heating systems

Why Worry About Testing Your Heater?

Have you ever experienced a broken heater? No matter what time of year it occurs, it is always not only frustrating but also potentially expensive.

Now that we are heading into the cooler months here in Conroe, it is even more important to test your heater before you experience any heating emergencies.

Today we’ll discuss multiple things that can go wrong with your heating system and what you should do about it to keep your heat working perfectly and your family safe.

How to Identify Problems With Your Thermostat

thermostatproblemsBefore starting to panic about a potential problem with your heater, check your heater’s thermostat.

Often, what gets identified as a larger, more expensive problem can be fixed by simply fixing a setting or changing the temperature.

If you’re unsure where your thermostat is located, check your manual or give us a call for assistance. Why spend the money to replace the entire system unnecessarily?

Thermostats can easily get bumped or nudged, or a child can turn it up or down without you knowing. Give it a quick check before seeking more in-depth assistance and your wallet will thank you.

Another option is to purchase a programmable thermostat, which can save you money as it learns your patterns and preferred usage. Our team is always happy to help you decide what would be right for your home.

How to Check Your Circuit Breaker

circuitbreakerOne of the most common reasons that heaters stop working is a problem with your circuit breaker. Even if your heater is working in perfect shape, an old or defective circuit breaker in your home can make it seem as though the problem is in your appliance and not in your home.

Some of the common signs that you might have an issue with your circuit breaker are that you may notice a burning smell coming from your electrical panel, that it will not stay reset after you do it, or that it obviously looks older. Learning how to identify and reset your circuit breaker is one of the best things you can do to monitor the health of your heating system yourself.

What to do With a Blown Fuse

blownfuseAnother common issue that may cause problems with your heater is blown fuses. Luckily, blown fuses are incredibly easy to detect and can be found simply by checking your home’s fuse box.

While inspecting your fuse box for a blown fuse, make sure to also check for other signs of problems, including noticeable burns on the front panel, melted wires, and any off-color glass.

If you notice any of those things, please immediately contact us and we will be happy to send someone out to make sure to not only keep your heater working but also to make sure your family stays safe from a potential house fire.

If you have questions about how to check your heater for any of the issues that we’ve discussed today, or if you want to discuss other potential problems with your heating system, contact us here at Easco Air Conditioning and Heating by giving us a call at (936) 539-2653. Don’t put your family at risk, call today!

badluck

Hoping for a Lucky Leaf For HVAC? Opt for HVAC Maintenance Instead!

When the springtime comes, a lot of people like going out and looking for four-leaf clovers. Even if you don’t believe that it will bring you luck, Easco Air understands. There are a lot of things that you can leave to luck, but keeping your home comfortable isn’t one of them. To have a comfortable home, you need proper maintenance rather than leaving it to luck. Below we will tell you how you can keep your home comfortable.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

thermostatOne of the biggest things that you should do is make sure that you have an upgraded thermostat. This is especially true if you have one of the old ones that you have to set manually.

The newer ones are programmable, which means that you can program the thermostat so that it’s warmer or cooler, depending on the time of year, when you come home. Not only will this help you with having a comfortable home but it’s also going to save you money.

Also, if you’re looking to take a technological step forward with your home, be sure to consider upgrading to a digital or wifi enabled home thermostat, which gives you absolute control over your home’s temperature from the comfort of your smartphone.

Use a Humidifier or Dehumidifier

humidskinWhen the weather is cold and dry, and there isn’t a lot of humidity in the air, one thing that you may notice is that you are having issues like dry skin and problems with your sinuses.

That’s why it’s a good idea to invest in a humidifier. This will put humidity back into the air and make it more comfortable. During the summertime, when the humidity is high, you want to take humidity out of the air to make it more comfortable.

That’s what a dehumidifier will do. Not only will it make your house more comfortable, but it will also help with avoiding the growth of mold and mildew since they both flourish in humid areas.

What is an Air Handler?

airhandlerYour HVAC system has two parts to it – one part is outdoors and one part that is indoors. The indoor unit is your air handler. When it’s matched up with your heat pump, this is what circulates your hot and cold air, based on what season it is.

Air handlers will contribute greatly to your system’s efficiency because when you have a more efficient air handler, the outdoor unit is going to do much less work. To help your air handler keep running efficiently, make sure that you are having it properly maintained.

In thanks, it’s going to help keep your home comfortable throughout the year! Go out there and be a go-getter. Make your own choices and don’t rely on luck. Make sure that you are doing maintenance on your HVAC system.

Did you find this article to be helpful? Don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. We also love hearing from our readers, so feel free to comment on what you do to keep your HVAC system working!

commitinghvac

How to Show Love to Your HVAC This Valentine’s Day!

Valentine's Day. The one day of the year most dreaded by commitment-phobes. Don't let commitment issues stand in the way of a good thing. That's true for both your relationship, as well as committing to take care of your air conditioner!

Joining a membership plan can take the worry and stress out of maintaining your HVAC unit, and could save you time and money, too! So don't be afraid to commit to your HVAC!

You can expect lots of great benefits when you sign up for a planned service agreement. In addition to routine maintenance, you get:

  • Priority scheduling and service
  • Discounts on repairs and other work
  • Free safety inspection
  • And so much more!

Keep reading to see how you can get the most out of your planned service agreement!

How to Avoid a Heating Emergency

heatingemergencyA lot can happen to your heater to make it lose efficiency, or even stop working altogether. Dirt and debris buildup in the flue and air filters.

The pilot malfunctions. Or, the blower fan stops working. Anyone of these things could stop your heater cold and lead to costly repair.

When you have a service plan, however, all these systems are routinely checked and repaired before becoming a problem. Preventing a problem means you won't have to call for major repairs for your HVAC, and that will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Tips to Keep Your Cooling System Cool

Dirt buildup can spell disaster for your cooling system, too. Clogged air filters are the number one reason cooling systems lose efficiency.

  • coolingsystemReplace air filters regularly. Doing this will not only help your system run at its peak, but it can also reduce the need for costly repairs if the motor overheats.
  • Make sure the thermostat works correctly. The thermostat controls when the air conditioner turns on and off. If it's not in good working condition, the unit might be working harder than it needs to. If you have an old, mechanical thermostat, consider upgrading it to a digital one. A digital thermostat can be programmed to turn off during the hours you're away from home. And that could spell huge savings on your energy bill.

Proper maintenance can dramatically extend the lifetime of your HVAC system. These tips should help put years on the life of your unit!

Professional Service For The Long Term Care of Your HVAC

longtermcareService plans extend the life of HVAC units and save money. But, not all service plans are the same. When looking for a service plan, it's important to find a professional company that has the long term interest of your home in mind.

You need to know that they will be there for you when you need them most. If you're a homeowner, keeping your HVAC unit running at its peak will save you money and give you peace of mind.

Do you want to save money while keeping your home comfortable? Easco has 30 years of industry experience will be a trusted partner, keeping your air conditioning cold and your heating hot. Call us at (936) 539-2653 and ask us how you can save money with a Planned Service Agreement!

hvactech

The 4 Essential Steps to Becoming an HVAC Technician

Have you always been interested in a skilled labor career? Are you looking for stability in an industry that’s always changing? Would you like to one day become your own boss? Entering the HVAC industry is the best way to hit all the marks and enjoy a successful career that’s all about helping people.

Whether you know it or not, the skilled labor industry is dwindling as more people hit the workforce looking for office jobs. With some education and training, you can capitalize on the market and get out in the field.

The HVAC industry is constantly growing and processing, which makes it an exciting time to consider getting your certification. Read on to learn the four essential steps it takes to become a certified HVAC contractor.

1. Getting Your HVAC Education & Certification

technicianstepsThe first step to becoming an HVAC technician is getting the training you need. For most entry-level technicians this will start by entering a trade school that offers a program in HVAC.

In these programs, you’ll learn everything you need including diagnostic skills, how heating and cooling systems work, and the tools needed for the job.

In many schools these programs range anywhere from 6-months to 2-years, depending on the course load and how many classes you can take. Before any program is finished, you’ll often be required to complete an internship or apprenticeship.

This is an exceptional opportunity to get hands-on training in the field. Additionally, be sure to inquire whether or not your state requires testing. For a majority of places, you’ll need to be licensed and certified before you can legally complete work in residential or commercial properties.

