Geothermal HVAC System | Heating and Air Conditioning

Geothermal HVAC systems are earning a growing share of the HVAC market in the U.S. There are reasons why homeowner’s owners select a geothermal system despite the initial higher cost. If you are considering installing the system, the following may assist you in determining if geothermal technology is the best fit for your home’s heating and air conditioning.

How it Works

A geothermal system uses the energy of the Earth’s underground temperature to heat or cool your home. Underground, approximately 4-6 feet or deeper, the ground maintains a constant temperature throughout the year, typically between 45F and 65F. During the winter the underground temperature is warmer than the surface and in the summer it’s significantly cooler.

Pipes are buried at a determined specific depth and filled with water, antifreeze or other liquid medium used as a preconditioned refrigerant that is either heated up or cooled down in the heat pump, depending on the time of the year. By using a refrigerant with a preconditioned temperature you can experience greater energy efficiency in any weather.

Clean, Green and Safe

Unlike gas heating, the geothermal heat pump operates cleanly using electricity. More than 1 million residential geothermal heat pumps are currently installed in the U.S., with more than 60,000 units installed in the U.S. each year.

Environmental Impact

Geothermal heat pumps currently in use offer positive influences on the environment:

• 40 trillion BTUs of fossil fuels saved each year and growing as more are installed
• 1.6 million metric tons of carbon are eliminated each year and counting
• 8 million kWh of power are saved each year
• More than 5.8 million metric tons of CO2 are eliminated each year
• Reduces the need for electrical generation by 2.6 million kW each year and growing

Great Choices Affect Us All

To place these statistics in a different perspective, the current number of geothermal heat pumps in service today is the equivalent of:

• Planting more than 385 million trees, and adding almost 240,000 trees each year
• Reduced consumption of foreign fuels by 21.5 million barrels of crude oil annually
• Removing 1,295,000 automobiles from the road to date, with the number growing by 77,700 each year

Superior Life Span

With proper maintenance, a geothermal heat pump will on average last for 25 years, while the underground components have an expected lifespan of 50 years under normal conditions. This is more than double any other heating and air conditioning system.

An Investment That Continues to Give

A geothermal heat pump is an investment with energy savings that begin immediately and continue to give for the long lifespan of the system. While the initial investment is higher than conventional air sourced heat pumps, the energy savings can offset the costs of the installation over a reasonable period of time. Furthermore, with tax credits and rebates, the return on your investment can potentially be in as little as 3-5 years.

Geothermal systems save up to 70% on the heating bills and 40% on air conditioning costs when compared to even the most energy efficient conventional heating and air conditioning systems.

Disadvantages

The geothermal heat pump system installation is higher than air source heat pumps due to the need to install a ground heat exchanger. However, it is this connection beneath the earth that enables the system to yield up to 4 kilowatts of heat for every 1 kilowatt of electricity consumed.

It is essential to ensure the installer is an HVAC technician with ample experience, and proficiency in geothermal installation. Experience and knowledge of the technology is a primary factor in ensuring your satisfaction and the performance of the geothermal heating and air conditioning system.

As with any heating and air conditioning system, the geothermal system size must match the home’s requirements 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.

Maintenance

While the required maintenance of geothermal heat pumps is minimal in comparison to other heating and air conditioning systems, some maintenance is necessary to ensure that the system provides the energy efficiency and comfort it is popular for.

If you are considering the installation of a geothermal heating and air conditioning system, contact our certified professionals and we will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s certified and experienced HVAC technicians offer the expertise required for the proper installation of a geothermal HVAC system, as well as other types of HVAC systems, repair and maintenance. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas. We are a member of the BBB with a consistent A+ rating.

