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Repair Your Gas Furnace or Replace it?

Gas Furnace Repair and Replacement

Gas Furnace Repair and Replacement

Repairing your gas furnace or replacing your gas furnace is always up for debate. This is an investment that requires you to research your options. The discussion typically arises when you are faced with frequent repairs and breakdowns. Purchasing a home is also a time when you need to review the options of repairing an existing gas furnace or replacing the heating system.

A home purchase is a great time to consult with one of our experts to have an evaluation of the existing system and make sure that the size is correct for the square footage of your home.

Here are some additional factors to consider:

Age of Your Gas Furnace

The age of your HVAC system is an important factor in deciding between repairing or replacing the unit. Our standard is that if the HVAC system is passed 75 percent of its estimated life expectancy, the chances are repairs may outweigh the value of the system itself.

Our certified technicians can look at your HVAC system to determine its manufacture date. Proper maintenance is key to a long life for an HVAC system. If you are new to the home, it may be difficult to tell how well the unit and its components have been maintained.

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)

Your furnace becomes less efficient each year it ages. 2008 is a pivotal year for AFUE standards. Homes built before 2008 have furnaces that do not meet current AFUE standards. If your home has a standard furnace with an AFUE rating of 80 percent, any major repair should spark consideration of a potential furnace replacement. Modern furnaces achieve an AFUE of up to 98.5 percent. That’s a huge difference in ratings and a big reduction in gas bills!

Gas Furnace Repair and Replacement

Do You Need to Replace Your Gas Furnace Or Replace Your Ductwork

HVAC stands for heating, VENTILATION, air conditioning. Inefficient, improperly installed, or damaged ductwork can present heating challenges for homeowners. Experts say that up to 30 percent of heated/cooled air can escape your ductwork.

Our technicians can provide a thorough inspection of your ductwork to identify any potential problems. Replacing worn or improperly configured ductwork can significantly improve the efficiency of your gas furnace. Our technicians are thoroughly trained and certified to repair or design any improperly installed ductwork systems.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or heating systems, schedule an appointment, or visit our gas furnace repair information page.

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3 Reasons Why Proper Ventilation is Important

Ventilation: 3 Reasons Why Proper Ventilation is Important

The Importance of Maintaining Good Indoor Air Quality

It is never a comforting feeling to walk into your home and smell your air. Stagnant, musty, and stale odors are a sign that your home’s ventilation needs to be improved.

Inadequate ventilation is a problem which has increased with better home building practices and the yearning for more energy-efficient homes. Many modern homes are designed to be airtight, which trap allergens, dust, pollutants, and other contaminants inside. This practice chokes off your home from the fresh air of the outdoors.

Here are three reasons to make sure your home is properly ventilated:

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals that are released by household cleaners, furniture, and other building materials. VOCs can lead to serious respiratory complications, headaches, and other chronic neurological symptoms. Since VOCs are almost impossible to avoid, the best way to prevent their harmful effects is to provide proper ventilation.

Mold and Moisture

Improperly ventilated homes can fall victim to moisture build-up. This is compounded when you live in extremely hot and humid climates like Southeast Texas. Air movement and proper ventilation are ranked as the most efficient method of conducting moisture by the Department of Energy.

Allergens and Pathogens

Allergens and pathogens such as pet dander, dust, bacteria, and viruses can cause irritation to your eyes, lungs, and skin. Proper ventilation allows these contaminants to be pushed outside and away from your home’s air.

Ventilation: 3 Reasons Why Proper Ventilation is Important

Home Ventilation Options

Remove excess moisture, VOCs, and odors from areas of your home, such as kitchens, laundry rooms, and kitchens using spot exhaust and ventilation fans. Ventilation systems for your entire home are also available to improve indoor air quality. These systems are a great solution for today’s well-sealed energy-efficient homes.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or heating systems, schedule an appointment, or visit our indoor air quality systems information page.

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Heater Maintenance: Steps to Follow Before Turning on Your Heater

Heater Maintenance: Steps to Follow Before Turning on Your Heater

Heater Maintenance: Winter Planning Tips

As we say goodbye to the heat of the summer, we approach cooler months where we will turn on our heater. Before the cool nights set in and you start to rely on the warming comfort of your furnace, follow these easy steps for safety and energy conservation.

Make Sure Your Pilot Light is Lit

It has been quite some time since your heater has been running, so there is a chance that your pilot light may need to be lit once again. If you do not know how to do this, it is best to call in the professionals. If you have not had recent heater maintenance servicing on your system, this is a great time to have this done. Lighting the pilot light, routine heater maintenance, ductwork inspection, and a general check-up is a safe and energy-efficient way to start the winter months.

Heater Maintenance 101 – Replace Your HVAC Filter

Chances are, you cannot remember when the last time your air filter was changed. As your filter traps dirt and debris, your system becomes strained and will not run as efficiently.  Not to mention, that when your air filter is dirty, more contaminants and allergens are circulating through your home. We strongly recommend changing your air filter every 30-90 days depending on if you have pets, smoke, or have chronic allergies.

Update Your Thermostat

Heater Maintenance: Steps to Follow Before Turning on Your HeaterManual thermostats are being phased out and replace by programmable and smart thermostat models. These more modern alternatives allow you to program your days and evenings of your heater’s operation. Most newer thermostats can be controlled via WIFI to allow you to adjust your home’s heater while you are away. Weather updates and smart technologies allow your heater to adjust itself based on you and your family’s behavior.

Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Replace your batteries or test direct-wired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Most of these devices have a small button that allows you to test its function. If you do not remember the last time the batteries were changed, change the batteries now just to be safe.

Heater Maintenance Is Just A Click Away

As Summer ends, it is a great time to have your furnace services and a proper maintenance appointment by an HVAC maintenance technician. Planning ahead will make sure that your system is not delayed when the rush hits during the first cold front.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or heating systems, schedule an appointment, or visit our indoor air quality systems information page.

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HVAC Maintenance: Winter-Proofing Your Home

HVAC Maintenance: Winter-Proofing Your Home

HVAC Maintenance: Get Your Home Ready for Winter

Summer is about over and your HVAC system has taken a beating to keep up with the heavy demands of a South Texas Summer. Your HVAC unit may not be ready to flip the switch to heating without maintenance to keep the system running at its best. Before your HVAC system can switch gears, you’ll need to take care of its end of summer maintenance.

Here is a guide for HVAC maintenance tasks to get you ready for winter.

Change Your HVAC Air Filter

Your air filter is the key to keeping your HVAC system running efficiently. Dust and debris build-up will bring unnecessary work on your HVAC system causing it to use more energy and cause wear and tear on your unit. Replacing your HVAC filter will improve efficiency, reduce utility bills, and improve indoor air quality.

Check Your Thermostat Setting

Drained batteries can cause your HVAC system to power on irregularly or not at all. If you cannot remember when the batteries were replaced, replace them to make sure that a fresh set is installed and ready for the winter. If you are using a smart or programmable thermostat, make sure that your zones and settings reflect your wintertime temperature settings.

Inspect Your Ductwork

Keeping your ductwork clean is crucial to efficient airflow. Inspect your ductwork thoroughly for any wear and tear, breaches in the ductwork, or rodent infestations. Clogs, and dust and debris buildup will cause a loss in airflow and reduced efficiency in your furnace’s heating ability.

Schedule an HVAC Maintenance Appointment

Our HVAC technicians will provide the manufacturer’s maintenance procedures to keep your HVAC system functioning at its best. Remember, regularly scheduled HVAC maintenance can prevent costly repairs that can sometimes be avoided.

HVAC Maintenance: Winter-Proofing Your Home

Get Ready For Winter

As Summer ends, it is a great time to have your furnace services and a proper maintenance appointment by an HVAC maintenance technician. Planning ahead will make sure that your system is not delayed when the rush hits during the first cold front.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or Air Purification Systems, schedule an appointment, or visit our indoor air quality systems information page.

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5 Summer HVAC Maintenance Tips

5 Myths About HVAC Service

Benefits of Regular HVAC Maintenance

The Summer heat has arrived in full strength. Your HVAC system needs to be operating at it best to keep your family and guests comfortable during summer cookouts, swim parties, and other indoor/outdoor gatherings.

With these HVAC maintenance tips, you can care for your air conditioning system throughout the heat of the summer. Proper maintenance will help prolong the lifespan of your HVAC system resulting in saving you money on costly HVAC repairs.

HVAC Maintenance: Replace Your HVAC Filter Regularly

During the heat of summer, your air conditioning system will be working overtime to keep up with the demand to cool your home. Your AC filter will need monthly inspections to make sure it is not full of contaminants that cause your air conditioning system to work harder than necessary.

We recommend keeping air filters on hand so when a replacement is needed, they are readily available. Another great reason to keep spares on hand is to beat the demand that can result during the summer months.

HVAC Maintenance: Inspect Your Vents and Registers

Thoroughly inspect your vents and registers to make sure that they are not blocked and adjusted open. Blocked vents will restrict airflow and can create performance issues and can cause system overheating.

Remove any rugs, carpets, or furniture, or any other items away from vents and registers. Make sure that all vent louvers are in the open position and never close more than 20 percent of your HVAC system’s vents.

HVAC Maintenance: Inspect Outdoor Equipment Components

Inspect your outdoor cooling equipment components. Remove any grass, leaves, or other debris that can accumulate around your unit. Keep vegetation trimmed to eliminate growth around the unit. Keep any outdoor furniture from the area that immediately surrounds the unit.

HVAC Maintenance: Monitor System Condensation

Keeping your drip pan and condensation drain lines free of clogs or water build-up. Clogged drains or filling drip pans can grow mold, algae, and bacteria when condensation cannot properly drain.

Excessive condensation can cause your HVAC system to malfunction, and overflows can cause water damage.

You can clear clogs within the drip can or drain lines with compressed air or by using bleach poured into the drain pan. You can also use a wet vacuum to remove water making it easier to monitor how fast water accumulates.

5 Myths About HVAC Service

Be Sure to Plan Ahead

As Summer ends, it is a great time to have your furnace services and a proper maintenance appointment by an HVAC maintenance technician. Planning ahead will make sure that your system is not delayed when the rush hits during the first cold front.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or Air Purification Systems, schedule an appointment, or visit our indoor air quality systems information page.

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5 Myths About HVAC Service

5 Myths About HVAC Service

Truths About Quality HVAC Service

Everyone seems to have their opinion about HVAC service and AC system repair. There is so much misinformation circulating that it is difficult to tell what is truth and what is a myth. We have identified five myths about HVAC service so you can keep your HVAC system working properly.

MYTH: Your Air Filter Needs to be Changed Once per Year

Fact: Many people fall for this, or they simply forget to change their filter on a regular basis. This is much more than a myth, it can be a costly mistake. Your HVAC filter removes not only dust and debris, but it also removes harmful allergens like pet dander, bacteria, some viruses, mildew and mold.

If you have pets or suffer from chronic allergies, you will want to consider changing your filter more often.

MYTH: The Bigger HVAC System is Best

Fact: Bigger is not always better. If an HVAC system is too large, or too small your HVAC system will be less efficient. In addition to cooling challenges, removing humidity can be a challenge. It is important that you consult one of our HVAC service technicians to configure the properly sized air conditioning system.

MYTH: Your AC Does Not Require HVAC Service and Maintenance Until it is Broken

Fact: Do we use the same philosophy with our car? We don’t wait until we are sitting beside the road to consult with a mechanic. You take your car in for regular maintenance, oil changes, replace the tires, and have a tune-up.

