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We’ll say it: mold is one of the creepiest things you can find in your home. Whether it’s forgotten food in the back of the fridge, or ill-fitting clothes in the back of the closet, the mere thought of mold can be enough to give you the shivers. In rainy, humid places like Kerrville, mold may seem like a fact of life. But it doesn’t have to be. In this post, we’ll discuss ways to prevent mold in your home, and how to help keep it at bay if it does appear.

RISK ASSESSMENT

Take a look around your home for a few possible warning signs that could lead to mold.

We all know that mold is caused by moisture, which is why any excess water around the house is a bad thing. Keep an eye out for leaks of any kind! Even small amounts of water left in the shower or bathroom can lead to mold. Any leaks should be repaired immediately.

Dark, damp areas are notorious for mold. Check out the corner of the closet, even if it’s carpeted. And don’t just check the floors – walls or ceilings are susceptible, too. 

High humidity is the norm outside of your home, but it shouldn’t feel humid inside! If your A/C isn’t doing the job, consider a dehumidifier to help remove excess moisture from the air.

PREVENT GROWTH

Let’s say you’ve already spotted some mold in your home. Don’t panic! Clean up the affected area so it doesn’t grow in that spot again, then follow these tips to prevent more spread:

As we mentioned above, a dehumidifier is a great way to reduce the moisture from inside your home. With the humidity under control, you’ll have a much better chance of keeping mold away.

There’s another ingredient besides water that must be present to create mold: bacteria. Thankfully airborne bacteria can be greatly reduced or eliminated through the use of an air purification system. The Lennox PureAir cleans all the air in your home as it moves through your HVAC system. This high-powered system connects directly to your HVAC, and keeps out a variety of toxins and contaminants, including odors!

WORTH THE CALL

If you’d like to improve airflow, get cleaner air, and reduce or eliminate mold in your home, give The Bosworth Company a call today! Our certified technicians can walk you through the best options for you and your family. Make an appointment online, or call us today at (830) 428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

If you haven’t noticed yet, we here in the Texas Hill Country are in for a hot summer. That’s why it’s critical, this year as much as ever, to get routine maintenance done on your air conditioning to make sure it’s ready for the hot conditions to come! In this post, we’ll explore a few of the critical reasons that you should get your HVAC maintained as soon as possible!

BENEFITS

If everything seems to be working fine, a maintenance check may not seem necessary. But your HVAC, as with any appliance, could have problems you may not even realize yet. Better to get them taken care of now than wait for disaster to strike.

• A tuned-up A/C will run more effectively. A professional inspection could reveal small issues with your system hardware that could decrease the effectiveness. Regular maintenance will prevent small problems from getting bigger.
• Maintenance will improve the energy efficiency of your entire system. This means less energy will be needed to effectively cool your home, which will result in savings on your power bill. Regular maintenance really adds up over time, and can make a huge difference in keeping your system running strong.
• Regular maintenance means a decreased chance of full-cost repairs or replacement. When the age of a system makes repairs necessary, they’ll likely be much less expensive if you’ve had regular maintenance.
• When it comes to needing actual replacement, regular maintenance will actually help your system last longer. A system with little to no maintenance will likely need to be replaced within 10 years, but a properly maintained until should last 15 years or longer.

WORTH THE CALL

There are several reasons that maintaining your HVAC should be performed by a certified technician, and not attempted by a homeowner. The Bosworth Company’s technicians are full-certified and know exactly what to look for to keep you cool all summer, and for years to come. Make an appointment online or call us today at (830) 428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Your hot water heater is something you likely don’t think much about until something goes wrong. Just one cold shower will send you searching for answers. In this post we’ll discuss some steps you can take to ensure your water heater enjoys a long, full life – and when to know it’s time for a replacement.

WHEN TO CALL A PLUMBER

The most obvious problem is when you have no hot water. If you’re not getting hot water from any faucets, it’s definitely time to call a plumber.

If no hot water is the worst of the worst, then limited hot water is next in line. Let’s say the shower is hot when you get in, but a minute or two later it turns lukewarm, then downright cold! This is a likely sign that your hot water heater needs to be serviced. It’s possible that a thorough cleaning could do the job, or you may need a new tank altogether.

Is your tank leaking? If so, it should get checked out right away. The area around the tank should be completely dry. Even a small leak can quickly lead to major damage.

If your home is powered by gas (either natural gas or propane), you need to make sure the pilot light stays on in order to heat the water! If your pilot light keeps shutting off, get it checked out!