Repair or Replace |Air Conditioning Repair, Plano, TX

If you’re wondering whether to repair or replace a home’s heating and air conditioning system, the following information can assist you in the decision. A system that should be replaced is often affected by certain factors, such as age, and exhibits signs that it’s past its prime. With summer just around the corner with temperatures already rising, if another summer of frequent calls to a technician for air conditioning repair in Plano, TX appears to be developing, and the following sound like your system, it may be time for replacement if:

• The HVAC system is greater than 10 years old – A system purchased today will have a higher efficiency than one just five years old. Purchase an HVAC system that has earned the Energy Star label. When proper installation and when sized correctly for the home, today’s high efficiency systems can save up to 20 percent on the cost of heating and air conditioning.
• The HVAC system needs frequent repairs and the cost of operation is increasing – A decline in efficiency is common in worn systems as they age. Proper maintenance throughout its lifespan will assist in maintaining efficiency and reliability, though there comes a time when wear takes its toll on all HVAC systems, and breakdowns occur more often, resulting in increased heating and/or air conditioning repair in Plano, TX. Lost efficiency is a common sign that it’s time to replace a worn out system.
• The home has rooms that are too hot or too cold – While duct problems and inadequate insulation may cause this, improper operation and performance of HVAC equipment can also be a cause as components weaken with wear.
• Your home has uncomfortable humidity problems – Poor equipment operation, inadequate equipment, and leaky ductwork can cause the indoor environment to be excessively humid in the summer.
• Excessive dust – Leaky ducts can pull particles and air from attics, crawl spaces and basements and distribute them throughout the home. Sealing the ducts may be a solution. However, HVAC systems that have been poorly maintained can result in dirty ducts and poorly operating components. If you have scheduled air conditioning repair in Plano, TX, discuss the system’s efficiency and projected remaining lifespan with your HVAC technician.
• Noisy operation – Unusual noise may be due to worn parts or loose components

Age and the lack of maintenance are factors that can adversely affect the HVAC system. You can’t avoid aging, though you can ensure proper maintenance. Purchasing an energy efficient HVAC system will provide advantages the existing system doesn’t offer such as the following:

Comfort

Modern systems provide a more even distribution of temperature throughout the home. This is possible through multi-stage compressors and variable speed blowers that adjust to the output that is required. The technology provides quieter operation, significant energy savings, increased comfort and reduces wear and tear on the affected components, resulting in the need for less heating and air conditioning repair in Plano, TX.

Energy Efficiency

The installation of a high energy efficient system can save significantly on the energy bill. Select an Energy Star rated system for potential tax credits, improved comfort and greater reliability with reduced heating and air conditioning repair in Plano, TX.

Quieter Operation

Today’s systems operate quieter and require less space.

Technological Advances

Today’s systems offer advanced technology, both in the systems engineering, and the features offered. For even greater benefits, consider installing a programmable thermostat, or a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats offer a number of ways to save energy. If you need to adjust the thermostat when away from home, a smart thermostat controlled by Wi-Fi enables adjustment using a smartphone, tablet or computer. You can even receive reports on how much energy has been saved.

Today’s technology assures a comfortable home and makes it easier than ever before to save on energy. With so many advanced features to select from, there has never been a better time for installation.

Finally, an additional consideration in the decision between repair or replace, is the cost of repair. It’s generally recommended to replace a system requiring heating or air conditioning repair in Plano, TX of greater frequency than once per year when the cost of repair exceeds 25% of the purchase of a new system.

If you require further assistance in the decision to repair or replace, give us a call, we will be glad to help you. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning professionals strive to exceed your expectations. In order to maintain our standards of excellence around the clock, our certified technicians offer 24 hour emergency service so we can be there for you. Give us a call when you need heating or air conditioning repair in Plano, TX or in Katy and the surrounding areas. We are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.

Heat Pump | AC Repair Katy

A heat pump is ideal for warmer climates requiring minimal heating. For homeowners considering their options for replacing an aging HVAC system requiring frequent heating and AC repair in Katy, a heat pump may be the solution you are looking for.

A heat pump uses electricity to move heat, and in the heating mode can deliver up to four times the amount of energy consumed to create it. This enables a heat pump to reduce a home’s energy consumption, resulting in reduced electric bills during the air conditioning season.

Air-Source Heat Pump

The most common type of heat pump is the air-source heat pump. It uses refrigerant to extract heat from the air, providing heat in the winter and cold dehumidified air during the summer through the use of a reversing valve.

