Month: June 2020

Ahhhh – sweet summertime has arrived! The season of swimming pools, friends, outdoors, time with family, hitting the beach and long sunny days. And it’s no surprise that this time of year – temperatures rise not only outside – but inside too. So below are some of the best ways to stay cool this summer without breaking the bank on your electrical bill!

Here Are 10 Tips To Beat The Texas Heat! 

Stay Hydrated

During the summer months it’s easy to find ourselves getting hot and overheated. Staying hydrated is vital to your overall health and well being. When you are lacking hydration you are increasing your chances of heat strokes, heat exhaustion and even can lead to death. Drink plenty of water – and stay in the shade as much as possible. 

Keep your windows closed during the daytime hours

Keeping your windows closed during the day helps block out the hottest of temperatures. It also helps to keep the temperature inside your home from rising to an uncompromising temperature. And one which your AC Unit is having to work overtime. 

Set your fans counter clockwise

Setting your fan counter clockwise improves the airflow in your room – shifting the cooler air down to the floor. Which in turn will help your AC unit run more efficiency as well! The easiest way to check if your fan is set for summertime, is to start by turning your fan on. If you feel an immediate breeze, your fan is set correctly. If not, then look for a switch on the side of your fan. That will start your fan running in the correct direction. 

P.S.! – Now would also be a great time to clean your fan blades! Reduce the amount of allergens, pet dander, dirt, and dust that is being blown inside your room. 

Avoid doing the hot stuff 

Avoid running ovens, dryers, dishwashers, or other appliances that put off excessive heat during the day if you can avoid it. Other methods include; the grill, crockpots, microwaves, convection ovens, and skillets. Appliances such as these are shown to decrease heat levels inside a home by a significant amount unlike their more often used counterparts. 

Ice Ice Baby Wipes

An unusual way to keep cool on the go is to put a pack of baby wipes in your refrigerator before you go. They cool your core temperature down quickly without causing as much of a shock as using ice or an icepack. This method is ideal for little ones during summer activities. 

Lighten The Load 

Using fabrics such as cotton, linen and bamboo on your bedding are shown to help in improving the heat retention while you sleep. Now would be the time to also switch to your summer comforter – something a little more light and airy. 

Wet Your Curtains

Maybe grandma knew what she was talking about afterall. An unusual but effective way to keep a room cool is to spritz the curtains with water. Opening the window allowing cool breezy air to pass through is optimal. But if it’s too warm you can do the same thing with the curtains and a box fan. 

Hang out downstairs 

If you live in a two story house – you may find that it’s cooler downstairs more so than upstairs. Why is that? Well it’s physics really; heat rises. Hot or warm air is going to gravitate to the higher areas of your home. For multi-story homes, separate thermostats for upstairs and downstairs or a zoned system are the best ways to maintain an even temperature and keep the whole family happy during the summertime.

Plant Trees 

Trees are not only beautiful to look at they are extremely important to have around for more reasons than one! A big leafy tree near the house can shave a few degrees off your home’s overall internal temperature.

Improve Your Homes Insulation

A common misconception is that insulation is just meant to keep heat in. However, it’s meant to keep heat out too. Checking your home’s insulation and seals regularly as well as providing regular maintenance will improve not only the temperature in your home, but the effectiveness of your AC unit overall as well. 

Conclusion 

Staying cool is the new cool. So, if your home’s air conditioner isn’t working here are a couple of things you can do additional until your AC unit is finished with repairs. You can use this time to visit places like your local malls, libraries, movie theatres, or indoor recreational areas. 

The best way to ensure you’re not unexpectedly caught without air conditioning when the Texas heat becomes too much to handle is to keep your AC system in good condition and on a regular maintenance plan. Regular HVAC maintenance, such as tune-ups during season changes, will help identify problems before they happen. In turn, keeping your AC unit functioning at optimal functionality year round. 

For all your HVAC maintenance and repairs, contact JD’s AC at (903) 483-3105. We are your trusted HVAC experts covering East Texas and neighboring areas. 

If your air conditioner breaks down,(or is currently) have no fear, JD’s will be there! Till then, keep cool, and be sure to follow the tips mentioned above until our expert HVAC technician arrives.

