AC Efficiently - Comfort Star AC Repair Houston

Maximize AC System Efficiency During The Heat Of Summer

One of the key aspects of getting the most out of any AC system is to maximize its efficiency in smart and cost-effective ways. For example, as has always been talked about, frequent changing of the AC system air filter is one of the best ways to save money and to save your air conditioning system overall. Buying air filters in large packs at a big box store is one great way to make this an affordable activity. Having a stack of clean filters ready to go will help to remind you to change filters at regular intervals.

Find A Temperature That Works Best For Your Family

In addition, keeping the thermostat in your home set at a cool and comfortable temperature and not adjusting that temperature can ultimately save money on electric bills while also reducing wear and tear on the air-conditioning system itself. Find a temperature that works best for your family and maintain that temperature year round. Equally important is to make good use ceiling fans around your home whenever possible. This helps to circulate air and reduces the amount of conditioned air needed to keep a home comfortable.

Save Money And Wear And Tear On The System

Finally, the easiest ways to take a load off of an air conditioning system is to simply keep the heat out. One of the main reasons an air conditioning system uses excessive power is to cool a room that has become overly hot due to exposure to direct sunlight. Making it a habit to keep curtains closed in a strategic way in rooms where the sun shines will save money as well as wear and tear on the system. As a reminder, having routine air-conditioning system inspections is perhaps the best way to protect your system from unexpected or unintended failure. Contact Comfort Star today for the best in Houston air conditioning maintenance and repair services.

Heater Maintenance and How To Maximize Efficiency in Your Home as Fall Approaches

While it often goes without saying that having routine heater maintenance performed on a HVAC system is always a good idea, there are some other simple things that can also be done as a way to save money and improve reliability. For example, along with changing heating system filters regularly and making sure that a programmable thermostat is indeed installed, using ceiling fans is a smart and effective way of saving money and improving efficiency overall. Keep in mind that ceiling fans offer great utility well beyond the summer months.

Effectively Move Air Towards The Upper Part of The Room

They can be used during the cooler months of winter as a way to move air throughout the room and especially in an upward motion. By simply reversing the direction of the fan, the blades will effectively move air towards the upper part of a room. This is considered very useful in rooms with high or vaulted ceilings. Keep in mind that heat rises naturally and as such, using ceiling fans in this way will force air back to the lower parts of a room where occupants are located. In effect, using a ceiling fan ensures that you maximize the benefits of heated air in your home.

Saving Money and Improving System Efficiency

In addition, checking heating vents is always recommended and a good idea. In short, make sure that all of the heating vents throughout your home are opened and that they are not being blocked in any way or obstructed by objects or furniture. This will help to ensure that air is distributed evenly throughout the home. That said, another great strategy for saving money and improving system efficiency is to simply close the vents in areas of your home that are not being used. Whether it is a guestroom or an office or some other room, closing the events in these rooms will reduce energy costs substantially. Contact Comfort Star Emergency Heating Repair today to learn more about Houston air conditioning and heating services with a proven track record.

Efficient AC Operation Means Better System Performance Overall

As temperatures begin to rise during the summer months nothing can be more important than having an efficiently operating AC system. In fact, keeping the occupants of your home healthy and keeping your personal belongings free of damage can be as easy as having an AC system that operates perfectly year-round. Here are some simple ways to ensure more efficient AC operation throughout the year. For example, an idea as simple as installing window-film can save a lot of energy and save on AC repair bills too.

Install Ceiling Fans Where Practical

This is a great home improvement tip that will not only keep your home cool during the summer but will also provide for a warmer interior during the winter. Another great strategy for ensuring more efficient air-conditioning operations during the summer is to install ceiling fans where most practical. Ceiling fan should be operated counterclockwise during the summer to help move cool air downward. Best of all, running ceiling fans for an entire day only costs a few dollars a month. Conversely, running an air conditioning all day can easily cost many multiples of that in terms of dollars.

Causing Your HVAC System To Work Harder

Finally, always consider the outside of your home when attempting to keep your air conditioning system operating as efficiently as possible. It is best to avoid landscaping with hard surfaces like asphalt, rock or cement in areas where the air conditioning unit is located. These materials all result in an increase in surrounding temperatures ultimately causing your HVAC system to work harder. Try to landscape with materials that do not radiate excessive heat. Keeping shrubs, plants and other types of landscaping material at least 2 to 4 feet away from the outdoor AC unit will guarantee the best in airflow. Contact Comfort Star today to learn more about HVAC services in Houston that always get results.

