Month: October 2019

Photo By Lopolo at Shutterstock

When it’s ridiculously hot or cold outside, there’s nothing worse than having a heating system or air conditioning that simply isn’t working. The fact of the matter is, this is something you’re always putting yourself at risk for if you’re not taking good care of your things. Your heating and air conditioning need a lot of love, which includes getting any problems fixed as soon as you notice them. To help with that, we’ve outlined some of the most common reasons you might need heating and air conditioner repair and included some tips to help you identify problems.

Dirty Air Filter

One of the most common issues you might have with the heating and cooling in your Katy, TX, home is a dirty air filter. HVAC systems have air filters in them to get rid of contaminants before the air is delivered to your home so you breathe in less dust and dirt. Over time, this filter becomes clogged and the lack of airflow makes your heating and cooling perform significantly worse.

As a general rule, you should change your air filter every three months or so if you want to avoid frequent air conditioner repair. If you want to filter out extra dust and grime, you can buy an air filter with a higher rating.

No Warm or Cold Air

If you turn your heater or AC on and there’s no warm or cold air, it’s time to call a heating and air conditioner repair specialist. This could be due to a dirty air filter or something else that’s restricting airflow, but the bottom line is the problem isn’t going to fix itself. If you don’t want to be left to fend for yourself on a sweltering or frigid day, this is something you should have fixed as soon as possible.

Strange Noises

It’s a real inconvenience to have a heater or air conditioner that isn’t doing its job, but it’s downright scary to hear loud, strange noises coming from the HVAC system in your Katy, TX, home. You might hear a banging, clanking, clicking, buzzing, squealing or rattling sound, each of which can be caused by different things.

The bottom line is, you need to call heating and air conditioner repair services if you hear a strange noise coming from your HVAC system because it could signify a major problem. The last thing you want is to have to spend thousands on a new AC unit because you didn’t want to invest the time and money in getting the problem fixed in a timely manner.

High Electric Bill

Most of the time, you know what to expect from your electric bill. While you might pay a little more during winter and summer than you do during fall and spring, you should usually have a pretty good idea of when your bill is going to go up.

If you’re paying more than you should be for your electric bill during the summer, it may be time to call an air conditioner repair specialist. Your air conditioner may be running when you don’t turn it on or there may be a leak somewhere that’s causing it to be far less efficient than it should be.

The same applies if you’re talking about a high electric bill during the winter that’s caused by a faulty heating system. Getting your HVAC system fixed right away means you don’t have to waste money on your power bill or go without heating or cooling if your system breaks down.

Thermostat Problems

In order for your Katy, TX, home to stay at one comfortable temperature, a thermostat needs to be connected to your heating and cooling systems. This thermostat detects the temperature in your home and uses heating and cooling to match the temperature of your home to the temperature you set on the thermostat.

If it’s been a while since you’ve had a heating and air conditioner repair specialist take a look at your thermostat, now is a good time for that. A malfunctioning thermostat could mean your heat or AC is kicking on more often than it should or not kicking on often enough to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

Lack of Maintenance

While heating and air conditioner problems can happen for tons of reasons, lack of maintenance is definitely one of the most common causes. You have to take good care of the HVAC system in your Katy, TX, home if you want it to last.

Ideally, you should have a heating and air conditioner repair expert come to your home each fall and spring to do maintenance. This ensures your HVAC system is ready for the most demanding seasons of the year when you’re going to use it most.

One important thing to keep in mind is that maintenance only goes so far. Eventually, your HVAC system will have some sort of problem that necessitates paying for heater or air conditioner repair. However, the idea behind keeping up with maintenance is making sure you don’t have to spend more than you should on repairs. From dirty air filters to thermostat problems and odd sounds, just about every HVAC problem can be traced back to poor maintenance in one way or another.

The Simple Solution

As a homeowner, the best thing you can do is take good care of your home if you want to save money. Heating and air conditioner repair are expensive, but having your HVAC system maintained once or twice every year can prevent problems that could cost you thousands.

If you’re looking for a great team of Katy, TX, HVAC professionals to have at your side, you can count on Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning. From seasonal HVAC maintenance to air conditioner repair when you need it most, we’ve got you covered. Call Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning at (972) 278-3506 to schedule an appointment today.

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When it’s an especially hot, humid day in Katy, TX, there’s nothing worse than having big problems with your air conditioner. Whether your AC won’t turn on at all or it’s simply blowing warm air instead of cool air, nobody likes suffering through sweltering heat. Fortunately, there are a lot of things you can do to prevent problems with your air conditioning so you don’t have to call air conditioning repair services. Check out these tips if you want to keep yourself cool no matter how warm it gets outside.

Seasonal Maintenance

One of the most important things you can do if you want to prevent air conditioning problems and minimize your air conditioning repair bill is keep up with regular maintenance. While you don’t need to maintain your air conditioner monthly or anything like that, it’s a good idea to do seasonal maintenance at the very least.

Ideally, you should do your seasonal maintenance during the fall and spring. Your heating and cooling systems aren’t working as hard during these times as they are during summer and winter, so you can get them fixed up without having to worry about going without heating and cooling.

When you schedule seasonal maintenance for your air conditioner, there are a few things you can expect an air conditioning repair expert to do. For starters, the air filter will be replaced and the vents will be cleaned. In addition to this, the coils will be inspected and cleaned to make sure they’re good to go. There are also some things that a professional will check on to make sure your air conditioning is in good health, including the blowers, fans and refrigerant.

Proper Use

If you don’t want to hire an air conditioning repair service for your Katy, TX, home, you need to make sure you’re using your air conditioning right. The fact of the matter is, the amount you use your air conditioner and how you use it determines how hard it works and how long it lasts.

One thing you can do to make your AC last a little longer is use it as little as possible. A lot of people put comfort above everything else when it comes to the temperature in their home, cranking the heat and AC whenever things are out of balance. The truth is, you can save a lot of money on your power bill and keep your HVAC system in much better shape if you turn your heat and AC down every now and then. Even turning your thermostat up a few degrees during the summer can make a big difference.

Another thing you can do to reduce the amount of work your AC unit has to do is use fans to help push cool air around. Air conditioning repair is often needed because of years of wear and tear on an AC unit, so doing what you can to reduce that wear and tear is a big help. If you’re using fans to supplement your AC, make sure you set the switch on your ceiling fan to the summer setting.

Timely Repairs

As much as it might hurt to hear, one of the best ways to avoid expensive air conditioning repair is to have small repairs done as soon as they’re needed. You can put a lot of extra strain on your air conditioner by running it when it’s got a problem, so making sure those problems get fixed right away is crucial.

If you plan on keeping up with regular air conditioning repair and maintenance in your Katy, TX, home, the best thing you can do is get in touch with an HVAC company and get a schedule set up. There are plenty of little maintenance tasks a professional can help with that will keep your AC unit running longer, plus you have someone you can count on for quick repairs.

As soon as you notice a problem with your air conditioning, whether it’s blowing warm air or making a strange sound, call a professional to take a look at it and determine whether or not it needs repairs.

A Few Tricks

In addition to keeping up with regular maintenance and fixing problems when you notice them, there are a few other tricks you can uses to reduce your need for air conditioning repair. The main idea is to reduce the amount of work your air conditioner has to do so it’s not wearing down as quickly.

Aside from using fans to supplement your air conditioning and setting the thermostat a little bit higher when you can stand to, it also helps to make sure you’re blocking direct sources of sunlight so your home isn’t getting as warm in the first place. If you have any southern-facing windows on your home, use blinds and/or curtains to make sure you’re blocking as much of that sunlight and heat out.

If you spend a lot of time away from your home, one big thing you can do is avoid using AC when you’re not there. If you don’t need your home to be cool throughout the day, you can save a lot of money by turning your thermostat up 10 or 15 degrees before you head to work in the morning.

Get Some Help

Keeping the AC in your Katy, TX, home in good shape is a lot of work, but it’s worth it when it comes to spending less on air-conditioning repair. Not only do you need to make sure you’re using your AC unit right, you also need a good HVAC professional to help you keep up with maintenance.

Fortunately for you, taking care of your AC is a whole lot easier thanks to Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning. From major air conditioning repair to simple maintenance in Katy, TX, we can do whatever you need. To find out more or schedule an appointment today, give us a call at (972) 278-3506.

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Just like a car engine, your HVAC system has a lot of different parts that keep it working. When there’s something wrong with one of those parts, it can affect the rest of the system. One of the most important things you can do to avoid heating and air conditioning repair is by keeping a fresh air filter in your HVAC system. Having enough airflow allows your heating and air conditioning to do their job, but they tend to get dirty fairly quickly. Fortunately, we’ve got all the information you need to know about air filters and air filter maintenance.

Why Are Air Filters Important?

In order to deliver cool or warm air to every part of your Katy, TX, home, your heating and cooling systems use ducts and vents that are directed through your home. Over time, these ducts tend to get a lot of dust built up in them, so your HVAC system needs a way to filter it all out before it gets to you; this is what air filters are designed to do.

Since air filters are made of a material that’s designed to trap dust and dirty, they eventually get clogged up. While this might not seem like a huge deal, clogged air filters are a common cause for heating and air conditioning repair. When a filter gets clogged up, it restricts the airflow in your HVAC system which can cause serious problems with heaters and air conditioners.

Even if air filters didn’t get clogged and affect the performance of your HVAC system, it’s still smart to keep a somewhat fresh air filter installed so you don’t have to worry about indoor air quality.

Types of Filters

When you shop for air filters for your Katy, TX, home, you’ll notice that you have a decent amount of options. If you’re having trouble figuring out what type of air filter you need for your home, a heating and air conditioning repair expert can help.

Some of the different types of HVAC air filters include fiberglass filters, pleated filters, washable filters, electrostatic filters, HEPA filters and UV filters. The key to choosing the right filter is understanding the benefits that each type offers.

Fiberglass air filters are the most affordable option, but they also provide the worst filtration. Pleated filters are better than fiberglass filters, but they cost a little more and aren’t as good as the best filters on the market. Electrostatic filters attract dust and other airborne particles through magnetic force, allowing them to catch a little more than regular filters. However, they cost a little more so they may not be the best option for all homeowners.

If you want to avoid calling heating and air conditioning repair services and keep allergens out of your home, HEPA filters are a great option. HEPA filters remove up to 99.97% of contaminants, so they’re a solid option if you’re willing to spend a little more. UV filters are a good choice if you’re looking for something that filters out more viruses and bacteria.

Filter Ratings

Finding a good air filter for your Katy, TX, home means shopping for a filter with a good rating, but that can be a bit complicated when you don’t know how filter ratings work. There are two types of air filters: MERV and HEPA.

Most filters use the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV. When you shop for air filters for your HVAC system, you’ll see a wide range of MERV ratings available to you. A filter with a MERV rating of about 3 is fairly standard for low-end residential use. However, MERV ratings go from 1 all the way up to 20, so the higher rating you get, the better filtration you can expect. This not only helps you keep your indoor air quality good, it also means you don’t have to call heating and air conditioning repair services as often.

If you’re looking for the very best filtration, HEPA filters are the way to go. HEPA filters are great if you or someone in your home has allergies. Plus, you don’t have to worry about paying for heating and air conditioning repair as often.

Air Filter Maintenance

If you want to make sure the HVAC system in your Katy, TX, home stays in good shape, keeping up with air filter maintenance is one of the best things you can do. A lot of heating and air conditioning repair calls are due to clogged air filters, so you can save yourself a lot of trouble by keeping yours in good shape.

To avoid constant heating and air conditioning repair bills, you should replace your air filter at least once every 3 months. Of course, this depends on the type of air filter you have and its rating, so you might want to consult the manufacturer to get an exact schedule.

Another important thing to keep in mind when it comes to air filter replacement is that you might need to replace your air filter more often depending on your circumstances. If you live in a home with a lot of other people or you have pets that add to the dirt and dust in your home, you should change your air filter a little more often to avoid paying for heating and air conditioning repair.

Get Some Help

Keeping your HVAC system in good shape is a lot of work, but making sure you have a clean air filter at all times goes a long way. If you want to avoid paying for heating and air conditioning repair services frequently, there’s no better way to do that than to keep up with maintenance.

If you’re looking for a reliable heating and cooling company in the Katy, TX, area, you can count on Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning. Whether you need maintenance or repairs, we’ve got you covered. Call us at (972) 278-3506.

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The best time to install an air conditioning unit is when it’s not already hot outside, so fall and spring are both good options. However, it can be tough to choose the best air conditioner for your needs. Not only do you need the right type of air conditioner, you need to make sure it’s large enough and powerful enough to cool your Katy, TX, home. If you want a simple air conditioner installation that doesn’t cost a fortune, here’s how you can pick the best AC.

Central Air Conditioning

Central air conditioning is the most common option for most homeowners because it provides plenty of cool air for large homes. However, central air conditioning is a little more involved than most types when it comes to air conditioner installation.

One of the biggest reasons to choose central air conditioning over other types is the fact that it provides adequate power for larger homes. If you’ve got a fairly big home that you need to cool, you can count on central AC to get the job done as long as you buy a big enough unit. With some of the weaker types of AC, you might not be getting that same cooling power.

The one thing you do have to keep in mind when it comes to central AC is the fact that you have to pay for a little bit more in terms of air conditioner installation. Central air conditioning uses ducts and vents to send air to various parts of your home, so those ducts have to be run and connected to the rooms in your home that you want to cool.

Ductless Mini-Splits

In recent years, ductless mini-split air conditioners have become another popular option. If you’re looking for a great way to cool your Katy, TX, home without having to pay a fortune for air conditioner installation or tear apart your home, ductless mini splits are a good option.

One of the most surprising parts about ductless mini-split air conditioners is the fact that they provide so much cooling power. These air conditioners have separate units that can be installed in different rooms, each of which are connected to the main cooling source. This means that you can cool different rooms in your home separately, so cooling power isn’t as much of an issue.

Another great part about ductless mini-splits is the fact that you can control the temperature in different areas of your home separately. Whereas central AC is designed to bring your whole home to a specific temperature, each mini-split unit you install in a room has separate settings to give you more control. If you have one person in your household who likes colder temperatures, they can set their AC a little bit lower without having to freeze out the rest of the house.

As far as air conditioner installation goes, ductless mini-splits are fairly easy to install because they don’t require the same type of duct work that central AC does.

Geothermal Heating & Cooling

If you want to be on the cutting edge of heating and cooling technology, geothermal heating and cooling is one way to do that. Geothermal heating and cooling works by either taking heat from your home and putting it back in the ground or taking heat from the ground and sending it to your home. While geothermal cooling is more expensive in terms of upfront cost and air conditioner installation costs, it has a lot of potential for the future.

Installing a geothermal heating and cooling system in your Katy, TX, home means you can get your warm and cold air directly from the earth. While this isn’t free, it’s a lot more efficient than using coolant or some type of gas to keep the temperature in your home at a constant.

One of the biggest reasons to avoid geothermal heating and cooling is the fact that we don’t fully know about the environmental effects it has at this point. There have been some fairly major issues with geothermal energy, and the gases from geothermal heating and cooling have the potential to become trapped underground and release into the atmosphere. Nevertheless, geothermal cooling is a solid option.

Size, Power & Efficiency

When it comes to paying for air conditioner installation by HVAC professionals, one of the biggest things you’re paying for is an AC that’s properly sized for your needs. While it might seem beneficial to simply buy the largest, most powerful AC for your Katy, TX, home, that can actually leave you paying a lot more for your AC unit and spending too much on your electric bill.

Whether you pick your own AC unit or have an air conditioner installation professional help with the decision, it’s important to do your research to figure out what size of AC you need. You can find plenty of calculators online to help with that, but it’s best to leave that decision up to a professional.

Another thing you have to consider when shopping for an AC unit is the efficiency of the unit. The efficiency rating on a unit essentially determines how much you’ll be spending on your cooling bill, so you should always consider that before paying for air conditioner installation.

Make It Easy

You need to have a good AC when it comes to surviving the hot Katy, TX, summers, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to pick the right unit. Not only do you need to choose the right type of unit for your needs, you also need to make sure you’re buying a powerful enough AC unit that’s also efficient.

Fortunately for you, you can make that decision a lot easier by choosing Cypress Heating and Air for your air conditioner installation needs. If you need help picking out an AC unit and getting it installed, give us a call at (972) 278-3506 today.

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Heating and cooling are great when it comes to making the temperature in your Katy, TX home comfortable, but you must also consider the air quality. Since your HVAC system send air through ducts and vents to get it to various rooms in your home, that air can pick up a lot of contaminants along the way. As long as you have a heating and air conditioning service keep up with regular air filter replacements, you don’t too much to worry about when it comes to how your HVAC system affects indoor air quality.

What Are Contaminants?

While there are various types of heating and cooling, most homes use a combination of a forced-air furnace and a central air conditioning unit. Since these are both larger units that are designed to provide power throughout your home, the air they put out needs to go through ducts and vents. As air moves through the ducts in your home, it can pick up contaminants from them.

Any heating and air conditioning service will tell you there are numerous contaminants that can lie dormant in the ducts in your home, but the biggest culprit when it comes to indoor air quality is regular old dust. While dust won’t cause any serious issues, having dusty air blown throughout your home can make the air feel stale and cause dry sinuses.

Despite dust being the most likely contaminant, there are other things to worry about, too. Any germs that may make their way into your air ducts can be spread throughout your home, making it easier for people to get sick. This is one of many reasons you should have heating and air conditioning service done at least twice a year.

Air Ducts

Air ducts are one of the big things you need to keep clean if you want to have good indoor air quality in your Katy, TX, home. Not only do air ducts have a lot of potential contaminants in them, they constantly have air blowing through them that makes it easy to spread those contaminants.

When you hire a professional heating and air conditioning service to maintain your HVAC system, make sure they’re cleaning out your ducts and vents. A lot of the dust and other debris that builds up in your ducts can be removed simply by vacuuming it out, but it’s not something you want to mess with yourself. An HVAC professional will know how to cut power to the HVAC system and safely remove contaminants without damaging ducts.

If you haven’t had the ducts in your home cleaned in a long time, call a heating and air conditioning service to take a look at them and get them cleaned up for you.

Air Filters

While the air ducts in your Katy, TX, home play a big role in terms of spreading contaminants, it’s the air filter in your HVAC system that has the biggest job. As air passes through your ducts and into your home, it runs through an air filter that’s designed to filter out as much of the contaminants as possible.

Having your air filter replaced should be a part of every heating and air conditioning service call. As a matter of fact, you might want to replace your air filter more than that depending on the type of filter you’ve got.

One of the best parts about air filters is that they come in all sorts of different styles and strengths, which means you can invest a little more money in your air filter if you want to maintain excellent indoor air quality. Most people use a standard air filter that’s designed to filter out contaminants like dust, but there are other types of filters which can help get rid of things like bacteria and viruses.

Even if you do opt for a regular old air filter, you have the option of buying a filter with a high MERV or HEPA rating. MERV is the standard rating for air filters, ranging from 1 to 20. These are the filters most heating and air conditioning services use. A 3 is considered the minimum rating for a MERV filter for residential use, which means you have a lot of room to step up your filtration quality if you want to. HEPA filters use a different rating system but are all made to be incredibly efficient. Whether you opt for a HEPA filter or a MERV filter with a higher rating, you’re going to have better indoor air quality.

Humidity

One of the most important things to remember if you’ve got a whole-house air conditioning system is that AC makes the air in your home drier. If you’re especially sensitive to dry air, ask a heating and cooling service about using a humidifier and air conditioner together.

The fact of the matter is, the air will always be a bit dry in your Katy, TX, home if you want to keep it comfortably cool. While a heating and air conditioning service can help you keep your indoor air quality free of contaminants for longer, there isn’t a whole lot that can be done about dry air. Thankfully, there are no major health risks associated with breathing dry air.

A Little Help

If indoor air quality is a major concern to you, you need to have a good heating and air conditioning service on your side. Maintaining good indoor air quality in your Katy, TX, home means you need to keep ducts and vents clean and a fresh air filter on your HVAC system.

The good news is, Cypress Heating and Air is here to help you make the indoor air quality in your home a little better. From keeping things clean to helping you choose the right air filter, we can do it all. If you need heating and air conditioning service, give us a call at (972) 278-3506 today.

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While beating the summer heat is generally more of a concern for Cypress, TX, homeowners, you also need to have a good way to heat your home in winter. The problem is, there are so many options out there when it comes to heating systems that it can be tough to choose the right one for your needs. We’ve got breakdowns of all the most popular options to help you choose the best solution for your needs. If you still need help deciding on a heating option, you can always get the help of a heating and AC expert.

Furnace

Furnaces are one of the most popular options when it comes to heating your home because they’re relatively simple to install, efficient and good at providing almost instant comfort.

Many of the central heating and AC systems you see in modern homes use a combination of a forced-air furnace and an outdoor AC unit. This means that furnaces have become fairly affordable and you have a lot of options when shopping for them. Plus, installing a furnace is easy for any heating and AC professional.

If you do buy a furnace, make sure you get one that’s properly sized for your Cypress, TX, home. Buying a furnace that’s too small could leave you with inadequate heat while buying too large a furnace will cost you on your power bill in the long run.

Heat Pump

If you want your heating and AC built into one convenient unit, heat pumps are a solid choice. Not only can heat pumps heat and cool your home, they also provide a relatively clean source of heat because of their energy source.

Heat pumps are great when it comes to efficiency, so they’re a good option if you find yourself spending too much on your heating bill. Heat pumps also do a good job of heating your home relatively quickly, although they’re not quite as fast as furnaces in that regard.

The downsides to heat pumps include the fact that they lose efficiency when temperatures get too low, take up a lot of space and have a fairly involved installation process.

Wood Stove

Some Cypress, TX, homeowners prefer a more natural, traditional source of heat, and there’s nothing better than a wood stove if that’s what you’re after.

Wood stoves aren’t nearly as complex as modern heating and AC systems, but they still do a solid job of providing heat to your home. Wood burns fairly cleanly, provides a lot of heat and works during power outages. Additionally, you have the option of using your wood stove to boil water and do other simple cooking tasks.

The truth is, there are always going to be more efficient options than a wood stove. However, if you like the idea of chopping up firewood and loading it into a stove for that warm, toasty wood stove heat, they’re a good option.

Fireplace

Fireplaces are interesting because they range from very simple to just as complex as the best heating and AC options on the market today. The benefits of a fireplace vary depending on the type you purchase.

While some homes still have old brick fireplaces with chimneys, most homeowners opt for fireplace inserts these days. These inserts have a modern look that’s unmatched by older fireplaces, plus they can use various sources of energy including gas and liquid propane.

Fireplace inserts are fairly easy to install and give your home a more traditional look, plus they’re a clean way to heat your home. Whereas a wood stove or wood-burning fireplace will leave a smell in your home from burning the logs, fireplace inserts are well vented and don’t have the same effect.

Hot Water Systems

Hot water systems may not be the most common in today’s homes, but they still perform as well as some of the best heating and AC options on the market today. Hot water systems are a lot like furnaces, but the use of water for heat provides some additional benefits.

One of the biggest benefits of choosing a hot water heating system over a furnace is the type of heat you get. Furnaces force warm air out of vents, which means they cause a breeze. On top of that, furnaces stop providing heat as soon as they shut off, making it feel suddenly cold at times.

Hot water heating systems don’t use forced air and don’t cut the warm air off so quick, which means you don’t get the same breezy, drafty feeling. They’re also quieter than a lot of heating and AC options.

Space Heaters

If you have a heating system and your Cypress, TX, home still isn’t staying cool enough, you might consider using a space heater in some rooms. Space heaters are small portable heaters that simply plug into an outlet to provide heat.

The biggest downside to space heaters is that they’re not very powerful or efficient. You can heat a bedroom to a comfortable temperature with a space heater, but you can’t expect to get the same power you do out of a standard heating system. Still, they’re a good option if you need some extra heat to supplement your heating system or reach a room that’s not currently heated.

An Easy Decision

Choosing a heating and AC option for your home is a big task, but a little research goes a long way. The important thing is finding a unit that provides the benefits you need most, which are generally things like power, efficiency and comfort.

If you’re still having a tough time choosing the best heating and AC option for your home, you can get some help from the pros at Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning. Whether you’re looking to beat the Cypress, TX, heat or make your home cozier in the winter, we can help. Give us a call at (972) 278-3506 today to find out more.

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When you own a home, there are many things you have to spend your hard-earned money on, so the last thing you want is a major problem with your HVAC system. Unfortunately, that’s a strong possibility if you don’t keep up with heating and air conditioning service and take precautions to prolong the life of your heater and air conditioner. If you’re looking for tips to help you avoid spending a fortune fixing up the HVAC system in your Cypress, TX, home, here are some of the biggest things to keep in mind.

Maintenance

As you probably could have guessed, maintenance is the best way to make sure your HVAC system doesn’t have any major problems that require heating and air conditioning service. During maintenance, various parts of your HVAC system will be cleaned and inspected for problems. Certain components, such as the air filter, will be changed every time you have someone maintain your HVAC system.

While you don’t have to keep up with maintenance monthly or anything like that, it’s a good idea to have your HVAC system looked at a couple times a year. Most professionals recommend having seasonal maintenance done in the fall and spring, since these are the two seasons where you need your HVAC system the least. You don’t want to wait until it’s below freezing or 100 degrees outside before you have somebody take a look at your heating and cooling.

One thing to consider when it comes to maintenance is that you should always call a professional service instead of doing things yourself. The last thing you want is to cause further problems in your HVAC system, and a professional will do a much more thorough job.

Use It Less

If you want the HVAC system in your home to last a long time without costing you thousands in repairs, one of the very best things you can do is simply use it less. As tempting as it may be to crank the heat up during the winter or the AC during the summer, you can save a lot and help your HVAC system last longer by turning the temperature down a bit.

While using your HVAC system less is a good way to make sure it doesn’t wear down too quickly, it’s no replacement for hiring a heating and air conditioning service for regular maintenance.

Air Filters

One of the most important parts of keeping your HVAC system in good shape is making sure it has a fresh air filter at all times. Not only is the air filter responsible for making sure the indoor air quality in your home is good, it also allows for enough airflow for your HVAC system to keep working.

While you only need to have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned twice a year or so, you should be replacing your filter more often than that depending on what you’ve got. While some filters are made to last as long as a year depending on their size, 1-2 inch filters should be changed every 3 months.

The good news is, replacing an air filter is fairly simple and not something you need to call a professional heating and air conditioning service for.

A Good Environment

As odd as it may sound, one of the best ways to keep your HVAC system in good shape is to take care of the environment around it. For example, you need to make sure there isn’t a buildup of dirt and debris whether you’re dealing with a furnace or an outdoor AC unit. If you let too much grime build up in or around your HVAC system, it could hasten wear and tear.

When you call a professional for heating and air conditioning service for your Cypress, TX, home, they’ll take care of the things that are harder to clean and maintain. For example, your air ducts need to be cleaned regularly to promote airflow and keep the air in your home clean. There are other, more complicated things that need to be cleaned as well, such as the coils in an AC unit or the blower in a furnace.

Make sure you call a professional heating and air conditioning service to clean your HVAC system. Not only are most of the tasks somewhat complicated, hiring a professional means the job will be done right.

A Little Boost

If you want to do everything you can to save money on your heating and cooling bills and keep the HVAC system in your Cypress, TX, home working for years to come, there are some little tricks you can use to give your heating and cooling a little boost.

During the winter, change the ceiling fan to rotate clockwise so it pulls the warm air up from the ground and distributes it throughout your home. You should also make sure you have good blinds and curtains covering up your windows so you’re not letting too much heat escape.

In the summer, set the ceiling fan to rotate counter-clockwise so there’s a nice breeze on everyone in your home. It’s also a good idea to cover any southern-facing windows with blinds or curtains.

Again, it’s important to mention that these tips are no substitute for having regular heating and air conditioning service done by a professional.

Simplify the Process

Taking care of an HVAC system is a lot of work, so your best bet is to find a good heating and air conditioning service you can rely on for routine maintenance and repairs when you need them.

If you’re in the Cypress, TX, area, you can trust Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning no matter what you need done. We’re experts in everything HVAC, from seasonal maintenance to major repairs and installations. If you need a helping hand from a great heating and air conditioning service, call us today at (972) 278-3506.

Photo By Sergio Monti Photography at Shutterstock

It’s no secret that it often gets hot in the Katy, TX, area, so you need to make sure your home is properly equipped to handle that heat. The problem is, it can be hard to keep your home at a reasonable temperature when it’s 100-plus degrees outside, even if you do have good air conditioning. You may need to cover up some windows in your home better or you may need to hire a professional for air conditioning service; either way, here are some things you can try if you’re having trouble keeping your home at a reasonable temperature.

Sun Exposure

You might think you need air conditioning service if one room in your home stays a lot warmer than the others, but sun exposure may actually be the root of the problem.

The effect of the sun on your home has a lot to do with how well your home is insulated and what kind of windows you have. However, it’s important to remember that southern-facing windows will always get the most direct sunlight on them throughout the day, so they’re the ones you need to focus on. The same is true if you have a glass sliding door facing the south.

The good news about sun exposure is that it’s an easy problem to fix. While you can’t do anything to stop the sun from shining on the south end of your home, you can keep a lot of heat from getting through windows by simply using blinds or curtains to block out the sun. If you want to go the extra mile to keep heat out, you can tint the windows in your home, too.

Insulation

When you hire a professional air conditioning service to look at your AC, ask them about the insulation in your home as well. Chances are you’re completely unaware of just how many areas in your Katy, TX, home don’t have enough insulation.

Over time, insulation tends to break down a bit, especially if you’ve got critters living in your attic or basement. Even if your entire home was properly insulated at one point, it won’t stay that way forever. Plus, the job isn’t done perfectly most of the time, which means you’re left with a lack of insulation from the jump.

Fortunately for you, insulating your home isn’t the hardest or most expensive task. While you will need an air conditioning service professional to help, you can get your home properly insulated in a short period of time for a reasonable price. One thing you want to keep in mind is that there are a lot of different types of insulation out there, so you should talk with an HVAC professional to find out which type is right for you.

Air Conditioner Size & Power

If you have air conditioning in your Katy, TX, home and it’s still not staying cool enough, there could be an issue with the size and power of the air conditioner you purchased. When shopping for an air conditioner, you should have an air conditioning service expert help you choose one that’s the right size and provides enough power for your home.

While it may be tempting to simply opt for the largest, most expensive air conditioner so you don’t have to worry about a lack of power, that’s not the smartest move either. If you get an air conditioner that’s too large for your home, you’ll find yourself wasting a lot of money on your power bill and paying too much in terms of upfront installation costs.

If your home is particularly large and most AC units have trouble cooling the whole thing, you may need to opt for a different type of air conditioning. An air conditioning service professional can help you decide what’s best for you, but ductless mini-splits are always a solid option for larger homes. These mini-splits come with multiple units that can be installed in various rooms, allowing you to cool a room individually without sacrificing cold air in the other units.

Air Conditioner Problems

While there are a lot of possibilities when it comes to your Katy, TX, home staying too warm, the fact of the matter is there’s a good chance you need air conditioning service. There are a lot of things that can go wrong with your AC unit, and those problems often manifest as a lack of cooling power.

If you feel warm air blowing out of vents where there should be cool air, you probably need to have your vents cleaned and install a new air filter. Your HVAC system needs proper airflow to work, and AC units are known to blow warm air out when that airflow is out of whack. Fortunately, replacing an air filter is a simple job and doesn’t cost a whole lot of money.

The best thing you can do to avoid paying for air conditioning service is to have somebody inspect and maintain your HVAC system each spring and fall. There are a lot of little things a professional can do to make sure everything is good to go, including replacing filters and cleaning out vents. In addition to that, having a couple inspections done each year means you have much better odds of catching a problem before it gets out of control.

Get Some Help

If you’re not getting enough cool air in your home during the summer, it can be a big problem. The good news is, you can help keep your home cool with a few simple tricks. If none of them work, however, it’s time to call an air conditioning service expert.

Lucky for you, you don’t have to worry about scrambling to find a reputable option in Katy, TX, thanks to Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning. We specialize in heating and air conditioning service, so we can help you better control the temperature in your home. To schedule an appointment with us today, call us at (972) 278-3506.

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Living in Cypress, TX, means you have to deal with plenty of heat, and there’s nothing worse than having faulty air conditioning when you need it most. Most air conditioning problems can be prevented with regular air conditioning service and maintenance, but you never know when disaster is going to strike. It’s important that you know some of the common AC problems and how you can recognize them so you know when to call a professional. Fortunately, we’ve got a full breakdown to help you diagnose whatever problem your AC may be having and determine how severe it is.

Coil Problems

One of the things you have to be most careful about when it comes to maintaining your AC is keeping the coils in good shape. Evaporator and condenser coils are what allow your AC to create cool air, so coil problems are a common cause for air conditioning service.

In order for your evaporator coils to work properly, they need to have warm air circulating around them. When these coils get too cold, they can freeze and leave you with an AC that supplies warm air.

The condenser coils are responsible for getting rid of excess heat and are part of the outdoor unit. These coils tend to get clogged up with dirty and debris, so you have to clean them regularly if you don’t want to pay for frequent air conditioning service. You can tell if the condenser coils are dirty with a quick glance.

Fan Problems

The evaporator and condenser coils may be responsible for creating the cool air that goes into your Cypress, TX, home, but the fan plays a big role in that. There are two fans in your AC unit: one for the evaporator coils and one for the condenser coils.

Problems with one of your fans can lead to poor airflow and a unit that simply doesn’t do its job, but that’s not even the biggest reason fan problems require air conditioning maintenance as soon as possible. When the fans in your AC unit stop working, it can cause big problems with other parts of your AC. The biggest potential problem is compressor failure, which is known to be one of the biggest AC problems.

If your AC isn’t working right, call a professional to look at your fans as soon as possible.

Refrigerant Leaks

In order to create cool air from seemingly nothing, your AC unit needs to be charged with refrigerant. This refrigerant is what allows your AC to take the warmth and humidity out of the air in your home, so a refrigerant leak is definitely a good reason to call an air conditioning service.

Not only do refrigerant leaks cause problems with the AC in your Cypress, TX, home, they can also be dangerous because refrigerant isn’t something you want to be breathing and touching if you don’t know what you’re doing.

If you notice refrigerant leaking from a line or your AC isn’t cooling your home sufficiently, call an air conditioning service expert right away to get it fixed.

Clogged Drains

Air conditioners remove a lot of moisture from the air, and that moisture needs to go somewhere. Normally, the moisture is sent through a line where it collects in a drain pan and is then removed from the unit through another drain line.

When one of these drain lines gets clogged, it can cause water to back up in the unit. You should call air conditioning service professionals right away if you notice water backing up in your outdoor AC unit. Aside from the fact that unclogging a drain line or drain pan is a job for a professional, it’s also important to solve the problem quickly so your home isn’t damaged by the excess water. If you leave this water for too long, mold will eventually grow, too.

Thermostat Problems

Thermostat problems are a common cause for air conditioning service because your AC unit relies on the thermostat to tell it when to start and stop. If you notice your AC is turning off while your home is still much warmer than it should be, you could have a faulty or improperly calibrated thermostat.

Other common thermostat problems include a unit that doesn’t shut off on its own when it should and thermostats that simply do nothing. If you notice a problem with the thermostat in your Cypress, TX, home, you should have an air conditioning service professional take a look at it so you’re not wasting money.

Leaky Ducts

Air ducts are what allow your outdoor AC unit to transport cool air into your home, but there are plenty of problems that can interfere with that. If you’ve got a spot in your home’s air ducts where air is leaking out, it could cost you a lot of money and make your home warmer than it should be.

Another common problem with air ducts is a buildup of dust. Your AC needs proper airflow to run smoothly, so it’s important to make sure your air filter and ducts are in good shape at all times.

If you feel like the indoor air quality in your home is worse or your home isn’t being sufficiently cooled, call an air conditioning service at your earliest convenience.

Here to Help

There’s a lot that goes into being a responsible homeowner, from keeping up on landscaping to taking care of your heating and cooling systems. The good news is, you can save yourself a lot of time and money when it comes to AC repairs by having seasonal maintenance done and keeping an eye on your outdoor unit.

Thanks to Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning, finding a top-quality air conditioning service is easy. We’re dedicated to making sure the HVAC system in your Cypress, TX, home is ready to tackle the harshest winters and hottest summers. If you have an AC problem you need us to check out, call us today at (972) 278-3506.

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Your HVAC system is a substantial investment. As with any other piece of mechanical equipment, it too requires proper maintenance. Many homeowners in the Cypress, TX area invest in an HVAC but fail to keep proper upkeep. There can be many benefits to investing in regular maintenance of your heating and air conditioning system. These include, cost effectiveness, cleaner air and an overall more comfortable home. Let’s look at all the reasons it’s important to invest in HVAC maintenance.

Cost Savings

Saving money is one of the main reasons you should maintain your heating and air conditioning system. Regular HVAC maintenance is estimated to reduce the risk of costly breakdowns by 95%. An HVAC unit that runs efficiently, together with a properly insulated home reduces electricity bills considerably.

Preventative maintenance of your heating and air conditioning system help ensure that your system runs at or close to peak efficiency. This means lower energy bills for you. In fact, according to the US Department of Energy, you can save up to 30% of your energy bill if you invest in your system’s regular maintenance.

Moreover, regular maintenance of your system also increases its life and reduces the need for costly system replacements every few years. The key is to take care of your system. Investing in system maintenance once every year is far wiser than having to pay for an entire system replacement a few years down the line, only because you couldn’t care enough for it.

Moreover, let’s say you purchased your system one year ago but it is still covered under a warranty. Let’s say your system is in need of some sort of repair. Most HVAC manufacturers ask for proof of annual maintenance when a repair claim is submitted.  Some of the components that make your HVAC system work are quite expensive, so why not invest in annual maintenance and let the company pay your expensive repair bills?

Improved Air Quality

A properly maintained heating and air conditioning system will not only keep your home warm or cool, but will also prevent problems with air quality.

The US Environmental Protection agency (EPA) reports that indoor levels of airborne pollutants may be up to 2-5 times higher (in some cases even 100 times higher) than outdoor levels. This is particularly relevant if you or any of your family members suffers from a respiratory disorder such as asthma. An unmaintained HVAC system acts as a breeding ground for all sorts of pollutants. These include dust, mold and bacteria.

Although we may not always be aware of it, we spend most of our days breathing in substances that we would much rather not breathe. In addition to household dust, these include pet dander, cigarette smoke, pollen and mold.

An HVAC system that is not regularly maintained can make these problems so much worse. For example if people at your home already suffer from allergies or asthma, an HVAC system with clogged or dirty air ducts is likely to make any such problem much worse. Preventative measures on the other hand help ensure that the warm or cold air pumping through your vents is as clean and well-filtered as possible.

Home Safety

Not only does regular HVAC maintenance ensure that the air you breathe in is safe, it also protects your home from more serious hazards. As a homeowner in the Cypress, TX area, you may have heard horror stories of how a couple went away on vacation and returned to a severely damaged home.

This can happen for a number of reasons. For example, if your heating and air conditioning system malfunctions and the heat stops working in extremely cold weather, the pipes in your home can burst because of the cold which can ruin the state of your home sanitation among other things. The cost of repairs in this situation can be extremely high.

If you paid for annual maintenance of your system, all of this could have been avoided. Furthermore, your HVAC system can also help protect your family from carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas whose effects can be deadly.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, even exposure to the slightest levels of carbon monoxide can pose serious health risks.

A malfunctioning HVAC system is the number one cause of a carbon monoxide leak. An annual HVAC maintenance check would typically also check for any carbon monoxide leak. So by investing in this yearly maintenance, you are protecting your family members from deadly health hazards.

The nearest HVAC professional can further elaborate the importance of this carbon monoxide testing.

Help the Environment

For those of you concerned about the world we live in, keep in mind that a regularly maintained HVAC system is also better for the planet. This is because a well-maintained HVAC system requires a lesser amount of fuel, automatically making it better for the planet.

As a homeowner, you may also be concerned with what type of refrigerant is being used in your heating and air conditioning system and whether or not it is harmful for the environment.

Generally speaking, HVAC service companies in the Cypress, TX area, and elsewhere in the United States are required to have EPA Section 608 certification.

For all of these reasons, annual maintenance of your heating and air conditioning system is important. A well-maintained system is likely to have fewer serious problems, meaning less hassle and fewer unnecessary costs for you. Investing in a preventative maintenance plan also gives you a sense of satisfaction and mental peace in knowing that you tried to keep your system running and functioning smoothly.

We at Cypress Heating and Air are a heating and air conditioning service based in the Cypress, TX area. Contact us at 972-278-3506. We have the solutions to all your heating and cooling needs!

Air Conditioner Repair Spring, TX
Air Conditioner Repair Spring, TX