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Are AC Units the Newest Target for Neighborhood Thieves?

. Posted by in • Austin

Protect your HVAC system from unscrupulous folks

Some news items just make you want to shake your head. Something we heard the other day certainly fits this bill: Apparently, homeowners across Texas are waking up to find that thieves have stolen their HVAC systems in the night! It appears that a few homeowners have even caught these unscrupulous bandits in the act. Since cool air is a basic necessity during the long, hot Texas summer, you need to know how to protect your home from AC thieves.

They Steal WHAT?!

According to a recent news report, a family in the Houston suburb of Katy recently got an unpleasant surprise: They awoke to find that their entire air conditioning unit was missing. Although they were fortunate not to catch the potentially dangerous thieves in the act, they lamented the loss of an essential piece of residential equipment. Since AC units are heavy and have … Read Full Post »

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Brown Spot, Rust and Fairy Ring: Can Your Lawn Survive the Onslaught?

. Posted by in , • San Antonio

Finding patchy, unexplained grass death, weird rings or reddish-orange powder all over your San Antonio lawn can be disconcerting. Invasion by unusually small aliens or unscheduled irrigation courtesy of the Great Dane that lives next door might be among your first suspicions. Before you make tinfoil hats or plot revenge against your neighbors, you might want to consider these common fungal diseases as a potential cause.

Brown Patch: Is It Fungus or Fido?

Brown patch is commonly seen in Bermuda and St. Augustine grass. The visible symptoms of brown patch can vary by season and environmental factors. Circular or irregular patches of thin, light brown grass are typical. Lumps of dark brown, foul-smelling solids near the area may indicate that your problem is a mammal rather than a fungus. Treatment for brown patch includes conservative watering early in the day, good aeration and careful avoidance of over-fertilization. Fungicides are most effective as … Read Full Post »

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The Best Thermostat Settings for Summertime Energy Savings

. Posted by in • Austin

Dial up the temperature to dial down your costs

Everyone wants to keep cool all summer long, but there’s no need to pay extra for that privilege. There’s plenty you can do to cut the energy usage of your air conditioning system without compromising comfort, and probably the simplest way is to just adjust your thermostat.

The rule of thumb for summer thermostat settings is to set it as high as you can without becoming uncomfortable. For most people, that’s somewhere in the 76-79 degrees Fahrenheit range. Turning your thermostat up by one degree cuts your energy usage by about 8%, so it pays to make that adjustment even if it’s just from 72 to 73. Experiment with different settings and find your family’s sweet spot.

One way to make it easier to set your thermostat higher is to invest in ceiling fans. Fans make the air feel cooler by producing a breeze … Read Full Post »

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How to Handle Scary Scorpions

. Posted by in , • Bryan-College Station

Dealing with the creepiest pests in Texas

You can’t tell by looking, but scorpions are close cousins of spiders and ticks. Lineage and scientific names don’t matter when they crawl up the bedroom wall, though. Of all the pests that sneak into the house, scorpions may well be the scariest. But do they really deserve so much fear and loathing?

Strange Scorpion Facts

It’s hard to not be afraid of something that can survive a nuclear blast, and scorpions share that dubious honor with cockroaches. Those long-tailed creatures hiding in the attic glow in the dark when you hit them with a UV light. Their elaborate mating ritual involves locking claws and dancing. In fact, they keep up the courtship for more than 24 hours! Have a little sympathy for gentlemen scorpions: The ladies often finish the mating game by eating their partners.

Wood-Loving Pests

Texas is home to 18 species, but only striped bark … Read Full Post »

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Mosquitoes Making Unwanted Waves This Summer

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth

An annoying pest may have just become deadlier

In North Texas, the dog days of summer are known for stifling heat and restless locals. This summer, however, there’s a potentially serious threat to the health and well-being of people and pets across the Metroplex. According to numerous reports, mosquitoes bearing a potentially deadly pathogen have appeared in the region this year. In other parts of the country, mosquitoes with even more exotic ailments are making the rounds as well.

