A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions Archives - Page 18 of 29

How to Get a Tax Credit for Installing a New Energy-Efficient AC Unit

Install a New 16 SEER Unit or Better and Get a Tax Credit for 2022

Homeowners know that the cost of living can be unpredictable. Prices for everything from groceries to gas seem to be constantly on the rise, which can put a strain on budgets. But there's some good news on the horizon: the Inflation Reduction Act. It was recently passed by Congress and provides tax breaks for homeowners who install energy-efficient appliances in their homes. So if homeowners have been considering upgrading their old AC unit, now is the time to do it! Here's what homeowners need to know about this money-saving opportunity.

What Does SEER Mean?

SEER is short for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. It measures how much energy an air conditioner uses to cool a home during the summer. The higher the SEER number, the more energy-efficient the air conditioner is. The current minimum SEER rating is 14 in Texas, but units with a SEER rating of 16 or higher are eligible for the tax credit.

SEER ratings are important because they can help homeowners save money on their energy bills. The higher the SEER rating, the less energy the air conditioner will use to cool their home. This means that they'll see lower energy bills during the summer months.

How to Claim the Credit

Homeowners can claim the credit by including it on their annual tax returns. Homeowners should be sure to keep all receipts and documentation related to the purchase and installation of the appliance so that they have everything they need when it comes time to file their taxes.

The Energy Tax Credits provide families with much-needed relief from rising costs. By making energy-efficient upgrades to their home, homeowners can save money on their monthly utility bills and receive a tax break. This law is a win-win for families struggling to keep up with the cost of living.

If homeowners are considering purchasing a new energy-efficient appliance for their home, now is the time to do it! Thanks to the Energy Tax Credit, they can get a tax credit of up to $500. So, if homeowners are in the market for a new AC unit, they should choose one with a SEER rating of 16 or higher to take advantage of this money-saving opportunity. There are also additional HVAC installation rebates provided by Austin Energy for these higher-efficiency systems.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is a family-owned and operated business serving Austin, TX, and the surrounding areas for over 40 years. They offer flat rate pricing, financing, and peace of mind maintenance agreements. Call them today for air conditioning installation and replacement in Austin, TX.

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Why We Don't Like To Do Phone Quotes

At A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions, we pride ourselves on being honest and transparent with our customers. That's why we don't like to do phone quotes for our services. When it comes to something as important as your home, you deserve a quote that is individually tailored to your needs—not a generic estimate that could end up costing you more in the long run. Keep reading to find out why in-person quotes are the best way to get an accurate estimate for your home improvement project.

Negatives of Phone Quotes

It's Not Personal: One of the main reasons why we don't like to do phone quotes is because they're not personal. When you call us for a quote, we can't get to know you or your individual needs. We believe that in order to give you the best possible service, it's important that we get to know you and your family so that we can tailor our services to fit your specific needs.

It's Not Individually Tailored: A phone quote is not individually tailored to your unique situation. Every home is different, and therefore every job is different. It's impossible to give you an accurate quote without seeing the job in person so that we can consider all of the individual factors.

If a Quote Is Too High, We Aren't Asked To Come Out: If we give you a phone quote that is too high, chances are you're not going to ask us to come out and do the job. On the other hand, if we give you a quote that is too low and then have to end up charging more once we see the job in person, you might think that we weren't being honest with you from the start. By doing an in-person quote, we can avoid this problem altogether.

We Can't Tell What Is Needed To Bring Things Up To Code: Building codes are constantly changing, and what might have been up to code a few years ago might not be up to code now. In order to make sure that your home is up to code, we need to see it in person so that we can identify any potential problems.

We Can't Size Properly: Another downside of phone quotes is that it's difficult to properly size something without seeing it in person. For example, suppose you're thinking about getting new windows installed. In that case, we need to get an accurate measure of your existing windows so that we can give an accurate quote and don't accidentally order windows that are too big or too small for your openings.

Price Is The Only Thing We Can Be Judged On: When it comes to phone quotes, price is often the only thing that homeowners focus on. However, there are other important factors to consider when hiring a home service company, such as experience, customer service, and quality of workmanship. By meeting with us in person, you'll be able to get a better sense of who we are as a company and what we stand for—not just our prices.

We Can't Check Ductwork Or Attic Needs: Finally, when we do an in-person quote, we also have the opportunity to check things like your ductwork and attic insulation to ensure that they are up to code and meet current energy efficiency standards. These are things that can be very difficult—if not impossible—to assess over the phone.

All of these factors make it difficult to give an accurate quote over the phone without seeing the job in person. There are many potential problems associated with doing phone quotes for home improvement projects. We understand that it can be frustrating not to get a quote over the phone for our services, but we want to give you the best possible quote based on your individual needs, and that's why we prefer to do in-person quotes. Thanks for understanding!

