Energy Saving Tips | Heating and Air Conditioning

Almost every homeowner looks for ways to conserve energy. To assist you in this goal, we have compiled some energy-saving tips that you can take advantage of:

• Set back the thermostat – Adjusting the thermostat controlling the heating and air conditioning can save on the cost of energy. During the winter, set the thermostat on 68 degrees when the home is occupied, and 55 when all occupants are away and at night while you, to save 5-20% on heating cost.
• According to the EPA for each degree the thermostat is lowered in the winter, and for every degree the thermostat is raised during the summer, you save approximately 3% on the energy bill. However, independent research indicates the figure may be as much as 5% in some areas. For homes with a heat pump, only set the thermostat back 2 degrees, or set on the temperature as recommended by the manufacturer to prevent the use of heat strips.
• Thermostat upgrade – A programmable thermostat will enable control over the heating and air conditioning by allowing you to program when the system will run.
• Schedule a tune-up – Your home’s heating and air conditioning should receive annual maintenance by a professional technician annually at the minimum. Ideally, the system should be serviced in the spring before the start of the AC season, and in the fall before the furnace is needed.
• Replace the filter routinely – Once the HVAC’s air filter gets clogged with dust and debris, system performance will suffer and the cost of running it will increase. Dependent upon the type of filter recommended for the home’s heating and air conditioning, the filter should be checked monthly, and changed or cleaned every one to three months.
• Switch ceiling fans to run clockwise during the winter – This will direct warm air toward the floor, providing an even distribution of heat.
• Reduce the water heater temperature – Setting the water heater to 120 degrees will save energy, and prevent scalding. Do not set the thermostat below 120 degrees F to prevent the growth of bacteria in the hot water heater.
• Clean the lint trap -Clean out the lint trap before each load of clothes.
• Choose low-flow – Install low-flow shower heads, faucet aerators and toilets to conserve water and reduce the water bill.
• Keep showers under five minutes to save on water and the cost of producing hot water.
• Launder only when you have a full load, and observe the same tip with the dishwasher.
• Have leaks repaired.
• Open drapes to allow the sun to shine in on sunny winter days. Pull the drapes closed in the evening.
• Consider replacing aging appliances with Energy Star appliances, especially the water heater and heating and air conditioning systems.
• Close fireplace drafts when not in use. Ensure no coals are present before closing the draft.
• Eliminate standby energy losses. Electronics often use power even when off. Eliminate this unnecessary loss by plugging electronics into a power strip. Simply turn the strip off when you are through using them.
• Change to compact fluorescents or LED lights.
• Plug up leaky doors, windows and intrusions such as cable or telephone lines. Caulking and expanding foam can save you energy dollars. Replace worn door sweeps and seals.
• Increase attic insulation and save 5-25% on energy. Typically, if the rafters are visible, insulation needs to be added.
• Seal HVAC ducts. Sealing ducts can save up to 30% on energy by eliminating conditioned air losses.

We hope you found these energy saving tips useful. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s certified HVAC technicians provide exceptional service and are dedicated to your satisfaction. If you are interested in a new energy efficient HVAC system contact us for further information. Our experienced professionals offer heating and air conditioning repair, service, and installation. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas.

Indoor Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning

According to the American Lung Society, poor indoor air quality is related to respiratory infections, lung cancer, and chronic lung disease. For those who already have lung disease the risk is even greater. The prevention of unclean air when possible is the best approach, with air cleaning devices augmenting the heating and air conditioning and the introduction of fresh air being other means of controlling indoor air pollution.

When a family member suffers from respiratory issues, clean air and proper humidity are a necessity. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning can provide the assistance you need for improving the home’s indoor air quality. The heating and air conditioning system provide one means of improving the air that passes through it.

Pollutants in Homes

The most common pollutants are radon, combustion products, biological contaminants, volatile organic compounds, lead dust and asbestos.

Biological Pollutants

Biological pollutants include molds, bacteria, viruses, pollen, animal dander and particles from dust mites and cockroaches. These may cause infections, provoke allergic symptoms or trigger asthma attacks. Control measures include frequent washing of bedding to kill dust mites and careful cleaning along with controlling the moisture that promotes the growth of mold.

Asbestos

Sources of asbestos in the home environment include roofing, flooring materials and insulation for ceilings, walls, pipes and heating equipment.

