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Heating HVAC

Ellis AC’s Winter HVAC Guide: 6 Common Heating & Cooling Problems In Central Texas

As a local HVAC company serving Dallas, Irving, and Cedar Hill since 1975– we know very well which heating and cooling problems homeowners run into every year when the temps drop. Today, our team has created the only winter HVAC guide you’ll ever need, and we’re going to break down six of the most common causes behind broken HVAC units in the winter season. Then, you can prevent them from happening with proper maintenance. This will save you a ton of time and money on repairs so make sure you read everything! 

Frozen Pipes

Here in Central Texas, the temperatures drop and ice accumulates late in the winter. Some years we’re blessed with moderate weather for the entire season, but a lot of folks felt the pain of frozen pipes last February when Winter Storm Uri wreaked havoc on the Lone Star State. A lot of people’s pipes burst from pressure build-up and frozen components. Obviously, this affects a lot of things in your daily life, but it can also do some damage to the hot water heater and other hydronic systems. 

Uneven Air Flow & Temperature

Don’t you just hate it when it’s so hot that you’re breaking a sweat, and then you cross the threshold into another room and it feels like you stepped into the ice age? Yeah, we do too. 

This is generally a climate zoning problem and it can be incredibly uncomfortable until you get an HVAC technician out to do repairs. There isn’t always a complex cause behind this issue though, so our techs will inspect your home for cracks around ventilation points like windows and doors first, then they’ll inspect your vents and ducts for blockages. If everything looks good, we’ll perform an in-depth inspection to determine what the underlying problem is and begin repairs. 

Malfunctioning Heat Pump

A lot of homeowners in the South rely on exterior heat pumps to warm their residences. Unfortunately, heat pumps aren’t very efficient if it gets too cold out, and they can stop working altogether in freezing temperatures. Having heat pumps hasn’t been a huge issue for Texans in the past because we have moderate temperatures, but as temperatures begin to fluctuate, more and more homeowners are noticing faulty heat pumps that require repairs. Some things homeowners frequently call us to fix are broken fan motors and coil blockages. 

Heat pumps are an important part of any winter HVAC guide because they oftentimes fail to defrost when temperatures drop. For a heat pump to work correctly, its coils and fan must be clear of frost. Make sure your HVAC unit has automatic defrost settings before installing a new one so it can melt away ice before thick layers form. If this setting is broken or not included, you’ll need to manually clear away the frost buildup.

Dirty Heater Filters

It wouldn’t be a winter HVAC guide if we didn’t talk about air filters.

If you can’t identify the problem on your own, give Ellis AC Cedar Hill a call ASAP. The first thing our HVAC technicians will do when they arrive is to make sure your motor and fans are working. They’ll also clear away any obstructions surrounding the filter or change it if it’s past its best by date. Generally, this is all it takes but to ensure you’re all set for the rest of the winter we’ll check for any other possible damages or components that aren’t working flawlessly. 

Broken Thermostat

When the HVAC hardware isn’t what’s stopping efficient heating, it’s generally the electronics aka the thermostat. If we discover that it’s not working properly, our team will begin repairs or install a thermostat replacement to help you better control your Cedar Hill home’s climate and promote energy efficiency. We will also check the wiring to ensure everything looks good on the backend too. 

Carbon Monoxide Leaks

Most homeowners are aware of the dangers associated with carbon monoxide leaks, but they’re not really sure what causes them or how to keep their homes safe. For those who don’t know what carbon monoxide is, it’s a toxic gas that’s difficult to detect due to its tasteless and odorless nature. Unfortunately, if it’s not detected in time, it can suffocate anyone in your home.

Generally, this dangerous gas leak occurs due to a cracked heat exchanger in a heater and insufficient ventilation prevents carbon monoxide from exiting the home. If you start feeling dizzy, vomiting, experiencing headaches, or feeling confused– get your family out of the house and call emergency services. They will check on your family and you can also give Ellis AC a call to come and repair your heat exchanger once the area is cleared by your local fire department.  