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

Here at A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions, we want to ensure that you get the best possible service at a fair price—and that's why we prefer to do in-person quotes rather than rely on generic phone quotes. We are a family-owned and operated AC, heating, and home services company that has served our neighbors in Austin and the surrounding areas for over 45 years. We offer flat-rate pricing, financing, and fast, friendly service. Call them today for home repairs, remodels, heating, and air conditioning services in Austin, TX.

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Now is the Perfect Time to Remodel the Kitchen Before the Holiday Season!

Create Your Dream Kitchen With These Tips!

Autumn may have just begun, but the holidays will be here in no time. And for those whose homes become a hub for family and friends during the holiday season, the kitchen is about to become a very busy place between the holiday feasts, the cookie-baking, the pie-making, and the influx of hungry guests.

But if homeowners aren’t happy with the state of their current kitchen, there’s still time to make those changes and upgrades they’ve always wanted! So homeowners can keep reading for the latest trends, pro tips, and a little inspiration to help them transform that humdrum, old kitchen into the kitchen of their dreams!

Put in New Floors and Custom Cabinetry

Two things that can radically transform the look and feel of any kitchen are the floor and the cabinets. Hardwood flooring is a warm, traditional aesthetic for kitchens. For something a little more durable and easier to keep clean, wood-look vinyl or glazed ceramic tile are popular options. Darker colored tiles or a sleek marble finish can lend a more contemporary look, while earthy terracotta tiles or stone make for a more rustic farmhouse style.

When it comes to cabinets, homeowners have plenty of choices, ranging from the basic to the bold. If mass-produced cabinets aren’t their thing, they can opt for custom cabinetry that fits the style and functionality they want. For a simpler, more budget-friendly approach, having the existing cabinets refinished or repainted can make the whole kitchen feel brand new. When it comes to installing flooring or building cabinets from scratch, homeowners will likely want to hire a qualified professional, as these can be massive and intensive undertakings.

Upgrade the Countertops and Add an Improved Backsplash

No kitchen renovation would be complete without new countertops - and there are plenty of styles to choose from. Granite, quartz, and marble are all elegant and stylish options that never fail to catch the eye. Smooth ceramic, acrylic, or composite countertops are durable and easy to clean, great options for kitchens that see a lot of serious cooking. Stainless steel and concrete also hold up extremely well but have a more industrial look, while a brass worktop is a warmer (and bolder) choice. Or, for a more rustic, traditional aesthetic, it’s hard to go wrong with wood or tile countertops.

Once homeowners have found the perfect kitchen countertops, it’s time to pick the perfect backsplash to go with them. On top of just being an easy-to-clean surface that can safely catch splashes and splatters, the backsplash can add visual appeal and charm to any kitchen.

Simple glazed subway tile is the dominant trend in backsplashes these days. Still, different tile patterns, more exotic materials (marble, stone, clay, etc.), or contrasting colors can make for an eye-catching statement. Smooth, solid backsplashes such as quartz or stainless steel are also highly functional and stylish choices. Etched mirrors give the appearance of more space, while wallpaper (behind a layer of hardened glass or protective lacquer) adds an eclectic spin.

Update the Kitchen Layout (Open Concept Kitchens are Currently In!)

Many homeowners may want to change the whole layout and flow of their kitchen instead of just upgrading individual components. This could mean adding an island, putting in windows, or shifting the position of cabinets and appliances. It’s all about finding what works best for the homeowners - or, perhaps more importantly, whoever’s doing the cooking!

Open-concept kitchens have become extremely popular in recent years for several reasons. Since they’re not closed off by a fourth wall, there’s more space for additional cooks and helpers, so cooking can be a more collaborative and inclusive process - without everyone stepping on one another’s toes. Similarly, with the kitchen and dining/family room in the same large space, family and friends can socialize and make food simultaneously, so no one misses out on the fun. It’s perfect for the holidays. Open-concept kitchens also tend to feel brighter and more spacious.

When it comes to a major kitchen remodel, such as altering the layout, it’s always best to enlist the help of a qualified remodeling contractor. They can help homeowners decide what to do based on their specific needs, desires, and budgetary requirements, as well as make sure that any renovations are done safely and according to code.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is a family-owned and operated business serving the community of Austin, TX, and the surrounding areas for over 45 years. Their commitment to honesty, professionalism, top-notch workmanship, and unbeatable customer service has earned them awards from Nextdoor and Angie’s List, as well as an A+ BBB rating. They offer upfront pricing, financing, and membership perks, so call them today for kitchen remodeling services in Austin, TX!

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Don't Delay! Get a Head Start on Fall Heater Maintenance

Prepare the Heater With Professional Maintenance

Summer is almost over, and that means cooling bills will be dropping. Homeowners look forward to these few months of reprieve before heating bills start rising. What is the best way to ensure that heating bills stay reasonable? Fall heater maintenance.

Heater maintenance is a great investment for families looking to keep the budget in check this year. Heater maintenance saves money and gives homeowners the confidence that their heater is ready for winter. Here are a few tips from local experts to encourage homeowners to schedule fall heater maintenance.

