Geothermal System | Heating and Air Conditioning

Homeowner’s depend on quality heating and air conditioning to have acomfortable home throughout the year. Of growing popularity is the geothermal system. Geothermal energyrelies on the temperature of the earth’s consistent temperature underground toabsorb or disperse heat as needed. At Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning, weoffer the installation of Carrier geothermal units to ensure that your comfortyear round.

A geothermal system takes advantage of thesoil temperatures four to six feet beneath your lawn, a well, or a pond to createheat and air conditioning when you need it. Geothermal technology preconditionsthe refrigerant that heats and cools your home. This saves you money byreducing the amount of energy required, withoutworking against outdoor temperature extremes.

The Benefitsof Geothermal

Geothermal heating and air conditioning offer the following benefits:

·      A geothermal system canlower your home’s heating cost by up to 70 percent, and reduces the cost of air conditioning by as much as 40percent.

·      A geothermal system operates quietly.

·      Geothermal systems are considered the most efficient heating and air conditioning systemsavailable.

The Investment That Pays You Back

A geothermalsystem is an investment that pays off in energy savings immediately, andcontinues to save you money for years to come. Through the end of this year a federaltax credit is available, and potential rebates from state, power companies, andother sources may provide assistance in offsetting your cost.

Long Lasting

The geothermal heat pump provides a typicallifespan of 25 years when properly maintained, while the underground componentscan last 50 years or longer under normal circumstances. When compared to theaverage air-source heat pump, a geothermal system stands out from the rest.

Professional Installation Required

The geothermal heat pump is not your average heating and air conditioning unit. Installationrequires an installer with specialized training, experience, and proficiency ingeothermal technology and installation. A qualified installer is essential inachieving the proper performance of the geothermal heating and air conditioning system. Cypress Heating and AirConditioning professionals offer NATE certification ensuring you receive thebest in the industry.

Furthermore, the geothermal installation requires property in which to install theloop. Loop installation can be in the vertical or horizontal position. Thehorizontal loop field is less costly to install, but does require adequate squarefootage for installation, whereas the vertical loop requires considerably lesssquare footage, but is more costly to install. An available water source may alsoprovide an alternative to ground installation.

Maintenance and Repair

All HVACsystems require routine maintenance, and eventually repair. Our certifiedtechnicians offer expertise in your geothermal maintenance and repair. Do nottrust your system to just anyone, call on our factory certified technicians forreliable maintenance and repair.

Contact Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning for additionalinformation about the geothermal heatingand air conditioning system, or other HVACsystems. Our certified HVAC techniciansoffer the expertise required for the proper installation of a geothermal system. We serve Katy,Plano and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating. 

If you are worried about the indoor air quality of your home, routinehouse cleaning, and maintaining the heatingand air conditioning system will reduce indoor air pollution. Allergies andasthma are worsened by impurities in the indoor air, resulting in symptoms. Thefollowing tips for cleaner air will assist you in improving the indoor airquality in your home.

Heating and Air Conditioning

Routine maintenance and timely filterchanges on the heating and airconditioning system is a large part of quality indoor air. Infrequentlychanged filters result in a dirty system, dirty ducts and an increase in dustand other airborne pollutants circulated throughout the home. Furthermore,routine maintenance and filter changes result in extending system lifespan, andreduce the frequency of heating and ACrepair in Katy.

It is recommended to change or clean air filters every month, or asrecommended by the manufacturer. If you have pets, or your home is subjected toextremely dusty conditions you should change or clean filters more often. Somefilters can be cleaned, while others are disposable and require changing.

The ductwork can be a source of dirtyair when seals fail, and may result in the loss of conditioned air. When thisoccurs, the costs of lost air can be 20% of the total cost for heating and air conditioning. Thisissue not only makes your HVACsystem work harder, it can allow pollutants to enter the indoor air.

Excessive indoor humidity can lead to mold,odors, and health problems caused by poor indoor air quality. To improve moisturerelated problems require maintaining proper moisture levels. An expert HVAC professional can help you withventilation, and moisture issues.

Cleaning

A clean home should provide improved airquality, and not worsen it. Use all natural cleaners to prevent adding to an indoor air quality problem. Purchase ormake your own all-natural cleaning supplies. In addition, household plants canassist in providing oxygen to the home, and in filtering indoor air.

Specific plants can provide specificbenefits including:

Aloe Vera – Helps remove formaldehydeand benzene from the air, which can be a byproduct of chemical-based cleaners,paints, and building products.

Spider plant – This plant helps remove benzene,formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and xylene, a solvent used in the leather, and buildingindustries.