Let’s say you don’t have any of these issues per se, or maybe they’re infrequent or minor. If your hot water heater is more than 10 years old, it’s still a good idea to consider getting a new one. A decade-old water heater may well be on its last legs.

Maybe you’re just ready for an upgrade. Tankless water heaters are a common solution for those who want unlimited hot water. You’ll also save money on your power bill because you won’t use energy keeping the water in the tank constantly warm. The Bosworth Company is proud to offer Noritz Tankless Water Heaters, which come in a variety of models, including some that can be managed straight from your cell phone.

WORTH THE CALL

Any of the above reasons could be why you call the experienced plumbers at The Bosworth Company for assistance with your water heater. Maybe you’re not having any issues, and don’t need a replacement – but you are due for some maintenance. We can help there too, with services like flushing your tank or replacing parts. Make an appointment online or call us today at 830-428-3764.

There are many factors in determining what type of HVAC unit is the right one for your home. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the proper size for your heating and air conditioning system. In this post, we’ll discuss a few of the factors you should consider when making this decision.

WHY SIZE MATTERS

Factors such as the size and layout of your home are critical when determining the proper HVAC. A system that’s too small or too large will lead to less home comfort and increased power bills.

If the unit is too small, it won’t have enough power to keep your home at the desired temperature. This will lead to it running constantly, thus driving up costs. A system that’s too powerful will use up energy turning off and on frequently, which can be confusing for your thermostat. That’s why it’s critical to find an HVAC that’s sized just right!

SIZE DEFINITION

The “size” of your HVAC unit doesn’t necessarily refer to how big it is. You may hear HVAC technicians refer to unit size in terms of “tons,” but this is referring to power, not weight. A BTU (or British Thermal Unit) is a common way to measure energy output in the HVAC world. A BTU is the amount of energy it takes to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. One “ton” equates to the ability to cool 12,000 BTUs in an hour. The tonnage you need for your home is based primarily on your total square footage.

WORTH THE CALL

Unless you are a certified HVAC technician, installing, replacing, or even servicing your air conditioning is never a DIY job. Not only will you need an HVAC professional to install your system, but you’ll also need them to order all the necessary parts, and even help you decide the exact size and type of unit that will work for you.

Thankfully, The Bosworth Company has the techs and the experience to get you exactly what you need. If your A/C is on the fritz, or you just need an upgrade, we can help. Make an appointment online or call us today at 830-428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

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With the advent of worldwide pandemics, one of the first items to fly off of shelves were those disposable disinfectant wipes. At the height of the hysteria, they couldn’t even be found at most stores. While they may work great at cleaning germs from hard surfaces, as well as your skin, there’s one thing they aren’t great at – being flushed down a toilet! In this post, we’ll discuss why certain items are not flushable, and the harm they can cause to your plumbing system.

TP OR NOT TP?

Disinfectant wipes do not disintegrate in the same way that toilet paper does. After TP is flushed, it virtually vanishes, making it easy to make its way through your system and into the sewer. On the other hand, wipes and other synthetic products don’t decompose and can cause major backups in your drains. This can lead to damaged pipes and can even cause backups at water treatment facilities, which could lead to an overflow.

FLUSHABLE?

Some disinfecting wipes are specifically marketed as “flushable”, but is that really true? Usually, this means they are a little more biodegradable than the non-flushable version, but they are not fully safe to flush. Even if they will physically go down the toilet, that doesn’t mean they’ll safely clear your pipes.

Want to know if it’s really flushable? Look for products approved by the International Water Services Flushability Group.

They judge products according to these criteria:

• Break down quickly and in a variety of environments
• Cannot be buoyant (won’t float)

SOLUTION

Ok, so disinfecting wipes are great for keeping things clean, but not so much for flushing down the toilet. Instead, simply throw them in the trash can with other waste you would dispose of. This will help protect your plumbing, sewage, septic system, and even your friends and neighbors from the potential side effects of a sewage stoppage.

WORTH THE CALL

If you believed the “flushable” label and it led to sewage issues in your home, or maybe you just need assistance with other plumbing issues around your home, The Bosworth Company can help. Our certified professionals can get the job done right the first time with no hassles. Make an appointment online, or call us today at (830) 428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

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In the long days of summer, a running air conditioner is a good thing! But what if it’s still running even when you’ve already turned it off? Though this may not seem like a big deal, it can actually be a sign of one of several problems. In this post, we’ll examine what it means to have a constantly running a/c, why it’s a bad thing, and what you can do to fix it.

