Why You Should Cool Your Home

Circulating cool air throughout your home while you’re gone is better for your air conditioning system. It ensures that your AC will have an easy time cooling your home both while you’re away and when you return. The alternative situation is that the heat builds up for days, and then your AC will have to work extremely hard to cool your home later, causing a spike in your energy bill and stress on your system.

Health is also an excellent reason to cool your home while you’re on vacation periodically. If your home is by itself in the heat for days, there is a higher chance of humidity building up. This moistened environment will invite bugs, bacteria, and fungus into your home. Breathing in this filthy air can become extremely harmful very fast to those with preexisting respiratory conditions in your home.

The fabric and wooden objects in your home are vulnerable to humid environments as well. Warped floors, foul odors on your furniture, and damp surfaces are just a few things you could return home to after your vacation. So do yourself a favor this summer and find a way to circulate cool air throughout your home for a little bit of time each day while you’re away.

Your Thermostat Settings

To correctly cool your home while you’ve got your toes in the sand, you will need to have an awareness of the temperature outside in the days that you will be gone. If you have a traditional thermometer, you should set your thermostat to a few degrees below the average daily high. Doing this may not keep your home cool, but it will keep it a safe medium.

The goal of setting the degree just a bit below the high is only to have your air conditioner running for a few hours a day. By doing this, you will save money and prevent humidity by circulating just enough air through your home. It is possible that there are outliers with unusual extreme highs within your vacation time that would throw off that equation, so you will need to watch out for those.

If You Have Pets

If you are leaving your pets behind, be sure to keep them in consideration. You’ll want them to be safe and comfortable while you’re away, and that means keeping your home at a reasonable temperature. Ask your veterinarian about the temperature needs of your pet, as well as anything else that you may have to do while they are home alone.

If You Have Plants

A sudden change in the atmosphere of your home is potentially detrimental to plant life. For example, if your house were to become entirely too warm, it could cause substantial damage to the plants in your home. Between 60 and 75 degrees is usually fine for most plants, but be sure to do your research on your plants so that you won’t end up coming back to an unfortunate surprise.

Programmable Thermostats Make Things Easier

A modern programmable thermostat will make cooling your home while you’re out having fun not so much of a chore. With it, you won’t worry about having to set everything up just right before you leave. You can set things up beforehand or adjust the air conditioning system in your home while you’re on the go.

With a programmable thermostat, you can schedule a time block of a few hours a day to cool your home to whatever temperature you choose. You won’t have to worry about your pet sitter forgetting to turn the AC back on or stress over an unexpected spike in heat. Although a traditional thermostat will work just fine, a programmable one makes things a lot easier.

5-Star Service

The best way to ensure that your home is in the right hands while you’re on vacation is to make sure all of your parts are working correctly. Ask yourself when the last time it was that your system had a tune-up. A heating and cooling expert will check your system and help you make sure you’re good to go this summer.

At Texas Air Authorities, we believe in protecting your Arlington home while you’re away. We offer affordable, top-notch customer service and our 5-star service guarantee ensures that your time with us is as pleasant as possible. Our team provides repair, installation, and maintenance for furnaces and air conditioners. In addition, we can help with your indoor air quality needs. Call us today if you would like a tune-up, and we will see to all your needs.

The post Vacation Thermostat Settings appeared first on Texas Air Authorities | www.texasairinc.com.

Shut Down the Power

Turn off the breaker labeled for the AC. Shut off the power to the condenser, too. The breaker is in your circuit breaker box, and the condenser switch is near the unit.

Take Off the Grille and Remove the Filter

If the interior unit grille is dirty, it will probably need cleaning. You can take it outside and hose it down, and remove the debris. Do not put it back on the unit until it’s dry.

Throw away disposable air filters or clean reusable filters. A dirty air filter prevents airflow and stops cool air from circulating properly. Change out the filters at least once every two months. If you have pets, you may need to change your filters more often.