When properly sized and installed by a qualified HVAC technician, an air-source heat pump can provide efficient heating and air conditioning for a home. The installer’s qualification is essential in a quality installation and proper sizing. When a unit is improperly sized too small for the home, it can result in the system being overworked, and result in early wear on components and the frequent need for heating and AC repair in Katy.

On the other hand, an oversized unit can cause short cycling, enabling the humidity to rise to unhealthy and uncomfortable levels. HVAC systems are frequently oversized, highlighting the importance of not only a licensed and qualified installer, but also one who assesses the home properly by calculating factors such as the number of windows, the direction they face, their insulating quality, and other factors.

Signs it’s Time to Replace

In addition to the requirement of frequent heating or AC repair in Katy (more than once per year), signs that indicate a worn HVAC system in need of replacement are a musty odor, water leaking on the floor, reduced performance and increased energy consumption. While there are other potential causes, they can indicate a worn system that should be replaced.

Heat pumps have changed over the years, and environmental concerns and legislation has resulted in a trend for consistently improved energy efficiency. Modern versions offer efficient options such as two stage compressors, quietly operating scroll compressors, variable speed fans, and desuperheaters that produce hot water from the excess heat produced by the heat pump.

Energy Star qualified equipment provides greater energy efficiency than a five year old system, as well as being more reliable than equipment lacking the Energy Star. Reliability reduces the need for frequent AC repair in Katy and when coupled with the energy savings, a system can potentially pay for itself.

Heat pumps operate cleanly, and are an ideal solution for persons with allergies, asthma and other respiratory issues. When a high grade filter such as a HEPA filter is utilized, the system achieves greater ability for providing cleaner air throughout the home.

Heat Pump & Air Conditioning Maintenance

Annual maintenance will maintain the proper operation and efficient performance of a heat pump. Efficiency is lost in heat pumps (and other HVAC systems) not receiving annual maintenance. The cost of operating a system lacking maintenance vs. the cost of a well maintained system is as much as 25% more. Furthermore, the lack of maintenance significantly reduces the lifespan, and increases the need for heating and AC repair in Katy.

In addition to maintenance, the single most important factor in the care of any HVAC system is changing the filter monthly or as recommended by the manufacturer is an essential factor in performance. Dirty filters will result in dirty coils, ducts and fans, and decreased performance. Consequently, the frequency of heating and AC repairs in Katy will also increase, raising costs beyond an annual service and maintenance call.

In addition, ensure the use of the manufacturer recommended filter. The use of a non-approved filter can result in premature wear, or even the potential for overheating and damage to the system and the need for replacement or AC repair in Katy.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s NATE certified HVAC technicians provide exceptional service and are dedicated to your satisfaction. Our reliable professionals offer heating and AC repair in Katy, installation, and more. If you are considering a heat pump installation, give us a call for a free estimate. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.

Programmable Thermostat | Heating and Air Conditioning

Conventional HVAC thermostats serve their purpose, though they are unable to provide the precise control over comfort and reduced energy consumption that a programmable thermostat is able to deliver for your heating and air conditioning.

When shopping thermostats for a new air conditioning installation or when it is time for a thermostat replacement, a variety of programmable thermostat options are available that will deliver the extent of control you desire over the home’s heating and air conditioning and the indoor environment.

Programmable thermostats can vary widely in their features, though they all deliver a few design upgrades that set them apart from conventional thermostats:

Complete environmental control: Programmable thermostats provide homeowners with the ability to program temperature settings for their comfort requirements on a schedule. In addition, some offer controls compatible with humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air purifiers and ventilators, providing complete control over HVAC systems and the comfort level of their environment.

Energy and money savings: The control a programmable thermostat provides will save energy and to reduce the home or business’s carbon footprint. It is a waste of energy and money to operate the heating and air conditioning at normal levels when it is not occupied.

