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Simple Ways Homeowners Can Save On Heating and Cooling Costs

Save Money While Staying Comfortable

If homeowners are tired of sky-high utility bills and wasting energy, there are some easy ways to save on heating and cooling costs. This blog post will share practical, budget-friendly strategies to boost energy efficiency and savings while keeping the home comfortable. These tips will help homeowners lower their heating and cooling costs without sacrificing comfort. 

Schedule Maintenance and Replace Air Filters

Proper heating and AC maintenance and regular air filter replacement are among the easiest ways to save on heating and cooling costs throughout the year. When AC and furnace filters become clogged with dust and debris, heating and cooling equipment must work significantly harder to maintain comfortable temperatures. This increased effort directly translates to higher energy bills. Clean air filters allow air to flow freely, reducing strain on the system and lowering monthly expenses.

Air filters can have different timelines of when they should be changed depending on the filter’s size and thickness, the home’s size, and homes with pets or people with allergy sensitivities. However, it’s generally recommended to change furnace and AC filters every three months, but households with pets or people with allergies will benefit from more frequent replacements. 

Beyond routine air filter replacement, scheduling annual maintenance for heating and air conditioning systems delivers substantial financial benefits. Heating maintenance and air conditioning maintenance should both be done once a year. A properly maintained system operates more efficiently, using less energy to heat or cool a home and leading to utility bill savings. Maintenance also allows technicians to identify and address small issues before they become more expensive problems and extend the equipment's lifespan, reducing repair and replacement costs. 

Use Ceiling Fans Correctly

fanUsing a home’s ceiling fans correctly can also help reduce heating and cooling costs. People may only think of using ceiling fans when it’s hot outside to help cool the home along with the AC system. However, ceiling fans can be used year-round. The direction the ceiling fan blades rotate makes a significant difference. By adjusting each ceiling fan's rotation seasonally, homeowners can help save on energy bills throughout the year. 

During summer months, set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise. This creates a cooling downdraft that makes rooms feel cooler, allowing homeowners to raise the thermostat setting for energy savings without sacrificing comfort. 

During winter months, reverse the direction to a clockwise rotation at a low speed. This gentle updraft pushes warm air that naturally rises to the ceiling back down. The redistribution of heated air helps maintain consistent temperatures throughout the room. As a result, homeowners can lower the thermostat setting for energy savings while maintaining comfort. 

Smart Thermostat Installation

thermostatSmart thermostats are game-changers for reducing heating and cooling costs without sacrificing comfort. These devices can learn temperature preferences and automatically adjust temperatures based on the daily routines of residents. They can connect to Wi-Fi, allowing for temperature adjustments from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection using smartphones or other devices.

Smart thermostats also have many other energy-saving features, such as detailed energy reports that help identify costly heating and cooling patterns and geofencing, which tracks when people leave and return so it can save energy when the home is empty and change the temperature back before people return home. Smart thermostats can help save around 10-15% on heating and cooling, making them a simple way to save money. 

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, financing, and fast, friendly service. Call them for heating and air conditioning services in Austin, TX. 

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Austin Energy's Weatherization Assistance vs. Home Energy Savings Program

Make the Home More Energy-Efficient and Save Money

Most homeowners and renters in Austin seek effective ways to enhance their homes’ energy efficiency while minimizing costs. With two distinct programs offered by Austin Energy, the Weatherization Assistance Program and the Home Energy Savings Program, individuals can save on energy-efficient improvements and energy costs depending on their financial situation and eligibility. This post will help residents understand the differences and advantages of each program so they can make informed decisions regarding energy-efficient improvements. 

Overview of Austin Energy Programs

Austin Energy offers two key programs designed to enhance energy efficiency for its residents: the Weatherization Assistance Program and the Home Energy Savings Program. Both initiatives aim to help Austin homeowners and renters lower energy costs, but they cater to different needs based on eligibility requirements and financial situations.

Austin Energy Weatherization Assistance Program

LED lightsThe Weatherization Assistance Program serves income-eligible residents by providing free energy efficiency upgrades. The program ensures that lower-income households can make imperative improvements, such as attic insulation and sealing air leaks, which reduce monthly utility bills and enhance overall home comfort.

