Category: HVAC

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AC Heating HVAC Tips and Advice

Should You Turn Your AC Off When You Leave Home?

Your air conditioner is typically one of the biggest power usages in a home- if not the biggest. Because of this, some people try to only use the AC when they’re actually at home. Other schools of thought say that constantly rebooting your air conditioning unit is inefficient for the machine, ultimately costing more money when you turn your AC off and on every time you leave. So what is the best cost-effective strategy when it comes to leaving your home for large stretches of time?

Does Turning Your AC Off Save Money?

When it comes to leaving your home empty all day, many people think that running an AC unit throughout their absence would be a waste of power. However, this is entirely dependent on the target temperature, as well as a few other factors such as the amount of sun coming through your windows, the weather outside, or whether ceiling fans are running. 

Your AC unit doesn’t necessarily work harder to keep your home at a cool temperature throughout the day. Instead, it works longer. When it runs all day, your AC simply regulates the temperature as needed, and when it’s turned on after being inactive all day it runs until the temperature is brought down all at once. 

If you’re going to be gone for many hours- say, leaving in the morning and returning after sundown- then your air conditioning unit will probably work just as much keeping your home at a steady temperature by running off and on all day as it would running for a long period of time to cool it down all at once when you come back. So, unless you’re going to be gone for multiple days, the difference between the two options is probably going to be pretty insignificant.

Alternatives to Turning the AC Off

A great way to get the best of both worlds is to turn your unit to a slightly higher temperature rather than turning the AC off completely. This will keep the temperature from getting too high while it’s unattended, but it won’t be running as long as it would be to maintain the temperature you prefer to enjoy when you’re home.

Especially if you live somewhere hot and humid, having the AC on at least a little throughout the day will be beneficial to the interior of your home, as AC units dry out the air as well as cool it down. It will also keep your home from needing too long to bring its temperature back down when you return.

Programable Thermostat

Using a programable thermostat will help you manage your temperature without having to remember to set it every day. Some thermostats even let you plan the temperature for the coming week, allowing you to control the temperature while you’re out of town. When you return home, your house or apartment will be able to readjust to a comfortable temperature quickly.

Of course, if you live in an area with a very mild climate, being gone for multiple days might not raise your home’s interior temperature too high. If you think you’ll be satisfied while waiting for your air conditioner to catch back up to the normal expectation, then you can probably comfortably get away with turning your AC off for a few days.

Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating Can Help

Give Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating a call if your energy expenses continue to rise after you’ve tried our suggestions. It’s possible that your air conditioner needs to be repaired or replaced to function properly. Our staff will assess your present HVAC issue and recommend a customized solution that meets your needs–all while staying inside your budget!

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AC HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

Why a Functioning AC Unit is Vital in a Workplace During a Texas Summer

If you have been around Texas for some time, you know that it gets hot– really hot– during the summer months. And if this is your first summer in Texas, I’m sure you’ve heard the horror stories of the heat, and how no one dares set a foot out the door. That is until they have to go to work. A hard worker deserves a comfortable workplace. This is where they spend most of their days. Can you imagine a workplace without a properly functioning AC unit? In the middle of summer? Sounds like a nightmare! Don’t let it get to this point. 

We still have time to prevent this from happening before these sticky months roll around. Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating has your back. Our experts will inspect your HVAC to ensure that it’s working properly, and make any needed repairs. If you own a business, invest in your workers’ comfort by having a functioning AC unit. It works wonders during the summer months.

AC Improves Productivity

You don’t want to waste work hours. It negatively affects your business’s profitability. Studies show that employees waste one hour of their time due to excessive heat. A person’s body gets frustrated and distracted when it has to divert energy to regulate the temperature to desirable levels. If workers have to sweat profusely when working an office job, that doesn’t go well for business. It’s not what they signed up for. When the temperature is too high, your employees will feel drowsy and their concentration levels will dramatically decrease. 

Well, there’s a simple solution– maintaining your AC unit year-round. You don’t want to deal with frustrated employees or customers during a Texas summer. Right now that it’s spring, and it’s nice and breezy, get your AC unit inspected and repaired.

Reduce Consumption of Energy

Your energy bills are expected to increase in the summer because of the air conditioning that is needed to keep your employees comfortable. However, the bills should not skyrocket through the roof. If you are experiencing that, then there is most likely something wrong with the unit. It’s requiring more energy to perform its regular tasks. 