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter the home through cracks in the foundation floor and walls, drains, and other openings. Indoor radon exposure is estimated to be the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.

Combustion

Combustion pollutants come from sources such as fuel burning stoves, furnaces, fireplaces, heaters, and water heaters using gas, oil, coal, wood, or other fossil fuels. The most dangerous are the colorless and odorless gases of carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). CO interferes with the delivery of oxygen to the body by substituting the gas for oxygen. NO2 irritates the mucous membranes in the eye, nose and throat and can cause shortness of breath and promote infections. The best way to control these pollutants is through proper use and to make sure combustion appliances are installed and maintained by certified professionals. A UL-listed CO monitor should be installed.

Air Filters and Cleaners

A high quality air filter or air cleaner, filters out airborne pollutants as air passes through the heating and air conditioning system. As air is forced through the air filter, dust and other pollutants is trapped, providing cleaner air and reducing heating and air conditioning repair.

However, not all heating and air conditioning systems are designed to pull the required amount of air through a high quality filter, such as a HEPA. For these systems, the use of a high quality filter can result in premature wear or dangerous overheating. A Cypress certified professional is your best source of the proper filter for your system.

An electronic air cleaner is an additional means of cleaning the air. These appliances give airborne pollutants a static charge, causing them to adhere to a collection plate and removing them from the circulated air in the home.

UV Germicidal Lights

A UV germicidal light targets biological contaminants, such as allergens, mold, viruses and bacteria. Installed in ductwork, they utilize safe amounts of ultraviolet radiation to destroy biological pollutants.

Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

Improper humidity levels affect your comfort and health. Dry cold air leads to dry, cracked, itchy skin, dries out mucous membranes and the sinuses, leaving you susceptible to illness. The furnace won’t need to run as often when a humidifier is used, as a healthy level of humidity makes you feel warmer.

However, humidity levels that are excessive can cause uncomfortable temperatures, and can promote the growth of mold and other biological pollutants. In the summer, high humidity causes high temperatures to feel even hotter than it actually is. A whole-house humidifier in the winter and a dehumidifier in the summer will maintain a healthy and comfortable level of humidity.

Cypress’s qualified professionals can provide the humidifier just right for your home and family.

How Ducts Affect Air Quality

Your home may benefit from professional duct sealing service in multiple ways. Stopping air leaks in the ductwork saves energy by ensuring the conditioned air goes into the living space, and not outside of it. Properly sealed ducts will improve indoor air quality, by sealing out dirt, allergens and other pollutants.

Sources of Poor Indoor Air Quality in the Home

Home construction materials can contribute to poor air quality. The volatile organic compound (VOC) formaldehyde may be contributing to the poor air quality. Potential sources of VOCs in building materials include composite wood products, flooring and adhesives.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning offers a broad range of products to enhance a home’s comfort and provide cleaner indoor air. Our qualified technicians ensure the proper installation and system compatibility of our products to provide the cleanest air possible.

Contact our air quality specialists to start improving the indoor air quality in your home. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning offers experience and expertise in heating and air conditioning installation, repair, annual maintenance, clean air solutions and more. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas.

Duct Maintenance | AC Repair Katy

The provision of annual heating and air conditioning maintenance ensures that your HVAC system operates efficiently, and that the system will perform reliably with a reduced need for ac repair in Katy. However, one often overlooked component of an HVAC system is the ducts, which do require annual inspection and when required, the provision of duct maintenance.

Seals on duct joints can break down, and duct joints can separate and may result in odd odors coming from your registers, incorrect temperatures or reduced air flow. Quite often, this is simply a case of the special tape or other sealant used on duct joints coming off, allowing outside air to enter the duct system.

If the special tape has loosened, resealing joints will stop poor air quality, odors, and problems related to poorly sealed ducts. Air leakage from ducts can result in a 10% to 30% loss of conditioned air. This results in increased energy costs, and reduced comfort, and may cause problems resulting in ac repair in Katy.

In addition, cracks and gaps in the duct system will lead to increased dust and potential pests entering the duct system and the home. Having the ducts resealed and repaired if necessary, will prevent these problems.

Moisture entering into the duct can result in mold and bacterial growth within the duct system and the home. Furthermore, dust will increase wear on the heating and air conditioning system, resulting in increased heating and ac repair in Katy.