Gerbera daisy – Provides a floweringplant that offers both beauty to your home, and is effective at removingtrichloroethylene, a chemical used in dry cleaning. It also filters benzene fromthe home environment.

Snake plant (mother-in-laws tongue) -filters out formaldehyde, which is common in cleaning products, toilet paper,personal care products and others. The plant also absorbs carbon dioxide andreleases oxygen at night, which is the opposite of most plants.

Chrysanthemum – There are two types ofthis flower, the floral mum (good for indoors) and the garden variety (for useoutdoors). The plant filters out benzene, which is common in glue, paint,plastics, and detergent. This plant should be located near a window with directsunlight.

Ficus – A ficus can help filter outpollutants in carpeting and furniture such as formaldehyde, benzene, andtrichloroethylene.

Bamboo palm – This small palm is firstin the list of plants for filtering out both benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde.

Peace lily – This plant tops the listfor removing the common VOCs of formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene,and combating toluene and xylene.

Potential Signs Your Indoor Air May Be Making You Sick

Polluted indoor air can cause symptomsof allergy, such as a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, throat sore throat, itchy,watery eyes, fever, and shortness of breath. Additional symptoms that may beexperienced include digestive problems, fatigue, headaches, and dizziness.Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning professionals can improve your indoor air.Contact us today to schedule heating andair conditioning service.

Reduce the Sources of Pollution

Avoid spraying pesticides, chemicalcleaners, air fresheners, and other potential pollutants in your home. Look forproducts with low, or preferably zero VOC labels. You can also use naturalproducts already in your home. For example, use vinegar for cleaning, and makeyour own air freshener by using a few drops of essential oil with water in anatomizer.  

Increase Ventilation

When installing a new heating and air conditioning system,ensuring the purchase of a unit with air-to-air heat exchangers, will bring freshoutdoor air into the home without affecting energy efficiency.

When conditions allow, open windows, oruse a window fan to bring fresh air in. During the winter, use kitchen andbathroom exhaust fans occasionally to circulate air.

If you are using a low grade of filter,such as the fiberglass blues, talk to your HVACtechnician or the systems manufacturer about the use of a higher grade offilter that will not damage your system. Most systems will tolerate pleatedfilters, which do a decent job of filtering the air. Your Cypress technician isthe best source for identifying safe filtration for your home’s heating and air conditioning system.

Air Cleaners

Air cleaners assist in removing pollutants from thehome’s air. A whole house system is the most effective, as it treats the entirehome and not a single room. A Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning professionalcan assist you in the selection of a system that will be effective for yourhome. Call today to schedule heating andair conditioning service.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’scertified HVAC professionals havethe expertise to provide your home with professional grade heating and air conditioningservices. Contact us to receive the cleanest indoor air quality possible. We serve Katy, Plano and thesurrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.

Heat Pump | Air Conditioning Katy, TX

If you’reconsidering installing new heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX,energy efficiency and the system lifespan are essential factors to consider.Ensuring your home receives the right system, and the right size for yourKaty home is the first step in enjoying a comfortable home throughout theyear. A heat pump provides an energy efficient option you may consider.Replacing your ten year old heating and airconditioning in Katy, TX can save you up to 30 percent on the cost ofenergy, due to technological advances.

Furthermore,a critical factor in receiving the proper performance, energy efficiency, and long-termlife expectancy of the system relies heavily on proper installation by anexperienced, and certified HVACcontractor. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning is dedicated to providingyou with efficient, honest, prompt, and excellent service.

Proper Installation

Accordingto the National Institute of Standards and Technology, improper installationcan reduce HVAC performance by as much as 30%. Our NATE certifiedprofessionals are committed to providing you with superior qualityinstallation, repairs, and maintenance, backed by our 100% SatisfactionGuarantee.

The Benefits

Heat pumps offer a number of advantages overother systems including:

A heat pump provides both heating and cooling with only onesystem to install, and maintain.

Systemsthat rely on fossil fuels contribute carbon to the atmosphere, while electric heat pumps operate cleanlywithout any harmful exhaust going into the environment.

Older heatpumps rely on auxiliary heat when the temperature dips below approximately 37degrees F. Today’s heat pump uses newer refrigerants that work to zero degreesdue to new refrigerants, maintaining a warm home and improved energy efficiencyeven in extreme cold.