If residents want to reduce energy costs while enhancing their living environment, the Weatherization Assistance Program offers substantial benefits tailored to income-eligible households. To be eligible, residents must meet specific income requirements and reside in a home that is at least 10 years old, is 2,500 square feet or under, has landlord approval if it is rented, and has an improvement value of $478,195 or less, excluding the land value. 

This program delivers necessary upgrades at no cost, ensuring that lower-income residents have access to energy-efficient improvements, such as: 

  • Attic insulation to maintain indoor temperatures
  • Duct repair or replacement for better air circulation
  • Sealing cracks and gaps to prevent air leaks
  • Solar screens for improved cooling efficiency
  • High-efficiency LED lighting for reduced electricity use

Austin Energy Home Energy Savings Program

air conditionerThe Home Energy Savings Program also offers support for beneficial upgrades, such as installing energy-efficient central air conditioners or adding attic insulation, that lead to improved comfort and significant savings on energy bills. 

To qualify for the Home Energy Savings Program, homeowners must own the residential property, which needs to be at least 10 years old, not a mobile or manufactured home, and homeowners need to use an Austin Energy participating contractor for the upgrades. This program provides financial assistance in the form of rebates and low-interest loans to make energy-efficient upgrades more affordable.

The Home Energy Savings Program offers financial assistance on energy-efficient improvements and upgrades, such as:

  • Upgrading to energy-efficient central air conditioners or heat pumps
  • HVAC tune-ups for better system performance
  • Adding attic insulation to reduce heating and cooling costs
  • Sealing or replacing ducts to optimize airflow
  • Installing solar shading screens or films to block heat

Which Program Is Right for You?

For homeowners and renters in Austin, the choice between the Weatherization Assistance Program and the Home Energy Savings Program depends on individual circumstances. However, both programs are beneficial for reducing energy usage, improving home comfort, and saving money. 

One factor that can determine which program is right for an Austin resident is homeownership status. The Weatherization Assistance Program can be right for eligible homeowners and renters if the renter has landlord approval. On the other hand, to qualify for the Home Energy Savings Program, the person must own the residential property. This includes owners of various types of residential properties, including single-family homes, condos, townhomes, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes.

If residents meet the income criteria, the Weatherization Assistance Program provides free energy efficiency upgrades, making it a great way to save money. However, suppose they don’t qualify for the Weatherization Assistance Program but own their home. In that case, the Home Energy Savings Program offers rebates and financing options to make upgrades that improve energy efficiency more affordable.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions has over 45 years of experience serving the Austin community. They provide flat-rate pricing and financing and are partnered with Austin Energy. Call them for heating, air conditioning, and weatherization services in Austin, TX.

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Update Your Kitchen With Kitchen Remodeling Services

Renovation Ideas to Create Your Dream Kitchen

Is the kitchen feeling outdated, cramped, or not meeting the household’s needs anymore? A kitchen remodel isn't just about achieving a fresh, modern look – it's an investment that can dramatically improve a home's functionality, style, and overall value. As the heart of the home where families gather, meals are prepared, and memories are made, a kitchen deserves to be both beautiful and practical. 

Professional kitchen remodeling services can transform a dated space into a stunning, functional hub that reflects a homeowner’s style while incorporating the latest design trends and innovative storage solutions. Whether homeowners want a complete overhaul or are seeking strategic updates, understanding kitchen remodeling options is the first step toward creating the kitchen they've always wanted.

Cabinets, Backsplash, and Countertops

cabinets backsplash and countertopsWhen homeowners envision their dream kitchen, the cabinets, backsplash, and countertops are often center stage since they are impactful elements of the space. These fundamental components can define the kitchen's aesthetic and contribute significantly to its functionality and value. Professional kitchen remodeling services can transform these elements through various approaches, from refinishing existing cabinets to installing custom cabinetry that maximizes storage and complements the space perfectly.

