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The cold weather has finally arrived so before the temperatures drop too low, it’s a good idea to make sure your heat is up and running properly. Traditional central air and heat pumps use air ducts to keep warm or cool air circulating throughout your home. This helps keep your entire home at a comfortable temperature. But if you’re only using a few rooms, there are other options that could save you money. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the advantages of a ductless system.

IN THE ZONE

As mentioned above, central air will heat or cool your entire house – even the areas you don’t use. With a ductless system, you can break your home into zones. Each room has a separate unit that can be turned off and on as needed.

Ductless systems have a separate thermostat for each room. That enables people in each room to set it at their desired temperature. Ductless systems are also noticeably quieter than their central air counterparts.

EASY INSTALL

A certified HVAC technician from The Bosworth Company can easily install a ductless system in a room of your choice. The units attach directly to the wall. They can generally be installed in a place that preserves floor and wall space and is not noticeable.

EFFICIENCY MEANS SAVING MONEY

When hot or cool air makes its way from your HVAC unit into your living spaces, some of it is lost. If there are tears in the ductwork or poor sealing at the edges, air will leak out into the attic. This creates excess air and excess power, which costs you money! Additionally, if you’re only heating the rooms you’re using, you’re also saving on energy costs in that regard.

CLEAN AIR

A ductless system can help make your air cleaner. Ductwork can become dusty, and that dust can creep its way into the ducts and eventually circulate into your home. 

WORTH THE CALL. ALWAYS. 

Right now is a great time to contact The Bosworth Company and take advantage of our Fall Clean and Check, where we’ll do a complete check of your HVAC system to make sure you’re ready for winter! The Bosworth Company is proud to provide ductless units manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric. To discuss this and other heating and cooling options, make an appointment online or call us today at 830-428-2764. The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always.

It seems like a Texas tradition. That long, hot summer lasts up to Halloween…and then it gets cold! Sure, we’ll have some warm days here and there, but in all likelihood, the cooler weather is here to stay. Is your heater up for the challenge? In this post, we’ll share a few ways you can SAVE money by making sure you are heating and running your system efficiently!

HOME SWEET HOME

When you’re cozying up at home, it’s important that you be as comfortable as possible. But what about when you’re not at home? Save money by turning the heater off (or way down) while you’re away. If it’s working properly, it should heat up quickly when you turn it on. Even better: consider a smart thermostat that can start the heating process so it’s nice and toasty when you arrive. Pro tip: When the temp stays below freezing for more than 24 hours, be sure to leave the heat on just a bit to prevent your pipes from freezing.

GET LOW

Feeling toasty is nice, but just like you’d likely keep your home warmer in the summer, it makes sense to keep it a little cooler during the winter. Stay comfortable, but consider the cost of keeping the temperature inside your home vastly different from the outside temperature. The common rule of thumb used to be 68 in the winter and 72 in the summer, but adjust it based on your personal comfort needs.

SEAL THE DEAL

Small cracks in windows or doorways are places where cold air gets in and warm air gets out. Just like leaving a door open, this causes your HVAC unit to need to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Having all your doors and windows thoroughly sealed could save you up to 25% on your monthly heating bills! You can use weather stripping for doors and windows and caulking for the cracks to lock in the temperature!

NOT A FAN

Exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom should only be used as needed during the winter. That’s because the fans are actually moving that already-conditioned air out of your house – forcing you to reheat that air, using more electricity and costing more money. These fans can still be used to rid your home of odors or gasses, but be mindful to switch them off quickly.

WORTH THE CALL. ALWAYS. 

If you’re having issues with your heater, you should call a certified HVAC technician right away! The Bosworth Company in Kerrville can quickly and accurately evaluate your system and give you a fair estimate right away. We also have a variety of smart thermostat models that can come in handy when you’re looking for efficiency. Make an appointment online, or call us today at (830) 428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Selling your home is an exciting time. For one thing, it means you’re getting a new one! But before you decorate your new digs, you’ll need to sell your current place. Sometimes it can be tricky to know what renovations should be made when it comes to preparing your home for sale. In this post, we’ll explore the pluses and minuses of investing in a new HVAC before putting your home on the market.

HVAC EVALUATION

When determining whether a new HVAC system is a good idea, there are a few basic questions you should always ask:

• How old is the system, and what is its life expectancy?
• How frequently has it been serviced and how recently?
• Does it seem to be working properly?

MAKING THE DECISION

If you were purchasing a new home, you would probably not want to make a major appliance purchase in the first couple of years. The people who buy your home probably feel the same way! That said, the most important questions to ask yourself are “How well is the unit working?” “Does it heat and cool quickly and properly?” “Is your entire home generally able to maintain the same temperature?” “Does it require repairs frequently?”

