Energy Saving Tips | Air Conditioning Service

Save Money on Heating this Winter

During the winter, heating costs can consume a large portion of your monthly budget. The following are a few energy saving tips that can assist you in keeping warm air in and winters cold out, while minimizing energy costs. Contact Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning to receive professional heating and air conditioning service.

Seal the Leaks

Now is the time to provide a check-up for your home where you are potentially losing heat. The worst culprits are drafty windows or doors, inadequate insulation, and ductwork with failed seals. Upgrading your home’s insulation can potentially save up to 30% on the cost of heating. In addition, replace worn door sweeps and seals.

Inspect the attic, and if the rafters are visible, the attic insulation needs to be upgraded. Over time, blown in insulation will settle, eventually exposing rafters. An energy audit is one means of identifying a home’s energy deficit.

Adjust the Thermostat

Keeping your home’s temperature at 68-70 degrees during waking hours in the winter can add up to money saved. Lower the thermostat when you are not home to 55 degrees, and to 65 degrees or lower while you sleep. For each degree you adjust the thermostat, you save 1 percent on the cost of energy. Do not set the temperature below 55 degrees to avoid frozen pipes.

Upgrade the Thermostat

A programmable thermostat will allow you to control when the heating and air conditioning will run. You can save up to 20% on energy costs by using a programmable thermostat. A Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning technician can provide the thermostat installation, and other heating and air conditioning service that you need.

Hot Water Heater

Turn the temperature down on your water heater to 120 degrees F. For every 10 degrees you turn it down, you can save about 3-5% on your bill. However, do not go below this temperature, as bacteria are more likely to thrive in the tank.

HVAC Maintenance

Contact Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning to schedule pre-season heating and air conditioning service. Annual maintenance will ensure the safe operation and provide peak energy efficiency of the HVAC system, while extending its service life.

Install an Energy Efficient System

Consider installing a new energy efficient < strong>heating and air conditioning system. Today’s high efficiency equipment can save you significantly on your utility bill. Rebates or tax credits may be available with the purchase of ENRGY STAR qualified, reducing your initial investment. Our certified HVAC technicians can provide the installation, or the heating and air conditioning service that you need.

Routine Filter Changes

Replacing the air filter each month, or as the manufacturer recommends, maintains the proper performance, and assists in keeping the coil clean. Dirty filters and coils can reduce the airflow, adversely affecting the system’s performance, while reducing the air quality of your home, and potentially cause damage to the HVAC system.

Routinely Inspect the Duct System

Over time duct seals can fail, allowing conditioned air to be lost. Sealing ducts can save up to 30% on energy by eliminating conditioned air losses. Our experienced technicians can provide the duct repair or other heating and air conditioning service that you require.

Save With Lighting

Switching lighting to compact fluorescents or LED bulbs will save you money.

Eliminate Standby Energy Loss 

Electronics use power even when off. Eliminate this unnecessary loss by plugging electronics into a power strip, and turn the strip off when you are through using them. Though the amount of power consumed is small, over time it adds up.

Close Dampers

When the fireplace is not in use, close the damper to prevent heat loss. Ensure the fire is completely out and no coals are present before closing.

New Appliances

When replacing appliance select ENERGY STAR models for increased reliability and saving energy.

Insulated Drapes

Open drapes to allow the sun’s warmth to enter on sunny winter days. Close them in the evening to keep the chill out.

Ceiling Fans

Set ceiling fans to run clockwise, which will direct warm air to the floor, helping you to stay warmer.

Humidified Air

Properly humidified air makes the home feel warmer, enabling you to set the thermostat lower. In addition, a whole house humidification system will reduce symptoms due to dry air, such as dry skin, sore throats, and a runny nose. Our technicians can install the whole house humidifier you need, or provide other heating and air conditioning service for you.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s certified HVAC technicians provide superior service, and are dedicated to your satisfaction. Our experienced professionals offer heating and air conditioning service repair, and installation. We hope you found these energy saving tips useful. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.