Remodeling professionals' expertise extends beyond cabinetry. They can install stunning backsplashes that protect the walls while adding visual interest and replace outdated countertops with modern materials such as quartz, granite, or marble. These professionals can guide homeowners through the entire process, ensuring that their selections work well together while meeting practical needs and budget constraints. Whether homeowners want to update a single element or replace all three, professional remodeling services can help them achieve the kitchen of their dreams.

It’s All in the Details

it's all in the detailsWhile homeowners typically focus on major components like cabinets and countertops, features such as flooring, lighting fixtures, and specialized lighting solutions can dramatically enhance a kitchen space's functionality and aesthetic appeal. Professional remodeling services can expertly integrate these elements, ensuring they complement a kitchen's overall design while being functional and durable.

In particular, the strategic placement of lighting can transform a kitchen's ambiance and utility. Under-cabinet lighting illuminates workspace areas and creates depth and visual interest, while updated overhead fixtures can serve as striking focal points while providing optimal task lighting. Similarly, replacing outdated flooring with modern, durable materials can tie the entire space together and offer practical benefits such as improved water resistance and easier maintenance. Professional remodelers possess the technical expertise to install these elements properly, ensuring proper electrical connections, seamless flooring transitions, and precise fixture placement.

Does the Layout Need Updating?

The kitchen's layout serves as its functional foundation, directly impacting workflow efficiency and overall usability. Professional kitchen remodeling services can transform an awkward or outdated layout into a well-designed space that adheres to the essential "kitchen work triangle" principle, connecting the refrigerator, stove, and sink in an efficient arrangement. Whether the current layout suffers from poor traffic flow, limited counter space, or inadequate storage, experienced contractors can reconfigure the space to better serve the household’s needs.

A layout modification can range from minor adjustments to complete spatial reorganization. Adding a kitchen island, for instance, provides additional workspace and storage and creates a natural gathering point for family and entertaining. For those seeking a more dramatic change, removing walls to create an open-concept kitchen can dramatically improve sight lines and traffic flow while bringing in more natural light and fostering better connection with adjacent living spaces. 

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is a family-owned and operated company serving the Austin area. They offer flat-rate pricing, and financing is available. Contact them for kitchen remodeling services in Austin, TX.

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Signs Refrigerant Leak Repair May Be Needed

How to Tell if the AC Is Leaking Refrigerant and Needs Repair

Is the air conditioner not cooling as effectively as it used to, or is there an unexplained spike in energy bills? These could be warning signs of a refrigerant leak. While refrigerant leaks might initially seem like a minor inconvenience, they can lead to significant problems, including reduced cooling efficiency and system damage, so it’s important to catch them quickly so refrigerant leak repair can be done. 

Understanding the signs of a refrigerant leak helps homeowners protect their investment in cooling equipment and ensures their home remains comfortable. This post will explore some indicators of a refrigerant leak and explain why prompt attention to these warning signs is crucial.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

When an air conditioning system experiences a refrigerant leak, one of the most telling signs is the formation of ice on the evaporator coils. This occurs because the reduced refrigerant levels create an imbalance in the system's pressure, causing the remaining refrigerant to expand more than intended. As a result, the temperature drops well below normal operating levels, causing moisture in the air to freeze on the coils instead of being properly removed through condensation.

The freezing process creates a destructive cycle: as ice builds up on the coils, it acts as an insulator, further reducing the system's efficiency and causing even more freezing. This prevents proper heat exchange and can damage the AC system if left unchecked. While frozen evaporator coils can sometimes be caused by restricted airflow or dirty filters, a refrigerant leak is often the culprit and requires immediate professional attention to prevent system failure and more costly repairs.

The AC Is Not Cooling Properly

not cooling properlyAnother sign of a refrigerant leak is when the air conditioning system fails to cool a space effectively. Refrigerant is the vital component that absorbs and releases heat during the cooling process. The system struggles to maintain proper cooling capacity when levels are low due to a leak. As a result, people may notice that the air from the vents isn't as cold as it should be, even when the thermostat is set to a lower temperature.

