If you’re a homeowner in Kyle, TX, you know how important it is to have a reliable heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to keep your home comfortable all year round. But with so many HVAC contractors to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are some tips on how to select the best residential HVAC contractor in Kyle, TX.

1. Look for a licensed and insured contractor

Before hiring an HVAC contractor, make sure they are licensed and insured. A licensed contractor has passed exams and met state requirements for their work. You can check a company’s state license here. Insurance is also essential to protect you from any accidents or damages that may occur during the installation or repair process.

2. Check for experience and expertise

Experience and expertise are critical factors to consider when selecting an HVAC contractor. Look for a contractor who has been in business for several years and has experience working on systems similar to yours. A contractor with expertise in a specific type of system or brand can also be helpful.

3. Ask for references and check reviews

Ask for references from the contractor and check online reviews to learn about their reputation. Look for reviews on sites like Google, Yelp, or Angie’s List to see what other homeowners have to say about their experiences with the contractor. Some of our reviews are here.

4. Get multiple quotes

Getting multiple quotes from different contractors can help you compare prices and services. Ask for a written estimate that includes all costs associated with the job, including labor, materials, and any additional fees.

5. Look for warranties and guarantees

A good HVAC contractor should offer warranties and guarantees on their work. Make sure you understand the terms and length of the warranty and what it covers. A reputable contractor will stand behind their work and be willing to address any issues that may arise. We guarantee our work for one year, parts and labor. 

6. Ask about maintenance plans

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your HVAC system running efficiently and prolonging its lifespan. A reputable company will have a maintenance program and seek to meet your home comfort needs year-round. Ask the contractor about their maintenance plans and what they include. Check out ours here.

By following these tips, you can find a reliable and experienced HVAC contractor to keep your home comfortable year-round. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and do your research before making a decision. A little bit of time and effort can go a long way in ensuring that you get the best possible service for your home.

Are you wondering whether HVAC duct cleaning is worth the investment? As a homeowner, it’s important to ensure that your home’s HVAC system is operating at peak efficiency. This includes regular maintenance, including duct cleaning. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of HVAC duct cleaning and answer the question of whether it’s recommended.

What is HVAC Duct Cleaning?

HVAC duct cleaning is the process of removing dust, debris, and other contaminants from the heating and cooling system’s ductwork. The cleaning is typically performed by professional HVAC technicians using specialized tools and equipment.

Benefits of HVAC Duct Cleaning

1. Improved Indoor Air Quality
   Over time, the ductwork in your home’s HVAC system can accumulate a significant amount of dust, dirt, and other allergens. When the system is turned on, these contaminants are blown into the air, reducing the indoor air quality. HVAC duct cleaning can remove these contaminants, improving the overall air quality in your home.

2. Increased Energy Efficiency
   When your HVAC system’s ductwork is clogged with debris, it has to work harder to circulate air throughout your home. This can result in higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan for your system. By cleaning your ductwork, your HVAC system can operate at peak efficiency, reducing energy costs and extending its lifespan.

3. Enhanced Comfort
   A clean HVAC system means that air can circulate more freely throughout your home. This can result in more consistent temperatures and better overall comfort.

4. Prevention of Health Issues
   Dust, dirt, and other contaminants in your ductwork can also exacerbate health issues like allergies and asthma. By removing these contaminants, you can reduce the likelihood of experiencing these health issues.

Is HVAC Duct Cleaning Recommended?

In general, HVAC duct cleaning is recommended for homeowners every three to five years, depending on the level of use and the environment. However, there are certain situations where duct cleaning is especially recommended. These include:

– If you’ve recently moved into a new home and don’t know when the ductwork was last cleaned

– If you’ve had renovations or remodeling work done in your home

– If you have pets or smokers in your home

– If you or anyone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma

Conclusion

In conclusion, HVAC duct cleaning is recommended for homeowners who want to improve their indoor air quality, increase energy efficiency, enhance comfort, and prevent health issues. While it may not be necessary to clean your ductwork every year, scheduling a cleaning every three to five years can be a smart investment in your home’s HVAC system and your family’s health.

