ABC Blog
Choose a City

What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a homeowner calculating what size air conditioner they need

If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, you’re probably wondering, “What size air conditioner do I need?” Obviously, you don’t want to overspend on a system that’s more than you need. But, at the same time, buying a new air conditioner that can’t keep up with your home isn’t money well spent, either.

While brand reviews, warranties and service agreements are all important factors to consider, they are only really helpful once you’ve determined which products are the right size to do the job.

The two most important factors in determining the size of the air conditioner you need are going to be the size of your home and how much of your home you want covered. Cooling a bedroom in a small home or condo is a very different job that maintaining a pleasant temperature in a large house with an open floor plan. You’ll also want to … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air But Running

. Posted by in • Austin
a home's ac vent

If you find your air conditioner not blowing cold air but running, there is a problem in your AC system that needs to be fixed. The exact problem depends on whether the AC is blowing warm air or no air at all. If there is no air getting through the system, there may be a blockage somewhere or a bad blower motor. If air is getting through but it’s not cold, there is another issue.

Before you try to figure out what’s going on, it’s a good idea to turn off the AC. Letting it run while there’s an undiagnosed issue could lead to bigger problems. That might mean even more complicated and expensive repairs. After turning off the AC, you can do some troubleshooting. Keep in mind that in the majority of cases, the best course of action is to call a professional to diagnose and repair the problem.

Diagnosing the … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Room Temperature Doesn’t Match Thermostat Setting

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
a thermostat that is saying it has reached the desired temperature but the room temperature doesn't match

The summer sun is beating down or winter’s chill arrives, so you set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature. But, your system doesn’t respond. What do you do next?

You could put on a pair of shorts or a parka, depending on the weather, but that doesn’t solve the problem. The best bet would be to contact a professional who knows exactly what to look for. They know how to get things working properly again. Or, you could take a couple of steps yourself first.

You Set the Thermostat Too High or Too Low

Have you set the thermostat a lot higher or lower than the outside temperature? Forcing the HVAC to “hurry up” and heat or cool your home to your desired temperature only makes the unit work harder. This won’t get you to your comfort zone and it isn’t good for the life of the system either.

There’s Debris Inside the Thermostat

The … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

How to Winterize Your Home and Yard

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
a home after a winter storm

Winter is here, and even in a place with milder temperatures, preparing your home and lawn for whatever Mother Nature throws your way can give you and your family peace of mind. Since it’s hard to tell when a more serious freeze or winter storm will pop up, it’s important to get your home prepared early. No matter what comes your way, there are critical steps you can take to be ready.

Heating System

If your heater smells when you turn it on for the first time of the season, that’s a good reminder of the importance of having your HVAC serviced before temperatures dip. Fall is a good time to contact a licensed professional for a tune-up on your heating system. Just as a service call in the spring gets you ready for the blistering summer, a check before winter helps your entire HVAC system run more efficiently. A unit that … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Common AC Noises and What They Mean

. Posted by in • Austin
an air conditioning vent

Learning about normal AC noise versus AC noise that signals a problem is important. This knowledge comes in handy for anyone wanting to know what to do if their AC breaks. After all, there are several noises AC systems commonly make that are perfectly normal. Knowing what isn’t normal is key to keeping your AC in good working order and extending its life as long as possible.

There are a few normal sounds that any well-running AC might make. There’s the humming, starting-up sound the AC makes when it first kicks on, for example. There’s also the gentle whirring noise the outdoor condenser unit makes while it runs. The metal ductwork that connects your AC to the vents in your home might also make noises over time. These sounds come from normal expansion and contraction due to temperature changes through the seasons.

Other noises, on the other hand, can mean the AC … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Furnace Turns On But No Heat

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
a living room with a fireplace

The low “whoosh” of a furnace kicking on brings a sigh of relief when the temperatures drop. But, it’s a shock when your furnace turns on but there’s no heat. If your furnace is not putting out the heat you need, there are a couple of things you can check.

Check the Switches

First, take a look at your thermostat. It might seem obvious, but sometimes, a homeowner has accidentally clicked “cool” rather than “heat.” Luckily, if that is the case, it is an easy fix to click the switch to the correct function.

Your thermostat has another toggle that can just as easily be the reason for the flow of cool air in the cold weather. The location might vary, but somewhere on the wall thermostat is a switch that says “Auto” and “On.” A switch on “Auto” will make the furnace click on only when a sensor signals that the temperature … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

When To Replace An Air Conditioner

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a homeowner calculating if it's worth it to replace their air conditioner

https://blog.abchomeandcommercial.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/When-To-Replace-An-Air-Conditioner-PC-Video-for-Blog-1.mp4

The worst time to discover your air conditioner is failing is when the sun is blazing, there is no breeze and you need some cool air right away. In order to avoid sweating inside your home, waiting for the repair person to save everyone, you will want to know how to tell when your AC is failing so you can be proactive. If you notice any of the following, it’s best to call in a licensed professional to find out exactly what is going on.

  • Loud or increasing noise or vibrations.
  • You notice more dust on your furniture. Your vents could be clogged up.
  • You start to smell a moldy or burning odor from around the AC unit itself, if it is easily accessible. That could mean too much moisture or a problem with wiring.
  • Energy bills spike up suddenly, with no other electrical or gas issues.
  • Nothing happens when you flip on the unit, … Read Full Post »
Comments Closed

The Signs and Causes of a Broken AC Unit

. Posted by in • Austin
a white kitchen

It’s a big inconvenience when you have a broken AC unit. It could even be a dangerous situation if your AC breaks when it’s very hot or cold outside. That’s why it’s so important to get the problem fixed as quickly as possible. Of course, that requires determining what the problem is, so that it can be properly addressed.

It’s important to note that sometimes, AC units have problems that don’t cause obvious symptoms. The main thing you might notice is a gradual increase in your monthly utility bills. This is because an AC with worn-out or broken components can’t run efficiently. It may keep limping along, using more and more electricity as it struggles to keep up with demands on the system until it finally breaks completely.

Some AC problems are simple enough to figure out and fix on your own. Others are more complex and need fixing by a professional. … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

What Is a HEPA Air Filter?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a homeowner changing out a hepa filter

Studies show that the air inside our homes is often much more polluted than the air outside. That is why many people have started turning to air purifiers to help make the air in their home healthier. However, not all air filtration systems are the same. Some offer a much higher level of protection.

HEPA air purifiers offer one of the highest levels of protection available to homeowners. HEPA stands for “high efficiency particulate air,” and it indicates the product uses a certain type of air filter. For a product to say it is a HEPA air purifier or HEPA air filter, it must meet the standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy.

This means that anything labeled as a HEPA filter must remove at least 99.97% of particles from the air that are just 0.3 microns in diameter. A micron is a unit of measurement used to determine the size … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Is Your Furnace Making Noises?

. Posted by in • Austin
a home where the furnace is making noises

There are certain sounds your furnace should never make—at least if it’s well-functioning and in good condition. So when you hear your furnace making noise, it’s smart to pay attention. This is especially true if it’s making a strange noise you haven’t heard before.

When furnaces make strange noises, it’s a sign that something within the heating and cooling system is wearing out or broken. These strange noises might include humming, clicking, banging or rattling sounds. Let’s learn more about what it means when your furnace is making noises.

1. Making Banging Noises

If your furnace starts making banging noises, it’s time to contact a heating and cooling specialist to determine what’s going on. Depending on when the noise happens and for how long, it might signal several different problems with your furnace.

If the banging noise happens when you turn on the heat, it could mean the furnace won’t ignite like it’s supposed … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed