Category: HVAC

Light bulb and stacks of coins representing energy savings and efficiency in HVAC systems.

Energy Savings

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We’re all trying to save money wherever we can, and paying for comfort is no exception. Thankfully, HVAC efficiency keeps more money in your wallet and benefits the environment as well. Typically, heating and cooling account for at least half of your energy expenses! That’s why efficiency is a critical part of saving money on your monthly bill. In this post, we’ll offer a few practical tips on how increase energy savings by increasing efficiency.

SEAL THE GAPS

If there are cracks or gaps around windows and doors, be sure to seal them up tight. These are generally relatively easy DIY projects. You can get sealant and tape at your local hardware store. You want air coming in through your vents, but not through doors and windows! Sealing them up will help you keep the comfortable air (that you can control) in!

REGULAR HVAC MAINTENANCE

Regular HVAC maintenance will increase the lifespan of your unit and increase efficiency. It’s a good idea to have it checked out once a year. The Bosworth Company in Kerrville runs specials every spring and fall to get your HVAC ready for the heat or cool. These Clean and Checks include a full clean, inspection, and general tune-up!

REPLACE FILTER

Regular replacement of your filters will help your HVAC unit breathe easier, prevent it from working as hard, make it last longer, and increase its efficiency.

GET WITH THE PROGRAM

Programmable thermostats are one of the newest high-tech features in the HVAC world. Just program the temperature to fit your schedule. A smart thermostat can even learn your habits and make temperature adjustments accordingly. You can even control the temperature from an app when you’re away. All these factors increase both comfort, efficiency and energy savings.

EQUIPMENT UPGRADE

Every part of your HVAC unit will age and need to be replaced eventually. The core of your unit will likely need an overhaul about once every 15 years. Putting it off will not only leave you uncomfortable but can cost you efficiency since your unit is working harder when it’s past its prime.

WORTH THE CALL

If you notice a problem with your heating or A/C, don’t wait to get it fixed. The Bosworth Company can come to give you a tune-up or recommend a new unit if necessary. Make an appointment today by calling 830-428-2764 or scheduling one online. The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always.

Lennox Smart Thermostat Systems

Get the Most Out of Your Thermostat

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Winter is here and we hope your heater has been keeping you comfortable! Aside from staying cozy on these chilly winter nights, you also don’t want a surprise hike in your heating bill! One secret weapon to keeping costs down is already mounted on your wall. In this post, we’ll take a look at your thermostat and offer a few tips on how to improve efficiency and stay comfortable.

A TALE OF TWO STORIES

We all know heat rises, but how does that impact a two-story home? If your thermostat temperature is the same for the whole house, the upstairs area will naturally stay warmer and your HVAC will be working hard to balance it out. Instead, set the thermostat to be a little warmer downstairs. That warm air will make its way north (upstairs) helping balance the home’s temperature and making it easier on your furnace. We recommend keeping it two degrees warmer downstairs. This could save you hundreds of dollars over the course of the year.

BORN TO RUN

There’s no need to leave the fan on unless you’re heating or cooling. This can help with air quality because your air is being recycled, however, it uses up a lot of energy. Running the fan even has a negative effect during the winter because warm air can escape through leaky ducts, leaving your home even cooler.

BUNDLE UP

At the end of the day, turn the temperature down, and grab an extra blanket for the bed. Our bodies can adjust to the cool while we sleep, so turn the thermostat down about three degrees to save energy. An extra blanket (or flannel PJs) should keep you cozy and comfy all night long. Especially since it’s cooler outside overnight, dropping the inside temperatures at the same time can really save you money.

NUMBER ONE FAN

Ceiling fans are great for keeping cool during the summer, but did you realize they have a benefit in the winter months as well? A small switch on the outside of the fan causes the fan to spin in the opposite direction. Now, instead of pushing air from the ceiling to the floor, it’s helping to circulate warm air at the ceiling throughout the room. If it means saving money on your heating bill, it’s worth a try!