Although we do not offer duct cleaning, we recommend Mr. Duct Cleaner.  Let them know we sent you!   

Air conditioning is a modern convenience that many of us take for granted. It allows us to stay comfortable in our homes and offices, no matter how hot or humid the weather outside may be. But have you ever wondered who invented air conditioning? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of air conditioning and the people who made it possible.

The Origins of Air Conditioning

The concept of air conditioning dates back to ancient times when people used various methods to cool their homes and buildings. In ancient Rome, for example, wealthy citizens would use aqueducts to circulate cool water through their homes. In ancient Egypt, they used wet reeds in windows to provide a cool breeze. However, it wasn’t until the late 19th century that modern air conditioning was invented.

Who Invented Air Conditioning?

The first modern air conditioning system was invented by Willis Carrier in 1902. Carrier was a mechanical engineer who worked for a heating company in Buffalo, New York. He was tasked with finding a solution to a humidity problem that was causing paper to wrinkle and ink to run at a printing company. Carrier’s solution was to create a machine that would cool the air and remove the moisture.

Carrier’s invention, which he called the “Apparatus for Treating Air,” consisted of a system of coils and compressors that cooled and dehumidified the air. It was the first air conditioning system capable of controlling both temperature and humidity, and it revolutionized the printing industry.

However, Carrier’s invention was not immediately embraced by the public. It was large and expensive, and only a few wealthy individuals and businesses could afford it. It wasn’t until the 1920s and 1930s that air conditioning became more widespread, thanks in part to advancements in technology and the growth of the movie theater industry. By the 1950s, air conditioning had become a common feature in homes, cars, and offices.

Conclusion

Air conditioning has come a long way since the ancient Egyptians used wet reeds to cool their homes. Thanks to the ingenuity of people like Willis Carrier, we now have modern air conditioning systems that allow us to stay comfortable no matter how hot or humid it gets outside. Carrier’s invention was a game-changer, and it paved the way for the air conditioning systems we know and love today.

What Is Dirty Sock Syndrome & How Do I Fix It?

Your air conditioning system has just kicked on, and you’re looking forward to feeling some cool, breezy air flow out of your air vents. But suddenly, you start to detect an unpleasant odor. Is that mold? Mildew? Dirty socks? Why does the house suddenly smell like a gym locker room?

No, your spouse’s smelly gym socks didn’t somehow get sucked into your air ducts. This is a common problem that we HVAC contractors have come to call “Dirty Sock Syndrome.”

What Causes Dirty Sock Syndrome?

“Dirty Sock Syndrome” refers to when a foul-smelling, mold- or mildew-like odor comes from your air conditioner when you first turn it on. This happens when moisture, dust, and dirt build up on your AC system’s evaporator coil, inviting bacteria and mold to multiply. That bacteria and mold then gets blown into your home when your AC system turns on.

Dirty Sock Syndrome most often occurs during the spring — when your AC system is not running as frequently and moisture, dust, and dirt have more time to accumulate on the evaporator coil in between cycles. If you cool and heat your home with a heat pump, you may see this problem crop up in the fall as well.

How To Fix Dirty Sock Syndrome

Dirty Sock Syndrome isn’t just a stinky nuisance; it can also be dangerous for your home’s indoor air quality. If bacteria and mold are allowed to circulate through your indoor air, members of your household who are sensitive to mold or who have allergies may start experiencing symptoms.

Fortunately, the solution for Dirty Sock Syndrome is rather straightforward. Because Dirty Sock Syndrome is caused by a dirty evaporator coil, you’ll need to schedule an air conditioning repair with an HVAC contractor. Your AC repair will involve either cleaning your AC system’s evaporator coil or replacing it, depending on how dirty the evaporator coil was. (If your AC system is still under warranty, your warranty may cover the installation of a new evaporator coil.)

