Are you beginning to feel the annual effects of plants and trees blooming? If you’re one of those people, like I am, that can’t seem to shake of those airborne allergy problems it seems like there is never any hope. Even after medicating ourselves everyday with supposed allergy relief medicines, there sometimes continues to be no end in sight. While we don’t have a solution to make your allergies go away, we do have a few tips on what you may be able to do to slow them down. And it has nothing to do with medication.

Air conditioners inside the home or in a car can help prevent pollen and mold allergens from entering. Various types of air-filtering devices made with fiberglass or electrically charged plates may help reduce allergens produced in the home. If you do not have one of these in place, one can be added to your heating and cooling system. In addition, portable devices that can be used in individual rooms are especially helpful in reducing animal allergens.

An allergy specialist can suggest which kind of filter is best for the home of a particular patient. Before buying a filtering device, the patient should rent one and use it in a closed room (the bedroom, for instance) for a month or two to see whether allergy symptoms diminish. The airflow should be sufficient to exchange the air in the room five or six times per hour; therefore, the size and efficiency of the filtering device should be determined in part by the size of the room.

Although filters for your air conditioners and portable filters can be very useful, you should be aware that some appliances may not be as great as they’re advertised to be. Very small air cleaners cannot remove dust and pollen–and no air purifier can prevent viral or bacterial diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, or tuberculosis.

For more information on air-conditioners you can contact one of our trusted Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas companies in our directory today!

1. Use your ceiling fans. Ceiling fans keep your air circulating and generate a nice breeze in your home. Make sure you have your ceiling fans spinning in the right direction to force cold air down.
2. There is no need to have your thermostat set 70 degrees. Instead opt for 73-76 degrees. Those range of temps along with your ceiling fans should work out nicely.
3. If you have an old thermostat, change to a new digital thermostat. Digital thermostats are much more accurate at reading your home’s temperature and can be programmed to go to higher temps when no one is at home.
4. Check all of your windows and doors to make sure there is no airflow leaving your home. If you have leaky windows then you’re cold air is leaving as soon as it is pumped into your home. You have a few options to alleviate the problem, either try fixing them by caulking all of your windows and doors or buy new weather stripping. The other option is to buy new energy efficient replacement windows. You can save up to 30% each month on your utility bills by replacing your old windows with new ones. New windows will not only save you money, but you can actually recoup your money in just a few years.
5. Have an AC contractor come out to your home to perform an annual check up on your unit. A good cleaning and the fixing of minor repairs can cut the stress from your AC unit, not forcing it to work as hard and saving you money on your bills.

As we head into the heat of spring and into those burning summer days, it’s time to start thinking about your home’s utility bills now. Acting now can save you big over the next 7 months. If you would like to find a local Dallas Fort Worth, Texas AC contractor or a replacement window contractor check out our directory today.

Many homeowners have heard that some air conditioning refrigerants are harmful to the ozone, but after that, the information gets a little fuzzy. Today we will try to explain, in understandable terms, what these refrigerants are, what’s being done about them and if this has any effect on you.

What are harmful refrigerants?

For short, we’ll just call them “CFC’s” (chlorofluorocarbons). These refrigerants were very safe (non combustible, non-toxic to humans except as an oxygen displacer) and were the most widely used refrigerants until their effects in the atmosphere were understood as a serious environmental problem. A CFC known as R-22 has been the refrigerant of choice for residential heat pump and air-conditioning systems for more than four decades. Unfortunately, releases of R-22 that result from system leaks contribute to ozone depletion. On top of that, when companies manufacture R-22, it results in a by-product that contributes significantly to global warming.

What is being done about harmful CFC’s?

Through a series of established requirements from oversight boards in the 1980’s and 1990’s, harmful CFC’s were required to begin a phase out process. While the set of requirements were being set, the U.S. agreed to meet certain obligations by specific dates. The first scheduled deadline came in 2004 when the amount of all HCFCs that could be produced nationwide had to be reduced by 35%. The second deadline is set for the end of this year, 2010, which states that chemical manufacturers may still produce R-22 to service existing equipment, but not for use in new equipment. The final deadline is set for 2020 which states that no more harmful refrigerant will be able to be produced, only recycled R-22 can be used on old AC equipment still in need.

As the manufacture of R-22 is phased out, manufacturers of residential air conditioning systems are beginning to offer equipment that uses ozone-friendly refrigerants. New gases to replace the “R-series” refrigerants not only will be used in AC units, but can also be used in medications that treat asthma.

