Month: January 2019

Choosing the right heating system for your home can be complicated. Not only do you have to have a basic understanding of the technologies available, but you also need to select the right option for your particular climate. This guide will help you select the right kind of heating system for your home in the mild climate of White Oak, Texas.

Types of Heating Systems

The two main types of heating systems that work best for mild climates are furnaces and heat pumps. Furnaces are forced-air-style systems, which heat air and force it through the vents in your house. These are some of the most common systems and use the same ductwork as your air conditioner.

Heat pumps are more passive and offer both heating and cooling in one unit. They pull warm air from outside and pump it inside during the winter. During the summer, they pump hot air outside. These systems work best in climates that don’t experience freezing temperatures often.

Natural Gas vs. Electricity

Furnace systems often use natural gas, while heat pumps use electricity. If your home is already hooked up to natural gas, chances are you already have a furnace-style system. Natural gas tends to be cheaper than electricity, provided you have a natural gas connection in your home. However, just because natural gas is cheaper upfront doesn’t mean that your associated heating costs will go down.

Efficiency Comparison

While natural gas is a cheaper fuel source, heat pumps are typically more efficient. As a result, they offer lower heating costs. But while you want a heating system that’s efficient, you must also make sure that the system can produce enough heat for your situation.

Heat pumps cannot handle temperatures lower than about 40 degrees. While this normally isn’t an issue in White Oaks, it’s still an important consideration for families who like their homes really toasty during the winter.

If you’re thinking about installing a new heating system, let the experts at JD’s A/C help you. We can find the perfect system for your needs. Give us a call at (903) 759-7483 to set up an appointment today!

Image provided by Bigstock

Keeping your HVAC system in top shape is vital for the comfort of your family. While Longview, Texas, has a mild climate, a malfunctioning HVAC system can lead to sweltering summers or chilly winters. Take these easy steps to keep your HVAC system functioning effectively:

Change Filters

Your filters are one of the last lines of defense between the interior of your home and particle pollutants. Clean filters ensure good airflow between your home and the HVAC unit while also filtering your air. If your filters become clogged, your unit will have to work harder to draw air inside. As a result, it’ll lead to reduced efficiency. It’ll also cause more strain on mechanical and electrical components, requiring more frequent repairs. You should change your filters at least every three months. But it’s important to check them regularly for clogged dirt and debris.

Clear Debris

Debris around the outside of your exterior unit can lead to similar clogging problems. Branches, leaves and other biological matter quickly build up around your exterior unit, especially if there are plants nearby. These can prevent easy airflow and also get into the unit itself, causing clogs and creating issues with the interior components. If you notice junk on or around your unit, remove it to help prevent these issues.

For the inside unit, it’s important to prevent blockages around the vents, which can impede airflow in your home and create issues with temperature maintenance. Furniture and upholstery items can be particularly troublesome.

Schedule Maintenance

Annual maintenance is ideal for preserving the optimum functionality of your HVAC unit. Licensed service technicians can do a thorough check of your system, from the wiring to the mechanical components. They’ll let you know if there are any impending issues so you can get them fixed straight away instead of waiting for your unit to break down first. As a result, you’ll prevent expensive repairs and premature replacements.

The experts at JD’s A/C can help with all your HVAC needs. Give us a call at (903) 759-7483 to set up an appointment today!

Image provided by Shutterstock