If you are going to seal the ducts yourself, you should be aware that duct tape is not for ducts. A special metallic tape is required. Some signs that ducts may require sealing include:

• Increased energy cost without explanation can be a sign of duct troubles. While this can be due to many potential issues, the need for duct maintenance is one of the common causes.
• Uncomfortable rooms may be due to vents providing reduced air flow from duct leakage.
• Ducts visibly show peeling tape, crushed metal, or separated pipe. In flexible ducts, check to see if they are kinked, collapsed, disconnected or have holes.

HVAC systems rely upon a necessary air pressure, requiring the duct system need to be air tight for it to function properly. Leaking ducts can potentially allow dangerous radon gas to enter the home. This is a widespread problem that has led to the Environmental Protection Agency attributing duct leakage as a major contributor to lung cancer and respiratory illness.

Cypress Heating and Cooling professionals provide emergency services 24 hours and 7 days a week. We understand that when things go wrong, it is seldom at a convenient time, and we will be there for you, ensuring your comfort and the safety of your home’s HVAC system.

For reliable heating and ac repair in Katy, duct maintenance, or other HVAC services, contact Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s certified HVAC technicians. We will provide the professional heating and ac repair in Katy that you need.

Air Filters | Air Conditioning Service

The majority of of the home’s HVAC system maintenance is provided by your HVAC technician. However, changing the filter in your heating and air conditioning system is one of the single most important actions that a homeowner can provide. Air filters help to keep dust out of the system, preventing damage from occurring, and helping to maintain peak performance and efficiency. Using a good filter can greatly extend the life of the system, and reduce the number of service calls for heating and air conditioning service and repair.

Your HVAC system helps to clean the air in a home. While it can’t completely clean the air as well as a dedicated air cleaning system would, it will keep the dust and particulates filtered from the air that passes through the system. When your HVAC system operates at peak performance it reduces energy costs, and increases the home’s comfort. In the following we will compare the most common air filters:

Basic fiberglass filters screen out the largest of dirt and debris that can damage the system by friction. As long as you change them every month and the degree of air quality isn’t a concern these will provide the minimal requirements.

Pleated filters are more effective than basic fiberglass filters and under normal circumstances only require changing every three months. They are capable of capturing smaller particles for a longer period of time risking damage from a clogged filter that may result in air conditioning service. This doesn’t mean they don’t have to be changed. The filter should be inspected each month and changed if required.

If you have pets, or if a family member has asthma, allergies or other respiratory problems, give serious consideration to an electrostatic filter. They will provide an upgrade in performance, as well as magnetically attracting particulates like dust and pollen. They filter out dust, smoke, bacteria, pet dander and odors. An additional option is a HEPA filter. They cost more but can last up to a year. However, homeowners should be aware that HEPA are not recommended for all HVAC systems, and can result in damage to systems lacking the ability to pull air through thicker filters such as HEPAs, and in some cases even pleated filters.

Most filters carry a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV rating), which indicates their effectiveness. Generally, the higher the rating, the more effective they are. Fiberglass filters generally have a MERV rating of 4. Pleated filters typically have a MERV rating of 6. Electrostatic filters MERV rating starts at 8 with the most effective having a rating of 12. Use the filter your system’s manufacturer recommends for the best efficiency and prevention of damage to the system that can result in additional heating and air conditioning service and repair.

It’s easy to forget a filter change, and especially pleated filters that only require changing every 3 months. Dirty filters become clogged, and can cause overheating of the furnace or air conditioning components. A clogged filter can result in heating or air conditioning service or repair.

Dust enters a system with a dirty filter, and will result in dirty coils, a clogged condensation drain and other problems that will result in heating and air conditioning service or repairs. Dust causes friction and wears components prematurely. The HVAC system in a state of starving for air, will draw air around the filter, resulting in large amounts of dust gaining entry. Set aside a day to check and/or change the filter each month.

Some systems use washable filters which require regular cleaning to prevent breakdowns and increased energy usage. Check monthly and clean as necessary.

Properly maintained your heating and air conditioning system should last you 10-15 years. A clean, properly operating HVAC system provides cleaner air within the home. With routine filter changes and maintenance you’ll get the most from your HVAC system for many years to come. The other equally important step you can take is to provide routine heating and air conditioning service by a qualified HVAC technician. The annual tune-up and inspection will ensure peak performance and reduce heating and air conditioning service and repair.