Ellis AC Winter HVAC Guide– Cedar Hill HVAC Company

When a winter HVAC guide just isn’t enough, call Ellis AC for prompt and reliable repairs.

The HVAC problems we discussed today can become very serious if left unattended. When you first notice the warning signs, give Ellis AC HVAC Repair a call right away! We’ll send out our trained and certified technicians to assess your system and make repairs so you can carry on with your holiday season.

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HVAC Tips and Advice

How Often Should You Replace Your Irving Home’s Residential Air Filters?

Residential air filters may be a small part of your home’s HVAC system, but they play a critical role in its overall performance. They filter out debris like dust and pollen that improves your home’s air quality. Air filters also do a great job of making your Irving residence more comfortable, but if you neglect your air filters, it’ll take a toll on your HVAC unit’s heating and cooling efficiency. Eventually, it’ll collect so much pollen, pet dander, mold spores, lint, and more so the air won’t be able to pass through the mine mesh fibers. When it does, the air will circulate those contaminants and can lead to allergy-like illnesses. 

The Function of Residential Air Filters

We’ve already established that air filters play an important role in the heating and cooling of your home. Now, we’re going to explain why that is and exactly what they do. Air filters use a fabric material to filter the air that passes through them. They trap all kinds of contaminants that would reduce your home’s air quality if left to float around freely. Some debris that your air filter should catch include:

How Often Should You Replace A Residential Air Filter?

Generally, you should replace your air filter every 90 days. Of course, different scenarios call for different HVAC maintenance schedules. If it’s a vacation home that you rarely visit or you live alone, you might be able to get away with replacing your filter every 6-12 months. However, if you have a big family with lots of pets, you’ll probably need an air filter replacement every couple of months. Some signs that it’s time to change your air filter include:

  • Warm air blowing out of your air conditioner
  • A hot HVAC unit
  • More expensive energy bills
  • An uptick in allergy symptoms
  • Dust in the air vents

What Happens If You Don’t Have An Air Filter

Your air conditioner won’t stop working just because you take out your air filter, but if you don’t replace it, you’ll run into some other HVAC issues further down the road. Unfortunately, these issues tend to be pretty expensive. The main problem you’ll encounter is excess condensation in the Freon tubing since the condensation drain can’t drain moisture without an air filter.

This causes water damage, and can ruin your  HVAC system. Aside from the water damage, your home will feel stuffy and once dust starts to settle, it’ll clog up the whole system. The loose contaminants can also cause your family to experience health problems. 

What Type of Air Filter is Most Efficient?

A lot of people choose whichever air filter is cheapest at the hardware store because they don’t think it’ll make any difference. However, different residential air filters have different efficiency ratings. To find the best air filter for your Irving home, make sure you’re checking the MERV rating.

The scale ranges from 1-20 and the higher the number, the better the rating. However, just because an air filter has a 20 MERV rating doesn’t mean it’s the best filter for your HVAC system. Sometimes, air filters with higher MERV ratings can actually impede airflow. So make sure you do your research or ask the Ellis AC technicians about the pros and cons of different air filters and their MERV ratings. We’ll be able to determine if you need a fiberglass, electrostatic, pleated, high-efficiency pleated, or HEPA air filter. 

Ellis AC– Irving HVAC Maintenance Services

It’s important to maintain an air filter replacement schedule to maximize your home’s breathability and to keep your family healthy. If you notice any of the aforementioned warning signs, or it’s coming up on 90 days since your last air filter replacement– call Ellis AC Irving. We’ll send out an HVAC technician that can pop in a new air filter with ease so you don’t have to worry about the inconvenience of buying and replacing it yourself.

Contact us today for a quote and feel free to ask us any questions you have about residential HVAC maintenance. If you have any concerns, we can schedule a consultation and your Ellis AC technician can assess your system and provide recommendations that will improve its performance.

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AC Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades

Invest in Your Company’s Success with an Improved HVAC System

If you own a business, you understand the importance of productivity. In regards to that, your employees’ health and safety should be a priority too. In order to ensure both priorities, invest in an effective HVAC system. It will keep a perfect temperature inside your business which will create a comfortable environment for you and your employees. If you want to see your company’s success increase, Ellis AC can offer you an improved HVAC system.