Programmable thermostats provide the ability to program temperature adjustments for automatic control, according to the pre-set schedule. Furthermore, forgetting to reset it when you leave will no longer be an issue, and family members will come home to a comfortable home. This feature results in reduced energy consumption when no one is home, and provides the desired comfort level when family or employees arrive.

Programmable thermostats offer various features depending upon the model, such as the ability to program different settings for each day of the week. Other models provide the ability to set weekday programs and separate weekend settings.

Recommended Temperatures

The recommended temperatures to save energy and maintain comfort are as follows:

During the summer, maintain a temperature of 78° F when the home is occupied. For each degree above this that the temperature is raised, you will save approximately 1% on energy costs.

During the winter, maintain a temperature of 68° F while you are awake, and 65°F when sleeping. During the hours when the home is unoccupied, a setting of 55°F will prevent frozen pipes while increasing energy savings of 1% for each degree the temperature is reduced. An additional benefit of temperature management is the reduced wear and tear on the heating and air conditioning system, resulting in an extended life span.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats are programmable thermostats with state-of-the-art features providing mobile control of the home environment and other features. These features include automatic schedules, the ability for remote adjustment, manually activation notification, and energy savings reports that guide you to energy efficient settings for the home’s heating and air conditioning. In addition, smart thermostats offer the capability of detecting and adapting to the family’s schedule with little effort from you.

The smart thermostat provides control remotely through Wi-Fi connectivity. Options include the ability to work in conjunction with home automation, and can work in conjunction with a security system, operating compatible LED lights to provide the appearance of the home being occupied.

Finally, all thermostats require a location on an interior wall away from direct sunlight, drafts, doorways, skylights, and windows. Never place furniture in front of the thermostat as this will block natural air movement and result in poor performance. When selecting a programmable thermostat, ensure a convenient location for programming.

If you are interested in the installation of either a programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat contact our certified professionals for additional information. Our professionals provide reliable heating and air conditioning services including repair, installation and maintenance. You can rely upon our experienced HVAC technicians’ expertise to meet or exceed industry standards, and provide you with first quality HVAC services.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning offers factory-trained, NATE certified technicians available to assist you in selecting the proper programmable thermostat for your heating and air conditioning system. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating. Our dedicated technicians offer convenient 24 hour emergency services.

Dehumidifier | Air Conditioning Katy, TX

No one in the south needs to be told that summers are hot and humid. What homeowner’s may not realize is that high humidity can have adverse effects on a home, as well as your health and comfort. Hot and humid weather outside can mean excess moisture inside. Mold and mildew, musty odors, condensation, warped wooden surfaces, and cracked, peeling, or blistering paint can all result from excessive humidity in the home. The installation of a whole-house dehumidifier integrated with your air conditioning in Katy, TX can greatly improve your comfort, health and the health of your home by controlling the overall humidity.

How They Work

A whole-house humidifier is installed to work in conjunction with the home’s heating and air conditioning system, where the dehumidifier pulls air through the return ducts. The warm, moist air passes over a cold coil, condensing the moisture into liquid; the water is removed through a drain pipe. The dry air then passes over a warm coil and is added back into the room. Dehumidifiers are controlled by a dehumidistat, which turns the unit on and off depending on the amount of moisture detected in the air.

Benefits

• Dehumidifiers are ideal to use with the home’s air conditioning in Katy, TX, as it is easier for the AC to cool drier air than humid moisture laden air. This reduces the air conditioner’s workload, and as it doesn’t need to run as often, it saves you money on energy.
• Drier air increases your comfort, enabling the thermostat to be turned up, saving money on the energy costs for your home’s air conditioning in Katy, TX. Elevated humidity makes it feel hotter than it actually is, and a drier environment is more comfortable. According to the U.S. Energy Star program, homeowner’s can save up to 6 percent on air conditioning costs for every degree the thermostat is turned up.
• Reducing indoor humidity decreases the moist conditions that molds and mildew thrive on, providing a healthier home.
• Dust mites and allergens also thrive in moist environmental conditions. A relative humidity below 50% will reduce the dust mite population and that of other allergens.
• Whole-house humidifiers require little maintenance. Portable humidifiers on the other hand, require frequent emptying of the collection container, filter replacement and other maintenance tasks. Whole-house models do require installation by a HVAC technician.