The West Nile Scare

Over the past several months, nearly a dozen pools of mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus have been discovered in various corners of the metro area, including:

• Two Dallas ZIP Codes
• Carrollton
• Irving
• Mesquite
• Coppell
• Cedar Hill
• Duncanville

West Nile is a serious disease that causes flu-like symptoms, including muscle aches, headaches and fever, in about 20% of those infected. In rarer cases, it can lead to encephalitis that causes … Read Full Post »

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Choosing a Thermostat? Don’t Make These Mistakes

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Why a thermostat is one of the most important investments in your home

As summer days heat up throughout San Antonio, you rely more and more on your home’s HVAC system to keep you cool. A well-maintained air conditioner or heat pump can help you beat soaring temperatures and stay comfortable in your own home. You can make the most of your AC unit’s potential by choosing a thermostat that’s prepared to meet your comfort demands.

Thermostat Basics: More Than Temperature Control

Also known as comfort controls, thermostats allow you to monitor and control the operation of your HVAC system. A wide variety of thermostats are available to residential and commercial customers. Both central air and ductless cooling systems rely on comfort controls.

Many homeowners don’t put much thought into choosing a thermostat for their San Antonio AC unit. You might think that all thermostats are alike or that a thermostat can’t have a … Read Full Post »

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Best Practices for Preventing Mosquito Infestations

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth

Nothing spoils an outdoor gathering as quickly as swarms of attacking mosquitoes. Not only are mosquitoes annoying, they carry diseases that affect both humans and animals. Luckily, there are ways to control mosquitoes both inside and outside your home using common sense and an integrated pest management (IPM) program that minimizes harmful environmental effects.

Here’s the Buzz on Outdoor Mosquito Control

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, and the larva and developing insects need water to mature. Adult mosquitoes live in moist, cool places, such as under leaves, in drains and on plants. The best way to reduce mosquito populations is by removing sources of standing water. Outdoors, this includes removing pots and containers; filling in puddles; covering drains; keeping ponds, birdbaths and swimming pools clean; and keeping rain gutters free of debris. Even pool covers or tarps protecting outdoor furniture are attractive mosquito breeding grounds.

Some experts recommend using an integrated mosquito … Read Full Post »

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Good Hedges Make Good Neighbors

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth

Even if you love your neighbors, you probably don’t want to see everything that goes on in their yard. In the 1990s sitcom “Roseanne,” the Conners’ elderly neighbors enjoyed prancing about in the nude with the curtains pulled back. This accidental discovery prompted Dan and Roseanne to ask their neighbors to plant a hedge. Hopefully, this isn’t the case for you, but if your neighbors have an unsightly yard or you just need a bit more privacy, planting hedges in your landscaping provides the ideal solution.

Improve Your Landscaping With Hedges in Dallas

Hedges offer more benefits than just additional privacy; they also define property lines, break the wind and provide food and shelter for birds. Installing a privacy fence generates an impersonal look and may offend your neighbors, but planting a hedgerow creates a living fence that marks a boundary without cutting off neighborly communication. In addition, seeing a row of … Read Full Post »

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How To Lower Humidity In A House During The Summer

. Posted by in • San Antonio
How To Lower Humidity In House

If you live in Texas, you know the summers can be unbearably humid. You expect humidity when you go outside, but it’s a miserable experience to come home and have to deal with the humidity indoors, as well.

On top of just being uncomfortable, humidity negatively impacts several parts of your home. High humidity contributes to the growth of mold and mildew, damages the wood and paint on your home’s interior and even reduces the energy efficiency of your air conditioner. If you’re tired of your home feeling balmy and unpleasant, taking extra steps towards reducing the humidity in your home is worth it. It will save you money, too! Read on for tips on how to lower humidity in a house during the summer.

Use A Dehumidifier

Wondering how to control humidity? One popular method is by introducing a dehumidifier into your home. You can find portable dehumidifiers at most hardware or appliance … Read Full Post »

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How to Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Smoothly All Summer

. Posted by in • Houston

You work hard all day. You come home after sitting in traffic and…your house is a hot, steaming mess! The air conditioner isn’t working. This is one of the worst things that can happen to Houston residents during the summer.

But it can be prevented.

All you need to do is give your air conditioning unit a little Texas love and hospitality.

 

Houston, We Have a Problem. Don’t Take Your Air Conditioner for Granted.

Texans love air-conditioning in summer, so it’s important to perform regular maintenance. Don’t forget that your AC system has working parts that need attention.

Many people forget about the AC filter. Your AC filter needs to be changed every three months for your unit to work optimally (which saves energy costs!).

It’s just like an oil change for your car. In fact, it’s wise to just do both at the same time. That’ll help you remember.

A lot of people also forget that … Read Full Post »

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