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Affordable Ways to Make Outdoor Spaces More Enjoyable in the Winter

How to Enjoy Outdoor Spaces This Winter

Sprucing up the outside of the home is something that every homeowner does or wants to do. Inside, there are only so many square feet to utilize. During the summer, people want to be outside, so they spend money creating outdoor spaces to spend time in or entertain guests. 

While this can be an excellent investment in the value of the home and for the family's enjoyment, doesn’t it seem silly to spend a lot of money on a space that can’t be used for a decent portion of the year? 

After spending money on an outdoor space, the best thing that owners can do is make it more winter-friendly. With the right changes to a patio, the space can be enjoyed all summer long and well into winter. Here are some latest trends to help families avoid cabin fever this winter. 

Add a Roof to the Deck or Patio 

patioMost outdoor spaces revolve around a deck or patio. Decks and patios can be great summer entertainment spaces, so people have somewhere to sit and fire up the grill. During the winter, the patio or deck probably seems too exposed for much enjoyment. 

Adding a roof to the outdoor space is an easy way to extend the seasonal utility of a patio or deck. A roof will not only allow the deck or patio to be used during the cooler season but also pay dividends in comfort and enjoyment all year long.

With a roof over the outdoor space, the sun will be less of an issue, and plans can proceed even if the forecast calls for a bit of rain. Before planning any outdoor addition, always consider the benefits of adding a roof!

Warm Up With a Fire Pit or Outdoor Heater 

fire pitCool temperatures and the potential for crummy weather during the winter usually put a damper on outdoor enjoyment. Luckily, mankind discovered a great way to keep warm when winter howls. It's called a fire, and it can be enjoyed in modern outdoor spaces!

To extend the usable season for a deck or patio, a fireplace or fire pit is the way to go. Adding one of these will provide the perfect amount of heat and ambiance to allow people to enjoy the space well into the fall. If the space is already roofed and smoke is a concern, consider adding an electric or propane outdoor heater. 

Add Exterior Lighting 

While the colder temperatures are a big bummer for outdoor fun during the cooler season, there is another problem: daylight.

The colder the weather becomes, the earlier the sun goes down, leaving outdoor spaces dimly lit in the late afternoon. Luckily, there is an easy way to overcome this problem, and the solution can help all year long. 

Exterior lighting is a must-have for any outdoor space in any season. Being able to turn on lights to light up the grill is necessary, as well as being able to set the mood with the perfect ambiance at other times. 

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions has served the area for over 40 years. Their handymen handle deck and patio installation and can help every homeowner design the perfect outdoor space. Call today for friendly and professional handyman services in Austin, TX. 

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When Is the Best Time to Schedule Furnace Replacement?

Is Now the Best Time to Upgrade the Furnace?

The holidays are here, and one of the classic images of the season is the hearth with a roaring fire. While this conjures up feelings of nostalgia and comfort, the scene is out of date. In the modern home, the furnace provides heat formerly supplied by the fireplace. 

As the winter months approach, ensuring that the furnace is in good working condition is essential to provide adequate heating for the home or business. However, there are times when it may be more cost-effective and efficient to replace the furnace rather than continue to repair it. Some signs may indicate it is time to replace the furnace this winter.

Frequent Repairs or Old Age 

A furnace typically has a lifespan of 15-20 years, depending on the type and quality of the unit. If the furnace is well-maintained, it will last nearly 20 years. If not, 15 years may be all it can take. When a furnace gets to this mark, it is best to start planning. This year may not be necessary, but replacing it sooner rather than later will be optimal. 

If the furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan or has needed frequent repairs, consider replacing it. Continuously repairing an aging furnace can become costly and is not the most efficient solution. A new furnace will improve performance, increase energy efficiency, and reduce maintenance costs.

Skyrocketing Energy Bills 

bills Owners should always be tracking their energy bills. If they notice a significant increase in energy bills, it may be due to a loss of efficiency in the furnace. 

Over time, a furnace can become less efficient due to wear and tear, causing it to consume more energy to produce the same amount of heat. This can lead to higher energy bills and decreased comfort in a home or building. 

Replacing the furnace with a new, high-efficiency model can help reduce energy costs and provide better heating performance.

The Space Is Muggy or Chilly

cold home If a home or building is uncomfortable due to humidity problems, uneven heating, or a lack of heating, it may be a sign that the furnace can no longer provide adequate heat.

In such cases, replacing the furnace with a new one designed to provide consistent and efficient heating can help resolve these issues and create a more comfortable environment. This will not only reestablish a higher level of comfort but also tamp down humidity levels. 

Replacing a furnace can be a significant investment, but it can also provide long-term benefits, including improved performance, increased energy efficiency, and reduced maintenance costs. 