A functioning AC unit will decrease your energy consumption. It will not be stealing energy away. If you want to improve your energy use even more, invest in the newest air conditioners on the market. These units have efficient components and the newest technology to help you maximize energy usage while keeping the energy bills low. 

Better Quality of Air

Workplaces are one of the most common places where people get sick. Sick workers carry contagious viruses that could spread around to the rest. However, a functioning AC unit can clean the pollution from the workplace. It purifies the air with built-in technology, so your employees can breathe fresh clean air.

Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating Has Your Back

Let’s get your air conditioning unit running properly for the summer. Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating has been servicing the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 1975. We have seen all types of HVAC issues, and we always provide a solution. Give us a call today for an inspection, so we can ensure your AC unit is ready to tackle summer!

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AC HVAC Tips and Advice

What Does Air Conditioning Do to Your Body?

Your air conditioning unit is a lifesaver during the hot, Texa summers. However, your home needs to be properly ventilated too. Although AC units are one of the many blessings that were created, your body can also suffer some side effects from them. Too much of something is never good, even if it is AC. Let’s go over some of the effects air conditioning has on your body, so you can be aware of them and prepare a solution for them. However, it’s not all bad. We will also go over all the good things it can do for you too, other than keep you cool.

Dries Out Your Eyes

It’s never a good idea to blast your AC unit, for the sake of your money. However, it can also impact your eyes too. If you blast AC in a room, to the point where there is no humidity left in it, your eyes can get dried out. This causes itchiness and can even make your vision blurry. No one wants to deal with irritated eyes…no matter how hot it is.

Dehydrates You 

Make sure you have a glass of water near you in an air-conditioned room. That’s right, even if you are cool, it’s important to always be drinking water. Air conditioners suck moisture out of a room, and this can pull from your skin, which dries it and you out. You can’t just take, there’s always something to give. So, if you want a cool room during the summertime, drink up, your body will need it.

Creates Headaches

If your air conditioning is dirty or not properly maintained, it can increase your chances of getting headaches or even migraines. Contaminates are released and circulated in the air, which irritate your nerves. These irritations manifest themselves as headaches. That’s why it is crucial to change your air filters at least once every three months. 

Boosts Metabolism

Air conditioning can also have a lot of positive effects on your body when it’s moderated and properly maintained. It may help you lose weight. Studies show that more time in cold weather can help lose weight. This is because your body may develop a greater amount of healthy, energy-burning “brown fat,” as it deals with more frigid air.

Helps You Think

Air conditioning increases your comfort levels in the summer, which therefore results in keeping your mind clear and helping you think. So, if you want to increase your work performance or focus, air conditioning may be the solution during these hot summer months.

Reduces Possibility of Asthma Attacks

According to Mayo Clinic, running the AC reduces the amount of pollen, mold, mildew, and other airborne outdoor allergens that can lead to asthma symptoms. It also lowers your exposure to indoor contaminants, such as dust mites. This can only happen if your air filters are properly maintained and changed regularly.

Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating in Dallas, Texas

If your air conditioning isn’t working properly, get in touch with Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating. Our team of experts will inspect your unit and provide an affordable solution. We can repair, maintain, and replace your HVAC year-round. Give us a call today to get started!

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AC Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

How to Create and Stay Within Your Air Conditioner Budget 

Whether your old air conditioner broke down and you need a replacement, or your current energy bills are through the roof, Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating has some tips for staying within your air conditioner budget. We deal with these systems for a living. Therefore, we have all the lifehacks to help homeowners manage their HVAC expenses. We also offer affordable repairs, replacements, and maintenance. You can count on us whenever you have an air conditioner problem.

How to Replace Your Old Air Conditioner Within Your Budget

Every household has different needs, and a lot of it is dictated by the amount of money that is present. There is a perfect air conditioner for every home–you just need experts that can analyze your current situation. Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating can offer that! We will evaluate your needs and provide a personalized solution. 

We have some tips for figuring out your air conditioner budget. How much can you afford? Calculate your income, expenses, needs, wants, and figure out how much money you can put aside for this investment.  Air conditioners can range anywhere from $3,500 to $7,600. Some units may seem very expensive, but you have to keep in mind that they may significantly decrease your energy costs. More expensive models usually have higher efficiency and save you a lot of money in the long run. These are all factors to consider.