If a routine repair likely wouldn’t provide a long-term solution, it’s probably a good idea to spring for a new A/C. You can include information about the new unit in your sale listing, which will make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

REPAIR V.S. REPLACEMENT

Usually, repairs to your air conditioner should be enough to prepare your home for sale. If the new owner may want to tear down or do a massive renovation, a new HVAC would be unnecessary.

Of course, if your A/C is new(ish) and runs great, there’s no need for replacement.

WORTH THE CALL

Whether you’re selling your home or not, it is critical that your HVAC is running properly and ready to keep you cool in the summer or warm this winter! If you need a brand new unit or just some repairs to help you prepare your home for sale, The Bosworth Company can help! Make an appointment online, or call us today at (830) 428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

We’ve finally made it to the holiday season! Those cooler temperatures may have you thinking about some home repairs. But before you break out the sledgehammer, there are a few things you should know. In this post, we’ll look at some important renovation tips – especially when it comes to potential issues with your kitchen and bathroom.

DON’T MIX AND MATCH

Probably the most common place to update your home before hosting for the holidays is the kitchen or bathroom. Upgrades such as showers, tubs, sinks, and countertops can really increase the look and value of the home (and impress your guests). 

However, there’s one common mistake that you need to avoid. Be absolutely sure that all of your new fixtures match your drain size. Drain sizes are not standard! Even something simple like a drop-in sink may not be a perfect fit on a custom counter. Make sure you or your contractors double-check everything to ensure they match. Mismatches can cause major disruptions and will ultimately lead to leaks and other damage.

PROPER DISPOSAL

Renovation projects can produce a lot of excess debris. This can include things like sawdust, nails, and even scrap pieces of drywall or other building materials. It’s critical that you dispose of these items properly. That means, don’t flush them down the toilet, and don’t let them go down any drains – including outdoor storm drains. Items like these can cause extensive, and often expensive, damage to your pipes and your entire plumbing system.

Also, whatever you do – do not put wet concrete down any drain! It will eventually harden! This could easily clog your entire plumbing system, meaning it would have to be completely replaced. Other solutions like caulking, pastes, grout, and even paint should be monitored closely and kept out of your drains.

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company has the experts to assist you with all your plumbing needs. Whether you’re planning a renovation, or need help getting out of a jam, make an appointment online or by calling us today at (830) 428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

One of the biggest decisions a homeowner will ever make is deciding to build an addition to your home. There are a lot of individual decisions to be made, and you need to make sure HVAC is one of them. It’s critical that you have the right amount of power for heating and cooling the new extra space! In this post, we’ll explore a few of your options.

EXPANDING

The first option would be to expand the reach of your existing HVAC. This is an ideal solution provided you’ve got the power to handle it. Technicians with The Bosworth Company can analyze your existing unit to let you know how it’ll do. If the unit is producing enough heating and a/c to power the whole home, then all you need to do is install the proper ductwork to make sure it’s reaching the new addition. Using your existing HVAC is a typical solution when the area you’re adding is something small like a sunroom.

ADDING

Another option would be adding a completely separate system to your home. This may be a good idea if your current system is running great but just doesn’t have the power to adequately heat or cool a large addition. A second system can also be beneficial for energy efficiency, especially if you may want to set the temperature at different levels for different parts of the house.

NEW SYSTEM

Based on the size and layout of your home’s addition, it may be a good idea to replace your HVAC system with a larger one that has more power to reach a larger area. This can be a good idea based on the size of the addition, and especially if your current HVAC system could be ready for a replacement anyway. It is important that you don’t try to heat or cool an entire home with a unit that’s too small – it could result in the unit running all the time trying to reach the desired temperature, which is very inefficient.

DUCTLESS

Maybe you want to think outside the box to make your new addition comfortable. How about adding a ductless system to heat and cool your new space? A mini-split could be the perfect low-cost solution to allow you to keep the space comfortable without having to add a full HVAC unit, complete with air ducts running through your attic.

OTHER OPTIONS

A couple of other options include some traditional solutions like window air conditioning units or baseboard heaters. These are cost-effective measures that can work for heating or cooling a moderately-sized single room. One negative of these methods is the tendency to heat or cool only in the immediate area of the unit, so they’ll have a smaller effect even across the room.

WORTH THE CALL

Does this seem like a lot of info? Don’t worry, The Bosworth Company can help you decide what solution is right for you! Make an appointment online, or call us today at (830) 428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

The information age has arrived. Virtually everything you do is run out of a computer or connected to the internet. So why are you still using an old-fashioned thermostat? Fewer than a quarter of all US households have upgraded to more efficient, money-saving smart devices. In this post, we’ll discuss smart thermostats and some of the advantages they can offer your home or business.