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company in Kerrville has you covered on all your HVAC needs this winter and beyond! If your unit needs a tune-up, or you’re considering a new state-of-the-art thermostat that will help keep you cozy and save you money, schedule an appointment online or call us today at 830-428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always!

Air Purifiers compared

The Differences Between Air Purifiers

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As the weather finally starts to get cooler and we switch off the A/C and switch on the heat, you’ll probably notice something new in the air – and it isn’t good. The first several times you run your heater, you may notice a musty smell. Sometimes it even smells like something’s burning. This may prompt you to start thinking about how an air purifier could help you breathe easier in your home. This post will explain the differences between the air purifiers you can purchase for your home.

HOW AIR PURIFIERS WORK

Unlike a simple filter, air purifiers scientifically clean the air. They suction the air from living spaces, clean it, then push it back into your home for you to breathe. 

TYPES OF AIR PURIFIERS

There are two common types of air filters. Some are standalone, meaning they are a separate unit that you leave in a room in your house. Other purifiers are installed directly inside the air-duct, so they clean all the air moving through your system and distribute it throughout your home.

Standalone models use a variety of purification methods:

  • UV light: Ultraviolet light kills bacteria and other viruses as air passes through it. These are typically very small and won’t take up much space.
  • Activated Carbon: These are great at eliminating gas and smoke by using carbon and HEPA filters.
  • Ionic Air: Negatively charged ions shoot into the air and attach themselves to bacteria in the air, causing them to die.
  • HEPA filters: High-efficiency filters work similarly to simple filters in your vents to trap dirt and dust.

In-duct air purifiers, also known as Central Air Purifiers, are installed directly into your central HVAC unit. The main advantage is that they provide air purification to your entire home. Here are a few of the different styles of in-duct purifiers:

  • Central Air systems: Installing directly into the air ducts also means your HVAC system will run more efficiently.
  • Exchangers: Air-to-air exchangers bring in fresh air from the outside. This filtering process also helps keep the air in your home fresh.
  • Electronic Cleaners: These use HEPA filters and electric static to clean the air.

EFFECTIVENESS

Air purifiers help to eliminate 99% of airborne pollutants in a particular room. Likewise, the in-duct purifiers eliminate 99% of airborne pollutants in your entire home. These can include gases, viruses, bacteria, smoke, odors, pet dander, mold, and other harmful particles.

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company has the experts and the know-how for all your HVAC needs. If you’re interested in learning more about in-duct air purification systems and having one installed, make an appointment today by calling830-428-2764 or schedule one online. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

MERV and HEPA air filters

MERV vs HEPA Air Filters

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We’re back with a post discussing one of our favorite topics: air filters! We stress the importance of air filters and how they help keep the air in your home clean, reduce wear and tear on your HVAC, and keep your energy bills low. In this post, we’re going to discuss two different types of filters – MERV and HEPA – and which one is right for you!

MERV FILTERS

MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) is a rating assigned to distinguish between filters. Air filters have a MERV rating between 1 and 16, depending on how effectively they remove particles and allergens from the air. Filters with the highest ratings can even remove mold, car fumes, and smoke. Those highly-rated filters are best for homes with allergy sufferers.

HEPA FILTERS

Many consider HEPA filters to be the top of the line HVAC air filter. HEPA filters work as part of an air purification system that can be added to your current HVAC system. It can trap contaminants as small as 0.3 microns. These are particles so small that you can’t see them without magnification. HEPA filters require an additional fan that needs to be added to your HVAC system in order to operate. Not all HVAC systems will work with HEPA filters. They need to be able to generate enough power to work with both fans. These fans will result in an increase in energy output and your bill but can be worth it depending on your air filtration needs.

CHOOSING A FILTER

All filters remove dust and other contaminants from indoor air. A MERV rating of 5 to 8 is good for most homes unless you have significant respiratory problems. 

Those with severe allergies or asthma, or higher levels of dirt or contaminants in their air (this can include paint fumes, cleaning products, etc.), should look for a MERV rating of between 8 and 16. 

