Most people dread paying their energy bills each month, especially during the summer. The average electric bill costs approximately $115.49 each month in the United States. 

Due to the high temperatures, these costs can be far more expensive in places like Cold Spring, Texas. 

Therefore, you must conserve energy to save money on your electric bill each summer. 

Learning how to cool your home efficiently also plays a part in your expenses. So keep reading if you’re worried about the cost of your summer electric bill this year. 

Insulation 

Insulation plays a massive role in maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home. It works as a barrier to keep heat out during summer and heat in during winter. 

As temperatures are harder to maintain without proper insulation, your air conditioner works harder to cool your home. Installing adequate insulation can make summers easier on your HVAC system overall. This installation will also lengthen its lifespan and lessen the need for repairs.

Insulation will keep cool air inside longer, keeping your air conditioner from overrunning. The more your cooling system runs, the higher your electricity bill becomes. 

Monitor Weather

East Texas is known for having unpredictable weather patterns. Conditions can change quickly, making it difficult for HVAC systems to adapt. This difficulty is due to drastic temperature and humidity changes. 

Your HVAC system can use lots of energy while working to reach a comfortable temperature. Air conditioners or heaters will often constantly run until the desired temperature is met. This will cause your energy costs to rise significantly. 

The best way to battle these costs is to monitor the weather often. Change your HVAC settings before the temperature changes, giving your system time to adjust. 

Update Appliances

Many people think they are saving money by using older appliances and not buying new ones. Unfortunately, older devices may use more energy and are not efficient. You can save more money by investing in new machines. 

A high electric bill can benefit from modern appliances since they use less electricity. Energy Star certified appliances are the best option for those wanting a lower electric bill. This certification also helps the environment by providing sustainable energy consumption. 

Shut Things Off 

Most people use electricity with lighting, electronics, and appliances throughout the day. However, some users forget to shut things off after use. This thoughtlessness can cause your electricity bill to increase if done often. 

Always turn things off as soon as you’re done using them. These savings will add up and result in a lower electric bill as time goes on. 

Vampire Appliances

Vampire appliances are devices that still use energy when plugged in and are not in direct use. These devices create wasted energy that adds up on your monthly bill. For example, coffee pots, microwaves, game consoles, etc., are all considered vampire appliances. 

You can reduce your electric bill by unplugging these devices after use. This may seem like a hassle, but it can save you lots of money throughout the year. 

Clean Obstructed AC Units

It’s no secret that AC units take up large amounts of energy during the summer. Therefore, you always want your HVAC system to be working efficiently. Many homeowners neglect these systems, ending up with dirty or obstructed ventilation. 

Cleaning your system is beneficial for energy use and your health. A dirty system can blow particles into your home, making breathing conditions unhealthy.

AC vents often get obstructed within many homes, and furniture is usually the leading cause. Placing anything in front of a vent causes your AC to work in overdrive to provide a cool environment. This will then cause your electric bill to increase until the obstruction is removed. 

Use Ceiling Fans

AC units are great for cooling the entire home but are not efficient. Instead, you can lower energy bills by using ceiling fans. Ceiling fans are great for those that spend most of their time in a few rooms and not the whole house. 

Ceiling fans will move the air in the room, making it feel cooler overall. These fans are great for those that live in East Texas due to the cooler air in the evenings. Ceiling fans and this environment can reduce your need for air conditioning.

Change to LED Bulbs

Changing to LED light bulbs is a great way to conserve energy. LED bulbs use significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs and still create the same lighting. As less energy is used throughout your home, your electric bill will reduce. 

LED bulbs also last much longer than incandescent bulbs, meaning you won’t have to change bulbs out near as often. This change can save you money since LED bulbs can last up to 100,000 hours more than incandescents. 

Smart Thermostat

Traditional thermostats rely on you to manually input the desired temperature and change it when required. This can waste energy when you’re not home if the AC runs without being needed. 

A smart thermostat can save you money on your monthly electric bills. These thermostats gather information and make adjustments to cool your home. You do not need to make any inputs as it automatically adjusts based on your needs. 

Lower Your Electric Bill This Summer

These recommendations will help reduce your electric bill during summer and save more money. Conserving energy helps you financially and helps create a cleaner environment. 

Don’t forget to contact us today if you’re located in the Cold Spring area! Best Air Conditioning and Heating will help with your cooling needs this summer.

Did you know the air conditioning and heating service industry is worth $120 billion?

With so many options to choose from on the market, knowing which contractor to trust with your HVAC unit can feel impossible. Luckily, our guide is here to help you out with a few things to look out for when you’re searching for a contractor.

Read on to learn more.

Licensed and Insured

The first (and most important) thing to verify is that the contractor is both licensed and insured.

