Programmable Thermostats | Air Conditioning Repair Plano, TX

When you are looking for a reliable heating and air conditioning expert for heating and air conditioning repair in Plano, TX, look no further than the knowledgeable certified HVAC professionals at Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning. In addition, when you are considering the installation of programmable thermostats, our HVAC specialists can provide the installation you need.

The home’s thermostat works with the heating and cooling system to regulate your home’s temperature. Manual thermostats typically lack the accuracy, and convenience of programmable thermostats, which can be programmed to fit your individual needs. A programmable thermostat provides greater versatility, and allows you to program up to a seven day schedule.

Turning the furnace down while you are at work or sleeping saves money. A programmable thermostat is an excellent means of conserving energy, as much as 20% on the cost of energy for heating and air conditioning. 

When occupants are awake, 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer is the recommended temperature for maintaining your comfort, and for saving money. During the winter, when everyone is at work and school, setting the thermostat to 65 degrees saves even more money. Furthermore, for every degree you adjust the thermostat, you will save an additional 1%. However, during the winter when you are away, do not turn the thermostat below 55 to ensure that the pipes will not freeze.

Programmable thermostats offer the convenience of allowing multiple settings for each day. Some models automatically change from heat to cooling, providing excellent convenience for the fall and spring seasons when the differences in temperature vary so greatly between night and day. 

Heating and Air Conditioning Repair in Plano, TX

When your home’s HVAC system has a problem, homeowner’s seldom suspect the thermostat can be the source of the problem. Like any other device, the thermostat will eventually wear out. Our certified technicians can detect the source of your system’s problems, and provide the necessary heating and air conditioning repair in Plano, TX or thermostat replacement.

The installation of a thermostat is a reasonable DIY project if you carefully follow all directions. However, consumers often complain the process of programming is complicated on a number of models. Carrier’s new programmable thermostat is engineered for simplicity in programming. However, if you prefer the expertise and up-to-date knowledge of an expert, a Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning certified HVAC technician will be glad to install, and program it for you. 

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats are the latest technology, and offer the latest features. WiFi models provide 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, some smart thermostats offer the capability of detecting and adapting to the family’s schedule with little effort from you. 

Additional options include the ability to work with home automation, filter change notification, and can operate compatible LED lights to provide the appearance of the home being occupied, to name a few of the features. In addition, installation of the programmable thermostat should be in a location where programming is convenient.

The next time you forget to adjust your manual thermostat, consider the money you can save over time with a programmable thermostat. Considering the cost of energy, it is feasible that your new programmable thermostat will pay for itself while keeping your home comfortable, and reducing unnecessary wear and tear that eventually results in increased heating and air conditioning repair in Plano, TX.

Providing emergency services 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week, Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning certified specialists are always just a phone call away. Give us a call when you need professional installation or heating and air conditioning repair in Plano, TX. 

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning serves Plano, Katy, and the surrounding areas. Our technicians are NATE certified, ensuring you receive the best service available in the industry. Give us a call for HVAC services and the installation of programmable thermostats, heating and air conditioning repair in Plano, TX, installations, maintenance and other HVAC services. We are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.

Heat Pumps | Air Conditioning Katy, TX

Heat Pump vs. Geothermal Heat Pumps

A heat pump system is an energy efficient alternative for your home’s heating and air conditioning needs. Our Carrier heat pumps provide efficient air conditioning in Katy, TX in the summer, and heating in the winter. While heat pump options include electricity and gas, electric heat pump systems are more common for residential needs.

With the new federal standards effective for 2015, heat pumps are even more energy efficient than last year’s model. However, energy efficiency is not the only benefit of a heat pump system, the additional benefits include:

• Environmentally Friendly – During the heating season, heat pumps save energy and do not pollute the environment with harmful exhaust gases. Other systems, which rely on fossil fuels, exhaust carbon monoxide and other byproducts of combustion. 

During the cooling season, the heat pump performs as the finely tuned machine it is. Providing greater than ever humidity control, and optional variable speed technology, air conditioning in Katy, TX has never before achieved the precise control available today. By ensuring your home’s HVAC system produces no more, or less than the cooling and dehumidification it requires for ideal comfort, you save money.

• Increases the Home’s Value – The benefits provided by a heat pump add to the overall value of your home, and increase its potential to sell when you list your home.
• Provide Increased Comfort – Heat pumps offer improved comfort for your home and office. By taking advantage of advanced technologies, such as variable speed fans, and variable speed compressors, heat pumps offer reduced energy consumption, and greater control over humidity, temperature, and energy usage of your heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX.

The energy efficiency, comfort features, and proven reliability are all factors responsible for the growing popularity of the heat pump. Once considered a system only for mild weather regions, the new environmentally friendly refrigerant utilized in newer heat pumps provides a heat pump more tolerant and capable of performing in colder temperatures than ever before. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning can provide your home with a professional installation for efficient heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX.

