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AC HVAC HVAC Upgrades

How Did People Survive Without Air Conditioning Units?

Air conditioning units are taken for granted nowadays until they stop working. Then, all hell breaks loose. But did you know that the first modern air conditioning unit wasn’t invented until 1902? What did people do to put up with the intense heat back then?! Especially here in Texas, it’s hard to envision a world prior to air conditioning. People back then had tricks to bear the heat, and we are here to share some of them with you in case you ever need to use them yourself!

Spent Time Outdoors

Although this seems counterintuitive to do, in the past, homes and the outdoors were the same temperatures. The perks to the outdoors were that there could be a breeze and the outdoors is generally less stuffy than an unairconditioned home. Porches were very important for homes in the past. Not only did they shade the windows, but they were a great place where people could sit outside and be out of the glare of the sun.

Took Naps

A good way people coped with the heat was to take naps during the hottest hours of the day. Have you ever been told that you can save on energy costs by turning off the AC or setting the temperature higher when you sleep? When you are resting, you are less likely to be affected by the heat. 

People in southern Spain still operate with daily siestas. They resume work after an afternoon nap and do their shopping and socialize once the sun goes down.

Went to the Movie Theatre

When air conditioning units were first invented, they were too expensive for most people to afford. One of the few places in town that could afford air conditioning was the movie theater. Therefore, you were treating yourself to a nice movie and some fresh air. As you can imagine, the movie theater was a very popular spot, especially during the hot summer days!

Homes Were Built Differently

Architects built structures differently before air conditioning units were a thing. Many buildings had high ceilings, which allowed heat to rise so that the inhabitants could enjoy cooler air below. Many homes had porches and deep eaves in order to protect windows from the sun. Rooms were built with windows on opposite sides of the space in order to allow cross ventilation. It was also common to plant trees on the east and west sides of the buildings for additional shade.

Speedy Fixes For Air Conditioning Units

As you can see, people had their own clever ways of dealing with the heat. However, dealing with a home or building that isn’t air-conditioned nowadays is not ideal. Homes are built differently, porches aren’t as common, and windows aren’t as strategically placed. There’s no need to deal with the intense heat here in Texas, without the proper AC support. 


Give Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating a call today and our crew can repair or replace your air conditioning system in no time.

Categories
AC Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades

Signs That Your Air Conditioning System Is Giving Out This Summer

Your worst nightmare might be right around the corner. It’s 100 degrees Fahrenheit here in Texas, and your air conditioning system isn’t working efficiently. Maybe it’s leaking or maybe it’s blowing warm air out. Whatever the case may be, Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating has you covered. Our team is readily available to fix your AC, so you don’t have to face this intense heat on your own. It’s important to catch the issues as early as possible, so we are going over two of the most common signs to keep an eye out for.

Your AC Blows Out Warm Air

People turn on their AC to circulate cool air in their homes, not warm air. If you place your hand near the vent and you feel warm air, or if you notice that your place isn’t cooling down, then this is a clear sign that there is something wrong with your air conditioning system. 

Low Refrigerant Levels

Your AC’s refrigerant levels might be low. Due to this, there might be a refrigerant leak in your system! The air conditioner will continue to run and try to cool your home or business to the set temperature on the thermostat, but to no avail. 

Dirty Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coils are a crucial component of your air conditioning system. They need to be kept clean so they can work to keep your unit functioning properly. If the coil is covered in dirt and debris, this will inhibit the system from blowing cool air.

Thermostat Is Set Incorrectly

This might be a little silly, but a reason your system might be blowing warm air could be that your thermostat is set to “heat.” The switch could have accidentally been bumped by you or your children. The next thing to check is that your thermostat’s fan settings aren’t set to “on,” or that you didn’t accidentally turn on the AC’s fan instead of the actual air conditioner. Your system will blow around warm air when your air conditioner isn’t on. 

Air Conditioning System Is Leaking

Did you feel drips on your head after standing under an AC vent? That can be a terrifying experience, especially if this happens during a hot Texas summer! There can be many reasons your air conditioner is leaking, some more serious than others.

If you notice condensation or leaks from your bathroom vent after you shower, this is normal and there’s no need to worry. The warm air from the shower is meeting the cool air from the vent which is forming the condensation. However, if you notice a good amount of water near the vent, then we recommend getting the unit inspected.

Another reason you are noticing leaks can be that the condensate drain line is clogged. Dirt, dust, and other types of debris build up over time. You may also be dealing with a dirty air filter. We recommend switching it out every 3 months to ensure your system works properly.

Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating Is Reliable and Fast

If you notice that your air conditioning system isn’t working properly, get in touch with our team today! We will inspect your system and determine the best course of action.

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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 Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

7 Intriguing Facts You Didn’t Know About Your Air Conditioner

An air conditioner: something we take for granted until it stops working. But apart from it keeping your home or business at a comfortable temperature, an air conditioner is pretty darn cool. Air conditioners have made a huge impact on history, and they are to thank for Texas having the population that it does nowadays. Let’s take a look at some intriguing facts about your ac unit that you probably didn’t know about.

Influenced Modern Medicine

Modern medicine is created in laboratories with temperature-sensitive tools and equipment. The room needs to be at a controlled temperature too. Therefore, we wouldn’t have medicine that fights the common cold to cancer if it weren’t for air conditioners. Can you imagine scientists needing to rely on open windows and cool air to create all the medication that exists today? It would’ve taken thousands of years to perfect it.

First President to Own an AC Unit: Herbert Hoover 

How did presidents run an entire country without AC in the summer? Who knows! But former President Herbert Hoover wasn’t having it. He invested $30,000 on an AC unit not too long after the stock market crashed in 1929.

Summer Vacation Was Born

Did you look forward to those long summer breaks while growing up? You can thank your AC unit for those marvelous days. Before the existence of air conditioners, classrooms were way too hot for students to stay focused and sit for 8 hours straight during the burning summer. Hence, summer vacations become a norm and exist even to this day.

Movie Theatres Were the Coolest

In the early 1900s, air conditioning technology became more popular and movie theatre owners invested in these systems. They wanted to get people to come to the movies during the hottest and stickiest days of the year. Their plan worked. Most people did not have AC units, so they would come to the movies as an escape from their hot homes. 

Influenced Where People Live

Imagine living in a hot place like Texas during the scorching summers without any AC units to cool you down. Could you survive? Well, thanks to air conditioners, people have a way to survive during these heatwaves. When air conditioning units became popular, the population in hot states increased significantly.

Ice Was AC Units’ Biggest Competitor

Before AC units existed, people would use big ice blocks to keep things nice and comfortable and their produce fresh. When air conditioners were invented, their output ratings were measured based on how much ice was needed to have the same cooling effect.

Your Air Conditioner Helps You Battle Allergies

Air conditioners are known to remove allergens and other small particles from the indoor air. This helps you fight asthma or any other allergies you may have.

Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating Is Here for You

If you didn’t know this already, air conditioners are pretty cool. They keep your home at a desirable temperature and play a large influence in modern medicine. However, if your HVAC system stops working properly, get in touch with Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating. We service all of the Dallas-Fort Worth areas and we are only a call away!

Categories
AC Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

How to Stop Your Air Conditioner from Freezing Up

Air conditioners are crucial for staying comfortable during warm months, but a frozen AC can disrupt your home’s cooling and lead to costly repairs. Understanding why this happens and how to prevent it can save you time, money, and discomfort. In this post, we’ll explore common causes of AC freeze-ups and provide actionable tips to keep your system running smoothly.

Common Causes of a Frozen Air Conditioner

1. Dirty Air Filters

A clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to drop in temperature and freeze. This is one of the most common causes of AC freeze-ups. Regularly replacing or cleaning your air filters ensures proper airflow and prevents this issue.

2. Blocked or Closed Vents

When vents are obstructed or closed, it disrupts air circulation and creates pressure imbalances in your system, which can cause freezing. Ensure all vents are open and free from obstructions like furniture or debris.

3. Faulty Blower Fan

The blower fan circulates air through your system, and if it’s malfunctioning, it can reduce airflow and cause the evaporator coil to freeze. Routine maintenance can help identify and resolve this issue before it leads to bigger problems.

4. Low Refrigerant Levels

Insufficient refrigerant lowers pressure in your AC system, leading to a temperature drop and freezing on the evaporator coil. Low refrigerant often signals a leak, which requires a professional inspection and recharging.

5. Running Your AC in Cool Temperatures

Using your air conditioner when outdoor temperatures are below 60°F can cause freezing. In such conditions, the refrigerant in your system may not circulate properly, leading to ice buildup.

Preventive Measures to Stop Your AC from Freezing

1. Replace or Clean Air Filters Regularly

Check your air filters every 1-3 months and replace them if they’re dirty. Clean filters ensure proper airflow, reduce strain on your system, and prevent freezing.

2. Keep Vents Open and Clear

Make sure all vents are unobstructed to promote healthy airflow. Rearrange furniture and remove any items blocking vents to allow your system to distribute cool air effectively.

3. Schedule Routine Maintenance

Professional inspections are key to identifying potential problems before they escalate. A technician can detect issues like faulty blower fans or refrigerant leaks and ensure your system operates efficiently.

4. Monitor Outdoor Temperatures

Avoid running your air conditioner when outdoor temperatures dip below 60°F. If you still need cooling during cooler weather, consider using fans instead of your AC.

Why Preventing AC Freezing Is Important

A frozen air conditioner isn’t just inconvenient—it can cause long-term damage to your system, increase energy costs, and leave your home uncomfortable. By addressing common issues and implementing preventive measures, you can keep your AC running smoothly and extend its lifespan.

Need Help with Your AC? Call Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating

If your air conditioner has frozen during these cold winter months, or your heater stops working, give Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating a call immediately. At Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating, we provide professional maintenance, repairs, and advice to keep your home comfortable all year round. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services!