The Unbearable Summer Heat 

Texas is known for the extreme heat. The average temperature during the summer months runs between 81 degrees to 98 degrees. The last thing you want to do is stay outdoors for longer than you have to. Your business building is an escape from the heat…or at least it should be. Since you and your employees will spend most of the days inside your building, you want it to be as comfortable as possible. 

Increase Productivity Levels

It is a proven fact that people that work in a comfortable environment make fewer mistakes. You can increase your business’s productivity levels with an air conditioning unit that works properly. A comfortably cool office also increases your employees’ concentration levels. They won’t be wasting time complaining or stressing out about how hot the office is. Recent studies have shown that employees waste a minimum of one hour on the clock due to heat. Employees try to avoid work when sitting in their seats when they have an overheated workspace. Give your office and employees energy with an improved HVAC system.

Improve Your Employee’s Health

When your employees have good health, they take less sick days and the medical expenses are lower. Ventilation systems remove the stale unclean air indoors and replace it with fresh, clean outdoor air. This dilutes and displaces germs and pollutants in the air. It also expels bacteria, moisture, and unpleasant odors. A number of health problems can arise with improper ventilation such as: 

  • Headaches
  • Allergies
  • Rashes
  • Asthma
  • Sinusitis

Avoid these problems by getting in touch with Ellis AC!

Create a Comfortable Atmosphere for Customers

You want your business space to be comfortable for your customers, as much as for your employees. When customers enjoy coming into your space, you can expect them to come more often without hesitation. You don’t want them to dread going to a humid and musty space to do business with you. Having an uncomfortable environment can also negatively affect your brand image. Don’t sabotage your marketing with improper air conditioning. 

Team Up with Ellis AC 

Let’s invest in your company’s success by encouraging productivity and your employees’ health with an improved HVAC system. Our team has been installing, repairing, replacing, and maintaining HVAC systems since 1975. We service the entire Dallas-Fort Worth area, and we are only call away. We carry a large fleet; our trucks are always ready to roll and our helicopters are on standby. If there is ever an emergency, you can count on us! Get in touch with us today to learn more about the different services we offer.

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AC Heating HVAC

Get Your HVAC System in Top Shape for This Cold Holiday Season

Whether you will be having guests over to celebrate the holidays or you will be staying in and enjoying your immediate family’s comfort, you want your home to be warm and cozy. There’s nothing better than sipping hot cocoa in the warmth of your home. But what if your heating system isn’t working properly? You don’t want to go through a cold winter without having a functioning heating system. Ellis AC is here to help. If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we are only a call away. Our team can install, replace, repair, and maintain your HVAC system year-round. 

What Is an HVAC System?

An HVAC system stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. These systems move the air between indoor and outdoor areas. They keep your home warm in the winter and cool and fresh in the summer. The ventilation system filters and cleans the indoor air to ensure your home has clean air circulating around. 

What Are Common Signs of HVAC System Issues?

Keep an eye out for the following symptoms of a faulty HVAC system:

Unusual Noises

If you hear clicking, buzzing, clanking, or humming coming from the systems, then that’s a sure sign that something is off with your HVAC system. Not to mention, the noises can be quite disruptive.

Musty Odors

Your HVAC system can collect mold or mildew inside. This in return creates revolting odors. Another cause can be that an animal got caught in the systems and is rotting away. Whatever the case may be, you need to get your HVAC system inspected immediately.

Increase in Energy Bills

If your heating system is struggling to warm up your home or your air conditioning to cool it down in the summer, it will cost you greatly. Your systems will need more electricity to perform the functions than a properly functioning system would. So, if you notice that your energy bills are spiking, your HVAC system is most likely in need of a repair. 

Indoor Humidity

Your HVAC system is in charge of removing humidity from the air. So, if your home feels sticky or stuffy, then let Ellis AC take a look at it. This is not an isolated problem in the summer, it is also an early winter issue as well.

