Heater Maintenance for Cooling Temperatures

Heater Maintenance for Winter

As Fall comes, cooler temperatures will follow. Mornings have a nice crisp feel as you step outside for breakfast. Soon enough you will slide the thermostat setting over from Cool to Heat. You will expect your HVAC system to deliver warm air to the comfort setting you are accustomed to; it can be distressing when it does not live up to your expectations.

If your central heating system worked fine last season, you might wonder, why “fix it if it’s not broken?” But then commonsense takes over and you realize nothing good comes from waiting until your HVAC system fails during the heating season. Actually, the beginning of the heating season is an excellent time to call your HVAC system professional and schedule a preventative maintenance visit. Here are some good reasons for a maintenance visit now:

Safety. If your forced-air furnace uses propane, butane, or natural gas, it needs regular inspection to check for a gas leak, faulty burners, or cracks in the exhaust flue. Gases from these sources can enter your home with deadly results.
Potential Problems. Your heating and air conditioning professional can inspect electrical and mechanical components for reduced performance, which indicates imminent failure. Consider these small problems that are caught before they become big problems. If the problem is big and replacement is necessary, it is better to find it early, compared to a failure causing an emergency replacement during a stationary cold front that moves in all week long.
Clean air. Part of the maintenance service is a thorough cleaning of surfaces inside the system and installation of a new filter. All of the dust, pollen, and dander removed will no longer circulate throughout your home.
Efficiency. After checking for safety issues, inspecting for failing components, and giving it a thorough cleaning, your heater will run more efficiently and reduce your energy bills.

Why now?

HVAC professionals are under stress when systems are under stress—at the peak of both cooling and heating seasons. Extreme temperatures put increased load on units; you will know if your refrigerant has been leaking or a capacitor has failed when the temp has peaked or bottomed out.

Getting a routine visit during a slower season allows technicians to respond quickly. Once the cold weather arrives, repairs and replacements become more frequent and response time may be longer. Check for a seasonal special rate as an appreciation for calling during the seasonal lull.

Last season was hard on furnaces and heat pumps. Even if yours ran well all winter long, schedule your annual Heater Maintenance service now to keep it in good order this Fall and Winter.

Have questions about Heater Maintenance?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and Heater Maintenance, schedule an appointment, or visit our New AC Installation information page.

October 20, 2021December 30, 2024

7 Heater Installation Tips for Homeowners

Heater Installation

Whether replacing an aging HVAC system or determining the proper system for a new home, the decisions you make can impact the comfort and wellbeing of your family for the next twenty years. Since people do not purchase central heat and air on a whim or as an impulse, you will want to take some time to research and have questions answered. Before you begin to feel overwhelmed, let us share with you several considerations you need to know before deciding.

Hire Professionals for Heater Installation

Unless you are the ultimate do-it-yourselfer, it is in your best interest to hire an HVAC professional to design and install the system. Reputable companies or individuals will have certifications, references, and years of experience. Since this system will last 15 to 20 years, you should find someone with whom you can develop a long-term relationship, someone that you feel comfortable inviting back to your home for maintenance and repairs. Do some investigating, ask plenty of questions. Insist on quality workmanship and customer service.

Choose a Brand

A decision that goes hand-in-hand with choosing a professional is choosing a brand of the HVAC system. Most installers are associated with one or more brands of equipment. Companies design products they think will fit in particular market niches, very similar to automobile manufacturers. There will be advantages and disadvantages with each brand.

Which should have priority, the professional installer or the brand of product? You decide.

A Custom System

Whether you are replacing an old system or buying a new one, always request the installation professional to customize the new system.

A calculation is made on the criteria present in your existing home; how many windows and doors, the R-value of the insulation, the number of floors, the square footage, and more.
Advanced designs increase the efficiency of units consistently. Certain technologies are available now that were not available 20 years ago.
Any remodeling or room additions can be a part of the new calculation.

Within a manufacturer’s product line, you will see various options—standard and deluxe models. A custom design will allow you to discuss options and results with the installation professional.

After completing the calculations and customizing your preferred design, the installer will provide you with a job estimate, with material and labor costs. The design calculation and cost estimate should be free of charge but ask ahead of time to avoid misunderstandings.

Considering Heater Installation Conversion?

If you are considering converting an HVAC system from one power source to another, here are a few considerations.

Converting between readily available power sources is not a big problem; i.e., switch between natural gas and electricity, when both are supplied to the house. An upgrade of your electric service panel might be required.
Converting to a power source without supply can be prohibitively expensive, i.e., bring natural gas into an all-electric home.

Permits and Inspections

Depending on your location, this project may require a building permit and building inspections. Your professional installer will be familiar with local requirements, know the procedures and have a good working relationship with all involved. Talk with your installation professional about the process; this should be included in his estimate, not a separate expense.

If a permit and inspection are required, the installer stops work at the appropriate time to allow the inspector access to the progress. A final inspection will also be scheduled at the end of the project to ensure the system has been installed correctly. If a permit/inspection is not required, you can ask that internal inspections be completed by the installation company for your peace of mind.

Cost Saving Measures

As part of your decision-making, inquire of the installation professional concerning Federal, State, local, or company incentives or rebates. Usually, the incentives will be more for the most energy-efficient choices. You should also experience noticeable energy cost savings each month; results may vary but expect up to 30% savings by installing a new, energy-efficient heating and cooling system.

Have questions about New Heater Installation?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and Heater Installation, schedule an appointment, or visit our New AC Installation information page.

September 27, 2021December 30, 2024

4 Signs It Is Time For a New AC Installation

Is it Time for a New AC Installation?

Your HVAC system is a lot like your roof. They both function very well at what they were designed to do and they both function about the same amount of time. Honestly, you probably do not give either of them much thought . . . until they stop functioning properly. Every year, your HVAC system keeps you comfortable; cool in the summer, and warm in the winter.

New AC Installation is a large enough hit to the budget for most people that it requires a little planning and preparation. It might help to know a few indications that an aging system is nearing failure. Consider these tips:

1. How old is your system?

Most HVAC systems have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, but for maximum efficiency, Energy Star recommends an HVAC system be replaced after 10 years.

Energy Star is a standard, set by the Energy Department, to define and identify energy efficiency. HVAC systems are hearty and durable, designed to be efficient with the best technology available at the time of manufacture.

Age is not the deciding factor in determining whether to replace your furnace or heat pump, but it is a factor. If your HVAC system is 10 years old or older and other factors are present, it is a good indication.

2. Does it sound old?

As an HVAC system ages, it will typically begin making new, unusual noises. Noises could stem from something as simple as a loose part or a control switch needing to be replaced. These noises should prompt you to make a service call to your HVAC professional.

You may notice a louder than normal hum coming from older motors and electrical components. Again, a technician will be able to tell you for sure whether it is normal wear, a serviceable problem, or in need of replacement.

3. How often do you need repairs?

To maintain your HVAC system, an annual preventative maintenance call from a technician is recommended. If you hear an unusual noise, or if the system is not working properly, it is normal to make a call to your New AC Installation professional.

However, if repair calls have become more frequent and the repairs are becoming more expensive, this is a good indication that the time has come for replacement.

There are some key components in your HVAC system that, should they fail, component replacement becomes very expensive. If you are aware of this fact, replacing the entire system might be preferable to component replacement.

4. What does your energy bill say?

This might be a little more subtle but keep an eye on your energy bills. Energy bills will increase due to price increases, but if your energy bill is going up while the price is not, it might indicate replacement needs to come soon. A failing system often results in rising energy bills; remember, the Department of Energy recommends early replacement for this reason.

Any one of these indicators is the indicator for replacement, but by watching for combinations of these factors, you will have time to prepare for system replacement.

Have questions about New AC Installation?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and New AC Installation, schedule an appointment, or visit our New AC Installation information page.

September 23, 2021December 30, 2024

Home Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions

Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions For Your Home

Are you considering a new electric vehicle?

Recently, I parked in a local State Park to hike and noticed the sporting look of a car I didn’t recognize. It was a Tesla and it surprised me to see an electric vehicle in a rather rural setting.

The Rise of Electric Vehicles

However, electric vehicles (EV) sales are rising worldwide and now in the U.S. In 2010, just 17,000 electric vehicles were in use worldwide. The technology improved and by 2019, 7.2 million EVs were on the road, 1.4 million in the U.S. Several changes are driving the innovation:

Technology is improving all the time. The average distance an EV manufactured in 2010 could travel was 84 miles per charge. The 2020 models boast between 200 and 300 miles per charge. It is estimated that by 2028 electric vehicles will average 400 miles per charge, the equivalent of the miles driven by the average sedan on a tank of gas.
Government incentives (carrots) and regulations (sticks) are in place with car manufactures. The goal is to reduce our carbon footprint, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and improve air quality. Some states are quicker to accept the change. California and 11 other states have agreed to ban new internal combustion vehicles by 2035.Like them or not, you can expect to see more EV options and fewer gas-powered vehicles in the future.
With all of the research and incentives, the cost of EVs is falling each year. The most expensive component for EVs is the batteries. Smaller, lighter, more powerful batteries result in better utility and make EVs more affordable.The cost to manufacture a battery per kilowatt-hour has fallen from $1,183/kWh in 2010 to $135/kWh in 2020.By 2030, researchers estimate kWh cost to be as low as $65/kWh. By 2025, the cost of electric-powered vehicles is estimated to be on par with internal combustion engine vehicles.²

Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

Buying the first EV must have been like buying the first fax machine. We have a nationwide infrastructure for acquiring gasoline and diesel fuel, but where can you find a charging station?

The greatest barrier to widespread acceptance of EVs is the question facing potential EV purchasers is “Where can I charge it?” If the national goal is to increase EV use, consumers must be convinced adequate options are available to overcome “range anxiety.”

As the sales of EVs increase, even more, charging options must be available. Multiple charging options will need to be in place, so if you “run out of juice,” you are not stranded.
The Federal Government is also incentivizing the development of EV charging station infrastructure. Many charging options will be commercial ventures, just like the gas station, convenience store, or truck stop.
Just like battery prices, expect the initial charges to be reasonable, but come down over time. There will be trends that develop but imagine if you could charge your care at the office will you are working or the shopping centers or grocery stores will you shop. Perhaps “range anxiety” will be no more valid with an electric car than a gas-powered car.
The demand for charging energy in 2020 was about 20 billion kWh; it is expected to grow to about 280 billion kWh in 2030. The goal is to add 400,000 public charging stations in the coming years, bringing the total to 500,000.

Electric Vehicle Charging Options

With present technology, there are three types of charging stations for EVs, and chances are you may use more than one option.

Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging

Every EV is sold with a Level 1 charger and no installation is required. Your Level 1 charge plugs into any standard 120v wall outlet. The pro for this option—you can charge your EV from almost any location at no extra cost. The con for this option—it is very slow. Charge time for a 100-mile charge might be 10-17 hours.

Most likely, this will not be your main option. However, it is like the “donut” spare tire; it will sure help in an emergency.

Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging

A Level 2 charger will probably be a preferred option since it cuts the charge time for a 100-mile charge to 4-t hours and a full charge to 6-9 hours. Level 2 chargers use 240v outlets, similar to your clothes dryer or HVAC system. A Level 2, installed in your garage, would allow you to leave the next morning fully charged with confidence.

However, installing a Level 2 charging station in your garage is not a DIY project, unless you are a professional electrician. An electrician will need to analyze your power service to ensure you have sufficient reserve to power a charger as needed.

The electrician will install a new breaker, run power to the station site, install the charger and demonstrate its safe use. Having a professional install the charging station will ensure it is completed according to the building code and avoid hazards. Expect the installation to cost between $200 and $1,200, depending upon how complicated the install.

Level 3 Electric Vehicle Charging

Level 3 or DC Fast Chargers are used for public charging stations and for commercial/industrial settings. The pro—they are extremely fast (in comparison), with a charge time for a 100-mile charge at about 20 minutes, a full charge in about 30 minutes. The con—it is prohibitively expensive for home use.

