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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.

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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!

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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!

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AC Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

5 Reasons Why Your AC Unit Is Running But Not Cooling

There’s nothing worse than turning on your AC unit during a hot summer day, but discovering that it’s not working. How will you survive the heat now? There’s no need to worry, Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating is only a call away. We can repair, replace, or maintain your HVAC system year-round. If your AC unit is running, but not cooling your space, your unit might need a repair. Here are 5 reasons why your AC unit isn’t functioning properly.

Thermostat Isn’t Set Properly

Before you freak out about your AC unit not working, make sure you check the thermostat. First things first, make sure that the thermostat is set to “cool.” Then, check the temperature setting to see if anyone made an adjustment. If your thermostat is set to “off,” turn on the heat first before setting it to cool. Check your registers to see if cool air is blowing out now.

Dirty Air Filter

Many AC units have air filters in or around the indoor air handler unit. These filters catch dirt, dust, and other airborne particles. It prevents these particles from entering the unit and keeps the components inside the system clean. This, in return, will keep the air in your home clean as well. However, if you have a dirty air filter, then the airborne particles will block airflow and reduce cooling to your home. If the air filter isn’t changed, it can even shut off your system completely.

Refrigerant Leak

In order for your AC unit to cool, you need a refrigerant. It is a chemical that flows through the system’s indoor and outdoor coil. It changes from liquid to gaseous form and draws heat energy and humidity from the indoor air and releases it outdoors. If you have a refrigerant leak, then your AC unit may not cool your home.

Condenser Unit Is Blocked

Most AC units come with an outdoor condenser unit. There is a large outdoor coil that wraps around the outside of the unit. The coil includes a series of metal fins that are tightly together. If your AC unit is running but not cooling, the condenser coil might be clogged or blocked. Airborne debris, grass, and dirt can build up within the fins, which clogs the coil as a result.

This leads to less energy efficiency and a lack of cool air from the registers. You can try to clean the coil by vacuuming it with a brush attachment. However, if your system still doesn’t cool, get in touch with Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating.

Heat Pump Is Damaged

A heat pump is like an air conditioner, but it contains the ability to cool and heat your property. It works similarly to a condenser unit, and it can also get clogged by dirt, debris, grass, etc.

Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating Is Here For You

If your AC unit is running but not cooling your property, get in touch with Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating today. We service all of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, and there isn’t a problem that we haven’t seen and fixed.

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Heating HVAC Tips and Advice

How to Save Costs on Your Energy Bill During These Winter Storms in Texas

Do you want to save costs on your energy bill? Electricity is already pretty pricey in the state of Texas, due to insulation issues. However, these cold winter months are a different breed. With the giant winter storm last February, people’s electricity bills went through the roof. This February, we have experienced two winter storms and there’s most likely more to come. How do you avoid spending hundreds of dollars on your next electricity bills? Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating has listed a couple of tips to help you save costs on your energy bill. 

Common Areas of Heat Loss

In order to save costs on your energy bill, you need to know how to prevent heat loss in your house. Certain areas of your home allow the heated air to escape and cold air to seep in. Crevices and cracks are some examples, as well as windows, doors, fireplaces, roofs, walls, and power outlets. You can lose up to one quart of your home’s heat through these small openings.

Close Unused Rooms

If there are rooms in your home that you don’t use, close the doors. There is no need to heat up the rooms that no one is occupying. You should also close off the vents in those unused rooms, so that warm air from the ducts doesn’t travel to them. Tuck a towel at the base of the door for the most effective sealing.

Wear Warm Clothes

A great way to save costs on your energy bill is to bundle up at home. Use your sweaters and long-sleeved t-shirts to stay warm. The more clothes you wear, the less you need to crank up the heat in the winter. A pair of fuzzy socks will keep your feet warm, and the rest of your body warm as well.

Use the Sun’s Rays

Although the sun is scarce throughout the winter, it does occasionally show up. Use the sun’s rays to heat up your home. Open up the shades, curtains, or blinds during the day and keep them closed at night.

Turn the Thermostat Down

Just by lowering the thermostat a couple of degrees makes a huge difference. Did you know that lowering it by 10 degrees can help you save up to 10% annually? That’s right. So be generous with the degrees you lower and bundle up! The best times to lower your thermostat are right before you go to bed and right before you leave to work. There is no need to have the heater on when no one is home or when you are sleeping.

Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating Has Your Back

If your heating system breaks down in the middle of these winter storms, get in touch with Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating. Our team has been providing HVAC solutions to the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 1975. There isn’t a problem we haven’t seen and fixed. Our experts are also on call for regular maintenance and complete replacements. Let us repair your heating system quickly, so you can ride out these winter storms comfortably in your home.

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Heating HVAC Tips and Advice

The Most Energy-Efficient Way to Run Your Furnace

Installing energy-efficient systems and equipment into your house is a step in the right direction towards sustainability. It’s an honorable task to lighten your home’s carbon footprint. In fact, in a study published by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, residential energy use accounts for a whopping 20% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the USA. That’s quite a bit! 