Let Professionals Clean Your AC’s Interior Unit

At Texas Air Authorities, Inc., we will clean the evaporator coils with a no-rinse foam cleanser. We will vacuum out the interior unit and clean around the fan and motor. Debris gets trapped on the fan blades and prevents them from turning. This causes the motor to overheat and fail. Once it’s clean, we put the grille back in place after the interior unit is clean. If you need your interior unit cleaned, contact us.

Have a Professional Lubricate All the Moving Parts

If you feel like your air conditioner needs to be lubricated, contact our professional technicians. We can inspect your unit and determine which moving parts need to be lubricated. Your manufacturer’s warranty specifies how much and what type of lubricant to use. We will apply the lubricant to all gears in the AC unit. Proper lubrication prevents grinding and damage as the system operates.

Clean the Condenser Coils

Remove the casing on the exterior unit, and remove the casing from the condenser coils. Pick up any leaves, twigs, or other larger debris off the unit. Spray a no-rinse foam cleanser onto the condenser coils. Scrub away debris with a soft-bristled brush, and then wipe away any debris with a clean rag.

Clean Out the Exterior Unit

Debris accumulates inside the exterior unit between seasons. Dirt, leaves, allergens, and other substances clog up the unit. Vacuum out dirt and other debris with a vacuum.

Inspect the Condensate Drain and Pan

The condensate drain removes condensation in the AC unit. Test the condensate drain by pouring a water and bleach mixture into the lines. The condensate drain runs into the home from the exterior unit. It has a T-shape and a removable cap. Remove the cap, and pour the mixture into the line. Next, flush it out with a water hose and replace the cap.

Review the condensate pan for damage. Mold or mildew on the pan show drainage issues. Clean the pan with a water and bleach mixture. If there are signs of damage, schedule repairs or replacement services promptly.

Have a Professional Inspect the Coolant Lines and Gas Levels

We’ll inspect the coolant lines for missing insulation. If there is insulation damage, a coolant leak is possible. If your home isn’t cool, the AC doesn’t have adequate coolant levels.

We complete inspections of the AC lines and test them for coolant leaks. We have certification for handling coolant for AC systems. After we repair the coolant lines, we use gauges to read the coolant levels. If they’re too low, we charge the AC according to the current readings.

Test the Thermostat

After we restore power to your AC unit, it’s important that you review the current temperature displayed on the thermostat. Engage the system, and pay attention to how often it cycles.

The thermostat reads the room temperature and engages the system as needed. A faulty thermostat engages the system too frequently and increases cooling costs. A sudden increase in energy costs indicates a problem with the thermostat.

A faulty thermostat engages an AC system several times within a short time. We can replace the thermostat to give you better energy efficiency.

Where to Get AC Services

At Texas Air Authorities, Inc., we offer exceptional AC services for residents in Arlington. We complete seasonal cleaning and maintenance services to prepare your AC for summer. We also offer thorough heating and cooling inspections, repairs, servicing, and new installations. To learn more about our services, come visit us today! We offer ductwork and indoor air quality services, too.

The post Preparing Your Air Conditioner for the Summer appeared first on Texas Air Authorities | www.texasairinc.com.

Understanding Air Conditioning Functions

Before jumping into the causes of air conditioning freezes, it may be prudent to understand some basics of your system. To cool your air, your AC unit draws air from your home into your air conditioner. It absorbs the heat from that air with the refrigerant and then pushes it outside to vent that heat.

In order to work, your system needs to regulate the pressure of the refrigerant. As the refrigerant pressure drops, it becomes extremely cold, allowing it to better absorb heat. However, if you increase the pressure, your air conditioner condenses the heat that it contains, allowing it to transfer to the heat outside.

In addition to regulating refrigerant, your system must have air flowing through it. If either of these are interrupted, it will not work as intended to cool your house.

Restricted Airflow

Airflow restrictions are some of the most common issues with air conditioners, leading to reduced airflow and ineffective cooling. These restrictions could be from a clogged air filter, a dirty evaporator coil, or a circulating fan.

The air filter captures most of the airborne contaminants before they have a chance to enter your unit. To keep the air flowing well, you should plan to replace your air filter regularly, about every 90 days. Consider checking your filters monthly, and gently vacuum off the intake side to help extend their service lives.