How to Reduce Current Energy Costs

Let’s say your AC unit works fine, but your energy bill is surpassing your air conditioner budget. There are quite a bit of tricks to reduce your bills, and we are here to share these secrets with you. 

Use Ceiling Fan

Although this seems like an obvious solution, many people forget about their ceiling fans. They have an instant impact on your comfort and they are much more cost-effective than blasting your air conditioner in the middle of the summer. These fans can make you feel anywhere from 3 to 8 degrees cooler. 

Get a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats are one of the best HVAC creations yet. These allow you to fully control your home’s temperature without constantly having to remember to turn it up or down. We recommend programming the thermostat to turn off your air conditioning unit when you are asleep or when you are away at work. Then, you can have it start up right before you get home or wake up. This will significantly reduce your energy costs while keeping your comfort in mind.

Clean Air Filters Regularly

How else can you stay within your air conditioner budget? Maintenance! Keeping your air filters clean is a great solution. Air filters should be replaced every 90 days. If you are a pet owner, we recommend replacing them every month. These filters can get clogged with debris, dander, and other dust. This results in your air conditioner having to work harder and use more energy in order to cool down your home.

Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating Is Here to Help

If your energy costs still don’t reduce after trying our tricks, give our team a call. It’s possible that your AC unit needs a repair or replacement in order to work efficiently. Our team will analyze your current HVAC situation, and we’ll suggest a personalized solution for your needs–while staying within your budget of course!

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AC HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

The Most Important Tips for Maximizing AC Efficiency When Working from Home 

Many businesses are allowing their employees to work from home nowadays, which allows room for flexibility and fewer gas expenses. You might be enjoying that extra time in your hands, but every good thing has a downside. Working from home can significantly increase your energy bills. You may be turning on more lights, you may spend more time in the kitchen cooking, or you may have the air conditioning unit on more than usual. This can significantly increase your electricity bills, especially in the summer months. Luckily for you, Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating has tips for maximizing AC efficiency.

Change Air Filters Regularly

You need to change air filters once every three months unless you have pets. Then, we recommend changing the filter every month. Pets can release a lot of dander, which clogs up the ac unit. Other dust, contaminants, fur, and other particles roam around your home daily, so you want to change the filters regularly to keep the air clean. Additionally, your HVAC unit needs to work harder to pump out air when it’s clogged. This increases the amount of energy that is used, which increases your electricity bill. 

Prioritize Cleaning

A home gets dirty even when no one is there. Now imagine how dirty it can get when you spend most of your time there. Dust is something that will always be around, no matter how much we clean. However, we can significantly reduce the amount of it by cleaning regularly. If you use a vacuum, change the filter regularly and vacuum once or twice a week. If you are more of a mop and broom kind of person, we recommend doing this twice a week too. Keep your work environment healthy and comfortable by dusting your desk, chair, and anything else you use.

Use a Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans are underrated. However, they are so useful, especially in the summertime. They are much less expensive than AC units, and they provide a cool environment. The ceiling fan provides circulation which cools down the room. We recommend using it only in the room that you are currently working in, to keep electricity bills low. When you are done using the room, don’t forget to turn the fan off.

Get a Programmable Thermostat

Investing in a programmable thermostat is a smart move. These thermostats allow you to set temperatures for various times throughout the day and it will automatically lower the temperature for you. This allows you to manage your cooling without consistently hovering over the dial. 

Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating Has Your Back

Our tips for maximizing AC efficiency are just a start. To ensure your HVAC works properly, schedule regular inspections with our team. We will make sure that everything is working properly, and will catch any issues before they become expensive problems. If you notice a decrease in AC efficiency, give us a call. Your unit may need a repair or replacement. Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating is ready to help you save money with an efficient HVAC system.

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AC HVAC Tips and Advice

5 Easy Ways Pet Owners Maintain Their Air Conditioner

Being a proud pet owner is not easy. It’s like raising a child– your furry pet requires constant attention and care, and they are not inexpensive. They can also influence your energy bills and how well your air conditioner works. Maybe that’s not something you have given much thought to, but it’s time to address the matter. 

Your pet can take a big toll on your air conditioner. Its dander can clog up the system and cause all sorts of problems. Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating has listed some ways pet owners can maintain their air conditioner and ensure that it works efficiently.