As you explore energy-efficient options for your home, it’s important to also include maintenance plans to keep everything running at full capacity. 

Today, we’re going to focus on how to run your furnace as efficiently as possible. These are all things you can do at home– but if you ever need the support of a professional, reach out to your Central Texas team at Ellis AC for support.

The Most Energy-Efficient Way to Run Your Furnace

Clear the Air Vents

Do a quick inspection of your home. Have you renovated or moved furniture around since the last time you ran your furnace? It’s common for furniture, heavy curtains, or even toys to block the heating vents. The first step is to remove any blockages to your home’s vents. 

Additionally, it’s important to dust regularly to avoid buildup. 

Next, it’s important that you don’t keep the doors in your home closed for extended periods of time unless sleeping at night. By closing off certain rooms, you block airflow and offset your home’s air pressure. Your furnace will need to work overtime to rebalance the air pressure– meaning its system is working harder, using more energy, and driving up your energy bill. 

Change Furnace Filter

Dirt, pollen, dust, and pet hair can all get trapped in your air filter. This buildup can cause your furnace to work extra hard to produce the same amount of heat, and push it through the filter. This can cause your home’s furnace to prematurely break down. 

In more serious cases, clogged filters can push the heat exchangers to crack. When heat exchangers are damaged, they can allow toxic carbon monoxide to escape into your home. 

Instead of wondering what’s floating around in your home’s air, we recommend inspecting your filters every month. Additionally, we suggest changing dirty filters out every three months. Or, if you have a family member with respiratory issues, it’s even better to change out the filter once a month. This will ensure that the air is clean and passes easily through your vents. 

Clean Out the Furnace

Once a year, we recommend grabbing a vacuum with a long extender and heading over to your furnace. Remove the access panels, and clear out any debris or dust that’s gathered around your furnace. This small act will set your furnace up for success in the long run 

Lower the Temperature

As difficult as it may be to consider, it might be best to lower your home’s temperature for a bit. But not to worry– you can plan this out ahead of time. 

Instead of keeping your home warm and toasty all day (keeping energy costs high) consider turning back your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out running errands or at night before bed. By turning the heat down for 8 hours per day, it can save you up to 10% per year on your heating bill. 

If you do decide to turn the heat down while you’re home, we recommend grabbing a blanket or a few extra layers to keep yourself warm. 

Schedule Heat Pump Maintenance

We recommend having one of our trained technicians come out and inspect your furnace once during the fall before the snow falls, and again in the spring. It’s much simpler and more cost-effective to have us perform routine maintenance on your furnace than it is to completely replace it in the middle of winter.

Ellis AC & Heating

To sum things up, to have an energy-efficient furnace, it’s important to perform routine maintenance. These simple steps should keep your furnace running smoothly all year long. If you need additional support or have any questions about your furnace, contact one of our specialists at Ellis AC & Heating today. We’re happy to help take care of any of your furnace, AC, or related needs. Give us a call at (972) 544-5609.

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AC Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

Complete Your Home Renovation Project with a New HVAC System

You know you’ve been watching a few too many episodes of Fixer-Upper when you start planning new home renovation projects. If it’s time for a remodel, consider updating the essential systems in your house. Specifically, it may be time to consider an HVAC system upgrade.

Even though HVAC systems are reliable and can last 10+ years, today could still be the perfect time to get your current unit assessed since you’re updating your home.

Consider how old your heating and cooling system is. Was it updated when you moved in? Have you noticed any stale air, high humidity, or upsetting odors? Any unusual noises? If so, it may be time to have it inspected by a professional. 

Not to worry, our team at Ellis AC is here to help. We’re happy to help install and maintain home HVAC systems in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. 

If you’re planning a remodeling project and are thinking about assessing your home’s essential systems, keep reading. The Dallas HVAC technicians at Ellis AC will walk you through whether or not you should consider upgrading to a new HVAC system during a home renovation.

Interior Demolition During Home Renovations

If you’re considering changing the layout of your home, it will impact your ventilation system. By moving walls, doors, or windows, you are altering the airflow throughout the house. In order to prevent cold or warm spots, it’s best to upgrade to a new HVAC system. 

Also, consider this– if you’re planning to remove walls or flooring for your home reno project, it’s an opportune time to reroute ductwork. The ventilation specialists at Ellis AC are happy to help with this.

Increase Your Home’s Value With a new hVAC

Even if you’re currently enjoying your family home, it doesn’t hurt to consider its market value. Making wise upgrades or additions will add value should you ever choose to sell it in the future.

In a hot climate like Texas, outdated systems are a turn-off. Modern buyers expect high-end air conditioning units in homes. Even if your home boasts high ceilings and a spacious floor plan– it won’t distract from a humid house. 

Encourage high-end buyers to consider your home with climate-controlled rooms. A new HVAC system could land you a higher bid in the future.

Home Heating and Cooling Needs

If the remodeling plan incorporates methods to increase your home’s energy efficiency, it will probably be time to consider a new HVAC system. 