As your system runs, some contaminants will make it past your air filter and settle in your unit. One place they settle is on the circulating fan, which is responsible for moving all the air through your AC unit. These contaminants collect slowly, but eventually the particulates lead to less air being drawn in and pushed out.

The other place these contaminants settle is on the evaporator coil, which is where the refrigerant gets cold. As the contaminants settle on it, they restrict airflow and cause a form of insulation. The effect is less heat transferred to the refrigerant from the air circulating as well as less air circulating.

All of these situations lead to the refrigerant not absorbing the right amount of heat. This results in the refrigerant freezing downstream from the evaporator coil.

Mechanical Failure

Every mechanical device is subject to wear and tear and component failure, and air conditioners are no different. One of the primary components that can cause your system to freeze up is a failing circulating fan.

As the fan motor ages, it may not spin quickly enough to draw in the right amount of air. The result of a circulating fan failure is nearly the same as that of an airflow restriction.

Low Refrigerant Pressure

Your refrigerant level must be within a very tight tolerance to allow the system to run properly. If there is too much refrigerant, the unit cannot get cold enough at the evaporator coil to absorb heat.

Having too little refrigerant is just as problematic, preventing the air conditioner from building enough pressure. Not only does this prevent the heat from compressing enough to transfer to the outside air, but it also causes freezes.

As already mentioned, refrigerant gets cold when the pressure drops. Even with too little refrigerant in the system, the compressor will still attempt to build the pressure at the condenser. This creates a situation in which the pressure drops unusually in the lines leading up to the compressor, creating frozen lines.

In addition to frozen lines, this lack of refrigerant puts a lot of strain on the compressor. Without the right amount of refrigerant in the AC unit, your compressor will burn out, leading to preventable repairs.

The Role of Routine Maintenance

Professional routine maintenance is the best protection against summer AC freezes. During a maintenance visit, a technician will clean your evaporator coil and circulating fan, resolving many airflow restrictions. They will also inspect your air filter to see if it is time to replace that as well.

They will then test each component in your system to ensure it is operating within optimal parameters. Finally, they will check the refrigerant level to ensure the right amount is within the system.

People around Arlington have turned to Texas Air Authorities for professional air conditioning maintenance since 1999. We have also been sought for our expertise in heating and cooling installation and repairs, along with our indoor air quality solutions. Call to schedule your AC maintenance appointment with one of our technicians today.

The post Should My Air Conditioner Be Freezing Up? appeared first on Texas Air Authorities | www.texasairinc.com.

Fall in Love With One of These Great Options!

Ain’t love grand? Romantic candlelit dinners. Spontaneous pillow fights. Hours of intimate conversation. Someone to lean on through good times and bad. When you choose the right partner, you have all of these things to experience—and more.

OK. We realize this isn’t as important as choosing a lifelong partner. But, here at Texas Air Authorities, we know it’s almost as important to choose the right partner when it comes to your heating system. If you make the wrong decision, you run a high risk of suffering through cold nights, high heating bills and costly repairs. Ouch! But don’t worry. You can count on our outstanding residential heating replacement services in Grand Prairie, TX, and nearby to find you the perfect match.

Here are some of the different types of heating systems you can choose from:

• Furnace. This is one of our most popular options. A furnace can operate on gas, oil or propane. You can opt for 1) a base model that works well in milder climates but tends to be less efficient; 2) a mid-efficiency model, which is slightly more efficient than a base model and features a better heat exchanger; or 3) a high-efficiency model, which is ideal for larger homes or extreme climates and features a second heat exchanger. The good guys at Texas Air Authorities have the experience and skills to help you choose the right furnace for your home’s heating needs.
• Heat pump. This option is a great choice in milder climates. Plus, a heat pump does double duty as your heating and cooling source.
• Hybrid dual fuel heating system. Unlike natural gas or normal heat pumps, these systems allow you to tap into gas or electric. As a result, you can enjoy the benefits of each heating source while eliminating the negatives.

