Posted on

Cut Your AC Repair Costs This Summer

College Station AC Repair

College Station AC Repair – How to Reduce Potential AC Repair Costs

Yes, indeed, it is summertime. If you ever forget, just step outside for a few minutes and you will notice the heat and humidity immediately. For the next few months, your air conditioner and you will fight a battle, with heat, humidity, and solar gain. You heard that right—you contribute to reducing summertime discomfort. Here is how:

Enjoy the sun, but enjoy it early and late, not during the heat of the day.

  • Locate the south side of the house—it is probably quite evident.
  • The windows and glass doors on the south side should have blinds and/or drapes that block the sun and heat.
  • Open these window treatments until about 9 am and close them until after 4 pm.

The heat that enters your home directly from sunlight is called “solar gain.” Leaving these window treatments open can raise the temperature in the home by 10 degrees, requiring the thermostat to call for cooling several times more per day.

Stay dry inside as much as possible.

  • Hot, steamy showers are not as beneficial during the summer months.
  • Use bathroom exhaust fans during and immediately after a shower, but don’t run them for long. As the fan pushes air out, it is drawing humid air in at the same time.

A healthy relative humidity indoors is between 40% and 60% while the outdoor humidity rises above 90%. Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible when the humidity is high.

Mix the air with ceiling fans. From elementary school science, we know hot air rises, which is also true indoors.

  • Indoor air tends to layer, with the hot air staying high and the cooler air dropping low.
  • Humid air also tends to layer, with heavy, moist air dropping low and dryer air rising.
  • Ceiling fans blend the air, allowing the air conditioner to cool and dehumidify all of the air in the home.

Change the ceiling fan rotation to counterclockwise and set it to slow. This pushes air down gently and mixes it thoroughly. It is a good idea to keep ceiling fans running on low, even when the house is unoccupied since the ceiling fan uses very little energy.

Learn to program the thermostat for enhanced comfort and energy savings.

  • Most thermostats are programmable, all but the very old ones. It only takes a few minutes to learn how to schedule temperature changes.
  • The body temperature drops while we sleep, so the temp could be raised while the family sleeps with no loss in comfort.
  • It is a good savings practice to raise the temperature during the day if the home is unoccupied.
  • Experiment in a temperature range of between 5 and 8 degrees. Program normal cooling about 30 minutes before everyone arises or arrives home.

Eight hours per day of this range difference will be noticeable on the energy bill.

Take care of the air conditioner inside and out with annual maintenance cleaning and inspection. Three major components provide air conditioning function, and they all need service.

  • The condenser, the outdoor portion of the air conditioner, collects dust, grass clippings, and leaves, which need to be cleaned away.
  • The evaporator coil on the inside collects moisture from the air and lets it fall into a drain. Ignoring this part can leave a leaky mess.
  • The blower motor draws a tremendous volume of air from the house and recirculates it back into the house. This is the only moving part of the system and needs to be serviced regularly.

Of course, you also have the responsibility for changing the air filter regularly—every three months is good for most homes.

College Station AC Repair – Call RM Mullinix

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our College Station AC Repair services, schedule an appointment or visit our HVAC maintenance information page.

Posted on

Simple Steps to Improve AC Efficiency

AC Efficiency

Improving Your AC Efficiency with These Simple Tasks

For the next 4 or 5 months, air conditioners will run at regular intervals to make homes safe and comfortable. On most days, the system will function adequately. But there will be days of extreme heat and humidity that might lead one to wish that the air conditioner cooling output was a little better or a little faster. If the system is well-maintained and performing as designed, there might be human actions that impact the function of the air conditioner system. Consider these actions.

AC Efficiency: Understanding Air Volume

Air conditioning requires massive amounts of air movement, both inside and outside. For this discussion, we will only consider the air movement inside.

For every ton of air conditioning, a blower motor must move 400 cubic feet per minute (CFM); a three-ton unit will need to move 1200 CFM. That means that every two minutes, statistically, the entire volume of a 2400-square-foot home will move through the evaporator chamber and come into contact with cold coils before returning to the home. Anything that slows or blocks the free movement of air hinders the cooling process.

