The HVAC industry has seen many changes in the past two decades. Today’s Heating and Air Conditioning systems do more than just cool a room. With new features such as smart thermostats, modulating technology, eco-friendly refrigerants, variable-speed air circulation, these hi-tech devices work more efficiently than ever.

So it is essential to ensure that your system is always running smoothly. Annual maintenance can be beneficial in accomplishing this and is something to consider. There are three things you yourself can do to ensure that your system is working optimally:

1. Do you have a carbon monoxide leak?
2. What is the age of your HVAC system?
3. Is the compressor not working at all?

Can You Tell if There is a Gas Leak?

Because carbon monoxide (CO) is odorless, there is really no foolproof way tell if you have a leak. Breathing in CO gas can cause illness that may not manifest until days later.

When you are in the house, do you feeling dizzy, have difficulty breathing, headaches, vomiting, and nausea?

These are symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Open all the windows and doors in the house and call a carbon monoxide leak expert for emergency service.

5 Warning Signs From Your Compressor

The compressor in your HVAC system will let you know when it needs repairs. The compressor is located to the side or at the back of your home.

It houses the condenser, the condenser coil, and the fan. The compressor absorbs warm air inside the home and releases it outdoors.

Here are five signs that your compressor needs service:

1. It trips the circuit breaker.
2. It won’t start.
3. It dispenses warm air.
4. It vibrates.
5. It’s too noisy.

Don’t put off calling a CO specialist if you have any of these issues. Doing so can not only cause further damage, but it will also require a more costly repair. When you call in for service, make sure that it is being carried out by a licensed HVAC installation expert.

Why Older HVAC Units Require More Repairs

One of the more typical reasons why people have their HVAC system replaced is age. If your system is old but you cannot get a new one at this time, keep your eye it, especially during the high-use seasons. Have you noticed it cycling more often?

Does it feel too humid inside? Are you paying too much on your energy bills? These are the more common symptoms that older HVAC units exhibit, and you should have it checked by a certified HVAC expert as soon as possible.

Don’t forget. Yearly maintenance is the key to having a healthy and efficient HVAC system. It will keep your system running smoothly all year long and eliminate the repair costs. A routine tune-up includes the inspection and the cleaning and lubricating of your unit by a reputable HVAC contractor.

Your health and comfort are important. If you suspect that your HVAC system is not working as it should, call Morrow Mechanical in Spring, TX to ask any questions you may have and to discuss all your HVAC system needs and goals.

Climate control has become more convenient and important than ever before for Texans. While people might sweat a little when it gets hot, that kind of discomfort is nothing compared to losing valuable time and work when electronics like computers get damaged by heat and humidity.

That’s why cool environments are especially critical during summer, and we’ve got some tricks you can implement at work or at home to make sure that the energy you pay doesn’t make your monthly bills balloon.

Upgrade to a Modern Thermostat

Older homes and buildings may have “ancient” thermostats from the 20th century that are still working just fine.

However, just because they work, doesn’t mean that they’re not costing you money. Like old HVAC systems, old thermostats are not as efficient as newer models.

For example, not only are modern thermostats more precise with temperature measurement, they are programmable so you can schedule temperature changes.

During the school year, when kids are out, and parents are at work, you don’t need to keep the AC to run at full blast, so you can program the HVAC to go on minimal power, and only kick in to keep things cooler 20-30 minutes before people start returning home. High end “smart” thermostats even analyze home activity, and then adjust temperatures based on living habits. They can even be controlled by your phone!

Get Window Dressing

Windows don’t just let in light; they let in heat as well. While that can actually help your furnace during winter months, in the summer, hot air gets hotter still in rooms with windows. That forces your AC to work even harder fighting the rising the temperatures.

If you get drapes, curtains or blinds installed, you can help beautify these rooms. More importantly, however, is putting these dressings into action during the brightest, hottest parts of the day. They can keep the heat out and help your air conditioner to keep things cooler in the home. Blunting the effects of direct sunlight keeps problem rooms in your home from getting too hot for too long.

Seal Leaks in Your Ducts

Air ducts running throughout a home are the most common form of climate control. Both furnaces and air conditioners can use this centralized system, but it’s still essentially acting like plumbing in your home, only it carries air, not water.

Just like your plumbing, your ducts can, through various circumstances, experience structural defects that may result in leaks. It doesn’t seem like much at first, since it’s not leaking water, but this can still cause your energy bills to rise.