You also should consider these factors:

• Power source. Your options include natural gas, oil, propane and, in some cases, electric. Not sure what’s the best choice? We’ll help you examine the evidence and come up with the right verdict.
• Distribution. You can choose a forced air system, which uses air ducts and registers to deliver heat to your home, or a hydronic system, which relies on radiators and a boiler for heat generated from hot water.
• Efficiency. With a high-efficiency unit, you’ll enjoy reliable heat and lower energy costs.
• Cost. Don’t just consider the cost of the system. Make sure you’re aware of how much your new system will cost to operate and maintain, too.

Enjoy Happy (Heating) Trails With Texas Air!

Great relationships start with great communication. Let’s begin the conversation about your HVAC needs. From heater replacement service in Mansfield, TX, and beyond to indoor air quality in Grand Prairie, TX, and nearby, we’re your perfect “pardner!” Give us a jingle at or fill out our online form.

The post How to Choose the Right Heating Partner for Your Home appeared first on Texas Air Authorities | www.texasairinc.com.

Kick Them to the Curb for 2021 and Beyond

The good guys at Texas Air Authorities are certainly happy that we’re finally looking at 2020 in the rearview mirror. How about you? It sure was a challenging year!

It got us thinking about the things homeowners should kick to the curb—such as bad habits with their HVAC systems that cause skyrocketing energy bills and frequent cooling and heating repairs in your Kennedale, TX, or nearby home.

Let’s take a closer look at behaviors you should leave behind when it comes to your HVAC system:

1. You’re setting your thermostat too low. Did you know that a typical AC system can only keep your indoor air about 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature? So, if it’s 100 degrees outside, your air conditioner may only be able to maintain an indoor temperature of 80 degrees. If your system is not designed properly to achieve whatever temperature you desire, if you set your thermostat lower, your AC will struggle all day—unsuccessfully—to reach the desired temp. This causes a huge strain on your system and a major spike in your energy bills.
2. You forgot to schedule routine maintenance. Regular checkups are the key to reliable, affordable HVAC performance. Our experienced technicians will thoroughly inspect, clean and service your system during a routine maintenance visit. When you fail to provide your unit with this important TLC, energy bills will climb and minor problems can escalate into major disasters.
3. You don’t change your air filter. Your system won’t run properly when the air filter is dirty. A filthy filter also results in poor indoor air quality. You should change your air filter every month. It’s easy! We can show you how or even perform this task for you.
4. You’re not taking advantage of your smart thermostat. A smart thermostat can save you a bundle because your system will only operate when you need it. But that won’t happen if you don’t program it.
5. You’re allowing air to leak in—and out. If your doors and windows aren’t properly sealed, conditioned air inside your home will escape, while outside air will creep in. This creates huge problems for your comfort—and your energy costs. Weather stripping your doors, caulking your windows and adding insulation to your attic can help eliminate this problem.
6. You’re in denial about your inefficient system. If your system is more than 20 years old or if it’s not the right size for your home, you should seriously think about replacing it. Older systems cost more to operate because they aren’t as efficient as newer models. Systems that are too small or too large for your home also work harder, cost more to operate and still won’t provide you with the comfort you deserve.
7. You’re closing registers and vents. You might think this is a great idea because your system will have a smaller area to heat or cool. But the reality is that it results in your system functioning like an improperly sized unit. Instead of saving money and improving your comfort, you will spend more and experience less-than-ideal comfort.

Call Texas Air Today!

Breaking bad habits can be challenging, but Texas Air Authorities is the team that will come to your rescue. We’re happy to answer any questions about best practices that will help your HVAC system work well, and you can call us when you need heater repair services in Mansfield, TX, and beyond. Give us a jingle at or fill out our online form.

The post These 7 Bad HVAC Habits Will Cost You a Bundle appeared first on Texas Air Authorities | www.texasairinc.com.

Why Your HVAC Might Not Be Up to Code

Many reasons might make your furnace not up to building code standards. The first is that building codes change over time. If your furnace was installed 15 or 20 years ago, building codes have likely changed. Even if it was up to code when it was installed, it might not meet current codes.