If a furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan, has needed frequent repairs, or is causing discomfort due to lost efficiency or uneven heating, consider replacing it this winter. Consulting with a professional HVAC technician can help determine the best course of action and ensure that every home or building is comfortable and energy-efficient.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions specializes in energy-efficient home heating solutions. They have nearly 50 years of experience helping owners install money-saving comfort systems. Call today for furnace installation in Austin, TX. 

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In Floor Radiant Heat Can Help Keep You Warm and Cozy All Winter

Indoor piping layout for A-Plus Air Conditioning's in-floor radiant heating system with white and blue tiles.

Benefits of Installing Heating Systems Into Floors 

Heaters like furnaces and heat pumps are essential to keep the home warm in the winter, but there are new, exciting options for keeping the house cozy that offer great benefits. Radiant floor heating systems are the wave of the future. Once considered luxury installations, demand has lowered the entry cost for heated floors, making them one of the most sought-after updates around the home. Here is a quick guide about the benefits of heated flooring. 

More Comfort and Warmth

Radiant floor heating makes a lot of sense, considering the benefits. Most people with radiant flooring systems report that their home is more comfortable after installing them. There are several good reasons for this. First, hot air rises, so during the winter, whether ductwork is located in the ceiling or along the floors, most of the heat produced pools up near the ceiling, where it does nothing for comfort. Heated flooring adds warmth to the occupied spaces, so the space near the floor is always cozy. 

The second reason that heated floors can make a home more comfortable is due to the human foot. Temperature receptors in the foot are very adept at sensing temperature. When the feet are warm, so is the whole body. In modern homes with tile floors or polished concrete, people often complain about being too cold, even in the summer. Heated floors neutralize this problem and ensure people are comfortable from head to toe. 

Can Be Controlled With a Programmable Thermostat 

Hand adjusting a programmable thermostat displaying indoor temperature of 72°F, highlighting control over in-floor radiant heating systems for enhanced home comfort and energy efficiency.In-floor radiant heat is also very easy to control. One of the benefits of having in-floor radiant heat is its ability to be controlled through a programmable thermostat. This means homeowners can set specific temperatures for different times of the day, allowing for greater control over their floor heating systems. 

Not only does this allow homeowners to customize their home's flooring temperature to their liking, but it also helps save energy and money by not wasting heat when nobody is home. With a programmable thermostat, they can schedule the system to turn on and off at certain times, ensuring that the home remains warm and comfortable when needed.

Can Be Installed Under Most Types of Flooring 

Feet standing on tile flooring above in-floor radiant heating system, demonstrating compatibility with various flooring types for enhanced warmth and comfort.Another advantage of in-floor radiant heat is its compatibility with many different flooring materials. This means that regardless of the kind of flooring in a home, people can likely still enjoy the warmth and comfort provided by radiant heat. Floor radiant heat can be used with most types of flooring because it utilizes the natural property of heat conduction. 

Many common floor materials such as tile, stone, and concrete are excellent conductors of heat, which means they can effectively transfer warmth from the radiant heat system to a space. This makes them ideal choices for use with floor radiant heating. In addition to these popular options, many other flooring materials, such as hardwood, laminate, and even carpet, can be used with radiant heat. 

However, it's important to note that different floor materials have varying levels of heat conductivity, which can affect the overall performance and efficiency of a radiant heat system. It's always recommended to consult with a professional before installing a radiant heating system with specific flooring materials. When it comes time to upgrade the flooring in a home or room, radiant floor systems should be considered.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions has been serving Austin and the surrounding areas since 1977. They offer flat rate pricing, easy financing solutions, and friendly service. Call them today for remodeling services and home improvement projects in Austin, TX.  

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How to Address a Faulty Heater

A technician working on heating equipment with cables and tools in a professional repair setting.

First Things to Check When the Heater Isn’t Working 

As the temperatures slowly drop as winter nears, homeowners may fire up their heaters only to discover nothing happens. When this occurs, the homeowner is sent scrambling to find answers. While it is never recommended that homeowners try to repair their own heaters, there are a few things they can check before calling a professional. 

Often, there could be small issues that the homeowner can easily rectify without calling a technician. However, if none of these simple fixes are the cause of heating troubles, they should call for professional heater repair. Here are the three things to check when the home’s heating isn’t working well. 

Start at the Thermostat 

Thermostat display showing temperature settings, with a hand adjusting to heating mode, relevant for troubleshooting home heating issues during winter.There are some simple things that homeowners can check for that can prevent the heat from coming on. First, check the thermostat. Nearly every heating and cooling system has a “mode” switch to toggle between heating and cooling. This time of year, homeowners may simply forget to change their thermostat from a cooling setting to a heating mode. 

Second, make sure the thermostat has power. Not every thermostat is hard-wired into the home. Some have batteries that power the thermostat. If these batteries are weak, the system won’t switch the heat on. In some cases, the display may not even light up. When in doubt, swap the batteries out to see if that helps. 