Your AC system needs regularly scheduled HVAC service to ensure that it is working properly. This plan can and will save you big when compared to the costly repairs or replacement of a neglected AC system.

MYTH: Air Leaks in Your Ductwork Are Easy to Find

Fact: Air leaks can sometimes be very difficult to find. Our HVAC service technicians can assist to properly seal any leaks that waste energy and reduce efficiency. Our experienced experts can check for leaks and make the necessary repair.

HVAC Service From R.M. Mullinix

MYTH: Turning up/down the Thermostat is the Best Way to Heat or Cool Your Home

Fact: If your AC system is not functioning properly, your system may not ever reach the thermostat temperature setting. Lack of insulation, ductwork leaks, or wearing components are all factors that can affect the efficiency of your AC system.

To ensure that your home’s HVAC system is able to heat and cool efficiently, schedule regular maintenance with one of our HVAC service professionals.

HVAC Service From R.M. Mullinix

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or HVAC Service, schedule an appointment, or visit our indoor air quality systems information page.

 

 

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Air Purification Guide: Installation, Maintenance, Repairs

Air Purification Guide: Providing Quality, Indoor Air

Air Purification Guide: Providing Quality, Indoor Air

Indoor contaminants can be as much as eight to ten times higher than outside air contaminant concentrations. Air purification systems can assist HVAC units by removing pollutants from the air.

Here is your guide to Air Purification Systems

Popular Brands to Consider

There are two main types of air purifiers, portable and whole home. The standalone portable units are placed to target specific areas to remove contaminants. Whole-home air purification systems are installed with your HVAC system to remove pollutants from circulated air throughout your home.

Popular brands for air purification systems are:   Aprilaire, Lennox, Trion Air Bear, Honeywell,  and Fresh-Aire

Air Purification System Installation

Some portable air purification systems are DIY projects for homeowners. Home improvement stores or online retailers sell these units. Appropriate sizing is a key component when researching which system to buy.

You will need to make sure that you choose a model that is right for your home or the targeted area.

Whole-house air purification systems require an HVAC professional to install. These systems work in conjunction with your heating and cooling equipment and must be installed professionally to ensure the benefits of the system are maximized.

Indoor Air Quality System Maintenance Tips

Whole-home air purifier filters must be changed routinely, usually every 6 to 12 months. Portable air purifiers have reusable filters that can be hand-washed.

UV C air purifiers have an extended service life. A UV C light purifier bulb can last several years. Your installation technician can update you on the replacement times.

Air Purification System Installation and Repair Costs

Portable air purifiers are the most affordable system and can range between $30 to several hundred dollars. Since you can install the systems yourself, this makes a portable option very cost-effective.

Whole-home air quality systems can vary in cost and range up to several thousand dollars depending on the size of the system. The installation cost will depend wholly on the size of the unit that you choose to purchase.

What contaminants do air purifiers remove from your home’s air?

Pet dander and hair, mold spores, pollen, smoke, dust, bacteria, viruses, smells, fumes, VOCs

Are UV-C light air purifiers better for my home?

UV air purifiers use a UV light bulb that is installed inside your HVAC system that targets your ductwork and coils. As contaminated air flows through your system, the UV-C energy from the bulb will neutralize airborne particulates.

The ultraviolet energy kills the particulates and renders them unable to reproduce and spread.

The UV-C energy produced by these air purifiers is very safe – it is the same as our Sun emits, which works to neutralize particulates in outdoor air!

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or Air Purification Systems, schedule an appointment, or visit our indoor air quality systems information page.

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Smart Thermostats: Creating an Energy Efficient Smart Home

Smart Thermostats: Creating an Energy Efficient Smart Home

Smart Thermostats: The Keys to Having a Smart HVAC System

Smart home technology and interactive home appliances are quickly becoming a popular trend with homeowners. No matter if you are embracing the technology or you are a skeptic, these devices have been installed in millions of American households.