Inconsistent Temperatures

If your home feels warm in your living room this winter, but cold in your bedroom, you have some serious issues with your systems. The temperature should be consistent from room to room.

Get In Touch with Ellis AC This Holiday Season

Ellis AC has been servicing the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 1975. We are one of the leading HVAC services, and we are only a call away. We can get to you in case of an emergency too. Our helicopters are always on standby and our trucks are always ready to roll. There isn’t an issue our expert team hasn’t seen and fixed. Let us get your HVAC system in top shape for this holiday season!

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AC Heating HVAC Tips and Advice

The Great Thermostat Debate: Should Your Home be Warm or Cold?

The thermostat is a common source of contention in many households. Any time you move in with a new roommate or partner, you need to establish a set point for the temperature. This can become a heated debate if you are on opposite sides of the spectrum. Regardless of your personal opinion, there are facts to support your preference. Here are some facts that may help you win the heating and cooling debate with your housemate. Although, if you prefer it cold, you certainly have an edge. 

Ideal Room Temperature

There are different factors that go into determining your home’s optimal temperature. The average home rests between 68 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Factors that determine the ideal temperature for you include season, insulation, region, and personal preference among other things. The average set temperature is 68 degrees in the summer and 70 in the winter. 

The ideal temperature changes during the nighttime. Experts say that for a healthy adult the thermostat should stay around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they do offer the range of 60 to 67 degrees for optimal sleep. If your bedroom gets too hot, it can interrupt your REM cycle. When this happens, you may be groggy, your immune system may suffer, and you may experience memory and learning problems. 

Effects of a Warm House on Your Health

Keeping your house warm can have some positive effects on your health. 

Energy Booster

A warm house can be an energy booster. It can signal summer and the end of hibernation, which may make you want to get up and run around or maybe just clean the house up. 

Memory Enhancer

A warmer climate helps with circulation. This means increased blood flow to your head and heart. When your blood circulates with ease it helps keep you alert and makes your memory sharper. 

Blood Pressure

Your body needs to stay within a specific temperature range. If you get too cold your lungs and heart will overcompensate to warm you up. This can lead to high blood pressure and resulting conditions like heart disease. 

Benefits of a Cold House

Keeping your house cool, especially during the night, offers a lot of advantages. 

Burns Calories

Your body uses body fat to keep you warm in cold conditions. If your home is cool, your body will naturally help you keep fat off. 

Prevents Bug Infestations

Many bugs that can be found in houses can’t survive in cold weather. Mosquitoes and cockroaches will die in a cold environment, which is good news for you These insects can carry diseases with them. 

Muscle Recovery

If you’ve ever seen an over-extended athlete sink into an ice bath, then you probably already understand that cold conditions aid in muscle recovery. Some benefits of ice or cold conditions are inflammation reduction and muscle recovery. 

Better Sleep

One of the most important reasons to keep a cool house is for better sleep. People need to be cool during sleep so their  REM cycle can complete without disruption. Our bodies stop regulating temperature while we’re asleep. If you get too warm, you can wake up groggy and cause your memory, immune system, memory, and learning capabilities to deteriorate. 

Ellis AC

Call or visit our website to review our special offers and financing options! Our team of HVAC professionals is ready to assist you with your heating and cooling needs. Each staff member is trained and licensed to evaluate your needs and put together a strategy that meets them. Our speedy industry professionals will investigate your problem and give you an estimate free of charge. This way you have time to do your research and be sure we’re giving you the best cost for the service.

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AC Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades

How to Choose an HVAC Repair and Maintenance Company

When your air conditioner or heating system suddenly stops working, you don’t want to waste time finding a company to fix your home’s unit. The process of picking a reliable HVAC repair company doesn’t have to be complicated if you search smart. Decide what services you need and then structure your search.

Here are a few factors to consider when deciding which HVAC company is right for you:

Referrals

A reputable company that successfully serves local homeowners will have loyal customers and many referrals. Many people write reviews about businesses they like on social media and refer them to friends. HVAC companies that are dependable and professional during an installation, repair, or maintenance project will have positive reviews. A quick internet search will give you information about the quality of their work. 