The effects of the phase out

If you have an older AC system that uses R-22 there is no need to panic. R-22 will probably be available for at least the next 20 years or so, considering it can be recycled and reused. Because the availability of R-22 will be dwindling over time, consumers can expect the prices of R-22 and perhaps R-22 service to go up over that time span. For homeowners in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, there are not any major price shifts expected to happen, just a subtle climb.

Because of the phase out, air and heating units had to be redesigned to fit the uses of different gasses. That, and along with advances in technology, have not only lead to more energy efficient systems, but systems that will reduce your utility bills as well. Products with EPA’s Energy Star(R) label can save homeowners 10% to 40% on their heating and cooling bills every year. Even if your AC unit is only 10 years old, it may still be worth it for the homeowner to switch to a newer model.

When it comes to options, there are many. By simply performing a search online, you can find that there are a large number of companies that manufacture covers. Many of the companies that make air conditioners also sell covers while there are some companies solely dedicated to ac covers.

There are two basic types of central air covers for you to consider. There are hard covers made of heavy duty plastic material which are not adjustable and fit right over the air conditioner unit. There are also soft covers that are made of a strong PVC material or a marine canvas and are more flexible.

So why do you need a cover for your unit? Well, as previously stated, there are many outside elements that can cause damage to the unit. Small animals and insects can nest in and around the unit bringing all kinds of debris. Grass clippings, dirt, water, gravel, sticks and other natural items can all fit into the openings of a unit. Additionally, extreme heat and cold can damage your air system. Placing a cover over the top can eliminate the risk of damage.

If you are looking to buy a cover you need to do a few things. Take measurements of your unit on all sides and determine if your unit is a standard unit size or irregular. That will make a difference in brand and build. Most covers are very easy to install so you should be able to do it yourself. No matter which type or brand you decide, it is definitely worth the investment.

There are a number of energy efficient air conditioners on the market including solar powered air conditioners. These units not only save you money but they help save the environment as well, However, a better unit alone will not do as much for your bills as ensuring that the rest of your home is fitted to keep your air from escaping. By combining the proper equipment maintenance and upgrades with appropriate insulation, weather stripping and thermostat settings, you can reduce your energy bills by up to 50%.

Here are a few general cooling tips for your home:

- Use house fans to circulate the air. If you do not have ceiling fans you can pick up some nice floor fans at any home improvement store.
- Try to set your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as possible without it being uncomfortable. If it’s 90F outside.. we don’t recommend that your AC is set on 65F. Instead try putting your thermostat at 73F and turning the fans on.
- Don’t reduce your thermostat setting to a colder temperature than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. This will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.
- Consider ceiling fans to help spread the cooled air more effectively through your home without greatly increasing your power use.
- Keep electronics away from your thermostat. The closer heat is to your thermostat the more ineffective it will be at determining the actual house temperature.
- As we mentioned in a previous article, try to shade your outside ac unit with a canopy or other shading. However, do not cover it to close as it needs some room to breathe. The hotter the unit the harder it has to work.
- Use blinds and curtains to keep the heat out on bright, sunny days.
- If your leaving home for a few days, set the thermostat to a temperature that is typically unbearable to you but won’t do damage to your home.

You should replace the unit’s filter every spring, even if it doesn’t look like it needs to be replaced. Many times, the most damaging effects the filter can cause are from things that cannot be seen by the naked eye.

Unless you are as big of a clean-freak as I am you have probably never wiped down your entire unit. It’s important to clean the entire exterior of the unit. Clean the outer part of the frame. Clean the inside edges of the unit. Get in the vents and wipe down the outside of the air-conditioner. The more thorough that you are with this job, the cleaner the air you are going to get pushed into your home.

Just because your air conditioner hasn’t been running all winter doesn’t mean the vents and the rest of the exterior hasn’t accumulated dust, dirt and other outside debris. There will be more debris then you think caked into the crevices of the air conditioner. Take a damp rag and wipe it down entirely. You also want to be sure to take the time to clean away anything that could become a hindrance to your unit as the months pass. Make sure you keep the grass and weeds low and don’t stockpile any junk along the wall near the unit.

Keeping your window unit running properly is not difficult as long as you keep it well maintained, which is not much work. Central air definitely has it’s perks, but nothing cools a room faster than a window air unit. If you’re having problems with your unit or are thinking about switching to central air, we have several contractors in our directory that are eager to help!

What causes air conditioners to drip? Condensation. Air conditioners create significant condensation, which exits through a plastic drain tube. This should go into a floor drain or be carried away by a small “condensate pump.” If water forming at the base of the unit, something could be blocking the water’s flow, or leaking, or there is another possibility that the pump may not be working.

Here are a few steps you can follow to possibly repair your air conditioner:

1 –One of the tubes could be leaking. In that situation you will need to replace it.

