5 Benefits of Indoor Air Quality

June 11, 2018

The amount of industry in Houston and Brookshire obviously leads to air pollution. It enters homes on shoes and clothing, on hair and skin, as well as being blown through the HVAC unit. Additionally, furnishings, floor coverings, and cleaning supplies have chemicals harming air quality in the home. Here are five benefits of good indoor air quality: 1. Better Breathing Respiratory illnesses are triggered by dozens of things in indoor air. Perfumes, cigarette smoke, air fresheners and other irritants cause the chest to tighten, triggering an asthma attack. Asthma can lead to death. When irritants and pollutants are removed from the air, the chest is open and breathing is fluid. The lungs, heart, and body work better. 2. Fewer Allergens Allergens cause coughing, dry, itchy eyes, sneezing, congestion, and other problems. Allergens aren’t only found in flowers, grass, and trees, though. It’s found in insect and rodent effluvia, dust and dust mites, mold, and animal dander. A good indoor air quality system clears all that from the air for better allergy management. 3. Better Sleep A good night’s sleep is interrupted by breathing in Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs. They reduce the oxygen we breathe, so we sleep restlessly. Breathing...

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How is a Smart Thermostat Beneficial?

March 29, 2018

Heating and cooling can be a huge part of the energy costs of a home, and homeowners should be looking for ways to reduce energy consumption and save money. Smart thermostats can better control overall energy costs and other aspects of your home. Take Human Error Out It’s easy to just adjust the thermostat every time you walk by without realizing the extra energy costs you are creating. With a smart thermostat, you can set it and not think about it while keeping your home at a comfortable level. Smart thermostats can also detect when you leave, adjusting the temperature of the house. Help Monitor Your Home While Away With a smart thermostat, you can make sure your home is at an agreeable temperature. You can keep it cooler during the winter when you aren’t home and bump up the temperature before you get home. If you have a second home, a smart thermostat will help you maintain the temperature from a distance. It’s easy to check on your home from vacation as well. Adjust It from Anywhere Since smart thermostats are usually connected to your smartphone, no matter where you are you can adjust the thermostat, even if you...

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How to Save on Energy Costs this Winter

February 23, 2018

Winter can be a hit on your energy bill, but there are many ways you can save on your heating and other energy costs. The first thing to do is turn your thermostat down to 68F. Every degree of extra heating will increase your energy usage a minimum of 6%.  Turn down your thermostat 10-15 degrees during periods when you’re asleep or out of the house.  This will save you about 10% on your heat bills. Utilize the natural sunlight.  If the sun is out and facing towards your windows attempt opening the curtains to let the sun heat your house.  You can close curtains to keep the heat in at night or once the direct sunlight passes your house. Keep your fireplace dampers closed unless you’re burning a fire. If the damper is open a draft could be sucking the warm air out of your house and up the chimney. Before bad weather hits take some time to weatherize your house. Add weather strips to windows and doors and finish up by caulking any air gaps around pipes, windows and doors. Also take some time to add extra insulation, if needed, to your attic. Make sure to clean your...

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How Ductless Systems Work

February 15, 2018

Most buildings have spaces within the walls, ceilings, and floors where ducts can be run in order to channel temperature treated air. These are great for most types of buildings. But what about situations where ducts are simply not available? More often than not, this means we have to put up with noisy, drippy, and somewhat dangerous window units that come with a lot of problems. Traditional window cooler units are heavy. This means they have to be clamped or drilled in place. They mark up the window pane, draw moisture, frequently accumulate mold and bugs- and they are very noisy. Worst of all, it is usually very difficult to form a strong seal around these units, which means they are inefficient- and when you do manage to make a good seal- the appliance becomes a permanent feature, spoiling the view. Ductless HVAC Ductless “mini-split” temperature treatment systems offer single zone or multi-zone climate control depending on your needs and your budget. Ductless systems come in a variety of forms that cover a range of heating or cooling needs. They are much simpler to install than a new duct-dependent system. With a simple wall or floor mount and a single...

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How to Take Care of Your Heat Pump

January 30, 2018

Heat pumps are a necessity during the cold winter weather.  A heat pump has two parts: the indoor and the outdoor parts. Both of these parts need to be taken care of equally to ensure perfect functionality. Here is a guide on how to take care of your heat pump: Clean the Air filters Clean the air filters, especially during the cold and hot seasons because that’s when your system operates the most. Replace your filters after about 6 weeks or so even if they don’t have any problems. Dirty filters, fans, and coils will reduce or block airflow to your system. This will, in turn, overwork your heat pump as it has to increase its energy consumption leading to operational inefficiencies and problems with the system’s compressor. Check Heat Pump Settings Most heat pumps’ thermostats have three settings: cool, heat, and emergency heat settings. Heat and cool settings are straightforward, but the emergency heat mode is only be used when the pump is covered in ice or broken down.  Switching to emergency heat bypasses the heat pump and uses the backup furnace. The heating system automatically switches to the backup furnace when temperatures are too low. Don’t set the thermostat...