If your furnace has become out of code because the standards changed, your system might be “grandfathered.” This means that you might not be required to bring it up to code unless it results in a safety issue. If you plan to sell your home, you might be required to make any necessary changes to bring it up to code.

A second reason why your furnace might be out of code is if you have done any renovation, such as finishing a basement or making changes to your home’s electrical system. If you have made significant repairs in the room where the service is located, it is possible that your furnace no longer has adequate clearance.

If your home is not new and you purchased an older one, the previous owner might have performed repairs that are not up to code. This might mean that you have a building code violation and do not know it. The worst scenario is if the faulty repair caused a safety issue you are unaware of.

The furnace is an area that is examined during a routine building inspection. Code violations are usually caught during this time. In most cases, an inspection is required if you are getting a mortgage, but there are situations where you can buy a home without one. If you did not have a home inspection, it might be a good idea to have one before you put your home on the market so you can take care of any issues before they cause the deal to fail.

Is it Time to Replace Your Furnace?

Many of the more recent changes to building codes involve energy efficiency. If your HVAC is older, it might be time to consider replacing it with one that meets current energy efficiency standards. Not only will this save on your energy bill, but it will also increase your home’s value.

If your air conditioner is older and uses R-22 refrigerant, then it is time for a replacement. This refrigerant, commonly known as Freon, has been linked to ozone depletion. The U.S. EPA banned it and can no longer use it. If your air conditioner still uses this refrigerant, it is a good idea to have it replaced with a newer one that uses a different refrigerant and is up to code.

Replacing your heating and air conditioning with one that meets modern standards not only assures that it is up to code but can also result in considerable energy savings over time. One of the most important factors is choosing a company with technicians who undergo regular training and must meet current installation standards. Unless you are a professional, repairing your furnace is not recommended.

How Can You Tell if Your Furnace Is Out of Code?

Keeping up with changes in building codes is not something that you generally need to worry about as a homeowner. The best way to make sure your HVAC system is up to code is to have regular seasonal maintenance. If anything has changed, they will let you know if it affects your system. Regular maintenance means that you can ensure your HVAC system is in top shape, and you will see that it is up to current codes.

Texas Air Authorities, Inc. in Arlington, TX, can help you ensure that your heating and air conditioning system meets current codes. We offer installation, repair, and maintenance of HVAC systems. We also service heat pumps, provide air purification, and install zone heating systems. You can call us for residential and commercial services.

The post Is Your Furnace Up to Code? appeared first on Texas Air Authorities | www.texasairinc.com.

Continue Existing Ducting

One of the easiest methods for getting more heat into your basement during the winter is to simply extend your existing ducting. Most of the ductwork is exposed in the basement, which makes it super simple to connect onto. However, you should consult a professional before doing so. They will need to ensure that your current heating system is capable of heating your basement in addition to every other room your ducting runs to.

Add Baseboard Heaters

Another great option to heat your basement if you don’t already have existing ductwork is baseboard heaters. These are powered by electricity, which means that a professional electrician will need to hardwire them to your electrical panel. You should consult a professional to determine what size your baseboards need to be and how many you need to have installed. Traditionally, baseboard heaters will only heat up the room that they are in, so they’re a good option for the basement.

Pellet, Wood, or Coal Stove

If you would like a more traditional look, you may want to consider using a stove. There are typically three different types of fuels that these stoves can burn: pellets, wood, and coal. Pellets tend to burn the cleanest while coal burns the dirtiest. You’re going to need to vent your stove directly to the outdoors because it produces carbon monoxide.

If you don’t have direct access to the outside, this may not be your best option. Keep in mind that these stoves will need to be tended to on a regular basis. Most require refilling at least once or twice every day.

Space Heaters

Your next option is going to be the simplest, which is space heaters. These are fairly cheap to purchase and plug right into your regular house outlets. It’s important to note that space heaters can’t run nonstop as they’re prone to overheating. However, they make a great quick and affordable option if you only plan on spending a few hours in your basement from time to time.