Don’t forget to make use of your friends and family, too. Ask them if there’s an HVAC company they like. Make sure the work they contracted is comparable to the work you need to have done, and that the company executed it well.

AC Certifications and Licenses

Ask contractors to show you copies of their certifications and current licenses. Most HVAC companies list their license numbers on their websites as well. Reputable companies also have reliable HVAC technicians who are NATE-certified, and these specialists maintain trust by implementing proper procedures to ensure professional results throughout HVAC projects.

Experience

HVAC repairs require precision. The slightest miscalculations can affect performance, reliability, and efficiency. The best way to avoid costly problems is by hiring a company with proven results and stellar reviews. A business that has a solid reputation normally has highly experienced technicians who fully understand how to tackle HVAC tasks that involve new and old equipment. Experienced technicians should always be considered during advanced maintenance and repair jobs because the procedures that trained specialists implement are cost-effective.

Obtain Estimates in Writing

If you’re experiencing problems with your HVAC system or need new equipment make sure you get your estimates in writing. If you need a new heating or cooling system, a specialist may take measurements of your home and consider its insulation, windows and ductwork. Obtain all bids in writing and make certain they’re itemized and include details such as warranties.

Obtain a Written Proposal

After you choose your HVAC contractor, ask the company to provide you with a written proposal. You both need to review and sign before work begins. A proposal specifies costs, job schedules, model numbers, warranty information, payment schedules, and other details that will protect you should a problem arise. If a contractor does not want to provide a written estimate or proposal, choose a different company.

Call Ellis AC for Professional HVAC Services

The experienced HVAC technicians at Ellis AC are always happy to help. We offer stellar HVAC maintenance, repairs, and replacements at prices you can afford. Our team values the satisfaction of our clients above all else, and we’ll tell you everything you need to know to get the most out of your HVAC system. Call or visit our website for a free quote on our top-notch HVAC services today!

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HVAC Tips and Advice

Effects of Indoor Air Pollutants on Pregnancy

Expecting mothers often make changes to ensure their bodies are healthy. This is to make sure their body is healthy enough to carry a child and that their child will be born healthy. It’s common knowledge that whatever the mom goes through, the baby also experiences. That’s why it’s smart to take precautions to avoid birth defects. Mothers know to reduce fat and sugar intake, and increase physical activity. They stop drinking, smoking, and eating dangerous foods like soft cheese and fish with a lot of mercury. However, one factor that pregnant women may overlook is their home’s air quality. Pollutants in the air can affect women during their pregnancy and can also impact the unborn child’s health. 

Indoor Air Pollutants

Indoor air pollutants can actually be more dangerous than outdoor pollutants. An enclosed space without sufficient ventilation can be more toxic than a highly industrialized city. The EPA actually estimates that indoor air quality can be 2-5 times worse than outside. Pollutants like pet dander, mold, pollen, or other particulate matter brought into the house can create a toxic environment. 

Outdoor air can enter your home through infiltration, natural ventilation, or mechanical ventilation. If you start experiencing respiratory problems it’s an indicator that your ventilation system isn’t filtering air properly. An HVAC company like Ellis AC can get to work purifying the air in your home and getting rid of any harmful toxins. 

Birth Weight

Multiple studies show that infants born in areas with more pollution weigh less than those born in areas with good air. Mothers who are exposed to high levels of pollution during their first trimester are at risk of giving birth to an underweight baby

Premature Birth

Mothers who are exposed to excessive pollutants are also at risk for giving birth prematurely. Babies that are born before the 37th week of the gestational period are at an increased risk of neurological disorders and physical disabilities. The infant may experience trouble breathing, heart problems, temperature irregularities, and an underdeveloped digestive system. Premature birth can be fatal, and many babies need to be supervised by a team in the NICU for around-the-clock care. 

Autism

According to a Harvard study, mothers who inhale too much particulate matter during the third trimester are twice as likely to have a child on the Autism spectrum. If mothers reduce their exposure to nitric oxide during pregnancy their child will be less at risk for autism and some cognitive functioning disorders. 