Licensing is crucial because it’s how you know they’re trustworthy when it comes to doing work on your home and its equipment. It’s also required by law in some states.

Insurance is also required by law in a lot of areas, and it has to be a certain type of insurance (along with worker’s compensation). Sometimes, you can find a copy of both these things on their website, but if you can’t then be sure to ask. If they’re not properly insured and an injury occurs on your property, you could be held liable.

Experience

Most contractors will keep a copy of their portfolio on their website so you can see the work they’ve done, or they’ll be open about just how much experience they have in the field. If they’re not upfront about this part, then it’s best to turn to another contractor.

You should also be able to find a portfolio and customer reviews either on the contractor’s website or on their Google listing.

Free Quotes

Finally, do they offer free quotes? Most AC services do, which is why it’s a great idea to get several before deciding on one, but not all of them. If the quote isn’t free, be sure to ask why.

You want to be extra sure that this AC service isn’t going to charge you extra or unnecessary fees, which is why looking into those that do charge for a service that’s usually free can be helpful in your search.

How’s the Warranty?

Lastly, you want to verify the contractor’s warranty when it comes to their units. Things like free maintenance or free repairs when you purchase a new unit are common with most AC services. How long they last are going to depend on having a reliable warranty that protects you in the event that something goes wrong is crucial when you’re researching contractors.

Some HVAC technicians even offer to finance when you purchase a new unit with them, which is another great plus.

Ready to Find the Best Air Conditioning and Heating Service

Now that we’ve gone over a few of the best tips for finding a great air conditioning and heating service in your area, it’s time for you to get started. Whether you’re purchasing a new unit or you’re just looking for someone to service the one you already have, finding a reliable contractor in your area is crucial for any homeowner.

Whether you live in Livingston, Point Blank, Cold Spring, Woodville, Corrigan, Onalaska, we can help you out. Contact us today to get started.

Homeowners spend $29 billion per year on electricity for their AC units. When the air conditioner starts malfunctioning, it can cost homeowners, even more, to replace or repair. Even though an air conditioner can last 10-15 years, at some point, it’ll stop working.

There are signs your air conditioner needs to be replaced, but what are they? How do you know whether you need an air conditioner repair person, or a new system altogether? 

If you’re confused about what to do to keep your AC running, here are five signs you need an air conditioner replacement. 

1. No Cold Air

Your AC not blowing cold air is a key sign that something is up. While it may be a simple as replacing parts, that’s not always the case. If you believe you’ve done everything possible to get cold air to blow, you should call an air conditioner replacement service. 

The same is true if you feel little air blowing out of the vent. Your AC is working properly when air is blowing at a normal speed. If you notice a lack in airspeed, call a professional to have it serviced. 

2. Age

AC units that are more than 15 years old should be replaced. 15 years is the average age that air conditioners will last, and some even last less than that. If your AC unit makes it to age 10, you should start planning for a replacement in the next few years, because you’ll likely start experiencing frequent repairs. 

3. Condensation

Excessive condensation on your AC unit isn’t normal. Normal amounts of condensation are expected, but pools or puddles of condensation or refrigerant signify that something might be broken or irreplaceable. Not only is there a possibility that your unit might need replacing, but the refrigerant leak is toxic and needs to be addressed immediately. 

4. Sounds and Smells

AC units do make humming noises, but these noises should not be strange or out of the ordinary to you. Loud noises like rattling, banging, clanging, or thumping are not normal noises and may indicate a larger problem. 

Smells and odors are also a sign of problems with your air conditioning. An AC unit shouldn’t omit any real smell, but a smokey or burning odor is a dangerous smell. You should call an Air conditioning and heating services professional as soon as you notice the smell. 

5. Higher-Than-Normal Energy Bills

While your energy bill should be higher in the summertime, you should not experience spikes in your usage, especially if there’s been no change in how you use your AC. High energy bills can point to problems with your unit, whether it’s needed repairs or replacing altogether.

If your bill is significantly higher, and you’ve already addressed the problem with the energy company, try an AC service.

These Are Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs to be Replaced

While the signs your air conditioner needs to be replaced are not always clear, these signs do point to problems within the unit. Your best bet is to call your local and trusted AC repair company to give you a recommendation. 

If you need an expert to take a look at your AC, call our professionals. We service Livingston, Point Blank, Cold Spring, Woodville, Corrigan, and Onalaska, TX. Contact us today for a diagnosis for your air conditioner.

The thermostat temperature that you run in your home on a daily basis should get a bit of a shakeup when you decide to take an extended travel break. While there are certain things you can do to help regulate the temperature aside from making adjustments on the HVAC itself, you’ll definitely need to do things differently.

In this article, we explore how to tell what the ideal temperature is for you and your home. Let’s begin! 

Consider How Long You Will Be Gone

When pondering what temperature to set the thermostat when on vacation, you have to first consider the trip itself. How long will you be gone? 

If you’re like the average American, it will be for around four days. Then again, you might choose to take all of your vacation time at once. 

All such decisions have a bearing on the temperature you choose. You can end up using more energy trying to get your home regulated to its core temperature upon your return. The longer you’re away, the worse the problem.

Factor In Seasonal Temperatures

Your AC temperature while on vacation will vary depending on whether you’re in the middle of a hot or cold cycle. Livingston runs, on average, from a high of 78 degrees to a low of 57 (Fahrenheit). 

Your home’s HVAC system may not need a lot of adjustment if you’re on the low end. On the high end, you might need to take steps to ensure the temperature doesn’t get too high while you’re away.

This decision will vary by whatever season you’re traveling. Find the sweet spot by starting before your vacation. Experiment by setting the thermostat at a temperature you know won’t cut on, then see what the temperature is when you get home from work.

Who Is Watching Your Home

The best temperature to set a thermostat in summer (when most people head out on their vacations), is contingent on whether anyone will be there to watch your home. For example, you might choose to leave the dogs at home and hire a housesitter. 

In this case, you’ll want to keep the temperature at around its normal level. If it’s just an empty house, then experiment with the extremes and keep your home at around 80 degrees.

Aging Pipes Or Other Infrastructure

The best temperature to set a thermostat in winter could be contingent on the infrastructure of your home, particularly the pipes. If pipes stay too cold for too long, they could burst, causing damage to the interior of your home as well as the need for an expensive plumbing project. 

If you’re going to be gone during the winter for four or more days, try to keep things warm enough to prevent pipe bursting. We recommend not going any lower than 63 degrees. 

Your HVAC System

The thermostat temperature range you select also could be adjustable based on the type of thermostat that you have. Smart thermometers, for example, are highly customizable and can keep temperatures at different settings depending on need.

Older HVAC systems, especially those in need of a replacement soon, can be more subject to malfunctioning. That’s especially true when they’re not getting used regularly.

Thermostat Temperature Settings Are Important When Traveling

The thermostat temperature you choose should be considered carefully. Reach your decision after you weigh in factors like HVAC system, geographical location, and the existing infrastructure of the home. 

Wondering if your system is in shape for an extended trip? Why not contact Best Air Conditioning & Heating today for a checkup and to discuss any concerns you may have? We’re here to help! 

Temperatures are on the rise in Texas, and by 2036, the average annual temperature is expected to rise three degrees. Our HVAC system keeps us cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It’s more important than ever with climate change affecting temperatures.

Do you know what signs to look for when you suspect a damaged HVAC system? Here are some of the most common red flags, so you can call an HVAC company for repair before it’s too late.

1. Warm Air From the Vents

An air conditioner blowing warm air rather than cold can indicate a refrigerant leak or broken compressor. This is one of the most obvious signs your HVAC system needs repairs, and it’s easy to check.

Obviously, your AC unit isn’t doing its job when it’s blowing warm air. You need to call a heating and cooling expert to come take a look and pinpoint the issue.

2. You’re Less Comfortable Inside

Stepping into the house on a warm day should offer you relief, but a house that doesn’t get cool is nothing but unpleasant. If it feels hot inside and your thermostat is set and working correctly, it could be your cooling system.

Additionally, you might notice spots in your home that are too warm or too cold, indicating improper circulation throughout the house.

3. Your System Turns on and off Repeatedly

If your system keeps cycling on and off when it shouldn’t, this is often an indicator it’s working too hard, and there’s an underlying problem.

It could be a thermostat issue. Sometimes, replacing an older thermostat helps. A heating and cooling expert can come and take a look at your system and determine the reason it keeps turning on and off.

4. Repairs Cost More Than a New System

At some point, you might realize the repairs to your HVAC cost more than installing a new system. Is your heating system or air conditioner more than ten years old? Older units require more repairs, and if it’s past their expected lifespan, it’s time to replace it.

The upside is that newer systems are more efficient, which might help to lower your energy bills. In any case, it will lower your maintenance and repair bills. Newer systems also have additional features that help you save more money.

5. You Notice Leaks

There are a few reasons that your HVAC system starts leaking. It could be a damaged condenser unit or a damaged drain tube. It could also be a refrigerant leak.

Refrigerant leaks can cause health issues, which is why you should contact a heating and cooling company as soon as you notice this problem.

HVAC System Repairs in Livingston, TX

Any of these signs can snowball into a much bigger problem if left alone. Make sure you call your heating and cooling experts as soon as you notice something wrong with your HVAC system.

Best Air Conditioning and Heating has been serving the residents in Livingston, TX and the surrounding areas since 1983. We’re family-owned and operated, and we promise to help keep your home comfortable year-round. Request an appointment or get an estimate today.

During the hottest months of the year, the last thing you want to encounter is issues with your air conditioner. The good news is a lot of common problems with AC units can be fixed by the homeowner. HVAC technicians are in high demand, so you may want to self-diagnose the problem to see if it’s a quick fix. Things like air filters and batteries for the thermostat you can do yourself. But what do you do when the air from the AC smell?

You know, damp, musty smells or even burning odors.

Keep reading to learn when AC odors, leaks, and other HVAC issues can lead to severe issues.

Does Your AC Smell?

If you haven’t turned on your AC in a while, it could emit an odor when booting up. This is typically no cause for concern, especially if the odor quickly fades. However, if you’re running your AC regularly and suddenly smell something, it’s time to take a look.

An AC smell could be a warning sign that something is wrong with the unit. Detecting HVAC problems early can save you money down the road on AC repairs.

Is Something Burning?

An important odor to pay attention to is burning smells. There are times when an AC emits fumes that make it seem as though the AC may be on fire.

If the odor fades, it is probably the heat from the unit burning dust.

Prolonged burning smells could be a warning sign that something is malfunctioning in the unit. Faulty wiring or failing compressors or fans could be the culprit.

Condensation Leaks

Are you getting a smell from your AC unit that smells damp and moldy? This may be the result of a condensation leak. It also means water from the AC is accumulating somewhere.

Check your drain line that leads outdoors for sediment buildup causing a blockage. If there is, clear the blockage and determine what’s causing the problem.

Condensation leaks can end up in the crawl space or behind walls. Left unattended, it can lead to mold and foul odors.

Chemical Smells

Chemical smells and AC smells are not always related. Sometimes it is as simple as having chemicals too close to the AC unit. These items need to be correctly stored.

A Chemical small from the AC unit is cause for concern. Homeowners may not know what does freon smells like. Nor can they detect chemical smells from the AC.

Whether it is a chemical or smells like gas, you should turn off the unit and call an HVAC technician.

Is It Time to Call an HVAC Tech?

Once you pinpoint the cause of an AC smell or leak, contact an HVAC company if you can’t fix the problem. The last thing you want to do is cause additional damage. Leaving the matter unattended could lead to more significant issues.

If you’re in the Livingston, Texas, area, we have you covered. Contact us now or text (936) 213-5116 for all of your air conditioning repair needs.

Are you wondering, “why does my AC smell bad?”

Air conditioners can get a little smelly. And three-quarters of homes in the United States have air conditioners, so that’s a lot of smells out there!

But don’t worry. You don’t have to live with a smelly air conditioner for the rest of your life. Read on for our guide to identifying AC smells and how to fix them.

1. Clean It Out

If your AC smells bad and you’re not sure why, try cleaning it. You need to be regularly cleaning your air conditioner. Otherwise, dirt and mold can build up, which is one way that unfortunate smells can happen.

This is especially important during humid summers in East Texas, where your air conditioner can fill up with water even faster.

Clean out any filters in your air conditioner regularly, to prevent issues like mold or buildup.

2. It’s Broken

If the smell coming from your air conditioner smells like it could be burning, there’s probably a problem. It’s possible that your air conditioner is just overheating — in that case, turn it off, wait, and turn it on in a day or so. If that doesn’t fix the problem, there’s probably a bigger issue.

It could be that one of the parts in your air conditioner is damaged or failing. It could also be a problem with the wiring in the electric system of your air conditioner, that a wire is either damaged or not working at all. 

If anything is broken inside your air conditioner, it’s time to call in the professionals. An air conditioning repair service can help you out with AC repairs.

3. Dead Animals

If an animal dies in your vents, it will eventually start to smell. This can also be dangerous for your health. If you suspect a dead animal is in your vents, turn off your air conditioner and call in an HVAC service to evaluate the situation. 

If they confirm your suspicion, you may have to call in a pest removal service in order to resolve the problem.

So, if the smell in your home resembles garbage or rotten eggs, make sure you stop and call in the professionals as soon as possible.

4. Leaks

Depending on what sort of air conditioner you have, there may be fluid leaking from the unit. If you smell anything that seems similar to exhaust fumes, it could be a sign that there’s a leakage issue with your air conditioner.

If you’re in East Texas, make sure that you call an HVAC company in your area. They can send out a technician and ensure that your air conditioner is back to a tip-top condition in no time at all.

Bad AC Smells? Now You Know Why

Hopefully, you have now figured out exactly what is causing AC smells in your home. If you don’t recognize the smell, or if you think it might be dangerous, it’s probably time to call in the professionals.

Are you looking for air conditioner repair services in East Texas? Contact Best Air and Heat LLC today. We serve the Greater Lake Livingston area, and other areas near there.