Fireplace

If your basement has an existing chimney that you don’t have anything hooked up to, you can consider installing a fireplace. This can be a cost-effective way to heat up your basement. You can opt for wood-burning fireplaces or even run a natural gas fireplace. As long as you have an existing chimney to vent out the harmful carbon monoxide gases, you’ll be well on your way to a beautiful and convenient way to heat your basement.

Ductless Mini-split

A fairly newer technology that homeowners have access to for their basement heat is a ductless mini-split heat pump system. With this type of heating system, there are wall units installed throughout the various rooms of your basement. Each unit comes with its own remote so that you can have zone heating control. All units are connected to an outside condenser unit through small tubing. This is a great option when you want the advantage of zone control without having to connect to existing ductwork.

Radiant Heat

Radiant heat is another option that works well for heating the basement of a home. There are different types of radiant heat. However, they all are comprised of panels or wires that run underneath your existing flooring. They heat up and allow the heat to naturally rise up to the floor and into the room.

Wall Heaters

Another newer option for homeowners looking to heat up their basement efficiently is the wall heater. This option is quite similar to heating your basement with a space heater. However, it’s conveniently placed on the wall so that it doesn’t take up any floor space. Wall heaters are available in two different models, including radiant and convection heating. These heaters tend to run on electricity or gas. You can get them in different sizes, styles, and prices to fit your exact needs.

Professional Heating Installation

Texas Air Authorities provides professional heating installation for our fellow Arlington, TX, neighbors. We also offer heating maintenance and repair, AC installation, repair, and maintenance, indoor air quality, ductwork, air purification, air filtration, air ventilation, humidifier, dehumidifier, zone control, and commercial HVAC services. Call us today to set up your next appointment.

The post Top Heating Options for Your Basement appeared first on Texas Air Authorities | www.texasairinc.com.

Where the Thermostatic Expansion Valve Is Located

The TXV has a sensing bulb that is located near the output side of the evaporator. The valve itself is located along the line that carries refrigerant. It does not need to be next to the sensing bulb.

What a Thermostatic Expansion Valve Does

The TXV releases the right amount of refrigerant into the evaporator at the right time. When refrigerant is no longer needed, the TXV closes to prevent refrigerant flow.

The Parts of a Thermostatic Expansion Valve

The first important part to mention when talking about the TXV is the sensing bulb. Although it isn’t housed within the valve itself, it’s necessary for the TXV’s function. The sensing bulb is full of refrigerant that responds to pressure changes.

The next part is the capillary tube. This tube is a thin metal pipe that carries refrigerant from the sensing bulb to the TXV. It’s a straight pipe when it emerges from the sensing bulb. As it approaches the TXV, it coils.

The external valve itself consists of a powerhead or cap and two pipes that perpendicularly intersect one another. The inside of the valve contains a diaphragm and a pressure spring.

How Does a Thermostatic Expansion Valve Work?

The sensing bulb gets hot when the evaporator does. As the temperature rises, the pressure of the refrigerant rises as well. When this pressure climbs enough, some refrigerant begins to move down the capillary tube into the valve.

As the cap of the valve fills with refrigerant, it pushes a small piece of sheet metal down. This formal name for this small metallic piece is the diaphragm. As the diaphragm moves down, it opens the valve.

Once the valve opens, the refrigerant begins to flow into the evaporator. Since refrigerant removes heat, the evaporator begins to cool down. Once your air conditioning system reaches the temperature you have selected on your thermostat, the pressure in the sensing bulb decreases, and the refrigerant holding the diaphragm down begins to move back up to its starting position.

There is a pressure spring on the other side of the valve. This pressure spring is adjustable and must be accurately set according to manufacturer specifications. The pressure from this spring and the evaporator combine to counteract the pressure from the diaphragm. This counterpressure is what closes the valve. As the evaporator warms again, the pressure inside of the sensing bulb increases and triggers the start of another cooling cycle.

Why Is a Thermostatic Expansion Valve Important for Your Air Conditioning System?