AC Efficiency: Potential Hindrances of Air Movement

  • Air Filters. The air moves rapidly through an air filter, usually less than 2’ square. Dust and airborne pollutants collect on the filter and after a few months, the collection will begin to slow air movement. The filter should be changed at least every three months.
  • Return Vents. Each story of a home should have at least one return vent installed about 6 feet up on the wall. The blower motor pulls hot air from the home through these vents and directly into the cooling process. Of course, if anything blocks these vents, it will severely restrict air movement. Keep drapes and wall hangings 6 to 12 inches away from these vents.
  • Supply vents. The blower motor delivers cool air to the home via floor or low-wall-mounted supply vents. If furniture, rugs, or clothes cover a supply vent, not only does it prevent cool air from entering the space, but the static air pressure in the vents increases. That allows cool air to find even the smallest flaw in the ductwork, pushing the valuable cooled air outdoors. Keep obstacles at least 6 to 12 inches away from supply vents.

AC Efficiency: The Duct Network

A system of ducts carries a massive volume of air from the home to the evaporator chamber and back to the home.

  • The air moving through the ductwork is under pressure. Air will be pushed out of any leak or opening in the network, usually into the attic, garage, or crawlspace under the home.
  • Any ductwork installed in unconditioned space should be insulated to prevent the air inside from heating.
  • Even insulated ducts that carry air to the far reaches of a home will gain heat on its journey.
  • Dust and particles will eventually collect inside the ducts. They should be cleaned as needed; a healthy recommendation is every 3 to 5 years.

AC Efficiency: Battling Heat

The ductwork is the first place where the cool air can encounter heat and lose its effectiveness.

  • The insulation in a home is designed to SLOW the transfer of heat—from outside to inside in the summer and inside to outside in the winter. On a cool day, stick your head into the attic and check the depth of insulation. It should be at least 12 inches deep.
  • Openings around doors and windows can also develop gaps, allowing air to be forced out with each cooling cycle. Caulking will fill the gaps and prevent air from flowing out the window.
  • Close window treatments during the heat of the day on the south and west sides of the house. Solar gain can increase indoor temperatures by as much as 10 degrees.
  • Don’t add to the problem if you can help it. Use heat-producing appliances less and later in the day when outdoor temperatures have dropped.

Want to Improve Your AC Efficiency, Call Us Today!

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and ways to improve your AC efficiency, schedule an appointment or visit our HVAC maintenance information page.

Posted on

AC Repair 77845

AC Repair 77845

Guide to Reduce Summertime AC Repair 77845 Costs

The summertime heat does not wait for the official arrival of summer; it is here in full force. For the next several months, Hill Country Texans will seek relief inside, in air conditioning. Fortunately, there are steps to take to assist the air conditioner to cool the home and reduce the risk of costly AC repair 77845.

Keep the Cool Inside

  •  Sealing, caulking, and adding insulation is a good idea at any time of the year. However, be careful when adding insulation when the attic is extremely hot.
  • Exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens have their use but use them sparingly. While you push moisture and smell outdoors, you pull hot air inside to replace it.
  • Attic fans can be used comfortably in the spring but consider covering an attic fan during the summertime with an insulative barrier.

Keep the Heat Outside

  • The heat from the sun, called infrared energy, can be blocked by heavy drapes or blinds. Letting the “sunshine in” can raise the inside temperature by 10 degrees or more, so close the window dressings during the heat of the day. This reduces the call for cooling and avoids stress during peak air conditioning hours. Increasing unnecessary stress on your air conditioner can reduce the need for costly AC repair 77845.
  • Schedule the use of heat-producing appliances with peak temperatures in mind. Use countertop appliances rather than an oven or stovetop. Better yet, grill outside. Schedule dishwashing and laundry during the early morning or late at night, the coolest part of the day.

Keep Air Moving

 There are two advantages of moving the air with ceiling fans.

  • Moving air feels cooler than static air. It causes the moisture on the skin to evaporate more readily.
  • Hot air rises and will stay in place until acted upon. A ceiling fan circulates this air and cools the entire room from top to bottom.

Keep the Temperature Steady

 It is tempting to walk into a room that feels hot and turn the thermostat down a few degrees. But this does not produce the desired results.

  • Cooling a space requires cooling the surfaces and furnishings within the room along with the air. This takes 30 minutes or longer, while the desire is immediate relief.
  • “Bumping the thermostat” up and down creates stress on the air conditioning and is energy inefficient.

It is best to . . .

Keep to a Schedule

Newer thermostats are programmable, and some are accompanied by cellphone apps for better efficiency and convenience. Learn to schedule temperature changes for comfort and energy savings. Find a temperature that meets the comfort threshold for the entire family and don’t alter it until the …

  • The family is sleeping—turn the setting up about 5 degrees for energy-efficiency
  • The home is vacant while everyone is at work or away—turn the setting up about 5 degrees for energy efficiency

A Smart thermostat will accommodate changing the temperature setting on the fly if the schedule changes.

Keep Your AC System Maintained

  • It is very important to change the air filter often—at least every three months.
  • It is equally important to schedule a maintenance visit by a Mullinix-trained AC Repair technician at least annually. We strongly recommend a Spring and Fall AC maintenance visit to ensure your system is properly functioning before the two busiest times of the year for your AC system. A well-maintained system will reduce AC repair 77845 costs.

These maintenance tasks can avoid expensive AC repair 77845 and inconvenient breakdowns and keep the air conditioner running smoothly.

Keep Upgrading Your AC System

Air conditioners have a limited useful life—the average air conditioner lasts between 15 and 20 years. When the time comes for replacement, invest in upgraded efficiency whenever possible. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating is the scale used for air conditioners. The higher the SEER number, the greater the efficiency.

Let the Mullinix AC Repair Team Reduce Your AC Repair Costs

Reducing air conditioning operating and AC repair 77845 costs during the summer months doesn’t have to be a monumental task. Using smart habits, a few minor home improvements, and regularly scheduled HVAC maintenance will keep your home comfortable without costing an arm and a leg. Keep cool during the summer and keep your energy costs under control with these helpful tips.

Your AC Repair 77845 Experts

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our College Station AC Repair 77845 services, schedule an appointment or visit our HVAC maintenance information page.

Posted on

AC Installation 77845

AC Installation 77845

Your Pre AC Installation Checklist

What To Expect BEFORE Your New AC Installation

So you are thinking about investing in a new HVAC system. We want to make sure you are prepared for the installation process and that you have your due diligence completed before installation day.

We have created a Pre AC installation 77845 checklist so you ask the right questions before your new installation, understand your warranty, and what happens during the installation.

Pre-Install Checklist

Prior to the new AC installation, our technicians will review with you the size of the HVAC system required for your home based on its size, number, and size of windows and doors, amount of insulation, ductwork design, and your family’s lifestyle. This research will be used to determine the right size of HVAC system that your home requires.

Once a unit(s) size is determined, our AC installation 77845 experts will review the manufacturer’s performance data to set expectations on any increases in utility costs that may or may not be anticipated, discuss air quality improvements expected, and any additional features and benefits of your new HVAC system.

Lastly, prior to the new AC system installation, we will review the system warranty. We want to make sure that you fully understand the terms and conditions of your HVAC warranty. Common HVAC warranty options are parts and labor, compressor, and full system.

What Questions You Should Ask When Selecting Your New AC Installation

Finding the right size unit for your home is the most important step in selecting a new HVAC system. Here are some terms that will be used to better understand this process.

What Does Ton Of Air Conditioning Mean?

BTU to tonnage ratio is 12,000 BTUs to 1 ton. AC tonnage refers to the amount of heat your HVAC unit can remove per hour. On average, 1 square foot of space equals 20 BTUs. The size of your new HVAC unit will be calculated based on your home’s square footage.

HVAC Venting Explained

Your HVAC system is vented outside of your home, usually through the roof in some fashion. This venting system will remove combustible gases from your home. If this gas is not removed, it can be very hazardous to your health and it will reduce the HVAC system’s efficiency.

What Does AC Refrigerant Charge Mean?

Your AC system uses a refrigerant as a coolant. The refrigerant charge is the amount of refrigerant in a system. Too much or too little refrigerant can cause problems with the HVAC system.

AC Installation Checklist: Day of the Install

Once the RM Mullinix AC team has determined the size of the system to install, it is time to get to work with your new AC installation. Our team of AC installation 77845 technicians will remove any existing HVAC system components and install your new system. They will perform a series of tests and calibration to ensure proper installation and function. We will walk you through the user guide to ensure that you know how to use the new system. It is important to ask any questions that you may have related to your new AC installation 77845 so you get the hands-on service that RM Mullinix is known for.

