Company: A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

Heat Pump Basics for Homeowners

All About Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are one option for heating and cooling that can benefit households. However, homeowners may not be as familiar with them as the traditional central air conditioning system and furnace. So, here is a guide to help homeowners better understand what heat pumps are, their advantages, and signs to call for repair.

What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is an alternative to a traditional HVAC system that can provide heating and cooling in a single unit rather than having a separate AC unit and furnace. Heat pumps can transfer heat both ways. In warmer months, a heat pump works like an air conditioner by extracting heat from the inside of the home and releasing it outside. During colder months, the process is reversed, and the heat pump pulls warmth from the outdoor air, even in freezing temperatures, and transfers it inside to warm the living space.

Heat pumps use a refrigerant to absorb and release heat as it circulates through the system. Because it transfers heat rather than generating it, it can significantly reduce energy consumption and costs. This makes heat pumps an eco-friendly and efficient option for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures year-round.

Why Install a Heat Pump?

benefits of installing a heat pumpThere are several benefits to switching to a heat pump system, including:

  • Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps are more energy-efficient than furnaces and air conditioners, reducing the home’s energy usage.
  • Lower Bills: Heating and cooling costs are a significant fraction of a home’s utility bills. When homeowners invest in energy-efficient technology like heat pumps, they can save money on heating and cooling.
  • Comfort All Year: Heat pumps provide heating and cooling in one unit, providing comfort year-round.

When to Call for Heat Pump Repair

heat pump repairHeat pumps work all year long to keep the home comfortable instead of switching between an AC unit and a furnace. However, it is good to know the signs that heat pump repair is needed to avoid a disruption in that comfort. Some signs that heat pump repairs are needed are:

  • Higher energy bills
  • Inconsistent heating or cooling
  • Unusual noises
  • Airflow problems
  • Poor air quality

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions has been serving the Austin area since 1977. They offer flat-rate pricing, financing, and fast and friendly service. Call them for heat pump installation and repair services in Austin, TX.

Distribution Links +

Factors That Can Delay Home Renovation and Remodeling Projects

Reasons That Timelines for Home Improvement Projects Can Be Delayed

Home improvement projects are exciting, offering homeowners the opportunity to upgrade their living spaces and add value to their property. However, these projects can sometimes take longer than expected due to unforeseen circumstances. Whether it's due to hidden issues uncovered during the renovation process, supply chain delays, or financial setbacks, delays can push project timelines back, causing headaches for the owners. Understanding the common reasons for these delays can help homeowners better prepare and manage their expectations.

Pre-Existing Conditions and Prior Errors

pre existing conditions and prior errorsPutting together accurate bids or estimates for a home improvement project isn’t easy. In most cases, the bids or estimates are given the price for the best-case scenario, assuming that the project goes smoothly. The major variable that is out of the control of the contractor and the homeowner is finding more problems that need to be corrected before work is continued. These problems can be the result of prior errors in workmanship or pre-existing conditions in the home. Some examples of scenarios where the scope of work changes during a renovation are:

  • Mold or wood rot is found hidden under flooring or walls
  • Previous renovations were done poorly
  • The home isn’t up to code
  • Foundation or structural issues exist

Scenarios such as these are frustrating for the homeowner and the contractor because neither party wants the delay. Homeowners should leave some wiggle room in the budget and timeline for such problems. Additionally, keeping accurate records of previous work and being upfront with contractors can help avoid such problems and delays during remodeling.

Schedule Issues and Material Delays

schedule issues and material delaysEven if everything is running smoothly during the renovation, problems can arise. Contractors work hard to keep their crews busy, but issues at one job site can cause a ripple effect that slows down other job sites.

Contractors work hard to complete jobs on time and to the satisfaction of their customers. However, if damaged materials arrive, they can’t be used, and the job will be delayed until more arrive. Likewise, some building materials are sourced from other areas, and supply chain issues can affect the timeline for renovations.

Permits and Finances

Home remodeling and renovations can also be impacted and delayed by problems with finances or financing, so it’s important to budget and plan as best as possible before starting renovations. Having extra in the budget for contingencies can help avoid this problem.