Air Conditioning Repair | AC Blowing Warm Air

Complaints about the air conditioning blowing warm air are a common cause of air conditioning repair. There are a number of potential causes when your home’s AC is blowing warm air. The following are some of the common causes:

Refrigerant Leak

A home’s air conditioner is comprised of numerous parts that require the proper function to cool the home. If any single part fails, the entire system can malfunction. A common sign of a problem with the system is the AC blowing warm air. 

Refrigerant leaks are a common cause for the air conditioner to blow warm air. While a broad range of potential causes exists, some of the most common are wear and tear, and a lack of routine service. The repair of a refrigerant leak requires a certified HVAC technician for repair.

Thrown Breaker

The air conditioner requires power to operate. A breaker, typically in the home’s electrical service panel, protects this power source. Breakers turn off when there a power overload occurs, or when a breaker fails. A power overload can be due to an overload of the circuit, such as when a power surge occurs. When the AC system experiences frequent power loss due to thrown breakers, consult an HVAC technician and an electrician.

Dirty Air Filter

If air filters are not routinely changed, the airflow through the system will be restricted causing premature wear and tear, and will result in a dirty coil, and potential damage to the system. Eventually, it can lead to problems requiring service and/or repair and the AC blowing warm air.

Thermostat Settings

Early fall days are a time a number of homeowners take advantage of the fresh, cooler air outside by opening a window and adjusting the thermostat from cool to off, and set the blower to manual fan. It is a great way to air the house out and lower the temperature early in the morning, as long as you do not forget to reset the thermostat. Furthermore, a temperature set too high will not allow a compressor to run. When your home’s AC is blowing warm air, check the thermostat first.

Failed Compressor

The compressor is the heart of the air conditioning system, and when it fails the options are to replace it at great expense or replace the entire system with a new air conditioning installation. 

Electrical Problems

Faulty switches, damaged wiring, and other electrical components are potential causes of the AC blowing warm air. Without power going to components, the system can malfunction and blow warm air, or not operate at all.

Dirty Coils

Dirty coils can lead to the AC blowing warm air. Not changing the air filter routinely will accelerate the process of a dirty coil. By receiving routine annual, or biannual maintenance, your HVAC technician will monitor for dirty coils, and provide a professional cleaning when necessary. This ensures efficient operation, and increases reliability. A dirty coil can also lead to water running onto the floor, causing damage.

Leaking Water

In a split system, the indoor component contains the blower, one of the systems two coils and other components. As the coil sweats, the condensation drops into an evaporator pan with a drain leading outside. When the drain clogs, the evaporator pan can overflow, and has the potential to ruin flooring. 

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning provides a wide range of professional HVAC residential and commercial services. If your AC is blowing warm air, contact our certified HVAC technicians for air conditioning repair. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.

Air Conditioning Services | AC Repair Katy

If your home’s AC is blowing warm air, is producing a strange sound or odor, call Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning for AC repair in Katy. While a number of air conditioning issues are minor, they can develop into a major problem if AC repair in Katy is not provided in a timely manner. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning offers expert technicians, and the air conditioning services you need.

The following are signs that your unit needs AC repair in Katy: 

AC Blowing warm Air

If the air conditioner is blowing warm air , or it is not as cold as it used to be, contact Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning for AC repair in Katy. While there are a number of potential causes, a common cause includes low refrigerant. With the leak repaired and the proper level of refrigerant restored, the unit resumes normal operation. However, if you ignore the problem, there is the potential for compressor damage, and the need for replacement.

An additional cause may be the thermostat settings. Check to ensure the thermostat is set to Cool, and the fan on Auto. If the fan is not on Auto, it will run constantly, including when the compressor shuts off. This can result in the AC blowing warm air.

Insufficient Air Flow 

If the airflow coming through the air conditioning registers is weaker than normal, contact our dedicated HVAC technicians for repair.   

Thermostat Issues
A broken thermostat can cause numerous problems, including not running when it should, resulting in discomfort in the home. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning can replace your broken thermostat.   

Moisture Problems
The presence of moisture or a leak near your air conditioning coil indicates the need for service and/or AC repair in Katy. Potential causes include a broken or clogged drain tube, which disposes of condensation from the coil. In addition, a dirty coil can cause leaks that may result in a damaged floor, and the potential for mold. 