Modern Heat Pump Efficiency

Today’s air-source heat pumps provide greaterefficiency and performance than earlier models. Advances in technology, andimprovements in existing technology are behind these improvements and include:

·      Variable speed blowers provide higherefficiency, and greater comfort than single speed blowers offer. In addition,they offer improved humidity control with the use of the home’s air conditioning in Katy, TX duringthe cooling season.

·      Two-stage and variable speed compressorsincrease energy efficiency, and improved humidity control in the cooling mode.As a result, you will see improved comfort and a reduction in the energy bill.

Variablespeed technology controls the humidity better than ever during the coolingseason. The technology enables the system to produce the specific air conditioning in Katy, TX anddehumidification the indoor conditions call for. This saves you money, whileproducing ideal comfort.

A heat pumpsystem provides proven reliability year after year. Providing routine maintenanceensures the new heat pump will continue to do so.

Onceconsidered a system only for the regions of the southern U.S. experiencing mildwinter weather, the new refrigerant in modern heat pumps continues to performin colder temperatures than ever before, without sacrificing efficiency.

Heat pumps are available for almost any home’s needs. The conventionalair source heat pump remains acommon choice for homeowners wanting comfort and efficiency. The geothermal heat pump offers superiorperformance and efficiency in all environments. Mini-split heat pumps providean alternative for homes lacking ducts, and new additions. In addition,homeowners who want to save on energy costs by heating and cooling only therooms they use, with the option available to provide conditioned air for otherswhen needed, are turning to mini-splits to save energy and maintain comfort.

ENERGY STAR Heat Pumps

The heatpump is an energy efficient choice for your home by providing up to four timesthe amount of energy consumed to generate it. Selecting an Energy Star approvedheat pump ensures you receive the highest reliability, and energy efficiency.ENERGY STAR heat pumps consume as much as 30% less energy than a standard product.

AccurateSizing is Essential

Ensuringyour home receives the proper size heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX is essential in achieving the bestperformance, energy efficiency, and the longest lifespan. Installation of awrong-sized system can result in the following problems:

·   An oversized HVAC system will short cycle, thismeans it operates in a short time at maximum power and shuts off quickly. Shortcycling results in poor efficiency, discomfort due to inadequate dehumidifyingduring the summer, and reduces the lifespan of the unit.

·   An undersized HVAC system will run excessively,resulting in premature wear and tear on the system, and a reduced lifespan foryour heating and air conditioning inKaty, TX.

A qualifiedHVAC technician will use specificguidelines for determining the proper size unit for your home, including, butnot limited to: 

·      Local climate conditions

·      The facing direction and insulatingqualities of windows and doors

·      The home’s level of insulation

·      Square footage and ceiling height, andnumerous other factors

Whenselecting an air source heat pump, selecta unit with the Energy Star label if the budget allows. An Energy Star unitensures you receive reliable, high-efficiency heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX. Other energy saving features toconsider for greater savings includes a variable speed fan, multi speed compressorsor scroll compressors, among others. A Cypress Heating and Air Conditioningtechnician can assist you in selecting the features you need.

Contact a Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning NATE certified HVAC professionalfor additional information about a heat pump.We can assist you in selecting the heatpump system that is right for your home’s heating and air conditioning in Katy, TX. We serve Katy, Plano and thesurrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.

WindowCondensation | Heating and Air Conditioning

Windowcondensation forms when warm, moist air meets the cooler surface of the window. Themoisture in the air causes condensation, and the draft free, energy-efficientwindows just installed may be the cause. As homes grow tighter and more energy-efficient,window condensation becomes a wider problem. The proper performance of a home’sheating and air conditioning system can assist in humidity control,while other actions may be required in high humidity conditions.

Modern construction methods, including new windows, are designed to keep outdoorair outside, and warm moist air inside. Older windows were less efficient,allowing air circulation, and moisture to escape. High quality windows andinsulation all create barriers to the circulation of air in an energy-efficienthome. When combined with the additional moisture from hot showers, cooking, orfrom clothes dryers not vented to the outside, excess moisture accumulates anda high relative indoor humidity level occurs – along with window condensation.

Treating Condensation

Treating condensation requires controlling the indoor humidity. Opening awindow briefly is a quick temporary solution in a moisture-filled room, such asa bathroom after a shower, or the kitchen while cooking. The open window willallow the moist air to escape. For moisture problems throughout the home,cracking a window may help, although that is not an attractive option duringextreme cold temperatures.

Use the exhaust fan when cooking or showering, and allow the bathroomexhaust fan to run for 20 minutes minimum after a steamy hot shower. However,this only works if the fan exhausts to the outside. A recirculating fan onlymoves air around and does not exhaust moisture.