It’s a hot, humid day in the middle of a Texas summer. The AC is cranking full blast to combat the heat that’s invading your home. When suddenly, the unspeakable happens: your air conditioner shuts off and isn’t turning back on. You begin to frantically think about what you need to do, who do you need to call, what is this going to cost. And while no one wants to imagine the possibility of needing to replace an HVAC system, it is a reality that most people must face at one point or another during their day of being a homeowner. And while the process of replacing your HVAC system can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, JD’s AC has compiled a list of answers to your most frequently asked questions about replacing the HVAC system in your home.

Okay, So first things first, what does HVAC stand for?

The term HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. When using the term HVAC, the entire heating and cooling system is typically being referenced, which includes indoor and outdoor units, air filters, duct work, registers, and controls. While there are many different types of HVAC systems, and the type of system you need is determined by the space and your heating and cooling needs of your home. 

When is the ideal time to replace my HVAC System? 

• When your HVAC system is not working:

It may be time to replace your HVAC System if your AC unit is no longer operational or has required you to make multiple repairs within it’s lifespan. It may also be time to replace your AC unit if you are hearing unfavorable noises from your unit, or notice any other misfires in your unit. 

• When your HVAC system is still working: 

Replace my unit even if it’s operational? We know it sounds crazy, but even if your AC Unit is “running” and “working” it may not be as efficient as it could. Often after 15 years of service, it is recommended that you replace your HVAC unit to improve the efficiency of your home cooling system. 

Do I have to replace all HVAC equipment? 

While this is not always necessary – we recommend having all facets of your unit inspected by a JD’s AC licensed HVAC technician. The different parts of the system must work together to heat and cool your home, so it is recommended to replace all parts at the same time to ensure optimal harmony and efficiency of your HVAC system. 

What Size HVAC unit Will I need? 

The size of the HVAC system you will need varies on a case by case basis. The variables of what size unit you will need to efficiently cool or heat your home depends on various factors such as: 

• Ceiling Height 
• Rooms 
• Square Footage of complete home 
• Garage Spaces 
• Cooling/heating needs (split AC; etc.) 

The larger the square footage of the space, the larger the unit needs to be. Installing a unit that is too small for the space, will cause your AC unit to  run constantly in order to reach the desired air temperature. In doing this, it is expected to see a drastic increase in your home’s energy bill. This causes you to lose the efficiency of your AC unit. Causing it to over work, heating or cooling too quickly, having you run back and forth trying to make adjustments to moderate the room temperature. In doing this, you increase your electric bill and put strain on your unit. 

A certified JD’s AC HVAC professional can tell you exactly what size unit you need and assess the needs of your home.

Does the brand matter? 

In short, yes. It does matter! We found that as long as you purchase a trusted, top tier brand, the differences between those top brands are minimal and based on customer bias. All of your top of the line brands produce energy efficient, top-rated and high-quality HVAC systems that we are proud to offer our customers here at JD’s AC. 

Replacing your HVAC system is a big financial investment. And while the cost of a top-rated brand may be more than generic companies, as the old saying goes, “You get what you pay for”. This is an investment in your home, and family, and skimping out on a high quality AC system can be costly in the long term. Choose a quality HVAC unit and contact JD’s AC as your trusted company. We are here to ensure your system meets not only your expectations – but ours as well.

 

What should I consider when deciding on a HVAC system for my home? 

 

• Energy Efficiency – Choosing a unit that will be cost effective

• Noise Level – Read reviews, this will matter once installed

• Programmable Thermostat – Key to saving energy and lowering cost

• Home Size and Needs – Sq foot size, bedrooms, attachments, ceiling height 

• Recommendations from industry experts – The best person to ask is your trusted HVAC technician. We have seen it all – and can help you decide what will work best for you and your family. 

How much is this going to cost me?

We get it, it’s daunting to think about the cost of replacing the AC system in your home. But don’t fear, JD’s is here. While there are many factors that go into estimating the cost of replacing your HVAC system, we have listed a few to keep in mind! 

• The Construction of Your Space
• Location, Location, Location 
• Complexity of The System 
• Features of the Unit 
• Labor Cost 
• Additional or parts material 

If you are looking to repair or replace your HVAC system, call us at (903) 483-3105 for a complimentary estimate, or visit our website for more information. We are here to help you beat the Texas heat this Summer!

Pets are beloved family members, however they can have negative impacts on the quality of your indoor air quality. Beyond daily feeding and watering, positive attention, and cleaning, pet owners should be aware that having a pet comes with unforeseen responsibilities, such as maintaining the quality of their indoor air. Making it extremely important to be just as caring when keeping our AC systems in healthy, clean working order. 