From smart home hubs, smart plugs, to smart thermostats, this technology continues to evolve bring greater convenience and more energy efficiency to our homes. The number of resources that are available seems to be endless Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit™, Google Assistant, and IFTTT are a few of the most popular smart home devices.

In addition to smart home systems, the number of products that integrate continues to expand making your home easier to manage and more energy efficient.

Smart home devices are in half of all American homes and as statistics show that 57% of Americans using these devices have reported that they shave about 30 minutes off of their daily tasks. Homes with one smart device state that the first purchase has led to wanting more. Over 70% of consumers say they purchase of the first device led to the purchase of additional smart home devices.

Smart Thermostats: Save Money and Time

Smart thermostats were one of the first smart devices to hit the market. While programmable thermostats revolutionized heating and cooling temperature scheduling for enhanced energy savings, the smart thermostat now delivers the ultimate convenience where your HVAC system is concerned.

A Quick Look at These Interactive Devices

“Smart” means exactly that, a smart thermostat learns your behavior and your temperature preferences and schedule to optimize energy savings by optimizing your thermostat settings.

For a short period of time after your thermostat’s installation, you will manually set your thermostat. This allows your “smart” thermostat to “learn” your routine.

After learning your routine, the smart thermostat will take over and make automatic adjustments throughout your day to deliver the desired comfort while optimizing energy savings. In addition, your thermostat will provide reports to help you lower your energy consumption.

Your smart thermostat can also alert you when it is time for maintenance or if your system spikes energy consumption.

Your thermostat knows when you are at home, and when you are away, and it monitors weather conditions, humidity levels, and offers Wi-Fi connection to monitor your home’s energy consumption from anywhere, anytime, which adds to its energy efficiency.

Smart thermostats feature stylish design, customizable interfaces, touchscreen technology, and more to deliver as the ultimately connected portal to your home’s HVAC equipment.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or Air Conditioning Repair, schedule an appointment, or visit our air conditioning repair information page.

 

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Air Conditioning Repair Troubleshooting Guide

Air Conditioning Repair Troubleshooting Tips

Air Conditioning Repair

Your air conditioning system is the key to keeping your home comfortable and cool, especially during the heat of the summer. When an AC unit stops functioning it is a crisis that you want to address as soon as possible, but the high demands of the intense summer months can mean that a repair technician appointment can be days or even a week away.

There are a few different troubleshooting tips that you can use to diagnose your air conditioning repair on your own. The following guide provides general highlights and a few common solutions to get your air conditioning system up and running to its full potential as quickly as possible.

Air Conditioning Repair Troubleshooting Tips

Ensure Proper Thermostat Setting

Confirming that your thermostat is set properly can sometimes resolve your air conditioner troubles. Improper settings can cause your HVAC unit to not work as desired. Your thermostat could be accidentally adjusted to heat instead of cool, or the temperature setting can be jostled. If undetected, it can cause your AC system to push out warm air instead of the refreshing cool air desired. Before you call an air conditioning repair technician, be sure to check your thermostat.

Check Your Thermostat Batteries

If your thermostat is set properly, make sure that the batteries are still functioning. If you are unsure of their life-space, replace them with fresh batteries to rule out a low battery issue. Without functioning batteries, the thermostat cannot communicate with the air conditioning unit.

Replace Your Air Filter

Proper airflow is crucial to a fully functioning air conditioner. An HVAC filter that is clogged with dust and debris will restrict airflow and increase the strain on your AC system. The newer and more modern that air conditioning system, the more sensitive the unit will be to a dirty AC filter. If you cannot remember the last time your filter was changed, it is time to change the filter. We strongly recommend writing the date of installation on the filter to keep accurate records of the replacement date of the filter.

Check the Circuit Breaker and Electrical Components

Checking to make sure that the power supply to your air conditioning unit is in good shape sounds elementary, but a tripped breaker or a switched flipped to the “off” position can be an easy and quick fix to HVAC system failures.