Change Air Filter Regularly

Air filters should be changed at least once every three months. However, pet owners should change them once a month, or once every two months. We recommend checking the filter after the 30-day mark. If it’s dirty, switch it out before waiting until the next month. Every pet and household is different, so it’s hard to guess how much fur your pet releases and how it will impact your system individually. That’s why keeping an eye on the filters regularly is a must. When the air filters are clogged, your air conditioner needs to work harder to release cool air into your home.

Vacuuming Is Key for Pet Owners

You may already be best friends with your vacuum, but it’s time to build your bond even more.  Vacuum your home once or twice a week, depending on the amount of fur your pet releases. This fur can be stirred up and in the air just by simply walking past it. It won’t be long till that fur ends up in your ac unit and clogs it up if you don’t vacuum regularly.

Protect Your Outdoor Air Conditioner

Does your pet love soaking in the sun? If so, it might spend a lot of time in your backyard. If that’s the case, Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating recommends securing your outdoor air conditioner. You don’t want your pet’s fur to clog it up or your pet’s territorial pee to mess it up either. Simply invest in a small fence to keep the unit off-limits.

Clean the Air Ducts

Air ducts need to be cleaned every three to five years, but with furry friends running around, it might need to be sooner. Your air ducts will recirculate your pet’s fur and dander around your home. This air is not healthy to breathe in. Get your air ducts cleaned regularly. Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating can take a look, and recommend how often the ducts should be cleaned. We will also take care of that for you, for you need the right tools and expertise to clean them properly.

Groom Your Pet

Even if it’s just simply running a brush through your pet’s hair on a daily basis, it makes a big difference. You reduce the amount of shedding. The more fur you throw out, the less of it that will get into your air conditioner and circulate around your home.

Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating Is Here For You

If you want some more tips for maintaining your HVAC system, or it needs an inspection, give Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating a call today. We provide HVAC inspections, repairs, replacements, and maintenance in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Let us know how we can assist you best!

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AC HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

What Type of Air Conditioning Unit Should You Invest in for Your Home?

Choosing the right air conditioning unit is a vital decision for any homeowner. With the hot Texas summers, finding a system that meets your comfort needs while being energy-efficient can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common air conditioning options and help you decide which is the best fit for your home.

Central Air Conditioning: Whole-Home Comfort

If you’re looking for a cooling system that can handle your entire home, central air conditioning is an excellent choice. These systems use a network of ducts to distribute cool air evenly throughout your home. The outdoor unit houses the compressor and condenser coil, while the indoor unit includes the evaporator coil.

Benefits of Central Air Conditioning:

  • Quiet operation
  • Enhanced energy efficiency
  • Increased home resale value

Central AC systems are ideal for larger homes or households where consistent cooling across multiple rooms is a priority. However, they do require ductwork, so keep that in mind when making your decision. If you’re interested in installing or maintaining a central air system, check out our residential air conditioning service options.

Ductless Mini-Split Systems: Zoned Cooling

For homeowners without existing ductwork or those who need to cool specific areas like a sunroom, garage, or attic, ductless mini-split systems offer a versatile solution. These systems include an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor wall-mounted units.

Why Choose Ductless Mini-Split Systems?

  • Individual room temperature control
  • Energy-efficient operation
  • Improved indoor air quality

Ductless systems are great for creating temperature zones, allowing you to control the cooling in specific areas without wasting energy on unused spaces. Interested in learning more about the benefits of zoned cooling? Read our blog on how to avoid cold and hot spots in your home.

High-Velocity Air Conditioning: A Solution for Older Homes

If your home is older and doesn’t have ductwork, high-velocity air conditioning systems could be the answer. These systems deliver air through small, flexible ducts, making them less invasive to install while preserving the aesthetic of older or historic homes.

Advantages of High-Velocity Systems:

  • Minimal impact on your home’s structure
  • Fast and efficient cooling
  • Perfect for retrofitting in older properties

High-velocity systems are a niche but highly effective solution for homes where traditional ductwork installation isn’t feasible. Learn more about innovative cooling solutions on our HVAC blog.

Understanding How Air Conditioning Systems Work

No matter the type of air conditioning system you choose, all units function using the same basic principles:

  1. Compressor: Pressurizes refrigerant to enable heat transfer.
  2. Condenser Coil: Releases heat outside.
  3. Evaporator Coil: Absorbs heat and humidity from your indoor air.

These components work together to keep your home cool and comfortable, especially during Texas’s hottest months. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance. Explore our HVAC maintenance tips to keep your system in top shape.