As with any appliance, select an Energy Star-rated, high-efficiency unit. Our experienced HVAC technicians will ensure the unit is sized properly for your home and its unique conditions.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning can provide the installation of a whole-house dehumidifier in your home. Our technicians will accurately size the dehumidifier required for your home and provide the professional installation. We offer a wide range of HVAC services, including repair, installation and service of your heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX. For further information about a whole-house dehumidifier, or to schedule installation give us a call. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.

Troubleshooting Tips | AC Blowing Warm Air

During the heat of the summer the last thing you need is an AC blowing warm air on a hot, humid day. The following troubleshooting tips may provide the required solution.

There are a number of potential causes that lead to the AC blowing warm air. However, before calling Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning for AC repair in Katy; the following may provide a simple fix you can provide. If you prefer a certified HVAC technician to service and correct the issue, our technicians will be glad to assist you when the AC is blowing warm air.

Thermostat Settings

People often set the thermostat fan to “run” for various reasons, such as to clear the smoke from a burnt meal, or open a window and bring in fresh, cool evening air. Due to this, check the thermostat, and ensure it is set to “COOL”, and the fan to “AUTO”, with a temperature setting below the room temperature display on the thermostat.

If the fan is set to “RUN” (or ON) rather than AUTO, the fan will run constantly, and when the compressor isn’t pumping, the fan would be running with the AC blowing warm air. On the other hand, if the thermostat is set to “OFF”, the compressor won’t pump cold air at all.

Check Breakers

Ensure the AC breaker in the home’s electrical panel hasn’t tripped to “OFF”. Power surges or issues in the system can cause breakers to be thrown, causing either no function at all or the AC blowing warm air. The affected breaker may be in the home’s electrical panel, or those integrated into the system itself. Depending upon the specific brand and age of the system, there may be circuit breakers/switches in the interior portion of a split system. These may appear similar to a light switch lever, or “mini” circuit breakers.

Turn the power off at the thermostat by turning the heat/cool/off function to “OFF”. Next, ensure the interior breakers/switches are engaged by turning them off and back on. Turn the power back on at the thermostat by setting it to “Cool”, and turn the temperature down to at least 5 degrees below the room air temperature. If the AC doesn’t cool, proceed to the next step.

Located in the vicinity of the outdoor unit there should be a breaker box on the wall behind, attached on or under a deck or porch next to it. Not all systems will have this feature separate from the unit itself. However, if present, this breaker when tripped is a common cause of the AC blowing warm air. Once located, set the thermostat to “OFF”, and turn the breaker off and back to on.

Reset the thermostat to “COOL”, and turn the temperature down. If the AC is blowing warm air after checking the breakers, continue with the next step.

Airflow Restrictions

Airflow restrictions involve issues such as an extremely dirty filter, dirty condenser coil, dirty evaporative coil or blockages restricting the outdoor unit or the indoor return air vent.

Dirty Filter

Check the filter and replace it if dirty. An extremely dirty filter can cause a lack of adequate air flow and can result in the compressor freezing up. A dirty filter will also result in a dirty system and ducts, causing damage to components and excessive dust in the home.

Condenser Coil Needs Cleaning

Depending upon the type of system in the home, for example a heat pump or a split system, the AC will have coils in one or two locations. Ensure the area around the exterior unit is clear to provide adequate airflow. This includes plants, leaves or shrubs or other objects.

Evaporative Coil Needs Cleaning

The interior coil in a split system is called the evaporative coil. The air filter is located in this area, and the evaporative coil is one of the components the filter protects. The coils, (both indoor and out) will require cleaning at some point. A dirty coil in either location can cause reduced performance.

Refrigerant Leak

A refrigerant leak is a common cause of the AC blowing warm air. It will require the services of an HVAC technician to locate and repair, potentially evacuating the system and adding refrigerant. Here’s how to determine low refrigerant:

• The refrigerant line has ice or “frost” on it.
• The sound of bubbling or a hissing noise.