Summary

The issues a dirty filter is likely to cause include:

• Dirty air ducts — A dirty filter will allow the dust and debris to slip past the filter and on into the system, and the air that you breathe.
• Air flow reduction — HVAC systems are designed to function with a specific amount of air flow. A dirty filter can prevent the air flow the system needs, resulting in it being overworked and overheated in its struggle to obtain the air it requires. This will lead to premature wear, damage and malfunction requiring heating and air conditioning service and repair. In addition, it can cause an overheated system to catch fire.
• The cost of operation will become elevated as the system struggles for air.
• Inability to cool — As dust builds up on the cooling coils they will eventually freeze. In addition, a dirty coil can cause an increase in condensation, potentially resulting in water leakage onto the floor. A coil in need of a professional cleaning will cause the HVAC system to struggle in its efforts to cool the home.
• Elevated utility costs -. A dirty air filter will reduce efficiency, and place a strain on the unit increasing the energy bill.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s certified HVAC professionals provide experience and expertise for dependable heating and air conditioning service, installation and maintenance and repair. Contact us for questions regarding your systems air filter. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas.

Whole House Humidifier | Heating and Air Conditioning

How Humidity Affects Our Health

Conditioning the amount of moisture in the air with a furnace humidifier can help to improve your family’s health. Dry air in the home can cause static electricity, and can make your throat feel dry, cause nose bleeds, and aggravate respiratory conditions. The solution to dry winter air is the installation of a whole house humidifier in conjunction with the heating and air conditioning system.

An economical solution for dry air and low humidity is a portable humidifier. The disadvantage of a portable humidifier is its effectiveness is only in a small area, and may not provide the amount of humidity required, especially in untreated areas of the home.

The installation of a whole house humidifier in conjunction with the furnace of your heating and air conditioning provides an effective solution to dry winter air. A whole house humidifier treats the air in your entire home, adding the needed amount of humidity to eliminate static electricity and to provide a healthy environment for your family. This is why many doctors recommend furnace humidifiers for persons suffering from allergy and asthma.

Whole House Humidifiers

Whole house humidifiers utilize a humidistat for controlling the home’s humidity level. There are additional benefits to installing a whole house humidifier in conjunction with your heating and air conditioning:

• Are you aware that static electricity discharges can cause damage? With the capacity to hold a static charge up to 20,000 volts, your body can also wreak havoc on computers and other sensitive electronic devices. A whole house humidifier can maintain indoor relative humidity at 35 percent or higher, greatly reducing static shocks and preventing a zap from your touch destroying these devices.
• Low humidity can cause wood, furnishings and moldings to dry out and crack. When added to the homes heating and air conditioning system, a whole house humidifier can prevent the damaging effects.
• A whole house humidifier not only benefits your home by eliminating static electricity, it also makes the home feel warmer at a lower temperature. Due to this, a humidifier can save you on energy costs. For every degree you lower the thermostat in the winter you can save approximately 4-5%.
• Dry air can cause sore throats, dry itchy skin and dry out the mucous membranes of nasal passages causing the potential for illness to increase, and can also worsen asthma and allergies. Humidification can help to prevent illness because some bacteria have a hard time surviving in a humidified environment. When the mucous membranes dry out, it makes your body more susceptible to becoming ill. In fact, low humidity during cold weather is one of the major causes of respiratory infections.

Furthermore, relative humidity has a significant effect on controlling the occurrence of airborne infections from bacteria and virus among the home’s occupants.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s certified professionals can assess provide the whole house humidifier required to keep your home comfortable and the air healthy. For repair, service, maintenance or installation of heating and air conditioning by our certified and experienced HVAC technicians schedule service today. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas.

Heat Pumps | Air Conditioning Repair Plano, TX

For a number of homeowners, a heat pump provides an energy-efficient, cleanly operating alternative for home heating and air conditioning. If you are currently considering the options for the replacement of an aging system requiring frequent heating and air conditioning repair in Plano, TX this blog can assist you.

A heat pump uses electricity to move heat, and can generate up to four times the amount of energy they consume. It can reduce your energy consumption and summer humidity, resulting in lower power bills and the delivery of greater cooling comfort during the summer months.

Air-Source Heat Pump

The most common type of heat pump is the air-source heat pump, which transfers heat between your house and the outside air. The air-source heat pump uses refrigerant to extract heat from the air providing heat in the winter and cold air during the summer.