Start Saving Money Today on AC Repair and Electric Bills

In today’s world good AC operation is vitally important to ensuring that your house stays comfortable and healthy year-round. Here are some easy ways to save money when it comes to your air conditioning system and how much energy it ultimately uses. For example, it is best to lower the AC temperature in the evening hours while you sleep. Turn the AC temperature down or utilize the system’s sleep mode so that it is done automatically. Either way, less AC is typically required at night when the sun sets so it is easy to save money in this way.

Close All Vents on the Lower Floor

In addition, some homeowners choose to use portable units or window units to cool specific rooms without having to use the larger central air conditioning system. Portable units are an excellent way to reduce energy usage while still staying comfortable. Equally effective is that of closing off all vents in rooms that are not being used. One trick is to close all vents on the lower floor of a multi-floor house. This is effective because cool air tends to sink. By closing registers and vents, the cooler air is forced upstairs thereby keeping the whole house more comfortable.

Air Conditioning Vents Are Not Obstructed

Another great way to save money on air conditioning bills and repairs is to simply have your ducts checked occasionally. It is best to make sure that all ducts running through your home are properly insulated. This will ensure the highest levels of efficiency from your HVAC system. Finally, consider rearranging furniture inside your home so that air conditioning vents are not obstructed. There are even plastic components that can be purchased that are then placed on vents to direct airflow. Whatever the case may be, there are many ways to save money on electricity and AC usage these days. Contact Comfort Star Emergency HVAC today to learn more about quality AC repair in Houston.

Tips and Tricks For Better Residential AC Performance

Homeowners can gain substantially from following a few simple yet important tips and tricks when it comes to maintaining a typical residential HVAC system. For example, even if you plan on being away from home it is best to keep your air conditioner running. This is also true if you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time while on vacation. Keep in mind that by turning the unit off it will ultimately have to work much harder to cool the house when it is turned back on.

Save Energy

Another advantage of keeping an HVAC system running while you’re gone is that it helps to keep pets, plants and even certain types of appliances in good condition as compared to allowing the inside of your house to get too hot. Rather than turning off your HVAC unit, consider using an energy efficiency setting that is perhaps 4 to 10° warmer than you would normally use. This is a great way to save energy while still keeping your home properly conditioned while you’re gone.

More Efficient Operation

Another simple strategy for getting the most out of any residential HVAC system is to make use of the AC’s “auto” function on a programmable thermostat. This setting helps to ensure that the system will run only when it is needed rather than running nonstop. This also helps to reduce the amount of energy that is used resulting in a more efficient operation and lower utility bills. Keep in mind that a properly running HVAC system not only conditions air but it also helps to remove moisture keeping your home healthy and free of mold and mildew.

Reduce Repair and Maintenance Costs

Finally, as has been said so many times in the past enough cannot be emphasized with regard to regularly changing air filters. Clean air filters help to make sure that an air-conditioning system will continue to operate efficiently year-round. This inexpensive trick is one of the best ways to reduce repair and maintenance costs associated with maintaining an HVAC system. Plan to change air filters at least every 30 to 90 days. Contact Comfort Star today to learn more about Houston HVAC system care and maintenance that gets results.

Things To Consider Before Turning Your AC On For The First Time

As summer rapidly approaches, the first use of your air conditioner is just around the corner. Here are a few simple and effective ways of maximizing the efficiency of an air conditioner long before you turn the unit on. For example, simply taking a walk outside and looking at the air conditioner unit’s overall condition can have many benefits. The outside unit is generally considered the condenser and should be free and clear of any obstructions. This is especially true if you have covered the condenser during the winter.

Debris or Vegetation That Is Lodged Between The Fins

In addition, it is recommended by professionals that you remove any vegetation or other similar objects that are within approximately 2 feet of the unit. This is an excellent idea and can even be as easy as using a garden hose to spray off or clear away debris from the coils. When using a garden hose in this way it is best to spray from a 45° angle to remove any unwanted dirt, debris or vegetation that may be lodged between the fins. Exercise caution and ensure that the fins do not become damaged.