Call the AC Installation 77845 Experts

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our AC installation 77845 College Station services, schedule an appointment or visit our AC installation information page.

Posted on

College Station AC Repair

College Station AC Repair

College Station AC Repair AC Repair or AC Replacement?

How to Determine if You Need to Upgrade Your Current HVAC System or Need AC Repair

Your HVAC system is one of the most expensive “appliances” in your home. Determining when it is time for an AC repair appointment or time for an AC replacement is a significant decision that should not be taken lightly.

If you are currently evaluating your repair or replacement options for your HVAC system, we have put together some pointers that will assist you in your decision.

Telltale Signs Your AC You Need an AC Repair Appointment

Is your HVAC system a senior citizen?

The average life expectancy of most HVAC systems is around 10-15 years. Properly maintained systems with needed AC repairs made as needed will increase the lifespan of your system. Missing routine maintenance and prolonging needed AC repairs can cut the system lifespan quite dramatically. Aging HVAC systems will be less efficient and can require more frequent maintenance and repairs.

Frequent AC Repair

Systems that have had routine maintenance neglected often times require more frequent repair. The cost of these repairs can sometimes begin to approach the cost of a new AC system. In addition, a failing HVAC system is not as energy efficient and can cost more in utility bills.

An AC replacement can be a money-saving investment if your repairs are beginning to equate to the amount you have spent on repairs and loss of energy efficiency.

Loss of Efficiency

New HVAC systems are designed to be more energy efficient than their predecessors. Reducing utility bills is great for budget-minded homeowners. In addition to reducing energy consumption, newer HVAC systems greatly improve indoor air quality. Another perk to consider: opting for a newer system can even increase the value of your home.

Your College Station AC Repair Experts

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our College Station AC Repair services, schedule an appointment or visit our HVAC maintenance information page.

Posted on

College Station AC Maintenance

College Station AC Maintenance

What Are the Signs That I Need an AC Maintenance from the College Station AC Maintenance Experts

Routine AC maintenance is crucial to maintaining the comfort level in your home that you deserve, especially during the intense heat of a Texas summer. Regular AC maintenance will not only ensure that your HVAC system performs at its peak energy efficiency but significantly extend the lifespan of the entire system.

We have created a comprehensive guide that identifies the signs that you need to schedule your next AC maintenance appointment, the benefits of routine HVAC maintenance, and why choosing a reputable HVAC service provider like Mullinix is important.

Top Signs You Need a College Station AC Maintenance Appointment

Increase in Utility Expenses: Sudden spikes in your energy consumption may be an indicator that your HVAC system is working harder than it needs to be, signaling the need for a routine maintenance appointment.

Decreased Cooling: A decrease in the cooling efficiency of your HVAC system is a sign that you should have it checked by a professional.

Loud and Unusual Noises: Any time your HVAC system makes noises, it is a warning of an internal issue that needs to be addressed immediately.

Frequent or Constant Cycling: If you notice your AC system cycling on and off more frequently, it is a sign that you need to schedule an AC maintenance appointment.

Moisture Build Up or Leaks: Signs of moisture or leakage around your HVAC system are an indication of a problem that requires immediate attention by an HVAC professional.

Benefits of Routine AC Maintenance

Increased Energy-Efficiency: Regular AC maintenance will ensure your HVAC system operates as efficiently as possible and lower your utility bills.

Extended System Lifespan: Routine AC maintenance can extend the life of your HVAC system significantly by reducing unnecessary wear and tear on your system components.

Improved Indoor Air Quality: A properly maintained HVAC system will improve indoor air quality by effectively removing contaminants from your indoor air.

Reducing Emergency AC Repairs: Regularly scheduled AC maintenance can identify any issues prior to them resulting in a failure of system components.

How to Choose the Right AC Maintenance Contractor

When researching a reputable AC maintenance contractor it is crucial to choose an experienced and trusted AC maintenance service provider.

Why Is Mullinix AC The Best Option for AC Maintenance

Our Comprehensive Services: RM Mullinix provides full-service air conditioning and heating services that include AC maintenance, emergency AC repair, AC replacement, and HVAC duct cleaning.

Experienced Technicians: Our technicians specialize in full-service HVAC repair, replacement, and maintenance. We specialize in both residential and commercial HVAC services.