Expect to use a Level 3 charger with a user fee. How much? It varies, and it will fluctuate as they become more available. Public charging stations will be the equivalent of current gas stations.

Have questions about Home Electric Vehicle Charging?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and Home Electric Vehicle Charging, schedule an appointment, or visit our Home Electric Vehicle Charging information page.

¹ https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/california-gas-diesel-car-truck-sales-ban-2035-newsom/

²https://www.utilitydive.com/news/electric-vehicle-models-expected-to-triple-in-4-years-as-declining-battery/592061/

August 25, 2021December 30, 2024

Landscaping that Compliments Your HVAC System

Landscaping That Will Not Inhibit Your HVAC System

Landscaping and lawn care is a growing business in the U.S. (pun intended). American’s purchase more than $49 billion dollars on DIY lawn care and landscaping products; that is more than $503 annually per home. At the same time, the lawn care business is booming: lawn care professionals bring in an additional $103 billion. A nice lawn brings style and value to our property, and for those who participate, it brings fun and entertainment to our family and friends.

We are not a lawn care business; we are HVAC System professionals. In this article, we will help you care for your outdoor air conditioner (AC) compressor unit while you care for your lawn and landscape.

Broad Principles

The air conditioner compressor needs good airflow to work properly. Avoid permanent features that obstruct air movement.

The compressor is a valuable HVAC System component, so take precautions to protect it from damage.

Long-term Planning

The main function of your compressor is heat exchange; it helps remove the heat from inside your house while cooling the air and removing humidity. You’re HVAC System compressor functions best out of direct sunlight, and receiving direct sunlight for long periods can affect its efficiency. Most builders consider placement during construction, but if not, here are a few options:
- Explore changing the compressor location the next time it is replaced.
- Strategically plant a small shade tree nearby to create shade at crucial times during the summer months.
Resist the urge to planting shrubs or leafy plants in close proximity to the compressor as camouflage. Vegetation can impede airflow and also restrict access for technicians when they service the unit. A better option is a 2 to 3-foot perimeter of grass or gravel. Mulch might seem like a good option, but mulch is light and moves with both wind and water. If mulch finds its way inside the compressor, it can damage the fins or the fan blades.

Property Maintenance

Inspect your trees and take note of old or dying tree limbs in the vicinity of your compressor. A fallen limb on the next windy day can damage the compressor and force you to replace it prematurely. Since the compressor was installed close to the home, you will also prevent damage to walls, windows, and roof at the same time.
Before major storms, remove patio furniture, yard toys, or other items that might blow into the compressor and cause damage.
After a windy day or severe storm, inspect the area for twigs or leaves that might have blown against the AC unit. Debris accumulated around the compressor will impede airflow or be drawn inside the unit.

While Mowing

Before you mow, pick up rocks or twigs in the area of the AC compressor. If the lawnmower blade throws items at the compressor at high speeds, it can damage the unit severely.
Try to avoid mowing while the unit is engaged to prevent the fan blades from drawing grass clippings between the fins or inside the compressor air exchange. Grass clippings will clog the unit and can cause it to overheat.
When mowing, make sure the mower guard is pushing the grass clippings away from the compressor unit.

Have questions about your HVAC System Maintenance?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and the importance of keeping landscape away from your HVAC System, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC maintenance information page.

August 18, 2021December 30, 2024

Energy Saving Benefits of a Smart Thermostat

Smart Thermostat Benefits and Features

Many people grew up with the round dial, analog thermostat with slow controls that needed frequent adjustments. The next iteration was a digital programmable thermostat, with better control precision and better response time. The current, state-of-the-art choice is a smart thermostat, with features that increase your comfort and save you money. Let’s dive into this new technology.

Smart thermostats have a wall-mounted interface, similar to earlier models. The unit should be mounted in a convenient, central location; away from doors so that the HVAC system doesn’t activate every time the door opens, and away from appliances, so that generated heat doesn’t activate the HVAC system. The bonus is the connection to the internet and a cellphone app with tools for comfort and savings.

Smart thermostats are programmable:

Many people like a cooler temperature while sleeping, so the thermostat can be programmed to lower the temperature overnight. The program can be set to return to normal comfort levels 30 minutes before the family wakes up to get ready for the day.

Settings can be changed while the house is unoccupied and return to normal comfortable temperatures 30 minutes before the family returns. If you adjust your smart thermostat to a lower setting while you are away, but your schedule changes, you can adjust thermostat settings to prepare your home for your arrival.

A smart thermostat will also learn your comfort preferences and adjust automatically. It takes a couple of weeks of your programmed input, but once the thermostat can identify patterns, it recalls your desired patterns of comfort it will adjust to keep you comfortable. There is often an expanded feature that, with internet access, feeds your thermostat with the local weather forecasts. Can your analog thermostat respond to a cold snap or excessive heat?

Smart thermostats save money

A remarkable feature of smart thermostats is a proven record of cost savings. Because the thermostat is collecting data about your HVAC patterns, you are given saving tools customized for your house. Here is how that works:

The thermostat app prepares graphing tools to help you understand your household energy consumption. This information can be coupled with programmed comfort patterns; armed with such tools, you can take control of energy use.

A saving opportunity:

You can save energy and achieve a noticeable cost saving by adjusting the temperature by five-degree for 8 hours. If you program a 5⁰ adjustment after the family leaves for school/work, you will notice a difference beginning the first month.

A second opportunity comes during sleeping hours. Another 5⁰ adjustments overnight would compound the savings. The larger the adjustment, the greater the savings.

ENERGY STAR is a program managed by the US Environmental Protection Agency: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/thermostats

In addition, if everyone used ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats, U.S. homeowners could save $740 million dollars annually and help care for our environment.

Additional savings happen because you understand how to optimize the use of your HVAC system and save on normal wear and tear. The app alerts you when components experience reduced efficiency and need repairs. Ideally, you catch small problems before they become big problems. You can set notifications to remind you to schedule a preventative maintenance visit or change filters. Neglecting your HVAC system will certainly lead to more frequent repairs and early replacement.

Match a smart thermostat to your current system

Some thermostats are better paired with certain HVAC equipment than others. Features and tools vary from one brand to another, so check with your HVAC professional technician to determine the best thermostat for your home. Installation is easy and takes only a few hours. The installer can help you learn the features of the app and ensure you are prepared to use the technology to its greatest advantage.

Have questions about Smart Thermostats?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and how to reduce your energy utility bills with a smart thermostat, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC maintenance information page.

July 26, 2021December 30, 2024

4 AC Energy Savings Tips for Summer

Summer AC Energy Savings Tips

In the Brazos Valley, the summers are sunny, hot, and humid. And we love it! But since summers are hot and humid we also enjoy coming in out of the heat to refreshing air conditioning and an ice-cold glass of sweet tea. The cooling season is an excellent time for homeowners to tweak a few things and save money on their energy bill. Here are some quick AC Energy Saving tips:

Make sure your AC works efficiently by keeping it clean and well maintained.
1. Do not underestimate the value of changing your air filter often—at least every three months and more if needed. The dust you collect in the air filter will not collect on electrical components, clog your ductwork or create dust bunnies under the bed.
2. Make sure vents and registers are not covered by furniture to ensure adequate airflow. Not only will this create hot spots, but will also make the air conditioner work harder.
3. Check the outdoor compressor unit. You don’t need to know how it works, but it helps if you understand that its primary function is to cool the refrigerant. The enemy of your AC system is anything that interferes with cooling those gases, such as grass, leaves, or debris. Make sure nothing is collecting inside the unit to interfere with the fan or inside the unit to restrict airflow. Clean the dirt that builds up between the fins occasionally with a garden hose, but never with a power washer, since it might damage the fins.
4. Schedule an AC maintenance visit with your HVAC professional. A technician will complete an inspection of the components that work together to cool your home, clean condenser coils, and check refrigerant levels. This visit often catches small problems before they become large problems.
Control your AC strategically with an upgraded thermostat. If you have an analog thermostat (a dial instead of an electronic screen), installing a programmable or smart thermostat is a good move toward efficiency and comfort. Both will let you schedule your AC use for cost savings and comfort. How does it work?
1. Set it and forget it. Determine the comfort level preferred by your family and set the temperature during normal waking hours. Avoid changing the temperature during the day.
2. Determine a warmer, comfortable sleeping temperature and set the thermostat for your family’s sleep cycle. You will experience measurable and significant savings by decreasing demand over an 8-hour period.
3. If your home is vacant during work hours, reduce energy use in the same manner.
4. Before everyone wakes up in the morning, schedule a 30-minute cooling period. Do the same at the end of the workday.
Install and use ceiling fans to maximize comfort. Moving air feels cooler; that is the basis for the winter wind chill factor. Moving air allows you to raise the AC by 4^o before you feel the difference if you so desired. Change the direction of your ceiling fans by season; counterclockwise for the AC and clockwise for heating.
The ideal humidity in a home is between 30 and 50%. Higher humidity has adverse effects, including stimulating mold and mildew growth, making surfaces sticky and a stale odor or stuffy feel to the air. If the AC functions fine but the humidity level in your home seems high, the HVAC system might need some assistance from a portable dehumidifier.

Comfort will drive efficiency. Efficiency will drive cost. These tips will help you make your family more comfortable without increasing energy use.

Want more info on how you can reduce your utility bills with AC Energy Savings Tips?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and how to reduce your energy utility bills with AC energy savings, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC maintenance information page.

July 26, 2021December 30, 2024

HVAC Duct Cleaning To Remove Allergens

HVAC Duct Cleaning: Improving Your Indoor Air Quality

That saying, “out of sight, out of mind” is certainly true in most situations. You do not see the inside of your HVAC ductwork, so you most likely have not considered how much dust has built up or the consequences of dirty air ducts.

Air passes over the dust multiple times per day and into your home, contributing to poor indoor air quality. Air quality is very important to the health of occupants.

Dirty air ducts are extremely harmful to the electrical and mechanical components of the HVAC system.

However, there are steps you can take to keep your air ducts cleaned.

Change your Air Filter on Schedule. The front line of defense against dust, dander, and pollen is the air filter. The air filter is made of thin paper and fiber material that allows the free flow of air. The filter is placed so as to trap particles before they reach vulnerable equipment. Eventually, the air filter is clogged, restricts airflow, and makes the blower work harder, so make sure you change the filter at least every three months.
Keep Vent Registers Open. Ducts generally terminate in floors with a louvered register. The louvers are designed to direct the air as desired, not to close or restrict airflow. It is also important not to place furniture or accessories over the louvered register. Closing the louvers or covering the register makes the duct a dead end. Dust blows into the vent with no exit, trapping particles in greater volume than normal. The air filter works when the air is moving, so avoid trapping dust by keeping vents open.
Clean What You See. Dust is kept moving while the air is circulating. As soon as air movement slows, gravity takes over and particles begin to settle. Regular cleaning will remove dust, pet hair, and pollen from the air before it can settle in the ductwork. Cleaning products are readily available that use static electricity to attract, trap and remove particles. Mopping hard surfaces and vacuuming carpets, rugs, and furniture is extremely helpful; the dirt that is in the vacuum cleaner bag was in the air and potentially would end up in air ducts.
Add an Air Purifier. If your HVAC system needs a boost, consider a small, portable air purifier. These attractive units generally have a multi-stage filtration system, trapping larger, than smaller particles, before an activated charcoal filter removes gaseous odors. Often the filters can be cleaned and reused; good maintenance will keep them running for years. Air purifiers are also ideal for bedrooms—keeping air cleaner in a space you spend 1/3 of your life. Do some research and find an air purifier that fits your needs.
Have You had HVAC Duct Cleaning by a Professional? If you clean regularly, change air filters every three months and keep registers open, dust will still accumulate in your air ducts. At Mullinix, our technicians are trained and properly equipped to clean your return and supply ducts and make sure your entire system is clean and functioning properly. Call now to schedule an appointment.

Interested in HVAC Duct Cleaning?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our HVAC Duct Cleaning services, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC Duct Cleaning information page.

June 29, 2021December 30, 2024

Prepare Your AC for Hurricane Season

Preparing Your AC for Hurricane Season Tips for Homeowners

Over the past two decades, the ferocity of Gulf Coast hurricanes has had devastating results on coastal cities and hurricane planning is common at the municipal, utility, corporate, and business levels. Prudent homeowners are also making customized preparations for the next tropical storm or hurricane. R. M. Mullinix is offering several tips to help you make your home safer and put you on the road to recovery.

Prepare Your AC for Hurricane Season: General Home Preparation

Will you shelter in place or evacuate? It probably depends upon the intensity of the storm. Explore the recommended evacuation route(s) should the time come. If you plan to evacuate, plan for your destination and methods of communicating your plans.
Prepare an emergency survival kit that contains bottled water, food that needs little prep, and toilet paper for one week to Prepare Your AC for Hurricane Season.
Trim trees of deadwood and limbs that are too close to the house to Prepare Your AC for Hurricane Season.
Store supplies for shuttering windows and bracing doors against strong winds.

Whether you decide to ride out the storm or evacuate to safety, here are some tips for preparing your HVAC system for a hurricane or tropical storm and minimize damage during recovery.

Prepare Your AC for Hurricane Season: Before the Storm Event

Prepare your compressor unit for the coming storm.
1. If you live in a low-lying area, consider elevating the compressor unit—the AC component you find in your yard. Many municipal building codes now require new AC compressors and fuel-powered generators to be raised out of the potential for damage due to high water. Hurricane Harvey damaged an estimated 130,000 outside compressor units (estimated that over 130,000 outside AC compressor units were damaged in 2017). Anticipate damage from high water and protect your compressor unit?
2. Strap your compressor unit down to prevent it from becoming a projectile! Straps are available at local home improvement stores and are inexpensive solutions to secure the unit in high winds. Also, purchase a tarp or customized covering for the compressor unit to keep debris from the hollow interior of the compressor.
Cooldown before the storm.

Anticipate a power outage to happen during the storm and for a period afterward. Lower the thermostat on your HVAC system several degrees before the storm arrives. If you have not shuttered windows, keep them closed and doors shut tight. The goal is to make the home comfortable for as long as possible, since the power may be out for several days.

Secure lawn and patio belongings.

Intense storms record sustained winds that approach 100 mph and gusts much higher. Patio furniture and lawn décor are potential projectiles and need to be secured or stored in a safe place. Clear leaves and limbs that are too close to the compressor unit—they might be blown inside. If you have window AC units, remove them and close the window tightly.

Last Minute Preparation

Turn the AC off.

If you evacuate, turn off power at your service panel before you leave. If you shelter in place, consider taking the same precaution to protect your home’s electronics and appliances from damaging power surges from lightning and electrical shorts in the utility lines. Always turn the AC off after you cover the compressor unit since it requires a lot of air to pass over the cooling coils. Also, heavy rains often cause localized flash flooding. Water and electricity create extreme hazards from electric shock to people and pets that come in contact with the two together.

If you shelter in place, refrain from watching the storm. Stay away from windows and doors. Find an interior space and wait for the storm out. Trying to move during the storm is very hazardous and should only happen when a new threat requires you to seek further shelter.

Prepare Your AC for Hurricane Season: After the Storm

Take it slow.

Once the storm has subsided it is tempting to turn the power back on to “see if everything works.” Before you take that step, take some time to make a visual inspection of the whole house. Remember to check for both wind and water damage, inside and out.

Inspect for downed power lines. DO NOT GO NEAR A DOWNED POWER LINE. Call your electric utility company for repairs.
Inspect your compressor unit. Remove the cover before you turn the AC system on. Check the hollow interior of the unit for leaves and debris that might have blown inside. Remove this debris while the power is off since the fan can start unexpectedly at any time after the unit has power.
Inspect the electrical and coolant lines that run from the unit to the house for damage.
Inspect the inside components for water damage. If there is any indication of high water, even if it has subsided, call your HVAC technician before you turn the AC on. If something does not look right, call a technician before you restore power to the AC.
For insurance purposes, take lots of photos of storm damage.

Schedule an AC Tune-Up ASAP

Your system may look fine and function properly, but after a hurricane, we recommend a service call to get a professional opinion. We can catch a minor problem before it becomes a major problem. Anticipate a high volume of calls, so schedule an appointment and be patient.

Want more info on how to Prepare Your AC for Hurricane Season?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or how to Prepare Your AC for Hurricane Season, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC installation information page.

June 11, 2021December 30, 2024

9 Tips for Saving for Your AC System This Summer

9 AC System Tips for Energy Savings This Summer

Your family is relying upon the air conditioner for comfort from the intense summer heat. The average home in Texas spends $420 per month on utilities and during the summer, cooling costs account for about 50% of the home energy budget. Since we are all interested in shaving whatever we can off that number, here are some tips requiring a minimal effort that will help you save on your summer cooling bill.

Give Mullinix a call for a thorough AC System tune-up to clean the system and make sure it runs efficiently all summer long. Your technician will replace your air filter, check key AC components and fix small concerns that could lead to bigger problems if not detected. Dirty and clogged filters block airflow and reduce overall efficiency. Routine preventative maintenance on your HVAC is crucial to maximizing the lifespan of your AC unit.
Replace your analog thermostat with a programmable or smart thermostat. If you still have the “dial on the wall,” you will be delighted by the 15 to 20% cost savings available to you on energy bills. If you have a programmable thermostat and have not programmed it, what are you waiting for?Program your family’s schedule into the thermostat, pushing the temperature up a few degrees during sleep cycles and while your family is away. A smart thermostat gives you the added convenience of a phone app to program thermostat settings.
If your AC system is not extremely efficient or it leaves “hot spots” in your home, consider installing a ductless, mini-split AC unit for improved comfort for your family. A ductless AC system is a cost-effective method to add cooling comfort to rooms your family uses often, like a bedroom, kitchen, or family room. Installation is relatively simple since it does not tie into the central AC system, often accomplished in one day.
Use every resource available, including fans. During an extended period of heat, turn your HVAC fan from Automatic to On. This continuously circulates the air and equalizes the temperature throughout the house. Ceiling fans will also circulate the air during a normal cooling day/night, cooling a room by about 4⁰. Also, moving air feels good!
Check your home for sufficient insulation and weatherproofing. Hot air and cold air always seek to find equilibrium, moving through every crack and opening. This movement of air costs money, so sealing spaces around windows, doors and other openings saves money. Caulk and weather-stripping are inexpensive.The hottest space inside the confines of the house is the attic; it requires 10” to 12” of insulating material. Sealing holes and insulating the attic space will increase comfort and improve efficiency.
Glass has very little insulation value, so keep your blinds and drapes closed during the heat of the day. Solar energy coming into your home competes directly with your AC system. Window treatments are more than decoration; they can be energy savers. Reducing sunlight entering the home during daytime heat with drapes and blinds will reduce solar heat gain by 45%.
It is summertime, so cook outdoors frequently for pleasure and energy savings. Cooking in the oven or on the stovetop generates a lot of heat, straining the AC system. You have awesome grilling & smoking skills, and you want people to remember that. (If not, you need the practice.) Cooking outside uses less energy and keeps your home cooler.
Replacing incandescent light bulbs with efficient LED bulbs is a move that will provide more light, use less energy, and keep your home cooler. Incandescent bulbs can reach a temperature of 335⁰F, while LED bulbs are a cool 87⁰ Incandescent bulbs are mini furnaces, so change them out.
Placing an appliance that creates heat next to your thermostat will give an artificially warm reading to the thermostat and run the AC System more often and longer than normal. It makes sense to keep electronics and appliances at least four feet from the thermostat.

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For more information about R.M. Mullinix or AC System efficiency, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC installation information page.

Category: hvac repair and installation