Asthma

Mothers with uncontrolled asthma may experience high blood pressure which can lead to preeclampsia. They are also more likely to deliver their baby early. Exposure to air pollution during gestation can also increase the likelihood of the child developing asthma later in life. Research suggests that children are more at risk of developing asthma before the age of 5 if their mothers were pregnant in an area with a lot of traffic. 

Fertility

Air pollutants can cause infertility or a spontaneous miscarriage. It’s important to take precautions because it’s difficult to know what you’re breathing in. 

Ellis AC

It’s important to maintain good air quality in your home at all times, but especially during pregnancy. If you’re experiencing respiratory problems or you’re getting sick more often than usual give Ellis AC a call or fill out a form to schedule a consultation. Our experts will inspect your home for ventilation problems and fix them. We are dedicated to maintaining your HVAC system and keeping you and your family safe.

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Uncategorized Heating HVAC Tips and Advice

Everything You Need to Know About Emergency Heat

Texans are currently experiencing an unprecedented winter storm. People are increasingly wary of car accidents, power outages, and problems with heating their homes. Many homeowners in the south depend upon heat pumps to heat and cool their homes. This is because it’s an incredibly effective method in mild climates. However, with snow and ice building up it may be time to switch your heat pump to emergency mode. 

How Do Heat Pumps Work?

A heat pump is HVAC equipment installed outside of your home. The pump redistributes hot air to heat and cools your home. When it’s cold outside the unit pulls heat out of the air and into your home. When it’s too hot inside the pump pulls hot air out of your home and transfers it outside. However, this heating method doesn’t work in freezing temperatures. 

What is Emergency Heat?

When the temperature drops below freezing and your heat pump isn’t working, you can set your thermostat to emergency heat. This can also be automatically triggered at 35 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature gets too low, your pump won’t function properly because there isn’t any heat for the pump to transfer. The system will depend on a furnace or heat strips to heat your home. 

When you switch to emergency heat, your pump will stop trying to extract heat from the outside and will only utilize the secondary heating method. 

When to Use Emergency Heat

You should only use emergency heat, as the name suggests, in emergency situations. You should turn on the emergency heat if your heat pump stops functioning and your home isn’t warming up. This happens quite often when temperatures hit the freezing point. 

If your heating system doesn’t automatically switch to emergency heat, you should do it manually. This will help prevent damage to your primary unit and heat your residence faster.  

Cost of Using Emergency Heat

Switching to emergency heat can be expensive if you have an electric heating system. For this reason, you shouldn’t use emergency heat unless it’s absolutely necessary. You don’t necessarily need to turn the emergency heat on just because it’s cold. However, it is necessary if your pump stops working altogether.

Running your emergency heat increases your energy usage and drives up your energy bill. If your system is all-electric you can stand to lose quite a bit of money heating your home this way for extended periods of time. However, if your backup heating system runs on gas or oil, you may get a bit of a price break. 

Protect Your Heat Pump

You should check your heat pump for snow and ice buildup during the winter months. Do your best to keep it clear. If you notice too much debris, call an HVAC repairman to get the unit fixed. If you take care of it quickly, you could save a lot of money on future repairs or a replacement. 

Call Ellis AC

Our HVAC professionals know how important it is to maintain your heating system. It’s more important than ever with all 254 Texas counties under winter storm warnings. If you notice an excessive build-up on your heat pump or your home isn’t warming up enough, call us immediately. We’re here to help keep you safe and warm during the winter months. 

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Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

Get Smart: Benefits of Modern Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats do have the potential to save the homeowner money, but they can also cost more. The secret to success is the way in which you use them. It’s imperative that you educate yourself so that you are able to effectively save energy (and money) by correctly using a programmable thermostat.

According to Energy Star, about 45% of a home’s energy is utilized for heating and cooling (that averages about $2,100-$2,500 annually). Unfortunately, a large portion of that goes to heating or cooling unoccupied spaces. You also don’t need to heat or cool your home as much when you are sleeping. For every 1 degree Fahrenheit you turn your thermostat down, you will use 1% less energy. That means if you reduce your heating by 10 degrees at night, you will use 10% less energy. 