2. Learning All About HVAC Repairs

Once you have your license you’re ready to get out there and learn. As is common in the skilled labor force, every entry-level technician should always start with an apprenticeship. This gives you the opportunity to learn from an expert, while also understanding the daily job requirements. For all technicians, this will start with a service call. Whether it’s a repair, cleaning, or installation, knowing how to diagnose a problem is key.

Before you start completing work on your own, you’ll often be tasked with shadowing other technicians and offering estimates on work. This gives you first-hand knowledge on how to properly diagnose any problem and is the perfect opportunity to hone your skills.

3. Getting The Tools of The Trade

repairlistStarting out, any HVAC technician should always have:

  • Safety goggles.
  • Pliers, screwdrivers, assorted bits.
  • Professional-grade drill.
  • Refrigeration gauges.
  • Staple gun.
  • Top-quality boots.

Once you have your basic tools, you'll eventually progress into more high-level additions that are job specific. This can range from coil remover tools to multi-meters and welding equipment.

This is another reason why apprenticeships are always the best way to start. For many beginner technicians, your employer will provide you with a fully-stocked truck, which makes learning and improving a lot easier.

4. Constantly Improved With Education Programs

educationEven after you’ve been in the industry for some time, you’re going to need to continue your education in order to keep your license in good standing.

Any new HVAC technician should have a willingness to learn and always be open to improving and refining.

While the industry can be complex to learn, once you’re in it, you’ll enjoy the professionalism needed to succeed. If you’re looking to take the next step, be sure to inquire at your local school and be helpful to your friends that are also interested by sharing this blog.

needstoknow

Heat Distribution Systems: What You Should Know

Most people know that their heater keeps them warm during the winter. That’s it, that is the end of their knowledge--unless you count operating the thermostat.

Unfortunately, this limited knowledge is not enough to be useful when it comes to repairs or even when trying to communicate a problem with a technician.

To help resolve this, we’re going to guide you through a few other facts you should know--keep reading for more information!

Do You Know What Type of Heat Distribution System You Have?

This question may be worded oddly, but it is for a reason. First off, ‘heat distribution system’ is just a fancy word for a heater. The term ‘heater’ has developed into an interchangeable expression to describe any unit that provides warmth to your home, including:

  • distributionFurnaces- create heat through combustion and powered by electricity, oil, or gas.
  • Boilers- heat water to send through special piping of the home which will radiate warmth.
  • Heat pumps- transfer heat from outside air to the inside using electricity and refrigerant.

Although these are just the three main types, keep in mind that other heater will keep you just as warm. These other heaters might include fireplaces, space heaters, and radiant floor heating.

Trying to Save Money? Don’t Close The Vents!

ventIt might sound like a great idea to close off vents to help control the amount of heat in a room. Unfortunately, this idea is quite opposite of ‘good.’

When an air supply vent is closed, this creates a change in pressure making it more difficult for the return vent to accumulate air from other sources.

Basically, you end up wasting energy and spending more money by trying to control air flow. If the air flow in a room is important to you, consider zone-control heating and cooling options like ductless mini-split AC systems, which allow for control of air flow and temperature in each room.

Cost Saving Methods That Actually Work

moneyWhen you are trying to save money on your heating expenses this winter, there are a few steps that you can take to see great results.

The first step will be to call the professionals at Easco Air for a routine inspection and tune-up. Ensuring that your heater is working properly will keep you from dreaded high dollar electric or gas bills.

Additionally, ensure that all air leaks have been sealed and that your thermostat is set sensibly (you don’t need to recreate your summer beach trip.) Stay on top of your heating air filter changes because a dirty filter makes for a less efficient system. Reversing your ceiling fans will also help keep the warmed air away from the ceiling and closer to the people that want it.

Being Informed About Your Heater

The easiest way to consistently save money on your heating bills is by being informed about whatever type of heater you have. The internet is a lovely thing and can tell you almost anything you want to know.

However, if you don’t trust the sites you’ve seen or aren’t sure which information applies to your system, give the professionals at Easco Air a call! We can help you learn the ins and outs of your heating distribution unit!