No Power

Check the A/C Unit’s Power

If the unit will not turn on, and will not start up, ensure it is receiving power. Check the AC circuit breaker in the home’s electrical panel, and ensure it has not tripped. If resetting the breaker does not start the AC, call Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning for service.  

While a power surge can cause a tripped breaker, when the electrical breaker is repeatedly tripping, it may indicate a bad breaker, or the home’s wiring.

Repair or Replace

Consider the age of your air conditioner when you are facing the decision between repair and replacement. This is especially true if frequent repair is required. Consider the cost of repairs over the past two years, and add the cost of the current repair. If the total is 25% of the cost of a new unit, consider using the cost of the current repair as a down payment on a new, reliable system.

Aged systems have a host of problems; electrical issues are common with motors, contractors, and capacitors going out. Refrigerant leaks become common and eventually the compressor fails. An aged system is not worth the expense of replacing a costly compressor that may blow holes in thinned coils and refrigerant lines. A new system will provide reliability, improved energy efficiency, and greater comfort. 

However, if the air conditioner is new, it may benefit from repair. Routine annual maintenance and timely repair will improve its lifespan while providing optimal energy efficiency and peak performance.

In order to maintain our standards of excellence around the clock, Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s certified HVAC technicians offer 24-hour emergency service for all of your heating and air conditioning services needs. Give us a call when you need heating or AC repair in Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas. We are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating. 

Programmable Thermostat | Heating and Air Conditioning

When a problem occurs with your home’s heating and air conditioning system, the thermostat is a frequently overlooked component. Nothing lasts forever, and this includes the HVAC thermostat. The thermostat controls when the heating and air conditioning system cuts on and off, the temperature inside the home, and fan control. For a number of years, a manual thermostat was the homeowner’s only option. Today, you can gain precise control, and save energy with a programmable thermostat.

Precise Control 

Traditional manual thermostats cannot offer the accuracy or the features of a programmable thermostat. How often have you set a manual thermostat to 78 degrees, for example, and the system would not come on until 80 degrees? A programmable thermostat will provide greater accuracy, precise control, a comfortable home, and may offer additional features depending upon the model.

Reduce Energy Bills

Programmable thermostats allow you to program the desired temperature on a schedule. This feature is convenient for busy homeowners. Programmable thermostats adjust the temperature to the settings and time you specify, and adjusts itself according to the schedule you program. This feature saves you money on the cost of energy by reducing the run time of the system while family members are away.    

According to energy.gov, you can save up to 1% for every degree you adjust the thermostat. Wi-Fi enabled programmable thermostats allow adjustments via a smart phone, tablet, or computer. This feature is convenient for persons whose schedules are subject to change. 

Improve Maintenance and System Performance

Numerous features are available from a variety of programmable thermostats, including the ability to provide advanced information on the heating and air conditioning system’s performance. Specific models will alert you when it is time to change the filter, the need for maintenance, performance alerts, and more. 

Maintenance alerts are helpful to remind you to change the filter or schedule annual service. Furthermore, by providing routine maintenance, the system’s performance, and lifespan are optimized, saving money on energy, increasing comfort, and reducing the frequency of air conditioning repair. 

Features 

Programmable thermostats offer a variety of features specific to the model. However, there are features that are common among a number of them: 

• • Precise control: Programmable thermostats enable homeowners to program temperature settings for their comfort requirements on a schedule. In addition, controls compatible with humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air purifiers and ventilators are available on specific models, providing complete control over the home’s heating and air conditioning. 
• • Reduces Energy Use: Programmable thermostats save energy by providing accurate temperature control, preventing the waste of unnecessary energy. 
• • Forgetting to reset it when you leave becomes a non-issue with a programmable thermostat. This feature reduces energy consumption when no one is home, and automatically provides the desired comfort level when you return.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats are programmable thermostats with advanced features that provide remote access of the thermostat. These features include the ability to remotely control the thermostat, notification when the thermostat is manually modified, and energy savings reports providing guidance to energy efficient settings for the home’s heating and air conditioning. In addition, specific models of smart thermostats offer the ability to adapt and self “learn” the family’s schedule with minimal effort from you. 