When properly installed by a qualified and licensed HVAC technician, an air-source heat pump can provide extremely efficient heating and air conditioning, especially in warm or moderate climates. A proper installation not only assures efficiency, it can affect the units longevity when an inappropriate size is installed, or cause premature wear on the system, resulting in a reduced service life and the frequent need for heating and air conditioning repair in Plano, TX.

However, for cold environments such as those up north, the efficiency of air-source heat pumps drops dramatically during periods of sub-freezing temperatures, making them unsuitable for cold climates.

Recently, air-source heat pump systems were introduced with gas heating as a backup for overcoming poor efficiency during sub-freezing temperatures. This will provide a more efficient source of back-up heat for homes requiring it in colder climates.

Ductless, Mini-Split Heat Pumps

For homes without ducts, a ductless mini-split heat pump is available. They provide an option for homes or room additions where ductwork is not feasible. Mini splits offer the advantage of flexibility for zoning or heating and cooling individual rooms. Additionally, they are easier to install than other types of HVAC systems. Finally, they avoid the energy losses associated with ductwork of central forced air systems.

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Geothermal Heat Pumps extract heat from the ground through underground coils. Refrigerant flows through these coils in order to extract heat from the surrounding ground, which at specific depths remains a consistent 45-55 degrees F.

In a closed-loop system, the refrigerant is circulated repeatedly, whereas an open-loop system using water from a local source such as a pond and returns the water to its natural source. In the function of the unit itself, ground-source heat pumps function very similar to air-source heat pumps.

Although they cost more initially, geothermal heat pumps have significantly lower operating costs than traditional air-source heat pumps because they take advantage of relatively consistent ground or water temperatures, rather than the air and its temperature outdoors. Ground source heat pumps operate quieter, last significantly longer, and require less maintenance. Maintenance

Annual maintenance will maintain proper operation and efficient performance. A poorly maintained heat pump can cost up to 25% more to operate, and can experience reduced longevity and an increased need for heating and air conditioning repair in Plano, TX.

Filters should be changed once a month or as recommended by the manufacturer. Filters manufactured to be cleaned and reused should be cleaned each month. Dirty filters can result in dirty coils, and fans. This reduces the airflow through the system and will decrease the system performance, increase wear and tear upon the unit and result in increased heating and air conditioning repair in Plano, TX.

Furthermore, ensure that you use the filter recommended by the systems manufacturer. The use of a HEPA filter in a system not engineered for it can result in premature wear on the system due to its inability to pull air through the HEPA filter. This can result in overheating of components and the need for heating and air conditioning repair in Plano, TX, and may result in a fire.

We offer a full line of HVAC systems, including quality heat pumps. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s certified HVAC technicians provide exceptional service and are dedicated to your satisfaction. Our experienced professionals offer heating and air conditioning repair in Plano, TX, service, and installation. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas.

Programmable Thermostats |Air Conditioning Katy, TX

As temperatures drop, the cost of heating goes up, leaving numerous homeowners looking for ways to keep heating costs down. Replacing a failing thermostat is one means of eliminating wasted energy. The thermostat works in conjunction with the home’s heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX to regulate the temperature. Programmable thermostats offer the versatility to customize the thermostat to your family’s schedule, providing energy savings by eliminating unnecessary energy waste.

Eventually, any thermostat will become worn and inaccurate, requiring replacement to eliminate the problems of running too often and wasting energy, or not running enough. Manual thermostats lack the advantages and the accuracy of the digital thermostat. Programmable thermostats can be programmed to adapt to your family’s schedules, provides versatility, saves energy and is generally easy to program and allows for as much as a seven day schedule.

In addition, the heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX system will experience less wear by not running as frequently.

The recommended temperature of an occupied home is 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer, while during the winter, when occupants sleep and everyone is away from the home, the recommended temperature is 65 degrees. However, when you are away on a winter vacation, you may be tempted to turn the thermostat even further. Don’t turn the thermostat below 55 to ensure that the plumbing won’t freeze.

The installation of a programmable thermostat will allow for multiple temperature settings for each day. Models that automatically change from heat to cooling are an extremely convenient choice when selecting a new thermostat. Either option will ensure your home remains comfortable year round, including during the temperature swings that occur in early spring and fall.

