You might as huddle in close and toast up some s’mores. There’s just nothing worse this time of year than when your air conditioning stops, well, conditioning.
Unfortunately, the scorching temperatures across Dallas and Ft. Worth also mean that more is demanded from your air conditioning systems than any other time of year, making breakdowns at the worst possible time more likely.
Two facts first:
1. We only install the best, most reliable HVAC systems in Dallas. In other words, we’re not going to give you something optimized for running on 75-degree days in April. We install systems that are designed to outwork the competition at the peaks of summer.
2. If you do have a breakdown, we’ll be there. In more than 20 years of serving the Dallas area, we’ve come know this city like the back of a dehumidifier. We’ll come fix your system—with solutions customized to your unique situation—no matter where in the Metroplex you live.
But there are things you can do to ease the strain on your a/c system (and lower your bills a bit in the process). Here are few ways to avoid a July meltdown:
Do a Monthly Checkup
You don’t need to be an HVAC expert to detect some early warnings of problems in your system. Just look for obvious problems like loose or worn fan belts, cracks and torn insulation on the cold line, or ice on the air conditioner coils. If something looks serious, gives us a call.
Don’t Be Afraid of Maintenance
Again, just the little things. Change any of the air filters that are clogged, or replace belts if they break. Take a minute to keep the machine clear of debris like leaves, rocks, and thick dust.
Don’t Use What You Don’t Need
Live coolly and comfortably—that’s the system’s job. But when you leave the house, or find yourself putting on a 4th of July sweater, consider turning the temp up a bit.
Keep Out the Heat in the First Place
If you’re not in the room, keep blinds and drapes closed. Make sure your windows and doors aren’t leaking air. Consider window tints. The less hard you make the machine work, the longer it will last and the more money on energy bills you’ll save. And open a window when it gets a bit crisp outside. Common sense is cool, after all.
Contact our HVAC specialists in Dallas for more information.
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“Texas Trade Up” Over, But Green HVAC Opportunities Still Abound
A few months ago, Texas received more than $23 million in Community Reinvestment Act funds (i.e. “The Stimulus”) aimed at boosting the economy while helping lay the foundation for a more energy-efficient future. Texans who bought large, energy-efficient replacement appliances like refrigerators, water heaters, washers and dryers, and air conditioners would be eligible for rebates of up to $1,200.
The idea—officially named the Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program—was the first of its kind in the Lone Star State, and (unfortunately, if you’re just now learning of this for the first time) was so popular that by the end of the same day that the program opened—April 7, 2010—all the rebates were snatched up.
Still, opportunities to lessen your environmental impact while fattening your wallet when it comes to outfitting your home abound. Here are three:
1. Federal Tax Credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency — Another product of the 2009 stimulus, Energy Star is offering a slew of tax credits for different kinds of energy-efficient purchases, including heating, air conditioning, water heating, and solar power. Go here for a complete list.
2. Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday — Held annually since 2007 around Memorial Day Weekend, the holiday usually gives customers in Texas a three-day window to purchase large, energy-efficient appliances without paying (you guessed it) sales tax. Unlike the Texas Trade Up program, there’s no need to worry about rebates getting sold out. All signs point to this holiday tradition continuing in 2011 and beyond.
3. Local Incentives — Many local communities and public utilities around Dallas offer their own efficiency incentives. There are two ways to find out if you’re missing potential savings: Energy Star’s local rebate locator, and this nifty database of local programs.
At Wilson Heating, Air & Plumbing, we’re committed to helping our customers meet their Dallas heating, cooling, and plumbing needs in the most energy-efficient way possible, and we’ll keep you updated about ways to do exactly that.