Customer Satisfaction: Customer satisfaction is our top priority and what we have become known for throughout the area.

Affordability: Providing affordable HVAC service ensures that high-quality AC maintenance is available to each and every customer.

Call the College Station AC Maintenance Experts

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our College Station AC Maintenance services, schedule an appointment or visit our HVAC maintenance information page.

Posted on

Best AC Temperature to Avoid Costly AC Repair

Best AC Temperature to Avoid Costly AC Repair

Best AC Temperature to Avoid Costly AC Repair

We often get the question from our customers, “What is the best temperature for my AC?” This question has many variables to have just one answer.

It is humid in Texas, and the humidity plays a vital role in determining what you set your AC temperature.

Soaring summertime temperatures bring with it a higher level of humidity in the air. Between the warm outdoor air and the humidity, Texans will use their air conditioning system nearly all year long.

What temperature should I set my AC to avoid HVAC repair?

The U.S. Department of Energy suggests adjusting your thermostat higher during the time when you are sleeping or you are not at home. ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) recommends that 78 degrees is the standard HVAC setting to remain energy efficient and for your HVAC system to operate at its best and avoid costly HVAC repair.

Your AC thermostat is independent of all of these factors and is based on personal preference. Adjusting your thermostat results in higher utility bills, a harder working system in the summer heat, and wear and tear on the mechanical components of your HVAC system.

How do I adjust my thermostat for the best humidity control?

High humidity makes it more difficult for your perspiration to evaporate. This results in you feeling warmer when humidity levels are higher. Combatting humidity is only half the battle. Fighting off mold and mildew within your HVAC system is a concern when fighting the humidity battle. Excessive build-up of either can result in diminished HVAC efficiency which can lead to costly HVAC repair.

What thermostat setting is best for your pets?

Thermostat settings should take into consideration the comfort level of your pets. Temperature settings can vary widely depending on the type of pet, their species, and their overall health.

Dogs’ comfort is similar to that of their human owners. You do need to be careful to not adjust the thermostat too high when you are away to avoid overheating.

Cats can tolerate heat much better than dogs. You will often find cats relaxing in the heat of the sun, even during the warmest summer days. They do require plenty of fresh water to keep cool.

Most pet birds originate from the tropics and are used to higher temperatures. Rabbits also can tolerate slightly higher temperatures, but they should be kept in an environment below 80 degrees.

What thermostat setting is best for your computer and electronic equipment?

Keeping your electronics operating at their highest level requires them to be kept cool. We strongly encourage you to read any documentation provided by the manufacturer regarding storage temperatures.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), changed their recommendations for IT equipment in 2016. Previously, the organization recommended a top temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Currently, that recommendation is a high of 81 degrees F, so your computer and other electronics should be just fine if you set your AC to 78 to 80 degrees.1

Remove Thermostat Confusion

Constantly changing your AC thermostat can be difficult to manage. Extreme changes can prompt unnecessary AC repair. Call a Mullinix AC repair technician to discuss thermostat settings, installation of a smart thermostat, and additional AC thermostat related questions.

Need Help with Your AC Repair?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our AC Repair services, schedule an appointment or visit our HVAC maintenance information page.

 

1 https://www.ashrae.org/

 

Posted on

HVAC Maintenance Checklist For Homeowners

HVAC Maintenance Checklist For Homeowners

Spring HVAC Maintenance Checklist

The moderate temperatures this winter make Spring feel more like summer in Texas. With warmer-than-average temperatures, Spring HVAC maintenance has never been more important. Here is your spring HVAC Maintenance checklist to prepare your home for the upcoming summer heat.

Change Your HVAC Filter

The minimum your air filters should be changed is every 30-60 days. Households with pets and family members with compromised immune systems should replace their filters more often. A fresh, clean HVAC filter allows the conditioned air to flow freely and improves indoor air quality.

Cleaning Ceiling Fan Blades

Ceiling fans collect a great deal of dust. Removing dust built up in the spring will provide better air quality and allow your fan to be more efficient. Wiping dust buildup and reversing the blade direction for the summer is a great springtime HVAC maintenance step.

Clean Your AC Vents

We recommend removing the vent cover and cleaning it. Although it is not a substitute for professional HVAC duct cleaning, it is a great way to improve air quality and identify any potential deeper issues.