WHAT MAKES IT SMART?

We all know how a traditional thermostat uses a thermometer to regulate the temperature in your home by adjusting your HVAC accordingly. But imagine if you could have the power to change your thermostat from a computer or smartphone app from anywhere in the world. Changing the settings remotely will enable you to set your home to the perfect temp before you arrive, and adjust it while you’re gone to save money.

HOW IT WORKS

If you live in an older home, you may have an old analog thermostat with dials and switches. Newer homes may have a thermostat with a digital display, but that doesn’t make it a smart thermostat. Smart or not, the thermostat is critical because it controls every element of your home’s temperature.

When you set the temperature, the unit will either heat or cool until it reaches the desired temp before shutting off. Once the air in the house returns to a temperature outside the set zone, the process begins again.

Smart thermostats perform those same functions, along with several others. Not only can you control them remotely, but they can also be programmed to adjust for the time of day, week, weather conditions, and other factors.

BENEFITS

Let’s get into a little more detail on some of the advantages of a smart thermostat:

• The remote access feature is great whether you’re returning from a long vacation, or just getting home at the end of the day. You can set the temperature ahead of time so it already feels perfect when you arrive.
• A smart thermostat can learn your preferences. If you typically turn the temperature up or down at particular times of the day, the system can recognize that and do the job for you. Of course, you’ll always have the option of overriding those settings when necessary.
• Similar to security lighting, motion detectors can be set up via a smart thermostat to heat or cool rooms that are being used.
• Voice-controlled thermostats can be an advantage as well; just call out when you want a change and it happens immediately!
• Aside from comfort, one of the biggest advantages of a smart thermostat is energy savings. Not only will you not be running the HVAC the same while away from home, but you can also get a detailed report of your energy usage, which can help you identify ways to save even more.

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company has a variety of smart thermostats to choose from and we can help you determine which one’s right for you. If you’re interested in an upgrade, make an appointment online or call us today at (830) 428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

If you haven’t heard by now, it’s important to know that R-22 refrigerant, commonly called Freon, has been banned from production. If your HVAC system uses Freon, that’s fine for now, but what about when it runs out or you need to replace it? In this post, we’ll discuss how these new restrictions will impact you and your home or business, and how you can prepare yourself.

THE PHASE OUT

As mentioned, R-22 isn’t fully banned, just the production. That means you can still purchase it, for now. However, the price is rising exponentially. Unfortunately, many older systems only work with R-22, meaning they’ll either need to come up with the cash for the pricey Freon or spring for an entirely new system.

Once the current supply runs out, older HVACs will have no choice but to be fully replaced when the time comes. When that happens, here are a few options you can consider:

DROP-IN REFRIGERANT

A “drop-in” refrigerant could be a temporary solution if you need R-22 and aren’t quite ready to replace your entire system. It enables you to keep running on refrigerant while avoiding inflated costs. This can be a great option, especially if your current unit is more than 8 years old. While the “drop-in” will wear your system faster, the cost savings ahead of a full HVAC replacement can be worth it.

COUNT THE COST

HVAC systems, like all appliances, will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. If your system is more than 10 years old, and showing signs of age, it could be time for a full replacement. Even if it seems to be running ok, you should definitely have it checked out if it’s more than 15 years old. Either way, when you do get a new system, you’ll no longer have to worry about R-22 because new models don’t require it.

As with any big purchase, it’s important to know the right size and type of HVAC that’s right for you and your home. The size of the unit, your home’s square footage, and the number of rooms you use or don’t use can all be factors in deciding on the right HVAC.

WORTH THE CALL

Fortunately, the certified professionals at The Bosworth Company in Kerrville are experts when it comes to heating, air conditioning, and the R-22 phase-out. If you have any questions about your unit, or what options you may have, don’t hesitate to contact us! You can make an appointment online, or call us today at (830) 428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

In the hot summers that Kerrville is known for, if your air conditioning is running as it should, your home should not only be cool, but quiet as well. When your HVAC starts making strange sounds, you know there’s something wrong. In this post, we’ll explore what could be causing those sounds, what they mean, and whether that means repairs are imminent.

DRIP DRIP DRIP

That subtle dripping noise from your A/C could raise a concern. However, the dripping could actually be a good thing! It’s an indication that the condensation that occurs inside the unit is working like it’s supposed to. That dripping is the water produced when the moisture is taken out of the humid air. It drips into a pan, before draining out through the drain line.