 

In this post, AC repair expert JD’s AC, gives maintenance tips that will help ensure your HVAC system stays efficient for you and your pets.

 

Keep Pet’s Groomed Regularly

 

Regular grooming visits for your beloved pet are important because they not only keep your pet feeling great, they shed less too! The small undercoat that your pet sheds when not properly groomed increases the amount of hair that’s caught on the filters, causing your AC system to work harder than it has too. Regular grooming visits for your pet mens less filter changes for your home AC System, cleaner air, and overall less pet dander inside your home.

 

Clean Your Air Ducts And Vents 

 

As we mentioned above, pet hair often finds its way into your homes vents and air ducts. Clogged air ducts are an ideal breeding place for many viruses and bacteria, which is why we recommend leaving the task of cleaning them to a professional. Whether you need your home air ducts cleaned or an air conditioner repair, you can rely on JD’s AC. Our team can also diagnose your duct system and perform energy audits and duct testing to spot leaks and among other issues before they come to costly repairs. 

 

Change Your Air Filters Regularly 

 

Why is it important to change your ac filters regularly with HVAC maintenance for pet owners? 

Pet dander is small particles of dead skin that rise into the air after it comes off your pets. Your air conditioner’s air filters catch these particles along with your pet’s hair. As time passes these build up, causing the airflow in your home to decrease, making your HVAC system work harder to heat or cool the interior of your home. And as a result, your energy bill will likely increase. You’ll need to change air filters more often the more pets you have. In addition, you’ll need to change them more frequently if someone in the family suffers from allergies. 

It is recommended that pet owners replace their ac filters every 20-45 days depending on how many furry occupants they have. 

 

Adjust Your Thermostat When Pets Are Home Alone

 

You might like to keep the thermostat set at 72 degrees year-round, but rest assured that your pets will remain safe and comfortable with a much wider temperature range. You could save energy and money by setting your temperature as low as 65 degrees in the winter and as high as 80 degrees in the summer when only pets are home. 

 

Fence Off Your AC Unit 

 

When unsupervised, your household pal can be a threat to your air conditioner – and, inevitably, the overall comfort of your home! Your beloved Fido can cause components of your AC unit to deteriorate over time just by urinating on it. In order to prevent the costly replacement of your AC unit – or even costly repairs, JD’s AC recommends building a small, breathable, inclosure 2 feet out around your outdoor HVAC Unit. Keeping both your AC unit and your furry friends safe. And while it is generally safe for pets to be around these units, restricting access will make sure cats don’t claw at the fins of your unit and that your dogs don’t chew on the cables.

 

Pay Attention To The Pet Door 

 

While having a pet door can be extremely convenient for the more independent pet – it could be a direct cause of high energy consumption. And unfortunately, your energy bill isn’t thanking you and neither is your HVAC unit. More often than not, your doggie door may not be properly installed with your AC unit in mind. It is vital to ensure that the pet door is properly caulked to prevent heat and cold from escaping your home – causing strain on your HVAC system. 

 

Check For Exposed Dangers 

 

Check for exposed dangers. Curious cats and dogs who like to chew will find things in your home you didn’t even know were accessible. Keep your HVAC system and, most importantly, your family pets safe by enclosing any wires or dangerous elements your pet might find. Simple steps such as these will keep your pet and your HVAC system safe, happy and healthy for many years to come.

 

Consider Adding An Air Purification System In Your Home 

 

Many families are now installing an air purification system in their homes. Whether you suffer with common allergies, have household pets, or just want cleaner air within your home, a system like the Air Scrubber, could be for you! The Air Scrubber works by drawing in the air from surrounding environments, and removing odor and other particles such as dirt, dander, gasses, chemicals, hair, and more. Air Scrubbers are also highly beneficial in removing common cold and virus causing bacterias. 

 

Seasonal Check Ups With A Certified HVAC Provider 

 

Even if you take preventative measures throughout the year to protect your heating and cooling system, you still need to have regular professional inspections performed. A regular inspection and tune-up by a licensed HVAC technician will help to prevent the spread of pet dander throughout your home. Enlist the help of the pros. A partnership with an experienced JD’s AC HVAC service provider will help you ensure your HVAC maintenance for pet owners is working at its best and extend the life of your system. A preventive maintenance plan will also extend the life of your equipment, prevent emergency repairs and keep your home safe. As a pet owner, you want to do all you can to take care of your furry friend. You can do so by ensuring your HVAC unit isn’t a danger to your pet and has routine maintenance checks. 