Check Your Thermostat

Your HVAC thermostat needs to have the batteries replaced every six months. We recommend changing your thermostat batteries at the same time you change your smoke detector batteries. If you are using a smart thermostat, change your settings to the summertime operation.

Clean Your Outdoor Condenser

Remove any leaves, branches, or other landscaping debris from in and around your outdoor AC unit components. This is also a great time to remove any overhanging branches or shrubs from the area around the unit.

HVAC Maintenance That Your HVAC Technician Should Complete

Cleaning your evaporator coils should be left to the professionals. The evaporator coils are located inside your AC unit, normally above the blower motor. Cleaning your coils will improve the efficiency of your HVAC system and provide better indoor air quality. This requires compressed air and a commercial coil cleaner, so that is why we strongly recommend calling Mullinix AC maintenance to assist with this task.

Clean Drain Line and Drain Pan

Moisture buildup can produce mold and algae. This can be collected in your drain line and the drain pan. This debris can cause clogged lines and the drain pan to overflow. The result can be very costly and easily avoidable. Cleaning the drain line requires compressed air and is best left to the professionals.

Cleaning the Outdoor Condensing Unit

Dirt and debris can drastically affect the efficiency of your HVAC system. Our HVAC maintenance technicians can properly clean the outdoor condensing unit, check for bent or damaged blades, and identify any potential future breakdowns of your HVAC system.

Spring HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Some of these tasks can be a weekend DIY project. However, it is always best to schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment and let one of our NATE-certified technicians thoroughly inspect all of your system components. An ounce of prevention is better than a failed HVAC system in the middle of a Texas heat wave.

Need Help with Your Springtime HVAC Maintenance?

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

 

Posted on

8 Tips for Better Your Indoor Air Quality During the Winter

Indoor Air Quality

How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality This Winter

February is historically one of the coldest months for Southeast Texas. Although the air outside may be cold, your indoor air quality can be ever more dangerous. According to the EPA, indoor air quality can be up to eight or ten times more polluted than outdoor air quality.

Why is your indoor air quality worse during the winter?

To be more energy efficient, our homes are built to be airtight to keep cold air out in the winter and warm air out during the summer. This means that you are breathing the same recirculated air, not fresh air. When your heater is working, it warms the air, which allows pollen, mold spores, mildew, and other pollutants to flourish. An airtight, well-insulated home will then cycle these contaminants through your home over and over again.

Extended exposure to poor air quality can produce long-term health conditions that can be very serious. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to aggravated respiratory issues like asthma, allergies, and sinus problems. More harmful pollutants can also lead to heart disease and cancer.

Indoor air quality can be improved, especially during the heat of summer and cold of winter. We have created 8 tips for improving your indoor air quality during the winter.

1 Keep it Clean

Cleanliness will reduce the growth of mold, mildew, and build-up of dust. Frequently vacuuming and cleaning with non-toxic cleaning products will reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

2 Your Ductwork is Key

HVAC ductwork can be a haven for dirt and debris build-up. We strongly recommend that you have your ductwork cleaned every two years to remove any potential compromises in your indoor air quality.

3 Replace Your HVAC Filter Regularly

Your HVAC system filter is a crucial component in improving your indoor air quality. Your air filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days depending on if you have pets or a family member with any chronic respiratory issues. If you have either of those in your home, we recommend more frequent replacement.

4 Upgrade Your HVAC Filters

For maximum results from your HVAC system filter, we strongly recommend using a HEPA air filter. HEAP stands for “high-efficiency particulate air;” and can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm).

5 Control What Enters Your Home

Just like we learned, you should limit the number of VOCs that enter your home by using organic cleaning solutions. Reducing or eliminating the source of indoor air pollution is more cost-effective than increasing ventilation, which can increase energy costs.

6 Improve Your Ventilation

Any time that you can bring more fresh air into your home will improve your indoor air quality. If you notice pockets of stuffy air, mold and mildew, and condensation buildup, it is time to consider improving your ventilation. Kitchens that use gas stoves require additional ventilation to reduce gas fumes and smoke. Any areas of your home that might be used for crafting or hobbies that require materials that emit fumes should have additional ventilation options.