WHAT’S WRONG

Extreme Heat

Here in the Kerrville area, we’re likely to get a heatwave or two every summer that includes several days in a row of high temperatures well into the high 90s. When that happens, it can be super hard on your HVAC system. It’s quite possible that the system won’t be able to make the temperature in your home drop to the thermostat setting – so it will keep running indefinitely.

Leave the blinds closed during the day, or even better, invest in blackout curtains. Keeping the sunlight out will help keep your home cool and make things a little easier on your A/C.

Broken Thermostat

The purpose of a thermostat is to allow a user to select their desired temperature, then turn the HVAC off and on accordingly to meet that temperature. If the thermostat is broken and not working properly, this can be a major issue.

An operating thermostat is critical to the proper operation of your system – and worth getting fixed if there’s a problem. In some cases, this can be as simple as changing out the batteries!

Wiring

The thermostat and A/C are connected by a set of wires. As with other electrical equipment, these wires will wear over time or can be damaged, causing a reduction in permanence. If your A/C seems to have a mind of its own, bad wiring may be the culprit. Be sure to have a licensed electrician like those at The Bosworth Company check it out.

WORTH THE CALL

Having your A/C keep running after you’ve turned it off can be confusing. One way to make sure that doesn’t happen is by scheduling a Clean and Check with The Bosworth Company. Our technicians will check your entire system to make sure it’s ready for the long hot summer ahead. Make an appointment online, or call us today at (830) 428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

The use of mini-splits is gaining in popularity when it comes to heating and cooling your home. But what exactly are mini-splits, and how are they different from traditional central air? In this post, we’ll try to answer that question, and help you decide if it’s a good alternative for your home or business.

WHAT IT MEANS

The term “mini-split” is exactly what the words mean: “Mini” because the individual units are smaller than a whole-home solution, and “split” because the functionality is “split” between heating and cooling. So the definition is simple, but designs can vary greatly.

Most modern mini-split systems contain a smaller heat pump with an inverter-driven variable-capacity compressor. Depending on the power you need, some mini-splits actually aren’t that small. For example, a mini-split for a warehouse could weigh up to 4 tons.

MINI VS MULTI

Mini-splits refer to the particular type of heat pump, and outdoor units can be connected to one or multiple indoor units. You may have heard the term “multi-split” when referencing an outdoor unit that powers multiple indoor units in a home or business. However, mini-splits are a broader term, so multi-splits are just one type of setup of a mini-split. Make sense yet?

DUCTLESS

One of the advantages of mini-splits is that they generally are ductless. That means there are no air ducts in your attic or basement bringing air from a central unit into your home. Instead, the warm or cool air is coming from a unit directly inside the room where it’s installed.

INVERTER DRIVEN

The new generation of mini-splits is inverter-driven. This gives them the ability to work hard to make drafty homes comfortable, but can also adjust to perform for well-insulated homes. The ability to change based on the seasons and home or business types makes them very efficient for all situations.

WORTH THE CALL

Mini-splits are a viable option for your home or business, whether you’re wanting an HVAC upgrade or are building from the ground up. The Bosworth Company in Kerrville is a proud dealer of Mitsubishi mini-splits and can help you find the unit and design that’s right for you. Make an appointment online, or call us today at (830) 428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Many of our posts talk about the importance of changing your air filters. It’s one of the easiest ways to make sure your HVAC is able to run as efficiently as possible. But you may not realize that not all air filters are created equal. In this post, we’ll answer five common questions about filters, how they work, the different types, and how to determine which kind is best for you and your home or business.

Q: Should every heating or cooling system use a filter?

A: Yes. Any sort of central air system, for heating and/or cooling at a home or business, should use an air filter. The most common location to find a filter is at the return duct. Most modern homes’ return ducts are located in the ceiling and others are commonly found beneath your indoor unit.

Q: What’s the purpose of an air filter?

A: Air filters help clean the air as it circulates throughout your home or business. Filters are able to trap pollen, dirt, debris, and other contaminants from your home, making sure they don’t recirculate. They are critical for maintaining clean air that’s healthier, smells better, and is less irritating to allergy sufferers.

Q: Do air filters need maintenance?

A: Like every other appliance – yes! A clogged filter not only means poorer air quality but also means poorer airflow, which reduces comfort and efficiency. The good news is that you can provide maintenance on your own simply by changing out filters regularly.

Q: How can proper filters save me money?