The smart thermostat is remotely controlled through Wi-Fi connectivity. Available features include the ability to work with home automation, a security system, and to operate compatible LED lights giving the appearance that the home is occupied.

Recommended Temperatures

The recommended temperatures to save energy and comfort are:

Summer 

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

Winter 

Maintain a temperature of 68° F during waking hours, and 65°F when sleeping. During the hours when the home is unoccupied, a setting of 55°F will prevent frozen pipes, and provide energy savings of 1% for each degree the temperature is reduced. For example, by lowering the unoccupied temperature from 65 degrees F to 55 degrees F, you will save an addition 10 percent on the cost of energy. Furthermore, reduced run time on the heating and air conditioning system reduces wear and tear, and provides an extended lifespan.  

Finally, the proper location of a thermostat is on an interior wall away from direct sunlight, doorways, skylights, windows, and other drafts. Do not block the thermostat with furniture, boxes or other objects, as this will result in poor performance and inaccurate temperature control. In addition, when selecting a programmable thermostat, ensure a convenient location where programming it will not be difficult.

Contact Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning for additional information. Our certified professionals provide reliable heating and air conditioning services including air conditioning repair, sir conditioning installation and maintenance. You can rely upon our experienced HVAC technicians’ to meet or exceed the industry standards, and provide you with first quality HVAC services.  

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s certified technicians can 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 for your convenience.

Heat Pump | Air Conditioning Katy, TX

Before variable speed compressor technology, air source heat pumps (ASHP) were only suitable for regions with mild winters due to the deterioration of heating performance at temperatures below 40°F. Today’s heat pump displays a lower temperature tolerance, and remains an energy efficient option for heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX in the southern U.S.

Though a heat pump uses electricity in the process of heating and air conditioning, it delivers four times the amount of energy it consumes to create it. This process provides a highly efficient source for your home’s heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX, resulting in lower electrical bills.

In order to receive peak performance and energy efficiency, a proper installation by qualified HVAC technicians is essential. Improper sizing of residential HVAC systems is a problem that occurs all too often. The standards call for sizing based on square footage of the home, amount of insulation, number, type and the direction windows face, and other factors are considered in a proper installation. 

For example, a north facing living room with a wall of floor to ceiling windows will require greater heating and air conditioning than if the wall had only a few small windows. Our HVAC technicians are highly trained, up-to-date on the latest information, and provide the expertise to assure a proper installation. 

Improved Energy Efficiency for 2015

Modern heat pumps offer energy saving features such as two stage compressors, scroll compressors, and variable speed fans to name a few. These features provide heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX with greater efficiency, comfort, and convenience. While Carrier offers a number of options with improved performance, our Energy Star systems will provide the greatest energy efficiency and reliability.

The Energy Star Label

The Energy Star label is awarded to systems with SEERs of 14 or greater and HSPFs of 8.0 or greater. The label is your best assurance of receiving a reliable, high-efficiency heating and air conditioning system.

The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) is a rating of a heat pump’s heating efficiency. The minimal efficiency of package systems in Texas requires an HSPF of 8.0. A split system is required to have a minimal efficiency of 8.2 HSPF. 

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is a rating of a heat pump’s cooling efficiency. Generally, the higher the SEER the greater the unit’s energy efficiency is. Higher efficiency does have its cost; however, the money you save on energy cost can pay you back several times over during the heat pump’s lifespan. The minimal efficiency for packaged systems or split systems in Texas requires a SEER of 14. 

Clean Energy

If your home currently utilizes natural gas for heating, you are probably aware that the gas burning system produces carbon monoxide as a byproduct of exhaust. Operating on electricity, heat pumps operate cleanly, without producing the dangerous carbon monoxide that a gas unit will. A heat pump is the gold standard for your home’s heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX when family members suffer from allergies, asthma, COPD and other respiratory problems. 

Air Quality is a consideration when faced with replacement of an HVAC system, especially if family members experience any of the previous conditions. Selecting a system that is compatible with a HEPA filter, assures the air quality is significantly improved in the air circulating through the home’s heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX. 