Finally, permits may be needed for certain remodels and home improvement projects, depending on what is being done. However, the process can take a while to the point it causes delays. While waiting on permits can be a hassle, homeowners need to be protected by making sure all new work is inspected and up to code.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions works hard to keep the headaches out of home renovations. With more than 50 years of experience in the home service industry, they offer flat-rate pricing and financing. Call today for home remodeling services in Austin, TX.

Distribution Links +

A Brief Guide to Air Filters

AC and Furnace Filters Explained

Air conditioners and heaters are designed to keep the home comfortable year-round. One function that people tend to overlook is that they also have to work hard to protect indoor air quality. Inside the home, the air can become stale and laden with dust, allergens, and other pollutants. The air filters in the heating and air conditioning system stand between these pollutants and the HVAC equipment. Here is a quick guide to help homeowners understand what air filters do, how often they should be replaced, and the benefits of changing them.

What Do Air Filters Do?

Since good indoor air quality is so essential for health, every air conditioner and furnace has an air filter. One of the reasons for furnace and AC filters is that they keep dust and grime from building up inside the units, allowing it to perform more efficiently and reliably. When these filters are allowed to collect dust and stay dirty, pollutants can make their way into the inner workings of the air conditioner or furnace and cause problems.

As a pleasant side effect, air filters also do an excellent job of cleaning up the air inside the home. AC and heating systems circulate air in the home across the air filter, pulling pollutants out of the air. This helps keep the home’s air cleaner and allows everyone to breathe easier.

When to Replace AC and Furnace Filters

dirty vs. clean filterAir filters can collect a lot of dust and allergens from the air. Once air filters are full of dust and grime, they must be replaced. Most air filters should be replaced at least every three months for maximum protection. Waiting longer than this interval can cause dust and allergens to build up in the home. The excess dust can also damage the air conditioner or heater and reduce efficiency by obstructing airflow.

However, if the filter gets dirty before then, it should be replaced. If people in the home suffer from allergies or health problems, more frequent air filter replacements may be needed. This can help keep dust and pollen to a minimum, which is better for their health.

Benefits of Regular Filter Replacement

lower utility billsAir filter replacement is a simple task that almost everyone can handle. However, when homeowners replace their air filters regularly, they can experience many benefits like:

  • Improved energy efficiency
  • Lower heating and cooling bills
  • Improved indoor air quality
  • Reduced symptoms of allergies and asthma
  • Fewer problems with the heating and cooling system

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions aims to keep bills lower and improve air quality for homeowners. That’s why they offer great maintenance plans, and also provide flat rate pricing. Call today for filter replacement and services in Austin, TX.

Distribution Links +

Decorate Safely for Halloween and Beyond

Stay Festive and Safe This Halloween and Holiday Season

Halloween is now seen as the unofficial start to the holiday season, with the holiday falling at the end of October, kicking off monthly holidays for the rest of the year. Many people decorate their homes for Halloween, but with electric decorations come some risks. As is typical of other holidays, Halloween decorations pose some threats, especially electrical decorations like lighting and displays. Minimizing these threats should be the goal of every homeowner throughout the holiday season, and experts are here to help. Here are some tips to keep the home safer during Halloween and beyond.

Inspect Decorations

inspect lights and decorElectrical safety should always be observed, including when people are decorating for the holidays. The increased number of decorations and displays increases the risks. Additionally, people are excited, and potential problems can easily be overlooked. When risks are taken, the threats can include electrical damage, fires, and loss of power. The best way to prevent these problems during Halloween and the rest of the holiday season is to take a few extra moments to inspect the electric decorations and lights before they are installed. Look for problems like:

  • Damaged cords
  • Frayed wiring
  • Soot or scorch marks
  • Broken bulbs
  • Exposed wiring
  • Signs of overheating

If any of these signs are observed, it is better to discard the lights or decorations and find something else to replace them. The cost of a new decoration is certainly less than the damage and inconvenience that an unsafe electrical condition can cause.