Nursing homes and hospitals that require a sterile environment will often use filters with a MERV rating of between 13 and 17. These are also good for homes if someone has a chronic illness or weak immune system.

WORTH THE CALL

Remember that MERV-rated filters work with most home HVAC systems, and HEPA filters work with your HVAC system as part of an air purifier. The Bosworth Company in Kerrville can explain what’s right for you and your HVAC needs. Make an appointment today by calling 830-428-2764 or scheduling one online. The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always.

HVAC service myths are all too common

6 Common HVAC Service Myths

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It’s a busy time of year for the HVAC professionals at The Bosworth Company in Kerrville. Many of you know Fall is a good time to get your unit tuned up as you move from using air conditioning to heat. But you may not know when is the best time to call. In this post, we’ll take a look at some common misconceptions regarding HVAC service and set the record straight!

Myth: Only call a pro in an emergency.

Most homeowners will call a professional when something is wrong, but wouldn’t even think about calling for routine maintenance. This is a mistake! There are DIY projects you can do on your own, but it’s always good to have a pro provide regular maintenance. The experts at The Bosworth Company in Kerrville can identify small issues most homeowners will miss. This will make your HVAC last longer and can save you money by avoiding more expensive repair costs.

Myth: Don’t bother changing your air filters.

It’s critical that you change your air filters regularly. A dirty air filter leads to less clean air and makes your HVAC unit work harder which leads to higher electric bills. It’s good practice to change the filters every one to three months. This is something you can do on your own without the help of a professional. If your filter gets clogged with dirt and dust, it should definitely be cleaned or replaced right away.

Myth: A bigger HVAC system is always better.

Not necessarily. You need one that fits your home. A heavy-duty HVAC system in a small or modest home will have a shortened lifespan and be much less cost-effective. It can also make your home feel more humid.

Myth: It’ll cost you money just to get an estimate.

If you need service on your HVAC unit, The Bosworth Company in Kerrville will not charge you just to have a conversation about your situation or provide an estimate on changes. We are here to help you determine your HVAC needs and take care of them. No hidden fees here!

Myth: Your thermostat can be placed anywhere.

The location of your thermostat is critical. Make sure it’s away from direct sunlight, vents, windows, doors, and appliances that produce heat. The thermostat should be in a central location on the wall of a room you commonly use. This will ensure the most accurate reading for your home!

Myth: Setting the temperature way up or down makes it work faster.

You’re cold, so you turn the thermostat up to 90. No!!! The heat is either on or off, so setting it high won’t make it get warm any faster. It just means that it will keep warming even after you reach your desired temperature.

WORTH THE CALL

Call The Bosworth Company in Kerrville today at 830-428-2764 to make an appointment for one of our professionals to check out your HVAC unit. You can also schedule an appointment for HVAC service online. The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always.

How Your Air Conditioner Works

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Fall has arrived, but here in Texas, we’ll still need to run our air conditioning for the next couple of months. In this post, we’ll discuss how your air conditioner works. Knowing how it works will help you know when it needs service and how to keep it running strong. We’ll even tell you how The Bosworth Company in Kerrville can help!

THE PARTS

Remember – an air conditioner is different from a fan. It doesn’t just move the air, it removes the moisture, making a humid Central Texas afternoon a lot more comfortable. This process requires taking the air that’s inside your home and forcing it outside. It’s much more complicated and scientific than this, but here are the five primary “ingredients”:

  • Refrigerant is the cooling agent. It’s pumped through the system and changes the warm air in your home to liquid as it’s moved outside. It also keeps your HVAC unit from overheating.
  • The Compressor is the heart of the system that pumps air throughout your home and the air ducts.
  • The Condenser is the part of the compressor that transforms the refrigerant. Once the refrigerant is pumped into the compressor, the condenser helps turn it into liquid. This all happens when your exterior unit is running.
  • The Expansion Valve is where the refrigerant basically re-cools the refrigerant. When the liquid expands (expansion valve, remember), it cools down and is ready to be pumped back into your home.
  • The Evaporator Coil is the final step. The cold liquid is “evaporated” in the plenum (the metal box in your attic) before it is distributed into the ducts as cool air.