Since the TXV only allows the proper amount of refrigerant to be released, your air conditioning system only cools at your command. As a result, your system doesn’t have wear and tear from excessive cooling. A TXV also helps prevent excess backflow of refrigerant through the condenser. This prolongs the life of your system.

Getting the most years possible from your system isn’t just great for your wallet. It’s good for the environment. When you can use a system longer, you delay its disposal. If you make excellent air conditioning system maintenance a long-term habit, you will dispose of fewer systems during your lifetime.

Another benefit to the environment is reduced energy use. When your system cools to your desired setting, it doesn’t use any more energy than you decide, and your energy bills are more manageable. As a result, you can make energy consumption decisions that are good for your conscience and wallet.

How You Can Learn More About Your Thermostatic Expansion Valve

Understanding your TXV and other air conditioning system components is crucial to getting the most from your system. You can quickly troubleshoot your system when you know what is expected and what might require a repair call. Another way to enjoy an optimal comfort level within your home is to bring in a trusted team.

We specialize in heating and cooling repair, installation, and maintenance services. We can also improve your home’s indoor air quality. Contact Texas Air Authorities in Arlington, TX, for more information about our comprehensive services.

The post A Guide to Thermostatic Expansion Valves appeared first on Texas Air Authorities | www.texasairinc.com.

1. Change Out Your HVAC Air Filter

The first step in mitigating many common fall-time IAQ issues is changing your HVAC air filter. If your HVAC system is used on a daily basis, filter changes should be done once each month. During fall, you may even want to start using an air filter that’s rated for capturing and collecting a greater number of airborne contaminants and particulates. Air filters are given minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) ratings of one to 16. Filters rated above 13 are typically reserved for hospital settings, medical labs, and other similar environments. Choosing an option with a rating of 10 to 12 will ensure that the maximum amount of allergens and contaminants are being picked up and retained.

Air filter performance is especially important during the months of fall and winter. Throughout these seasons, people are spending far more time in the home and with all windows and doors sealed shut. Air filters should be able to capture dirt, dust, pet dander, pollen, and any other organic particulates that get tracked into the home. They should also be able to collect residues from any cleaning agents and other sanitizing or deodorizing products that are being distributed throughout the closed space.

2. Schedule Fall HVAC Tune-Up Service

There are many benefits to having your HVAC system tuned up during the fall. Your heating and cooling equipment will work reliably and far more efficiently. It’s important to note that fall isn’t always a progressively cooler season. Temperatures can toggle between moderately cool and moderately warm. As such, you may need your air conditioner on some days and your heater on others. Both should be in good working order.

When it comes to protecting your IAQ, the functionality and performance of your HVAC system definitely matter. This equipment doesn’t just regulate temperatures. It also helps filter or purify the indoor air and regulate humidity. Although the indoor air is often drier in Texas homes during the fall, more indoor cooking and constant indoor entertaining can also lead to dramatic increases in humidity. With a tune-up, you can make sure that your HVAC system is able to extract excess humidity as needed so that common, fall-time woes like mold spore development don’t occur.

3. Take It Easy With Your Fireplace

Who doesn’t enjoy the relaxing, crackling, and popping sounds of a real wood fire? Although building a fire in your fireplace is a sure way to create a cozy ambiance in your home, it’s also guaranteed to drop your IAQ significantly. This remains true even if you’ve recently had your flue cleaned and have burned a few creosote-clearing logs. If you have to have a real wood fire, consider setting up a fire pit in your backyard. Replace your indoor wood-burning fireplace with a gas-fired model. There are many gas-fired options with natural-looking logs. In fact, some even make the distinctive snapping and popping sounds of actual burning wood.

It’s also a good idea to limit the number of candles you burn indoors during a season in which windows and doors are typically sealed shut. Like real wood fireplaces, candles are great at creating a desirable ambiance, but they additionally diminish a home’s IAQ. Look for flameless, battery-powered candles instead. In addition to having a convincing look, flameless candles aren’t a fire hazard.