Once your AC system’s evaporator coil is back in working order, it’s also important to take preventive measures that will keep Dirty Sock Syndrome from cropping up again down the road. These measures include:

• Scheduling regular air conditioner maintenance
• Checking and cleaning your air filters regularly
• Upgrading to a high performance air filter
• Having your ductwork professionally cleaned

“Will Dirty Sock Syndrome go away on its own?”

Homeowners in Kyle, TX sometimes ask us if Dirty Sock Syndrome will go away on its own. Although you may notice that your air conditioner no longer smells musty as spring turns into summer, that doesn’t mean the problem has magically gone away. All of the build-up will remain on the evaporator coil, and when the conditions are right, you’re likely to start smelling dirty socks in your home once again. Call an HVAC technician to fix the problem now to spare yourself from more headaches (and potentially higher repair costs) down the road.

Smelling dirty socks in your home? Our team can help you fix and prevent Dirty Sock Syndrome. Call 512-757-4770 or fill out our contact form to book air conditioner repair!

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, your indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air.  In fact, the American College of Allergist says that 50% of illnesses are caused or aggravated by polluted indoor air. Germs, pollen, dust, pet dander, bacteria, VOCs, smoke, etc.  Since we spend around 90% of our time indoors, maybe something should be done to improve our indoor air quality.  Well, being the ever so handy AC Guys, we have four ideas, each directly related to your home’s HVAC system.

Four ways to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) in your home using your HVAC system:

• 1. Increase air circulation
  2. Monitor your HVAC filters
  3. Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system
  4. Invest in HVAC indoor air quality products 

1. Increase Air Circulation

Your thermostat likely has a setting that controls the fan.  On a basic thermostat, you have two options: Auto and On.  In Auto mode, the fan only comes on when the rest of the system is operating.  In the On mode, the fan runs all of the time regardless of what the rest of the system is doing.  As such, the air in your home can circulate more frequently. This can help even out temperatures throughout your home.  Also, this increased air circulation means that your HVAC filtration system filters the air in your home more frequently, which can be great for those who suffer from allergies and asthma.  

2. Monitor Your Filters

Your HVAC filter’s job is to remove dust, debris, and allergens from the air circulating throughout your home.  As your filter collects particulates, it’s normal for it to get dirty; however, if it gets too dirty, it can actually reduce airflow and even stop being effective at filtration.

Your mission is to monitor your filter.  As it gets dirty, change it.  In the summer, when the system is running a lot, you may need to change it more often than other times of the year.  This consistent minimal effort on your part will improve your indoor air quality, the effectiveness of your system, and even it’s lifespan.

3. Schedule Regular Maintenance for your HVAC System

Although maintenance primarily ensures that your system is operating effectively and safely, scheduling regular maintenance for your HVAC system can also help improve indoor air quality.

When we do maintenance on your system, we don’t just check the mechanical operations, but also the general cleanliness.

During a furnace tune-up, an HVAC technician should clean dust or debris from inside your furnace cabinet. The technician should also examine your blower fan to ensure it is free of any dirt, pet hair, or lint buildup.  Because the blower fan controls air circulation year-round, this can affect your heating and cooling systems’ performance.

During an air conditioner or heating tune-up, an HVAC technician should also check the condition of your evaporator coil.  It should be clean and free of any restrictions. 

When air conditioners cool your home, they also remove moisture from the air inside your home.  This moisture can cause mold and bacteria to build up inside the system.  If noted, the area should be treated with a fungistat spray.

Finally, if you notice abnormal smells when your system runs, this could mean that your system is circulating air pollutants like mold spores and bacteria. If this is the case, give us a call to schedule a cleaning.

4. Invest in HVAC Indoor Air Quality Products

Sometimes your existing HVAC system needs a little help to address indoor air quality issues. If your health and comfort are at risk, your HVAC experts at The AC Guys can add IAQ products to your existing system.