7 Research Air Purification Systems

Activating carbon filters will not only capture particulate matter, but will remove gas, odors, and airborne chemicals. More advanced air purification systems can also kill small pathogens like viruses, bacteria, pollen, mold spores, animal dander, and other pollutants. Air purifications are a great option to improve your wintertime indoor air quality.

8 Install an Air-Heat Exchanger

Also known as energy recovery, ventilators will circulate fresh air into your home. Air heat exchangers remove the polluted air and replace it with fresh air from the outdoors. During the winter, the outdoor air is heated by the energy created from operating the system. These systems will also remove humidity during the summer, which improves indoor air quality.

Indoor Air Quality During the Winter

Your IAQ needs during the winter depending on the length and intensity of your winter season. Although the Texas Gulf Coast has a relatively mild winter season, diminished indoor air quality can wreak havoc on a person’s sinuses and respiratory system.

Need Help with Your Indoor Air Quality?

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

Posted on

5 Signs It is Time for An Air Conditioner Replacement

Air Conditioner Replacement 

Air Conditioner Replacement 

Your HVAC system is just like any other mechanical device. Many times it provides warning signs long before a catastrophic failure. Any Texan will admit that a properly functioning air conditioner is essential during peak summer heat. So, before temperatures begin to rise, it is time to schedule your seasonal HVAC maintenance to make sure your system is ready for summer.

The average lifespan of an HVAC system is 10-15 years if properly maintained. There are many factors that can affect that average, such as improper installation and neglected maintenance, just to name a few. If your HVAC system is approaching its end of life, you may notice the following warning signs that it is time for an air conditioner replacement.

Warning Sign 1: Water Leaks or Water Draining from Condensate Line

For the most part, your air conditioner is a contained system, meaning that there should not be large amounts of condensation built up or water leaking from any components. A few of the reasons your AC system may be leaking fluid are a clogged condensate drain line, a clogged filter, or a refrigerant leak. Although the drain line and clogged filter are easy fixes for most homeowners, a refrigerant leak is a more serious problem and will need a skilled HVAC technician to resolve.

Warning Sign 2: Loud Noises Coming from Your HVAC System

This is one of the easiest-to-recognize warning signs. If your air conditioning system suddenly begins to make unusual noises, it is a sure sign of major problems developing. Strange noises coming from your HVAC system should prompt an immediate call to your trusted R.M. Mullinix AC technician. Grinding, banging, or any other loud noises are likely leading to a major failure in your HVAC system and could lead to an air conditioner replacement.

Warning Sign 3: Your AC System Still Uses Freon

AC systems that use freon as a refrigerant are almost completely phased out. As of 2020, freon is no longer being manufactured. If your AC system uses freon as its refrigerant, it is only a matter of time before it will no longer be able to be recharged.

Newer air conditioning systems use Puron, a more energy-efficient and eco-friendly refrigerant. Whether your freon-based air conditioning system is experiencing problems or not, it is only a matter of time before you will be updating your system with a new air conditioner replacement.

Warning Sign 4: Lack Of Efficient Cooling

Just like most mechanical devices, as they age, they become less efficient. Your AC system functions the same way. As your AC system ages, it will become more difficult year after year to maintain the same level of comfort. Proper maintenance will help with keeping your system energy efficient.

Neglected maintenance will put unnecessary stress on your system to keep the same level of comfort for you and your family. Monitoring your temperature setting will alert you to breakdowns in the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Warning Sign 5: Sudden Increases in Utility Bills

If you notice a sudden increase in your utility bill while not making drastic changes to your thermostat settings, there may be an issue. Sudden increases in electricity usage for your AC system reflect a decrease in energy efficiency. In most cases, this efficiency will steadily decline as time passes. An air conditioner replacement is in the foreseeable future when you begin to see your utility bills climb.

How to Tell It Is Time for an Air Conditioner Replacement

If you are experiencing any one of these warning signs, it is crucial that you call our R.M. Mullinix AC team for a system inspection. Our NATE-certified HVAC technicians will provide a comprehensive assessment to identify potential problems and create a solution to keep your HVAC system performing at its best. If an air conditioner replacement is required, our seasoned technicians can design an HVAC system that will keep you and your family comfortable for many years to come.

Is air conditioner replacement in your future? R.M. Mullinix can help!

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our air conditioner replacement services, schedule an appointment or visit our HVAC maintenance information page.