Use a Decorating Strategy

One of the common mistakes that people make in their excitement during holiday decorating is going into it without a plan. Once the boxes of decorations start coming out from storage people start finding places to put every strand of lights and display. However, this can lead to overloading outlets and causing potential risks. When outlets are overloaded the breakers can trip and leave people in the home without power. Additionally, wiring can start to overheat, leading to a potential electrical fire.

Avoiding overloaded outlets and circuits is easier when decorators take a little time to plan. Consider the wattage of electrical decorations and spread the larger loads out among several outlets and circuits. Take the time to inspect the electrical panel to get an idea of which circuits serve each room. Additionally, it’s important to consider what they should be used for. For example, lighting and decor that is meant for indoor use only should not be used outdoors for safety.

Extinguish Lights and Flames Before Bed

blow out candlesOne item seen often during the holiday season is candles. They can help conjure up spooky scenes during Halloween and are also heavily used during the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah seasons. Regardless of the intention, candles can be serious fire hazards if they are allowed to burn unattended.

Always take the time to extinguish candles before leaving the home or going to bed. Likewise, use timers to make it easy to turn off lights and displays or ensure they are off before leaving or going to bed. This will lower the chance of something going wrong. Additionally, homeowners can reduce the costs of powering them.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions offers holiday lighting services to help people celebrate the holidays safely. Their experienced teams have the knowledge and tools available to help make every season more meaningful and enjoyable. Call them for holiday light installation services in Austin, TX.

Distribution Links +

The Basics of Air Conditioning 101

Going Back to School With Air Conditioning Basics

Understanding the basics of air conditioning is crucial for homeowners looking to maintain comfort and efficiency in their homes. Proper knowledge of these systems, when to seek repairs, and the importance of regular maintenance can help homeowners better care for units, help them last longer, and ensure optimal performance.

Common AC Systems 

home acThere are two common types of air conditioning systems installed in homes: central AC systems and ductless mini-split systems. It's good to know what makes them different when deciding which to install during air conditioning installation. A central air system utilizes a network of air ducts to distribute cooled air throughout the entire home. This system is best for large homes, those who want to cool their entire house, and those who are replacing an existing central AC system with existing ductwork.

On the other hand, a ductless mini-split AC system doesn't require ductwork and instead has indoor air-handling units that deliver the conditioned air to the room or zone they are located in. These ductless AC systems are ideal for homes without existing ductwork or for homeowners who want more precise temperature control in specific rooms. Ductless mini-splits have a higher upfront cost at installation but are more energy efficient, which leads to lower energy bills. They also allow for more control over the temperature and comfort in each room.

When to Call for Air Conditioning Repair 

hot at homeIt’s essential to recognize the signs that the AC unit is malfunctioning and requires professional attention. One sign that indicates air conditioner repair may be needed includes unusual noises, such as grinding, squealing, and more. A noticeable decline in efficiency, which is reflected in higher energy bills, can also signal that repair may be necessary. 

Additionally, if homeowners notice the AC unit struggles to maintain the desired temperature or cooling is inconsistent and uneven in different rooms, it can indicate an AC repair is needed. Another sign that can signal the need for repair is if warm air comes out of vents instead. If any of these signs occur, a professional can perform a thorough inspection and the necessary repairs.

Professional AC Maintenance  

Annual air conditioning maintenance is crucial for the efficiency, reliability, and longevity of the air conditioning system. During a maintenance visit, technicians will perform several tasks to ensure the system is operating correctly. This includes inspecting and cleaning the coils, checking the refrigerant levels, and examining the electrical components. The technician will also lubricate moving parts. These steps help prevent potential issues, enhance energy efficiency, keep cooling costs low, and extend the unit's lifespan.

In addition to routine professional maintenance, regularly changing air filters is a simple yet vital aspect of maintaining the AC system. Filters should be replaced about every 1-3 months, depending on several factors like filter type and thickness and whether the home has people with allergies or pets. Clean air filters help with indoor air quality, system efficiency, and lifespan. 

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is a local family-owned and operated company serving the Austin area. They provide flat-rate pricing and friendly, helpful, and professional technicians. Call them for air conditioning services in Austin, TX.

Distribution Links +