmable thermostats. That is no longer the case, with the introduction of programmable thermostats designed specifically for use with heat pumps. Using specially designed algorithms, the thermostat can minimize the use of backup electric heating systems.

Let’s look at the potential benefits of a programmable thermostat. Keep in mind, options vary by model, the following are some of the benefits available on various models:

Provides greater accuracy and a consistent temperature
Programmable to your household’s individual needs
Conserves energy and saves money
Automatically changes from heat to cooling and back again
A reasonable DIY project for the handy homeowner
Models are available that “learn” your habits and preferences, programming themselves. Called Learning Thermostats, they are able to sense when the home is unoccupied or when a family member returns home, and adjust the temperature accordingly. They provide monthly energy reports, and guide you to energy efficient settings. In addition, Learning 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. This technology enables you to control your heating and air conditioning system from virtually any location with Wi-Fi.
Can eliminate unnecessary HVAC operation, reducing wear and tear on your homes heating and air conditioning system, extending its service life and reducing repairs.
Now becoming available for heat pumps
Numerous day options are available, enabling you to program multiple settings for up to a week:
7-day programming – Suitable for the active family with variable schedules.
Weeklong programming – Excellent choice for the home where schedules are routine.
5-2 programming – An ideal selection for the household that works a traditional work week and weekend schedule.
5-1-1 programming – Provides the flexibility needed for households whose weekend workdays experience variable scheduling.
Vacation override
Touch screens
Keyboard lock to prevent unauthorized changes
Can text or email you when changes are made
Short term change in temperature may be allowed, and will return to programmed setting after a short time

The next time you forget to adjust your manual thermostat, consider the steps and the money you can save over time with a programmable thermostat. With the consistent rise in the cost of energy, a digital thermostat will soon pay for itself while keeping your home consistently comfortable.

With so many options available, you may feel uncertain of the programmable thermostat your home requires. A thermostat will need to be compatible with your heating and air conditioning system for proper function and the greatest efficiency. The professionals of Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning can provide the assistance you need ensuring your selection is the ideal thermostat for your home and lifestyle, as well as for your heating and air conditioning system.

Eventually a thermostat will wear out over time, and will require replacement. If the HVAC system in your home seems to always be running too often or not enough, your thermostat may need replacement. Our certified HVAC technicians can provide the thermostat installation that you need.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning offers certified HVAC technicians with the expertise for superior heating and air conditioning service. If you’re interested in having a programmable thermostat installed in your home for your existing HVAC system , or in conjunction with a new heating and air conditioning installation give us a call. Thanks for visiting Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning.