Staying cool in Texas can be a challenge when the thermometer cranks up outside. But with the right preventative measures and some clever tricks, you can stay on top of humidity levels in your home.

Curious to learn more? Read on to learn about eight ways to maintain ideal humidity levels in your Onalaska, Texas home!

1. Add a Dehumidifier

One of the best ways to get better home humidity control is through a whole-house dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers can maintain more comfortable humidity levels and control condensation in your home. They also can help prevent mold and musty odors.

Dehumidifiers work in tandem with an AC unit to keep your air healthier and more comfortable. You can set a humidity level, too, so you don’t have to worry about constantly adjusting things.

Keep in mind that a whole-house dehumidifier is not cheap. You’ll need to budget for one, as the cost will easily climb north of $1,000 when you add in installation. For a larger unit in a larger home, you could be looking at closer to $3,000.

2. Get a Hygrometer

A hygrometer is a device that can measure the air’s water vapor levels. When you’re trying to prevent humidity issues or see if your intended solutions are working, you’ll want to get one of these handy tools. You can find them at most hardware stores.

Ideally, you’ll want your humidity levels to be between 30 and 50% in your Onalaska home. A number above that range can feel sticky. A number below that range can feel too dry and even affect parts of your home, like wooden furniture.

By staying aware of humidity, you can keep allergies at bay. You’ll also be providing cleaner air for your family!

3. Make Use of Exhaust Fans

Onalaska humidity tips also include getting exhaust fans. If you don’t have these installed in your kitchen or bathrooms, consider making the investment.

Exhaust fans work by transferring humidity from inside your home to the outside. In areas like bathrooms, which are a magnet for moisture, they can be especially helpful.

You’ll be able to regulate humidity in these spaces when you flip the switch to activate your fan. And, as a result, you can stave off mold and mildew.

As a bonus, you’ll end up with fresher air, too. After cooking a meal in your kitchen, you won’t be left with stagnant odors from whatever you’ve prepared.

4. Stay on Top of Maintainance

You can maintain optimal home climate conditions if you commit to routine maintenance of your HVAC system. Your AC plays a pivotal role in keeping your home’s air healthy and appealing. Without maintenance, you run the risk of hurting your HVAC system’s longevity and compromising air quality.

Annual routine maintenance for your AC includes coolant level checks and electrical system inspections. You can expect your technicians to look at thermostat calibration and do visual inspections, as well. By doing maintenance each year, you can avoid dealing with bigger problems later – or a poorly-timed unit breakdown.

5. Introduce a Ductless Solution

Ideal indoor moisture levels can be hard to achieve in all rooms of your Onalaska home. You may have an undersized or aging HVAC system. Or you may not have central air and ductwork that reaches all rooms.

That’s where a ductless system can be a solution. You can install them in particular rooms where the humidity levels are problematic. Think of ductless units as a way to spot-treat spaces that don’t seem to stay as comfortable.

Ultimately, a ductless unit can help you stay cooler on hot days in Texas. And although they are an added investment, you’ll be happy to get more functionality from your home.

6. Insulate Pipes

Pipes and ducts in your home are prone to developing condensation. These water droplets can trigger higher humidity levels, too, if you don’t take action. And this problem tends to become more pronounced on hot, humid days.

You can insulate pipes with foam, rubber, or fiberglass solutions. The insulation helps maintain warmth in the air around your pipes, preventing condensation. That, in turn, can help keep the humidity levels in check.

7. Keep Your Gutters Clean

You might be surprised that there’s another good reason to clean your gutters at least twice each year. When the Onalaska weather’s ideal, make a point of heading out to tackle this chore. You might just see better humidity levels as a result.

That’s because your gutters are likely full of water-soaked leaves and debris. If you don’t remove the debris, there’s always a chance the moisture can find a way inside your home. This can cause problems with mold and mildew, but the added moisture can also create more humid conditions.

Grab your ladder or hire a company to do the cleaning for you. You’ll help avoid leaks that can cause damage as well as higher humidity.

8. Avoid Appliances That Create Heat

Even if you’re craving brownies or pie in the middle of summer, you might want to wait. That’s because using an oven or other appliances can create more heat and humidity in your home. You’ll feel this even more if you live in a smaller home or have a smaller kitchen.

When you bake a few sheets of cookies, you’ll increase the humidity level in your oven with each new tray. Using your stovetop to boil water or cook just about anything contributes humidity to the air. Likewise, using dishwater can crank up humidity, as well.

Be mindful of when you use these appliances. Aim to limit their use on particularly hot Onalaska days. Or try to use them in the early mornings or evenings.

Maintain an Ideal Humidity Level

Keeping an ideal humidity level in your Onalaska home requires staying on top of HVAC maintenance and considering solutions like a dehumidifier or exhaust fan. Look into ductless units, as well. And plan on keeping your gutters clean, insulating pipes, and avoiding baking when the temperatures soar.

At Best Air Conditioning and Heating, we’ve been keeping East Texas homes cool and comfortable since 1983. Our skilled technicians can provide comprehensive HVAC solutions. Contact us today to learn more!

Did you know that the average hurricane season can cause serious disruptions to home cooling systems? And in a city like Point Blank, TX, where temperatures soar, an AC breakdown during a hurricane can be a major issue.

So making sure your AC is hurricane-ready is a must. Today, we’re taking a closer look into why an AC tune-up is more important than ever this season!

Why AC Tune-Up is Essential Before Hurricane Season

An AC tune-up is vital before hurricane season begins. Your air conditioning system works hard to keep your home cool. And this is especially true in the hot and humid climate of Point Blank, TX.

Without regular maintenance, your AC can lose efficiency and reliability. This can lead to potential failures when you need it most.

During a hurricane, the last thing you want is for your AC to break down. Regular tune-ups help prevent this by ensuring all components are in good working order.

An AC tune-up includes checking refrigerant levels, cleaning the coils, inspecting electrical connections, and ensuring the thermostat works correctly. These checks help your system run smoothly and efficiently, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns.

When a hurricane hits, power outages and fluctuations are common. A well-maintained AC is better equipped to handle these challenges without suffering damage.

Key Components 

Preparing your AC for hurricane season involves several key steps. First, a technician will check the refrigerant levels.

Low refrigerant can reduce cooling efficiency, making your system work harder than necessary. Keeping the refrigerant at optimal levels ensures your AC can handle the extra load during hot, stormy weather.

Next, cleaning the coils is vital. Dirty coils make it harder for your AC to transfer heat.

This can cause the system to overheat and fail. Regularly cleaning the coils helps maintain efficient operation and prevents overheating.

Inspecting electrical connections is another critical part of an AC tune-up. Loose or corroded connections can cause electrical faults, leading to system failures. Ensuring all connections are secure and in good condition helps prevent these issues.

The technician will also examine the thermostat. A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your AC to run improperly, either overcooling or not cooling enough. Calibrating the thermostat ensures accurate temperature control.

Checking and cleaning the air filters is also really important. Clogged filters restrict airflow, making your AC work harder and reducing its efficiency. 

Benefits of Regular AC Maintenance in Point Blank

Regular AC maintenance offers several benefits, especially in a place like Point Blank, TX. One of the main advantages is improved energy efficiency. When your AC system is well-maintained, it runs more smoothly and uses less energy.

This means lower utility bills, which is always a plus. Maintenance also extends the lifespan of your system. Regular tune-ups can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems, saving you money on costly repairs or replacements.

Another benefit is better air quality. Clean filters and coils help your AC system to circulate cleaner air throughout your home.

Regular AC maintenance also provides peace of mind. Knowing that your system has been checked and serviced by a professional gives you confidence that it will perform well. And this is so important during the intense conditions of hurricane season.

Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Your AC System

Preparing your AC system for hurricane season involves a few practical steps. First, secure your outdoor unit. High winds can cause debris to fly around, potentially damaging the unit.

Use a sturdy cover designed for AC units, or even plywood, to shield it from debris. Make sure it’s well-ventilated to avoid overheating.

Using surge protectors is another good idea. Hurricanes often cause power surges, which can damage your AC system’s electrical components. Installing a surge protector can help protect your system from these sudden spikes in power.

Preparing for power outages is also important. Hurricanes can knock out power for extended periods, so having a backup plan is wise.

A generator can keep your AC running, or at least provide some cooling relief if the main system goes down. Make sure your generator is in good working order and that you have enough fuel to last through the storm.

And check the drainage around your AC unit. Heavy rains can cause flooding, which might damage the unit.

Make sure water can drain away from the unit properly. Keep the area around your unit clear of leaves, dirt, and other debris. That will help maintain good drainage and protect your system from water damage.

Importance of Professional AC Service in Point Blank, TX

In Point Blank, TX, the weather can be extreme. So having a reliable AC system is vital. Professional technicians have the skills and knowledge to thoroughly inspect and tune up your AC.

They can identify potential problems that might not be obvious to a homeowner. By catching these issues early, they can prevent costly repairs or replacements down the line.

A professional service includes more than just a basic check-up. Technicians will clean and adjust components, ensuring everything is operating efficiently.

They can also provide advice on any upgrades or changes that might improve your system’s performance. This comprehensive approach ensures that your AC is ready to handle the demands of hurricane season.

Plus, professional services often come with guarantees or warranties. This means you have peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong, the service provider will take care of it. Regular professional maintenance can extend the life of your AC system, saving you money in the long run.

Choosing a local HVAC service in Point Blank, TX, means you’re getting someone familiar with the local climate and challenges.

AC Hurricane Readiness: The Importance of AC Service

Preparing your home for hurricane season in Point Blank, TX, includes ensuring your AC system is ready. An AC tune-up, professional maintenance, and backup solutions are key steps. 

Best Air Conditioning and Heating has served the Point Blank area for more than four decades. We’re family owned and operated, and our number one priority is to provide the best HVAC services. And to do it with a smile.

Get in touch today to find out how we can help with all your HVAC needs!

The usual lifespan for a central air conditioner is about 15 to 20 years. Without routine HVAC maintenance, however, it could break down. You may need AC emergency repair services sooner than expected.

Neglecting to request AC repair services can cause your energy bills to rise. Not sure if you need to call a technician? Read on to discover the signs it’s time to request services in Woodville, TX.

Constant Issues

Request HVAC maintenance if you’ve experienced multiple issues over a few months. Perhaps you’ve needed to repair or replace multiple components. Maybe your system constantly shuts down.

Each time your system stops working, it will try to reach your desired temperature. The system’s energy use will increase, leading to higher energy bills. 

If your air conditioner is regularly tripping the breaker, you may need AC repair services. Don’t try to fix your AC alone. Handle any necessary electrical work to a professional team.

Your HVAC system should maintain a routine cooling cycle, regardless of the weather outside. It shouldn’t cycle on and off constantly. This problem could indicate you need a new system. 

Trouble Cooling Your Home

Check the thermostat if warm air is blowing through the vents as spring temperatures rise. Confirm that your system is set to cooling mode. Set it lower than your home’s current temperature.

If the system is still producing warm air, there may be a problem with the compressor. Restricted airflow can also cause the system to blow out warm air.

Call for AC repair services right away. Otherwise, the unit’s energy efficiency will drop.

An experienced HVAC technician can assess your unit. Common reasons the unit is producing warm air include:

• Duct leakage
• Condenser issues
• Low refrigerant
• Leaking refrigerant
• Air duct blockages
• A sluggish fan
• Dirty coils
• A broken motor
• A clogged air filter

If you don’t schedule AC repair services, the unit will continue to push itself. Essential components may experience wear and tear. The entire unit could break down.

Before this happens, schedule routine HVAC maintenance. Request services in the fall or spring, before extreme temperatures roll in. You may struggle to get an appointment during the busier winter and summer months.

Routine maintenance will allow a technician to spot signs of wear and tear. They can replace parts and offer solutions before the unit breaks down. Systems that receive attention from professionals can last up to 40% longer.

Fluctuating Energy Costs

Compare your energy expenses from this month to the same time last year. Have your energy expenses increased year over year? There may be a problem with your HVAC unit.

If a component is worn down, the unit will work harder to produce cool air. It could push itself, leading to more broken components. In time, the entire system will break down. 

Talk to an experienced HVAC technician. They can recommend solutions to help improve your home’s energy efficiency.

They may recommend you switch to a new HVAC unit. Choose an ENERGY STAR-qualified system. You can reduce costs and avoid emitting greenhouse gasses. 

Even an old air filter can affect the unit’s energy efficiency. The unit will work harder to push air through the clogged filter. Your energy bills could rise.

It’s possible air is leaking into or out of your home. You may want to switch to energy-efficient windows or improve your home’s insulation. These changes can help reduce energy expenses.

Moisture and Mold

Your AC unit may cause mold growth if it doesn’t run during cold winter months. When the surrounding air gets cool, moisture will condense, causing mold. Once temperatures increase and you turn the system on, your AC will blow mold spores throughout your home.

Call an HVAC technician who can improve your home’s air quality. Breathing in mold spores could cause:

• Dizziness
• Asthmatic symptoms
• Skin irritation
• Postnasal drip
• Headaches
• Itchy, red eyes
• Stuffy or runny noses

Mold exposure can make asthma symptoms worse. You may experience shortness of breath, wheezing, or coughing. Consult a medical professional if you experience these symptoms. 

Your HVAC system should moderate moisture levels within your home. If it can’t keep levels at a comfortable range, you may need repair services. Your technician can recommend a dehumidifier to make your home more comfortable. 

Strange Sounds and Odors

You may notice your unit has started producing strange sounds. While it’s running, you may hear a clicking sound. This could indicate there’s an obstruction.

Clicking sounds from an outdoor unit that won’t turn on indicates an electrical problem. Allow a professional to assess the unit.

If you hear a bubbling or gurgling sound, it’s likely the condensate drain line. There may be a refrigerant leak, which can lead to additional problems.

A clanging or banging sound could indicate the outdoor unit’s fan is hitting something. Check for obstructions. The fan’s mount may be loose.

A squealing sound from the indoor unit usually means a fan belt problem. A damaged belt can cause the entire unit to stop working.

Metal-on-metal screening could mean the fan motor bearings are going out. A high-pitched hissing or screaming is likely coming from the compressor.

This sound indicates a high-pressure buildup. Turn off your system until a professional arrives. 

Strange smells could indicate mold growth. Bacteria can grow on the coil. Spores will spread throughout your home, affecting your health. 

Age

When was the last time you replaced your HVAC system? Remember, a unit typically lasts between 15 and 20 years. If your system is older than that, call an HVAC maintenance company. 

Don’t forget to schedule seasonal HVAC check-ups. An experienced technician can extend the lifespan of your unit. They can keep the system functioning properly and efficiently.

Request Woodville AC Emergency Services

Do any of these issues sound familiar? If so, request AC emergency services in Woodville right away. Don’t wait for the entire system to break down. 

Trust our team at Best Air Conditioning and Heating. We’ve served the Greater Lake Livingston, TX area since 1983.

We strive to provide you and your family the highest level of comfort. Our knowledgeable technicians are here to help. Contact us today to request emergency services. 

The holidays are just around the corner, bringing joyous sounds of merrymaking and Christmas carols. So, it can be unsettling if what you hear instead are “ghost-like” banging or whistling noises at home.

While you likely don’t have to worry about those noises being paranormal, you still need to investigate them. They could be coming from your furnace, signaling a heating system issue.

You don’t want a broken furnace, especially not with Texas possibly having an unseasonably cold and stormy winter this year.

So, in this guide, we’ll talk about normal and abnormal furnace noises and what they mean. We’ll also discuss the steps to take if you hear them and how to prevent them, so read on. 

Furnace Noises and What They Mean

You’ll usually hear a minor clicking or popping sound when you turn your furnace on for the first time.

The initial click is likely from your system’s ignitor. It can produce this sound as it lights the burner.

On the other hand, a few pops here and there can come from your system’s metal parts. They can result from the metal expanding as it heats up.

Those sounds should mellow down or disappear after a few minutes. You may then hear a dull thrumming as your system kicks into gear.

But if your furnace makes any of the following noises, take them as a sign of an abnormality. 

Repetitive Clicking

This sound often results from a furnace ignitor being unable to ignite or keep the pilot light lit. As a result, it will keep trying to do its job, hence the repetitive clicking.

The pilot light may fail to ignite if its tube is dirty or it doesn’t get enough gas. Not receiving enough gas could be due to a leaking or clogged gas line. 

Continuous or Loud Popping

Dirt and debris build-up in a furnace burner can cause continuous popping sounds. The particles themselves can produce these noises as they burn. Conversely, it could be due to the gas building up and then popping as it finally ignites.

Wheezing

If you, a loved one, or a friend has respiratory allergies, you likely know that these can cause wheezing. You may also be aware that this is often due to allergens and pollutants obstructing the airways.

But did you know that air contaminants can also make your furnace wheeze?

That usually occurs when filters get so dirty they already impede airflow. As a result, the furnace has to work harder to “suck” air in through the clogged filter. This difficulty getting air in can make it sound like it’s wheezing. 

Grinding or Scraping

These noises typically result from metal parts grinding against each other.

For example, dry and worn bearings can cause gears to rub against other metal parts. Another is a loose blower wheel scraping against its case.

Booming

As with loud popping sounds, booming noises can indicate dirty burners. However, it may also mean that there’s far more debris in the burners, causing more gas to build up. So when that vast amount of gas finally ignites, it can go “boom!”

Booming noises can also signal that your furnace’s heat exchanger has cracked. This is dangerous, as a cracked heat exchanger can leak toxic gases into your home. One of these is carbon monoxide (CO), which is poisonous and deadly. 

A cracked heat exchanger can cause booming noises as its damaged part contracts and expands.

Hissing or Whistling

If you hear this and a rotten egg-like stench permeates the air, you likely have a natural gas leak.

Natural gas, in its natural state, is colorless and odorless. For this reason, gas companies mix it with mercaptan, an odorant, to make it easier to detect. This is vital as natural gas leaks can cause poisoning, fires, and explosions. 

What to Do When You Hear Furnace Noises

Booming sounds that you suspect are from a cracked heat exchanger can be a heating emergency. The same goes for hissing/whistling accompanied by a rotten egg-like stench.

If you experience these symptoms, please switch your furnace and gas valve off ASAP. Then, quickly get everyone, including pets, to leave the house and open as many windows as possible, if you still can. Once you’re safe outside, call your gas company and a reputable HVAC company near you.

If your furnace is only wheezing, you can try to replace its air filter. If this doesn’t help, or your system makes other loud, weird noises, have an HVAC expert inspect your system. 

How to Keep Furnace Noise Down

The best way to keep your furnace from making a racket is through seasonal HVAC check-ups and tune-ups. These are comprehensive programs designed to maintain the peak performance of comfort systems.

For furnaces, a regular maintenance program includes the following:

• Thorough inspection and cleaning of the system
• Lubrication of all moving parts
• Checking and tightening all connections
• Adjusting the blower parts
• Testing electrical components and controls
• Confirming the heat exchanger’s state
• Replacing the air filter
• Calibrating the thermostat
• Checking the system’s overall efficiency and performance
• Monitoring carbon monoxide levels

As you can see, many of the steps above deal with the top causes of furnace noises. That’s why regular system maintenance can prevent them from happening in the first place.

Ideally, you’d want an HVAC expert to tune up your system every fall. This way, the pro can catch and address problems before the peak heating season. As a result, you and your loved ones can stay warm, cozy, and comfy throughout winter. 

Stop Those Furnace Noises

Now that you know more about furnace noises and what they mean, you can determine if your system is making normal or abnormal sounds.

If it’s the latter, try replacing the air filter first. If that doesn’t help, give us a shout here at Best Air Conditioning and Heating. We’ve been in business since 1983, proudly serving the Greater Lake Livingston, TX, and surrounding areas.

Contact us today for all your HVAC concerns, whether you need help with a noisy furnace or a tune-up. Our HVAC specialists can take care of it all.

Picture this: you switch on your heater on a freezing winter day, and nothing happens. What do you do?

If you’re like many Americans, you might be tempted to do nothing. Research suggests that fewer than half of us have an emergency fund, so the bill for those heating repairs may seem pretty unappealing. Given Texas’s mild winters, you might think it’s better to pocket the repair costs, at least for a few weeks. 

However, getting fast HVAC repairs can be more important than you might think. Delays can impact everything from your system’s lifespan to your health. If you’re reluctant to call a professional, let’s look at why you should consider it and what to watch out for.

Why You Need Heating Repairs Fast in Winter

There are two crucial reasons to get winter HVAC maintenance: preserving your wealth and your health.

Long-term Savings

We get it: HVAC repair costs can be expensive. Depending on the issue, you could end up spending anywhere from a hundred to a few thousand dollars. If you need a total system replacement, the bills can get even higher.

Because few of us enjoy paying for unexpected costs, it may be tempting to procrastinate your repairs. After all, if your unit is still providing some amount of heating, even if it’s unreliable or uneven, why not run it without calling for maintenance?

Avoid this temptation! If you neglect repairs, what starts as a minor issue may snowball into major headaches. You might have to shell out for higher energy costs and expensive breakdowns, all while your home remains uncomfortable to live in. It’s often far less expensive to get a repair now than it is to run your system into the ground and replace it later.

Health Benefits

Another common urge is to shut the heater off altogether. Winter temperatures here in Texas are often milder than they are in the rest of the country, so you might be tempted to think you can squeak by without an HVAC tune-up.

While this might not be an issue in late fall, it’s not a great idea once the temperatures drop in earnest. Research suggests that cold weather can be hazardous to your health for several reasons.

First, our blood vessels contract in cold weather, leading to increased blood pressure. This increases the risk of cardiac issues like heart attacks and strokes, especially for people with pre-existing heart conditions.

Cold air also affects our respiratory performance, irritating the airway and triggering coughing and breathing difficulties. This is even worse for anyone with conditions like allergies, asthma, or COPD.

Last, cold temperatures make it easier for certain viruses to spread, including both the flu and COVID-19.

Experts recommend keeping indoor temperatures at 64 degrees or higher for better health.

Common Winter HVAC Issues to Watch For

Breakdowns can happen any time of the year, but a few issues are more common than others. Here are some of the problems our team sees most often during winter repairs:

• Frozen or burst pipes or coils, especially after a severe freeze
• Uneven airflow or heating between rooms
• Malfunctioning thermostat
• Clogged or dirty heater filters
• Increased energy bills
• Low heat pump refrigerant
• Yellow or flickering pilot light in a gas-burning system
• Fouled fuel in an oil-fired system

It’s also crucial to mention that carbon monoxide is more of a risk during the winter months as well. If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector in your home or you haven’t checked your batteries recently, make sure to find and test one! This odorless gas is a major health hazard.

How to Avoid Emergency Heating Repairs

If you’re hoping to avoid last-minute HVAC winter repairs, there are a few things you can do to decrease your risk.

Take Your System for a Test Drive

The switch from mild to freezing can be sudden in the Point Blank area. To make sure your system is ready to go, do a furnace test drive before you need it. This ensures that you don’t first discover major problems when you start your system on a cold winter night!

During your test drive, do some DIY maintenance. Check for strange noises or smells, and look for signs of wear and tear. If you have a gas furnace, examine the color of the pilot light: you’ll want a blue flame.

Maintain Your Airflow

One key task for every homeowner’s to-do list should be checking the system’s airflow. A heater that can circulate air with ease will always perform better than a system that struggles. Better circulation can also decrease your risk of part failure or other repair issues.

To maintain proper airflow, change your filter once every 30-90 days or as recommended by your system manufacturer. Check the vents and registers in your home to be sure no furniture pieces have blocked them, and clear away any dust or debris. If you notice any leaky ducts, be sure to address them.

Improving your home’s insulation can help as well. Things like insulating your attic and basement or stopping drafts around your doors and windows can keep air inside where it belongs. This keeps your system from working so hard to heat your home.

Get Winter HVAC Maintenance

Professional maintenance keeps the repair bills away. If you want to be sure you won’t need a last-minute repair this winter, the best thing to do is schedule seasonal maintenance. An HVAC technician can check your system for any issues, lubricate moving parts, and inspect electrical components.

Get Fast Heating Maintenance and Repairs

The bottom line is that you should never wait for heating repairs or maintenance. Ensuring that your system is in good condition can extend its lifespan, ensure your comfort, preserve your health, and even help you save money.

If you’re hoping for fast, professional service from a team that Point Blank has trusted since 1983, Best Air Conditioning & Heating, LLC. is here to help. We know system breakdowns don’t always wait for a convenient moment, which is why we offer weekend service for your emergency repair needs. To schedule a heating repair with us, call (936) 213-5116 today.

If you get frequent use out of your heater the minute temperatures drop in the Corrigan area, you’re far from alone. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, space heating consumed more energy than any other household consumption in 2020, the most recent year studied. This energy expenditure costs the average U.S. household around $519 on average.

Are you getting the most bang for your buck?

No matter how your energy bills stack up against this average, a few optimization tricks may help lower your costs and raise your comfort. From HVAC preventative maintenance to thermostat setting tweaks to basic cleaning, here are a few ways to enhance your system’s performance this fall and beyond.

Do a Test-Drive

The last thing you should do is wait until the temperatures drop to turn your heater on for the first time. If any lingering issues prevent your heater from running as intended, you and your household may be uncomfortable and cold while you wait for repairs!

Instead, check your heating system long before you’ll need it. Engage your heater by raising the temperature on your thermostat. You should notice the system turn on and start working to match the temperature you’ve set.

If the system doesn’t come on, or if you notice that only room temperature or cool air blows, contact an HVAC technician.

Optimize Your Settings

In the warmer months, you’ve probably had your thermostat set to high temperatures during the day, especially during periods when no one’s home.

The start of fall is a good opportunity to revisit those settings. If you and your household have adopted a new schedule this season, such as a return to school after summer vacation, reprogram your thermostat’s schedule accordingly.

For your HVAC settings in the fall, experts recommend setting your thermostat between 70 and 78 degrees, depending on the weather. You should let your indoor temperature drop no further than 64 degrees for optimal health.

Check Your Air Filter

If you’ve been running your HVAC system often in the summer, your air filter has likely taken a beating. It may have accumulated a thick layer of dust, allergens, and other indoor pollutants.

This fall, start fresh by changing out that filter! You should change your filter at least once every 30 to 60 days. Even if you don’t always make the switch, you still should check for a buildup of grime at least that often.

Opt for a thick filter with high performance ratings, especially if you have pets or if anyone in your home has a respiratory condition.

Clean Your Outdoor Unit

Heavy summer storms are common in this part of Texas, and they can wreak havoc on the outdoor unit of your HVAC system.

Mud, debris, and stray leaves can build up on the surface of your unit. Heavy rain can sometimes shift the ground beneath the system, causing it to become uneven. Dirt and debris can also clog the system’s drain line, which can lead to water backups inside your home or other issues within the system.

Even after summers with mild weather, plants and shrubbery around your unit may interfere with its performance. This subtle growth can be hard to notice, but you should make a point of cutting down any nearby tree limbs and removing plant matter from your unit each fall. This ensures that your system has the airflow it needs to heat your home.

If you notice dirt lodged inside the system itself, you may want to contact an HVAC expert. Though you can sometimes remove a system’s grills or casing to do an internal cleaning on your own, the wrong method can cause damage or even void your warranty. Consider leaving this task to a pro.

Optimize Your Airflow

One crucial part of HVAC optimization is improving your home’s airflow. This boosts your energy efficiency and ensures that your system doesn’t have to work as hard to regulate your indoor temperatures.

To do this, vacuum and clean the vents and registers throughout your home. Make sure no furniture or other objects are blocking them.

You should also check for leaky air ducts, especially in basements and crawlspaces that have little insulation. If you notice leaks, contact a professional to patch them.

Don’t forget to make sure your air stays inside your home where it belongs! Insulate your windows and doors with tools like caulk, weatherstripping, and door drafts. If you want to be thorough, consider getting a professional home energy audit to look for areas where you can improve your energy efficiency.

Get a Heating Tune-Up

Regular HVAC maintenance from a pro can keep your HVAC system at peak operating efficiency. This means you’ll consume less energy heating your home, which in turn can decrease your energy bills.

In addition, an HVAC inspection gives technicians a chance to look for wear and tear, damage, and other small issues that might snowball into major headaches if left unchecked. By catching these red flags early, your HVAC contractor can keep your system running for longer. They may even be able to lower your risk of expensive repairs in the future or increase the lifespan of your system!

In the present, expert heating tune-ups translate to better home comfort. Because your HVAC technician will help address hot or cold spots to provide more even cooling, you’ll enjoy comfortable temperatures in every room of your home.

Start Your HVAC Preventative Maintenance Today

Whether you want to save on heating costs or boost your home’s comfort, HVAC preventative maintenance can help. Setting aside time to optimize your heating system before you need it can even ensure that it’s ready to go during the first cold snap of the year! Start working through the tips above today to prepare your household.

As you start optimizing your heating system, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experienced team at Best Air and Heating for help. We service all HVAC makes and models, and we’ve been proudly serving customers throughout East Texas since 1983. Call us at (936) 213-5116 for all your heating maintenance needs!

Fall’s coming up, and with it a long list of tasks every homeowner needs to tackle. Cleaning gutters, draining water heaters, and replacing fire alarm batteries. Unfortunately, you might be missing one big item on your list: HVAC maintenance.

In Woodville, TX, many residents switch on their heating for the first time, only to discover it’s struggling – or not working. They call for help from their local HVAC company, only to discover there’s a long backlog of people in a similar situation. They wouldn’t be in this situation if they’d just handled this all sooner. 

You need HVAC checkups on a yearly basis. Join us as we discuss the value of HVAC maintenance in the fall.

HVAC Maintenance Prevents Costly Repairs

Like any machine, your HVAC system requires regular maintenance as components begin to wear down and eventually break. Big breakdowns always show warning signs before they happen.

Take, for example, if your heat pump starts to fail. It may only require a simple fix to get it back up and running. Delay that fix, though, and you might be in for a bigger, more intensive repair costing up to $1,000. 

So, mark your calendar for an HVAC company to drop by. Have them take a look at your heating system from root to stem. Fixing minor issues now will likely prevent larger ones later. 

It Lowers Utility Bills

Prevention is only one of the many benefits that come with HVAC checkups. Every system requires a regular tune-up. An efficient HVAC system is one that has all its nuts and bolts tight.

Take, for example, vent air filters. Their fibers gather up the dirt and gunk that tries to come in from outside. They lock these contaminants down between multiple layers, keeping them out of your lungs.

Fail to replace a filter on a timely schedule, and said contaminants start to seep into your home. Replace your filters regularly.  It’s a good rule of thumb to do so approximately once every 3 to 6 months. 

Air quality isn’t the only issue. Clogged filters reduce airflow, forcing the system to work harder. The fans need to run faster, and the compressor gets hotter. 

A harder-working system naturally drives up your utility bill, even if you set the same temperature as usual. Swapping filters and making other tune-ups keeps your utility bill in check. 

It Improves Air Quality

We mentioned how an old filter can ruin your overall air quality. That’s only the tip of the iceberg in terms of clean, easy-to-breathe air. 

Another factor is the vents and ducts. These, like filters, gather up dust, pet dander, mold spores, and viruses. Once beyond the filter, they pose a genuine threat to your air quality. 

Cool-weather is the time you’re most likely to get sick. Your immunity response drops by half in tandem with the temperature. That flu bug that you might have shrugged off in the summertime could now keep you in bed come winter.

Think about how much more time you spend inside once winter rolls around. Fail to swap filters, and a year’s worth of outside dust will be sharing those cozy, cold evenings with you!

Schedule your HVAC maintenance now and improve your air quality. Enjoy a clean, easy-breathing winter by dealing with HVAC issues in the fall.

It Allows for Needed Upgrades

Replacing your HVAC system will cost an arm and a leg. Air conditioners and furnaces are not cheap. Instead, you can get worthwhile gains by making small upgrades here or there to your system.

For example, the thermostat. It’s a small device, often overlooked despite how much power it wields over your system. It’s not always obvious when you could benefit from a new one. 

Replacing the thermostat could easily result in massive performance and efficiency gains. You might want a smart thermostat to save energy, especially once you see those winter bills.

The thermostat is only the beginning. Dozens of small changes, tweaks, and replacements can make your old HVAC system punch above its weight. 

Sadly, there’s no way to avail of these upgrades without HVAC maintenance. Schedule your checkup appointments before everyone else gets the same idea.

It Extends the Lifespan of Your System

HVAC systems are very much like cars. They can run smoothly for decades if you treat them right, but they’re not immortal. They’ll need complete replacement eventually.

Basic maintenance on a regular schedule delays those big, costly replacements that inevitably come one day. It keeps the system, as a whole, in better shape in the meantime.

Letting things fall apart and accrue damage creates a ripple effect. Dirty coils, as one example, get hotter during operation, cooking nearby components to above-average temperatures. This causes small, unseen degradation over the course of years that is hard to quantify.

You wouldn’t dare leave your car without an oil change at least once per 3,000 miles. So why would you leave your HVAC system without its needed “oil change” each fall? Remedy that problem today with HVAC maintenance.

It Gives You Peace of Mind

All of these reasons are great, but the best of the bunch is peace of mind. Procrastination leads to weeks and months of anxiety. An uncompleted task lingers in the back of your head, keeping you from living life to the fullest.

Autumn is full of some of the most important celebrations of the year. Halloween and Thanksgiving, to name just two on the list. Would you rather kick back during these festivities or stress out about putting off what needs doing?

A lot of HVAC systems have some sort of breakdown during the colder seasons. Many an HVAC company gets a flood of repair requests as a result. When they’re bogged down, which means you have to wait even longer in the cold.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance Today

HVAC maintenance needs to be at the top of your fall to-do checklist. With the help of your trusty local technician, you can prevent costly repairs and get your system running efficiently. At the very least, you’ll get the peace of mind of knowing everything is in order. 

Best Air Conditioning and Heating is your friend, whether you’re in Woodville or the surrounding area. Check our list of service cities and schedule your HVAC maintenance today. 

A home’s furnace is going to last somewhere between 15 and 20 years in most cases. But you might not be able to get that much life out of the furnace in your home if you don’t take furnace maintenance seriously enough.

While living in Corrigan, TX, you might be under the impression that you’ll only need to worry about doing air conditioner maintenance to avoid AC problems. This kind of maintenance can help you eliminate the need for AC repair services.

But it can get cold in Corrigan, TX at certain times of the year. So in addition to doing AC maintenance, you’ll also need to get into the habit of doing furnace maintenance from time to time.

Today, we’re going to talk to you about everything you need to know about furnace maintenance in Corrigan, TX. Find out more about it below.

What Is Furnace Maintenace?

Your home’s furnace is a very complex piece of equipment filled with all kinds of different parts. In order to keep your furnace up and running, you will need to work to maintain these parts so that they don’t break down on you.

Furnace maintenance is a process that involves providing the proper maintenance to a furnace to ensure that it’s ready to produce the warm air that your home needs. You will want to make maintaining a furnace a top priority to avoid unnecessary issues with your home’s heating system.

What Are the Steps Included in Furnace Maintenance?

There are a bunch of different things that will need to be done during furnace maintenance. If you skip any of the necessary steps, it could lead to furnace problems down the line.

Here are some of the steps that you’ll need to work your way through while doing furnace maintenance in Corrigan, TX:

• Replacing a furnace filter
• Removing dust and other debris from inside a furnace
• Making sure the pilot light in the furnace is on
• Cleaning the vents for a furnace
• Listening out for any strange sounds from a furnace

Generally speaking, it shouldn’t take too long for furnace maintenance to be performed. But that doesn’t mean you should rush through the process. You’ll want to take your time to ensure that every aspect of a furnace is working as intended.

When Should Furnace Maintenance Take Place?

There is some debate over whether Corrigan, TX homeowners should do furnace maintenance at the beginning or end of the winter season. You’re free to do it at either time, but it’s usually a better idea to do it right before you know you’re about to start using your furnace.

If you maintain your furnace at the start of the winter, your furnace will be ready to roll when you need it. You shouldn’t have to worry about it not starting up when the temperature begins to drop.

How Often Should You Do Furnace Maintenance?

Unfortunately, there are some homeowners who will only get around to doing furnace maintenance in Corrigan, TX once every few years. They’re doing a huge disservice to their furnaces by taking this approach to maintaining them.

You should attempt to do furnace maintenance at least once each year. You should also try to tackle AC maintenance once each year, too, so that your home’s heating and cooling system is always in tip-top shape.

Should You Do Furnace Maintenance on Your Own?

There are some furnace maintenance steps that you might want to take on your own. For example, it’s easy enough to replace your furnace filter, which is why you should do this yourself. You should also replace your furnace filter yourself every three months or so to keep the air in your home clean.

Outside of doing that, though, you should turn to the professionals for help when it comes to doing furnace maintenance in Corrigan. Rather than opening up your furnace and poking around it, you should bring an HVAC pro in to handle the job.

An HVAC company will be able to pinpoint any problems that might be going on with your furnace. They’ll also be able to give you a better indication of which potential issues you might want to look out for in the coming months and years.

Who Should You Hire to Help You With Furnace Maintenance?

While it’s a great idea to hire an HVAC company to assist you with furnace maintenance, you don’t want to bring just any company on board. You should search for an experienced HVAC company that has a wonderful reputation within your community.

By allowing an HVAC company like this to work on your home’s furnace, you’ll know that it’s going to be in good hands. You’ll also be able to forge a great relationship with this company so that you know who to call on when you need furnace and AC repair services.

What Will Happen If You Don’t Take Care of Furnace Maintenance?

If you don’t take the time to maintain your home’s furnace, you will often have to spend more money making repairs to it over the life of your furnace. You also might find that you’ll need to replace your furnace ahead of schedule due to a lack of maintenance.