Changed at Regular Intervals

Working your way back indoors, check that the air conditioning filter is clean and has been changed at regular intervals. Keep in mind that a dirty air filter can cause an air conditioning system to work harder than is necessary. Pleated filters are typically the best and are relatively inexpensive especially when purchased in bulk. A clean unobstructed filter simply means that air can pass unimpeded through the filter ensuring maximum airflow and conditioned air that is comfortable and inviting.

Slight Humming Sound

When starting your air conditioner for the first time it is best to turn the thermostat all the way to full cool and then turn the fan to auto. This is simply done as a test. Once the system begins to run go outside and check the condenser also confirming that the fan is spinning normally. The compressor should project a normal slight humming sound. If you hear any unusual or erratic noises it is recommended to contact an air conditioning and heating professional as soon as possible. Contact Comfort Star Emergency AC repair today for 24/7 Houston HVAC services they get results.

Keeping Your Home Cool From The Outside

While it is important to maintain the highest levels of cooling efficiency within your home, there are many things that can be done from an outside perspective that also serve to reduce energy usage and keep your home as cool as possible. For example, consider the use of awnings. This is especially useful for homes with a south or west-facing bank of windows. Awnings will help to block the sun from coming through the windows during the hottest times of the summer.

Deflect Sunlight

Most importantly, awnings can be adjusted during the winter to allow sunlight to enter a home as a way to increase heating. Another great option during the hottest time of the summer is to simply make an investment in modern solar screens. These are unique screens that are placed on the outside of windows in order to deflect sunlight, ultimately reducing indoor temperatures. Landscaping and planting can also play an important role in keeping your house cool.

Planting Vines That Are Crawling In Nature

One example of this is the idea of planting shade trees in key locations around your home. Keep in mind that as trees drop their leaves during the winter months, solar heating will once again help keep your home just a little bit warmer throughout the winter. Even planting vines that are crawling in nature to block windows can help to further insulate a home. Talk with your landscaping professional to determine which type of vines, shrubs or bushes will be best suited for your particular home.

Painting Your House

Finally, if you intend on painting your home it might be worth using lighter colors that help to deflect sunlight and lower temperatures indoors. It’s a known fact that darker colors will absorb heat and sunlight while lighter colors will deflect heat and keep a house cooler. Even retrofitting your roof with lighter colored shingles can help to deflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption. Another option may be to simply paint the roof so as to create the same effect. Contact Comfort Star today to learn more about Houston emergency air conditioning and heating services and products that get results.

Tips On Keeping Your AC Running Efficiently

As spring and summer rapidly approach, the hottest days of the year specially in Houston TX are really not that far away. That said when temperatures do reach their hottest your air conditioning unit will work very hard to keep your home cool and comfortable. Here are some easy ways to reduce your utility costs, save energy and improve overall comfort inside your home while maximizing air-conditioning efficiency. For example, one of the easiest ways to improve efficiency and maintain an air conditioning unit is to simply check filters frequently.

A Clogged Air Conditioning Filter

Most experts recommend checking filters once per month. Along with checking filters routinely it is also essential to replace them whenever they become dirty. This makes sense because during the summer dust and allergens are circulated more widely. A clogged air conditioning filter causes the system to work harder in order to produce the same amount of cool air. Simply replacing filters is the easiest and most effective way to reduce energy usage and improve HVAC performance in general.

Blocked From The Rays Of the Sun

Equally important is to make sure that your air conditioning has adequate shading so that it runs more efficiently. When an AC unit is shaded or blocked from the rays of the sun it will stay cooler. When an AC unit is cooler it operates more efficiently and has an easier time cooling your home. Equally important is to avoid placing heat-producing items near the system’s thermostat. This includes everything from TVs to appliances and even lamps.

Install A New Thermostat

Keep in mind that when a thermostat is exposed to excessive heat, an air conditioner will run longer than would otherwise be the case. Pay particular attention to where you install a new thermostat so that it is not near any heat producing items or appliances. The installation should even be done in such a way so that the thermostat is not exposed directly to sunlight. These are just a few common sense tips on how to improve air-conditioning efficiency in your home as summer quickly approaches. Contact Comfort Star Emergency Air Conditioning and Heating today for the best in Houston HVAC services with a proven track record.