WORTH THE CALL

This could have been much, much more scientific and detailed, but we just wanted to cover the basics. Here’s the good news: you don’t need to know it all, because our experts do! Let the Bosworth Company in Kerrville maintain your A/C by investing in our Fall Clean & Check. It’s a great way to give your entire unit a tune-up! You can make an appointment today by calling 830-428-2764 or scheduling one online. The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always.

unusual air conditioner noises are driving this homeowner crazy

Noises Coming From My Air Conditioner!

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If you have a newer home or a newer air conditioner, it should run pretty quietly. However, an old, loud unit can be a real pain. It might wake you up if it kicks on in the middle of the night, or even prevent you from falling asleep. Unusual noises coming from your A/C could just be a small problem, but letting it go could lead to a major issue. In this post, we’ll take a look at what causes them to be so loud, and how to fix it.

TYPES OF A/C NOISES

  • Loud Banging/Clanking: This is a possible indication of a part broken off inside your A/C compressor. This could be a connecting rod, crankshaft, or piston pin. If your compressor needs replacing or your blower is unbalanced, it should be repaired right away.
  • Clicking: A clicking sound when the A/C fires up or turns off is probably ok. However, if it’s ongoing, that may signal a problem with your thermostat. If it involves the electric connections in your system, it’s a good idea to get it checked out.
  • Squealing: This sound can come from motors on both your outdoor and indoor units. When the motors are squealing, that’s a sign they could be about to die.
  • Humming: Humming is a typical sound for A/C units, but if you’re just noticing something new, there could be an issue. It could mean loose parts or something off within the piping. If it’s bothersome, definitely have it checked out.
  • Buzzing: Buzzing could be caused by several things: debris caught in either the indoor or outdoor unit, a loose fan motor, dirt in the condenser coil, loose fan blades, dirty air filters, or a leak.
  • Rattling: This could simply indicate your system is getting old. Over time, debris can clog up the system causing it to rattle. There could also be an electrical issue or loose parts. Tightening loose screws, cleaning the coils, and changing filters are things you can do on your own, but if the rattling noises persist, it’s best to call a pro.

WORTH THE CALL

Like we explained, not every noise requires a call or is necessarily even a concern. However, if your air conditioner ever makes the very high pitched scream or whistle sound, you should call immediately. That usually indicates a refrigerant leak, which can be bad for your entire system, and for you! Make an appointment to have us check out your system today, by calling 830-428-2764 or scheduling an appointment online for our Fall Clean & Check. The Bosworth Company in Kerrville is Worth the Call. Always.

Woman Uncomfortable With Warm Air Coming From Her AC

Why Is My AC Blowing Warm Air?

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We’re still in the heat of summer so it’s more important than ever that your AC not only be working but that it actually feels cold. You read that right. Sometimes the fan can be working great, but when you actually feel the air, it feels warm. In this post, we’ll talk about why that happens, if you should be concerned, and what you can do about it.

THERMOSTAT SETTINGS

The first thing you should do is check your thermostat. Make sure that it’s set to “cool” not “heat.” Mishaps can happen often, and if you’re feeling warm air from your vents, it’s entirely possible that the setting was accidentally changed. Just double-check it. In most situations, you’ll also want to make sure the setting is on “AUTO” as opposed to “ON.” If it’s set to “ON” the fan will blow constantly, even if the air has reached the desired temperature – which could make it feel warm.

OUTDOOR UNIT

We mention this in many of our posts because it’s important: the area around your exterior AC unit should be clean. There should not be leaves, bushes, woodpiles, or other debris on or around your AC unit. If there’s too much clutter around your unit, it will prevent warm air from leaving your home and could make the AC feel hot. This is easily fixable by removing the debris. Trim nearby bushes and sweep away grass and leaves to ensure continuous airflow. 