Making the Right Choice with Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating

At Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating, we understand that choosing the right AC system can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the process. From recommending the perfect system for your home to providing expert installation, repair, and maintenance services, we’ve got you covered.

Why Choose Us?

  • Decades of experience serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area
  • Expertise in all major air conditioning systems
  • Commitment to customer satisfaction and energy efficiency

Don’t wait until the summer heat arrives—contact us today to discuss your air conditioning needs. Visit our contact page or call us to schedule a consultation.

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AC HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

The Perfect Level of Humidity for Your Dallas Home

humidity dallas home

The Dallas-Fort Worth area is known for being humid subtropical. With hot and sticky summers, it’s natural to crave cooler, drier temperatures inside your home. But aside from temperature, how important is the level of humidity in your home? What level of humidity should your home be, if any?

Today, our team at Ellis AC is going to cover the basics of how to create a comfortable environment in your home by setting the perfect level of humidity. 

When Your Home is Too Humid

Before we talk about the benefits of having moderate humidity levels in your home, we’re first going to explore what happens to houses that get too humid. 

When a home is routinely above 60% relative humidity, it can cause damage to the house. And in more severe cases, it can impact your health.  

Too much moisture in the air can eventually lead to mold and mildew. Mildew finds a home on surfaces like shower curtains, windowsills, and tiles. Mold tends to spread deeper into the house’s infrastructure. 

Breathing in mold harms your health, and can even cause asthma in children. 

Mold is cancerous for a house, and it eventually destroys the material on which it resides. This fungus eats up soft carpet and furnishings, and can even weaken your home’s ceilings and walls if not treated properly and immediately. 

In order to avoid mildew and mold in your home, keep your home at a moderate humidity level.

Additionally, when a home is too humid, your HVAC system may sense that your home is warmer than it is. This will cause the HVAC to run on overdrive trying to cool down your home. This can lead to more cool air pushed out and wasted, and a higher energy bill.

When Your Home is Too Dry

On the flip side, it’s also problematic if a home is too dry. Common issues associated with a dry house are creaky hardwood floors, experiencing difficulty dislodging doors, and the wood in your frameworks can even shift. This can cause gaps where the walls meet the ceiling, letting in cold air. 

The more outdoor air that’s let into your home, the higher your energy bill will be to compensate. 

It’s also worth noting that it’s not healthy to live in a home that’s too dry either. You’ll notice your home is too dry if your skin gets dry and cracks, or if your family experiences nasal discomfort and/ or nosebleeds. 

Experts recommend keeping the humidity level above 30%.

Health Benefits to Having a Humidifier 

If your home is erring on the side of too dry, consider installing a basic humidifier. It’s said that humidifiers can help in the following ways:

  • Prevent against the flu
  • Reduce snoring
  • Deepen your sleep
  • Keep skin and hair hydrated

Fight against a home that’s too dry by installing a humidifier. 

Other Ways to Improve Home’s Humidity Levels

There are multiple ways to solve the issue of a dry house. After you’ve installed a humidifier, here are some other suggestions to improve the level of humidity in your home:

Resolve leaks.

If there are any spots around your home that let in excess water, locate and repair them immediately in order to prevent the moisture level in your home from rising too high. When your home’s infrastructure becomes too moist, the roof or foundation could suffer. 

Use your AC.

When you turn on your air conditioner, it removes the heat from the air– effectively removing the moisture as well. 

Use a humidifier or dehumidifier.

Opposite of a humidifier, a dehumidifier removes moisture from the air. If your home suffers from air that’s too moist, a dehumidifier might do the trick.

Ventilate your home. For example, if it’s extremely humid outside– tightly secure your windows and doors to keep the dry air inside. Then continue to run your HVAC system to set a comfortable temperature and humidity. 

Ellis AC is Here to Help

Finding that perfect level of humidity for your home can be a challenge– but with a little investigation and trial-and-error, it is possible to get your home to that comfortable range. 

If you need any help monitoring your home’s HVAC, call a professional at Ellis AC. Our team is happy to help inspect, maintain, repair, and replace your home’s HVAC system. We’re only a phone call away. Contact us today, or call (972) 895-7498.

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AC Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

Improve Your Restaurant’s HVAC System

Do you want to improve your restaurant’s air quality? Are all of the foods’ odors overwhelming in the kitchen and your employees need a breath of fresh air? Or are your energy bills increasing over time and do you need a better HVAC solution? Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating has been providing commercial HVAC services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 1975. From installing commercial split-system heat pumps and air conditioners to repairing indoor air filtration systems, we do it all. If you are thinking about improving your restaurant’s HVAC system, give us a call today.

