Category: HVAC

You get to the store to pick something out – and there are so many options you can’t decide. In some cases, you don’t even know what the descriptions mean. One example is with HVAC filters. Each comes labeled with a MERV rating – but do you have any idea what that means, or how it can help you decide the filter that’s right for you? We’ll take a look in this post.

WHAT IS MERV?

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The MERV rating ranges from 1-16 and is assigned to HVAC filters. The number represents a scale that measures the filter’s ability to remove particles from the air moving through your system. These particles can be between .3 and 10 microns in size! We’re talking things like dust, pollen, cigar smoke, and some particles you can’t even see. Most home filters have a MERV rating between 7 and 12, while a filter in a place like a hospital is more likely to be rated between 13 and 16. 

It’s important to know that a HIGHER rating is not necessarily a BETTER rating. What’s important is that the rating of the filter matches the output and the power of your HVAC. The unit and the filter need to work together to create maximum efficiency and comfort for you!

CHANGING FILTERS

As with any kind of filter, your air filter needs to be changed occasionally. You need to change filters with higher MERV ratings a bit more frequently. You can change air filters on your own, but it may take some know-how to make sure you get the right one. 

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company in Kerrville has the experts you need to make sure you pick the right filter to fit your system. Give us a call today at 830-428-2764 or schedule an appointment online. The Bosworth Company is Worth The Call. ALWAYS.

Here in Texas, it may feel like summer as early as April, or even March, but summer isn’t really starting until now. Now that we’ve hit June, you know those hot temperatures are here to stay. And as you’re blasting your A/C you’ll want to make sure you’ve got what it takes to maximize airflow. This will help keep you cool and comfortable, without raising your electric bill through the roof! In this post, we’ll look at a few ways you can maximize airflow!

CHECK YOUR FLOW

If your HVAC unit was working at maximum efficiency, every corner of your home would be at a comfortable temperature. You should be just as cool in the farthest corner in the house as you are standing right underneath the vent. If the cool air isn’t being distributed evenly, you could have an airflow problem.

THE PROBLEM

As we’ve discussed in our other posts regarding heaters and air conditioning units, having clean and undamaged air ducts should solve most of your airflow issues. If the rooms that are farther away from your HVAC unit aren’t getting enough cool air, blockages (or leaks) could be the problem.

TAKE A LOOK

Go to a back bedroom, and remove the register from your vent. You’ll be able to see inside – and it may not be pretty. If you have a vacuum with a hose attachment, reach in as far as you can to clean out as much dust as possible. After that, wipe it down with a wet cloth, again reaching as far inside as you can. You can also wipe down the louvers on the register, and make sure they are fully open for maximum airflow. 

WORTH THE CALL

All of our services at The Bosworth Company in Kerrville focus on keeping you comfortable in your home or business. If your heater isn’t heating your entire home, we can help. Schedule an appointment online or give us a call today at 830-428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

The global pandemic has meant spending a lot more time indoors than usual. In the age of social distancing, it’s more important than ever that we breathe clean air, especially in our homes. One way you can keep the air in your home in tip-top shape is by using an air purification system. The Bosworth Company in Kerrville is proud to be an authorized dealer of Lennox HVAC products. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the advantages that their systems offer.

WHY LENNOX?

Air purifiers are great for families who have dust, pollen, or bacterial allergies. The system removes impurities from the air during its normal heating or cooling cycle. A Lennox air purifier is built to remove:

• Pet dander
• Hair
• Smoke
• Dust
• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Odors

Lennox has proven to have one of the best performing air purification systems. They manufacture a variety of products that we can add to your existing HVAC system to provide cleaner, fresher air.

LENNOX PUREAIR S PURIFICATION SYSTEM

The Lennox PureAir S system is guaranteed to remove 99.9% of all airborne particles, as well as 90% of viruses from the air in your home. This will help make your home a sanctuary of safety during this time of uncertainty. It also gets rid of bad odors and keeps your home smelling great.

LENNOX ICOMFORT S30 ULTRA SMART THERMOSTAT

You may not realize it, but a state-of-the-art thermostat goes a long way in keeping your HVAC unit running properly, efficiently, and keeping you comfortable. In fact, the thermostat works with the air purifier so it can adjust and operate when air filtration is needed. It even has a feature that specifically adjusts based on humidity levels. Like many modern thermostats, you can also put it on a timer to adjust the temperature to your preference throughout the day.

WORTH THE CALL. ALWAYS. 

If you’re ready to commit to cleaner air in your home, let us know! You can set an appointment with The Bosworth Company by calling 830-428-2764 or scheduling an appointment online. The Bosworth Company. Worth the Click. Always.

Breathing clean air should be expected in your home. Most of the time you don’t even think about it. But airborne pollutants are commonplace in every home. Mold, pollen, pet dander, dust, and other contaminants can leave you coughing, sneezing and wheezing. Fortunately, there’s a new air purity solution that scientifically cleans the air in your home. In this post, we’ll learn about the HALO-LED.

WHAT IT DOES

What makes the HALO-LED so unique? It is the first home air filtration system that is actually placed inside your air ducts. It activates whenever the HVAC unit kicks on, with either warm or cold air. The HALO-LED treats the air running through it by bi-polar ionization. It then pushes the ions into your living space, where they attack contaminants. The ions even cause dust particles to clump up, making it more likely that your air filters will catch them. The whole process cleans your air and helps you breathe easier. 

EFFECTIVE

The UV lights release ions that don’t just infiltrate an isolated room. If properly installed, they will spread throughout your entire home, targeting every cubic inch of space. The UV lights trap mold particles, allergens, and up to 99% of bacteria and viruses.

FEATURES

• Replaceable LED cell with 2.5x longer life than traditional mercury vapor UV lamp
• Washable catalyst, to tackle tough environments like cigar bars or smoking rooms
• Reduces surface and airborne bacteria, mold, viruses and microbials
• Reduces odors, smoke, dust, particles, and allergens
• Mercury and ozone free

WORTH THE CALL. ALWAYS. 

The Bosworth Company is an authorized dealer for the HALO-LED. We have the expertise to help you decide on the best air purity system for your home or office. For a consultation and demonstration, call us today at 830-428-2764 or schedule an appointment online. The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always.

The Texas Hill Country has some of the best weather around. But, that doesn’t mean we don’t need heating during the winter or cooling during the summer. It means we can get lulled into thinking our outdated HVAC unit will get the job done like we need. As spring begins and summer approaches, it’s a good time to evaluate if it’s time to overhaul your heating and air. In this post, we’ll take a look at a few signs that could be telling you it’s time to replace your HVAC unit, or possibly just have it repaired.

HIGH ELECTRIC BILL

It’s time for your dreaded monthly trip to the mailbox. You open your electric bill… and it seems a lot higher than it should be. During the hottest and coldest times of the year, your bills can really spike. The problem is that they could spike even more if your HVAC unit isn’t working right.

REPAIRING YOUR CURRENT SYSTEM

It may seem daunting to pay to replace your HVAC unit but a new unit’s efficiency, combined with eliminating frequent repairs, can quickly result in great savings. Some maintenance is normal, and you may even need some repairs every few years, but serious repairs to either the heater or A/C mean something is wrong.

OLDER UNITS

Typically HVAC units last about 10 years. They may still be running after a decade, but it’s likely you’ve lost efficiency and a new unit would provide better value. You may even notice that the temperature in your home is not regulated like it used to be when the unit was new. Older units will collect dirt and dust over the years that eventually gets into the air you breathe. Even the thermostat itself needs to be upgraded every few years. If the unit seems to be constantly running, it will eventually break down and have problems, and ultimately become less efficient.

The Bosworth Company has everything you need to keep you comfortable at a reasonable price. We carry a wide range of state-of-the-art heating and air conditioning units that can keep you comfortable. And the efficient models made today will save you money, too. Make your appointment today by scheduling it online or calling 830-428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

In our last post, we began exploring some of the reasons that calling an HVAC pro to do your work can be a really good idea. Not only will it save you time in the short term, it will save you money in the long term.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

The Bosworth Company has been serving Texans for more than 70 years. We owe our success to quality and customer service. Our professionals will treat your HVAC like it’s the one in their own home. We want you to be comfortable and satisfied!

SYSTEM THAT SUITS YOUR NEED

Expertise comes into play when providing stellar customer service. On a DIY project, it may be unclear what type of HVAC unit is best for your home or office. Size, layout, windows, and a myriad of other factors will determine what kind of unit is right for you. Should it start in the attic, or should you go ductless? How much power do you need? We know what’s available and what’s the perfect fit for you. This will make sure you get the most efficient system possible, keeping you comfortable, and keeping cash in your pocket.

SAFETY

This one’s easy. If you’re not sure how your heating or air conditioning units work, call an expert. Any sort of electrical work can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Let the experts at The Bosworth Company help. Natural gas and emissions, if not set up properly, could be deadly. It’s Worth the Call.

DETERMINING THE PROBLEM

This may be the most obvious reason to call an HVAC pro. Oftentimes, if your HVAC unit isn’t running properly you may not even be able to diagnose the problem. Let us help. A misdiagnosis could lead to even more problems.

AIR QUALITY

One thing you can’t measure inside your home or office is air quality. You can tell if it’s bad, or if dust is accumulating around your home, but without the proper tools, you can’t really measure it. The experts at The Bosworth Company can not only find out the exact quality, they can figure out what’s causing a problem and fix it.

If you’re experiencing problems with your HVAC, give us a call today at 830-428-2764 or schedule an appointment online. The Bosworth Company is Worth the Call. Always.

Like many types of home maintenance, you would probably do it yourself if you had the time and expertise. HVAC maintenance can often be tedious, sometimes scientific, and more often will require the help of a pro. In our next couple of posts, we’ll explore the reasons why getting some help will be your best bet.

FIX IT RIGHT

Sure, you could possibly get your heating or A/C running, but getting it done right the first time is the way to go. A certified HVAC technician from The Bosworth Company has the skills to keep your unit running for years to come. The increased efficiency we provide will save you money in the long run.

INSURANCE

Doing it yourself or hiring an amateur can be risky. On the off chance that someone gets injured, you could be held liable. The pros at The Bosworth Company are fully insured, so in case something does happen, you’re covered!

STAY UPDATED

Technology in the HVAC world is advancing all the time. A do-it-yourself kit or instructions from YouTube may not always be the safest, most efficient, or best option. Our certified professionals are constantly learning the latest techniques and tools to keep you comfortable!

TIMELINESS

You need heat in a deep freeze and air conditioning during a heatwave. If your HVAC unit goes out, you need it fixed ASAP! Doing it on your own could take time, and leave you waiting. Give The Bosworth Company a call and we’ll get you back to normal fast.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

An HVAC pro can not only get your unit up and running, but they can also provide general maintenance that will keep it going strong. Besides heating and air conditioning, we can also make sure your ventilation and air quality systems are also properly maintained.

CALL US!

The Bosworth Company is here to help! Call us today at 830-428-2764 or set up an appointment online. We’re Worth the Call. Always.

The HVAC world is filled with acronyms. HVAC stands for Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning. While most people know that one, it’s not very helpful when you aren’t familiar with an acronym. In this post, we’ll discuss the SEER rating.

What is SEER?

The SEER rating is a number listed on those yellow Energy Guide stickers that accompany air conditioning units. SEER stands for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio”. It’s basically a formula to determine the efficiency of your appliance. In a nutshell, it’s the cooling output, divided by the energy output. The “seasonal” part of the equation means that the system considers the number of hot and cold days over a typical “season.” A high rating means high efficiency. High efficiency means more bang for your buck. Easy, right?

SEER Ratings

An air conditioner’s SEER rating ranges from about 13 to 25. Modern systems, are already quite a bit more efficient than an older unit. Older A/C units may commonly have a rating of only 7 or 8. Similar to the miles-per-gallon on a car, the SEER rating represents the efficiency output in optimum conditions. So output and performance could vary based on conditions and usage.