Humidifier

Dry winter air can cause sore throats, bloody noses, dry, itchy skin anddry mucous membranes, increasing your vulnerability to illness, especially theflu. A humidifier can assist you with this, but may contribute to windowcondensation. Generally, when using a humidifier an ideal humidity is 30 to50%. If use of a humidifier is a necessity for family members with asthma, allergies,or other respiratory conditions, and your setting is currently set at 50%,reduce humidity to 40% and check the windows for condensation. However, do notgo below 30% to maintain the health benefits.

Furthermore, ensure your whole house humidifier has a humidistatto ensure accuracy. Our certified heating and air conditioning expertscan provide the solution you need.

If you are using a portable humidifier, and the windows with condensationare in the same room, the portable humidifier is likely the problem. Tryturning it off and watch the windows. A whole house humidifier is thebetter option for a consistent humidity throughout your home. In homes withconsistently high humidity, a dehumidifier may be your best option. Our heatingand air conditioning experts can determine the cause of excessive humidity,and provide a solution.

Plants BreathToo

Many plants in the home can increase humidity. Place them in a sunroom oran infrequently used room during extremely cold weather.

When your moisture problem is in a basement, consider adding waterproofingprotection to basement floors and walls.

Gas heat is moist heat; ensure your gas furnace is ventilated.Older styles of gas heaters may not be, consider replacing them for a modern,safer and ventilated source of heating and air conditioning.

Window condensation should only be occurring when there are extremedifferences in indoor and outdoor temperature. During the winter, condensationis on the inside of the glass, while during the summer it will be on theoutside of the glass. When condensation occurs between the two layers of glassin an insulated window, the airtight seal has probably failed, and repair willbe required.

Moisture on the ceiling or walls, peeling paint, rotting wood, andfungus, mold or mildew are signs of a serious moisture problem. If these signs occurin your home, contact a Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning expert for adiagnosis and solution.

·     Do not lower the thermostat below 68degrees. Heat all the rooms of your home evenly.

·     Cover pots when cooking to minimizefilling your kitchen with steam. An added benefit is you will be able to turnthe burner down, and save energy.

·     Take shorter showers, and gain the extraadvantage of saving water and energy.

·     In the laundry room, ensure that the dryervent is properly sealed and directed to the outdoors. Do not hang wet clothesup to dry.

·     Minimize the use of the fireplace, woodgives off moisture as it burns.

·     Ensure routine maintenance of the heating and air conditioning system forproper performance. In terms of humidity and safety, this is especiallyimportant when your home heating is fueled by humidity-producing natural gas.

·      Contact your heating and airconditioning technician for theinstallation of a dehumidifier when the problem is severe.

·      Ensure the moisture problem is not due to water accumulation in thebasement. If water accumulation or flooding has occurred, contact a plumber forsump pump installation to assist in keeping your home dry, and to prevent moldand mildew due to a wet basement.

If you are experiencing window condensation, or need heating and air conditioning repair,maintenance, or heating and airconditioning installation, contact a Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning professional. Our certified heating andair conditioning technicians serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas,and are a member of the BBB with a consistent A+ rating.

 

 

Whole House Humidifier | Heating and Air Conditioning

There is more to comfort than just temperature. Relative humidityplays a role in your comfort as well. Installing a humidifier can help you tobe more comfortable in the winter, and less susceptible to illness. Lowerhumidity in the winter causes the nasal passages and skin to dry, leading torespiratory problems, bloody noses, sore throats, static electricity, and dermatitis.In fact, low humidity during the winter is one cause of respiratory infections,including the flu. Contact Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning to schedule theinstallation of a whole house humidifierin conjunction with the heating and airconditioning system, and improveyour winter comfort zone and your health.

 

Furthermore, relative humidity has a significant effect on controllingthe occurrence of airborne infections from bacteria and viruses among thehome’s occupants. This effect assists in less illness during the winter monthswhen illness is more likely.

 

Relative Humidity Defined

Relative humidity is a measurement of water vapor present in the air.Humidity tends to be higher in the summer when the combination of heat withincreased relative humidity makes us uncomfortable. The temperature feelshotter than it actually is, because the overly humid air prevents perspirationfrom evaporating efficiently.

 

During winter when the humidity is low, perspiration evaporates morequickly, leaving us feeling cooler than it actually is. In general, optimal humidity is 30-50 percent, andis best for our homes. In this range, there is less drying and cracking ofwood, and in this range you are less likely to see mold and mildew. By addinghumidity, you can lower the thermostat on your heating and air conditioning system, saving you money on energycosts.

 

Furthermore, the humidifier will help to control static electricity.Discharges of it from your body can damage sensitive electronics over time.

 

How it Works

A whole house humidifierdirectly connects to your home’s water supply ensuring it uses fresh water. Ahumidistat measures the humidity level in your home assuring the ideal level ismaintained at all times.

 

Whole House Humidifier vs. Stand Alone Humidifier

A whole househumidifier, automatically measures the humidity level, providing moisture whenneeded, and shutting off when it is not.

A whole househumidifier eliminates the need for multiple portable units, and supplieshumidity to the entire home by drawing water directly from your home’s watersupply. The disadvantage of a portable humidifier is its effectiveness is onlyin a limited area, and the inability to control the humidity level. Inaddition, the whole house humidifier offers the convenience of not requiring dailycare and refilling. However, it will need occasional cleaning and descaling inareas with hard water.

Furthermore, awhole house humidifier can be installed in conjunction with a heating and air conditioning system thatutilizes a variable speed fan. If your existing heating and air conditioning system doesn’t take advantage of thenumerous comfort and energy savings provided by a variable speed fan, give us a call to schedule variable speed fan installation.

When considering theinstallation of a humidifier in your home, give our dedicated professionals acall. Our certified technicians willprovide installation, repair of an existing one, or perform maintenance on yourcurrent humidifer.

If you would like a healthier home, contact Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning professionals for the whole house humidifier installation you need to maintain yourcomfort. For repair, service, maintenance, or installation of heating and air conditioning, scheduleservice today. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas, and are amember of the BBB with an A+ rating.

Common HVAC Problems | Air Conditioning Repair Katy

Here atCypress Heating and Air Conditioning, we take the work we provide seriouslybecause we’re dedicated to providing our customers with the highest possiblequality heating and air conditioning repair in Katy. The following arecommon HVAC problems, and tipson how to prevent them:

Clogged Air Filter

A cloggedair filter is the source of numerous heating and air conditioningproblems. The filter’s primary job is to protect the system from dust anddebris. A dirty filter can cause the need for coil cleaning, restricts the airflowthrough the system resulting in increased wear and tear, reduced efficiency,declining performance, and can result in major damage to the system. When thisoccurs, a new installation is required.

Unusual Noise

When an HVAC system starts to make unusual noisesit is likely due to a problem in need of heating and air conditioning repairin Katy. Call now to schedule a repair, as waiting can cause the failureof additional components.

No Cooling

If your airconditioning is not cooling, contact Cypress Heating and Air Conditioningto schedule air conditioning repair in Katy today. The problem may bea simple one, such as a broken thermostat, or it may be a more serious problemsuch as low refrigerant due to a leak, a broken compressor, bad fan motor orany number of other issues.

No Heating

A lack of heating during cold weather can be dueto a number of issues, a bad thermostat, tripped circuit breaker, or a failedcomponent. You can rely on our NATE certified technicians to identify the causeand provide a solution.

Inconsistent Temperature

If your home is never the temperature you set, purchasea digital thermostat. Digital thermostats never lose calibration and are moreaccurate than old school style thermostats. Digital models are available frombasic models that you control, to sophisticated learning thermostats that areprogrammable with remote connectivity through WiFi. Programmable models offerenergy savings of up to 30% and a wide variety of available features.

Electrical Odors

Electrical odors are typically due to the overheatingof components. The indoor blower motor is a common example. When a mechanicalfailure occurs, the motor can over-heat, and the insulation on the wires andthe motor windings may melt, causing the odor.

An additional cause may be loose connections, andcan result in the overheating of wires or other components.

Furthermore, an extremely dirty air filter cancause overheating and burn out of components, resulting in an electrical odor.If you detect the an electrical odor, check the filter, if it is not blockedshut the unit off at the breaker and contact our professionals to provideheating and air conditioning repair inKaty.

Burning Odors

Burning odors can be related to electrical odorsand may be wires or parts overheated and burning. If you detect the odor ofburning, check the filter. If it is not blocked, shut the unit off at thebreaker and contact Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning for heating and air conditioning repair in Katy.

The first few times the heat pump’s backup heatkicks on during each heating season, a dusty, electrical odor is common.

Gas Odors

If you smell gas, evacuate the home immediately,do not strike a flame, or turn on or off any electrical item, such as lights,electronics, or appliances. From a neighbor’s home, or a safe distance from thehome and the odor of gas call 911, and your gas supplier. Leave the door openas you exit your home.