This can create a domino effect on the system's performance and energy consumption. With insufficient refrigerant, the air conditioner must run longer to achieve the desired temperature, leading to extended cooling cycles. The system works harder to compensate for the lack of refrigerant, increasing energy bills. Additionally, the strain of operating with low refrigerant levels can cause unnecessary wear and tear on other components, potentially leading to more serious mechanical issues if not addressed promptly. So, when the air conditioner struggles to cool the home or energy bills increase, it can point to low refrigerant, and a professional should be called to fix it.

Unusual Noises

unusual soundsWhen an air conditioning system develops a refrigerant leak, unusual sounds can also be a warning sign. The most common sounds associated with a refrigerant leak are a distinct hissing or whistling noise, which occurs when pressurized refrigerant escapes through small holes or cracks in the system's copper lines or components. This sound can be particularly noticeable during system operation or immediately after shutdown.

Homeowners might also hear gurgling or bubbling sounds, which typically indicate refrigerant escaping in a liquid state before transitioning to gas. These noises occur because refrigerant exists in both liquid and gaseous states within the system, and when it leaks, it rapidly changes from one state to another. The severity of these sounds often correlates with the size of the leak. A subtle hiss might indicate a small leak, while louder, more persistent sounds could signal a larger problem. However, a refrigerant leak of any size requires immediate professional attention to avoid higher energy costs, system damage, and problems cooling.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is a family-owned remodeling, handyman, heating, and air conditioning company serving the Austin area. They offer fast, friendly service and flat-rate pricing. Call them for AC refrigerant leak repair services in Austin, TX. 

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Bathroom Renovation Ideas to Do in 2025

Make Plans to Upgrade the Bathroom

Now is the perfect time to plan ahead for projects in the coming year. For homeowners, that means getting a budget together and collaborating on ideas to improve the value and functionality of their homes. No room is used more than the bathrooms in the home, and when it comes to resale value, investing in bathroom upgrades is a great place to spend money. 

Here are some ideas from local bathroom remodeling professionals so homeowners can upgrade their spaces according to their needs and budgets. 

Replace the Showerhead

showerNot everyone has the budget to renovate an entire bathroom down to the studs every few years. More realistically, most homeowners have to plan for smaller projects to keep their spaces fresh and save the bigger projects for bigger occasions. One of the cheapest and easiest ways to breathe new life into a space that has lost its appeal is to replace the shower head. There are many different types of shower heads to choose from in a range of costs, styles, and finishes. With a showerhead replacement, homeowners can enjoy features like:

  • Calming rain showerheads
  • Relaxing massaging showerheads
  • Convenient and flexible handheld showerheads
  • Bluetooth capabilities for relaxing music or soundscapes
  • LED lighting for better ambiance 
  • Low-flow showerheads for reducing water usage and saving on water bills

Get New Vanities and Sinks

Bathrooms are specialized spaces with many features. When a bathroom is being designed and constructed, there are many opportunities to personalize the style of the space. As the bathroom ages, some of these may look outdated. Instead of a total renovation, a project that can drastically change the look and function of a bathroom is to install a new bathroom vanity, sink, and faucet. 

Vanities and sinks are central focal points in a bathroom. When they are old, they can make the space feel outdated, but when they are replaced, they can also make it feel new and refreshed. There are many ways to customize a bathroom, including choosing a vanity that fits the style and storage functionality needed, a functional and stylish bathroom sink, and a new bathroom faucet with the desired function, style, and finish.  

Before replacing bathroom vanities and the corresponding faucets and sinks, take some time to address the functionality of the space. This is a great opportunity to add more counter space, more storage, or double vanities and sinks for shared bathrooms. 

Install a Bathtub

bathtubThe bathtub is another feature in a bathroom that, when added, can improve functionality and relaxation. There are many bathtub styles to choose from depending on a household's needs and the size of a bathroom, such as: 

  • Freestanding bathtub
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Drop-in bathtub
  • Alcove bathtub
  • Shower and tub combo

A bathtub installation can be beneficial not just for functionality and style but also for the health benefits that it can provide, including better sleep, reduced blood pressure, relief from cold and flu symptoms, and more.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions has been serving the Austin area since 1977. They offer personable and experienced staff and flat-rate pricing. Call them for bathroom remodeling services in Austin, TX. 

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