It’s Smart For A Reason

Ten years ago, programmable thermostats were the latest trend, but with advances in technology, smart thermostats will be a better choice for your home. For example, a smart thermostat learns your temperature habits over time and adjusts accordingly, while a programmable thermostat only allows you to schedule temperature changes for specific days and times. For hot and cold natured people alike, a smart thermostat will begin to automatically change your temperature over time as it learns your daily habits and preferences, which will keep extra cash in your pocket. Unfortunately, your existing programmable thermostat doesn’t have the same capabilities and prevents you from making temperature adjustments while you’re away from home.

Convenience of Adjusting From Anywhere

WiFi compatibility is one of the most convenient and sought after features in a smart thermostat. In-home temperature control is at your fingertips from nearly anywhere in the world with the simple download and installation of a corresponding app on your phone. Did you forget to bump up the temperature of the air conditioner before leaving for vacation? A smart thermostat has you covered from any location with an Internet connection.

Reduces Energy Costs

As new technology develops in the heating and cooling industry, older thermostats are less accurate and simply cannot compete with their modern counterparts. Unlike older programmable thermostats, smart thermostats have the ability to automatically adjust the temperature based on the surrounding temperature, which results in substantial savings on your in-home energy bills. Lastly, it tracks your past energy usage and provides reports for any time period you select. The reports enable you to identify where you can cut costs on future energy bills. Smart thermostats are a great addition to any home, and they can make your life much easier.

HVAC Maintenance and Repairs With Ellis AC

If you need HVAC maintenance, repairs, or replacements, Ellis AC can help. Our team of licensed HVAC technicians will quickly diagnose and repair any issues with your system, and we’ll tell you everything you need to know about keeping your system healthy. Call or visit our website today for more information or a free quote on our top-notch HVAC repairs and maintenance. We look forward to serving you!

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Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

Signs That It’s Almost Time to Replace Your HVAC System

How do you know if it’s time?

If your existing heating or cooling system is over ten years old, it’s an indication that you need to get a new one. Check out these five warning signs that it’s time for HVAC replacement.

Repair Costs Are Higher Than The Price of a New System

Older HVAC systems require more extensive repairs—and it’s a sad fact that most homeowners have to deal with. If you need your HVAC system repaired for the cost that’s almost half or higher than a new system, forget about it! It’s best to replace your system completely to save more money in your pocket.

Soaring Energy Bills

If you haven’t had any major changes in your local energy cost, then your current bills should be relatively similar to the previous months. But if your bills have ballooned with no concrete explanation, it could be a sign of worn-out parts and inefficient HVAC equipment. Damaged and older systems have to work longer and harder to meet your comfort requirements, and replacement is a smart solution.

It feels hot indoors

Your old cooling system is struggling to keep a consistent and comfortable temperature indoors. When you’re feeling less comfortable indoors, it generally means that your HVAC system isn’t powerful enough to supply the required temperature.

Your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old

Consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR label. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency units can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs.

Your home has humidity problems

Poor equipment operation, inadequate equipment, and leaky ductwork can cause the air to be too dry in the winter or too humid in the summer.

Your heating or cooling system is noisy

You could have an undersized duct system, a problem with the indoor coil of your cooling equipment, or other components that may be failing causing undue stress on other equipment components.

Unpleasant odors

Strange or unpleasant smells coming from your HVAC unit or your vents? Odors can be caused by a variety of problems, such as mold and mildew growth due to excess moisture inside the unit or refrigerant leaks.

Tripped circuit breaker

If your HVAC system trips the circuit breaker once, it may not be any cause for alarm. But if it happens repeatedly, you may have a system that is showing signs of wear. A small repair may be able to help, but it likely won’t last long and your whole system will soon need to be replaced.

Ellis AC

Whether you’re running the furnace in winter, or cranking up the air conditioning unit in summer, there is always a chance that your indoor air quality, energy bills, and even your health could be affected by your old HVAC unit To find out more about our services, or to get started on your own system, don’t hesitate to contact us right away!