Remember that almost all heating systems can causean odor the first time they are fired-up after installation, and typicallylasts for about 20 minutes. The odor is due to oil on the system to protectagainst rust. Open the windows to allow in fresh air until the oil is burnedoff. This is due to oils on the newly manufactured furnace. In addition, odors are also common the first few times atthe beginning of each heating season. Open the windows to allow fresh air toenter.

The Pilot Light Goes Out

Pilot lights will occasionally go out. However,if this occurs more than once per season, it may indicate a problem, and mayindicate a safety hazard, and the need for heating and air conditioning repair in Katy. Contact your HVAC technician for diagnosis andrepair.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning offerscertified technicians with the expertise to provide a professional job thefirst time and every time. I you have a question about common HVAC problems, or to receive services you can rely on, give us a call. We offer newinstallations, replacement installations, maintenance services, heating and air conditioning repair in Katy, andother professional services. Our technicians serve Katy, Plano, and thesurrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.

 

HVAC Maintenance Schedule | Air Conditioning Repair Plano, TX

Homeowner’sfrequently ask how often maintenance is required for their heating and airconditioning system. Under the ideal circumstances where the systemreceives proper maintenance, you can reduce how often the need for heating and airconditioning repair in Plano, TX occurs. HVAC maintenance is not atask the average homeowner can provide. In terms of taking care of the system,homeowners can change the filter routinely, and periodically vacuum theregisters. Everything else requires a certified HVAC technician with aformal education in the field, experience, and possesses the specializedequipment required for diagnostics, repair, and installation. Read on to learnmore about the preferred HVACmaintenance schedule.

As for therecommended schedule, being prompt and calling early to schedule service canpotentially prevent your system failing during the peak of the heating orcooling season. If you wait until the system has failed, you may be waiting fordays or even weeks to receive an appointment. In answer to how oftenmaintenance is required, the following provides you with advice and the idealrecommendation for your HVAC system to ensure it operates efficientlyall year long.

Spring

A good time to call Cypress Heating andAir Conditioning’s HVAC repair specialists is approximately midway through the spring.Your system will be thoroughly gone through and inspected ensuring allcomponents are clean, oiled, in good condition, and are performing asspecified. The system will operate at peak condition, saving you on the cost ofenergy, and reducing the chances of a breakdown. It will also save you money bypreventing an increase in airconditioning repair in Plano, TX. The simple actions provided duringmaintenance can prevent the majority of common causes of air conditioning failure.

Summer

Summer is the peak season for HVAC contractors. Unfortunately,routine maintenance cannot stop all the problems from occurring when excessivesummer heat places a stress on the system, especially aging systems. If yoursystem stops cooling, try the following before calling for air conditioning repair in Plano, TX:

·      Check the thermostat, ensuring it is on COOL, and the fan on AUTO. Ifthe fan is on RUN, this can be the source of the AC blowing warm air when thecompressor is not engaged.

·      Check the filter and change if dirty.

·      Check the circuit breaker and ensure it is ON. Power surges from theelectric company can trigger tripped breakers in the electrical panel. If ittrips right back off, there is an electrical problem. Contact your HAVCtechnician for air conditioning repairin Plano, TX

·      Ensure vegetation and debris are not blocking the outdoor condensingunit. The condenser requires adequate airflow, and flowers planted to hide itjust may be the problem. Maintain at least 2 feet of clear space around theoutdoor condenser, to receive the best performance and prevent the need for air conditioning repair in Plano, TX.

Fall

Fall is the time for your HVAC technician to provide maintenanceto the furnace and heating system. Assummer ends, and the temperature begin to fall, maintenance now prevents beingwithout heat when winter arrives. The homeowner who fires up the furnace on thefirst cold night of the winter may find the furnace does not work, leaving themwithout heat when they need it.

Furnaces require regular maintenance,and if your furnace is gas, from asafety perspective, it is essential to provide a comprehensive inspection andtune-up. As with air conditioning, routine filter changes are essential. Adirty filter effects performance, efficiency, and can cause breakdown andpremature wear on the system year round, resulting in heating and air conditioning repair in Plano, TX. Inmid fall, turn the furnace on before cold weather arrives. This enables you toschedule repair before the late fall rush for maintenance arrives if necessary.

Winter

Winter is not a time when you want to bewithout heat. Unfortunately, even after you have had your preventativemaintenance, problems can still arise, especially in aging systems. Check forthe following before calling your technician for repair:

·      Check the thermostat, ensure it is set at HEAT, and the fan is set toAuto.

·      If the furnace is electric, check the circuit breaker for the same reasonsdescribed under summer.