Heat pumps are available in a variety of types with the conventional heat pump being the most frequently sold. The geothermal heat pump is also seeing an increase in sales, and a growing popularity.

Geothermal Heat Pump

The geothermal heat pump takes advantage of the mild temperatures underground, being both cooler during the summer and warmer in the winter, than the outdoor air temperature. The ground temperature remains a consistent 50 to 60 degrees just 4 – 6 feet below the surface. This provides an ideal environment for the system’s loop to sink heat into the ground or draw heat, providing your home with a system that is superior for energy efficient heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX. 

How the Loop Works

Fluid circulates through a series of pipes buried within the ground. These pipes comprise the loop and are a closed system. The geothermal system is also available as an open system where the pipes are located within a pond or lake. Being located underground, or underwater where the temperature is mild compared to the outdoor air temperature, the loop allows the heat pump to produce heat or air conditioning in Katy, TX with less effort, reducing the need for energy, along with wear and tear on the system.  

Lower Bills

Because geothermal systems consume half as much energy as a conventional heat pump, they can save up to 50 percent on energy costs. While the cost of a geothermal system is higher than a conventional heat pump (primarily due to the excavation and installation of the loop), the long life of the system, and its incredible energy savings can mean a return on your investment in as little as 3 years depending on your climate and use.

Furthermore, tax credits and rebates from federal, state, local, and utility sources can lower the cost of installation and the time required for the return of your investment. Currently the federal credit is 30% of the cost with no upper limit. If you plan to invest in a geothermal heat pump, there is no better time to invest than now. However, the credit expires December 31, 2016, so do not delay or the credit will be gone.

The long lifespan of the geothermal system is an additional reason a growing number of homeowners are investing in the technology for their home’s heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX. The heat pump component averages a lifespan of 20 years, while the loop can have an incredible lifespan of as much as 50 years. Once your investment has paid for itself, the energy savings is like free money in your wallet.

If you would like further information on the various heat pump systems, and additional benefits, contact our licensed, NATE certified HVAC specialists at Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning. We specialize in high efficiency heating and air conditioning.

Contact a Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning certified professional for additional information about our Carrier heat pumps. Our HVAC technicians are available to assist you in selecting the heat pump system right for your home’s heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX needs and budget. 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 HVAC service, and are only a phone call away.

Improving Energy Efficiency | Heating and Air Conditioning

There are several reasons homeowner’s seek ways for improving energy efficiency. Many consider reducing their home’s carbon footprint to be important, along with saving on the cost of energy. In the following, we look at ways to improve energy efficiency on a variety of budgets. Contact Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning, for the installation of an energy efficient Carrier heating and Air Conditioning system.

Energy Efficiency Improvements on $100 -$150

1. The cost of replacing light bulbs will depend upon the number required and the type selected. LED light bulbs offer the best energy efficiency, and the longest lifespan. Select LED for the most used lighting, and the hardest to reach, while using compact fluorescents for the remainder to save on cost. Ensure you choose Energy Star approved bulbs, which use up to 90% less energy.
2. Inspect your home for air leaks. Potential locations include, missing window caulking, damaged door sweeps and seals, cracks and gaps in the foundation, points of entry for wires, cable, and pipes. Not only are gaps a source of air intrusion, but also an entry for pests. Use steel wool to deter rodents, leaving space to seal with expanding foam. When sealing is required around ventilation pipes serving heating or gas water heaters, ensure to use a high heat tolerance sealant designed for this purpose.
3. A programmable thermostat offers greater accuracy, and the ability to program a schedule for heating and air conditioning. Reducing the heat when all occupants are away, and increasing the temperature to prevent unnecessary operation of the air conditioning while the home is unoccupied, will conserve energy, and greatly reduce your cost. A Cypress heating and air conditioning technician can provide the installation for you.
4. Install window film to block heat and damaging UV rays. Begin with west and southerly facing windows to assist in maintaining a cooler home during the summer. 
5. Purchase thermally insulated drapes to make your home warmer on winter nights. Open the drapes during the day to allow sunshine to assist in heating your home, and close them at sunset to keep out the chill. Properly sealed windows should not allow drafts in. 
6. Inspect the seals over joints in the HVAC ductwork. As much as 30% of the cost to operate the heating and air conditioning system can be lost in faulty ducts. Metal tape is the proper sealant for joints.

Energy Efficiency Improvements for $500

1. The cost of materials will vary depending on your location, and the home’s square footage. However, the average home can upgrade its attic insulation for about $500. If the insulation has settled exposing the ceiling joists, it is a sure sign of the need for additional insulation. 
2. Replace a poorly insulated door with an Energy Star approved model. You will not be able to buy the double doors and transom you would like for a front door replacement on a $500 budget, but you should be able to replace the standard back door. Shop around for doors on sale to save money. 