Improved Comfort

Humidity affects your comfort indoors as well as out. An increase in humidity is a common sign of a failing air conditioning system. Today’s high efficiency heat pumps offer these features, enabling you to save energy, experience increased comfort, and are extremely effective in reducing humidity. When shopping for a heat pump, it is well worth the extra expense to opt for these features in order to obtain the benefits they provide. 

Maintenance is Key to Performance and Longevity

Routine maintenance extends the lifespan of your home’s heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX. Furthermore, it will assure it operates at peak performance, and provides optimal energy efficiency. Furthermore, neglecting the system will result in higher operational costs. Annual maintenance is sufficient for the average home, unless you are located in a construction zone as with a new subdivision, or in any location where dusty conditions prevail. In this situation, biannual maintenance is recommended for your heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX. 

Changing or cleaning the filter, is essential in preventing damage to the system, or soiling of components such as a dirty coil which adversely affects the unit’s performance. During periods of a high pollen count or increased dust, it is beneficial to increase the frequency of filter changes. 

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s certified HVAC technicians provide superior service, and are dedicated to your satisfaction. Our experienced technicians offer a full range of HVAC services for your residential or commercial heating and air conditioning in Katy. To receive a free estimate of heat pump installation, or replacement, give us a call. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.

Furnace Maintenance | Heating and Air Conditioning

As summer eases into fall, we realize the heating season will soon begin with cooler nights and the onset of falling temperatures. Now is the time, before cold weather arrives, to test the furnace and provide annual furnace maintenance and inspection. Doing so now, will ensure your home is warm and cozy when cold weather arrives. If your heating and air conditioning system receives annual maintenance in the fall, now is the time to schedule it, and beat the rush. Once cold weather arrives HVAC professionals will be covered up with calls for service and repair of heating systems that do not work. 

If the furnace is inspected now, it leaves you time to schedule repair or replacement of the heating and air conditioning system, if necessary. The following are potential signs that it may be time for a new furnace:

Age

Furnaces will not last forever. An HVAC system will typically last from seven to ten years depending upon whether or not they receive routine maintenance, and if they are properly sized. While some do survive to age twenty, you will be paying a higher cost for energy to operate it. If your furnace is 10 years old or older, replacement may be the best decision. A furnace that is over a decade old and demands frequent repair, should be replaced with a modern, energy efficient model.

Unusual Noises

If your furnace is making unusual noises, contact your HVAC technician. While it may involve furnace repair, you can be facing the need for replacement of a system with failing components.

Replacement

A functional furnace is a necessity during the winter months. If your HVAC system or furnace has been requiring more repair than usual, it may be time to replace it. Replacement will provide your home and family with a reliable heat source for the winter months, and improved efficiency, and a reduction in energy use. The guidelines have changed this year, meaning a new 2015 heating and air conditioning system will have greater energy efficiency than last year’s model can provide.

Selecting a New Furnace 

If your furnace is broken and you need furnace replacement, the following factors are essential to consider when selecting a new furnace. 

Fuel
The fuel type is the first factor to consider in the purchase of a new furnace or HVAC system. It is common for homeowners to stay with the energy source of the existing furnace, though changing to a more efficient energy source is an option. 

Natural gas is the most common energy source in HVAC systems. It is widely available and in most areas, it is inexpensive. However, this is not true for all areas of the U.S., and if you are considering the change to natural gas, you should compare the cost to your current fuel source and other options. Other options are costly propane, and electricity in the southern U.S. 

Efficiency
All furnaces are required to have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. For example, a gas furnace with an 80 percent AFUE generates heat from 80 percent of the fuel it burns. A high-efficiency furnace will feature a 90 to 98 percent rating, significantly lowering your energy cost. 

Select a furnace with electronic ignition to save additional energy. Older furnaces typically use a pilot light, which consumes energy even when the furnace is not in use.

There are a variety of features available on today’s heating and air conditioning systems. A Cypress’s representative will be glad to provide you with the information you need to make an informed selection of the ideal HVAC system for your home or office.

Size
Using a reputable and experienced HVAC service company will ensure the use of the proper procedure for an accurately sized heating and air conditioning system for your home or business. A number of installers do not use the proper process resulting in a system too large or small for your home. This results in increased wear and tear with a reduced lifespan of the system. In addition, the wrong sized system is detrimental to your comfort, and potentially to the integrity of your home by causing conditions such as mold.

The proper process calculates the appropriate furnace size or heating and air conditioning system based on factors such as the number and insulating quality of windows and doors, square footage, ceiling height, and amount of insulation. 

Our certified heating and air conditioning professionals are dedicated to your comfort, safety, and satisfaction. Furthermore, our experienced technicians provide quality HVAC services that meet or exceed the industry standards. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas, and provide emergency HVAC service twenty four hours a day and seven days a week for your convenience. We are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating. Give us a call today to schedule furnace maintenance.

Advanced Filtration Systems | Air Conditioning Installation

Summer is ending and fall is fast approaching. You may be looking forward to cooler days, but dread the sneezing, and sniffling that pollen causes in sensitive persons. The majority of hay fever sufferers are allergic to the plant commonly called ragweed. A routinely maintained air conditioner can provide some relief for allergy sufferers, but taking advantage of the relief requires some action on your part. With the use of advanced filtration systems such as HEPA, your AC can provide you with relief from allergies. In some cases, this may require a new air conditioning installation for your home.

In addition to sneezing, and sniffling, hay fever can cause nasal congestion, red, puffy eyes, itchy throat, and even hives. Severe cases of hay fever can lead to chronic sinusitis and asthmatic episodes.  

Ragweed is most common in rural areas of the east and Midwest. However, it’s found throughout the United States. Ragweed pollen can be found as far as 400 miles out to sea, and two miles up in the atmosphere. In other words, you can’t avoid it. Ragweed season runs from August through mid-October due to rising temperatures and increased carbon dioxide levels, and that’s unwelcome news for those allergic to ragweed.

Air Filters 

Air filters trap dust, pollen and other airborne particles, preventing them from entering the HVAC system, or your duct system. If you’re not changing the filter routinely, the filter becomes a source of these contaminates in both the system and your home.

To avoid damage to the HVAC system, and reduce allergy stimuli, change your air filters once per month or according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Filter quality varies widely, with blue or green fiberglass filters being the minimal filter. However, these low cost filters only capture the largest of the particles that can damage the HVAC system, and do nothing at all for filtering out pollen or other small particulates. 

Advanced filtration, such as a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, eliminates pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander and other contaminates. Unfortunately, they can only be used in heating and air conditioning systems engineered for a HEPA filter. Use of a HEPA in a system not designed for it, forces the system to struggle for air, and can reduce its lifespan, resulting in the need for a new air conditioning installation. 

Electrostatic filters may be an option for your HVAC system, and are washable and are effective in attracting airborne pollutants. If the you plan on a new air conditioning installation, talk to your Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning professional about your options in reducing airborne pollutants in the home.

For those who suffer from severe allergies, you may want to consider an ultraviolet filter for your HVAC system to reduce mold and other allergens. Call Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s experts to learn how we can help you improve the air quality in your home, with a new air conditioning installation.  

Tips to Reduce Allergy Symptoms

• Pollen counts are typically highest between 10 am and 4 pm. Stay indoors as much as possible during these hours, and ensure all windows are closed and the air conditioning is on.
• When traveling in a car, also keep the windows closed and the AC on.
• Shower before bed to remove pollen, and don’t forget to shampoo your hair.
• Nasal irrigation can remove pollen and reduce symptoms.
• If you aren’t ready for a new air conditioning installation utilizing a HEPA filter, use HEPA air filtration systems in each room to help reduce pollen count within the home. Sleep with one in your room. Furthermore, vacuuming with a HEPA vacuum cleaner will help to prevent the dispersal of pollen when you vacuum carpets. 

There are a number of features and options available for HVAC systems. These optional features can improve the home’s air quality with advanced filtration systems, humidity level, temperature, and energy-consumption. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s expert HVAC technicians will be glad to explain all of the available features, and options, providing you with the information you need 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.