Inspect Your Air Vents

Keeping your air vents and air returns clear and unobstructed is an important step in ensuring your air conditioning unit is properly functioning. Dust, debris, or furniture can block air vents and can impede airflow and increase the strain on your air conditioning system. There can also be a variety of obstructions that are inside of your air conditioner ductwork such as mold, crushed ductwork, vermin infestation, or insulation blockages.

How to Know When You Need to Call for Air Conditioning Repair

Air Conditioning Repair Troubleshooting TipsWe have discussed a few tips to diagnose a poorly functioning air conditioner. Although there are DIY techniques that you can do yourself to improve air conditioner function, there are several situations that require an air conditioning repair professional. Here are just a few that require an immediate call so we can quickly repair your air conditioning system.

Unusual Noise of Any Type Coming from Your HVAC System

Loud banging, vibrations, or metal sounds of any type are an urgent sign to call in the professionals. These sounds are an indication of a serious problem. The chances of this being an easy fix that you can do on your own are highly unlikely.

Any Issue with the Outdoor Unit

You should never attempt to repair the outdoor component of your HVAC unit. Improperly attempting to repair your outdoor AC component can result in costly repairs by our professional technicians.

Improper AC Installation

An AC installation that was not properly configured can be the cause of a poorly function air conditioning system. If the HVAC system is too small for the size of the home, or the ductwork is improperly designed, it can lead to an air conditioner that needs constant repair and servicing.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or Air Conditioning Repair, schedule an appointment, or visit our air conditioning repair information page.

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Air Conditioning Repair: How to Extend the Life of Your AC System

Air Conditioning Repair: How to Extend the Life of Your AC System

Parts of the Central Air Unit That Needs a Regular Air Conditioning Repair

Your Central Air system is mechanical and made of many different components. As they operate and wear on each other, they are bound to stop functioning or wear out. Chances are these parts that will fail at the most inopportune time and require a central air conditioning repair call. Below are parts of the air conditioning unit that needs a regular air conditioning service:

Evaporator Coil

Your central air conditioning system evaporator coil may not come in direct contact with dust and debris, but it still can get dirty. The coil must be cleaned if the dust and dirt accumulate. As the evaporator coil becomes dirty its efficiency decreases. The evaporator coil should be cleaned at least once a month.

Central Air Conditioning Filter

Your HVAC filter does exactly what the name says, it filters. It will filter dust, debris, allergens, bacteria, and some viruses out of your home’s indoor air. If the filter is too dirty, its efficiency decreases, which means that more pollutants stay within your home.

Drainpipes and Drip Pans

Your drain pan and the drainpipes for your central air conditioning unit must work properly for the system to function properly. Keep the drainpipe and drip pan clean and free of any debris that may clog any moisture that accumulates to cause a blockage.

Condenser

The reaction between the compressor oil and moisture inside your central air conditioning unit creates a corrosive substance. A buildup of this substance can damage the condenser. A chemical cleaning by one of our central air technicians can be done to remove the corrosive acids. Due to the acidic nature of this chemical reaction, components will eventually have to be replaced.

Determining if You Need Central Air Conditioning Repair

Parts of the Central Air Unit That Needs a Regular Air Conditioning RepairYour central air system is crucial in maintaining comfort throughout your home. Without a properly functioning central AC system, not only can your home become uncomfortable, it can cause appliances to overheat, and cause other systems to work harder.

The heat of summer and inconsistent maintenance can put your central air conditioning system at risk. Do not prolong your central air conditioning repair and maintenance, call our NATE certified technicians today to save money on costly repairs.

If you have noticed a decrease in the efficiency of your AC system, call us today to schedule a central air conditioning repair appointment.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix, an independent American Standard customer care dealer, or indoor air quality, schedule an appointment, or visit our air conditioning repair information page.