Homeowners who are handy with DIY projects can potentially install a thermostat, for all others Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning offers the service for professional installation of a programmable thermostat to complement your heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX.Learning Thermostats

Learning thermostats will learn the habits of the home’s occupants and program themselves, creating a schedule based on your preferences over time. Learning thermostats use sensors to detect when the home is unoccupied and adjust the temperature accordingly. By providing monthly energy reports, they guide you to energy efficient settings for your heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX. 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. Learning thermostats can save 20-30 % on your home’s energy costs.

Remote Energy Management

A remote energy management thermostat enables you to set, program and monitor your heating and cooling from a computer, smartphone or tablet. It transmits a text message or email alert when adjustments are made, the filter requires changing or when maintenance is scheduled. It connects through a hub (sold separately) to your home broadband network, providing access over Wi-Fi from anywhere, and can reduce energy consumption by up to 15 %.

If you have ever forgotten to adjust your manual thermostat, you can probably recognize the advantages of a programmable thermostat, and remote energy management enabling you to make changes when you are away from home.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning offers certified and experienced HVAC technicians for all of your heating and cooling needs. Our technicians provide services for heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX including repair, installation and maintenance. Our certified technicians have the expertise to meet or exceed the industry’s standards, assuring you of receiving quality HVAC services. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas.

Geothermal Heat Pumps | Heating and Air Conditioning

You hear a lot about geothermal heat pumps both good and bad. What is a homeowner to believe in the face of conflicting information? For those homeowners desiring to save significantly on energy costs for heating and air conditioning, and/or for those who are environmentally conscious, the geothermal heat pump provides a promising alternative. Let’s have a look at the facts to assist you in deciding whether or not a geothermal system is right for your household:

Popularity

• It has been estimated that greater than 1 million residential geothermal heat pumps are currently installed in the United States
• Over 60,000 geothermal heat pumps are installed in the United States each year, with an estimated annual growth rate of 20%. Each year, more households make the decision to invest in a geothermal system when building a new home and replacing an existing heating and air conditioning system.

Environmental Impact

Geothermal heat pumps currently in use have resulted in some impressive statistics:

• 40 trillion BTUs of fossil fuels saved each year
• The elimination of 1.6 million metric tons of carbon equivalent annually
• 8 million kWh saved each year
• The elimination of over 5.8 million metric tons of CO2 each year
• Reducing electricity usage by 2.6 million kW each year

The current number of geothermal heat pumps in service today is equivalent to:

• Planting over 385 million trees
• Reduced consumption of foreign fuels by 21.5 million barrels of crude oil annually
• Removing 1,295,000 cars from the road

Financial Benefits

• Geothermal systems save up to 70% on heating bills and 40% on air conditioning costs when compared to conventional heating and air conditioning
• The cost per Btu of heating is significantly lower for geothermal heat pumps when compared to other heating options

How it Works

A geothermal heat pump uses the constant temperature underground as an exchange medium to heat and cool a home throughout the year. A few feet down, the earth’s temperature is relatively constant at 45 to 58 degrees Fahrenheit, year round.

Geothermal heat pump systems take advantage of this by circulating water or other liquids through continuous loops of plastic or metal pipes buried in the ground. The fluid collects heat from the soil during winter and carries it through the system to a heat pump in the building, where the heat is compressed to produce more heat warming air to 90 to 105 degrees. The warm air is moved through the house via standard ductwork, or an under-floor radiant system. This forms a closed-loop system. During the summer, a reverse process occurs as circulating fluids transfer heat from the building back into the earth.

A geothermal system may also use an open-loop option utilizing well or surface water as the exchange liquid, which is returned to the source. Geothermal heat pumps provide the additional benefit of providing the home with hot water.

