Tag: hvac repair dallas

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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.

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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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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!