Buying Your Next HVAC Unit

So what’s the real value of an increased SEER rating? Is it worth purchasing a more expensive unit with a higher rating? High-end units will be more efficient and save you money in the long run. In places like Texas, where every summer is long and hot, a quality A/C unit is probably worth it.

If you’re ready to make the call, contact the Bosworth Company – Kerrville at 830-428-2764 or schedule an appointment online. We’ll match you with the model to fit your budget, and our experts will install it for maximum efficiency. The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always.

Of all the household chores, dusting may be the most frustrating. You wipe down furniture, countertops, even baseboards all over the house. A day or, in some cases, only a few hours later it seems there’s already more dust build-up. Why does this happen and is there a way to prevent (or at least reduce) it?

VACUUMING

Of course, vacuuming helps clean your carpet, but it can actually cause just as many problems as it solves. That’s because you’re stirring up all the dust and dust mites that have settled on the carpet, and sending them into the air. From there they land on your furniture (or even worse, in your nose)! In general, hardwood or tile floors are better at keeping the dust away, but if you’ve got carpet throughout your home, there is a solution. Make sure your vacuum has a HEPA rated filter. HEPA stands for “High-Efficiency Particulate Rate” and means you’ll capture a majority of dust in the vacuum instead of letting it escape.

AIR FILTERS

If your A/C evaporator coil gets dusty…you’re toast! It will send dusty air throughout your home. This happens when you don’t have the proper type of filters. If it seems like your filters don’t get dusty, but your bedroom furniture does, that could be an indicator that your filters aren’t catching the dust they should. You can fix this by making sure your filters have a higher MERV rating. But beware – a better filter will get dirty sooner, which means it also needs to be changed more often. Not doing so could damage your HVAC unit.

AIR DUCT LEAKS

If there are tears or leaks in your duct system, not only will they decrease airflow, they could also pull dust from the attic into your living spaces. If you notice that some rooms are hotter or colder than others, or you can’t feel the air coming from the vents, you possibly have air duct leaks. 

HOW WE CAN HELP WITH DUST

The Bosworth Company can help by running a pressure test on your ducts to determine where the air is escaping or dust is getting in. If you are ready to make an appointment, give us a call at 830-428-2764 or schedule an appointment online. The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always!

The Bosworth Company is staffed with experts you can trust for all your HVAC and plumbing needs. Part of that means keeping up with the latest trends in improving efficiency and making sure you are educated to make decisions about what’s best for you. In today’s blog, we’re going to discuss ductless HVAC systems, also called mini-split systems, which are growing in popularity, and may be a good fit for you and your home.

GOING DUCTLESS

In a typical home, you could be losing as much as 25% (!!!) of your energy output because of traditional ductwork. In an age when efficiency is king (both financially and environmentally), going ductless could be a way to solve this problem. They work similarly to older window or wall units, only with some modern features. Unlike traditional window units, ductless A/C unit is small and only requires a small hole for mounting. This helps isolate the unit so that they focus on specific rooms that need to be heated or cooled. The ducts running through your attic no longer have access to the already-treated air that’s costing you money. Proper installation could save 30% in your HVAC bills for the area you are cooling.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

As with any new system, there are some things to consider. In colder climates, the ductless units may not be able to provide the same level of reliable, lasting heat as a gas-powered heater. (Though it does get cold here, this is not much of a concern in Texas.)

One of the big advantages of a duct system is aesthetics. Even though the newer ductless units are minimal, they still exist in your space, and some may not prefer the look. Our sleek models are designed with aesthetics and minimal invasiveness in mind to ensure the best look possible.

Like many of the products we offer, there is often an upfront cost that comes with going with a more efficient system. The same is true if you decide to go ductless. The cost to place ductless units in your entire home can sometimes be more expensive than replacing your ductwork. However, the more efficient system would mean you could save up to 30% on your energy bill going forward.

If you’d like to explore going ductless, call The Bosworth Company at 830-428-2764 or schedule an appointment online. Worth the call. Always.