Energy Efficiency Improvements on $1,000 – $2,000

A budget of $1,000 -$2,000 cannot provide all new Energy Star appliances. However, it will replace one or two. Watch the sales, and you may save enough to claim the extra appliance. If you are buying a new refrigerator, look for Energy Star certification. 

Furthermore, purchasing a new washer that spins laundry nearly dry will save you significantly on the cost of operating the dryer. With older machines, simply allow the laundry to spin longer to achieve similar results. You can also air dry clothes by using a clothesline in the summer and an indoor drying rack during the winter. 

The conventional water heater is a home’s second highest consumer of energy. With this in mind, a tankless water heater may offer convenience and energy savings. While costs vary greatly between brands and in different regions, compare the price of a gas tankless water heater, and installation among various plumbers. If you already have the correct size gas line, and an approved ventilation pipe for tankless models, you can save money on the cost of installation. 

Energy Efficiency Improvements on $5,000 – $9,000

Heating and air conditioning systems are the homes largest consumer of energy. The logic is simple, replace an aging system with an Energy Star approved system saves both energy and money. The cost of a new heating and air conditioning system, and its installation varies widely between brands, models, and regions. Building code requirements, the size and other factors of your home, such as the quality of insulation, can increase costs, or decrease them. Contact a Cypress representative to receive an estimate of the installation of a new heating and air conditioning system.

Furthermore, the features you select for new heating and air conditioning may affect the cost. However, you should consider the energy efficient features will provide a return in a reasonable amount of time. Examples of features that can increase costs, but save significantly on energy consumption include the variable speed AC compressor and variable speed fans.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s experienced and certified technicians’ install the top rated HVAC product, Carrier heating and air conditioning systems. If you are seeking ways for improving energy efficiency, give us a call. We have a system to fit almost any budget, and our technicians possess the expertise to assure a professional installation. We serve Katy, Plano, and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with a consistent A+ rating.

Air Filter | Heating and Air Conditioning

The air filter for your heating and air conditioning system plays a far more important role in the proper performance and long-term service than many homeowners realize. Whether it is winter or summer, a dirty air filter can cause a number of problems for your heating and air conditioning system.

The following are some of the issues your system can experience due to a consistent failure to change the filter:

• Reduced airflow – The longer the air filter is allowed to go without changing, the more dirt, dust and other grime will build up. A clogged filter prevents air from moving through the filter as it should, resulting in the system working a lot harder than it should in its struggle for air. 
• Frozen coil – When the system is struggling due to a clogged air filter, it is possible the cooling coil may freeze up inside of the system, resulting in the AC blowing warm air.
• Complete failure of heating and/or air conditioning – An unchanged filter for months on end will eventually result in a component wears out or breaking resulting in the need for repair, or replacement of the system. The compressor can be the component that fails due to a dirty filter, and is often cost prohibitive for replacement. If this occurs, you will face the decision to replace the compressor, or the entire system. A dirty filter reduces the lifespan of the heating and air conditioning system.
• Reduced energy efficiency is the result of the system having to work harder, and of worn components from being overworked. 
• With the filter unable to effectively do its job, air quality will suffer as dust and debris make its way around the cracks and crevices surrounding the filter. This debris will coat the evaporator coal and other components within the system. As it creates friction in moving parts, they will experience premature wear and tear, requiring repair. In addition, the dust and debris will pulled into the duct system, increasing dust, pollen and other particles throughout the home.
• Unable to properly function, the system will be unable to maintain your home’s comfort.

The Frequency of Change

Homeowner’s frequently ask how often the air filter should be changed. The required frequency will vary depending on filter type, the home size, and the dust conditions of the home. For example, if you have a pet, or are located near a dusty industrial site or busy road, the filter will need to be changed about twice as often. When your home is exposed to dusty conditions, the best practice is to inspect the filter weekly and change as needed. Pleated filters claim to last 90 days, but with normal dust conditions in the home, inspect it each month, and change every 2 months. Your heating and air conditioning system will last longer, perform better and provide more efficiently.

Ensure the Correct Size

Do not run the heating and air conditioning system with the wrong size filter. A poorly fitting filter will allow dust and other contaminates to enter the system, causing the same damage and poor air quality of an overly dirty filter. Dirty filters and poorly fitting filters are the main cause of clogged, dirty air conditioning coils. Dirty coils reduce efficiency, and the compressors lifespan and performance, resulting in costly repair or replacement of the system. 