For these reasons, you shouldn’t ever put off doing furnace maintenance in Corrigan, TX. By maintaining your furnace, you’ll be able to keep it around for a much longer time. You’ll also sleep better at night knowing your furnace isn’t going to suddenly give out on you.

Contact Us for All Your Furnace Maintenance Needs in Corrigan, TX

Is it time for you to perform furnace maintenance in your home? If so, we would love to lend a hand to you.

We specialize in providing furnace maintenance in Corrigan, TX as well as many of the surrounding areas, including Livingston, Point Blank, Cold Spring, Woodville, and Onalaska. We can come to your home soon to take a look at your furnace and get it ready for the colder winter months.

Contact us now to schedule an appointment.

There is no such thing as a free lunch. There is no such thing as free electricity, either. 31% of American households encounter difficulty with paying their energy bills.

Even if you can pay your bills, you are going to have a high electric bill sooner rather than later. Don’t panic. You can perform your own energy audit to see what is driving your bills up.

What are the most common causes of a high energy bill? Why do appliances use energy when you are not using them? How can you improve your AC system so you aren’t using energy?

Answer these questions and you can cut your energy bill down to a manageable size. Here is your quick guide.

Vampire Appliances

Vampire appliances are devices that use power while they are plugged in. You may think the appliances are off or idle. Yet they continue to suck in electricity, contributing to your high energy usage.

Vampire appliances include DVRs, televisions, and desktop computers. When you switch these devices off, they transition to standby mode. During this mode, they continue to use power until you unplug them.

High-Energy Appliances

Dishwashers and washing machines do turn off when you switch them off. But while they are running, they use a lot of power.

Someone may make the problem worse by running their machines when they don’t need to. They could handwash their dishes, but they instead run their dishwasher.

Device Charging

Cell phones, tablet computers, and portable game systems all require constant charging. They use power while they are off, and they do not have long battery lives. This means that you have to leave your devices plugged in for many hours and run your electric bill up.

Heating and Cooling Systems

41.7% of home energy use goes toward space and water heating and cooling. Some of this energy use is necessary. An area like Point Blank, TX can be rather hot in the summer!

But a lot of people leave their AC units on while they are out of the house. This can send an electric bill high while providing no benefit to consumers.

It can also create AC problems that require extensive repairs. You should be conscious of the signs that you need repairs and you should contact a Cold Spring, TX technician as soon as possible.

Poor Insulation

Even if you have a good heating and cooling system, you may not have good insulation. Thin walls that do not contain thermal materials may allow hot air to escape. You have to spend more money and electricity on heating your home because so much heat is leaving your home.

The Main Causes for a High Electric Bill

A high electric bill comes from a few different places. Vampire appliances suck in power while you are not using them. Unplug these devices.

High-energy appliances use up a lot of power while they are running. Most of your devices need to stay plugged in to have a charge. Be conservative about using these appliances.

Your AC system may remain in operation while you are away. You should shut it off and install insulation.

Get help to keep your energy expenses down. Best Air Conditioning & Heating, LLC. serves the Livingston, TX area. Contact us today.

The highest temperature ever recorded in Texas was in Ward County, Texas, near Odessa. Temperatures hit an all-time high of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. 

While most temperatures never get close to being that high, if your HVAC breaks or malfunctions in the summertime, it can certainly feel much hotter than that, especially in places like Livingston, Coldspring, and Moscow, Texas.

HVAC problems are a serious issue, but some can be prevented with proper care and maintenance. 

Here are 5 of the most common HVAC problems that happen in the summer, plus tips on what to do about them. 

1. Clogged Filter

Clogged filters are among the most common HVAC problems, especially in the summertime when your A/C is working overtime to keep you cool. Check your air filter if you think this might be your issue. 

If it’s dirty, it is preventing proper airflow from circulating within your HVAC system. This often leads to the coils freezing and causing your A/C to stop working. A simple change of air filter early on can prevent a frozen coil. 

2. Clogged Drain Line

If it’s not a clogged filter, another reason you are having HVAC problems in the summer could be a clogged drain line. If the drain line gets clogged with dust or dirt from the air in your home, it can turn into mildew over time. 

This clogs the drain line and prevents your HVAC from working efficiently. Use a wet vacuum to clear this clogged drain line. 

3. Malfunctioning Thermostat

Your HVAC problems could be coming from your thermostat. Your HVAC system might keep running and running because it hasn’t been given the signal that it has reached the desired temperature by your thermostat.

This overuse can cause wear and tear and a broken HVAC over time. Call an HVAC professional if you think this is the case. 

4. Low Refrigerant Levels 

Refrigerant is a fluid in your HVA that helps to maintain proper temperatures within your home. Failure to maintain consistent temperatures could mean that you might have a refrigerant leak.

To fix this issue, you should call an HVAC professional. Not only is refrigerant a chemical regulated by the EPA, but the HVAC pro can fix the source of the leak so that you don’t keep leaking over time. 

5. Circuit Breaker is Tripping

Your HVAC problems might not have to do with your HVAC at all. The culprit might be your circuit breaker keeps tripping, which prevents the A/C from running effectively. 

Need More Solutions for Your Common HVAC Problems?

HVAC problems can be a nuisance at best and become a major health concern at worst. It is critical that you fix air conditioning problems as soon as possible, especially if you live north of Houston in the summertime. 

If you need an HVAC repair, be sure to call a reputable and trusted HVAC company like Best Air Conditioning & Heating in Texas. Family-owned and operated since 1983, we provide high-quality HVAC service appointments in case of your HVAC problems. 

If your A/C is on the fritz, reach out and call us today to request an appointment or estimate.