2 – Find the condensate pump and pour water into its pan. If the pump doesn’t immediately start, either it has no power running to it or it is broken. Be sure the pump is plugged in and test the circuit. If it’s broken, you will have to get it repaired or replace it.

3 – If the pump runs but doesn’t empty the pan, there is a check valve just before the discharge tube that could be stuck. Unscrew the check valve, loosen the ball inside, and look for an obstruction.

4 – Another problem could be that the drain tube is clogged with algae. In that situation run a wire through it to clear it. To kill the algae, you can pour a dilute solution of bleach through the pipe a few times.

5 – If ice is blocking the tube, it could be frozen over do to a dirty filter. Check the filter. If the filter appears to be fine, the air conditioner’s refrigerant supply is probably low. For this step it is probably best to leave it to the experts. You can find a Dallas-Fort Worth air conditioner contractor near you in our contractor directory!

1 – Be sure the thermostat is set to “cool” and below the current temperature.

2 – A central air conditioner should be on a dedicated 240-volt circuit; make sure there aren’t any tripped breakers or a down fuse by looking at the main electrical panel and any secondary circuit panels. If you find the problem at the panel, reset the breaker or replace the fuse.

3 – Make sure the furnace power switch is turned on and that the outdoor condenser’s power switch, mounted on the outdoor unit, hasn’t been shut off. Also, be sure the 240-volt disconnect next to the compressor (in a metal box, usually mounted on the house wall) hasn’t been shut off.

4 – Turn off the power to the air conditioner and check the thermostat inside your home.

5 – Remove the thermostat’s cover and unscrew the wire from the Y terminal.

6 – Turn the power back on.

7 – When holding the wire by its insulation ONLY, touch the bare end to the R terminal and hold it there for about two minutes. Be sure to be careful when handling the wire. If the compressor kicks on, the thermostat is broken; replace it or call a licensed air-conditioning technician. If the compressor doesn’t go on when you hold the two wires together, turn the power back off and call a Dallas-Fort Worth area technician, because only a professional will be able to handle the rest of the situation.

The first topic: What if my air conditioner is not cooling properly?
A central air conditioner that runs but doesn’t cool may just need to be cleaned. Plan to do this on a relatively warm day. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual as you follow these simple steps.
1 – Before you begin, turn off the power to the AC unit. There is normally a shut-off or disconnect panel on the house wall next to the outdoor compressor. Otherwise, shut off the air conditioner’s 240-volt circuit at the main electrical panel.
2 – Rake leaves or any other debris away from the outdoor  AC condenser.

3 – Remove any protective grille or cover from the condenser’s fins.

4 – Use a soft brush to clean dirt and debris from the fins, and then vacuum them with a brush attachment (be careful not to damage the fins).

5 – Unscrew and lift the top grille off the unit, if possible. If the fan is attached to the grille, be careful not to pull to fast, because you could pull some wires loose.

6 – From inside the AC unit, hose down the fins (protect the wiring and motor with plastic sheeting). If your owner’s manual calls for lubricating the motor, do that now—but don’t over lubricate.

7 – Reassemble the unit back together reversing the directions from the beginning steps.

8 – To test it, turn the power on and set the thermostat to turn the unit on. Let it run for a few minutes, and then feel the two pipes that connect to the condenser unit (slide any insulation back). One should feel warm, the other cool. Otherwise, call an air-conditioning technician—the refrigerant may need to be recharged.

Important note: Avoid straining an air conditioner’s compressor by waiting at least five minutes between turning it off at the thermostat and turning it back on. Turning the unit off and on quickly can be damaging in the long run.

When it comes to air quality, by far, the most efficient filters are the Electronic Air Cleaners. There are other high efficiency air cleaning systems that you can have installed by a contractor that will help keep your home’s air as clean and dust free as most electronic air cleaners. While the filtering options are less expensive than the electronic air cleaners, they tend to have higher maintenance costs due to the disposable filters used inside of them.
There many different things in the air that we are totally unaware of. From pollen to lint to odors, removing these things is the job of your filter. The standard filters you can buy at the hardware store, the fiberglass stranded filters, are the cheapest and most ineffective filters for removing these particles and odors. The cheap filter will remove less than 10 percent of these particles and none of the odors from the air that you breathe.

As stated above, one of the best options is the Electronic Air Cleaner. An addition to the Electronic Air Cleaner, and one that will ensure the eradication of bacteria, mold, fungi, and mildew, is the ultra violet light installed in the return duct near the EAC (Electronic Air Cleaner). When these two devices, the electronic air cleaner and the ultraviolet air cleaner, are combined with the standard type of filter, you can be assured that you have the best indoor air quality available in your home.