Air Quality

If you have family members suffering from asthma, allergies, sinus issues or other respiratory conditions, the standard blue fiberglass filter will not provide a solution. There are a number of options available when it comes to high efficiency filters and air cleaners. Not all will be a solution for your system, and your HVAC technician is your best guide in assuring a filter for your system that assists you in your goals, without causing damage.

Air Cleaners

Air cleaners can provide a higher air quality than residential air filters. They are capable of removing finer dust and particulates more extensively for improved air quality. They are also capable of trapping mold spores, bacteria, viruses, pollens and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) found in the home environment. Those who suffer from allergies, and other respiratory conditions can benefit as an air cleaner provides greater efficiency in the removal of allergens from the air circulating through the home’s heating and air conditioning system.

Mold is a serious issue that can affect the health of individuals. It is important to control indoor moisture to limit mold growth. Some preventative actions to consider include:

• Annual heating and air conditioning maintenance will provide an inspection of the coils, and cleaning provided to remove mold, bacteria, and the grime that can affect the coils performance. 
• UV lamp installation – kills mold and bacteria on your coils and keeps them clean
• Dehumidifier installation – provides moisture control in the home to prevent the growth of mold or mildew

If you have questions about your systems recommended air filter, to schedule an evaluation of your system, for repair, maintenance or an estimate for a new heating and air conditioning installation, call the licensed, certified professionals at Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.

Quality HVAC Services | Air Conditioning Service

An air conditioner requires regular maintenance for the unit to function optimally and efficiently throughout the years. Neglecting to provide necessary air conditioning servicer with annual maintenance ensures declining performance, and a steady increase in energy use. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s certified professionals offer the quality HVAC services you need. 

Air Conditioning Filters

Besides ensuring annual maintenance, the most important action the homeowner can provide is to routinely replace or clean the filters as recommended. Filter changes will ensure the efficiency of the air conditioner, and assist in maintaining a clean system. Clogged, dirty filters block normal airflow, and reduce a system’s efficiency significantly. With normal airflow obstructed, air that bypasses the filter can carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil’s ability to perform its function, resulting in the need for a professional coil cleaning with air conditioning service. 

Some types of filters are reusable, while others require changing every 1 to 3 months, depending upon the type. You should only use the filter recommended by the manufacturer. Upgrading to a HEPA filter, for example, may not be the best action for ensuring your system’s lifespan, and may result in system damage, and the need for air conditioning service. The frequency of filter changes will depend upon the type of filter, and the environment the system performs in. As a rule, all filters should be checked monthly, except during high dust level activities such as during a remodel. When dust or pollen conditions are high, check the filter at least every two weeks and change or clean as needed.

Air Conditioning Coils

Over time, the evaporator coil and condenser coil collect dirt. A clean filter prevents the evaporator coil from soiling as quickly, though it will not prevent it entirely. In time, soiling of the coil will interfere with its proper performance. Inspection of the evaporator coil, and cleaning as necessary is anair conditioning service your HVAC technician will provide during the annual maintenance call. Outdoor condenser coils can also become very dirty.  

You should take extra care to minimize dirt and debris near the outdoor condenser unit. Maintaining a clean area around the condenser by removing debris, and trimming foliage back at least 2 feet to allow adequate airflow. In addition, when cutting grass, aim the mower discharge chute away from the condenser, never discharge grass toward the condenser.

Sealing and Insulating Air Ducts

For central air conditioning to be efficient, ducts must be airtight, yet up to 30% of conditioned air is lost from ducts in need of maintenance. The testing of ducts requires specialized equipment, and an experienced HVAC technician to ensure proper performance.  

Common Air Conditioning Problems

A common air conditioning problem is an improper refrigerant charge, which does not match the manufacturer’s specifications. An improper amount of refrigerant affects the performance and efficiency of the unit. When the air conditioner fails to function properly, it is commonly due to one or more of the reasons listed below:

• Refrigerant leaks – When the AC has insufficient refrigerant, it either was undercharged by a technician, or has a leak. Either situation will require air conditioning service by an HVAC technician. If a leak is present, a certified technician should repair the leak, provide evacuation if required, and charge the system with the manufacturer specified amount of refrigerant. 
• Inadequate maintenance – If you allow filters and air conditioning coils to become dirty, the air conditioner will experience poor performance and efficiency, and it may lead to premature compressor failure. The cleaning of coils, and fan motors when necessary is part of annual maintenance during annual air conditioning service.
• Electrical component failure -The compressor, fan controls, switches, contractors, and other components can wear out over time. Oversized systems and those with problems can run more frequently than it should, resulting in premature wear. Electrical connections and components should be inspected during the annual maintenance call.

Contact Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning to schedule expert air conditioning service. Our HVAC technicians can quickly diagnose the problem, and provide the repair you need. Our certified HVAC technicians offer the experience and expertise for quality HVAC services that you need. Our professionals service all major brands. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.