·      Check the filter and change if dirty. Remember to change the filterroutinely. Pick a day, such as the 1^st of each month to change thefilter. Exceptions may apply depending on the type of filter used.

·      If the furnace is gas, check the pilot and light if necessary. If thepilot continues to go out, contact your HVAC technician for repair.

·      Ensure air registers are all open.

As you can see, maintenance isrecommended for the air conditioning in mid spring, and for the heating in the middleof fall. Bi-annual maintenance is ideal, ensuring the longest lifespanpossible. Some homeowners, and especially those with heat pumps, prefer annualmaintenance. Biannual maintenance is preferred for all systems, including heatpumps. The heat pump works just as hard to cool the home during the summer, andunlike a split system, the heat pump provides both your heating and cooling throughout the year. Biannual maintenance isespecially important for a heat pump to reduce the need for heating and air conditioning repair in Plano, TX.

In a split system, a component that isdeclining in its performance can sometimes wait until the following spring oncethe cooling season is past. This is not the case in a heat pump, which works justas hard the whole year through.

Annual inspection and maintenance is theminimal care that should be provided. It is not the ideal situation, but itwill go a long way in ensuring performance and providing a cleaner system thatwill operate efficiently with a reduced need for heating and air conditioning repair in Plano, TX.

Systems still under warranty may requirea specific schedule, check your owner’s manual for details. With a newinstallation, ask your HVAC contractor about the recommended maintenance requiredto maintain the warranty. A maintenance contract may be a solution for you. It willensure you automatically receive the service providing the best performance,and longest lifespan possible for the new system, while reducing the need forheating and air conditioningrepair in Plano, TX.

To learn more about an HVAC maintenance schedule give us a call. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s NATE certified technicians ensure your HVAC equipment receives premiumservice. To schedule heating and airconditioning repair in Plano, TX, HVAC installation, maintenance or otherservices, give our dedicated specialists a call. We serve Plano, Katy, andthe surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.

 

HVACContractor | Air Conditioning Installation

When youare planning the construction or remodel of your home, right sizing your HVACequipment will not only save you money on the purchase and installation costs.It will also reduce the cost of energy to operate. It doesn’t mean you have tobecome an HVAC pro to ensure the right size; you simply need to select areputable and qualified HVAC Contractor for heating and airconditioning installation.

Purchaseand Installation

Bigger isn’t always better, especially inthe heating and air conditioning industry. A survey of HVAC installersfound that most heating and cooling systems are oversized to begin with. Thereare numerous reasons why you should insist on the right size of equipment. Thewaste of money buying and installing equipment that is incorrectly sized isonly one of them. Unfortunately, a number of persons believe bigger is better,and will provide a more comfortable home. In fact, nothing could be furtherfrom the truth.

The following are examples of issues awrong sized system can cause. These are examples of reasons why you shouldensure to use a qualified HVAC contractor such as Cypress Heating andAir Conditioning.

Long Term Energy Cost

For most homeowners, the bottom line iswhat it costs to operate the system on a long-term basis. On average, an energyefficient system can save homeowner’s up to 20% on energy costs. Yourhome’s unique characteristics can affect energy efficiency, and you may see ahigher (or lower) number based on your home’s unique characteristics. Ensuringthe right size system can increase that figure significantly. Our HVACtechnicians adhere to the industry guidelines, ensuring your heating and airconditioning installation is first quality and correctly sized.

According to the EPA, 70 percent of HVAC systems do not have thecorrect airflow, consequently influencing the unit’s energy efficiency.

 

In addition, the survey revealed thatalmost 74 percent of HVAC systems have the incorrect amount of refrigerant fromthe time of heating and air conditioning installation. This factor alonecan affect performance by as much as 15 percent. This results in higher energycosts, reduced reliability and faster wear and tear on the system. An oversizedsystem is never able to reach maximum efficiency, and shuts off too soon in acondition called short cycling. This is a waste the extra money you spent toachieve efficiency in the first place. 

Short cycling means the system experiences frequent starts and stops,creating excessive wear and tear that will shorten the lifespan of the HVACsystem and make repair or replacement necessary sooner. In addition, shortcycling allows humidity to remain elevated during the cooling season,encouraging the growth of mold and mildew in the home. The system simply willnot run long enough to remove adequate humidity from the air.

