It’s not always cold in San Antonio, but it certainly does get chilly every winter. When it is cold outside, we Texans don’t enjoy it. No one likes to roll out of bed in the morning only to be startled by the ice-cold touch of kitchen tiles underneath your feet. In fact, getting out of bed at all is a struggle when the home is drafty.

Uneven heat in your home puts additional strains on your HVAC system and can lead to higher utility bills. So, what causes you to grab a coat or blanket indoors?

Your home should be a refuge when it’s cold outside, but there are a few reasons you might feel a draft in the winter. Usually these issues can be easily fixed, but sometimes a larger furnace breakdown is the culprit.

Air Leaks

That draft you feel in certain rooms in your home could be due to a poorly … Read Full Post »

Did Your CPS Bill Go Up?

Everyone expects a utility bill spike in the summer, but it isn’t entirely uncommon to notice alarming rates in the winter, too. Even in the mildest of winter seasons, it is important to remember that old homes have old furnaces and old furnaces aren’t the most efficient. We love giving our customers insider tips when we can. Read through the following ideas so that you won’t waste a cent on your future CPS bills.

1. Plan Your Budget with CPS’s Help

CPS Energy has begun offering a Budget Payment Plan. The utility provider charges the enrolled customer an average of their previous bills’ amounts, plus a fee for environmental factors. There is an application and approval process. Currently, CPS requires you to call them by phone to sign up. The jury is still out on how useful this option is, but we’re very interested!

2. Learn About CPS … Read Full Post »

We’ve all heard the ghost stories; a loud pop comes out of nowhere; there’s a gusty breeze inside the home; you hear what sounds like whining and hissing. San Antonio is full of spooky old homes, some of which might even be haunted. If you hear the ghastly rumblings of a poltergeist in your house, stay calm. It’s probably not a ghost. More than likely, it’s just your heater.

We’re not paranormal experts over here at ABC Home & Commercial Services, but we are HVAC experts, and we have heard all sorts of noises coming from our customers’ heating systems.

The Sounds Old Furnaces Make, And Why

We’ve put together a list of common noises you heater might make. Take a look and see if anything sounds familiar.

Popping and Clicking Sounds

You’re drifting off into an evening nap in the middle of winter, and suddenly you’re startled awake by a loud ‘POP’ followed by that … Read Full Post »