A leak is the only potential cause of the AC being low on refrigerant. The refrigerant doesn’t need to be “topped off” – unless the system has a leak. Refrigerant doesn’t get used up, and if it’s low, a leak is present and requires repair. An AC leak can lead to costly damage to the system, or even the need for a new air conditioning installation.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s certified and experienced HVAC experts can provide for all of your air conditioning in Katy, TX needs. Our HVAC technicians are experienced, certified and highly trained professionals in HVAC repair, installation, and service. If our troubleshooting tips didn’t resolve the AC blowing warm air, contact us to schedule repair. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.

Air Filters | Air Conditioning Repair Katy

Selecting an air filter for the home isn’t always a simple task. There are a large number of filters available on the market, and the best ones aren’t always an option for the system in your home. In the following we will discuss air filters, MERV rating and material, and assist you in finding a filter safe for your HVAC system, and capable of providing the filtration you need. You may be wondering why safety is a factor, and the answer is the ventilation factor of the HVAC system is varied among different brands and their capabilities. If you install the best filter, your HVAC system may not be able to draw adequate air through it, resulting in premature wear, and a reduced life span, along with increased costs of heating and air conditioning repair in Katy.

Size, MERV rating and material are the three primary factors used to pick the proper air filter for your home. The best source of finding the proper filter for the system is the manufacturer, or your Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning HVAC technician. This ensures the filter density isn’t too much for the system, and avoids damage and unnecessary heating and air conditioning repair in Katy.

1) Filter Size

Size is determined by looking at the label of the existing filter or measuring it yourself. Typically home air filters are 1″ thick, but there are a numerous standard width and height dimensions.

2) Material & MERV Rating

The efficiencies of filters are rated on a scale of 16, known as MERV ratings. MERV is the abbreviation for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This number identifies how well the filter is designed to hold contaminants preventing their entry into the system.

To help explain the scale of this system, the following are some common MERV ratings and how they correspond to efficiencies. This is only a brief summary, read the filter manufacturers’ information when shopping for specific filters for further information.

Rating Average Filtration Efficiency

MERV 1-4 – 60-80%

Fiberglass, Disposable Panel, Washable metal/synthetic, passive self-charging

MERV 5-8 – 80-95%

Pleated, Media panel, Cube

MERV 9-12 – 95%

Extended pleated

MERV 13-16 – 98%

Electronic

Use Caution with High MERV Ratings

While a higher MERV number may provide better filtration efficiency, as previously stated it’s essential to understand that installing a high MERV filter may cause premature wear and cost more to operate the heating and air conditioning system. The higher the MERV, the less air may flow through the system, and the harder the system may need to work. If you need a high efficiency filter, ensure the HVAC system is designed for it. Otherwise, select the proper balance between air flow, air filtration level and energy efficiency, and avoid unnecessary heating and air conditioning repair in Katy.

The average filter selection of typical systems would be a MERV 6-8. A higher MERV filter should only be used for those systems capable of handling them, or based upon the advice of your Cypress Heating & Air Conditioning technician. This will confirm your system has the capability of moving the suitable volume of air through higher efficiency filters. However, if you have a family member with asthma, allergies or other respiratory issues and needs a high MERV air filter, consider a whole-house air filtration system that will meet both your energy and filter efficiency needs. This will provide the clean air you need without overwhelming the HVAC system resulting in increased heating and air conditioning repair in Katy.

You need to keep in mind that filters were created to protect the system from damaging dirt. Over the past few decades, the consumer demand for cleaner air has led to a number of air filters providing improved filtration.

However, if filters aren’t routinely changed as recommended, they become a source of air pollution and cause the need for professional cleaning and air conditioning repair in Katy.

Once dust and debris accumulates in the filter it becomes ineffective, and can even block airflow. A dirty filter allows dust to enter into the HVAC system where it’s circulated through the system and throughout the home. As this dirt collects in the system it begins to wear down the components with friction and adversely affects performance, potentially resulting in the need for heating and air conditioning repair in Katy, and increased energy consumption.