If you ignore it too long, it can stop being a minor leak and turn into something much more serious and expensive to deal with. By hiring an expert to come in and conduct periodic health checks on your HVAC, you can find leaks in your ducts, seal them, and even get your ducts cleaned so you can enjoy higher efficiency and a longer lifespan for your HVAC system.

You can’t avoid paying for climate control bills in Spring, TX. But by paying a bit of attention to where your energy is going, and how it’s being used, you can make sure you’re getting efficient usage and operation out of your HVAC system, rather than wasting some of that money on easily preventable low efficiency issues.

When you make the decision to purchase a new home in Spring, TX, you know you’re taking a leap of faith to a certain degree. No house comes to you in perfect condition, and there is often the thought of hidden issues that can keep you up at night as the deal nears completion.

Taking the time to look for a few specific things before you buy will greatly reduce the likelihood of problems and allow you to move into your new home with peace of mind. Here are some tips that will help.

Check Out the Insulation

Making sure that your home is properly insulated can result in a lot of savings over time. It’s no secret that it gets hot in Texas.

Plus, if your home is poorly insulated you’ll be losing cool air on a consistent basis, causing your AC system to work much harder than it needs to.

You’ll also lose warm air on those cooler winter nights, so take the time to ensure the walls and attic have all the insulation you need.

Flick the Switches

Even though it may seem trivial, trying out all of the switches around the house is a good idea before you put pen to paper.

Make a quick trip around the house and try light switches, fans, furnace, air conditioning, ovens, etc.

If you encounter any that don’t seem to be working properly, speak up and ask if they will be fixed before you move in. Sometimes, there is a problem with the wiring that goes beyond a burnt out lightbulb or blow a fuse or circuit breaker.

The Professional Home Inspection

You may be able to recognize several types of issues on the property before you move in, but nothing can take the place of a home inspection from the pros.

A home inspector will be able to get to those issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye; issues with the foundation, serious water damage problems, and wiring or plumbing catastrophes waiting to happen.

If the home is brand new, then an inspection will make sure every aspect of the construction was carried out properly, and if it’s older, then you’ll have peace of mind that any wear and tear hasn’t caused too much damage.

The inspection can be used as a great negotiating tool if there are issues that weren’t reported, and it will make you feel comfortable and confident signing the contract and moving into your new home.

As the days get shorter this fall, make the most of the season by dedicating a few hours to some much-needed DIY home maintenance. Your home is likely your largest investment, so it is important that you do everything that you can to protect it from potential damage with the change in weather.

Not only that, many of these simple tasks can actually help you cut down on heating system costs. Ready to make up your fall checklist? We’ve made it easy for you by compiling some helpful suggestions.

Time for Professional Services

It is an ideal time to schedule your appointment for your annual furnace tune-up. This is a great investment. Regular maintenance will actually extend the lifespan of your system.

During the appointment, the technician will clean and inspect all of the parts, which mean that you can identify any lurking problems before they cause your system to break down. Your furnace will be more energy efficient after a tune-up as well.

If you have a humidifier, get it serviced this season as well. Having the proper level of moisture in your home is essential for your health, as well as for preserving your wood floors and furniture. If you have a fireplace, have the chimney sweep come and do a cleaning. Too much soot build up can actually be a fire hazard.

Indoor Tasks for your List

Test your smoke and CO2 detectors to make sure that they are in working order. Make sure that you’ve got a working fire extinguisher on every floor in your home. Double check the expiry dates!

Drain your hot water tank to get rid of sediment, which can cause it to rust out. Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans. This energy-saving trick will send rising warm air back down into your homes, giving your furnace a break.

This energy-saving trick will send rising warm air back down into your homes, giving your furnace a break. Head up to the attic and make sure that the insulation is in place. You need it flush against the roof to prevent the hot air from rising up and out of your home. If it has moved, push it back in place with a broom.

You need it flush against the roof to prevent the hot air from rising up and out of your home. If it has moved, push it back in place with a broom.

Outdoor Tasks for Your List

Power wash your patio furniture and store away. Check your walkways and foundation for cracks. Seal them up, as rodents and pests love to make those tight spots their homes during the winter.

Reseal your driveway. Clean the gutters of debris and make sure that the roof is in good repair. Touch up any peeling paint on your home’s exertion.

Change the outdoor light bulbs. If you see a gap between your doors and the doorstep, level it out with weather-stripping, check windows for cracks. Replace panes as needed.

If seals are loose around windows and doors, re-caulk to make them airtight. Rake leaves. Empty the lawn mower and store away for the season.