For example, if you install freshly insulated doors and windows, it will improve your home’s internal temperature. As a result, your heating and cooling system doesn’t need to work as hard to maintain internal temperatures. 

After all home renovations are complete, it may be time to find a smaller HVAC system. Your previous one may be too large, or unfit for your current needs. 

Home Ventilation Upgrades– A Breath of Fresh Air

There’s nothing more inviting than entering a home that feels fresh. Especially in Dallas, where the annual temperatures float around 70+ degrees Fahrenheit, it’s essential to have fresh, cool air blowing in your home during the warmer months. That means your HVAC system needs to be functioning in top shape.

Imagine your home filled with crisp, clean air. This is easy to attain by upgrading your ventilation system. 

Additionally, by upgrading your home’s system, you have the opportunity to minimize allergens. Especially in Texas’ times of high allergies, it’s best to create pathways for fresh air to flow. Your sinuses will thank you later. 

Ellis AC & Heat HVAC Consultation

Before grabbing the pry bar to tear apart your kitchen, take a moment to map out your home renovation plan in advance. What systems need maintenance? Which appliances may be outdated? 

It’s tempting to dive in Fixer-Upper style, like Chip and Joanna. But first, consider upgrading your home’s older systems. It may save you time and money in the long run. And you may not need to install a brand new HVAC system, it may be sufficient to repair your current unit. 

If you have any questions– Ellis AC is ready to help. Our team of qualified professionals is happy to walk you through the process of maintaining and upgrading HVAC systems. We’ve proudly been serving the greater Fort-Worth community since 1980. For any HVAC needs, contact Ellis AC or give us a call at (972) 895-7498.

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AC Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

The Best Temperature for Sleeping

A good night’s sleep is priceless. It helps you reset and can completely brighten your outlook. As the Irish proverb goes, “A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything.” But how can we get that deep, restorative sleep that we all need? The key may be to find the best temperature for sleeping.

Today, we’re going to walk through the importance of having a relaxing bedroom environment to improve sleep– particularly, how to find the perfect sleeping temperature. Once you know how to curate a bedroom that’s cozy, it will hopefully improve your bedtime routine to get you that satisfying sleep you deserve.

The Best Temperature for Sleeping

Before we dive into details, we need to understand the role our thermal environment plays in our sleep quality. Sleeping in a room that’s too hot or too cold can cause you to have a hard time falling asleep, or even put stress on your body’s circulatory system. If you’re tossing to and fro, it might be because your thermostat isn’t set appropriately. 

In one study, it was found that temperature is one of the largest factors in determining the quality of sleep. Exposure to heat or cold increased wakefulness and showed a decrease of rapid eye movement sleep (REM) and slow-wave sleep. 

In another article by Sleep Foundation, it states that the best temperature for sleeping is between 60 to 67° F. 

When Your Room is Too Hot

If you tend to “sleep cold” and want to turn up the heat before bed, it may set your sleep cycle up for failure. Sleeping in a room that’s too hot or humid actually increases your chances of waking up. It also makes it harder for you to fall back asleep. A hot room increases body temperature. This process basically undoes the entire sleep initiation process. 

In order to avoid restlessness, it’s best to keep your room cooler than 70° F. If you’re still feeling chilly before bed, try warming yourself up with an added layer or by taking a hot bath one to two hours before bedtime. It’s also recorded that people who take a hot shower or bath before bed tend to fall asleep faster. 

When Your Room is Too Cold

If you tend to “sleep hot,” you might be inclined to cool your room down before bed. A cold bedroom won’t impact your sleep in the same way that a hot bedroom does. Actually, it’s recorded that sleeping in a cooler environment can help you fall asleep faster, lower the risk of metabolic diseases, and increase your REM sleep. 

However, sleeping too cold can affect your body’s systems and cause shallow breathing. It can also restrict the body’s cardiovascular system. If you’re sleeping at 60° F, your room is too cold. 

How to Create an Ideal Sleep Environment

To get a good night’s sleep, the best temperature for sleeping is somewhere around 65° F. This will ensure you’re cool enough to fall asleep and stay asleep, but warm enough that your body doesn’t have to work too hard. Bonus tip: keep a fan in your bedroom to quickly cool down the temperature. 

A few additional tips to help calm down before bed include: 

  • Keep a consistent sleep schedule every day. Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep per night
  • Consider the seasons and find appropriate pajamas and bedding 
  • Avoid caffeine or sugar before bed, it can increase your body’s temperature and keep you awake
  • Limit your blue light exposure and turn off electronic devices 30 minutes before bedtime

Ellis AC: Your HVAC Company

In order to get that dreamy night’s sleep, it means that your home needs to be properly ventilated. If you’re experiencing any difficulty getting your home to that ideal temperature, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional at Ellis AC. 

Our team’s been supporting families in Central Texas since 1975. It’s our mission to serve you and your home with the best solutions to your specific air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration needs. From our front offices to our technicians, the entire Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating team is dedicated to providing our customers with first-class service and the highest quality services and products. Get in touch with us today, we’d love to hear from you! Call (972) 895-7498, or submit a request to our team here.