As the system struggles to draw air through a dirty filter (or a filter with a high MERV rating exceeding the systems capability) components can overheat. Once overheated, the systems safety will shut it down, preventing it from running; or the system will continue to over heat until it shorts out or catches fire. The best way to ensure the system is protected from catastrophic failure or the need for heating and air conditioning repair in Katy caused from a dirty air filter, is to change the filter routinely.

The frequency of required filter changes will depend upon the amount of dust and debris that collects on it, and the type of filter it is. Cheap blue fiberglass filters require changing every month. Others may be good for up to 90 days depending upon environmental conditions. If any of the following affect a member of your family more frequent changes may be required:

• A family member with allergies, asthma, COPD, immune system disorders or other conditions
• Pets in the household
• The use of a fireplace or a wood heater
• A lot of dust and/or pollen
• A smoker in the home

Beside routine filter changes, the homeowner should ensure routine heating and air conditioning service from a qualified HVAC technician. The annual tune-up and inspection will provide peak performance and reduce the need for heating and air conditioning repair in Katy.

Contact a Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning representative for questions about air filters, or to schedule service for your HVAC system. Our certified technicians provide quality maintenance, heating and air conditioning installation, and heating and air conditioning repair in Katy. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.

AC Maintenance | Air Conditioning Service

A home requires upkeep and maintenance, including routine air conditioning service. A common question among homeowner’s is how often should AC maintenance be provided? Maintenance should be provided routinely, even though the air conditioner doesn’t have any issues. Maintenance isn’t strictly for a system with problems, though any issues identified during maintenance will be taken care of. Maintenance is for the purpose of preventing problems and ensuring the system is running optimally.

It can be compared to automotive maintenance. Routine automotive maintenance maintains a clean, efficiently running vehicle you can depend upon, and extends its life span. The same can be said of HVAC or air conditioning service.

When you wait until there is something wrong with your air conditioning system in the peak of the summer season, you may be unable to receive the prompt service you need when air conditioning repair technicians are backlogged with service calls.

Furthermore, waiting to have your system serviced can potentially be the cause of further damage resulting in costly AC repairs that could have been avoided.

Providing routine annual air conditioning service maintains the systems peak performance and efficiency, saving on the monthly electric bill. Starting the summer with a well-maintained air conditioner ensures greater reliability during the summer by reducing the amount of air conditioning repairs.

NATE Certified HVAC

Technicians

Equally important with scheduling annual maintenance is ensuring the HVAC technician providing the air conditioning service is NATE certified.

While a licensed technician is not required to be NATE certified, it is a factor to consider because it ensures the HVAC technician’s level of training and expertise. In addition, those who undertake the time and effort to achieve certification by NATE, indicate of the technicians desire to be the best technician possible. It ensures a commitment to quality and your satisfaction.

NATE certified technicians are required to pass both a core examination as well as an exam covering a specific area of expertise. The additional examination can be one of several different specialties in the HVAC industry. Examples include light commercial refrigeration, commercial refrigeration, HVAC efficiency analyst, air distribution, air conditioning and others.

Depending on the particular field of interest, NATE certified technicians are able to demonstrate a level of expertise and training that surpasses that of HVAC technicians who lack the certification. The NATE certified technician has achieved mastery over his/her field of expertise. It also requires a continued commitment to expertise, as they are required to routinely recertify every few years. This ensures you receive an HVAC technician who is up to date on the latest information and changes in the HVAC industry.

When you expect optimal performance from your HVAC equipment, NATE certified technicians are an additional tool in ensuring you receive it. If you haven’t already scheduled your annual air conditioning service contact us today to schedule AC maintenance with one of our NATE certified professionals. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.

Central Air | Air Conditioning Installation

When an existing central air conditioning system reaches the end of its service life and repairs are increasing the cost to maintain it, you will face the choice between air conditioning repair or air conditioning replacement. Fortunately, there are indicators to guide you, enabling you to recognize when it’s time to stop sinking money into AC repairs and choose air conditioning installation.