If, however, the dripping sounds more like running water, you could have a problem, and may need a service call.

SPLISH SPLASH

While a drip may be a good thing, a full-on splash could mean there’s too much water trying to move through the system. Something as simple as a clogged drip pan can cause serious damage to not only your HVAC unit but to your ceiling as well. An overflowing drip pan will lead to severe water damage. The line can get clogged by dirt and debris, or even mineral buildup, over time. Thankfully, this is a relatively easy fix for a professional like our at The Bosworth Company to take care of.

TINY BUBBLES

A bubbling or gurgling sound means there’s too much internal pressure in your system. This could mean excess refrigerant or a refrigerant leak. The wrong amount of refrigerant can throw your whole system off balance, which leads to air mixing with water and creating that bubbling noise.

A clogged or cracked drain line could cause a similar sound. Think about a slow clogged drain in your sink, and the noise the water makes as it tries to go down. Either way, call an HVAC pro if you’re hearing these sounds.

WORTH THE CALL

When you call The Bosworth Company and ask for an HVAC tune-up, you can rest assured that you’ll get a thorough check of your entire system. Our certified technicians can give you an honest assessment if any repairs are necessary. As we approach the winter months, take advantage of our Fall Clean and Check – we’ll make sure you’re ready for the switch from A/C to heat! Make an appointment online, or call us today at (830) 428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

If we’ve said it once we’ve said it a thousand times: regularly changing your air filters is the easiest and most cost-effective way to keep your HVAC running efficiently and effectively. But there are other benefits too! In this post we’ll explain how a dirty filter can cause major problems you may not even realize, and why keeping your filters clean can help you avoid all of those issues.

CLEAN FILTERS

Air filters serve several purposes, but one of them is to keep your HVAC unit clean. As the air goes through your system, a filter helps separate the dirt so it doesn’t clog up the critical parts that make your system run properly!

DIRTY FILTERS

Dirty filters create several negative impacts:

• When the filter is filled with dirt, the air can’t pass through. This creates a reduction in airflow, and an increase in the time it takes for your home to reach its desired temperature. All that means an increase in running time and an increase in costs!
• Inevitably, dirt will start entering the system. This means dirty coils, which prevents them from adequately cooling, and again causes the whole process to take longer.
• Because a dirty filter makes your system work harder, not only does that cost you more to keep your home cool, but it also means the system can overheat and will eventually break down, leading to costly repair or replacement costs.

DIY MAINTENANCE

Many HVAC systems suggest changing your filters a minimum of once every three months. However, if you live in an area that tends to be windy or has dirt in the air, or if you notice dust in your home, or that your system seems to be running all the time, it’s advisable that you change your filters as often as once a month. This may seem tedious, but in the long term, it will equate to increased comfort and money savings.

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company has certified experts to help you with any air conditioning or HVAC issues that may arise at your home this summer or anytime. Make an appointment online, or call us today at (830) 428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Most homeowners hope to stay in their homes for a long time. But most homeowners also know they aren’t likely to stay forever. Home improvements are great for your own comfort, but how do they impact your home’s value when/if you need to sell? In this post, we’ll discuss the impact an HVAC system can have on your home’s value.

HOME VALUE

As one of the biggest, most critical appliances in your home, we can emphatically tell you that YES, your HVAC is critical to your home’s value. An old system that doesn’t work properly or needs frequent repairs can be a major red flag for potential buyers. Conversely, a newly updated system is a major selling point.

MAXIMIZE VALUE

A top-notch HVAC system could increase the value of your home by as much as 10%! This is especially true in places like Texas where A/C in the summer and heat in the winter is critical for survival. Even better than a new HVAC, state-of-the-art systems are often energy efficient, which makes purchase even more attractive. A system that’s Energy Star Certified is a good way for buyers to be assured they’ll be running as efficiently as possible.

Potential buyers are not looking for a fixer-upper. They are looking for a home with minimal issues. So if you do have a newer HVAC, don’t be shy about advertising it! You may even want to make sure to crank the A/C to make it nice and cool when potential buyers look at the home.

TIME TO UPGRADE?

The big question is, when is the right time to upgrade? If your system is malfunctioning or not working properly, that’s an obvious sign. But what if it still heats or cools your home – but you notice your bills have skyrocketed lately? That’s an indicator you should get your system checked out. If it appears that repairs would be close to the price of a new system, it’s probably time to make that investment. If your system is having issues and is more than about 12 years old, that’s a good indication it’s time for a change.

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company is proud to be a Premier Dealer of award-winning Lennox HVAC systems. Our experts can walk you through the entire process from inspection, installation, and even financing. Make an appointment online or call us today at (830) 428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.