Look at the Air Filters 

Person replacing a dirty air filter in a ceiling vent, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance for HVAC systems to ensure efficient heating and airflow.Another responsibility of the homeowner that often gets forgotten is air filter replacement. Dirty air filters can inhibit airflow to the point it can be detrimental to the heating. Dirty and clogged filters can affect the heating through airflow or by causing the heater to overheat, which can cause it to shut down. 

Homeowners should check AC and furnace filters monthly and replace them when they appear dirty to avoid problems like inefficiency, airflow problems, poor indoor air quality, and issues occurring with the system. Typically, filters should be changed at least every three months.   

Verify Power Is Reaching the Heater 

Another thing to check before calling a heater repair technician is that the heater has power. Heating units will likely have a shut-off or disconnect switch for turning off the power during maintenance that may be shut off, so homeowners should verify that the heating switch on the unit is on and not switched off. 

Homeowners should also verify that the breakers or fuses that serve these circuits haven’t tripped. Sometimes, upon start-up, these breakers can trip, or fuses can blow, rendering the system powerless. If none of these situations are the source of the heating problem, homeowners should call a technician for heating repair. 

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is a family-owned and operated business serving Austin and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate pricing, financing, and fast friendly service. Call them today for heater repair in Austin, TX. 

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It's Almost Time to Hang Holiday Lights and Decor

Festively lit house with a decorated tree and lights for holiday light installation by A-Plus Home Solutions.

Get Some Holiday Decorating Help and Go All Out 

It used to be a joke that the holiday season was slowly creeping earlier and earlier. Now, it’s not a joke. With stores switching creepy Halloween decorations for festive Christmas decorations early, there is a new unofficial start to the holiday season. 

Starting the holiday festivities with decorating allows people to get in the holiday spirit early, and help is available to make things easier. Here is a quick guide from holiday light installers to help homeowners get ideas for holiday lighting and decorating.

Options for Holiday Decorations 

Holiday-decorated tree wrapped in warm white lights, illuminating a residential front yard at dusk, highlighting festive outdoor decoration ideas.Regardless of the holiday, decorating should start with a plan. One of the things that can put a damper on holiday spirits quickly is spending hours decorating only to have the whole thing spoiled by a problem. Planning should start with knowing all of the options for decorations, checking for damage before use, and then putting them up based on practical matters like power availability in a circuit. Some of the popular choices for decorating and lighting during the holidays are: 

  • String lights: These are popular options for roof lines and decorating Christmas trees. However, only ones rated for outdoor use should be used outside. 
  • Net lights: These are easy and convenient for adding lights to bushes, hedges, or trees outdoors. 
  • Tree wrap lights: Similar to net lights, tree wraps are an easy way to add lighting to outdoor trees without having to deal with individual light strands. 
  • Holiday inflatables: Another popular outdoor decorating option for holidays is inflatables in the yard that can resemble many different characters depending on the holiday, such as inflatable jack-o-lanterns for Halloween or an inflatable Santa or snowman for Christmas. 

Using multiple lighting and decorating options can be exciting and festive, or sticking with traditional outdoor holiday light installations can be classic and simplistic. Planning makes it easier to communicate with the professionals installing lighting so that homeowners will be more pleased with the outcome. 

Incandescent vs. LED Lighting 

Traditional incandescent lights have been around for over a century and have become a staple in holiday decorations. While they are affordable and emit a warm glow, incandescent lights have several disadvantages. One major drawback of traditional incandescent lighting is its energy consumption. These lights use more electricity, resulting in higher energy bills during the holiday season. Additionally, they can be a fire hazard as they generate a significant amount of heat, especially when used for an extended period.

On the other hand, LED holiday lights have gained popularity in recent years due to their numerous benefits. These lights result in lower energy consumption and less heat emission compared to traditional incandescent lights. Not only are LED lights more energy-efficient, but they also have a longer lifespan. LED bulbs can last much longer than incandescent bulbs, making them a cost-effective option in the long run.

Why Hire Professionals for Christmas Light Installation 

Hand in a yellow glove installing colorful holiday lights on a roof edge, illustrating professional Christmas light installation services.For those who don’t have the time or are burnt out on decorating by Christmas, professional lighting installation services are available to help set the tone for the holiday and get households in the holiday spirit. Professional holiday lighting installers offer perks like: 

  • A large selection of holiday lighting options
  • Removal of all the lights after the holidays are over
  • Safety
  • Are insured
  • Experience and training

To enjoy the holidays without the hassle, getting help from holiday lighting experts makes celebrating the holidays more manageable and enjoyable. 

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions has more than 45 years of expertise serving Austin and the surrounding areas. They offer fast, friendly service, flat rate pricing, and financing. Call them today for holiday light installation in Austin, TX. 

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