Air Conditioner Age

With all mechanical devices, air conditioners will eventually wear out. With air conditioning installation of a new system, modern technology will provide increased reliability and comfort, and greater energy efficiency. The technology of the HVAC industry continues to provide consistent upgrades benefiting homeowners and their energy bills. When an air conditioning system is 10 years old or older, its age is one indicator of the need for replacement.

Increasing AC Repair Costs

With age and use the air conditioner will experience wear of components over time, especially if routine maintenance hasn’t been provided. There are a number of “rule of thumbs” on when the cost of repair crosses the threshold necessitating replacement. Ultimately, only you can decide the point of replacement, though it’s wise to consider the monthly cost of a new reliable, energy efficient system versus the average monthly cost of keeping an existing system operating.

Furthermore, most experts agree when the cost of maintaining a aging unit for the past three years is 50% of the cost of replacement it’s logical to opt for air conditioning installation to achieve reliability and energy savings. Other experts advise a system that requires greater than one repair a year should be replaced. When the repair involved is an AC compressor, almost all homeowner’s opt for replacement due to the cost.

Decreasing Efficiency

As air conditioners age, they lose efficiency, especially if they aren’t receiving routine air conditioning service by an HVAC technician. You should determine if the increased cost of operation is due to higher energy costs, hotter weather or could it be due to the unit’s age? These are viable questions, and with increasing age lost efficiency is likely to be part if not all of the answer. As it ages efficiency will continue to be lost, and lost efficiency is an indicator that it’s time for air conditioning installation of a modern, efficient system.

Annual or bi-annual maintenance on the system will assist in maintaining peak performance and energy efficiency, while extending the lifespan of the unit. While most systems experience an average lifespan of 10-15 years, routine maintenance by a certified technician has resulted in systems lasting an extra 5 years or longer.

Furthermore, routine maintenance increases reliability. While no technician can guarantee break downs won’t occur with maintenance, it’s assurance that you will experience less problems and increased reliability.

SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and it’s in reference to the unit’s energy efficiency. The higher the SEER rating is, the more you will save. With new EPA guidelines in place, the minimal efficiency rating for an air conditioning unit in the south, including Texas, is a SEER rating of at least 14. Realistically, you should purchase the highest energy efficiency unit your budget will allow. This will enable the system to pay a return on part –if not all- of your investment by cutting down the amount of energy consumed. Air conditioning installation is often a choice among homeowner’s who want to reduce their energy consumption, by selecting the right unit it can even pay for itself over time.

Noise Pollution

Older air conditioners are typically noisier than today’s new AC systems. Furthermore, unusual sounds or an increase in noise could mean the current air conditioner is at the end of its service life requiring replacement with air conditioning installation.

These are a few of the common problems that indicate the need for new air conditioning installation. A Cypress Heating & Air Conditioning professional can help by offering a free assessment of your home’s air conditioning system to help determine whether the time has come for replacement, or if repair is the best option for now. You will receive an honest opinion, because our certified and licensed technicians are truly dedicated to your comfort and satisfaction. The following are additional considerations when a new air conditioner or HVAC system is needed.

Ensure a Quality Installation

The specifications of the home dictate the options available for a HVAC system. For example, the number and type of windows and doors, such as north and south facing windows, their size and insulation qualities will affect the homes HVAC needs. There are a number of factors that are essential to assess when selecting a system. The experience, training and dedication of the installer will affect the accuracy of this assessment, and the quality of the installation. When the installation is unprofessional and performed poorly, the equipment’s life span, energy-efficiency and comfort will decline dramatically. Performance will decline and repair costs will rise on the best system available if it’s under or oversized for your home, and installed poorly.

Consider Features and Options

There are a number of features and options available for modern central air. These optional features can improve the home’s air quality, humidity level, temperature and energy-consumption. Our licensed technicians will be glad to walk you through all the options available that can meet your needs. We will ensure your understanding, enabling you to make an informed decision before your air conditioning installation. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.