JD’s AC is your source for heating and cooling services in Longview, Texas and the surrounding areas. We’ve been serving the East Texas community for nearly 2 decades and we are here to help keep you, and your pets safe and keep your home comfortable.

Check and replace your air filters 

One of the most important and easiest things you can do to insure the effectiveness of your unit is to check and replace your air filters on a regular basis. It is recommended that you change your filters once a month on average. Here are other recommendations based off of your lifestyle: 

• Vacation homes/single occupant with no pets or allergies: recommended to change filter every 6–12 months
• Common home without pets: every 90 days
• One dog or cat within an average home: every 60 days
• More than one pet or: 20–45 days
• Individuals suffering with allergies: 20-45 days or more frequent if necessary 

Keep your HVAC system free of debris 

Spring cleaning anyone? Now is the time to get outdoors and get your hands dirty! Keeping your unit free from debris such as sticks, leaves, dirt, or any other foriegn objects ensures the longevity and effectiveness of your AC unit. It’s recommended that you clear a space of at least 2 feet around your unit. This allows for the optimal level of air to pass through your system.

Throw on a pair of gloves and break out the water hose; we want to increase maximum airflow. 

Clean your registers

A register is how you control where the air will flow into a room. Cleaning these on a regular basis helps keep dust and dander out of your AC system as well as your duct work.

Help out your humidifier 

Give your system a rest during the summer months by turning off your furnace humidifier’s water supply. When the cooler months begin approaching, replace your humidifier pad, set the humidity between 35% to 45%, then turn the water supply to the furnace humidifier back on.

If you need help with any part of this process, our trained HVAC technicians can address the particulars of your specific AC system. If you find that the air in your home gets too humid, you may want to consider a dehumidifier installation to help. 

Keep an ear open for unusual noises 

One of the best ways to keep up with your AC unit is by keeping a listening ear open. Often times than not; that is one of the first signs that your AC unit may be struggling. There are multiple reasons that your unit could be making noise; below are the most common and what they could mean:

1. Humming: Could be loose parts, such as fan blades, bolts, pipes, or wiring that are rubbing together. Elongated lack of care will cause costly AC system repairs.  
2. Rattling: Most of the time it is caused by debris in the outside unit. 
3. Hissing: Usually means that air is escaping from the system somewhere and that your ducts are leaking. 
4. Loud whistles or “screaming”: Either this is cause for an excessive amount of internal pressure; or you have a refrigerant leak. 
5. Clicking: RIP to your capacitor. A clicking noise within the inside cabinet of your AC system indicates that your capacitor is failing. 

Your best bet when hearing noises such as these is to turn your system off – and give us a call. Our trusted HVAC technicians will come out and inspect any possible hazards and get you back up and running in the cool AC. 

Utilize fans to give your system a rest 

Who doesn’t love to save money on their energy bills? By utilizing your ceiling fans and portable fans you can decrease your energy consumption hence lowering your bill. Using these methods help to bring the temperature in your home down quickly. 

On day’s that are cooler, we encourage you to open your windows and turn on your fans to help circulate the cool air through your home to keep it comfortable. Doing this not only saves money on your next bill, but helps in the longevity of your unit. And on day’s that are warmer, or too hot to do this, it is recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy to set your thermostat to 78 degrees to help keep your electric bill low during the summer months. 

Keep heat producing appliances away from your thermostat 

If your thermostat is located near an unusually high temperature region of the home,  it can’t properly gauge your home’s temperature. This causes your system to work harder than it really needs to. Keep your thermostat away from heat sources such as your kitchen appliances, lights, or even a window.  

Our certified HVAC technicians know this – and therefore won’t install a thermostat in a heat prone area of your home. So if you find that your system is older and in a bad spot, it would probably be worth the time and effort to fix the problem in lieu of your comfort, your system life, and your wallet.

Know when to call a professional

Whether you are just needing your seasonal tune up or you have an issue bigger than you can fix, JD’s AC certified and caring HVAC technicians are here to help you. If you have any questions or have concerns about sounds, efficiency or age of your unit – now is the time to give us a call.