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What Are Two-Stage Heat Pumps?

January 24, 2018

A Different Way to Condition Air Heat pumps work in a slightly different manner than air conditioners. During summers, both types of units remove heat from the home by forcing warm indoor air through chilled coils. The heat energy is removed from the house after getting absorbed by the refrigerant. During winters, heat pumps reverse the process, capturing heat energy that exists in the cold outdoor air and diverting it into the house. How a Two-Stage Heat Pump Operates Heat pumps with two-stage compressors operate more efficiently than single-stage (meaning they are either “on” or “off”) systems. When they turn on, single-stage units operate at full capacity even if they do not need to, using more energy. Two-stage heat pumps are perfect for warmer climates in areas like Houston. The compressor operates at full capacity only when necessary. The heat pump runs at a lower capacity on mild days. These heat pumps save money because they do not start or stop as frequently as their one stage counterparts. They are better at circulating the air consistently and preventing warm and cold spots from occurring. Our Carrier Products Deliver Performance For those interested in upgrading to a two-stage heat pump, Air Bourne...

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Should I Have a Heat Pump or Furnace in Houston?

December 29, 2017

The south, in general, is a milder climate than northern states, Texas even more than most states. While northern states are piling with snow for months, Houston is hot enough to take a swim. The confusion comes when it is time to bear the cold for a month or so, and you have to decide if you require a heat pump or furnace. Furnace or Heat Pump The choice of a different furnace or heat pump is ultimately up to you. However, it may also depend on what part of Texas you live. The state has a variety of climates. Houston is balmy, and even in the winter, it rarely stays more than a week or two. People that live in South Texas settle for a small heat pump rather than a furnace. But, even in South Texas, is a heat pump enough? Snow and ice storms are more frequent, and you never know when one will find you. Blankets are not always sufficient if the winter wind blows in your direction. How Heat Pumps Work Many people choose a heat pump because it is a year-around appliance. Furnaces require a separate air unit. A pump often is favored because of their energy...

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What is a Heat Pump Condenser?

December 26, 2017

A heat pump condenser works with a compressor and is an outside unit.  In the oppressively hot days of summer, no one considers the days the temperature may drop below fifty degrees, and you will need to kill the chill in the air. Heat Pump Condenser Condensed Heat pump condensers work as both a heater and air unit. The condenser uses a compressor to turn warm air cold and cold air warm.  The outer unit is also versatile because it acts as both a heater and an air conditioner.  The benefit of a heat pump condenser is the fact that if it happens to freeze over, it automatically defrosts the unit. The downside is your unit will still require maintenance because of debris, as well as the coils that make up your condenser.  However, most heating elements do need regular check-ups. You can maintain your unit by paying attention to optimize airflow and keep your unit healthy for the next cold day that may sneak up on you in Texas. Heat Pump Versus Furnace Heat pumps are the favorite choice of the muggy parts of Texas that only see a few days of winter temperatures. The energy efficiency is merely a bonus...

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Preventing Weather Damage to Your Brookshire AC

November 21, 2017

A home cooling system is an indispensable appliance to have in your home. Your outdoor AC unit is supposed to withstand harsh weather conditions. Nevertheless, AC protection is of vital importance during bad weather. It serves to ensure your AC unit is protected from damages in the case of severe weather such as a thunderstorm or blizzard and that functions more efficiently. Protecting your outdoor unit against damage from harsh weather is also a part of AC maintenance, which is crucial for the unit’s optimum functioning. Therefore, here are a few ways to prevent weather damage to your outdoor unit. Turn Off The Unit Lightning strikes and power surges are common aspects expected during a strong storm. Therefore, before a storm, remember to turn off your AC unit to prevent damage caused by the strikes and surges. Power surges and lightning can damage the electrical components of your AC unit and in some cases could even start a fire. Cover Your Unit Covering your AC unit is another way to avoid inconvenient damages as well as expensive repairs brought about by severe thunderstorms or hurricanes. Covering the unit will protect it from hail, winds, and flying debris. If debris ends...

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What Does MERV Mean? – Air Bourne Air

November 14, 2017

The dry heat and dust in Cypress, TX demand a well-maintained air conditioning system. When shopping for replacement air filters for your AC unit or furnace, you may have noticed a one or two-digit number labeled MERV. What is MERV, and how does it affect your forced air systems? What Is MERV? MERV is an acronym that stands for Minimum Efficiency Value Reporting. It is a measurement of how effectively the filter will block dust particles and pathogens. MERV ratings were developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to help consumers understand what to expect from their filters. Air filters are rated from 1 to 16. Higher ratings mean the air filter will be able to control the passing of smaller and more varied types of particles. An air filter with a MERV rating of 16 is able to keep many contaminants out of your indoor air system. Dust mites Pollen and mold spores Fibers from clothing, carpets, and furniture Pet hair and dander For home AC maintenance, a MERV rating between 7 and 12 is enough to keep your home clear of potential sources of contamination. AC and heater maintenance in hospitals and...

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