Geothermal Heat Pump | Heating and Air Conditioning

Geothermal energy is not a modern invention. In New England, a popular series recently remodeled a home built in the 1700’s. The home was still using the same heating system today that it did in the 1700’s. Hot springs behind the home supplies its geothermal heating. Such sources of energy are limited to specific locations, but almost anyone can take advantage of ground energy without relocating near a hot springs. All you need is a modern heating and air conditioning invention, the geothermal heat pump.

In the heating process, a geothermal heat pump operates similar to a refrigerator where refrigerant is circulated, and becomes hot when compressed and cold when it expands. The hot compressed refrigerant passes through a heat exchanger warming the air that enters the duct system. Refrigerant cools through expansion and brought into contact with a ground source, so it can pick up heat from the warmer ground. To provide air conditioning, a reversing valve changes the direction of the heat flow. 

In essence, the ground provides a constant temperature range for the circulating refrigerant. During the winter the system utilizes the warmer ground temperature, rather than the colder outdoor air used by a conventional heat pump. The geothermal heat pump does not have to run longer to heat the refrigerant made colder by outdoor temperatures, its refrigerant roughly maintains the same temperature of the underground all winter.

Although the geothermal heat pump does require electricity, the system provides greater efficiency than other alternative heating systems. The geothermal heat pump can produce as much as 4 kilowatts of heat for every 1 kilowatt of electricity. A reversing valve enables the system to change between heating mode and cooling, enabling the heat to move in both directions, and provide both heating and air conditioning according to the season.  

Conventional air source heat pumps are the standard style most people are familiar with. In areas where the temperatures drop below a specific level, they rely on a back-up source of heat when the temperature drops below the heat pumps tolerance level. In recent years, the tolerance level has improved, from a prior tolerance of above freezing to -20 degrees in a number of modern systems. However, with temperatures in this subzero range, some efficiency is lost, but not so with a geothermal heat pump. The geothermal heat pump does not rely upon a specific outdoor temperature to operate optimally. It relies upon the ground temperature, which is a constant 45 to 55 degrees at 4 to 8 feet deep. With a consistent ground temperature, you always receive optimal conditions for your geothermal heating and air conditioning system.

The geothermal installation does require a bit of land ownership to install the pipes that utilize the ground temperature. However, you do not have to own a great deal of land to have the geothermal system. The pipes offer the versatility of vertical or horizontal installation. The horizontal field is less costly, but these do require adequate land for installation, whereas the vertical installation requires far less, but is more costly to install. Furthermore, for homeowner’s with a water source, such as a pond, it is possible to use the water source for the home’s geothermal heating and air conditioning rather than ground.

The cost of the geothermal system is the greatest disadvantage of a geothermal heat pump, primarily due to the cost of establishing the ground field and the required excavation or drilling depending upon the type of installation that you select.

However, when comparing the options for a new heating and air conditioning system, you should consider that geothermal systems have a much longer lifespan (20-25 years), and the loop field can last up to 50 years.

Furthermore, over time the geothermal heat pump can pay for themselves in energy savings. Homeowner’s may save as much as 70% on the cost of heating, and as much as 50% on the cost of air conditioning. 

The geothermal system is a ground-sourced heat pump, and signs of problems in the system will be similar to those in any heat pump. Signs to watch for include rising energy costs, the loss of heating and air conditioning, or the icing of coils for example. Leaks to the ground loop are not common, and are more common in systems nearing or past the 50-year milestone.

There is no question of their efficiency and performance when properly installed by a qualified HVAC contractor. Currently, there are approximately one million geothermal units installed in the U.S., and each year the number grows. Consequential to homeowners’ saving on the cost of energy, is the environmental benefits of reducing carbon output. Already the United States carbon emission levels have dropped significantly from our various approaches of reduced emissions and carbon reduction programs of a wide variety. One home and one business at a time, we are making the world a cleaner, and better place and geothermal heat pumps are but one of the means we are achieving our goals.

Contact a Cypress professional for additional information regarding the geothermal heating and air conditioning system. We will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s certified HVAC technicians offer the expertise required for the proper installation of a geothermal heat pump, or other high efficiency HVAC systems. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with a consistent A+ rating.