Typical HVAC indoor air quality products include:

• • Dehumidifiers
  • Air purifiers

Dehumidifiers

As someone living in Texas, it’s no secret that too much humidity can affect your comfort and your home. Dehumidifiers help by removing humidity from the air.

Although your air conditioner does dehumidify your home, adding a dedicated dehumidifier can improve the process and give your AC a break.

Removing humidity from the air can also help you feel cooler. With less water vapor, the air won’t be able to hold heat as easily. Furthermore, because warm air and humidity tend to rise, a dehumidifier can help you reclaim upstairs rooms that may be too muggy and hot.

Finally, dehumidifiers can also help drive creepy crawlies from your home. Insects, spiders, centipedes, and silverfish thrive in spaces with more than 70% humidity. Cutting the humidity in your home to the 30% – 60% range can discourage insects, mold, and bacteria from settling into your home.

Air Purifiers

Our most popular add-on for your HVAC system to improve indoor air quality is the Reme-Halo by RGF Environmental Group.  Their system uses UV light to create low level, airborne hydrogen peroxide throughout the air-conditioned space of your home.  This reduces airborne and surface bacteria, viruses, odors, and mold. It’s installed in your ductwork, so it actively reduces pollutants at the source.

In our opinion, it’s nothing short of amazing.  Check out the excellent product presentation on RGF’s website.  Then, contact The AC Guys to get your very own.

Clogged Drain Line

All HVAC systems have drain lines that remove condensation produced by the evaporator coil during the cooling process.  If one gets clogged, water could build up and overflow, causing sheetrock damage.

Weak Capacitor

A capacitor gives the motors in an HVAC unit the power boost they need to get moving. HVAC systems typically have several capacitors, all of which can fail. A failed capacitor will prevent a motor from starting and result in a total system malfunction.

Faulty Circuit Board

HVAC systems use electronic circuitry to control their various functions. While simple systems may only turn on/off, more advanced HVAC units may have multiple-speed blowers, reversing valves for heat pumps, dehumidification functions, emergency heating elements, and many more features. Bad circuitry can completely disable a system and may require a circuit board replacement for the system to work properly again.

Failed Motor

HVAC systems typically have a few motors such as the indoor blower motor and the outdoor condenser fan motor. If either of these motors malfunction, the AC system will not operate properly until repaired.

Refrigerant Leaks

HVAC systems operate with refrigerant in a closed-loop system. Ideally, the same refrigerant will last as long as the system does. If a leak develops, however, refrigerant will be lost, and the system will not work as effectively. For the system to work properly, a certified HVAC technician must find the leak, repair it, and replace any lost refrigerant.

General Cleanliness

A poorly maintained system can be your comfort’s worst nightmare. Clogged filters restrict airflow. A dirty outdoor unit can cause the operating pressures to get too high. A dirty evaporator coil can cause the system to freeze. 

Maintenance Is A Must!

In the hot summer months, we run around Kyle, Wimberley, Buda, and San Marcos like little ants with ants in their pants.  We repair or replace literally hundreds of air conditioners.  We’ve discovered that one of the biggest reasons those units failed was because of poor maintenance.

What Is This Maintenance Thing Of Which You Speak?

There are some things you can do yourself, but the bulk of it needs to be handled by someone with proven AC knowledge.

With a 20+ point checklist in hand, one of our trained technicians will get to know your AC system from top to bottom, inside and out.  He’ll check the motors, capacitors, contactor, wiring, refrigerant levels, ductwork, etc.  He’ll tighten up things, wash the outdoor unit, and clear the drain lines.  If he finds excessively worn parts, he’ll let you know.  His goal is to get your AC working at its full potential.

The End Result Of Proper Maintenance

• • Avoid surprise break downs
  • Save money on you electric bill
  • Extend the life of your system

To reap the benefits of regular maintenance, contact us to join the Family Plan!!!