Installation Considerations and Maintenance

1. Proper installation is crucial: The geothermal system’s reliability depends upon professional installation. Use a reputable heating and air conditioning company with experience in geothermal installation, check their references and BBB status. The cost of failing to do so can result in poor reliability and efficiency. The indoor components of your geothermal system are not entirely dissimilar to a standard heat pump. The geothermal system will require an air handler and ductwork. The outdoor components require careful installation based on the geography of your yard. As with any heating and air conditioning system, the geothermal system size must match the home to prevent short cycling and premature wear on components. A geothermal system is only as good as the skills, experience and knowledge of the installer.
2. Antifreeze or other fluid level: The liquid medium that circulates throughout the underground loops has to be at a specific level for the system to work properly. As it circulates throughout the earth loop, it absorbs and dissipates thermal energy, depending on the season. If a leak occurs or an incorrect amount was added during installation, the geothermal system will be unable to heat and cool effectively or efficiently. During routine maintenance, your HVAC technician can check to ensure that the fluid level is correct, and not leaking.
3. Dirt and debris: As it can with any heating and air conditioning system, dirt and debris can damage any of the indoor components of the geothermal system, from the heat exchanger to the blower motor. During maintenance, the technician can provide the required cleaning to ensure the efficiency and longevity of the system.
4. Air ducts: As with any heating and air conditioning system, the geothermal system relies on the cleanliness and integrity of the air ducts. If the air ducts that distribute the conditioned air throughout the home are leaking due to broken seals or damaged, the geothermal system will not be able to maintain a comfortable home.
5. Loops: There are a variety of loop designs available for geothermal systems. The one that is right for your system depends upon a number of factors, best determined by a thoroughly qualified geothermal expert. The loops should not require maintenance. Maintenance ensures the pipes are not leaking or in need of repair.

While geothermal maintenance is minimal when compared to other heating and air conditioning systems, some maintenance is necessary to ensure that the system provides the energy efficiency and home comfort it is popular for.

The initial cost of a geothermal system and installation are higher than for conventional heating and air conditioning systems, in part due to the required excavation of the earth for the loop system. However, the difference is usually returned in energy savings in 2 to 10 years, depending upon where you live, and the cost you would pay for energy use in a traditional system.

When federal, state and utility tax credits and incentives are considered, the return on your investment may be significantly reduced depending upon the programs available for your location. Geothermal heat pump systems typically last an estimated 25 years for the inside components with a life expectancy of 50 years for the ground loop.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s certified and experienced HVAC technicians offer the expertise required for the proper installation of a geothermal heat pump system. When you require a new heating and air conditioning installation for home or office schedule an appointment with our expert technicians. We service Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas.

Furnace Repair | Air Conditioning Repair Katy

The most obvious sign of the need for furnace repair is the failure of the furnace to operate. Recognizing the signs of impending furnace failure can give homeowner’s an advance warning that furnace and air conditioning repair in Katy repair is needed, and can prevent the need for an emergency service call.

Providing annual heating and air conditioning service to your home’s HVAC system system is the best means of ensuring peak performance and efficiency, as well as ensuring a long service life for the system. However, tune-ups are not the only reason for the annual heating and air conditioning service. Safety is an additional factor for the annual inspection and tune-up. Worn parts will not operate efficiently and may cause safety issues. The system needs to be inspected and cleaned each year for both efficiency and safety reasons.

Let’s have a closer look at the benefits and reasons for the annual inspection and cleaning of the heating and air conditioning:

1. The inspection will identify worn components requiring furnace and air conditioning repair in Katy.
2. Inspection will identify if the burner of a gas furnace has developed dangerous holes, cracks or if it requires cleaning.
3. Inspection can identify worn electrical components or a fan motor in need of lubrication or replacement. Worn electrical components have the potential to start a fire.
4. The flue of a gas operated furnace ventilates deadly carbon monoxide and other exhaust gases to the outside. An inspection will identify if the flue is clogged and needs to be cleaned.
5. Properly maintained heating and air conditioning equipment will last longer, and by identifying problems early, can prevent more costly repairs, and dangerous conditions from developing later.
6. Properly maintained heating and air conditioning equipment runs more efficiently, saving you on the cost of energy, while maintaining consistent comfort.
7. A number of manufacturers require annual 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:

1. A pure blue flame is a normal ignition flame in a gas furnace. If the flame appears yellow, orange or red, contact your HVAC technician for heating and air conditioning repair in Katy. The pure blue color indicates the furnace is receiving the correct mixture of oxygen and gas. Prompt HVAC service is required if the flame is not blue.
2. Unusual noises are a warning, examples of problems that can result in strange sounds and may indicate the need for repair is a worn fan motor (which can overheat and potentially cause a fire) or a loose fan (which can cause damage if it were to come completely loose). Contact your HVAC technician for heating and air conditioning repair in Katy for strange noises.
3. Unusual odors 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 for some time due to dust on the burner. Examples of unusual odors to be aware of include burning wire or wire insulation and burning oil. If you detect these odors, shut the furnace off immediately and call your HVAC technician for heating and air conditioning repair in Katy.
4. Higher than normal energy bills likely indicate poor performance. There are a variety of issues that can cause this. Have your technician inspect the system and provide heating and air conditioning repair in Katy.
5. 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 require replacement. When keeping the system going requires frequent heating and air conditioning repair in Katy, consider investing in a new and reliable HVAC system. The improved energy efficiency of a new system will assist in paying for itself over time.
6. Thermostats will eventually wear out. Signs of thermostat issues are a system that runs too often, or too little and failing to maintain a consistent temperature in your home.
7. Homeowner’s often assume the furnace has worn out and requires replacement when ice dams on roofs and colder indoor temperature occur. When this is occurring in your home, before requesting HVAC service, check the insulation in the attic. If rafters are visible the attic requires the addition of insulation. This should stop the loss of heat in a home that was previously warm. Ice dams may also be due to clogged gutters, downspouts or a roofing issue.