Occasionally, the exterior AC unit will lose power completely. This is generally due to a mistakenly switched circuit breaker or emergency shutoff switch (located on an exterior wall, near the unit). Check these to make sure everything’s ON.

OTHER ISSUES

Making sure your thermostat and exterior AC unit are up and running properly are pretty easy. If you’ve checked these and are still experiencing warm air coming through your vents, there are a few other possibilities. These can include:

  • Refrigerant leak/low on freon
  • Evaporator coil needs cleaning
  • Duct problems

These are all issues that require a professional like The Bosworth Company for repair.

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company in Kerrville has experts to make sure your air conditioning is COLD again! Make an appointment today by calling 830-428-2764 or scheduling one online. The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always.

What are Bathroom and Kitchen Exhaust Fans Really For

What are Bathroom and Kitchen Exhaust Fans Really For?

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Exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens do exactly what they are supposed to do. They pull unwanted air particles out of your home and push them straight outside! But there’s a problem: sometimes hot or cool air that’s outside can come in the same way! In this post, we’ll explore ways to prevent that from happening.

PURPOSE OF EXHAUST FANS

In bathrooms, exhaust fans help remove humid air out of the room. That’s why it’s a good idea to turn it on during or after a long, hot shower. All that steam left in the room can cause mold and mildew on the wall and tiles. The exhaust fan helps get rid of the steam so it doesn’t have time to do damage.

The kitchen exhaust fan helps eliminate steam, and even smoke, that develops when cooking. It also serves as a safety feature for those with a gas stovetop, by keeping flammable gasses away. During the summer, it can help keep your kitchen cool, even when cooking a hot meal.

EXCEPTIONAL EXHAUST

Exhaust fans should have a backdraft damper installed where the duct exits your home. These usually come with installation, but sometimes they are broken or need to be replaced. This can happen if debris gets jammed in the damper, leaving it open even when the exhaust fan is not in use. Not only can air get in, other debris, and even bugs can get in. The flaps can eventually get rusted and should be occasionally replaced. If you notice air coming in through your fan, that’s also a reason to get it checked out. 

WORTH THE CALL

Exhaust fans are a staple in just about every home. If they’re working efficiently, they’ll keep you comfortable and at an affordable price. The Bosworth Kerrville can help make sure yours is working properly. Make an appointment with one of our experts today by calling 830-428-2764 or scheduling one online. We can help with the exhaust fan or any of your HVAC needs! The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always.

Fixing a Leaky A/C

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Summer is here. The heat is here. And it’s not going anywhere. If my A/C kicks off, even for a moment, there’s a degree of fear that crosses my mind. The point is, this is not the time you want to deal with a broken or inefficient air conditioning unit. In this post, we’ll discuss one of the main things that can keep your home from cooling properly: a leaky A/C.

WHAT CAUSES THE LEAK?

Oftentimes a bad or clogged drain line can cause water leaks in your home. The A/C creates condensation, and that water needs a place to go. If routed properly, a pipe will run the water outside your home. However, if there’s a clog in the line, the excess water will drain into a drain pan right below your HVAC unit. When your drain line is working properly, that pan should remain dry! If it’s wet, it will fill up quickly and spill over. If your A/C unit is in your attic, this will lead to stains and water damage on your ceiling.

When water is pooling around the unit and there doesn’t seem to be excess condensation or a blockage in the drain line, it’s possible that the air filter is clogged.

DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM

If you know you have a leak, but can’t figure out the cause, it’s important to call a pro to help diagnose and fix the problem. As mentioned above, a leaky A/C can cause the unit to lose efficiency, but also cause unrelated damage inside your home. At The Bosworth Company in Kerrville, we want you to stay safe and comfortable all summer while keeping your home safe from damage!

Give us a call today so that we can come to diagnose the issue and fix it for you. You can make an appointment online or by calling us at 830-428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.