What Does a Restaurant’s HVAC System Consist Of?

A restaurant’s HVAC system refers to the commercial air conditioning, ventilation, and heating system. The HVAC system controls your restaurant’s temperature and promotes proper air ventilation and circulation in a space. Some systems have a thermostat for managing the temperature and other systems include the make-up air devices for replacing air exhausted by kitchen hoods. Here are additional parts:

  • A furnace for heat
  • Ductwork for circulating hot and cold air
  • Ventilators for promoting air circulation

Your HVAC system needs to get maintained regularly to ensure that it is working properly year-round. 

Why Should You Invest in Your Restaurant’s HVAC System?

Many people don’t notice their HVAC system until it stops working. This system is the unsung hero of commercial and residential spaces. Your restaurant’s HVAC system is critical to maintaining good air quality, creating a comfortable environment for your customers, and improving working conditions in the kitchen. 

Improve Air Ventilation and Air Filtration

Due to the pandemic, there is an increasing demand for restaurant cleaning and ventilation. You should invest in an HVAC system that works efficiently and follows the new demand and standards. HVAC systems work together to create a safe and comfortable environment for your staff and your customers. Air filtration systems help remove airborne contaminants and pollutants. This keeps mold, bacteria, and viruses away.

Restrict Odors

Although we are sure your restaurant cooks up some delicious dishes, you don’t want the odors of several platters dominating the fresh air. Customers don’t usually want to leave a restaurant smelling like they just came from one. Exhaust hoods and make-up air units prevent the odors from escaping the kitchen and entering the dining area. That way, your guests can enjoy their meals without worrying about smelling like fried onions afterward.

Reduce Energy Loss

If you notice your energy bills are skyrocketing, your HVAC system might be having some problems. These systems are designed to efficiently control air temperature. However, if they are experiencing issues, the efficiency lowers and they require more energy to perform. Get one of our professionals at Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating to inspect your system and determine the best course of action.

Get in Touch With Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating

If you are planning on improving your restaurant’s HVAC system, get in touch with our experts today. Our team has decades of experience in the HVAC industry, and we are only a call away!

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Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

4 Ways to Help Your Heating System Finish Strong This Winter

Your heating system does a lot of work during Texas’s winters, especially this year. With two big winter storms that slammed us one after the other, your heater could use a break. Not to mention, your wallet might need one too. Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating is here to give you some tips for finishing this winter off strong. With these life hacks, you will enjoy your heating system without breaking the bank.

Program Your Thermostat

You have probably heard this before, but you might have postponed this task. Programming your thermostat is a big game-changer in the HVAC world, but most people don’t want to take the time to learn how to program it. It can be a little tricky, but with a few trials and errors, you should be able to figure it out. If not, it’s worth calling the manufacturer.

When you program your thermostat, keep the temperature cool when you are away from home and when you are sleeping. There’s no need to have the heater running if no one is there or awake to enjoy it. Cutting back on this extra heating will make a noticeable difference in your next energy bill. That’s why we recommend taking the time to figure out and program your thermostat.

Eliminate Drafts

Drafts are the areas in your home where cold air from the outside is entering the inside. This air cools down your home, which means your heating system needs to work harder to keep your home at a desirable temperature. This makes your energy costs go up because it’s causing extra strain on the system to warm your home. 

Eliminating drafts is simple. Start by adding caulk or weatherstripping around doors and windows, and wherever you feel drafts or see daylight through the frame. Make sure air isn’t escaping or entering through your fireplace either.

Use Your Ceiling Fans

If you have ceiling fans installed, you can take advantage of them during the winter too! Ceiling fans can augment the performance of your heating system. You simply need to turn the fan clockwise and have it run at the lowest speed. As the fan turns, it will pull cool air up from the ground and force heated air from the ceiling to come down where you can feel it.

Change the Filters Regularly

During the winter months, change the filters on your furnace monthly. That’s because your system is working constantly, so it needs to be maintained more often too. Once these cold months are over, you only need to change the filters once every three months.

Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating Is Here To Help

If your heating system isn’t performing efficiently, get in touch with Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating right away. Our team has many years of experience in the HVAC industry and we have solved all types of problems. We can repair, replace, install, or maintain your HVAC system year-round. Give us a call today to get started.