When you think about it, lost energy, reduced performance andsignificant reduction in the new system’s lifespan is not what you paid for.These are the reasons you should insist on right sizing, rather than insist ona system larger than your home requires. Furthermore, proper installation isessential in the long-term performance, efficiency, and lifespan of the system.Contractors who simply swap out units based on the existing size may bereplacing a wrong sized unit with the same. The contractor who utilizesaccurate calculations according to the ASHRAE Handbook is providing a properheating and air conditioning installation according to the industrystandards.

The accurate means to determine the proper size is by performing awhole house analysis, based on the property’s location, climate, degree ofinsulation, type, facing direction, and size of windows and doors, intendeduse, amount of ventilation, and numerous other similar factors.

Our NATE certified HVAC technicians’ offer the professionalquality heating and air conditioning installation you need. Ourexpertise ensures you will receive the ideal installation and performance ofthe system you select.

Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s HVAC professionals arededicated to providing first quality HVAC services, including reliable HVACrepair, HVAC maintenance, and heating and air conditioninginstallation for your home, or business in Katy, Plano and thesurrounding regions. When you’re ready for a professional installation you canrely on, call a Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning certified HVAC Contractor. We are a member of theBBB with an A+ rating. We guarantee your satisfaction.

 

SickBuilding Syndrome | Heating and Air Conditioning

Sick building syndrome (SBS) has mainly beenrecognized in commercial settings, such as office buildings where a largenumber of persons work. However, the EPA now recognizes it is a serious issuein tightly constructed homes, as poor indoor air quality. SBS is the result oftight construction to improve energy efficiency, and a reduction of fresh airentering the indoor environment. Fortunately, actions can be taken to reduceindoor air contaminates, and the heatingand air conditioning system in your home or office can be a major tool inpreventing SBS. The qualification requires 20% of the work force to havesymptoms. 

The symptoms include:

·      Irritation of theeyes, nose and throat with watery eyes

·      Headaches

·      Dizziness

·      Dry itchy skin

·      Nausea

·      Nosebleeds

·      Hoarseness

·      Heart palpitations

·      Shortness of breath

·      Chronic fatigue

·      Brain fog anddifficulty concentrating

·      Tremors

·      Swollen ankles orlegs

·      Cancer

·      Tremors

The causesare numerous, and begin with the airtight construction of buildings to keepconditioned air in, and outdoor fresh air out. Some of the indoor air pollutants responsible for the buildup of hazardous airinclude:

·      Smoking

·      Indoor combustionfrom gas heaters, stoves and water heaters

·      Indoor carbonmonoxide

·      Volatile organiccompounds (VOCs)

·      Airborne allergens

·      Airborne pathogenssuch as bacteria, fungi, protozoans, spores, and viruses

·      Cleaning suppliesand air fresheners

·      Pesticides

Furthermore,potential sources of VOCs and additional toxins include paint, plywood, carpet,fabrics, drywall, and furniture to name a few. The glue often used in woodproducts is a major source. Look for products that state no VOCs or low VOCs onthe label, as manufacturers are beginning to take notice and correct theproblem. However, the problem of biological pathogens is increasing with agrowing problem of molds, and bacteria that result in illness such asLegionnaires Disease. The resulting increase in these illnesses is directlyrelated to poor maintenance of the heating and air conditioning system.

As theconcentration of hazardous substances increase SBS becomes a reality, and canhappen not only in high-rise offices, but also in homes.

TestYourself

If symptomslessen when you are away from your home or office, sick building syndrome is likely. 

Providing Solutions for SBS

Providing fresh air is the obvioussolution. This can be accomplished with the heating and air conditioning, and ventilation system. In addition,every HVAC system should be properly maintained, by means of periodicinspections, routine cleaning of the system, ductwork and intake vents, andreplacement of the filter as needed. Proper maintenance can prevent the systemfrom becoming a breeding ground for potentially deadly diseases.

New materials used for furnishing orremodeling should contain no VOCs. Leaks or other sources of unwanted moisture,including standing water in HVAC drain pans or humidifiers, should be correctedimmediately. In the heating and airconditioning system, this means ensuring the condensate drain is open,allowing proper drainage. Routine maintenance will ensure the systems draintube remains open.

When your home contains gas appliances,install carbon monoxide detectors. In addition, when weather permits, openwindows, or doors to allow fresh air to circulate throughout the home. Yourhome will smell better, and you will feel better too.

If you suspect your home is making yousick due to sick building syndrome,give Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning a call. Our technicians can provideyou with a heating and air conditioning systemthat ensures clean indoor air. Our NATEcertified technicians offer highest level of industry expertise for qualityheating and air conditioninginstallation, heating and airconditioning repair, and thorough maintenance services. We serve Katy,Plano and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.