4. Consider Investing in IAQ Services and Equipment

If you have someone living in your home with a chronic respiratory condition or if your air quality is consistently low, consider having a whole-house air purifier installed. This unit will effectively supplement the work that your HVAC air filter does. To combat dry air, consider the benefits of a humidifier. Regulating humidity will create cleaner and more comfortable living conditions. It can additionally prevent problems like condensation at the windows, moldy and mildewed carpeting and drapes, and many other moisture-related damages throughout the building.

Every home has its own unique air quality concerns, especially during the months of fall. At Texas Air Authorities, we offer a comprehensive range of heating and air conditioning services to residents of the greater Arlington, TX, area. We also provide air purification services, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and advanced air filtration equipment. Call us today to schedule a consultation appointment.

The post How to Mitigate the Most Common Indoor Air Quality Problems in Fall appeared first on Texas Air Authorities | www.texasairinc.com.

Initial Planning for A New System

There are many factors to consider during the initial planning phase. Sometimes a new system will require more space to meet local code or manufacturer’s recommendations. That may incur additional expenses during the installation.

Therefore, initial planning is necessary to determine the challenges to address during installation. The process starts with a home visit to evaluate the energy requirements of your house. Sizing your new AC is one of the most crucial steps during the initial planning phase. Improper sizing could trigger recurring issues with your air conditioner.

The initial assessment will also determine the specialized equipment the AC installation team will carry. Your new system must meet all the safety requirements and manufacturers’ specifications.

Arriving for the Installation Process

The initial assessment will inform the next phase of the process when technicians report for the installation. Your service provider will send information on the members of staff installing your equipment. It helps homeowners know who will be arriving at their door for the service beforehand.

Before the installation begins, an AC technician will double-check the quality of the information collected. The technician will review equipment and parts to be installed to prevent mistakes at later stages.

Meanwhile, other members of the installation team will be preparing the site by laying down the floor cover. They will switch off electrical connections or the gas supply for safety before removing your old equipment.

Removing the AC for Replacement

Removing the old system is usually an intricate and time-consuming process. While removing your old system, AC technicians have to observe safety standards.

EPA regulations require the refrigerant to be disposed of with a recovery machine to prevent leaks. Refrigerant poisoning can skin irritation, nausea, headaches, and difficulty breathing. Texas Air Authorities in Arlington has highly trained technicians to carry out a quality and safe installation.

After removing the refrigerant, the next step is to disconnect the electrical connections. The installation crew will turn off the circuit from the control panel. They may suggest installing a new connection box if your home does not already have one.

Replacing Your Old System

You can install a new model where the old one used to sit. But modern systems have different dimensions, and the area may require preparation before installation.

Typically, the condenser is placed on a composite pad to raise it and protect it from moisture and pests. You may use concrete to support the weight of larger units. But a composite material is preferred for most applications due to its durability.

Replacing your AC may involve working on the ductwork to meet the specification of the new system. The installation crew will already have the information from the initial assessment.

The team has to perform this stage of the installation correctly. Once you place the condenser unit, it is difficult to remove it. The condenser often has pressurized components that could be damaged.

Testing the New System After installation

After the installation is complete, a technician will check the refrigerant levels. They will also evaluate electrical connections and the function of the thermostat.

Your thermostat is a critical element of the cooling and heating system. A technician will review its placement and settings to ensure maximum energy savings and comfort.

If you want a smart thermostat, Texas Air Authorities in Arlington can install the device for you. The device ensures more precise control of temperature regulation. You can connect it to your existing home automation system for more convenience and comfort.

The AC installation team will check other parts of the system before giving it a clean bill of health. That includes testing voltages, temperature drops, as well as supply and return temperature.

After the testing, the technician will share with you tips on keeping your air conditioner efficiency. They will walk you through the routine maintenance requirements of the system. You can take the opportunity to ask questions about your new equipment and how it functions. At this stage, you could choose to schedule your first maintenance service.

If you have questions about AC replacement services, you can talk to the Texas Air Authorities staff in Arlington. We are the leading provider of home comfort solutions in the region. Our friendly and professional crew will carry out a thorough diagnosis and provide an honest assessment. You can expect the team to arrive on time and leave your home spotless. Call us today and experience our 5-star guarantee service.

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