Perks of Heater Maintenance

Heater maintenance is critical for homeowners looking to get better performance from their heaters. Performance can be broken down into three categories:

Efficiency: Better efficiency means lower heating bills. Heater maintenance ensures that heaters run at peak efficiency, so savings don’t compromise comfort.

Reliability: Heaters that are regularly maintained are more reliable, meaning they have fewer problems. They will also last longer, meaning homeowners will have to replace their furnaces less often.

Cost: Cost not only covers the money saved with increased efficiency. It also covers the savings of not having to pay unnecessary repair bills when things go wrong. Heater maintenance is a service that pays for itself over the heating season, so deciding to schedule it is a no-brainer.

What’s Covered in Heater Maintenance?

Heater maintenance is a comprehensive program that covers every aspect of the heater. Some of the things an HVAC maintenance professional will cover during a heater maintenance visit are:

Clean and inspect the burner to ensure good operation
Inspect and clean the blower for efficient air movement
Check electrical connections
Inspect visible ductwork
Verify the operation of the thermostat
Lubricate moving parts
Clean air filters and coils

Once heater maintenance is done, homeowners can expect their heater to last through the winter with no problems and reasonable energy bills.

Is It Too Early?

Nope. It’s not too early unless you have a heat pump system. This time of year is perfect for heater maintenance. HVAC maintenance should take place twice per year. Once in the spring and once in the fall. Spring maintenance prepares the AC for the upcoming summer and tunes up the heater, while fall maintenance ensures the AC can finish out the season and prepares the heater for the winter. Having a professional do fall maintenance on the heater is the best investment a homeowner can make in ensuring their heater will be problem-free all winter. If your unit is a heat pump system, we cannot perform maintenance until the temperatures cool down into the 60s.

Why is the end of summer/pre-fall the best time? Heater maintenance technicians reach a lull at the end of the summer. Most of the problems that keep them busy during the summer have already been taken care of, and no problems have manifested in heaters yet, so they have plenty of time. This time allows them to thoroughly care for heaters scheduled for maintenance and take care of any potential problems. Getting ahead of the rush ensures that heaters are maintained and given a clean bill of health before the weather changes.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions has been in the business of energy conservation since the 1970s. They provide flat-rate pricing, financing, and fast, friendly service. Call them today for an award-winning heater maintenance and repair service in Austin, TX.

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Accessibility Solutions to Think About for National Assisted Living Week

Make Your Home Accessible for Grandparent’s Day

This year, the 11th of September marks Grandparent’s Day. Every year, Grandparent’s Day is celebrated as the beginning of National Assisted Living Week to celebrate and bring awareness to those living in assisted living due to their limitations in old age. As people age, homes become less accessible to live in and more of a liability. To get around this, many people choose to live in assisted living facilities to overcome their limitations. For those who don’t wish to leave home, many options can make homes more accessible for the elderly.

This year, take a moment to think about the accessibility of the homes of the elderly. Given the option, most older people would choose to stay in their homes if they could. Here are a few ideas to make homes more accessible for the elderly.

Bathroom Accessibility Upgrades

Bathrooms are the room in the home that is most responsible for household accidents. Every year, thousands of injuries in bathrooms occur, even among the able-bodied. How much worse could it be for someone with hampered mobility?

A great place to start when thinking about bathroom accessibility upgrades is the shower or bathtub. Among the elderly, getting in and out of a tub or slipping on the wet tile while stepping out of the shower are two of the greatest hazards. Some simple ways to overcome this are:

Roll-in showers
Walk-in tubs
Shower seats

Another common hazard in the bathroom is a lack of reinforced railings for balance and maneuvering. Installing a railing around toilets and bathtubs allows those with limited mobility to more easily and confidently move around the space.

Stair Accessibility Solutions

For too many seniors, a multi-story home impedes their way of life once they can no longer confidently live alone. Often they will try to maintain independence in the house where they raised a family despite running the risks of going up and down stairs. Luckily there are ways to accommodate multi-story homes so seniors can continue living independent lives at home.

Stair elevators (or stair lifts) and ramps are the best solutions to overcome mobility issues and risks like stairs. Both make traveling around the home easier and safer. Stair elevators are automatic, powered devices that safely transport seniors upstairs, while ramps are used for small elevation changes like porch steps.

Door Accessibility Solutions

The older people get, the more likely they will have mobility issues. This can often mean being confined to a wheelchair or walker. A problem with wheelchairs and walkers is that doorways can impede them. The first way that doorways restrict those with limited mobility is the door knobs. When seniors use mobility assistance, their hands are always used for balance. This can make gripping a door handle and pulling the door a difficult action. Lever door knobs are a better choice because they can be more easily gripped.

A second way that doors inhibit accessibility is the width. Luckily, widening doorways is simple and can even add value to the home. In almost every case, doorways can be widened to 36 inches, which is the ADA standard for disability access for doorways.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is a local staple for home accessibility solutions for those with limited mobility. They offer flat-rate pricing and financing. Call them today for trusted aging-in-place services in Austin, TX.