Don’t forget to inspect the filter bi-weekly and change the filter monthly, or to clean those manufactured to be reused. Not all filters will require a monthly change, but filters should be inspected bi-weekly to ensure proper operation and efficiency.

ur certified and experienced HVAC technicians will provide the inspection, furnace repair and/or air conditioning repair in Katy that you need, to ensure the safe and efficient operation of your home’s HVAC system. Cypress’s certified professionals serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas.

American Made Quality | Air Conditioning Installation

When you are shopping for a new furnace or air conditioner you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of brands available. Just comparing them can be a formidable task for the homeowner. There can be significant differences between brands in quality and reliability, availability of parts, warranty and energy efficiency. This brings us to why we feel you should choose a Carrier. The answer is multifold, but the one that stands out is Carrier offers American made quality for your next furnace or air conditioning installation.

Quality

Some HVAC companies sell a number of brands, and the quality of some of those brands doesn’t say a great deal for the dealers who sell them. Carrier has been in business since 1902, and remains an innovative leader in the HVAC industry; providing quality products and certified technicians with the expertise for accurate and professional heating and air conditioning installation.

PerformanceCarrier offers superior performance for homes and businesses. Carrier durability, longevity and minimal service ensure you receive the optimal system you require for long lasting performance and comfort.TestedCarrier products are individually and thoroughly tested before being shipped. The precise engineering and strict quality control ensures Carrier possesses the quality you can depend upon to maintain your home’s comfort when you select a Carrier product for heating and/or air conditioning installation.

Made in the USA

Carrier’s American made quality is a factor that enables it stand above a number of the other brands. You won’t be waiting on a backordered part to arrive from a Chinese plant. Being American made, means parts and equipment can be provided quickly when needed.

Energy Efficient and Environmentally Friendly

Carrier was the first to use environmentally approved Puron® refrigerant for heat pump and air conditioning systems, and remains at the forefront of energy efficient options and research. The wide range of products provides a choice for almost any budget, meeting and/or exceeding energy requirements, and offering the nation’s number one energy efficient choice for furnace and/or air conditioning installation. Our systems provide the latest technology to maintain your home’s comfort, and energy efficiency and include:

The innovative Infinity System is the essence of Carrier engineering offering the uppermost levels of options. Infinity stands alone as a system that allows you to control the temperature, humidity, air quality, fan speed, ventilation and can even detect when it is time to replace the air filter.

The Carrier HYBRID HEAT® dual-fuel system offers long-term savings, energy-efficient design and year-round comfort.

Add a Carrier humidifier and Infinity Control to your heating and air conditioning system and enjoy IdealHumidity™, a Carrier innovation that controls your home’s humidity level even when the system isn’t in heating or cooling operation mode. IdealHumidity™ continuously monitors humidity and temperature to keep you comfortable in any season.

Carrier ComfortHeat™ technology offers consistent temperatures between rooms, decreased sound levels, longer cycles and fewer temperature swings.

And nothing on the market compares with the Carrier Greenspeed Intelligence Heat Pump, which delivers precise heating and cooling, energy efficiency and quiet cooling performance and can reduce utility costs by up to 60%.

Want to know more? Carrier’s wide range of products doesn’t end here. When you are in the market for a new heating and air conditioning installation for home or office, and insist upon American made quality, call Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning. We can help assure your home’s comfort, air quality and much more. Our HVAC specialists will be glad to listen to your needs, provide the information you require about Carriers broad range of products and assist you in selecting the ideal product for your home, budget and family’s needs, while providing an accurate and professional installation. Carrier products are proudly made in the USA.