A: Severely clogged filters can overwork your system to the point that it breaks down or needs repairs. When the filters are clogged, your unit has to work harder to push the air through your home. It also means that your system is running longer while it works to bring your home to the desired temperature. So clean filters and an efficient HVAC system also equals saving money!

Q: What are some filter options?

A: Filters come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to know the dimensions of your filters before heading to the hardware store. Depending on the size of your home, you may have two or more filters – in that case, they may be different sizes. The thickness can vary as well – a one-inch filter will typically fit nicely into your filter cabinet, but be sure to check. Pleated filters tend to last longer, but non-pleated filters are also available. Finally, make sure to check the MERV rating. A high MERV rating means the filter is better at catching smaller particles and contaminants.

WORTH THE CALL

The expert technicians at The Bosworth Company stand ready to answer any of your questions about filters, HVAC repairs, replacements, or a myriad of other services. Make an appointment online, or call us today at (830) 428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

When it comes to big-ticket home improvements, replacing a furnace is near the top of the list. We know it’s important for you and your family, so that’s why it’s important to know when is the right time to make that kind of investment. In this post, we’ll explore a few of the things you should consider if you are thinking about purchasing a new furnace for your home.

THE CLOCK IS TICKING

The first thing to consider about your current HVAC or furnace is its age. If you’re having issues with your current system, and it’s more than 15 years old, that’s an indicator that now could be the time for a replacement. Even if it seems to be running fine, once your unit hits 20 years, it could really start losing efficiency.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Modern furnaces are required to have an AFUE rating of at least 78, and ratings in the 90s are not uncommon for high-end models. AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) measures the average efficiency of fuel heating. Older systems aren’t likely to have comparable ratings. High monthly bills are an indicator that your system isn’t running as efficiently as it should.

RELIABILITY

If you’re constantly needing to get your car repaired, that means it’s time for a new car. The same is true for your furnace! Even small repair costs can add up, and just like replacing your car, at a certain point, it makes more sense to bite the bullet and invest in something brand new.

FULL SYSTEM

Some homes use separate heating and cooling systems, while others have an HVAC that takes care of both. If your home has a separate furnace and air conditioning system, and one needs to be replaced, it’s a good idea to at least consider the other component as well. This will help ensure that shared parts (such as the air handler) will match, thus improving efficiency.

GET COMFORTABLE

The ultimate factor when replacing your furnace is your own comfort. When the temperature drops outside, are you able to stay comfortable inside? Can you adjust the thermostat and does your furnace respond? Are some rooms in your home getting more warm air than others? If you’re not comfortable, don’t suffer!

WORTH THE CALL

If you’re in the market for a new furnace, heat pump, or anything heating and air conditioning-related, The Bosworth Company is your one-stop shop! Make an appointment online, or call us today at (830) 428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

We talk a lot about preparing your heating and plumbing equipment for the various seasons. For example, how you prep your pipes for the summer may be different than how you prepare for the winter. In this post, we’ll explore another question that may be more common than you think: what to do with your exterior A/C unit once the temperature drops? Here are a few things to remember.

WEATHER EXTREMES

Modern air conditioners are meant to withstand extreme heat and cold. Think about it: they live outside your home, so they need to be able to withstand extreme temps as well as wind, rain, and even snow and hail. 

Even inside the external condenser unit, the coils and other components are designed to handle the extremes. 

COVER UP?

Here in the Midland and Odessa area, we can experience temperatures around zero, but overall our climate is not considered bitter cold, as the freezing temps in our area are usually short-lived. If we do find ourselves in a deep freeze (like in 2021!) with several days of temps below freezing, a cover could potentially be used to prevent ice buildup. But BEWARE: A tightly-fitting cover can actually cause more problems than it solves. Covering your exterior unit could cause damage because it restricts airflow and can lead to excessive moisture – both things you want to avoid!

The main thing you can do to keep your exterior A/C units safe and efficient during the winter months is clearing brush and debris from around the area, so they don’t restrict airflow to the fan.

WINDOW UNITS

If you use a window unit to cool your home, why not just take it down during the months that it’s not in use? We know this might not be feasible depending on your setup, but it could extend the life of your unit. Not only will that protect it from any potential damage from the cold, but it will also help prevent cold drafts through any tiny openings in your window. Giving the window unit a break also means it will last longer in the long run.

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company in Kerrville has certified professionals that can help with any of your heating and air conditioning needs. Make an appointment online or call us today at (830) 428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.